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 > 0:00:08Never in a million years I would imagine I would be
0:00:08 > 0:00:10seeing a house like this. Never, ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14But for many years, Escape to the Country has been
0:00:14 > 0:00:18supporting countless people on the hunt for a new home.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20What do we think of this?
0:00:21 > 0:00:22Oh, my! Chocolate box!
0:00:22 > 0:00:26We've travelled to the most picturesque pockets of Britain...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Take a look at that killer view.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29That's amazing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33..to showcase thousands of exquisite country properties...
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Oh! How pretty is that?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38..that our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Jules!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Seriously, get your cheque-book out now!
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Join us as we catch up with those who bought their dream home...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- That's just lovely, isn't it? - Wow, isn't that gorgeous?
0:00:49 > 0:00:55..to find out how the move changed their lives when they escaped to the country.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Today, I'm in the maritime county of Dorset.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20And this is the beach at West Bay, whose evocative sandstone cliffs
0:01:20 > 0:01:24form part of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Now in 2001, this coast was declared the country's very first
0:01:28 > 0:01:32natural World Heritage site due to its intriguing geology,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37which reveals 185 million years of the Earth's history.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Fast forward to the present day and Dorset also boasts a rich variety of
0:01:42 > 0:01:43beautiful properties,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47which makes it a firm favourite with many of our house-hunters.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50And I'm thrilled to be back here to catch up with some of those who now
0:01:50 > 0:01:53call this fascinating county their home.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Dorset, situated on England's southern coastline,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02is one of our most popular counties and one of the most expensive for
0:02:02 > 0:02:06property shoppers. Today I'll be revisiting Diana and Jonathan.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10They swapped their suburban Sussex home for the peace of the Dorset
0:02:10 > 0:02:14countryside 18 months ago but have wasted no time in putting their own
0:02:14 > 0:02:18stamp on the beautiful house we found for them...
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- Hello!- Hello! How are you?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- I want to know everything. Show me everything.- Come in.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27..plus, I'll be meeting their new friends and visiting some of their
0:02:27 > 0:02:29favourite country haunts.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Back in the autumn of 2015,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Jonathan and Diana were looking to move from Burgess Hill in Sussex and
0:02:38 > 0:02:40settle down by the seaside.
0:02:40 > 0:02:47We met when Jonathan was in the police force and I was a stewardess.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50And after knowing each other for ten days, we decided to get married.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52That was 33 years ago.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54We enjoy travel.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57We enjoy coming out of our comfort zone.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- We have good fun. - We're energetic, aren't we?
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- Yeah, we are.- We like doing things together.- Yeah.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07The couple enjoyed packing in plenty of travel.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10But with their two grown-up sons having flown the nest,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13they were now looking for somewhere quieter to live.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Although they were retired,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18they weren't planning to put their feet up right away.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21I want to take up sailing.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Maybe get a small boat to go up and down rivers, that type of thing.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I want to meet new people, perhaps running a sewing group there.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- I think we'll turn out to be very busy.- I think so, too.- We will be busy.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Former police officer Jonathan was also a published author,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40and wanted a space in which to plot his next move.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45My writing, I started about five years ago.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Crime thriller based using my experience.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I'm on my third book at the moment.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54And top of the wish list was a view of the sea.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57They were after a bright home with three bedrooms,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01a sewing room for her, along with that writer's den for him.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05They had a budget of £500,000 to spend on their new purchase
0:04:05 > 0:04:10and were open to most styles of property, but weren't so keen on thatches.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18We started off close to the coast in the small village of Morcombelake,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22where I showed them a 1930s property situated on a hillside
0:04:22 > 0:04:25set in extensive gardens.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29This is our first property, the house on the hill.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- It's lovely, isn't it? - Isn't that gorgeous?
