0:00:02 > 0:00:03Making the move from city to countryside
0:00:03 > 0:00:06is often a momentous step.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Never in a million years I would imagine I would be seeing a house
0:00:09 > 0:00:10like this. Never, ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But for many years,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Escape To The Country has been supporting countless people
0:00:16 > 0:00:19on the hunt for their new home.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- What do we think of this?- Oh, my!
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- Chocolate box!- We've travelled to the most picturesque pockets of
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- Britain...- Take a look at that killer view.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29That's amazing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32..to showcase thousands of exquisite country properties...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- Aw!- But how pretty is that?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38..our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- Jules! - THEY LAUGH
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Seriously, get your chequebook out now.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Join us as we catch up with those who bought their dream home...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I think you should be kissing Nicki!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52..to find out how the move changed their lives
0:00:52 > 0:00:54when they escaped to the country.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17Today, I'm in the West Country and here in the village of Avebury in
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Wiltshire lies the largest and most complex prehistoric stone circle
0:01:22 > 0:01:24in Britain. Now,
0:01:24 > 0:01:30this fascinating site is surrounded by an earthwork known as a henge
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and is thought to have been used for sacred ceremonies.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36My mission today is an exciting one,
0:01:36 > 0:01:40as I'll be catching up with some of my house hunters from the past who
0:01:40 > 0:01:44bought one of the houses they saw and have carved out a new life for
0:01:44 > 0:01:46themselves in the country.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Our two couples today in the West Country now call Wiltshire
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and Somerset home. Later,
0:01:53 > 0:01:58I'll be dropping in on dog groomer Rick and retired teacher Dee.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Back in 2013,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03they were longing to leave the busy town of Ilford in Essex for the
0:02:03 > 0:02:06serenity of a Somerset village.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Dee is loving her new life in the property we first saw together
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and Rick's dog-grooming business is thriving.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18On a scale of one to ten, how happy has this move made you?
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- Oh, ten.- Ten. - Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Aw, look, she's going!
0:02:28 > 0:02:30But first we're in Wiltshire,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33visiting Rose and Tim at the home I showed them
0:02:33 > 0:02:35back in the summer of 2014.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40Has their big step of moving to the country, after four decades in their
0:02:40 > 0:02:42urban home, paid off?
0:02:42 > 0:02:45I'll be getting them to spill the beans on that and if they're
0:02:45 > 0:02:48completely sold on village life,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50where they're now volunteer shopkeepers.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55OK, cards on the table, is it the heart of all gossip for the village?
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- We haven't been here long enough, that's the best answer. - Perhaps you're the gossip!
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Yes, be diplomatic.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06So, let's wind back to that summer of 2014 when it all started for Rose
0:03:06 > 0:03:07and Tim.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11For nearly 30 years had been living in the town of Sandhurst,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Berkshire, in their four-bedroom property,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16but now they wanted to head west.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19We are definitely looking forward to escaping the traffic.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21As you go West from Sandhurst,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25it almost seems to be going back 10, 20 years in time because there's
0:03:25 > 0:03:27so little traffic on the roads.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Rose had just retired from teaching after 41 years and Tim was now
0:03:33 > 0:03:37semiretired from his job as a transport consultant.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39No longer tied to a particular location,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43they had their sights set on the tranquillity of Wiltshire.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48I am looking forward to having some new places to go for some long walks
0:03:48 > 0:03:51with the dog. We've been here now too long.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53I have a friend who lives in Marlborough.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57So we know some of the area for walking and it is beautiful.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58As well as dog Bertie,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02their journey westward would also have a caravan in tow.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Plus Tim was hoping to expand his new hobby of restoring furniture.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I'm looking forward to getting rid of my disreputable old shed
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and getting a nice workshop in place.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17So I shall then be able to attend to whatever challenges come my way with
0:04:17 > 0:04:18the new house.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25So, with a budget of £600,000, they wanted at least three bedrooms,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29a south-facing garden, a garage and workshop,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31plus space to park the caravan.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34They were also keen to be within an hour and a half from friends and
0:04:34 > 0:04:36family back in Berkshire.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40When we met up in Wiltshire, Tim was sporting a recent injury,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43but I sensed that wasn't going to curb their enthusiasm
0:04:43 > 0:04:45on our search.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47I'm not going to go too fast cos I'm a little concerned about your leg.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50We'll take it easy, but shall we get started?
0:04:50 > 0:04:51- I'd love to.- Great.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57The first attempt at finding their perfect property was in the hamlet
0:04:57 > 0:04:58of Winterbourne Monkton,
0:04:58 > 0:05:03where we started with a 19th-century farm worker's cottage.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It looks good. It's nicely spread out.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08How do you feel about being semi-detached?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- I don't mind. - We haven't got a problem.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- No?- No.- So long as there is somewhere in the garden that still
0:05:13 > 0:05:14feels private.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18So, this semi-detached suggestion got an early seal of approval.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Inside, we started in an impressive country kitchen.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25This looks really nice.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- It's light. There's a view. - THEY LAUGH
0:05:27 > 0:05:29There's a view of the garden.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Yes.- I like the units, I think a really nice colour.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- They are nice.- Nicely fitted.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36It's a bespoke kitchen.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38But behind me, you've actually got a utility room.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39- Right.- That's good.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43With an additional sink and access to the garden as well.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Good.- That's where the dog goes when he comes in muddy after a walk.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Right. OK, well, let's continue through.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51At the back of the house,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55we saw a sitting room, which grabbed their attention.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- And this has got the view of the garden.- Yeah.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Looks fantastic.- But this is why they built this room,
0:06:01 > 0:06:06because the sun comes round, open the patio doors, onto the terrace,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08and then you have the view of your garden.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09- It's fantastic.- It's lovely.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12So, what sort of impression is this house making on you?
