- 3 hours ago
Celebrity Escape to the Country - Season 3 Episode 4 -
Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell
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FunTranscript
00:00I'm not expecting that.
00:02A children's TV presenter journey through a green and luscious land.
00:07I'm taken by the gate already.
00:09Searching high and low.
00:12It's like the arch window from play school.
00:14It is, yeah.
00:16For the perfect period property.
00:19I love this hatch.
00:22Hiya.
00:24Where her family could live happily ever after.
00:28Why are you smiling?
00:29No.
00:30I do wash up in the house.
00:32I didn't say that.
00:51Campbellwick Green, Ballamory, Sesame Street and in the night garden.
00:57Over the years, children's television has gifted us idyllic worlds to escape to.
01:03But it's not just the places we remember.
01:05It's also the people.
01:07And for a whole generation, CBBC's Angelica Bell was the presenter they eagerly grabbed the remote control for.
01:16Fast forward to today, and just as those children have now fledged the nest, Angelica and her family want to fledge the city and escape to the country.
01:26So, are you sitting comfortably?
01:29Because I'm not actually.
01:30Um, anyone got a cushion?
01:32Ah.
01:36Oh, that's much better.
01:38Now we'll begin.
01:39My name's Angelica Bell and most people will know me from starting out at CBBC 25 years ago.
01:50I know.
01:51I was really lucky to work on so many amazing shows at that time.
01:56Live TV was just spontaneous.
01:58You never knew what was going to happen.
02:00I did the Saturday show, which was crazy.
02:02Gunjing is not great.
02:04The gun goes everywhere.
02:07Three, two, one, go!
02:15I presented a show called Short Change, which was about empowering young people about money, their rights, and how to look for the best bargain.
02:25Angelica has a reputation with both her viewers and peers for being financially savvy.
02:32Growing up, I didn't have a lot of disposable cash.
02:36But it made me think, okay, when I am going to get my hands on some, I'm going to make it count.
02:41So, when I got my job at CBBC, I lived with a wonderful woman who, she had this house and she just needed a companion.
02:50So I was like, do you know what, I'm just going to live with her.
02:52I didn't have to pay much rent, but I saved everything.
02:55By hook or by crook, I wanted to own my own house and be the first person in my family to do that.
03:00And I did it.
03:02Since then, she's climbed the London property ladder, tackling several renovations along the way.
03:08Today, she lives in a Victorian townhouse in south-west London with her children and husband, Michael Underwood, who's been a primary school teacher for eight years.
03:18That is looking good.
03:19You can never scrimp on the cream.
03:21But you might also recognise him as a former fellow presenter of children's TV.
03:27I have to say this next part is my favourite now because you need to give the cheesy feet their cheesy smell.
03:33Angelica and I have been together for what?
03:36This is where I've got to work it out.
03:37Hang on.
03:38Don't catch me on this.
03:39We first started working together 25 years ago now.
03:42Seems like an age ago.
03:43A quarter of a century.
03:44But we didn't get together as a couple until about 2008.
03:46And since then we've been living in London.
03:48So we've always been roughly in this area.
03:50Probably about half a mile radius from this area is where we've always been.
03:53How are you feeling about getting back on TV?
03:58I'm over it.
03:59Well, you know, the first couple of years, I missed it a lot, didn't I?
04:03Yeah.
04:04But then now you're a teacher.
04:05You're just like in your swing and doing what you want.
04:07Yeah, exactly.
04:08And it is brilliant.
04:09And without sounding like a cliche, it is more rewarding.
04:12Since her departure from kids' television, Angelica has gone on to have a long and varied career as a broadcaster.
04:19She won the coveted title of Celebrity Masterchef in 2017.
04:24And has even worked alongside yours truly.
04:27Who's the best in the kitchen?
04:29Angelica's the best in the kitchen.
04:31And she has two Masterchef trophies to prove it.
04:34No, there was two maids, that's why.
04:36One got dented, didn't it?
04:38Did you do that?
04:40Then I threw it down the stairs, so they sent you another one.
04:45Over the last two decades, Angelica and Michael have found that regular escapes to the countryside have provided welcome respite from life in the capital.
04:58Devon is just gorgeous and special.
05:03And we've been going every year, I'd say for the last seven years.
05:08So I guess it's always been in the back of my mind that that is a place that we wouldn't mind settling down in.
05:14You're near the sea as well, not too far from there.
05:18Fish and chips, it's always the best.
05:21And who doesn't love a Devon cream tea?
05:23I know, cream first and then the jam.
05:27This is one lady who knows what she likes and what she's looking for.
05:32I remember once I went to look at a place and I went to the front door and I was like, no.
05:36And the estate agent said, oh, do you want to have a look around?
05:38I was like, nah.
05:39Because I was just like, I'm never going to buy this house and I don't want to waste your time.
05:43It's going to be a short week.
05:44Yeah, Nikki, you better have some great properties.
05:50Or this will be a short show.
05:55To keep Angelica's attention and my job, we need to find her and Michael a character property packed with period features and a minimum of four bedrooms.
06:06It must have a decent sized garden and be located within striking distance of Exeter for its convenient transport links.
06:14They're after a taste of the quiet life, but don't want to feel completely isolated.
06:19For this, the pair has a healthy budget of one million pounds.
06:24I've known Angelica for a long time and I know she knows property and I know she knows the county.
06:37And I also know that she's determined to find a fabulous family home here in Devon.
06:43But, of course, she needs the escape expertise.
06:48Angelica and Michael know South Devon extremely well.
06:52But, being among England's largest counties, there's still much of it they're yet to explore.
06:59With the average price of a detached house in London now sitting at over 1.1 million pounds,
07:05a move down to Devon, where the figure is less than half of that, at just over 481,000, could be a smart decision.
07:14Pretty towns and villages like Otterton and Limstone on the estuary of the River Ex near Exmouth offer a slice of rural life,
07:24but with a strong sense of community and excellent transport links, meaning you can reach the capital in around three hours.
07:32It's always been a popular destination in high season, but with the leaves falling and the colours changing,
07:39I think we've timed our visit perfectly.
07:44Well, Michael and Angelica, welcome to stunning Devon.
07:49Although, in a way, this is like a second home for you two, isn't it, this county?