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Absolutely gorgeous. The trees.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- This is the location you are looking for, am I right?- Oh, yes, lovely.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39It really is lovely.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43The recently renovated interior went down well, too.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Come in.- Wow.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46It's a really good sized kitchen.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Nice and light. You come straight in,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51so the balcony is part of the kitchen.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Absolutely. So you can throw open the doors.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- That's your little champagne balcony.- Yeah.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01And even when it's cold, raining, you've still got that fabulous view.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- Look, look.- I never noticed that! - Oh, yes.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I'd say that was a fantastic moment.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11I think it's gorgeous.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- It's lovely, isn't it?- Beautiful. - It's really, really lovely.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16You've got a conservatory just through there,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18which again makes use of the views.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Yeah.- You've got a really lovely sized utility room.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24So this isn't where everything is.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28So even as you're washing up in the utility room or doing the laundry,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- you've got the views.- Fantastic. - Lovely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Just on the other side of the hallway was the main reception room
0:05:35 > 0:05:36with wood burning stove.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Again, in here, the owners have really made use of the setting.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43A really nice sized room. The door that goes outside.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47And you've still got the view. It's so light and bright.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49It's got a lovely feel to it. A really lovely feel.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- So you can imagine yourself relaxing in here?- Absolutely.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- I can, actually!- I can, actually! It's really...- It's really nice.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Two of the three bedrooms were on the ground floor,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03just off the main reception room, each with brick fireplaces.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05These were served by a ground-floor bathroom.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Upstairs, the loft space had been converted into a spacious main bedroom.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Up here, you've got your own private suite, really.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Wow.- I like this. It's really bright.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Look at the views across there.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Yeah.- You could wake up to that view.- Wow.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27That is like a picture. It's absolutely lovely.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31This floor is your own, not really for guests, unless in the future you
0:06:31 > 0:06:34chose to stay in the bedrooms on the ground floor.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- It's a perfect house for a couple. - It is.- Yeah. Perfect.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I like the way they shaped the ceiling to get the light in.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Beautifully done.- They've done it really nicely.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Great. Let's go see what else is in store.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- Right.- Lead us back out to the garden.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54Our favourably positioned hillside retreat had got off to a perfect start.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Outside there was a former housekeeper's annexe that
0:06:57 > 0:07:01could've been converted into a writing den or sewing room.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03So you've got three quarters of an acre, really.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06It's a joy. I like gardening!
0:07:06 > 0:07:07I like working outside.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12So, what would this beautiful house cost you?
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Well, I'd say certainly top end.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18So, I would say 525.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Not going to argue too much with that.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23I'll be optimistic and go 520.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28It's actually on the market for just under your budget.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32£499,950.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- Good gracious.- Good gracious. Unbelievable.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36It's just absolutely gorgeous.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I feel quite emotional about it.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41It's really, really fabulous.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Just under budget, the price and the property seem to hit the spot.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Lovely open plan. Beautifully done.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Nice soft wood everywhere. I wouldn't want to change anything.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54I think it's really gorgeous.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58The garden would be lovely for the two grandchildren.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01They would have a whale of a time making camps and running around.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05I think the views were our number one priority, quite honestly.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06It's beautifully situated.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08The rooms are so nicely done.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11It feels as though the outside and inside are almost joined together.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Really delighted and pleased with it.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Our next property was inland, close to the border with Somerset
0:08:20 > 0:08:22and Devon in the village of Thorncombe.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26It was a beautiful house built of stone in the year 2000,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28but added to later.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- What do you think?- The house looks nice.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32The views, really quite stunning.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33On the edge of the village.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37You are inland here, a little bit more than perhaps you wanted.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- How do you feel about that?- Maybe it's a compromise.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Yeah.- Yeah, open mind.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Yes, absolutely.- What about the house itself?