0:06:12 > 0:06:14I truly do love it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15- Do you?- I do. - Yeah, it's quite quirky.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- I really do.- Right.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Well, we've still got more to show you, so...
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Good.- Good. - Let's take a look upstairs.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Up on the first floor, there was one more bedroom than they'd asked for,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32with three guest bedrooms served by a family bathroom and master with
0:06:32 > 0:06:36ensuite. But it was outside in the three quarters of an acre garden
0:06:36 > 0:06:38that the property came into its own.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41As well as a paddock, there were two ponds
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and of course that all-important parking for the caravan.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47But I had something else up my sleeve,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51an annexe with a garage for Tim's furniture restoration,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53plus lots of extra accommodation.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Well, it looks like a huge garage,
0:06:57 > 0:06:59in actual fact it's a self-contained flat.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- Oh, really?- No! - Just the other side of the shrubs.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- Oh, fantastic.- So, downstairs you've got the kitchen,
0:07:05 > 0:07:06you've got a downstairs bathroom,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08and then upstairs, although it's eaved,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10you've got a massive bedroom.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- That's fantastic.- Tremendous,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14because that's just perfect for our friends from Germany
0:07:14 > 0:07:17who want to come and spend time with us each year.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19And it doesn't encroach on the house at all.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- No.- So we've got to try and put a price on all of this,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27haven't we? I wonder who wants to go first.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29I can't believe that all this can be in our budget.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31So I'm going to go for 600.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Yeah, I think it's going to be in the region of 580, 585.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Asking price...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- ..£575,000.- No!
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- Really?- Yeah.- That's incredible.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46It's giving us virtually everything we've been looking for.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Well, we certainly got off to a flying start with our first house
0:07:54 > 0:07:57and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00It gave them everything that they'd asked us for - character,
0:08:00 > 0:08:05enough space for the caravan and that beautiful large garden.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08I think in their heads, they'd moved in.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12So, how would we fare with the next two?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Our second offering was ten miles away
0:08:15 > 0:08:17in the village of Ogbourne Maizey,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20just an hour from Tim and Rose's friends and family in Berkshire.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26It was a pretty 17th-century thatched cottage, with its own well
0:08:26 > 0:08:29that until the 1920s was a freshwater source for the village.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Absolutely an English thatched cottage, isn't it?
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- It is.- Really sweet.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37It's certainly thatched. Is it listed?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It is. It's Grade II listed and we're also in an area of outstanding
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- natural beauty as well.- Mmm. Mm-hm.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46They appreciated the classic character and thatched roof of
0:08:46 > 0:08:48the exterior, so what would they make of the vaulted
0:08:48 > 0:08:52main reception room, which was filled with natural light?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54I didn't expect to see that in here.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57No. I wondered how dark it was going to be,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01so this is a really nice surprise, with three aspects.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Patio doors out onto the garden.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Sun streaming in today.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06Which is lovely. And if that's the case,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08we're not going to need the huge fire, are we?
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- Aw, that's lovely.- So you've got a multi-fuel burner there as well.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13You like this room so far?
0:09:13 > 0:09:14I like this room very much.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Yeah, this is a lovely room. - Let's see what you make of the rest.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24So, through into the kitchen, which...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28..granted, it's not the largest of kitchens
0:09:28 > 0:09:30but you do have a utility next door as well.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- That helps, doesn't it?- Yeah.- Yes. I'm just looking around, thinking,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37after having seen the one that you showed us this morning,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40which was fantastic, it's slightly darker.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42They've actually put on an additional building.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Now, they use that, it is sort of like a sunroom,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47but they actually use it for their plants.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51But also on this ground floor, we've seen that wonderful sitting-room,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55but you've got an additional dining room and quite a good-size office as
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- well.- OK.- So I can't give you large open plan,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03what I can give you is smaller rooms, smaller dimensions,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06but there is that quirkiness, there is that character. Mm-hm.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Yes, it's certainly got plenty of character, this place.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14There were three good-sized bedrooms on offer.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Outside, the gardens and an additional paddock
0:10:17 > 0:10:20amounted to over half an acre. What's more,
0:10:20 > 0:10:25there was a part-converted detached garage I hoped would interest Tim.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26Now, it's been split up into two,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28so they've got the workshop in there at the moment,
0:10:28 > 0:10:29there's a storage room,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33but above that has been converted into a wonderful study.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- Right.- Which could work really well for you, for your workshop.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40This thatched cottage had lots of positives
0:10:40 > 0:10:42but would it be under their £600,000?