07:53We love it. Yeah.
07:54And I remember when I was young, one of my best friends at school brought me here on holiday as well.
07:59And that was the first time I went out of London.
08:01Oh.
08:02So, it's special.
08:04Because we've known each other for a few years.
08:07Yeah.
08:08Not that long.
08:09Over 20.
08:10And I honestly see you as city people in the nicest way.
08:15A lot of that dictated by work.
08:17You've both had amazing careers and continue to do so.
08:20Why the sudden change?
08:23Well, you said you'd know us quite well.
08:25You know what I'm like.
08:26Never sit still.
08:27Yeah.
08:28Never sit still, do I?
08:29No.
08:30So...
08:31Also, we've been keen, haven't we?
08:32We've been keen on the idea of having a place in the country.
08:35Yeah.
08:36Somewhere to retreat to.
08:37Especially with our family, we love being out this way and out in the countryside.
08:40So, for us, we've always kept an eye out.
08:42Whenever we've come down here just for a few days on a holiday,
08:44we always peer into estate agent windows.
08:45Have you?
08:46Yeah, absolutely.
08:47And have a look at what's around, what's available, how much it is.
08:49And so, the idea of having somewhere down here absolutely does appeal to us.
08:52Yeah.
08:53And we've got friends as well.
08:54Now, we've had a sneaky peek around your home, and it is gorgeous.
08:59And I know for a fact that you didn't buy it like that, that you are passionate about property
09:03and really getting your hands dirty and transforming your home.
09:07Is that something that you'd consider if you moved down here?
09:11I think when you're in the process of doing a place up, and this is the...
09:14We've done two places up, and I did some places up before.
09:17You've done it when, you know, you were...
09:18Yes, yeah.
09:19I mean, when you're in it, you're like, I'm never again.
09:21Don't... I'm not doing this again.
09:22Yeah.
09:23But when you see the fruits of your labour, and it's how you want it,
09:27and you're just like, yes.
09:29Who...
09:30I think I might know the answer.
09:32But who's going to take the lead?
09:33You know what...
09:34I know what you're going to say.
09:35Go on.
09:36What are you going to say?
09:37What are you going to say?
09:38I don't know.
09:39I just said I know, just in case I did.
09:41But I don't.
09:42What are you going to say?
09:43I'm going to say that.
09:44Yes.
09:45I'm quite chatty.
09:46I wear my heart on my sleeve.
09:48I know what I like.
09:49Very passionate.
09:50Yeah.
09:51But this one's like the silent assassin.
09:53Joke.
09:54Joke.
09:55I'm now getting a little bit violent.
09:58We are friends.
09:59I would like that to continue.
10:01But I also want to find them at home.
10:04So shall we explore Devon together?
10:06Yes.
10:07Yes.
10:08Ready?
10:09Are you driving?
10:10No.
10:11Come on.
10:12Good.
10:13Luckily, it's not far to our first viewing in the village of Tedburn, St Mary.
10:20Just north of the rural expanses of Dartmoor, it's only a 20-minute drive to Exeter, making
10:26for a reasonable commute to London.
10:29I'm showing them this striking period property right in the heart of the village.
10:35Wow.
10:36I was not expecting that.
10:37I heard a goss.
10:38Yeah.
10:39Look at the thatch on that.
10:41Good.
10:42I'm overwhelmed.
10:43Yeah.
10:44Yeah.
10:45It's...
10:46I don't know what to say.
10:48Yeah.
10:49It's got a whole chocolate box feel to it, hasn't it?
10:51Yeah, it has.
10:52It's like...
10:53I love that chimney.
10:54It is a handsome home.
10:55Have we surprised you?
10:56Yes.
10:57Absolutely.
10:58I thought there might be a bit of a build-up.
11:00Yeah, for property number one.
11:01Number one.
11:02Yeah.
11:03Good start then.
11:04Good start.
11:05A very good start.
11:06It's an incredible looking property.
11:07Yeah.
11:08Shall we see what you make of the inside?
11:09Yes, it's saying, please come inside.
11:10That porch is very welcoming.
11:11Calling you in.
11:12Yes.
11:13This Grade II listed longhouse was re-thatched in 2018.
11:19Inside, the wealth of period features continue, with some modern additions.
11:26So, the first of many rooms in this longhouse.
11:30We call it a longhouse, but it's actually quite wide as well.
11:34Yeah.
11:35Yes.
11:36Love that open space with the fire.
11:37Look at this.
11:38This has got to be original, hasn't it?
11:39Look at this.
11:40Starring.
11:41I love beams, open beams.
11:43Yeah?
11:44Do you know what I like as well?
11:45They're not so low, that sometimes when beams are a bit low, you just have to find
11:49ducking a bit.
11:50Yeah.
11:51It's quite nice and you won't have to duck.
11:52Well, actually, when was this house built?
11:54Ah, I thought you'd never ask.
11:56Roll titles.
12:01What year would you place on this house?
12:04Okay.
12:05Oh.
12:06It's tricky.
12:07It is tricky.
12:09It's tricky.
12:10Okay, the big reveal.
12:11Michael.
12:12Okay.
12:13I went for 1740.
12:14Ooh, interesting.
12:16What did you go for?
12:181784.
12:19The winner is...
12:21Michael.
12:22Go on.
12:23Go on.
12:24But you are going to be so surprised.
12:26This house, grade two listed, is medieval.
12:28It was built in 1480.
12:31Wow.
12:32No!
12:33Yeah.
12:34That's incredible.
12:35Yeah.
12:36I'm not sure that was worthy of an A-star, but I'll give them top marks for effort.
12:41Adjoining the sitting room is a snug, with a second inglenut fireplace, but the kitchen
12:46is found at the back, in the more modern part.
12:52I like the space.
12:53Ooh.
12:54Lovely range.
12:55Oh, yeah, we do love a range.
12:56And incredible views outside.
12:59It's light.
13:00Yeah.
13:01I did notice that.
13:02Yeah.
13:03I love the view for the kitchen.
13:04Because what you want when you're in the sink, washing up, and I'm looking out, I like
13:06to look out the window, and it's nice to have that view, without a doubt.
13:09Why are you smiling?
