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00:01Today I'm with a couple who know exactly where they want to be.
00:05Incredible.
00:06I just think it looks amazing.
00:08Really?
00:08Yeah.
00:09My mission? Tempt them with some irresistible properties.
00:13Wow.
00:14It's beautiful.
00:15Oh, 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.
00:22You can come and stay.
00:24Oh, thanks.
00:24You're welcome.
00:26The places might feel familiar, but big change is on the horizon.
00:30I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
00:32Oh, my God, it's going to start a life of sobriety.
00:36No, I didn't say that.
00:36No, no, no, she didn't say that.
00:59Today we're in a county with the longest coastline in England.
01:03From the dramatic Atlantic facing north to the sheltered and temperate south,
01:08it can only be Cornwall.
01:10Breathtaking and beautiful.
01:14Cornwall 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.
01:35Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall is a perennial popular destination
01:39for both holidaymakers and housebuyers.
01:43It's renowned for its tin and copper mining heritage,
01:46which stretches back over 4,000 years.
01:49The 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.
02:00The harbour town of Porth Leaven is emerging
02:02as a creative and culinary hotspot,
02:04and guess what's on the menu?
02:07Cornwall's probably got the most diverse array of fish that you'll ever have.
02:11I mean, I'm originally from New Zealand,
02:13but 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,
02:37and, you know, today we've got the great weather,
02:39but that's not all the time.
02:44Today's escape is all about bringing family together here in Cornwall,
02:48three generations in one county.
02:50Two generations are already here,
02:52so let's meet the one that isn't.
02:57Yeah, 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.
03:10For the past 23 years,
03:12home 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.
03:21We love the house.
03:23The house is great, isn't it?
03:23It's been perfect family home.
03:25It's been superb to bring the family up,
03:26but now they've flown, they've gone,
03:29there's me, Sal, and the cat,
03:31and we're just rattling around
03:32in 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.
03:44We've been coming to Cornwall now for 19, 20 years, isn't it?
03:48And our children have grown up with the village children,
03:51and when we get to Cornwall, everyone says,
03:54oh, you're back again, are you?
03:55Yeah, we're kind of known, infamous or maybe famous,
03:58I don't know, one or the other.
04:01Family holidays in Cornwall left a lasting impression on their son, Tom.
04:05After 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 our son's got our first grandson.
04:23First grandson, yeah.
04:24So, Cornwall, here we come.
04:26So we've got shut of both kids.
04:28We've 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.
04:45A music room slash man cave for Denny's guitar collection is a must,
04:50as is a manageable garden.
04:52Oh, and one more thing, they'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.
05:08Sort of weird.
05:10Can they come and join us from their holiday?
05:12But 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 above Mullion Cove.
05:31I feel like I've crashed into your holiday.
05:33I'm really sorry.
05:34That's OK.
05:35You've already been here a week.
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?
05:46Are 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 hub kind of thing for us.
05:56And from here, we can go to other areas.
05:58But we love this place.
06:00We've made so many friends here.
06:02We've got so many connections.
06:03It'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, what 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.
06:31We do like music.
06:32There's always music going on in the pubs.
06:35And we do like the pubs.
06:37Pubs are good.
06:37Yeah.
06:38And how is his guitar playing?
06:41Be honest.
06:44I'll reserve judgment.
06:45You think I'll whisper.
06:47No.
06:48So 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?
06:59Oh, yes, please.
07:00That sounds good.
07:00Come on.
07:01Well, you should lead the way because you know better than me.
07:06Sally and Denny are focusing their search here on the Lizard Peninsula along Cornwall's southern coast.
07:12So 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 and locals alike.
07:24Having spent many holidays here, the couple know the area well, including the village pub, where I'm told they've enjoyed
07:30more 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
07:40to a property so tucked away you might just miss it.
07:46We'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.
07:58I like the colour.
07:59And it's a lovely spot.
08:00We're only ten minutes away from your favourite pub.
08:03You know, that'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.
08:10That's unusual, isn't it?
08:11Could you ask for a better area for Billy?
08:13Billy, you'd lose him in the bushes.
08:15But also safe from the road.
08:17Yeah.
08:18I love this property.
08:18Let's see what you think.
08:19Come and follow me.
08:20Yeah, let's go.