0:08:44 > 0:08:45What do you think about the look of it?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47It looks nice. It's in nice condition.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Nice windows, nice outlook from the windows.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I'm really open to have a look.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Let's go and have a look.- Lovely. Thank you.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56As is often the case,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59the heart of the home was the stunning kitchen diner.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02Very nice.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Yes.- Isn't that lovely?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06A nice centre.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Yeah, a lovely island. Really nice size.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I feel like this is a family entertaining kitchen.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Yeah, it is.- Yes. - And that little space.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I mean, you could almost have it as a little TV corner.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- Yeah.- You could do whatever you wanted.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22Leave it open like that.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Yeah.- If you had guests, this is where you'd be eating dinner too.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27- Yes.- Yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31It's really lovely. Really nicely done.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34The main reception rooms were to the rear of the property.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39Now this used to be the main living area of the house.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42With the fireplace, double aspect.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47But this is the real asset downstairs, I think.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- This summer room.- Yes, it's lovely. - Yes, lovely.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Now you can see this has been added on a little bit later.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Yeah.- But it's just so well done.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Yes. Absolutely lovely. A lovely room.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02You don't feel as though you're in an extension as such.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Really beautiful.- It's been done so nicely.- Yeah.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Upstairs there were three bedrooms, including a guest double with
0:10:08 > 0:10:12outstanding views, and a large master ensuite.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's a nice sized master.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- Yes, it is.- Very big.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19So the master looks out onto the courtyard and the garden.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21And there are some views.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23But the real views are to be had in here.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- That is a large ensuite, isn't it?! - That is...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Wow. We have got lovely views.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Bath, glass of wine, views.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- What more can you want?- What more is there to say?- Yeah. Lovely.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- Well, let's go see more of those views outside, I think.- OK.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46The space and views on offer were convincing our couple,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48and there was even more outside.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52A double garage had an upper storey that could've made a writer's room
0:10:52 > 0:10:53or somewhere to sew.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57And the garden had various areas in which to soak up the surroundings.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Can you imagine sitting here, looking out onto those views?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Very nice indeed.- They are lovely. - Really lovely.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08There's not a pylon in sight.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11The scenery will change as the seasons pass.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It's really nice.- Shall we talk price?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Erm, 510.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Diana?- I'd say 505.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It is an immaculate house.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Top end again. Absolute top end, I would say.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Jonathan was spot-on.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35It is on the market for £510,000.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Very good value for money, I think.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42£10,000 over budget, this attractive stone property offered Jonathan
0:11:42 > 0:11:46and Diana a modern living space in beautiful surroundings.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50I think the stone house property is really lovely.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54So comfortable, so well finished, inside and out.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56The location is lovely.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02Presented just superbly with the views, really, really spectacular views.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04If I were moving in with the family,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08with our two sons as they were younger, it would've been perfect.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11It's a very, very comfortable house.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15But probably not what we're looking for.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Perhaps something a little bit more of a challenge,
0:12:17 > 0:12:18a little bit more quirky.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30After a successful first day, the next morning I took our couple
0:12:30 > 0:12:33to the market town of Bridport, just a stone's throw from the coast,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37where I showed them a smart 1930s property.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41We started the tour at the rear, where the seaside view was maximised.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Now as you both do want to live by the coast...
0:12:47 > 0:12:48..here is a house by the sea.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Bringing you in this way, you really get to appreciate the views,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57which is what you're after, and what you've requested, really.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Yeah.- What do you think about the house itself?
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Good size. Nice windows.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Immediately I see those big glass doors, which is showing us a view again.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06And making the most of it.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Let's go in.- Lovely.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17The seaside home was given a two-storey extension in 2013.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19And we started off in the newer section.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21A really good size.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22Really nice.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Bright. I like the fixtures and the fittings.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- They look good.- Yep. Loads of cupboards.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28- It's been nicely done.- Yeah.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Would this kind of space work for you and the way that you live?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Yeah. Definitely.- Yes.- Yeah.- This is the front of the house.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Let's go to the view side of the house.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42This used to be two rooms.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It works well as a big room, really.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47A really good size room, log burning stove.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Nice.- That's lovely, isn't it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- And the views are really gorgeous. - Gorgeous, aren't they?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Huge doors.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- It feels like a lovely Dorset picture...- Yes.- ..there, doesn't it?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Yeah. Very good.- Let's go higher because, of course,
0:14:01 > 0:14:02that sea view can only get better.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06With the downstairs views winning them over,
0:14:06 > 0:14:12we went upstairs to explore the four bedrooms, including two singles at
0:14:12 > 0:14:15the front and the two larger bedrooms at the rear.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17You could have next door as a master,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20but this had the space for the en-suite.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Yeah. And you've got the view.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- It's lovely, isn't it?- That's what this house is about.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- That picture.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We asked for a sea view but didn't think you'd find it.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33How you did it, I don't know.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Outside, the garden, which was largely laid to lawn,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39offered them a blank canvas.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40As did a rear garage,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43which had planning permission in place to be redeveloped,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and had potential for their creative pastimes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It needs work doing, but the view is still here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- Lovely.- You strike me as people that want to do a little something.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I like messing around in the garden, creating new ones.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58So this would be a nice one to create!