0:10:44 > 0:10:48I think it's going to be just over 600,000, perhaps 610,000.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53I think it could even be as much as 620.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59OK, it's on the market for £595,000.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Pleasantly surprised.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04That concluded a great first day of house-hunting.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07But day two brought the mystery house into the mix,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09which lay in the village of Bratton.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Close by, the oldest white horse in Wiltshire
0:11:12 > 0:11:14is carved into Westbury hill
0:11:14 > 0:11:16and dates back to the 1700s,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20the same century in which our mystery house was built.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Here's our mystery house.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24It's a mystery. It looks incredible.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- It really is...- Interesting.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It is west of the area that you've been looking.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33But we think it's worth coming this far over just to see this unusual
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- house.- It's certainly worth coming to see, I think,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40cos it's not the sort of place that we expected to see at all.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Inside, the mystery revelations kept on coming,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47particularly in the huge kitchen at the rear of the house.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Now, the end of the hallway is...
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Gosh!
0:11:52 > 0:11:53Oh, what a lovely-size room.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- It's a large kitchen, isn't it?- Incredible. Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I don't think I've ever been in a house like this.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- No.- It's unusual, isn't it?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03We always like the mystery to surprise people.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05It's not something I'd ever considered, or ever thought of,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07a house like this.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- But it's great.- I'm glad you're enjoying, though, the tour.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Very, very much.- Good.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17There were two more reception rooms, both with feature fireplaces.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Upstairs provided three good-sized doubles,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22plus a lovely family bathroom.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24But it didn't end there.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Up again, on the very top floor, there was a study
0:12:28 > 0:12:29and also this.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32The master bedroom.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- I just love how unusual it is. - It's great.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38And just look over your shoulder...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Real country. - Certainly a room with a view.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Outside, tiered gardens featured two ponds,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48but as with many a mystery house, it brought some challenges,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51with no garage or off-street parking for the caravan,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55although there was a neighbour willing to lease out a garage.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58That could be the compromise, the caravan.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Yeah.- So...might be quite a difficult one this one,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04can we put a price on the mystery?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I would say 560.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11I'm going to put it at 535.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- The asking price is 599,950.- Mmm.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17- Really?- Yes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23So, which house in the line-up did they ultimately choose?
0:13:23 > 0:13:27They had certainly both been charmed by property one.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I love the character, the individuality, perfect.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32This house is amazing.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35It's fulfilled so many of our requirements.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39House two's impressive vaulted reception room did score highly.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41And finally of course,
0:13:41 > 0:13:46that substantial mystery house had delivered a surprise at every turn.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49The mystery house has certainly lived up to the expectations.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50It's an amazing place.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Both inside and outside.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54It's a house that is a bit of a challenge
0:13:54 > 0:13:57but could be a really good home.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Time to reveal what happened next.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Although great houses,
0:14:03 > 0:14:07those two examples couldn't live up to the first property I showed
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Tim and Rose. Try as I might to engage them,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14their hearts were set on the Victorian farm worker's cottage,
0:14:14 > 0:14:19but I'm pleased to say they liked it so much they actually bought it.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21So let's find out how they're getting on.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Returning to this home,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28it's clear to see how much Tim and Rose love it
0:14:28 > 0:14:31because, apart from moving their belongings in
0:14:31 > 0:14:35and installing a new wood burner, they've hardly changed a thing.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39The kitchen is just the way I remember it.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Well, I have to say, this is all rather lovely
0:14:43 > 0:14:45and it feels a little bit like deja vu.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Like I've been here before.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49So, here's to the two of you.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- Thank you very much. - In your new home.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52Welcome back.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Just a couple of months after our Wiltshire house hunt,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Tim and Rose were moving into this Winterbourne Monkton home.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04It was a quick turnaround but it wasn't without jittery moments.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06How many times did you view it afterwards?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08I must admit, I came down quite a few times.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Tim knew instantly and I know I loved the place but it was just
0:15:11 > 0:15:13going to be such a big move after so long in Sandhurst.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I think I came down five or six times.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17So, six or seven viewings?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Mmm. I remember asking
0:15:19 > 0:15:22did they think that we would be accepted here in the village
0:15:22 > 0:15:24or was it the sort of village where they didn't like newcomers?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27And in fact we could not have been more accepted by people,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29it's an incredibly sociable village.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30- Is it really?- Really is.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33And how important was that for the two of you
0:15:33 > 0:15:34with you making this move?
0:15:34 > 0:15:35I think it was...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It was more important than we realised.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41We thought, "Right, we've got to be very sociable,
0:15:41 > 0:15:42"we've got to be outgoing."
0:15:43 > 0:15:45But the village helped so much.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48As we walked round the village with our dog, they'd say,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50"Hey, you're Tim and Rose, are you?
0:15:50 > 0:15:51"Oh, welcome to the village."
0:15:51 > 0:15:55There's two wine circles, we belong to one of them.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58There's a village club where they meet once a month,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00so you're not in each other's pockets all the time
0:16:00 > 0:16:04but you've got these opportunities to meet up and see other people.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Now, when we came down here to look at properties,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08we also introduced you to a lady called Melissa, didn't we?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- Oh, yes.- Who's a blacksmith,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- or should I say, a creative artistic blacksmith.- Yes.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- That's right.- You were very taken with her work.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- I seem to remember.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Tim's going to be hammering at home now after this.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Yeah, he's going to have a forge when he looks for a house now.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25He's going to say, "I want one with a forge, please."
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Tim enjoyed the blacksmithing experienced so much
0:16:31 > 0:16:33he returned for a day's workshop
0:16:33 > 0:16:36and made his own bird feeder for the garden.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38It sits alongside pieces made by Melissa,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42a bird bath and some artwork they've displayed inside.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Actually, I wondered, as she's local, if we could pop in
0:16:45 > 0:16:46and say hello to her.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49It's a 20-minute drive from Tim and Rose's
0:16:49 > 0:16:50to the forge at a farm outside
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Marlborough, where Melissa's busy working on her latest design.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57- Hi, Melissa.- Hello.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Nice to meet you.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02I would shake your hand but probably not today.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- But, I mean, you guys, you're old friends now.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07So, Melissa, you've seen the house, have you?
0:17:07 > 0:17:11I have. I was kindly invited over to the house-warming party,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14where I think the entire village was there.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18And then, after Tim and Rose came to an exhibition here,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22I then went over with one of my sculptures to try it in situ,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25so that they could see whether it was the right piece for the place
0:17:25 > 0:17:28they had in mind for it. And then, Tim, you came over with a friend
0:17:28 > 0:17:31from the village as well, when you did your course here.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32So, yeah, it's really great.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Yeah, I'd like to do some more.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- Would you?- It was very satisfying to be able to produce something at the
0:17:37 > 0:17:39end of the day.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42And we just think how nice it is to support the people in
0:17:42 > 0:17:44the area that we're now living.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Another way they support their local area is volunteering in the Avebury
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Community Shop, just over a mile from their home.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59It was opened in 2009 by local residents trying to bolster
0:17:59 > 0:18:03the village facilities, and relies on volunteer help.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Today, the shift involves restocking the supplies.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10So, Nicki, we've got the local produce here
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and when you put it in the fridge,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14you've got to put the newest thing towards the back and just bring the
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- rest forward.- Cos of the dates.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Because of the date.- And do you try and get all your meat from local
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- suppliers?- They do here, yes.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Lyn is one of the managers in charge of coordinating the army of local
0:18:27 > 0:18:31residents who keep the shop doors open.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So, how many volunteers do you think you have from the community,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36roughly, working in the shop?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- On and off. - Oh, probably about 35, 40.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So, that's quite a team, isn't it?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45It is. It sounds wonderful but some of them are husband and wives and of
0:18:45 > 0:18:47course they go on holiday together.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Ah! So you're constantly looking for new people.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53We are. We can always do with more volunteers.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57It's a great way of giving something back, making friends
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and being part of village life.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03But given the proximity to the largest stone circle in Britain,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06I'm guessing this isn't just a shop used by residents.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10The local community use the shop but also, I can imagine because of where
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- we are in Avebury, it must get so many tourists.- Yes. Yes.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Oh, yes. During the summer solstice, we get huge numbers of people.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19It is incredible. They stay open late.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21They stay open till ten.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24And whereas usually you have one or two volunteers in the shop,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26during the summer solstice they try and get four or five.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Somebody on the till, somebody packing up, somebody stocking,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32because particularly the meat just flies off the shelf.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Is that the big seller, the meat? - That's the big seller for the solstice, yes.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40OK, cards on the table, is it the heart of all gossip for the village?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- We haven't been here long enough, that's the best answer. - Perhaps you're the gossip!
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Yes, be diplomatic. Be diplomatic.- I mean, certainly,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50we've got to know more people in the village, so, yes,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54you do start talking to them and finding out what's going on.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Where others dream of making the move,
0:19:58 > 0:20:03Rose and Tim seized the opportunity and took that leap into the unknown.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06It's clear they're thoroughly enjoying their retirement,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09throwing themselves into village life and enriching their days
0:20:09 > 0:20:14with new interests. We wish them much continued happiness,
0:20:14 > 0:20:18sharing their home with friends and family and enjoying time in that
0:20:18 > 0:20:19idyllic garden.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Right across the British countryside,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32we've seen house-buyers, all with very different lifestyle ambitions,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35fall in love with the properties we've shown them.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39It's always fantastic to hear when they make that all-important offer
0:20:39 > 0:20:41which goes on to be accepted.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Coming up, a couple of highlights from our house-hunting success
0:20:45 > 0:20:47stories in the West Country.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Back in September 2015,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Sonali Shah was property hunting with avid seamstress Diana
0:20:56 > 0:21:00and Jonathan, a retired policeman and now a published crime writer.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03They wanted to quit busy Burgess Hill in West Sussex
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and, with their £500,000 budget,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10move to Dorset and find a home overlooking the sea.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15When Sonali took them to a 1930s property near the market town of
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Bridport, it was clear the location fitted the bill.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26Now, as you both do want to live by the coast,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28here's a house by the sea.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Oh, yes.- You really get to appreciate the views which is...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Yeah.- ..what you're after and what you've requested.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- Yes.- Immediately, I see those big glass doors,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38which is showing us the view again.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41They're making the most of it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44They loved the contemporary kitchen-diner...