08:22Sally and Denny have expressed concern about how far their budget will stretch in Cornwall,
08:27so I'm hoping this place, with its light and spacious interior, will quietly put those worries 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 this was the old house finished here.
08:43It's so open, isn't it?
08:44Isn't it?
08:44It feels quite European, doesn't it?
08:46It does, very.
08:47It feels like 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, it's airy.
08:54And the colour of the 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, this was a closed wall, they've knocked through,
09:08so it's almost like a kitchen, sitting room, dining room combo.
09:13Nice and relaxed again, loads of light.
09:16Space for the kitchen table from home.
09:18Yeah, it would fit.
09:19So this is facing south, you stand on your tiptoes, you can see the sea, lock the hedge down a
09:24bit.
09:25But that garden's beautifully secluded and it gives this, it gives privacy in this room as well with the beautiful
09:30big window.
09:31How would you use it?
09:31Can you imagine being here with the grand, the grandson?
09:35Oh, yes.
09:36It's ideal flooring for the little guys, isn't it?
09:38Yeah.
09:38To scamper about on.
09:39Yeah.
09:40The red sofas, kitchen table.
09:42That's it, you've decorated her already.
09:45What, red against the blue?
09:46Perfect.
09:47Have you lived in a bungalow before?
09:48No.
09:49No.
09:49But you're okay with living all on one level?
09:51Yeah.
09:52Well, when we come down to Cornwall, we stay in a bungalow.
09:55It's a real strange one because Sal's dad always said you have to go upstairs to go to bed for...
10:00Nice.
10:01You just have to turn left to go to bed here.
10:04What?
10:07There 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
10:16through the windows.
10:17That'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.
10:30It will be, yeah.
10:31So what are your vibes about the house so far?
10:33I think it's lovely.
10:34Very nice, yeah.
10:36The gardens are spectacular.
10:37I know, it is a few, it feels like I'm on holiday, it feels like I'm abroad.
10:42You can come and stay.
10:43Oh, thanks.
10:44You're welcome.
10:45It's the office guest.
10:46That means you've already bought it.
10:47Yeah.
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.
11:00Oh, it's massive.
11:02This is nice.
11:03Wow.
11:04And again, you've got loads of natural light.
11:06I like this one too.
11:08Should we go see some more?
11:09I think we should.
11:12Oh, this is the baby room.
11:14This is 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?
11:22The fourth bedroom is an option, but for the sake of Sally and her ears, Denny and his guitars might
11:29be 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?
11:41It's half patio, half lawn and equal parts private and peaceful.
11:47You love to garden, right?
11:48I like my snowbounder garden, yeah.
11:50I wouldn't call myself a gardener.
11:51Would this about the right size for you?
11:53Perfect.
11:53This is ideal, yeah.
11:54Very little to mow.
11:55Nicely 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
12:02have like a table at.
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, I'd say 400.
12:10400.
12:11I would say 410.
12:13This is on the market for 385,000.
12:17Oh, wow.
12:19OK.
12:19Yeah, so you could afford it.
12:21Very much so, yeah.
12:23That's good to know, that really is.
12:25Feeling the pressure now.
12:28£15,000 under budget, this turnkey-conditioned bungalow is as spacious as they come,
12:34offering open-plan living and four bedrooms, including a principal en suite.
12:40There's even room in the garage for Denny and his Qatar collection, and it's right in the heart of the
12:45couple'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, so 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.
13:21We're hitting pause on the house hunt for a moment, so our buyers can explore Helston,
13:26one of Cornwall's oldest towns, and the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula.
13:31Once a bustling hub for the county's tin mining industry,
13:35today 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.
13:49Not with my voice, no.
13:53I mean, it's just a really cool town.
13:55It's relaxed, it's easygoing.
13:56I feel like other towns in Cornwall get, like, a lot of attention,
14:01and Helston just kind of flies under the radar.
14:04Every May, Helston comes alive for Flora Day,
14:07a centuries-old celebration that fills the streets with music, dancing and colourful pageantry.
14:15Oh, 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,
14:28and it's so beautiful, and it's a lot of traditions and amazing people.
14:34One reason Helston might hold even more appeal to Sally and Denny
14:38is 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.
14:48And when they're off grandparent duty,
14:51well, they might just find themselves raising a glass in one of Cornwall's oldest pubs.