0:14:58 > 0:15:01How much is this property on the market for?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04How much is that sea view going to cost you?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Again, it's got to be top end.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- An optimistic 515.- OK.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Still some garden to be done.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I'm going to be really optimistic and go for 495.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22You both are being very optimistic.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26It is actually on the market for £540,000.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Is it really?- So I know I've been naughty by going over budget.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33But you did say you might have a little bit extra
0:15:33 > 0:15:35over the half a million.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37And there's always room to negotiate.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- 540 is the guide price.- Yes.- OK.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Although it was over budget by £40,000,
0:15:43 > 0:15:48our third property fulfilled that long held dream of a sea view.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52The first impression was nice big, bright, light, airy house.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Really attractive. South facing.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Walking distance to the sea.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59The location, absolutely lovely.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03The views out southwards really does take the eye.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The garden itself needs quite a lot of work doing on it.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09To do it to the right standard, you would be looking at quite a lot of
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- money.- I would hope there'd be room for negotiation,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14because I'm definitely interested.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Yeah. It's definitely up there.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18You've made life difficult for us!
0:16:20 > 0:16:24I'm afraid I will need to drag you both away from the gorgeous view,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27as we still have the Mystery House to go.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Yeah. OK.- Our property hunt is not over.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Thank you very much.- What else have you got up your sleeve?!
0:16:32 > 0:16:36With two strong property contenders already in the bag,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I felt brave enough to take a punt with the Mystery House.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43We always like to challenge our buyers with the final property.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44Open up their eyes,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47take them to see something they wouldn't have seen themselves.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49This Mystery House was no exception.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51For some, it's a timeless classic.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55For others, it's most definitely character overload.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06What do you think I have up my sleeve for the mystery property?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I really don't know.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10You've surprised us so far.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15I can only think, although we said we would prefer not to,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17perhaps you've got a thatched property.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So remind me why you don't like thatched?
0:17:20 > 0:17:24We didn't want the upkeep of the thatch.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28And normally they're very small and not light and airy.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I know you're going to pull something out that's going to really
0:17:31 > 0:17:32throw the spanner in the works.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- And we are going to be making a big decision, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Our final offering took us back to Morcombelake,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43close to the location of our first property.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47But this one was very different and Diana and Jonathan's suspicions
0:17:47 > 0:17:49were spot on.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51LAUGHTER
0:17:51 > 0:17:52How did we know?!
0:17:54 > 0:17:55How pretty is that?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58And you did know, didn't you?
0:17:58 > 0:18:03So I'm afraid my Mystery House wasn't as much of a mystery as it
0:18:03 > 0:18:06should've been, because you completely guessed.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08But how pretty is that?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11What a lovely setting.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Wow.- Actually, it looks really nice.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15It's a really nice house.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17I know you said no thatched.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21I wanted you to give this a chance because those fears you have about a
0:18:21 > 0:18:26thatched being perhaps pokey, it doesn't really apply.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28It's gorgeous. Let's give it a go.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Shall we?- Absolutely, yeah. - Are you up for trying it?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Absolutely, yeah.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34That's all I wanted to know.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40With surprisingly positive reactions to the exterior of this grade two
0:18:40 > 0:18:42listed 17th-century proposition,
0:18:42 > 0:18:47I wanted to show Diana and Jonathan that period needn't mean pokey.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50This is the main living room.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51Very light and bright.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- What a pleasant surprise.- I take it all back. It's really bright.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Higher ceilings, I think, than usual on a cottage.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Yeah.- And I like the way they're painted it rather than left dark.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05It brightens it up.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Good sized windows. You can see the sun is really coming in.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Was it what you expected?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13From a thatched place, no.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16It is much brighter, much lighter.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18This is the older part of the house.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Let's take you through into the newer part.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Isn't that lovely? It's really light.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So many windows, you couldn't ever call this dark and dingy, could you?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- No.- I'm causing problems, aren't I?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Yes.- Giving you too many choices.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36You are. You are definitely causing us problems.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Shall we go and explore the upstairs?- Lovely.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44As well as a cosy snug downstairs, there were three bedrooms upstairs,
0:19:44 > 0:19:49all of a good size, including a master in the eaves.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Gosh. It's all so nice.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- Bright.- Yeah. You can lie in bed and look out at the lovely view.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57And this room has a wet room.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Oh, I thought it was just wardrobe space. Nicely done.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05It's totally different from my experiences of thatched cottages.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09You know, which have always had the small windows and everywhere is
0:20:09 > 0:20:11dark inside the house.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12Really, really different.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Crumbs!