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- Really nice.- Bright, I like the fixtures and the fittings.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- They look good.- Yeah. - And as anticipated,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55those big glass doors from the living room gave them that sea view.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Really good-sized room, log burning stove...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- That's lovely, isn't it? - Nice, bright.- Really.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01And the views are really...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Gorgeous, aren't they? Yeah. - Lovely.- Huge, huge doors.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06It feels like a lovely Dorset picture...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Yeah.- ..there, doesn't it? - Yes, very good.- Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Let's go higher because, of course, that sea view can only get better.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18There were four bedrooms upstairs as well as a family bathroom with
0:22:18 > 0:22:20separate bath and shower.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25And it was in the master ensuite that this property again served up
0:22:25 > 0:22:26that coastal outlook.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29And you've got the view. Oh, that's lovely, isn't it?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Really. - That's what this house is about.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32- Yes.- That picture.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Yeah.- Yeah.- And lovely big windows to show it off.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- If that's what you want, this is the place to go for.- Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42We asked for a sea view and didn't think you'd find it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44How you did it, I don't know.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Although the £540,000 asking price nudged over their preferred budget,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52it didn't seem to put them off.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56I would hope there'd be room for negotiation because I'm definitely
0:22:56 > 0:22:58interested. Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59It's definitely up there.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04I'm delighted to report that Diana and Jonathan's offer was accepted
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and they now call it home.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Since moving in, that inspiring outlook has spurred Jonathan on
0:23:10 > 0:23:11with his writing,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and we wish them all the best for their continued adventures.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Another happy ending occurred a couple of years earlier
0:23:21 > 0:23:24in the spring of 2013,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28when Jules Hudson was in Somerset helping Baptist minister Derek and
0:23:28 > 0:23:30charity worker Alison.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34They were ready to leave Tonbridge in Kent and hoped their £500,000
0:23:34 > 0:23:39budget would buy them a classic period home in Somerset.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Jules hoped to show them something with that elusive wow factor.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44In the village of Butleigh,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48a 17th-century cottage, built from local Blue Lias stone,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52showed early signs of delivering just that.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- What a lovely-looking property. - Beautiful.- Isn't it?
0:23:55 > 0:23:56- Really excited.- Yeah.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- It's very handsome.- It is.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Inside, they were delighted by the fireplaces and stone stairs...
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- There it is.- Ha!- Isn't that lovely?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Goodness.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10..and there was music to Jules' ears.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Wow!- Very nice.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14That was a whoa. Is that like a wow?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- That's a wow.- Yeah, good.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17- Excellent.- A Kentish wow.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21By the time they reached the dining room,
0:24:21 > 0:24:23they were planning where the furniture could go.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Got a nice oak table that will just go there nicely.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Ah, you see? Hands are being rubbed, we're painting the picture...
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Moving in.- Starting to see our furniture in this place already.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Can you do that though, Derek? - Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Good. Right, come through here. This is the kitchen.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40See what you think of this, Alison.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45- Oh!- Yes.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46A red range.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- How about that? - That's awesome, isn't it?
0:24:49 > 0:24:50Yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Alison and Derek were also impressed by the five bedrooms this property
0:24:55 > 0:24:59delivered. Outside, along with the walled garden,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03a double garage had been converted into a dream hobby space,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05something they had both been looking for.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Although it tipped over their preferred £500,000 budget,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11they seemed determined to make it theirs.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16I think the house has the wow factor.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I am certainly very, very impressed.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I can see us living here.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Derek and Alison forged ahead with buying that handsome property.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Over the past few years,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29they've made some homely changes and become involved
0:25:29 > 0:25:31with the local church community.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35So, two memorable house tour highlights there but now,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39let's set our sights on where the journey started for the next couple
0:25:39 > 0:25:41I'm revisiting, Rick and Dee.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47Moving from a town or city to the countryside can feel like
0:25:47 > 0:25:49a huge leap into the unknown.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55It's never easy finding the perfect property in the right location,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58but add another factor, a third person to consider,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02and chances are it becomes even more of a challenge.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08That was certainly the case back in 2013 when Rick and Dee from Ilford,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Essex, asked for our help
0:26:10 > 0:26:13in relocating to the Somerset countryside.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17The sale of Rick's mum, Ruby's, home was helping to fund the move
0:26:17 > 0:26:19and she planned to join them in the new house.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21To ensure there was an income,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Rick wanted to continue his dog grooming work.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I've spent the last two years building the business up
0:26:27 > 0:26:30and it's beginning to really get going now.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35When we met up in the West Country, Dee shared her very specific dream.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36What are you after?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Absolutely ideally, I'd love a converted church.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40Would you?
0:26:40 > 0:26:45With £420,000, they were looking for at least three bedrooms,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48including ground-floor living for Mum, Ruby,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51space for the dog grooming business and some land.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Our first house, located in the village of Holcombe,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57made quite a first impression.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Has it taken your breath away? DEE LAUGHS
0:27:00 > 0:27:01Yeah, it really...
0:27:02 > 0:27:04What's going through your mind?
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Well, it's just a cottage in the country
0:27:08 > 0:27:11what people say when they want to retire, a cottage in the country,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13it's absolutely gorgeous.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It did take my breath away as well actually.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Yeah, it's put a little lump in my throat.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19You're both so emotional!
0:27:20 > 0:27:21But that's good.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24No, that's good. Well, it proves it means a lot to you.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Inside, this cottage exuded country charm.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Well, I think it's lovely.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- Do you think it's too small? - Initial impressions, a small room.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- It's snug, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- It is.- I like snug.- It depends what else comes with it.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- I like snug.- Yeah.- The good news is there's more to see.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41Oh.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Log burners were a focal point in both the sitting room
0:27:44 > 0:27:45and dining area.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50An additional games room provided a work space for Rick's dog grooming,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52but we took stock of the potential here in the kitchen.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Oh, this is very sweet.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59It's not a kitchen diner but...
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- No.- Now, with this cottage, even though this was extended,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05they've sort of done it in keeping with the rest of the cottage.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10It's small - plenty of small rooms, rather than one big open space.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12- Mmm.- It's got everything you need, hasn't it?
0:28:12 > 0:28:15And I suppose you've got the dining area
0:28:15 > 0:28:17as almost integral to the kitchen.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Initial thoughts is kitchen's too small.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Yeah.- But the budget we've got,
0:28:22 > 0:28:23we're going to have to make compromises
0:28:23 > 0:28:27so it really does depend on how the rest of it hangs together.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Upstairs, there were three good-sized bedrooms
0:28:30 > 0:28:34plus a countryside view to wake up to.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- Oh...- She's spotted it.- ..wow!
0:28:36 > 0:28:37Can you see out here, Rick?
0:28:37 > 0:28:38Have a look, Rick.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Oh, wow! - HE LAUGHS
0:28:43 > 0:28:45How fantastic is that?
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Fantastic.- You don't see views like that every day, do you?
0:28:48 > 0:28:50No, you don't. And a pond as well.
0:28:50 > 0:28:51So, does that come with the property?
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Guess what? It does.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- Fantastic.- You're kidding. - No. Three quarters of an acre.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58Oh.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01It was a truly memorable reaction
0:29:01 > 0:29:05and given the added bonus of a double garage and workshop,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Rick and Dee were left wondering just what this home
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- was on the market for. - I think I've got to say...
0:29:11 > 0:29:13415?
0:29:13 > 0:29:18I'm going to come in with a fairly optimistic 390.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The owners would like offers in excess
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- of £350,000.- Oh, wow!- Mmm.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It's unbelievable, really.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Unbelievable.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35It seemed our job was done but there were two more houses to see.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40In the village of High Ham, we'd lined up a strong second contender.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43So, this time, we're going to show you a cottage that's even older
0:29:43 > 0:29:45than the first one.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- And here it is.- Oh, my goodness!
0:29:47 > 0:29:51This time, believed to be about three or 400 years old.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54How much of this property do you think would be yours?
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Well, initially, I thought up to that drainpipe.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00And then I was hoping it's all of it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03You'd be right. The whole thing. DEE GASPS
0:30:03 > 0:30:06It's just as awe-inspiring as the first one.
0:30:06 > 0:30:07Shall we head inside?
0:30:07 > 0:30:08- Yes, please.- Please.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14First impressions of surprise and then delight continued
0:30:14 > 0:30:16when they saw the interior features,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19including an unusual fireplace in the living room
0:30:19 > 0:30:23which conjured up images of cosy winter nights.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25A granny bonnet, apparently, it's called.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- I don't think I've ever seen one like it.- No.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30And there's a bread oven on the right.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31I love that fireplace.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Fireplace is fantastic.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34Yeah.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37They were also pleased when they saw the generous proportions
0:30:37 > 0:30:38of the kitchen-diner.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- Big enough kitchen? - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45This space is exactly the kind of thing that we...
0:30:45 > 0:30:46It's what we'd envisaged.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47This is what you had in mind?
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Yeah.- Well, that's good.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Through the door you've got a study.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55This provided a good option for the ground-floor living
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Rick's mum would need. What's more,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Rick had his requested work space in an area currently used to run a
0:31:01 > 0:31:06clothing business. Then upstairs, in the four-bedroom accommodation,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10they had an emotional vision of what their move to the country
0:31:10 > 0:31:11could deliver.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It's like being inside a Van Gogh painting.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19That's just incredible.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Think how that's going to change...
0:31:21 > 0:31:22- Yeah.- ..through the seasons.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Yeah, yeah. Well, this is why we want to move, isn't it?
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I can see you're getting a little bit teary.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28I'm just loving it, yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Yeah, no, it's...it's stunning.
0:31:31 > 0:31:32Speechless, again.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- Speechless. - That doesn't happen very often.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42There were deep breaths all round as we headed out to see what they would
0:31:42 > 0:31:46make of the half-acre plot, which included a small orchard.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- Fabulous.- It's lovely. - It's absolutely wonderful.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- Yeah.- It's a good size.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56So, would they be able to guess the price of this idyllic slice
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- of country life? - I'm going to take a stab...
0:31:59 > 0:32:01385.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03I'm going to try 395.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06The asking price is £395,000.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Oh, no!
0:32:09 > 0:32:12All very much on the money at property two,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15but could we go one better?
0:32:15 > 0:32:19Our mystery offering, located in the village of Charlton Adam, challenged
0:32:19 > 0:32:23Dee's dream by presenting her with the reality.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26With our mystery house, we're going to show you this property.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You are kidding me.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29- No.- That's not really?
0:32:29 > 0:32:30Yes. It is.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It's an old schoolhouse.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- That's fantastic. - And it was a chapel.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- DEE GASPS - How do you manage it?
0:32:37 > 0:32:38- Amazed.- Yes?
0:32:38 > 0:32:39Speechless again.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43My first impression when we walked along the road and this was kind of
0:32:43 > 0:32:45at the end of the road,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49I thought, "Surely they have not managed to completely
0:32:49 > 0:32:53"fill all my wishes and got me a little church."
0:32:53 > 0:32:56It seemed that's what we'd done.
0:32:56 > 0:32:57I think we should start off...
0:32:57 > 0:33:00THEY LAUGH
0:33:00 > 0:33:01..with the main chapel.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Come in.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It's just... I can't believe it!
0:33:10 > 0:33:12But you've got the mullion features, haven't you?
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Leaded light windows...
0:33:15 > 0:33:16My Christmas tree's already in.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19My crib.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23The wood burner's going.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27And just look at that stained-glass window.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Would you like to see a little bit more?
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- I'd love to.- I think you... Oh, she's gone again.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32Right, let's keep going.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33We've lost her. Come on.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Just mind the slight slope leading into...
0:33:40 > 0:33:42..a rather large kitchen.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- Oh, yeah.- Is it larger than you were predicting?
0:33:44 > 0:33:47I've lost all ability to predict at the moment, so...
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Wondering if our kitchen table would fit in this space or not.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56That's my only initial concern.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01It provided not only living space for the two of them but also had
0:34:01 > 0:34:03ground-floor accommodation for Rick's mum.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Upstairs, off the impressive galleried landing,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09there were two further bedrooms,
0:34:09 > 0:34:14one a light double with leaded windows and its own ensuite.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18But I couldn't wait to see how they would react to a stunning feature in
0:34:18 > 0:34:20the master.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21You have...
0:34:21 > 0:34:25HE CHUCKLES ..your own stained-glass window.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Set me off again. Unbelievable!
0:34:29 > 0:34:32The mystery twist here was that it didn't come with the outside space
0:34:32 > 0:34:36they'd asked for. But would they compromise on that,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40given there was a detached stone coach house in the walled courtyard,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43offering scope for the dog-grooming business?
0:34:43 > 0:34:44At the moment, it's divided up,
0:34:44 > 0:34:46you've got the garage part underneath.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Potentially, the dog-grooming upstairs.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50That's a very good thought.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- Yeah.- Very good thought.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Well, we've all got smiles on our faces.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Let's hope that remains for guess the price.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59So, Rick, would you like to go first?
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I'm going to come in with 425.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06I'm going to be slightly optimistic and finish it at 420.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08The asking price is...
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- £375,000.- You're kidding.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12No.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I think you should be kissing Nicki!
0:35:19 > 0:35:20Yes.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25So, extraordinary reactions from Dee to all three of our properties,
0:35:25 > 0:35:26but ultimately,
0:35:26 > 0:35:30did they stick to their original brief and go for one of the earlier
0:35:30 > 0:35:33character cottages that delivered the requested land
0:35:33 > 0:35:35they were so keen on?
0:35:35 > 0:35:38They love the natural features of the first property...
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Oh!- It's definitely a wow, isn't it?
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It really is a wow.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- I'd say it's bordering on a lake rather than just a pond.- Incredible.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49..and the fabulous outlook over the surrounding countryside in
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- the second. - Aw, it's great, isn't it?- Mmm.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55So every bedroom has that beautiful view.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00Or did the mystery property tempt them to do a complete U-turn?
0:36:01 > 0:36:07I don't think I have ever had tears of joy for all three houses before
0:36:07 > 0:36:11or since. Rick and Dee were dream house hunters
0:36:11 > 0:36:13and I could do no wrong.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15And as often the case,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18it was the mystery house that was the favourite
0:36:18 > 0:36:22and their list of priorities just seemed to fade away.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Now, it definitely didn't have the large garden they were after
0:36:25 > 0:36:31but what it did have was bags of character - and they loved it.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35So much so, they are now the proud owners of the converted chapel.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38But when I last saw the property, it was unfurnished,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40it was completely empty,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43so I can't wait to see what they've done and how it looks today.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50SHE LAUGHS
0:36:50 > 0:36:55- Hello.- Hello, Nicki.- Hi, Nicki. - Oh, it's been a long time.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58And what a transformation.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02From that main reception room and it's impressive mullion windows,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05to the master bedroom which had Dee in tears.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11It's been two years since they completed their purchase
0:37:11 > 0:37:17and the whole house and garden now has their stamp all over it.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21You've done the most amazing job.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Tell me it feels like home.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Oh, it does.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Just came here and it felt like home straightaway.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29So, it has been a home from day one.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Yeah.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33But it's not all happy news.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Sadly, a few months after making the move with them,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Rick's mum, Ruby, passed away.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44She became more confused as the year went on as to where she was.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- She had dementia.- But the people in the village embraced her, totally.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51- Did they?- They really did. - Oh, they loved her.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- Absolutely.- Right from day one.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I know she was a very important part of your lives and, obviously,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59we are very sorry to hear the news that she has passed away.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Just wish she could've enjoyed it a little bit more, but
0:38:02 > 0:38:05she was at that stage of her life and it was tough.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06- It was difficult.- Yeah.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08So, let's talk about village life.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12How quickly did you both make friends here?