14:57I think it's time for a pint now, don't you?
14:59I'd love a beer.
15:01The Blue Anchor has been brewing its own ales since the 15th century,
15:06and manager Janine is ready to give Sally and Denny a warm Helston welcome.
15:13Is 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 Sanctuary, just down the road, you've got the Lizard, you've got Land's End,
15:27and the beaches, the best in the world.
15:30I think there's so much to do.
15:31And that's why I haven't left Cornwall, because I love it.
15:35We can't understand people going on holiday from Cornwall.
15:38No, I go on holiday and I visit beaches,
15:42and 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.
15:48We've even been in here a few times.
15:50Oh, wow.
15:50The perfect part of Cornwall is that it doesn't matter where you're from,
15:54everyone's very inclusive, and that you can make friends,
15:57and we're all willing to talk to people,
15:59and I just think that's a lovely, lovely part of us.
16:02We've noticed that.
16:03Well, hopefully you find something and we see you in here again.
16:05Yes, please.
16:05You certainly will.
16:06Hopefully next time holding a pint.
16:08Absolutely.
16:08I'll join you.
16:09Good.
16:10So with history on its doorstep, ice cream by the lake,
16:14and baby Billy just around the corner,
16:16Helston offers far more than meets the eye.
16:24We might have struck gold with House 1 in Mullion,
16:27but I want to push my buyers out of their comfort zone
16:30by heading inland to the village of St Martin.
16:34For amenities, Sally and Denny could travel to the slightly larger village of Morgan
16:38with its village store and the all-important pub.
16:42That does mean someone's got to be designated driver, though,
16:46as it's two miles away from St Martin, which is mostly residential,
16:50dotted with traditional stone cottages and surrounded by rolling hills.
16:59Come on and feast your eyes on this one.
17:02What a garden.
17:03From Gardens Bigger.
17:05It's beautiful.
17:06Really nice.
17:07The garden's superb, the way it's laid out.
17:10Just an explosion of colour.
17:11So I've taken you out of your beloved Mullion.
17:13Do you know St Martin?
17:15We've never been here, have we?
17:16We've never been here before.
17:17I'd have to check out the bus routes.
17:20It's a consideration.
17:22Sally's not so convinced.
17:23I'm not, no.
17:23Maybe not.
17:24But let's look at the house and see if that'll be a sling dump.
17:28This chalet bungalow is brand new to the market
17:30and, in terms of its impressive front garden, everything is rosy.
17:36But with Sally already questioning the property's location,
17:39let's not beat around the bush.
17:41This one might be a tough one.
17:44Come on in.
17:44We'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?
17:53Yeah, 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'm going to 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 over the morning, which I really like.
18:25It's smaller than I expected.
18:28And the last one we saw had the lovely view outside the kitchen window.
18:32I can see you're not loving this.
18:34Sorry.
18:34It's fine.
18:35You don't have to love every house.
18:37No, no, no.
18:37It's fine.
18:38Try as we might, this property seems to be no match for our first house.
18:43OK.
18:44OK, this must be the master bedroom.
18:48Yeah.
18:49The master bedroom.
18:50The master bedroom.
18:51Hmm.
18:52That isn't the kind of speechless I had in mind.
18:55It'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.
19:15Oh, this is quaint, isn't it?
19:17This is quirky, yeah.
19:20Would it be foolish of me to think the bedrooms and the workshop might have brought them round?
19:24Let's find out.
19:26So, tell me, you went upstairs, you saw the bedroom, you fell in love with it and you want
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 plows.
19:46Wow, OK.
19:47Yeah.
19:48Which is probably a relief.
19:49I'm glad it's not my favourite.
19:51It'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,
20:00this 1970s chalet bungalow could still be a fabulous place to call home.
20:05It benefits from three bedrooms, including one with an en suite, and two further bathrooms
20:10on the ground floor, plus a workshop in the converted garage and a terrifically landscaped
20:16front garden.
20:27Two properties down, and what better way to wrap up a day of house hunting than with
20:32the people at the heart of this move, Denny and Sally's son, Tom, his wife, Molly, and
20:37their son, Billy.
20:39Hello, Billy.
20:41Hello, guys.
20:41Sorry.
20:42I always get ignored when there's a little one.
20:44He's such a smiler.
20:45He's such a smiler.
20:46He's gorgeous, isn't he?