0:20:16 > 0:20:17THEY LAUGH
0:20:17 > 0:20:21We'd confounded their expectations of thatched cottages with this
0:20:21 > 0:20:24bright and spacious property.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Having shown them the extensive grounds with a timber cabin that
0:20:27 > 0:20:30could've made a perfect sewing or writer's room,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33all that was left was to discuss the price tag.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36How much is this charming property on the market for?
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Oh, dear.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42I'm going to go for 520.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49OK. I can't believe it's anywhere near our price range.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Again, top end, but I'd say 525.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53You hit the nail on the head.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Oh, well done.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00It is on the market for £525,000.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02The good news is, if you are interested,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05the owners are willing to take offers.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- So, I think it's attainable, it's achievable.- Yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Although slightly over budget, it seemed the Dorset thatch had
0:21:11 > 0:21:14successfully fulfilled their wish list,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16whilst surprising them at the same time.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19It was really pretty.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Unexpectedly so.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I'm really pleased with it.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Really bright, big rooms.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I could easily live in them.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29It was a lovely, lovely house.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33We could certainly see ourselves sitting in the grounds having a
0:21:33 > 0:21:36glass of wine, catching the sun until it went down.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's really given us something to think about.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44The first thing you see is a really beautiful looking house.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47White, blue frames. Looks so pretty.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I think I'm far more open now in my views on thatches.
0:21:51 > 0:21:59Oh! We'd better get going because we have so much to discuss.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00Where are you both going to live?
0:22:03 > 0:22:07So Jonathan and Diana had four fantastic properties to choose from.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10The first, the hillside retreat,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13was just on the budget and had been beautifully renovated.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Our second, the modern stone house, offered them space and rural views.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22The third was over budget and the garden did need a bit of work,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25but had those fantastic sea views.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29And finally, our mystery thatch had enlightened our couple.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32But which one would win through in the end?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36By the time we sat down to discuss the next step
0:22:36 > 0:22:40on the beach at Charmouth, they'd narrowed down their options.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46We've had a chat and we've had a heart and head confrontation.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52What we've decided is that we'd like to make an offer
0:22:52 > 0:22:55on the house by the sea.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58And if the offer isn't accepted,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01then we'd go for the house on the hill.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Wow. Sounds like a grand plan.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Yeah. We're really, really pleased that we've actually found somewhere
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and in such a lovely place.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16So I left Jonathan and Diana on the beach with a Plan A and a Plan B.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Clearly they preferred the house with the sea views.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23But they also would've very happily settled for that wonderful
0:23:23 > 0:23:26hillside retreat. So which property did they end up buying?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I'm very pleased to report that they managed to secure
0:23:29 > 0:23:30the house by the sea.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I'm here to find out how they've transformed the place,
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and also what life is like 15 months on.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Hello! How are you?