13:10No.
13:11And you say, I do wash up in the house.
13:12I didn't say that in the thing.
13:13I just saw that as well.
13:14There was that slight pause.
13:16Yeah.
13:17You're looking at me like him.
13:18Okay.
13:19I think the space is fantastic.
13:20I mean, it's very much about socialising for us.
13:22Yeah.
13:23Having the family together in the kitchen, whether they're doing their homework or I'm marking
13:26books.
13:27And also for me, it's about people coming over.
13:29Mm.
13:30Always have a Christmas party.
13:31Yeah.
13:32Always like to have, you know.
13:34Big on entertaining.
13:35Big on entertaining.
13:36Or when Nicky wants to pop over, obviously.
13:38Yeah.
13:39Come down and stay.
13:40You know, you won't lift a finger.
13:42Never do.
13:43Right.
13:44Shall we head upstairs?
13:45Let's see where I'm going to sleep, shall we?
13:47Let's find your stair room.
13:48Come on, this way.
13:49I'm going to go this way, because this is where the stairs are.
13:51Oh.
13:52I think I'm going to go to the pantry.
13:54Perhaps geography is not your strongest subject, Michael.
13:57I'm going to go this way instead.
13:59Better stick together as we head upstairs.
14:01So, up here on this landing.
14:03Ooh.
14:04Beautiful.
14:05Two bedrooms.
14:06Lots of space.
14:08Family bathroom through there.
14:11Another bedroom just there.
14:14And then, do I earmark this as Angelica's dressing room?
14:19Uh-huh.
14:20Lovely.
14:21Lovely.
14:22And this is the old part.
14:23Right.
14:24Main bedroom next door.
14:25Higgledy-piggledy.
14:26All these, yeah.
14:27Yeah.
14:28Wonky walls.
14:29Love it.
14:30All your outfits in here, it's going to be your domain?
14:32Yeah.
14:33Yeah.
14:34OK.
14:35Sorry, Michael.
14:36Where are my outfits going?
14:37You can put your ties in the drawer.
14:38Thanks.
14:40More space.
14:41That's the good news here.
14:43I'm going to call this the main bedroom.
14:45And look at that window.
14:47It's like the arch window from play school.
14:50It is, yeah.
14:51Yeah.
14:52I love that.
14:53I did clock it on the outside.
14:55So lovely.
14:56It really is Angelica.
14:58The exterior is just as characterful as the interior.
15:02And surrounded by just under an acre of land, it comes with a variety of mature trees and
15:07a vegetable patch which I know would appeal to Angelica's green fingers.
15:12And what better way to unwind after getting grubby in the garden than a soak in the tub?
15:18There is something, I don't know why, there is something I still find quite funny about,
15:22you know, just me being here and then you being in the bath in the same room.
15:25I don't know why.
15:26No, but this is Nicky's room.
15:28Oh, is it?
15:29Right, OK.
15:30This is Nicky's room.
15:31So Nicky will be in the bath?
15:32Nicky will be in the bath.
15:33What?
15:34Easy.
15:35I think it's time we wrapped this up.
15:37So we're going to have to try and put a price on it for the first time.
15:42You said before that you've done a little bit of research, but it was quite a few years ago.
15:46How are you feeling on this?
15:48It's got all this land.
15:49I'm thinking about £850,000.
15:51£850,000.
15:52Yeah.
15:53OK.
15:54£850,000 to £875,000.
15:56That's two figures.
15:57Yeah.
15:58No one's ever given me two figures before.
16:00You've covered yourself there, haven't you?
16:01Yeah.
16:02I'm going to tweak it down a bit.
16:04I'm going to go to £825,000.
16:06You're practically on the money because they're looking for offers over £825,000.
16:13Oh, come on.
16:14But both of you are very good.
16:17This beautiful thatched grade two listed longhouse more than delivers the character
16:22that Angelica and Michael asked for.
16:24It's in the heart of a village that has a very rural feel.
16:28This is a beautiful quintessential medieval.
16:32Who'd have thought?
16:34Thatched House.
16:35I know.
16:36I know.
16:37I mean, Nikki has gone above and beyond for this first property, which has put the pressure
16:38on us a little bit because we weren't expecting it to be as good as this.
16:42Yeah.
16:43Pleasantly surprised.
16:44Yeah.
16:45I'm really excited to see what else she's got.
16:55On the journey to our next offering, it really feels like the band is back together.
17:00I mean, obviously you two have been together for a very long time, but we're just watching
17:04you.
17:05It's like, it's like back to the old days.
17:08Because I mean, obviously I was working in the music industry.
17:10Yes.
17:11People don't really realise that we've known each other for nearly 25 years as well.
17:15Yeah.
17:16You used to bring all the bands in, the Spice Girls.
17:18Desperate.
17:19To get my axe on your show.
17:20Yeah.
17:21Desperate I was.
17:22Yes.
17:23It's always been positive.
17:24We've always had that.
17:25And I think when we're together, it does seem to be more notable, aren't we, I think,
17:27together.
17:28Yeah.
17:29We're still surprised that we're married.
17:30Oh, that's showbiz.
17:31Even though we've been married as long as we have, they, they, they, they still, they
17:35remember us both on children's CV.
17:36Admit it.
17:37Admit it.
17:38You're still surprised as well.
17:39Honestly.
17:40I'm saying nothing.
17:42The next house I want Angelica and Michael to see is in the village of Abbots Kerswell.
17:49Situated in a quiet valley just outside Torquay on the south coast, it's an area they're
17:55familiar with.
17:56In a hamlet of just five properties, a mile from the village centre, I've got a feeling
18:01this house could be right up Angelica's street.
18:09Step inside.
18:10Oh, look at that.
18:13I'm taken by the gate already.
18:15Look.
18:16Oh, my goodness.
18:18All right.
18:19First of all, I am noticing the walled garden.
18:21Yes.
18:22I love a walled garden.
18:23And that gate.
18:24I like that.
18:25I love the stonework.
18:26Stonework is beautiful.
18:27I like that sort of orangery conservatory.
18:29It looks lovely.
18:31And it's quite rural.
18:32We were just driving along those country lanes going, oh, where are we going?
18:36We are attached to next door just so that you know.
18:39Didn't look like this 200 years ago when it was built.
18:42It has been lovingly restored and extended as well.
18:45And you noticed it straight away because I know you love your gardens.
18:48I love it.
18:49Yeah.
18:50So you have the original walled garden going all the way around.
18:53Yeah.
18:54So nice.
18:55It's a tree.
18:56Isn't it lovely?
18:57And the tree behind it is a magnolia tree.
19:00It's huge pink magnolia buds.
19:02Beautiful.
19:03In February.
19:04Yeah.
19:05So much so that people come along here to take photographs because it's so pretty.
19:08I'm seeing revenue.
19:10I love it.
19:12Business opportunities.
19:13Honestly.
19:14Honestly.
19:15They weren't joking when they said you were money savvy, were they?
19:19Built with local stone, this property is 200 years old and surprisingly isn't listed.
19:26It was originally the gardener's cottage for the neighbouring manor house.
19:30History lesson over.
19:31Let's begin in the new extension.
19:33So I think we should start off in the garden room stroke kitchen because it's so lovely.
19:40Yeah.
19:41It's like you're outside but you're inside.
19:43Yeah.
19:44Light, airy.
19:45It's what we were saying that we like isn't it?
19:47Yeah.
19:48In our sort of social space to have loads of light as much as we can.
19:51This extension was put on about eight, nine years ago.
19:53Right.
19:54Yeah it's really sympathetic to the age of the property.
19:57In a way I'm going to call this one reception room, the garden room which you can use all year round.
20:02But it actually benefits from two more reception rooms.
20:05Oh.
20:06Yeah.
20:07It's deceivingly large.
20:08Let's wander and I'll show you more.
20:09Okay.
20:10Ooh.
20:11Yes.
20:12Ooh.
20:13Ooh.
20:14Ooh.
20:15Ooh.
20:16Ooh.
20:17Ooh.
20:18Hang on.
20:19So you've got your fireplace behind you with your exposed stone.
20:21But look at that little window and that door there.
20:23So cute.
20:24You've got another archway.
20:25Another archway.
20:26Another archway.
20:27Yeah.
20:28There's little touches everywhere.
20:29When you look at a house, are you influenced by the way someone's decorated it or can you see past it?
20:34See past it.
20:35Yeah.
20:36We can see past it.
20:37We've had to haven't we?
20:38Every house we've bought we've had to think that's not quite right but we can see straight through that.
20:42And also sometimes you get inspiration.
20:43It wouldn't put us off if somebody had decorated a place in a way that perhaps wasn't.
20:46Because you could miss an opportunity.
20:47Yeah.
20:48You could miss a potential.
20:49Yeah.
20:50For growth.
20:51You're property savvy aren't you?
20:53I do like it.
20:54Why don't you wander through, past the kitchen, have a look and then why don't you go upstairs
20:58and explore.
20:59Oh.
21:00Yeah.
21:01Why don't you?
21:02I hadn't even finished the conversation.
21:03That is how keen she is.
21:06Wow.
21:07Go on.
21:08Go on.
21:09To Savannah now.
21:10You've ruined it.
21:11You've ruined the end.
21:12I'm sorry.
21:13They're loving it.
21:14They're absolutely loving it.
21:16So that's the front door I'm guessing.
21:18OK.
21:19So you come in here.
21:21Oh this is lovely.
21:23Oh.
21:24This is very nice.
21:26Again, the brightness.
21:27Very nice.
21:28I love that you can just go straight out into the garden.
21:30Yes.
21:31Nice fireplace.
21:32Really nice.
21:33The beam.
21:34High enough so you don't bang your head.
21:38Upstairs, a central hallway leads to four bedrooms which include two large doubles with
21:43ensuite bathrooms and a smaller room used as a study.
21:49So what have we got?
21:50So we've got bedroom.
21:52Bedroom here.
21:53Bedroom.
21:54I love the latches on the doors.
21:55So good.
21:56So nice.
21:58Storage.
21:59Another bedroom just here.
22:00OK.
22:01And now we feel like we're moving into another part maybe.
22:06This seems like it's the main bedroom.
22:09Oh I like it.
22:10There's something about these A-frames going in.
22:13Yeah.
22:14It's been done really nicely as well.
22:15Really nice.
22:16The finishes are really, really good.
22:17So hang on.
22:18How many bedrooms is that?
22:19One, two, three, four bedrooms?
22:20I think so.
22:21And that office is a small, is it three and a half would you say?
22:24Maybe.
22:26So the house tour is going very well indeed.
22:29And the vibe I'm getting from eavesdropping is downstairs.
22:33I mean it's beautiful.
22:35Upstairs, a little bit smaller and thinking of the family, they might want a bit more space.
22:42So one, two, three.
22:47So it's probably marketed as a four, I would imagine.
22:50Ooh.
22:51We better start thinking about pricing now.
22:53Yeah.
22:54Angelica's keen to talk money.
22:57But before that...
23:03When you're house hunting with two iconic faces of kids TV, you've got to take the opportunity
23:09to put their knowledge and skills to the test.
23:12In the best tradition of children's television, DIY arts and crafts, of course.
23:18I want you both to create your own homes.
23:23If they've got eco-credentials, even better.
23:25So here are your raw materials.
23:28We've got scissors.
23:29Be careful because they are sharp.
23:30You used to have to say that a lot, didn't you?
23:32Oh yeah.
23:33All the warnings.
23:34Make sure you've got an adult with you and all that.
23:35All that, yeah.
23:36We have glue, we have toilet rolls.
23:38Look at these pipe cleaners, lollipop sticks.
23:41Feeling confident?
23:42Oh yes, let's do this.
23:43Yeah.
23:44Are you ready?
23:45Yes.
23:46One, two, three, go.
23:47I'm so good at this.
23:48This is going to be embarrassing.
23:49Any of the children I teach are watching this.
23:50They're like, Mr Underwood.
23:52To be fair, you were always better at crafts than me.
23:54I love this.
23:55This is so annoying.
23:56And that's good.
23:57Uh oh.
23:58Yeah.
23:59I'm going to try something like this.
24:00I'm just going to do a green roof to make it like a green thingy roof.
24:03There's only two sheets of dark green.
24:04Yeah, I've got one.
24:05OK.
24:06I've got light grass on one side.
24:08Bonus point for the eco-credentials, Mr Underwood.
24:11Do you remember I did a show called The Big Bang?
24:13The thing about that show was, you know, you had amazing researchers.
24:16So if I ever messed up a make, they would just come and sort of hand me the perfectly
24:20finished one.
24:21So, you know.
24:22Great researchers.
24:23Unlike on this show.
24:24That's right.
24:25She doesn't mean it.
24:26She doesn't mean it.
24:27Wait, what am I doing?
24:28I'm just doing nothing more now.
24:29Michael, you look like you're doing well.
24:31We have structure there.
24:32Angelica, very creative.
24:34All front by the looks of it.
24:35All front.
24:36Yes.
24:37Always.
24:38I'm saying nothing.
24:39All front.
24:40This is my thatched cottage.
24:42Are you doing a thatched cottage?
24:44Like that.
24:45This is creative.
24:46Yeah.
24:47Let's see what you've done.
24:48There's something you've done there.
24:49You have one minute left.
24:51This is fun!
24:52We're taking it a bit too seriously.
24:53I think this is the problem.
24:54Whilst they put the finishing touches to their grand designs, it's that time you've
24:59all been waiting for.
25:00Here's one I made earlier.
25:05A prime example of sustainable living, this eco cottage features all the mod cons, including
25:12a lush living roof and solar panels.
25:15To one side, a newly installed EV charging point, an air source heat pump, as well as a
25:21high spec wind turbine.
25:24Reclaimed wooden shutters add a touch of character charm to this otherwise contemporary home.
25:30Total cost of materials, little more than a tenner.
25:34I think that deserves a blue Peter badge, even if I do say so myself.
25:41Right you two, it's almost time for the bell.
25:45Five, four, three, two, one.
25:51Put everything down please.
25:53Everything down.
25:54That's it.
25:55Time up.
25:56You can see the size of a property.
25:57You can see with the eco credentials I've gone with the, this is the grass roof.
26:01talk me through this yes yeah obviously you can see it's a sizable property you can see with the
26:18eco-credentials I've gone with the this is the grass roof so it's a living roof living
26:22roof and a different two-tone living roof I went with a nice touch yes chimney and then here at
26:28the front you see I've got like mushrooms and there's a nice growth here this is this is a heat
26:32pump very good this is a modern tree very good very good Angelica would you like to talk me through your
26:38creation so I've used reclaimed curtains very nice sustainable and these are window boxes with flowers
26:47the roof is sustainable right in what way so do powers oh hello yeah you said that's a fax roof
26:54no it's my mind you do you a little bit of artistic license well well done both of you I thought you
27:05know there were times where I did have my doubts not going to lie but I think you've both come through
27:10with the goods we'll have to call that a draw but neither has given me a run for my money speaking of
27:20which so let's see how we're going to get on with the price right what do you think it's on the
27:26market for this is going to be tricky is it should I go first because you went first on my last house
27:29so I'll go first this time so we've got four double bedrooms I reckon it's just over 2,000 square feet
27:33quite close to Torquay so the seaside is just a few miles away should we get a figure
27:37so I'm going to go 875 right for the very reasons you said I'm going to go 795
27:46oh really are you just because it's attached oh yeah that's a good point I didn't yeah
27:50four double bedrooms you are a hundred thousand pounds out Michael your eyes Michael is the
27:58closest the asking price is 895 thousand pounds so yes yeah so you're you're pretty good at this
28:05but yeah it doesn't surprise me I thought being good at it no no it doesn't surprise me at all
28:10the price didn't surprise me I thought it would be just that little bit more just where it is
28:15on the market for 895 thousand pounds this stunning four-bedroom cottage and barn conversion
28:23has been completed to an extremely high standard retaining a wealth of original features which I
28:30knew Angelica would appreciate it is a beautifully done home isn't it it's so well pointed is it right
28:38for the two of you I love the downstairs and what can be done I just thought the upstairs are slightly
28:43small but it had such a lovely feel that yeah on that note should we make a move absolutely come on
28:51day one done two fantastic houses or three if you include mine
29:00if like Angelica you're after a home with history then you're in luck because here in Devon character charm
29:19comes in all shapes and sizes this two-bedroom grade two listed cottage in the seaside town of
29:26Dawlish dates to 1539 and boasts a thatched roof original paneling and a spiral stone staircase all for
29:36the asking price of two hundred and ninety thousand pounds for those with much deeper pockets or who are
29:43looking to buy with 10 of their closest friends this ancient manor house on the edge of Dartmoor has no
29:49fewer than nine bedrooms and seven reception rooms for the princely sum of 3.1 million pounds you could be
30:00loading it up devonian style or if it's a short-term escape you're after what about a weekend away in this
30:0918th century turreted folly restored in 1994 from near ruin you can now stay in the second floor penthouse
30:17apartment for 300 pounds a night but be warned if you want to take in the panoramic views from the top
30:25you'll have to climb the 99 steps to get there
30:28it's a brand new day here in glorious Devon with Angelica and Michael and i'm going to be honest
30:35it's a little bit blustery but still so picturesque and we have a mystery house to show them which i
30:42think sums up everything you know and love about escape to the country it is a true rural gem but first
30:51i'm going to show them a property that is definitely going to get their creative cogs turning
30:58our next property stop is in the village of aylesbeer eight miles east of exeter the church
31:04here dates to the 13th century and is a popular destination for history buffs surrounded by picture
31:10perfect period properties but i want to show angelica and michael an architectural gem from a more recent era
31:21on an impressive three acre level plot without buildings a paddock and orchard the possibilities
31:27with this house are endless
31:32the one thing we pride ourselves on with escape to the country is showing people different types of
31:39property something perhaps they might not have considered for themselves and i think this
31:45we're standing here it looks extremely different from yesterday and a very handsome family home
31:52yeah that needs a lot of work now you're saying that without even stepping through the door no you've
31:58got a sense yeah yeah with this property beautiful family home with so much potential yeah potential is
32:07the word yeah ready to step inside absolutely i said i'm never doing a reno again yeah
32:16built in 1933 this might not be the style of property angelica and michael were expecting to see
32:22but inside i think they could be pleasantly surprised
32:27so let's start off with the first of the two reception rooms
32:30and i think here you really get to appreciate the age of this property yeah and it has got so many
32:37of the original features look at that beautiful fireplace do you know i thought it would need more work
32:41and so much light there's just light and windows everywhere and because it's such a beautiful view