20:47He'd light a smile, he'd light 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.
20:57Yeah?
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.
21:03I'm giving this.
21:03It's superb.
21:05How long did it take you to move down, Tom?
21:07Uh, 2014.
21:08I got based down here.
21:10Oh.
21:10So then, um, living around Uncle Dro's or in Halston when mum moved on.
21:15And how do you feel about these two coming to join you?
21:18It's going to be a culture shock.
21:19How long has it been away?
21:21Eleven years away.
21:22Mummy wants to know where you're going.
21:24Well, nice.
21:25It 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, so they moved down last year, 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 the Rosalry.
21:42It's all yours, bro.
21:43Yeah, it 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.
21:50Yeah.
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 child care.
22:03Hang on.
22:04We never thought of that, did we?
22:05Happy 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?
22:28Currently, you could expect to spend a little over £437,000 for a detached home, which is slightly lower than
22:37the national figure of £438,000.
22:40But when compared to the rest of the region, where the figure is just over £503,000, it turns out
22:47Cornwall also offers better value than its south-western neighbours.
22:54Here, for your consideration, is a selection of properties currently available in the county.
22:59For renters, this stone cottage in the town of Port Levin has a traditional exterior but is smart and modern
23:06inside, with three bedrooms, a sleek bathroom and a small courtyard garden.
23:12It's offered unfurnished for £1,400 per calendar month.
23:17This two-bed end-of-terrace cottage would be ideal for first-time buyers, with wooden beams adding a lovely
23:24touch of character and a well-established rear garden.
23:27It has a guide price just shy of £250,000.
23:32This substantial detached property in the same town benefits from three bedrooms, plus a separate studio apartment.
23:40The sheltered, walled garden feels totally secluded, and it has a guide price of £525,000.
23:49There is nothing like the Cornish coast to give you property power, so I am looking forward to showing Denny
23:55and 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
24:11market 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
24:20the doorstep of their beloved grandchild, Billy, who lives just an eight-minute drive from the next option we're here
24:26to see.
24:31This looks really nice.
24:33Oh, very nice.
24:34Yeah.
24:35Is this the one?
24:36This is the one. Come and take a look.
24:38First impression, really nice.
24:40Oh, look at the balcony.
24:41Interestingly, we've actually been here before.
24:44Denise came here, like, in 2022, but the current owner, as a 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.
24:56You're going to be like, yes.
24:58They're within, like, eight-minute drive.
25:01Bam.
25:02I like it.
25:03Shall we have a look inside? It's a beautiful house.
25:05OK.
25:07It might look like another 70s bungalow at first glance, but trust me, its elevated position puts it in a
25:14league of its own.
25:17Wow.
25:19Oh, that's beautiful.
25:21Isn't it gorgeous?
25:22And having recently had something of a refresh inside, it's all set to welcome its new owners.
25:29Come into the main sitting room.
25:33Oh.
25:34Can you imagine your furniture fitting in here?
25:36Oh, it would fit in here very well, wouldn't it?
25:38Very comfy.
25:39What really comes alive is, in the evening, you get the sunset over the view, and you can go out
25:44onto the balcony.
25:48Incredible.
25:50I just think it looks amazing.
25:52Yeah.
25:53It's breathtaking.
25:53You're not really overlooked.
25:54And 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.
26:21A bit small.
26:23But it's workable.
26:24It's a proper kitchen.
26:25It's not...
26:26Oh, yeah.
26:27It's got everything in there.
26:28It's not a galley.
26:28It'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
26:35glass of wine overlooking that beautiful valley.
26:39And when they 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.
26:48And 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.
26:58Come join me on the breakfast terrace.
27:01I 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.
27:09And again, the quality of finish is superb.
27:12What do you think the price of this one is?
27:15I'd say £375.
27:19I'd go a bit higher, £385.
27:21Yeah.
27:22So this is actually top of your budget.
27:23This is on at £400,000.
27:26OK.
27:27I suppose it's the views as well, isn't it?
27:28The 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
27:38and is ready for Sally and Denny to move straight into.
27:42With 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, Billy.
28:05Nearly 40% of the world's grey seal population live in the waters around Britain, with Cornwall's rugged coastline providing
28:13a vital haven for many of them.
28:16On 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
28:32protecting these incredible marine mammals.
28:35Good morning, Bethan.
28:37Morning.
28:38Lovely to meet you.
28:39What 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
28:53possible.
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.
29:10So 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.
29:18And 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.
29:29And that is unfortunately when we have to step in.
29:31Very 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.
29:56Should I keep quiet? Is that the problem?
29:58Come on, let's go.
30:00Let's see if Yule Logs, or Logs for short, is a bit more willing.
30:04Look at his lovely little feet. So cute.
30:07And if I can buy his affection with some lunch.
30:10Hey Logs, it's your lucky day. You've got a lot of fish here.
30:13What is he eating here?
30:14So he's having a bit of herring.
30:16Herring. How much herring will they eat in a day?
30:19So Yule Logs...
30:20As much as they can?
30:20Yes, 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.
30:35Oh, I see. From a beach body?
30:37Yes.
30:38You're going to get a beach body, Logs.
30:39And 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.
30:46Stop talking. Keep 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.
31:01Bethany is showing me how group scatter feeds encourage them to forage for food, which will help prepare them for
31:07life back in the wild.
31:09So we have the three commons here with sort of the shorter snout and then the grey seal at the
31:13back.
31:13She's got sort of a lighter belly.
31:15Oh, light with it, yes.
31:16And slightly more.
31:17There you go.
31:18So the females and greys will have lighter bellies, whereas 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.
31:28Is he the baby?
31:29So he is eight now.
31:31So he is the youngest.
31:32And he's blind.
31:32But he is pretty much blind.
31:33He has cataracts.
31:34Oh, 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 and they see a
31:48seal, 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.
31:54If you are concerned, you can give us a ring at the seal sanctuary or British Divers and Marine Life
31:58Rescue,
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 you 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.
32:15Let's have a busy season ahead.
32:16Absolutely.
32:17Good luck with that.
32:28For our finale, we're returning to the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula to Sally and Denny's beloved Mullion.
32:38But before we go to the mystery house, we're on our way to Mullion's community garden, because this move is
32:44more than just day trips to the beach.
32:46It's about belonging.
32:52So tell me, for people who've not been here, what are the best things about Mullion for you?
32:56The 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 someone, 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 and the countryside.
33:16That's an advantage.
33:17We're right in the middle of the countryside.
33:18You'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, I'm going on ahead to the mystery house, which is located
33:33towards the outskirts of Mullion.
33:37So far, we have been giving Denny and Sally exactly what they wanted.
33:41A bungalow built in the 1970s.
33:44But I can't resist showing them something that is much, much older, has much more character,
33:50and I think it's really quintessentially escaped to the country.
33:56The mystery house is, wait for it, 375 years old, which is quite a long way from the 1970s.
34:04And I think it's really magical.
34:06It's been beautifully restored.
34:07It's in a beautiful, quiet lane just on the outskirts of Mullion.
34:10But Denny and Sally are going to have to fall in love with the period features.
34:17I think it's wonderful.
34:19I wonder if they will.
34:25Come on up into the garden.
34:26We can see better.
34:29It's the mystery.
34:31Wow.
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.
34:41It is.
34:42I really like it.
34:43Character.
34:44It's got character, yeah.
34:45It's really got character.
34:46How do you feel about being on the edge of Mullion rather than being right in the middle?
34:51I think with something like this, it's...
34:53It's worth it.
34:53It could be a possibility, yeah.
34:55This really...
34:56Yeah, yeah.
34:57Phew.
34:57I thought you were going to rule it out because it wasn't close enough to the pub.
35:00Are you excited to go inside?
35:02Can't wait.
35:02Shall we?
35:03Yeah.
35:06We're stepping back in time to 1650 with a semi-detached property that, from the sounds
35:12of it, isn't too many steps away from the pub.
35:15We're starting our tour in the heart of the home in 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.
35:29Absolutely 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, right, I could do this, I could do this, but what
35:39would 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, but yeah, that is another way of looking at it.
35:50You can feel the history.
35:51It's really strange.
35:53It's beautiful.
35:55But it's not...
35:55Like, sometimes these old properties are a bit kind of oppressive and small, but this
35:59is actually...
35:59It's light.
36:00A lot of space.
36:01So far, I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
36:03Oh!
36:04Oh, my God, it's going to start a lack of sobriety.
36:06No, I didn't say that.
36:07No, no, no, no, she didn't say that.
36:09With a property this appealing, the regulars will want to come here for happy hour.
36:15Next up is the living room, a cosy retreat that's brimming with potentially even more character
36:20than the kitchen.
36:22Oh, this is a good size.
36:24Isn't it wonderful?
36:25Very high ceilings.
36:27Two reds to tease.
36:29All right.
36:29The two reds to tease would go...
36:30Yeah.
36:31Sorry, we've got two red sofas about the same size as these, and they would fit in here
36:36perfect.
36:37Make it into a really cosy room.
36:39What are you thinking?
36:40I'm liking it a lot.
36:41Really?
36:41Yeah.
36:41This is good.
36:42It's not what you were expecting?
36:43No.
36:43Not at all, no, no.
36:45But it's like you said, it is the mystery home, and it's entirely different to everything
36:49we've said.
36:50But it does...
36:51Well...
36:52It's what we do.
36:53It does have a wow factor.
36:54Do our little property voodoo and give you something you weren't expecting.
36:57Very impressed.
36:58Very, very impressed.
37:01For the first time on our search, the property's bedrooms, of which there are three, are all
37:06located on the first floor.
37:08There are also two bathrooms to choose from, including an ensuite 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 ensuite as well.
37:31Handy.
37:31It's absolutely stunning.
37:33Have you seen the view out the window?
37:34It's fabulous, isn't it?
37:36Stunning.
37:37What a good size.
37:39Another good size bedroom.
37:41And again, view from the window.
37:43It is.
37:44It's delightful.
37:45Wow.
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,
37:53but I'm getting very excited vibes from the two of them, so maybe...
37:59This could be the curveball that snatches the goal.
38:04To 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.
38:21What 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...
38:54You dangle a carrot and you snatch it back, but you haven't.
38:57We would not do that to you.
38:58Well, 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
39:08with this semi-detached cottage that's full of period features
39:12and a pleasing £25,000 under budget.
39:16As well as a large open-plan kitchen diner,
39:19there are three bedrooms, including a principal en suite,
39:23and it's well located within easy reach of everything
39:26that the village of Mullion has to offer.
39:28Mystery house, total shock.
39:30You've really pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
39:32It's beautiful, really different.
39:35The 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.
39:48I feel the mystery house may have broken the spell
39:51of all those very practical, beautiful 1970s bungalows,
39:55but is the walk to the favourite public house in Mullion
40:00just a country mile too far?
40:02Let's find out.
40:08Look, 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.
40:18How 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.
40:27That 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.
40:35You're being very flattering, but you're not telling me which ones you like.
40:38Which 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,
40:53and the walk was a little bit further into the village than I'd hoped,
40:59and I was very disappointed that my age is against...
41:03..our age is against us.
41:04We've got to be realistic with that.
41:06Are you saying, in a roundabout way, that you like the first house most?
41:10We like the Blue House.
41:12Wonderful.
41:13From the very start, when you took us into that,
41:15there was just something about it.
41:17It just flowed. It was absolutely brilliant.
41:19I had space for our daughter to come.
41:21So the Blue House is a contender. What's next?
41:23What happens for you next?
41:24We're going to go home and speak to our estate agent
41:28and see if they can advise us on dropping the price of ours.
41:33Possibly.
41:34Yeah, so that's the plan.
41:36So you're still 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,
41:52but this is a beautiful part of Cornwall.
41:54It is, isn't it?
41:55I really hope you find that place or another place here
41:59and that I can come revisit you.
42:01You're welcome.
42:01We would love that.
42:02I wish you all the best.
42:03Thank you so much.
42:07Escape to the Country has brought me many times to the beautiful Cornish coast,
42:11but sometimes I'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,
42:19or indeed the county, but to this particular place,
42:22because it's the magnetic magic of Mullion that has drawn Sally and Denny over and over to this spot.
42:30And so I am crossing everything that they do purchase a house here and we come and visit them.
42:36And I hope that you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.
42:41After returning from their holiday in Cornwall,
42:44Sally and Denny were still certain that the first house was the one.
42:48They put in an offer which I'm happy to say was accepted,
42:51subject to them selling their own property,
42:53and we hope it's just a matter of time before they are calling Mullion and its local pub home.
43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and need our help,
43:07why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.