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Hi, Jonathan. How are you?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- Hi, how are you?- So nice to see you.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59So nice to be back here. I want to see everything.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01Come through.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07It's immediately clear that the main transformation isn't inside the
0:24:07 > 0:24:08house, it's out the back.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11- The garden!- That's the main thing.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- Yes, a lot of work has been done out there.- A lot of work.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16You've completely changed it.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I remember there being lots of lawn just here.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Because the view is so big and open,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25we actually wanted the garden to be big and open,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27as opposed to it being enclosed.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31So we actually wanted to try and put light stones down.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34We got the stones because we're near the sea.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37And we like travelling, as we said before.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41And lots of ornamental plants, so we haven't got to keep worrying
0:24:41 > 0:24:44about cutting the sort of weedy grass.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45It's more manageable, really.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47We can actually enjoy where we're living.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50We can go out and not keep worrying about the garden.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51And if we do go away, then...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54We actually use more of the garden now.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- Before, we never used the grassy area.- At all?
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Or down the bottom. Now we actually use it all.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01We've got a table further down.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Jonathan really sort of designed the garden.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06And we had a lot of people say,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08"You're getting rid of the grass, oh, no!"
0:25:08 > 0:25:10But we're pleased that we did.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12And you've opened up this room,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15because I remember they had divided the room with a...
0:25:15 > 0:25:16The settee was here.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Yes, we've opened it up, so that we try and get the view all the way.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- Any other changes?- Painted the walls, that was about all.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27And new curtains, that's about it, really.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Now I remember the view.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I mean, it's stunning here.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35But it was spectacular from upstairs.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- Yes.- Let's go and see that view. - OK.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Having invested their energies on fixing up their seaside themed garden,
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Jonathan and Diana haven't changed much inside.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49The kitchen is largely as it was.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55And the master bedroom was all about the vista overlooking West Bay.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- There it is. The view that sold the house.- It is.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02It is. You stood there and said, "There we are."
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- And you were right.- That's what you asked for.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07It is. And yes, it's lovely.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10You never tire of it. First thing in the morning,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13last thing at night when the lights are all twinkling.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Yeah, it's lovely.- And in fact, as well as being the best place to
0:26:16 > 0:26:20see that view from, this is the best place to see the garden from.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Yeah. I think it really shows off the colours and the shapes that we've done.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Now as well as the garden, the other thing you are keen on
0:26:28 > 0:26:31working on, Diana, was the sewing.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- Ah, yes.- Did you find a little sewing room?
0:26:33 > 0:26:34I found a little sewing room.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36I think the one we identified originally.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Let's go and see it.- OK.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42When we first viewed the property back in 2015,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45I suggested turning one of the single bedrooms at the front
0:26:45 > 0:26:48into a space for Diana's hobby.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50And here is the sewing room.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Teenage bedroom to sewing room.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Yeah.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- Is this still a hobby? - It is still a hobby.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58I seem to have collected rather a lot of stuff.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01But it just happens with sewers.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I've managed to do quite a lot. I've joined a couple of groups.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Nice people. I wanted to start to run a group but there are a couple
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- of groups going anyway, so... - Already?- Yeah. Joined them.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I got to know the local people.
0:27:12 > 0:27:19- But this is what happens.- I spot a first prize certificate.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Oh, yes. That was the Melpash Show last year.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25I entered a cushion that I'd made for our eldest son and his family,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27which was a beach scene.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30And I entered it and got first prize.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Congratulations. I love this piece.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- Is that finished?- Yeah, I've finished that piece.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36That's a beach scene.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40That was made out of a dress I made for our son's wedding.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42So I used bits of it. I just like the colours.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44I thought it was nice and seaside-y.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46That really sums up your move as well, doesn't it?
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- What you came here for. - Yeah. It does.- The sea.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51The blues and greens and the view.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Diana's needlework adorns other rooms in the house,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59including the guest double overlooking the rear.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03They've clearly settled into this stunning house with the sea view.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05But this probably wasn't the only one on the cards,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and I'm interested to find out how they reached their decision.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12When I left you, you had two choices.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Yeah. We did. This was number one.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18And we rang the estate agent.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23And we put an offer on this one on the Monday, a firm offer.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26It took a while though, didn't it?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Yes. That was in October?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- Yeah.- We are talking about 18 months ago.
0:28:31 > 0:28:3418 months ago. And then we moved three months later, in January.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Yeah.- But you also did keep your eye on the hilltop house as well?
0:28:39 > 0:28:43Well, we did. Initially we were told there was an offer in on this house.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46We didn't want to get into a bidding war when they said that somebody
0:28:46 > 0:28:49else had put an offer in. So we said, we decided this was the area.
0:28:51 > 0:28:59So we made an offer for the hilltop house and that wasn't accepted.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05So that same day, we had heard back from these people to say that our
0:29:05 > 0:29:07offer would be accepted.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10It wasn't quite straightforward but you got here in the end.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11We got here in the end, yeah.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13We were very pleased to end up here in the end.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16It was everything we asked for.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20We asked you to find us a view. You found it. Near the sea.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You found that. It does offer all we wanted.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27Jonathan, the plan was to do a little bit of writing when you moved here.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Yes.- How is that going? - Slowly, because of all the other...
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Don't worry, I'm not your editor, I'm not chasing!
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Because of all the other work and the other jobs.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37But, yeah, the story's there.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40It's just a question now of really getting it done properly.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45This house was on the market for a £540,000, wasn't it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47You'd given me a budget of 500,000.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Maximum.- Well, you said you might have a little bit extra.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53So how much did you eventually pay for it?
0:29:53 > 0:29:54522 and a half.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55So you found the extra!
0:29:56 > 0:29:59But you sort of met somewhere in the middle?
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- Yeah.- Yes.- We did.- I'm so pleased that you ended up in a house that
0:30:03 > 0:30:06you absolutely loved during our house hunt.
0:30:06 > 0:30:07- Yes.- Have you ever looked back?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10I think when we first moved in we looked at the garden and thought,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12there's a lot of work that needs doing here.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14That was a slight heart sink.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16But we looked at the view and we said, "No,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18"we knew we had a lot of work to do." So, that was it.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Never regretted moving for one moment.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- You're through the other side now? - Yes, exactly.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Never... We haven't... I haven't regretted it.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28And you haven't either, moving here. It'll all we ever wanted.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30So, thank you again.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32It's our pleasure, Diana.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Later on, I'll be meeting some of her new friends
0:30:35 > 0:30:39at the local knitting circle. Who's chief knitter in the group?
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- Oh!- It was all nice until I asked that question!
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Plus, I'll be visiting one of Jonathan and Diana's favourite
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Dorset beauty spots.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53But before that, another memorable success story
0:30:53 > 0:30:56from our country property portfolio.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Over the years our property journeys with our house hunters have covered
0:31:03 > 0:31:06the length and breadth of the British countryside.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Armed with different budgets and requirements,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12they've all had a desire to improve their quality of life
0:31:12 > 0:31:13through a move to the country.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17It's such a satisfying outcome when they make that all-important
0:31:17 > 0:31:19offer on a house that we've shown them.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Back in the summer of 2009, Sally and Jeff were wanting to
0:31:24 > 0:31:29upsize from their Surrey bungalow and had a £600,000 budget.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Their wish list included an office, indoor gym and a room for Jeff's
0:31:34 > 0:31:36collection of 700 model fire engines.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Denise Nurse came to the rescue with this Dorset barn conversion.
0:31:42 > 0:31:43You want to upsize.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46We bring you this property.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47First impressions?
0:31:47 > 0:31:49First impressions are very positive.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Yeah, certainly a lot bigger than the property we've got now.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53So that's another plus.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56It is bigger but it's also attached, as you can probably see.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59So you've got a neighbour right there.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- How do you feel about that?- I don't think that's a problem.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Certainly from the outside it's impressive.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08And it looks distinctive, which is always a good start.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10There's quite a lot to get around,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13so I don't think we should waste any more time. Let's have a look.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16The house was certainly large enough for all their
0:32:16 > 0:32:17collectables and gym gear.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21As you'd expect with such a big house,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23we have a big entrance hallway for you.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24- What do you think?- I like it.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27It's got some mysterious doors going on.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Aha! Lots of mysterious doors, which we will go through later on.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32But I want to start with this one.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37The kitchen. I think it's often the heart of the home.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- Oh, yes.- What do you think of this one?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- It's a good size. Really nice size. I like it.- It is.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46It's very open. Lots of space. