Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 38 heads to the beautiful Devon coast, where Nicki Chapman helps retirees from Northamptonshire search for the perfect single-storey seaside retreat. With fresh sea air and peaceful surroundings on their wish list, one standout property offers breathtaking ocean views directly from the terrace.
Along the way, Nicki visits a family living in a picturesque Dartmoor village who share their passion for the outdoors by mapping walking routes across the National Park for people of all ages and abilities. This inspiring episode highlights the appeal of Devon’s coastal countryside and the relaxed lifestyle it offers.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Devon #CountryLiving #CoastalHome #BritishTV
Along the way, Nicki visits a family living in a picturesque Dartmoor village who share their passion for the outdoors by mapping walking routes across the National Park for people of all ages and abilities. This inspiring episode highlights the appeal of Devon’s coastal countryside and the relaxed lifestyle it offers.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Devon #CountryLiving #CoastalHome #BritishTV
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00:02Helping people realise their dream country move often leads to some priceless moments.
00:08Could I call that the million-pound view, do you think?
00:12As long as they're doing it for half price.
00:16Sometimes things can get a little spicy.
00:18You're over there cooking your curries. I can be over here doing whatever it is I need to do without
00:22getting in your way.
00:23I'm not sure about that.
00:25That's when I like to cool things down and maybe provide a humorous nudge.
00:30I promised you an ice cream, didn't I?
00:32Yeah.
00:32You've got to make a promise to me.
00:34You can buy one of our houses.
00:58Whether you're a dedicated landlubber, a sworn salty sea dog or a foodie fanatic who likes some surf with your
01:07turf,
01:07today we're heading for a county that most definitely has something for you.
01:12Take a deep breath in.
01:16Can you smell that fresh, salty sea air with maybe, just maybe, a hint of freshly baked scones?
01:26Yes, that's right, we're in Devon.
01:30Located in the south-west of England and bordered by the sea to the north and south,
01:35the county of Devon is a living landscape putting food on the table for both locals and the nation.
01:42I grew up on a farm down here.
01:45I'd say usually the best thing about living in Devon is the community and it really makes you proud to
01:50be from here.
01:51A mild climate and beautiful beaches mean South Devon's tour bay is known as the English Riviera.
01:59Seafront promenades and sheltered coast give easy access to both land and sea.
02:04Local users and crew of a sailing association are just some of the area's dedicated fans.
02:11The weather, for some reason, seems to go here.
02:14Here, you walk out of the hotel and it's all flat and it's just lovely, it really is.
02:23You've got dolphins, you've got the birds and you can have a go on the helm so you can feel
02:29the boat moving under you.
02:32I've lived here all my life and we're very, very fortunate that we've got the natural beauty and the wildlife
02:38and probably more important, obviously, meeting fantastic people.
02:50Although today's couple have lived inland for many years,
02:53they've decided that the time is right to get back to their roots and live by the coast.
02:58And they've chosen this beautiful county.
03:03Hello, I'm Lyn.
03:04And I'm Alan.
03:06And we've just retired from a really stressful job in the prison service.
03:11So now we're just looking for a really, really relaxed, nice way of life.
03:18Having served their time at work, husband and wife, Lyn and Alan, are ready for a change.
03:24They want to escape the confines of their empty nest downsized bungalow in a village near the city of Milton
03:30Keynes, a home that's now cramping their style.
03:33I think we downsized a little bit too much.
03:36We thought there's only the two of us.
03:38And in hindsight, that was probably a mistake.
03:41This is our kitchen.
03:43It's small.
03:45And to be honest, we've outgrown it.
03:47Since we've both retired, we find we're cooking a lot more, especially Alan.
03:52He does a mean curry from scratch.
03:55Joined by their dog Lowkey, the couple hope to rediscover a way of life they enjoyed around the Lake District
04:00where they both grew up.
04:03I spent most of my childhood fell walking, rock climbing, abseiling, all that kind of stuff.
04:10So one of the reasons for me wanting to move down to Devon is to get back into that outdoor
04:14lifestyle.
04:15I want to buy a boat so I can go fishing, I can take the grand boys out on little
04:20fishing trips.
04:21For Lynne, who's recovering from hip surgery, it's all about the joy of the open road.
04:29One of our hobbies is motorcycling.
04:32We've both been riding from an early age.
04:34And this is our latest bike.
04:39It's, as you can see, a lovely big cruiser.
04:43And ideally, we would like to be able to get both bikes out on the road so we can ride
04:48together.
04:48We've looked ourselves and up to this point we've had no luck, really.
04:55Yeah, we just need your help to get us moved and to get us to fulfil that dream that we've
05:01had.
05:02Armed with a £500,000 budget, Lynn and Alan are calling for help to find a bungalow or home with
05:09single-storey living
05:11that offers a good-sized kitchen, four bedrooms, a garage and a manageable garden.
05:17They want to be close to the coast and community of the Tall Bay area.
05:31I would have loved my grandfather to have board a boat and taken me fishing when I was growing up.
05:38I mean, idyllic.
05:39I was brought up by the coast and it had such a profound effect on me.
05:45I mean, it's getting back to nature, fishing, paddling.
05:48We used to love to go shrimping with our parents and our grandparents.
05:51It was one of the highlights of the summer holidays.
05:54And I think they can achieve all of that and an awful lot more down here in Devon.
06:01Alan and Lynn are big fans of Devon's Tall Bay coastline.
06:05So that's where we're meeting before I start showing them potential homes.
06:12Well, Lynn and Alan, welcome to glorious South Devon.
06:15This is the dream, isn't it?
06:18You can't blame us for wanting to be here.
06:20And why to the coast?
06:21She says, looking over her shoulder.
06:23Yeah.
06:25We come from the coast.
06:26We originally came from Carlisle.
06:28And now that we're both retired, we just wanted to get back to it.
06:32For the last sort of four or five years, we've been having little short stays
06:36in different parts of the country to try and work out where we wanted to live when we retired.
06:41And we settled on Devon.
06:43It's just finding the house that we can't do.
06:45Right, OK.
06:45That was the tricky part.
06:46So what do the family think about you making the move?
06:49Our grandsons are six and eight.
06:52So at first it was like, we don't want you to move.
06:54Are they local to where you are?
06:55Yeah.
06:56But then when we showed them a few of the attractions of the area, potentially,
06:59it's like, oh, yeah, that'd be great.
07:01Summer holidays are sorted, aren't they, down here?
07:04Exactly.
07:04This is it.
07:05So we've got to have enough space for everybody.
07:07Exactly.
07:07Yeah.
07:08Making your money work as much as we possibly can for what you're after.
07:13I know you've been down here quite a bit, but we've got other areas, places to show you.
07:16And, of course, obviously our properties as well.
07:18So should we get started?
07:19I think we should.
07:20Yeah, looking forward to that.
07:21Let's go.
07:24The first option I've got lined up is right by the sea in the coastal location of Dawlish.
07:30Now, you may feel it's something of a black swan event kicking off a country escape
07:34in this small seaside town, but with one of the largest populations of the birds in the UK,
07:40first introduced from New Zealand in 1906, Dawlish offers a laid-back village vibe with a lovely beach.
07:49Shops, cafes, restaurants, and a railway station to boot.
07:54It's just a short walk from there to the property, which is located in a quiet cul-de-sac less
08:00than 400 metres from the sea.
08:03And here is your first property.
08:05Oh, that is pretty.
08:06It looks like it's been well maintained as well.
08:08Yes.
08:08Imagine the view from that dormer window.
08:10I know, it's going to be great, isn't it?
08:11As you can see, we do have ample parking here.
08:14The current owner has really thought this through.
08:16And you've probably noticed there's a garage at the side as well.
08:19Yeah.
08:19So the front door is actually there, but on this occasion, I'm going to take you around the side and
08:24you'll see why.
08:25Ready?
08:26Lovely.
08:26Let's go.
08:27Good to go.
08:29This 20th century dormer bungalow has been extensively renovated by the current owners.
08:35Pretty entrance.
08:36It is nice.
08:37It is nice.
08:37Very pretty.
08:39Set on a slope, we're taking steps via the garden to reach a terrace level at the front of the
08:44home.
08:46Before I let you into the house, I've got to show you this, haven't I?
08:51Oh, yeah.
08:53I mean, that is a view.
08:54It's gorgeous, isn't it?
08:56Absolutely beautiful.
08:57Yeah, that is definitely a view.
08:58Could I call that the million pound view, do you think?
09:01As long as they're doing it for half price.
09:03Yeah.
09:07Sliding doors lead us into a reception room with double doors that open onto the kitchen beyond.
09:13I like those doors.
09:14They're nice doors.
09:16And you can keep it open, or if you wanted to, close and slide them too.
09:20Glass, so it keeps it lovely and light.
09:22Yeah.
09:22With the fabulous views, obviously.
09:25Yeah, it's fabulous views.
09:25It's nice.
09:26I like it.
09:27It's light and hairy in here, which is what you want for the living room.
09:29It is.
09:30It's good life.
09:31I mean, you've got that view.
09:32Yeah.
09:32I mean, predominantly most of the time, there's only going to be being new here.
09:35I know.
09:36Shall we continue?
09:37Yes.
09:37Okay, so you've seen a little bit of it.
09:39Here's the kitchen.
09:41Good.
09:42Nice.
09:42Yeah, nice units.
09:43I love those units.
09:44There's nothing to do in here, is there?
09:46No.
09:46No, I mean, the whole house really looks like it's been well maintained.
09:50Yeah.
09:51Now on this floor, you've also got an additional bedroom.
09:54You've got a shower room next door.
09:56Mm-hmm.
09:56So, fantastic access.
09:58Downstairs, you've got everything.
09:59But you've got two further bedrooms upstairs.
10:03As well as offering the option of single-storey living Lynn and Alan have asked for, there are two en
10:09-suite doubles, partly set into the eaves on the top floor, the smaller of which I'm leaving them to explore
10:15on their own.
10:16Shall we have a look at the en-suite?
10:18Yeah.
10:18I mean, it's fine for a guest room.
10:20Absolutely.
10:21You've got the views.
10:22You've still got those views.
10:22To the sea out there as well.
10:24And that just leaves bedroom three for me to show them, another en-suite double.
10:30I like this.
10:31So there's the en-suite.
10:32Very nice.
10:34Oh, sorry.
10:34What do you say about that again?
10:35Just, yeah, we'll just spend our time looking out the window.
10:39The garden is terraced with steps from the back to access the highest level.
10:44This has a lawn, seating, a shed and fruit trees.
10:49To the front is a sizeable garage with low-maintenance paving and gravel looking out to the sea.
10:57I think this works on all levels.
11:00Do you like what I did there?
11:01At all levels, yeah.
11:02Yeah, sorry about that. That was a bad joke, wasn't it?
11:05Question is, how does the asking price level with their budget?
11:09How much is this chalet bungalow on the market for?
11:14You can go first.
11:15I did have a figure in mind, but after seeing everything there is to see, I'll take it up to
11:22£495,000.
11:23£495,000.
11:25That's right at the top of your budget, isn't it?
11:27Just about.
11:28OK.
11:28I'm going to go with £485,000.
11:29The asking price is £450,000.
11:36OMG.
11:37Now, why?
11:37It has just come down because the owner is keen to move.
11:41Right.
11:42So, go and have a wander.
11:44Yeah.
11:44Be our guest.
11:45Lovely.
11:45Take my time.
11:49Significantly within budget, this seaside dormer bungalow comes with a kitchen diner and three
11:54double bedrooms, including one on the ground floor.
11:57There's a large garage, a low maintenance terrace garden and sea views.
12:02With the beach and facilities of Dawlish just a short stroll away.
12:08When I first saw it, I was thinking, hmm, it might be a little bit small for us.
12:12But actually, when you go inside it, the rooms are actually quite spacious.
12:16We always hoped for the sea view, but we weren't convinced we were going to get it.
12:21This might be able to give us the lifestyle that we've been chasing.
12:26And I think now it's kind of given me the feeling that actually it might be within reach.
12:32I really like this place.
12:34I think it's beautiful.
12:35It's so peaceful.
12:38It just says, no stress.
12:42No stress.
12:43Yeah, I really do think it's a perfect place.
12:47I certainly hope this will be our forever home.
12:50Unless, of course, you know, something else crops up.
13:01The sea may be my buyer's main draw to Devon,
13:04but Alan and Lynn are also after a friendly community to make them feel at home.
13:11Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park is the town of Buckfarsley.
13:16It's a nice little place.
13:19An abbey founded here in the 11th century saw monks farming fresh produce, and as the town sprung up around
13:26them, a pride in providing local food continued to grow.
13:31Could you imagine getting all your fresh veggies here every week?
13:33I know, it would be nice, wouldn't it?
13:38Yeah.
13:39We specialise in producing bread made using stone ground organic flowers, and working directly with farmers and millers.
13:46We're trying to encourage the farmers to make a switch from modern grains to a more regenerative system using more
13:52heritage grains and farming methods that work better for the soil, extend the harvest so we can get out of
13:58the earth.
13:59Yeah, and I think the direct relationship with our farmers is super important because it means that we can react
14:03and kind of work with whatever is coming off the land in that harvest.
14:08A lot of the highest quality produce that's grown in the country is grown here, so if you live here,
14:12you've just got access straight to it.
14:15Friday night fish and chip shop?
14:16Got the chippy.
14:18And I bet it's all fresh fish as well from Wixom and places as well.
14:21Yeah, it's bound to be.
14:23Unhurried streets lined with characterful cafes and small independent shops combine with a hive of activities.
14:31Could you talk about having a hive?
14:32Yeah.
14:34From beekeeping to knitting groups.
14:36We retired down here to the Buckfast Lee about a year ago.
14:40We have a wonderful community centre, the More Imagination Centre, just up the road.
14:46We've got a wonderful cafe cum bar, the Doe.
14:49The community is amazing.
14:50Very, very friendly.
14:51Everybody wants to help you out.
14:53There's always events, things going on.
14:54We've been so busy and happy here.
14:56It's been amazing.
14:57Yeah.
15:02The town is a boarding point for South Devon Railway, a heritage steam line.
15:08Hello.
15:08Can I have two tickets please?
15:09There you go.
15:10Lovely.
15:11Thank you very much.
15:16The grandkids are going to love this one, aren't they?
15:18I know, they will.
15:19They will.
15:20We run from Buckfast Lee, on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, down to Totnes, which is where the
15:25river dark becomes tidal.
15:28I mean, look at that.
15:29It's lovely, isn't it?
15:30That's my happy place.
15:31We've got Dartmoor just up the road.
15:33We've got the coast, and we're directly between Exeter and Plymouth, so we've got so much choice, really.
15:40Buckfast Lee seems to be on the right track when it comes to Lynn and Alan's country escape plans.
15:46That is a lovely trip.
15:47It is, right?
15:48That is glorious.
15:49I've really enjoyed that.
15:51Now back to finding a home for them to embark on their journey here.
15:59We're at the coast once again for my next property offering, in the historic fishing port of Brixham.
16:07A favoured spot of my buyers, Alan's longed-for boat could find good company, sharing sea room with a replica
16:14of the 16th century Golden Hind, which famously took Sir Francis Drake around the globe.
16:22There are places to try the catch of the day, or a cream tea, and regular buses take in destinations
16:29around and out of town.
16:32From the harbour, it's a 15-minute walk to the property I want to show them.
16:37Now, one of the places that you were definitely interested in looking at was Brixham.
16:42Yeah, I love Brixham.
16:42So we have managed to find you this chalet bungalow.
16:46Pretty little bungalow, to be honest with you.
16:48Yeah, it looks well-maintained.
16:50I'm not giving you a project with this property.
16:52No.
16:53Not the house, anyway.
16:54Mmm.
16:55Oh.
16:56There's something plotting.
16:58Uh-huh.
16:58Shall we take a look?
16:59Yeah, let's do it.
17:00Come on, then.
17:02Come on, then.
17:03This semi-detached, mid-century modern dorm bungalow features rendered brick walls, with
17:09a tiled roof, and comes with a detached garage.
17:13The footprint extends significantly behind the home's modest frontage.
17:18It's long, isn't it?
17:20It is long.
17:20It is long.
17:21Yeah.
17:22Which is accessed by a door along the side of the property.
17:26In you come.
17:27Welcome.
17:29Across the hall, we find the first of the reception rooms.
17:32It's a good size, isn't it?
17:34Mm-hmm.
17:34Access out onto the garden, which is always good.
17:37You could have a little barbecue area out there, couldn't you?
17:39Yeah.
17:39Could even get the fire pit out there.
17:41Mm-hmm.
17:41We've been outside in the fire pit till like two in the morning, just chatting away.
17:45Have you really?
17:45Yeah, the fire pit going, watching the stars and just chatting away.
17:48Nice.
17:49I'm not getting the same wow factor as I might have had previously.
17:53Yeah.
17:54Would that be true?
17:54That would be true.
17:55But I'll show you around and then you'll get the full picture.
17:58Let's go and have a look at the kitchen.
18:01Taking the hall further towards the back, we pass through a smaller reception to reach
18:05the kitchen.
18:07A good size kitchen.
18:09It's not enormous, but it's nicely laid out.
18:12There's enough room for both of us to be in here and move around comfortably without
18:15being in each other's way too much.
18:17You're over there cooking your curries.
18:19I can be over here doing whatever it is I need to do without getting in your way.
18:22Well, I'm not sure about that because I'll spread out over here as well.
18:26We've got additional space behind us.
18:29Right.
18:29It's not quite a utility.
18:30Mm-hmm.
18:31The way it's laid out at the moment, one double bedroom downstairs.
18:34Dining room, which could be converted to another bedroom, because with the two upstairs
18:39that makes the four.
18:40Grandchildren, I'm sure, will be very happy upstairs.
18:43Right.
18:43Let's see what you make of it.
18:44Have a wander and I'll meet you in the garden.
18:46Okay.
18:47Okay.
18:49The first room for them to check out alone is that smaller reception room.
18:54It is.
18:55It is.
18:55It is.
18:56It's cool.
18:56It's cool as well.
18:57It's a nice little room.
18:58Yeah.
18:58Yeah.
18:59We could put a sofa bed in here.
19:00Yeah.
19:02Then, back along the hall, a ground floor shower.
19:05Oh, it's a good-sized shower, isn't it?
19:06It's not bad at all.
19:09Next to this room.
19:10Next to this is a handy cloakroom, as well as a family bathroom.
19:14And yet, further along the hall, at the front, is the ground floor bedroom they've asked for.
19:21Is that a king size?
19:22That's a king size.
19:23It's the same size as ours.
19:24Yeah.
19:24It's certainly big enough for us.
19:25Yeah.
19:25And with all the wardrobes.
19:26Yeah.
19:26It's that ready-made downstairs bedroom as well.
19:29Yes.
19:29That we wanted.
19:31So that's the single-storey living taken care of.
19:34And completing this floor is that dining room that could also work as a bedroom again at the front.
19:42But just leaves the remaining two bedrooms upstairs.
19:47That's a good double.
19:48Yeah, it is a good double.
19:50A chance, I think, for chappers to earwig.
19:53I'm picking up, actually, quite a good vibe.
19:55I'm gleaning from this that they're looking at it more as a home.
19:58So will it be the wow factor or will it be the family home?
20:05With a further double room featuring a large dormer window,
20:09there's certainly a lot of options for accommodating overnight stays from family and friends.
20:15And there's more than enough room for a get-together in the south-facing garden, too,
20:20with veg beds, a large lawn, a greenhouse, a shed and raised deck,
20:26as well as lovely views across to the surrounding hills.
20:30But is this much too much?
20:33With wanting to get a fishing boat for the kids, volunteering, getting involved with the community,
20:39I think this smell of garden, it might just scare them.
20:45It's bigger than I thought it was going to be.
20:47I must admit all that space on that side.
20:51Because there's so much space, you're always going to get the sun at some point.
20:54You're always going to get the sun.
20:55So this isn't scaring you, the size of it?
20:57No, no, not at all.
20:58A little bit, well, I was wrong.
21:00I thought you were going to look at this and go, uh-oh.
21:02Yes, there's a lot of lawn.
21:03But the maintenance of that is just cutting it once a week.
21:06Yeah.
21:06And also it's very, very fashionable now to let things go a little bit wild
21:10because it does help the pollinators and the insects.
21:13It doesn't have to be pristine anymore.
21:15No, exactly.
21:16Which is just as well.
21:17Yeah.
21:18I can only see one downside, really.
21:20Go on.
21:21How badly it's overlooked.
21:23Right.
21:24Yeah.
21:24I'm now going to nudge you to put a price on this chalet bungalow
21:29with this beautiful, because it is beautiful garden.
21:32It is.
21:33It is.
21:34I'd probably think 470-ish, given it's Brixham.
21:40Yeah.
21:40Because Brixham is a very popular place to be.
21:42Oh, yes, it is.
21:43Yeah.
21:43I'd be down to 430-ish.
21:45430,000.
21:46He's a lot harder than me.
21:48Yeah.
21:48He's a lot harder than you.
21:49He's also closer than you.
21:51Our scheme price has come down.
21:53Yeah.
21:53Yeah.
21:54To 425,000 pounds.
21:56Right.
21:57OK.
21:58That is...
21:59That?
22:00It's a surprise, I must admit.
22:01It is a surprise.
22:02I thought it would be more giving the look-ish.
22:03Yeah.
22:03I think you should go and have another look around.
22:05OK.
22:06Yeah.
22:08This attached mid-century dormer bungalow comes with three to four double bedrooms,
22:13including one on the ground floor, a large level garden with countryside views,
22:18plus a detached garage.
22:21And it could put them in one of their favoured locations within a 15-minute walk of the sea.
22:28Oh, that's a good size.
22:29So I could get my tools along the back there, get the bike in, and then I can put my
22:34fishing
22:34gear up there.
22:35When I first turned up and looked at the house for the first time, I thought, I don't think
22:40there's enough space in there for us.
22:41Yeah.
22:41The footprint is a lot bigger than you would ever expect.
22:44You've got three reception rooms downstairs.
22:46It's...
22:47Yeah.
22:47And a bedroom.
22:48The only downside was not having a bathroom upstairs.
22:51Thinking of visitors.
22:52Yeah.
22:52It's not ideal.
22:54The garden, probably on reflection.
22:58Maybe a little too big.
22:59It's probably a bit too big for us at our age.
23:01I don't know about you, but I don't think this house is quite right for us.
23:04I don't think it's us, really.
23:06Wow.
23:07Still such a lovely day.
23:09It is.
23:09It is beautiful.
23:10Devon Sunshine.
23:11Devon Sunshine.
23:12And we've seen two properties, which are very, very different, let's be honest.
23:16Very different.
23:17But we can't bring you all this way and not go down to the seaside.
23:21Fancy it?
23:21A little bit of a chat on the beach?
23:23Yeah.
23:23I can do that.
23:24Shall we?
23:24Yeah?
23:24Yeah.
23:25And if you're really good and I find somewhere, I might even buy you an ice cream.
23:28Oh, now you're talking.
23:30Now you're talking.
23:30You're on.
23:33And Chappers is nothing if not a woman of her word.
23:37What a way to end the day.
23:39This is the life.
23:40It is.
23:40It's beautiful.
23:41The life.
23:41This is exactly why we want to come here.
23:43Get me boat.
23:44Get the bike out.
23:45Yeah.
23:46And then...
23:47What sort of boat are you going to get?
23:48Have you decided?
23:49Yeah, it's only going to be a small one.
23:52Big enough so I can go out and do a little bit of sea fishing.
23:56Lincoln sunbathe on the front or something like that while I'm fishing.
23:59Mm-hmm.
23:59You know?
23:59So we can do it together.
24:01Having seen the houses today and we've driven around such beautiful little hamlets and
24:05villages.
24:06Yeah.
24:06Still completely sold?
24:08Absolutely.
24:08Yeah.
24:09Nothing's changed?
24:10No.
24:10The scenery, we've driven through paths that we haven't been to before.
24:14Good.
24:14Oh, that's good to know.
24:15It's got a good feeling about it.
24:17Everybody is so friendly.
24:19They seem to be quite pleased as well that we're actually wanting to move and live here.
24:24Yeah.
24:24We want to be part of the community.
24:26Mm.
24:27And just settle here.
24:29Yeah.
24:30And this will be home.
24:31I promised you an ice cream, didn't I?
24:33You've got to make a promise to me.
24:35Go on.
24:36You'll buy one of our houses.
24:38We will.
24:40We'll confirm or deny tomorrow.
24:42Okay.
24:43All right.
24:43I'll take that.
24:44After the Mystery House.
24:58With an enviable climate and beautiful coast and countryside, it's no surprise that buying
25:04a home in Devon does come at a premium.
25:07The average price for a detached house in the county is £488,000, significantly above
25:14the UK figure of £436,000.
25:19For those on a lower budget, however, there are still options to be found.
25:26This detached Grade II listed a two-bedroom cottage in the Cowtown area of Brixham has character
25:32and cosiness, as well as a sunny courtyard.
25:36It's on the market for £270,000.
25:41This four-bedroom stone barn conversion in a quiet hamlet is offered in a choice of packages.
25:47The home and enclosed garden is priced at £775,000.
25:52Or there's the option of three further acres and equestrian facilities for £975,000.
26:00For a short but sweet taste of Devon, this 19th century boathouse on the River Dart, accessed
26:07on foot via 71 steps, sleeps up to four and costs from £333 per night in low season,
26:16rising to £616 in the summer peak with a minimum three-night stay.
26:26So we've got a lot more to explore here today in gorgeous Devon with Alan and Lynne.
26:32And we've also got to show them our mystery house.
26:36Now, it might not have incredible sea views,
26:39but this property has definitely got something very special about it.
26:49For the mystery twist, I'm taking my buyers a few miles inland to the hamlet of Wilbra.
26:58Another beautiful sunny day in South Devon.
27:01It is. It's gorgeous.
27:03Really lovely.
27:04And what a way to see this wonderful hamlet.
27:06It is exquisite, isn't it?
27:08Yeah, it's lovely.
27:09It's a very pretty place, isn't it?
27:11It's so quiet.
27:12Yeah.
27:12All you can hear is birds.
27:13Yeah, there is a pub quite close by.
27:15You can walk to the pub.
27:16Oh, yeah.
27:17Bonus.
27:17Because there is a reason I've brought you to this hamlet,
27:20which you're probably guessing, because we are talking at the mystery house.
27:23So I'm just going to get it ready.
27:25So I'm going to send you off, have a wander around,
27:27and then I'll meet you back at the mystery house,
27:29and we will do our final tour.
27:31How does that sound?
27:32It sounds good.
27:34As well as a pub in the hamlet itself,
27:36a little over a mile down the road,
27:39the large village of Kings Kurzweil provides shopping and amenities,
27:42including a pharmacy, a health centre,
27:45a mobile post office every Tuesday and Thursday,
27:49local activities and more places to eat and drink.
27:52While Lynn and Alan check all that out,
27:54I'm staying in the hamlet of Wilbur
27:56for the inland mystery property I've got up my sleeve.
28:02As we like to say on Escape to the Country,
28:05now for something completely different, a mystery house.
28:09And when I say different, I'm talking centuries and centuries.
28:14In fact, this semi-detached cottage,
28:17divided from its neighbours to the side of its two lower and upper front windows,
28:21dates to the 17th century and is Grade II listed.
28:25This is like stepping back in time,
28:28a traditional beamed historic cottage in the countryside.
28:33We might not have sea views,
28:35but the characterful cottage makes up for it with all its lovely features.
28:40Now to see if the charms of my period mystery cottage make up for being around a 15-minute drive,
28:47rather than a short stroll away from the seaside.
28:51Take a look.
28:52This is your mystery cottage.
28:54Oh.
28:55That is so full of character.
28:57It is, isn't it?
28:58It's a proper country cottage.
28:59It is.
29:00Yeah.
29:00Shall we step inside?
29:02Yeah.
29:04Originally built as a single dwelling,
29:07this four centuries-old rendered rubble and brick cottage
29:10is thought to have been divided from its neighbour in the 19th century,
29:13when it also saw alterations, including a rear extension.
29:18The 20th century heralded in a new roof,
29:21whilst the current owners have renovated the interior.
29:25We're heading for the main entrance at the side,
29:27where a hall takes us to the main reception room.
29:30Oh, look at this.
29:33This is English countryside.
29:34We had beams.
29:36Isn't this gorgeous?
29:37As a kid, when I was going around the later street,
29:39hiking and things,
29:40we used to walk past cottages like this,
29:42and I always said,
29:42I want to live in one of them.
29:44We thought it was worth showing you this property.
29:46Oh, yeah.
29:46I'm glad you did.
29:47I'm really glad you did.
29:49I'm taken in by this so far.
29:51Good.
29:52Would you like to see a little bit more?
29:53Oh, yeah.
29:54Look at your lovely face.
29:55I'm just noticing there's a gate
29:57between you rather than a door.
29:59It's just a gate, which is so nice.
30:01Come and have a look.
30:02Welcome.
30:04Access by either the gate or the hall
30:06is a dining room in the oldest part of the home.
30:10So through here, you have a dining room
30:13that will fit any size table.
30:17Yeah.
30:17Yeah.
30:17Powers will definitely fit in here.
30:19With room to spare.
30:20Leading to our kitchen.
30:22The remainder of the ground floor,
30:24including the kitchen,
30:26is located in the single-storey rear extension,
30:29thought to have been added in the 19th century,
30:31but recently refitted by the current owners,
30:34with bifold doors out to the garden.
30:37Oh, wow.
30:38This is nice.
30:39Beautiful.
30:40Yeah.
30:40It's such a transition from the traditional
30:43into this is so modern.
30:45When you look at all the worktop space, it's...
30:47Yeah.
30:47I mean...
30:49Oh, blimey.
30:50That is curry central.
30:52Is it?
30:52That is curry central.
30:53I will make a mess.
30:55Plenty of space for you to make a mess.
30:57Yes.
30:57I can see you two are really enthusiastic.
31:01Yeah.
31:01There's an energy level I'm getting from you.
31:03Yeah.
31:03I can see myself in here.
31:05I really can't see myself in here.
31:08So can I?
31:09He's had the happy face on since he was in the door.
31:13Have you looked at this property on your own?
31:17No.
31:17Probably not.
31:18No, I don't think we would have.
31:19That's the magic.
31:20That's the joy of the mystery.
31:21It is.
31:22Yeah.
31:22Absolutely.
31:23Through the door at the end, you have got a downstairs shower room and a bedroom.
31:28You've got four bedrooms in total with this property.
31:31The one downstairs and then you've got three more upstairs.
31:34Would you like to head on upstairs and have a look at those bedrooms?
31:36Yes, I'd love to.
31:37Okay.
31:37I'll meet you out in the garden.
31:39How does that sound?
31:40Yeah.
31:40Good.
31:41Fine.
31:42Stairs from the hall.
31:43This is a lovely staircase.
31:45It is.
31:45Lead up to the top floor accommodation, partly set into the eaves.
31:50At the attached end of the home, a large double has a dormer window to the front and another
31:55window to the rear.
31:58Oh, this is beautiful.
32:01Look at this.
32:03It's amazing how much room there is.
32:05I know.
32:05I was kind of expecting the upstairs to be...
32:07Head height a bit.
32:08Yeah, the head height a bit below.
32:10Yeah.
32:11Next to this is a smaller room, also with a front-facing dormer window.
32:16You'd get a double in here.
32:17Oh, easy.
32:18Good guest room.
32:19Yeah, yeah.
32:20Oh, hang on a minute.
32:21Look at that.
32:23Yeah.
32:24Isn't that pretty?
32:25You do like your stained glass, don't you?
32:26I do like stained glass.
32:27Yeah.
32:27Isn't it lovely when you walk into a property and it evokes memories from yesteryear?
32:33And I could really see Alan, you know, he was beginning to well up as he walked in the
32:37door, because it takes him back to that happy place.
32:40And we want this next house to be their happy place.
32:44I'm keeping everything crossed.
32:48The family bathroom sits to the rear gable end, brightened by a skylight window.
32:53I do like this bath.
32:55It's nice.
32:57And opposite, the final bedroom, number four, features a gabled end window.
33:02Another good double.
33:04Another good double.
33:04It is.
33:05Yeah.
33:05There's enough room for everybody to come.
33:07There is.
33:09Outside, the garden is fully enclosed to the side and rear, offering paved patio seating
33:15and a terraced level lawn.
33:17Although with no garage, it does call for compromise and creativity from the couple.
33:23Now, is this a low maintenance garden?
33:25Yes.
33:26This'll do.
33:26I'd say so.
33:28And you're not overlooked at all.
33:30At all.
33:30No.
33:31Let's cut the chase then.
33:33You've had a good look around the property.
33:34What do we think the asking price is for our mystery house?
33:38Remind us of your top budget.
33:39It's 500,000.
33:41Yeah.
33:41So I can't imagine this being any less than that at all.
33:45500,000 pounds?
33:47500,000 pounds.
33:48I might even think you've been a little bit cruel here and gone slightly above us.
33:52I'll go 510 on the optimistic side.
33:54Asking price is 475,000 pounds.
33:59Oh my goodness.
33:59That is a lovely house for that money.
34:01Have another look on your own and I'll meet you when you're ready.
34:03Okay.
34:04Thanks very much.
34:05Brilliant.
34:07For offers in excess of 475,000 pounds, this attached grade 2 listed 17th century cottage
34:15offers a spacious modern kitchen, two period reception rooms and four bedrooms, including
34:21a ground floor option.
34:22There's a low maintenance garden and it's just a short drive from the coast.
34:26There's enough of a turning circle here to get the bike in.
34:29Yeah.
34:29We could steal some of it if you like.
34:33Get a firmin to dig it out.
34:34It's got a perfect mixture of traditional and modern.
34:38Yeah.
34:39It's got all the modern things where you need them, kitchens, bathrooms and it's got that
34:44lovely homely traditional lounge dining room.
34:49It's a typical English country cottage.
34:51Yeah.
34:51And it's lovely.
34:53It just took me back to walking through the Lake District.
34:57It's like, you know, when memories take you back to your childhood.
35:00It's a head turner.
35:01Yeah.
35:01It's wonderful if you're driving past it and you don't know the place.
35:03You would take a look at it and, oh, this is nice.
35:10Lin and Alan have a lot to think about when it comes to moving to Devon, but here's a couple
35:16who have already settled here and are making the most of life in this wonderful county.
35:24Hi.
35:25So this is our very lovely house.
35:29When we first saw this house, this was what really sold it to us.
35:33There's so much space down here to have all the toys out all the time.
35:39Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma.
35:41Jack moved to Devon from the Surrey town of Woking with his family at the age of 18.
35:46He met born and bred Devonian Islay whilst walking on Dartmoor.
35:50I kind of grew up exploring, being very out and about up on Dartmoor.
35:55A bit different from you.
35:57Yeah, absolutely.
35:58I mean, I was right on the edge of Woking.
36:01I used to live in a flat.
36:03I wouldn't want to swim in any of the rivers around there.
36:05No.
36:06Along with their seven-month-old baby Arlo and Jack's six-year-old son Ozzie,
36:11the couple now live in a village in Dartmoor National Park
36:14and run a business devising family-friendly local walks.
36:19Woo-hoo!
36:22We've hauled up to Dartmoor to go on one of our walks.
36:26This is in our family-friendly guides.
36:29It's a beautiful one.
36:30It's an easy one as well.
36:33Go ahead.
36:34Guys, there might be one in here.
36:36Let's have a look in here, guys.
36:37They're tried and tested by us and both of the boys for things like,
36:41are they buggy-friendly, do you need to use a carrier,
36:44good places to have lunch, that sort of thing.
36:47I'm popping by to visit them at home and, with luck,
36:51bag myself an invite to one of their easy-peasy curated strolls.
36:56Jack and Isla, lovely to meet you both.
36:58Hi.
36:59You two have come up with a really interesting project, haven't you?
37:03Was it a lightbulb moment?
37:04Were you literally out there pushing the chair
37:06and, you know, little boys running around thinking,
37:08actually, you can come out here and enjoy this fantastic scenery.
37:12You just need to have a little bit of prep.
37:14Yes.
37:14It was, oh, my goodness, we've got to get the baby to sleep,
37:17but we've also got to entertain Ozzie.
37:20We've done this route today.
37:22Where are we going to go tomorrow?
37:23Yeah, yeah.
37:25And coming home and putting those routes together
37:27and talking to lots of other parents,
37:29we realised how many families don't feel confident
37:32to take their families up onto Dartmoor,
37:34take their kids out and about.
37:35So we've created 35 routes specifically aimed at encouraging
37:40and enabling other families to get up and out onto Dartmoor.
37:43What a wonderful idea.
37:44So what can you expect to see on these walks?
37:48So we've got open moorland,
37:51which you really you only want to go there when it's kind of the wind is quite low.
37:55And if it's really rainy, which it often is here,
37:59we suggest you kind of escape into the woodlands as well.
38:02So we kind of, we want to educate as well about,
38:06look, there are loads of different places that you can go.
38:09Yeah. We want to try to help and make everybody aware that it is out there.
38:15Yeah. And it is easy.
38:18We can help work that all out and then they can have the information.
38:22Yeah. Can't wait to see some of these trails, I must admit.
38:25Shall we go and take a look?
38:27Yeah, yeah, for sure. Let's do it.
38:32To cater for different ages and fitness levels,
38:35most of Jack and Isla's walks feature a primary route of up to five kilometres,
38:40as well as a longer option, some of which are also wheelchair accessible.
38:45Today's route with baby Arlo offers natural protection
38:48from the scorching sun of a midsummer heatwave.
38:54I love the tree canopy. Yeah.
38:57The dappled light just coming through, especially on a hot day like today.
39:00Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. It's much cooler down here.
39:02Yeah. So this is about ten minutes from our house.
39:05Right on your doorstep. Right on our doorstep, yeah.
39:08I love the sound. What water is that? What stream is that?
39:11This is the River Avon.
39:12It's coming down off the high moor, so it's really kind of filtered as it gets down to here.
39:16Yeah. It's really clean. Yeah, it's lovely.
39:20The roots come with information about activities to enjoy along the way.
39:24And whilst most might be intended for children,
39:27there's nothing to stop the big kid in all of us joining in too.
39:31So I'm thinking, while we're here, surely we've got to have a game of poo sticks.
39:36Definitely.
39:36So that's my stick. Yeah, here it is.
39:39OK, a different variety. Let's see. OK, one, two, three.
39:48Oh! Oh! Oh! Chappers!
39:51Oh, let's take the lead. Oh!
39:54Let's have a look, let's have a look.
39:56Oh, there's one.
39:59Whose is that? Oh.
40:01Oh, yes, that's mine. Is that you?
40:03Hey. Jack, you're the winner. Great.
40:07I wish this young family all the very best with mapping out their local knowledge for all to enjoy.
40:14But here's hoping my house hunting this week has more success than my poo sticks.
40:21We've shown Alan and Lynn a great variety of properties and two got incredible reactions.
40:27The question is, what are they going to do next? Let's find out.
40:38Well, this is a lovely spot, isn't it?
40:41So we've looked at the location. We know you're sold on the lifestyle.
40:45We looked at such a variety of properties.
40:48I thought we'd started off very strongly with the Seaview house.
40:53The Seaview house was lovely and those Seaviews.
40:57You just cannot, you just can't get away from those Seaviews.
41:00They're absolutely stunning.
41:01But the Mystery House, it's got that feel and that character.
41:06Yes, it hasn't got the Seaviews, but it's got countryside views coming out of its ears.
41:11You know, you can't, you can't beat that.
41:14And you both loved it instantly, didn't you?
41:18Yeah, it's got all the rooms, but it's still got that cosy feel to it.
41:22So you don't feel like you're rattling around in something that's too big for you.
41:27So you've looked at quite a few properties.
41:28We have.
41:30Is this the closest you've come then to the perfect home?
41:33I would say so.
41:34Yes.
41:35I would say so.
41:37We've tried so hard and you've done it for us.
41:39We've nailed it.
41:40Wonderful.
41:41Do you know what's coming next?
41:42What is the next step then?
41:44Because you've sold your home.
41:45I know you haven't moved out yet, but you've sold your home.
41:48Yeah.
41:49After this, we're going to contact the estate agent.
41:51Yes.
41:51And we're going to try and do another second viewing tomorrow.
41:54Brilliant.
41:55And we'll be considering an offer, I would imagine.
41:57Yeah.
41:58Ideally, hopefully, we'll be making the move soon.
42:02Yeah.
42:02But do let us know how you get on.
42:04We will.
42:05And we would dearly love to come back and revisit and see how you're getting on.
42:09Yeah.
42:10That would be good.
42:11That would be good.
42:16Having already viewed plenty of properties already in this county, I must admit, I did
42:22have my doubts whether we were going to be able to give Alan and Lynn the lifestyle that
42:27they so wanted.
42:29The mystery house has worked its magic again.
42:33And the fantastic news is they're going for a second viewing first thing tomorrow morning.
42:38We're keeping everything cross for them and hope they can start their new life here in
42:43the beautiful Devon countryside as soon as possible.
42:46And I'll see you again very soon.
42:51If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
42:56and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:03Where did you go?
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