32:46you want to be able to see it don't you all the time so i love that double aspect they put on sort
32:49of a garden room there with dining so making the use of that outside space again
32:55and what about things like the fireplace do you like that i mean i don't know whether i'd keep it
33:00but it's beautiful and i'd sell it on i'd buy it off you there you go okay i love it
33:06a deal yeah yeah i need some money back yeah i absolutely i'll be getting it valued so yeah exactly
33:15i knew that was coming can't get anything past this one next up the kitchen at the back of the house
33:24okay now that is bigger than i was expecting to be fair i was not expecting that this house has
33:31so many hidden merits to it you've got a really good size utility yes it's ready for the next bit
33:38of love you know the people have been here a long time and they have done so much to this house it's
33:43just ready for the next though yeah i mean it's not the first 1930s home that we've we've looked at
33:47is it it's not a period we normally look at but we nearly bought one didn't we yeah a number of years back
33:53and it has the same feel and we were that close to taking it on with this property though i'm
33:59thinking you need to extend whether it's to the side or to the back you want it even bigger
34:05it's adding value yeah she's like i know the project's just but i know but i know what you
34:10mean the potential excites me if i'm honest it does because i can see what we could do with it
34:16yeah because that conservatory you know it's great and it's really light but you could modernize it
34:21yeah you've definitely got enough land this way enough land this way and enough land that way
34:27some interesting ideas developing i know she said never again but i wonder if this place could be
34:34angelica's next passion project also downstairs is the second reception room at the front making the
34:41most of those incredible views this is a lovely banister yeah it is isn't it it's well made
34:50that can stay and there are more noteworthy features in the bedrooms too
34:57sink in a bedroom let's see i tell you what it is about a sink in a bedroom it just doesn't
35:02no it reminds me when i first had my place and i got to see me and in my room i had that sort of like
35:07self-contained yes yeah even though it's nearly 100 years old yeah it's really well looked after
35:15so you wouldn't have to go in and do too much to each room knock down walls no a lot of it is really
35:20decorative isn't it yeah it's as if walking to time what that house we nearly bought yes so similar so
35:27similar yeah i'm not sure i need to see this i think this is is this a shower oh wow i mean i mean
35:36i can literally i mean that's perfect from the shower into bed straight to bed so look you can't see
35:43what is so that's in here that's that room so that's the shower the shower backs into this the
35:49rooms are quite a good size yeah oh look look yeah oh hang on a minute so is it all this as well
35:55so we're talking about potential the p word but what they don't realize is there's a whole other
36:00layer to this house was there another building on top of that oh yes because we parked here
36:05they don't know it has planning permission to build another property next door i love this hatch
36:15hiya yeah you're right it's the proper old pulley system as well
36:19so that is just brilliant so good bye these two could play hide and seek here all day i'll have
36:29to steer them towards another round of price guessing instead but not before they've checked out the
36:35orchard it is amazing i mean just look at all the different types of apples here you could have your
36:41own little brewery going before i ask you to guess the price there's one small little thing i would
36:49like to add planning permission has been granted to come with this house i know you've been talking
36:56about extending but on top of that you could build a three-bedroom house to the side of the property it
37:03has already been granted look at your face now that changes things slightly doesn't it yes it does
37:12wow so putting you on the spot angelica do you want to go first guess the price i'd probably have
37:19say 900 000 then okay 900 000 pounds michael 875. angelica is the closest asking price 990 000 pounds
37:34that makes sense that makes sense it makes sense it does this already substantial 1930s property offers
37:42tremendous opportunity for growth the three acre plot includes a number of outbuildings and an orchard
37:48not to mention planning permission for a second dwelling so this is where that planning permission
37:54has been granted then yeah okay this property is very intriguing yeah it's just so much to see so
38:03much potential it's like quite overwhelming yeah but it's sparking ideas of what could happen what you
38:10could do what could be explored it's good value for money with all this land and you could really make
38:17that change from being in a city to having that sort of rural experience
38:31this week we've learned that angelica knows her own mind when it comes to property
38:35but she also has a discerning palette eager to explore whether devon's food scene rivals that of
38:41london we're meeting up with one of the region's top chefs who has invited us for a private cookery class
38:49down at exmouth marina michael caines holder of two michelin stars is collecting his catch of the day
38:56i was going to introduce them but with angelica's culinary connections she tells me they're already
39:03well acquainted wow how are you hey good to see you welcome back to devon thank you love it he great
39:09to see you lovely to see we had to come down to the harbour yes i mean what a picturesque spot stunning
39:15isn't it amazing but most people go to the supermarket for their food it's a little bit different here
39:20isn't it yeah i mean devon has got the most incredible larder and here we are on the dock side of
39:24exmouth getting our exeter crabs so these are just fantastic so these local then yeah they come from the
39:30bay of lime which is just behind us do you want to hold one these are absolutely quite weighted
39:35the meat in these great big claws and in here you've got the brown brown crab meat i have never
39:39seen a crab this large before i mean i love that it's locally sourced and that keeps money in the
39:45community yeah and and you know it's right well we always talk about sense of place and a sense of
39:51taste and then the larder in devon is one of the best and of course we've got a wonderful pastures for
39:55grazing cattle great dairy for cheese so it's just a great place if you're interested in food which i
40:02know you are she definitely is and i love eating so what are we going to cook with these then well i
40:07think we're going to make a little crab ravioli a little we're going to be doing a lot by the looks
40:11of it just two miles up the road is a beautiful grade two listed jordan country house which has been
40:19transformed into a five-star luxury hotel and restaurant opened by michael in 2017 welcome to
40:27limston manor's uh kitchen thank you my humble abode it's amazing so we've taken that lovely crab
40:32and we've made this crab booth and uh which is in here so in there we've got blended scallops the white
40:38crab meat and the brown crab meat and that's going to be the stuffing for these raviolis which you're
40:43going to make so i'm going to make the first one and show you how to do it and then we're going to
40:47make them and then i'll cook them and then you can taste the dish so how do you feel about that
40:51then nikki um i'm not known for my cooking ability michael or i should say chef can everybody cook
40:59yeah i mean it's not rocket science it it's it's basic knowledge uh and and confidence really and
41:04it's just about seasoning as well you know you know what you like to taste yeah i know what i like to
41:08taste definitely and i'm very good at washing up good so we'll see how we get on she's a bit of a pro
41:13i know exactly i'm feeling the pressure this is good but this is a pasta machine but you've won a
41:18very very big competition when it comes to cooking but you know what coming in the kitchen makes you
41:22feel a bit stressed does it it reminds me of that time when i was a monster is it coming back it's all
41:27coming back but i love it that sort of adrenaline rush and and it's like an art isn't it making people
41:33love food i can't wait okay using the crab mousse and pasta which are about as fresh as you can get
41:40michael's preparing a delicate and intricate dish but of course he makes it look easy fold it back on
41:46itself and then just push it together and then you sit them on the table and you've got your little
41:51tools how pretty does that look already should i just pretend that's mine yeah so i'll put the pasta
41:58through for you and so there's one for you thank you so take your mousse and don't the secret is
42:06don't overfill it is that about enough thank you yes perfect i need a bit of water dab a little bit
42:11of water there we go thank you chef thank you well done perfect last little bit wonderful i'm liking
42:18the words of encouragement that's it perfect yeah yeah and then seal it down and then slowly that's it
42:24perfect is it now cut yeah absolutely yeah that's it yeah and then take this away pick them up and
42:31join those two together we'll do one more because i think practice so you've got like a nice crease
42:36there yeah yeah so you've got to make sure you crease it properly isn't it absolutely that's very good
42:41amongst his accolades michael has been awarded an mbe for his services to the hospitality industry
42:47and has cooked for the prime minister at 10 downing street brilliant thankfully he doesn't
42:53have any vip customers booked in for this next service oh look it's gone are you laughing at mine
42:59yeah do you know what i love it i can't argue actually i'm quite impressed because nikki if
43:05there's something that doesn't cook yeah exactly you've got a very good technique these mini masterpieces
43:10are cooked in just four minutes and hey presto here's one i made earlier sorry i couldn't resist and
43:18then some herbs as well angelica okay there's no right or wrong it's either good or bad i'm now
43:24really really bad chef thanks i was doing all right until that point so now we're going to just take a
43:31couple of spoons of sauce to put that on that's it one more and then you've got your lovely green
43:38coriander oil i have to say ladies these look very pretty the proof of the pudding is in the eating
43:44would you serve this in your restaurant i would yes and we do so we might have to employ you like
43:50this yeah look at that that's beautiful that's like a fan yeah both look great yeah it's different
43:55tastes on it oh that crab meat is gorgeous is it really to say delicious when you put it together
44:06yourself no no we'll just keep going you've never been known for being modest
44:13the life our chef supremo is clearly in her element in a professional kitchen
44:20it's so pretty look yeah you're in two already yeah i knew you went for the third but you're taking too long
44:27and with dishes like this proving there's a steady supply of top quality produce
44:32cementing the region's culinary relationship with the land and seascapes angelica and hubby michael
44:38will be spot for choice when dining in devon
44:53our mystery house is a 40 minute drive east of exeter in the hamlet of salcom regis on the jurassic coast
45:00this tranquil place pushes the couple out of their comfort zone into a far more rural pocket but there
45:07are neighbors a sanctuary home to these guys was founded over 50 years ago and is open to the public
45:13all year round now i might have been doing this job for donkey's years but as michael knows it's important
45:20to do your homework so i'm getting a kick start at the mystery house just take a peek at this dream
45:29escaped the country thatched cottage it is beautiful it is immaculate they're always going to put their
45:36own little stamp on it but that's all that's needed to be done because inside it's divine come on i'll show you
45:43despite being over 500 years old this property has been sympathetically restored retaining a host of
45:53original features like timber beams and inglenock fireplaces built from local salcombe stone the result
46:00is a modern yet characterful and extremely stylish family home you see this to me and hopefully to you
46:08is the perfect escape property i mean just take a look at that fireplace alone everything in this
46:15house is immaculate let's hope angelica and michael's comments are the same
46:20welcome to our final property wow look at this thatch another thatch another thatch
46:37this is devon devon has the most beautiful thatches doesn't it it does have the most beautiful
46:43thatches and we're near the jurassic coast yeah is that an olive tree yeah yeah shows how wild it is
46:49yeah it's amazing so shall we for the final time start the tour the three of us let's do it
46:56we may have brought them further from exeter and deeper into the countryside than they asked for
47:01but knowing these two have such an appreciation for history
47:06and high quality renovation it must be worth the journey
47:11oh so stepping back to the 1500s
47:15wow starting off with the kitchen which definitely didn't look like this back in the day goodness me
47:21this is beautifully done it is
47:23it's a proper country kitchen it's a proper country kitchen this isn't too far off how
47:29we'd like it done i guess isn't it this your taste yeah yeah nice taste it's really well proportioned i
47:35think it's really well designed and laid out to maximize the space because the ceilings are a little
47:40bit lower as you'd expect in the cottage yeah but the layout just works it just works really well
47:45it's lovely kitchen's getting the thumbs up let's go through here see what you make of the next
47:49reception room i'm going to call it the snug because we love a snack on escape to the country
47:55just look at that fireplace but i am going to test your knowledge because you've got this fantastic archway
48:00with these timbers so it's that time again
48:10where do you think that timber is from i've got an idea i'm doing it what are you going to say
48:14i'm not telling him i've written a project oh you have written a lot oh you have okay like show us
48:20what's that so shipwrecks or ships near talkie limary just in with so that's my guess right i'm
48:26a man of few words i just put old ship it's not a bit of old ship and i'm glad you said that right
48:33it will exactly yeah um it is from a ship oh is it a specific one and it is actually from a ship
48:39wreck on the local beach oh so angelica i i think yes that's the point yeah well done
48:47so shall we step through the arch yes look at that an old ship is a shipwreck i mean it's not
48:55going to be a new ship oh it's warm in it there's another look at this well i'm standing in front
49:01of it just to get warm oh it's beautiful more of the wood paneling yeah okay it's got that sort of
49:07churchy warmth with the candles i don't know when the candles the words mean there's something isn't
49:13it yeah the walls are so thick that there's it just the sound in here is so quiet it's just it's
49:18really peaceful i love this room i can imagine our piano there and my cello somewhere nice yeah i
49:24agree there is an awful lot to see in this property so uh go and enjoy thank you check out that staircase
49:31you won't have seen anything like it oh it's incredible it is incredible i've only seen two
49:38staircases like it that's the second time it's beautiful wow look at it i mean these are just
49:45i don't think i've ever seen a staircase like this they're special it's got an ecclesiastical it really
49:50does it really really does just everything's so well thought out bathroom beautiful you wouldn't have
49:58to do anything no no you wouldn't the shower room dressing room it's just a wonderful size it's just
50:06plenty isn't it you've got lots of light coming in from the outside loads of light because this
50:10property is grade two listed any changes they wanted to make would need to be done respectfully
50:16and with the necessary permissions i can't get over how well it's been finished i think it really isn't
50:21dissimilar to how we might do it yeah it's so beautiful but as the work has already been done
50:28seemingly to their taste all they'd need to do is unpack their bags and settle into country life
50:34as well as the three upstairs there's a further bedroom on the ground floor
50:41oh look so this again we're back to snug territory aren't we i said i'm gonna have a little sit down
50:48this i see this is the tv room hang out chill sofa snuggie and the other part more sort of grown up
50:55yeah yeah yeah no i love this it's lovely yeah it is last but by no means least i'm sending them out
51:03to explore a very special mystery building which could be put to any number of uses
51:09oh so what do you feel do you think jim
51:18yeah let me see what's upstairs yeah with central heating plumbing and wiring in place it would be
51:26easy enough to fit a kitchen and bathroom in here giving angelica her project fix we've got two
51:33bedrooms up here oh yeah two double rooms well this i mean this is nice i can imagine
51:41if you could have people come over and say exactly this is nikki's quarters
51:46i mean nikki would say it'd be good to rent this out during like the holiday season in the summer
51:50holidays he's right i would yeah you could do that with it couldn't you you really could
51:56and with their business brains activated it's time to crunch the numbers
52:03now we've had some fun with these chalkboards haven't we yeah we have you know but for the final
52:09time winner takes all whoever gets closest or on the money to the asking price is the overall winner
52:16how much is this beautiful thatched grade two listed cottage in devon so close to the coast but
52:24surrounded by beautiful countryside how much is it on the market for do you want to go first yeah go on
52:29then 1.2 million wow you've gone high i went low uh okay oh interesting 850 000 pounds yeah the ultimate
52:44winner winner is come on oh how much was it it's on the market for 895 000 pounds really wow i'm just
52:58really shocked it's great you listed and if people are looking for something of that history yeah
53:04exceptional exceptional it is an exceptional property that's a steal this great two listed mystery cottage
53:12has got to be the ultimate escape to the country property we pushed the boundaries of this search
53:18area to bring them here but in doing that we delivered the combination of history and high
53:23standard of renovation that angelica and michael love i don't often get to see houses like this
53:30actually all the houses we've shown you have been remarkable but this one you could argue is the cherry
53:36on the cake let's go sit down and have a chat and find out what happens next okay yeah sounds good
53:55it does feel in a way like we've been on holiday it has been a lot of fun it's been really nice to see
54:00different areas as well we know this area direct area really well but actually just by going 20 minutes
54:06further out you go to a completely new area it's actually really nice to see that yeah and it's been
54:10interesting because you've shown us properties that we wouldn't necessarily have looked at ourselves
54:13have we yeah oh yeah definitely never in a million years i think i'd walk into a thatched cottage yeah
54:19and pretty much start to victorian yes yeah um but it's interesting to see what you can get
54:25and what those properties look like and the charm they have so it's been really really good and
54:30every property we showed you was well under your budget yes which was great and which was surprising
54:35when you took us to the first house the long house yes the thatched one that immediate reaction was like
54:41whoa look at this impressive yeah i mean the curb appeal was just and that's so important i think with
54:47the property isn't it that curb appeal just draws you in straight away so michael would it be fair to say
54:51that long house a long thatch stole your heart yeah i think it did i think there's things that we
54:56could do to it to improve it and the garden definitely was something very special and for
55:01you angelica i liked it but you know where you can put your complete stamp on something yeah that
55:08is quite attractive even though i said i'd never do a project you did are we going back on that
55:13young lady but i put my hands up and say i am doing that the angelica magic on property three
55:21oh on the 1930s house i mean i agree with you i really really love that property as well and
55:28i think we both got very excited about what we could do the only thing that sort of threw me on
55:32it was my sort of financial brain kicked in i just thought okay we pay this amount for the property
55:37we want to do this to it so that's going to be that amount i think it would definitely be an amazing
55:41investment and i'm sure we would get the money back but i think that's what stopped me from
55:44sort of falling in love with it fully maybe we need to come back we need to come back and i think
55:49in a way some really interesting things have come up haven't they yeah you think you know an area
55:54until you really start looking you think you know property until someone says well we're going to show
55:59you something that you might not have considered yeah so more chats to be had more chats to be had yeah
56:05thank you thank you i thought she was going to be mischief over the last few days well i know i
56:09thought more mischief but so well behaved she's very sensible you see she's gorgeous because she
56:15takes it seriously because she knows her stuff thank you guys we have loved having your
56:20well we had to do that with tea look at cheesing with tea yeah we're so showbiz gorgeous
56:25in classic angelica style she started off the week saying she didn't want a project and by the end of
56:36it the house that she loves the most is the biggest project of them all so it does seem more conversations
56:43are going to need to be had but we do know that whatever decision they come to it will be the right
56:49one for them and their beautiful family if you would love to escape to the country in england northern
56:59ireland scotland or well remember you don't need to be famous why not apply it online at bbc.co.uk
57:05forward slash take part so are you sitting comfortably because i'm not has anyone got a cushion
57:19so
57:29so
57:31so
57:41Transcription by CastingWords
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