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Oh, it was very quick. As soon as we arrived,
0:38:16 > 0:38:20people came and introduced themselves, welcomed us.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23If you go somewhere in London, nobody really notices...
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- True.- ..come here, everybody said welcome,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- asked how we were settling in. - Aw!- They were really caring. - Those early days...
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Those early days were amazing... - ..so important.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Now, one of the requirements Dee and Rick gave us
0:38:36 > 0:38:39was space for Rick's dog-grooming business.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42We thought there was potential in the former coach house located
0:38:42 > 0:38:44in the walled courtyard.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47And, boy, have they run with it!
0:38:47 > 0:38:50In the last six months, the business has really got going.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55And today, Rufus is booked in for his regular haircut.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57He's a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
0:38:57 > 0:39:00and is one of many of Rick's new clients.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03When I was in London,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06I was doing a lot of show dogs which had very hairy coats,
0:39:06 > 0:39:11but the working-type dogs, the springers, the cocker spaniels,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14they probably only need grooming two, three times a year
0:39:14 > 0:39:20cos the working dogs have a less hairy coat but the owners do like to
0:39:20 > 0:39:22keep them under control.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26This one, if he was just left alone, he would get very, very long,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29very wiry and very scruffy.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33And I do a lot of things like springer spaniels,
0:39:33 > 0:39:38which are very active dogs that get out there in the dirty fields and
0:39:38 > 0:39:40those customers like their dogs completely stripped,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43so they don't have all the mud and bring the mud home.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48And it's not just about keeping the coats of the local canines in good
0:39:48 > 0:39:54condition. It's also been a great introduction to the whole community.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Because of Rufus, I've got to know Phil, because of that,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I'm now on the committee for the local village hall.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- So...- It's very sociable in this village, having a dog.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07If you haven't got a dog, you're not really in with the people!
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Look... He's desperate to go for a walk, now, aren't you?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Go on, then. Cheerio. - See you later. Bye.- Bye.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18And from one four-legged friend to another.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23The rural relocation means Dee is finally fulfilling a childhood wish
0:40:23 > 0:40:25of learning to ride.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Dee, you look as pretty as a picture there with these two horses.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30- Who do we have?- Thank you, Nicki.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32We've got Mambo here for you,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34absolutely gorgeous, and this is Blue.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37And is this the horse that you normally ride?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I only started last October, so I've just been riding for a year.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42I come here every week.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I've been riding Blue for the last four or five weeks.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48We've been getting on very well, haven't we, Blue?
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Most of Somerset's 622 miles of bridleways are located in Exmoor
0:40:53 > 0:40:55and the Quantock Hills.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56In the rest of the county,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00heading for a hack often requires riding along the country lanes,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04which makes it all the more important to build up good control
0:41:04 > 0:41:07and technique. That's what Dee is doing today,
0:41:07 > 0:41:11as instructor Alice Darby puts us both through our paces in the riding
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- school arena.- Super.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Good.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17That's it, kick, kick, Dee. Look up, where you're going.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Always looking up and forward.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23We're going to need to do two bounces and then go rising.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26So we change our trot diagonal, that's it, keep going, Nicki.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Squeeze that leg round him.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31That's it. Well done. Super.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34That rising trot is coming along nicely,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38so all that remains is to find out how pleased they are with their new
0:41:38 > 0:41:40country life.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I was going to ask, on a scale of one to ten,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45how happy this move has made you?
0:41:45 > 0:41:50- Oh, ten.- Ten. - Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Aw, look, she's going!
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Dee, one of my lasting memories of you were the tears.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- Tears of joy.- Yes.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02It is just such a wonderful life.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04It really is.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09We've got beautiful scenery and you look over and you think,
0:42:09 > 0:42:10"God, I've died and gone to heaven."
0:42:10 > 0:42:13I have to pinch myself almost every day to say,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15"Is this absolutely real?"
0:42:15 > 0:42:17It is just stunning.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21I am absolutely thrilled you're both having such a brilliant
0:42:21 > 0:42:26new life here in the country in your splendid home.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27It's wonderful.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I'm so pleased that not only are both our couples delighted
0:42:37 > 0:42:38with the homes we've found them
0:42:38 > 0:42:41but they've immersed themselves in country life.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Making such a move can be a daunting experience,
0:42:45 > 0:42:51but embracing it with open arms has certainly paid off and they all look
0:42:51 > 0:42:53incredibly happy.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00If you dream of escaping to the country in Scotland, Wales, England
0:43:00 > 0:43:03or Northern Ireland and would also like our help,
0:43:03 > 0:43:04why not apply online at...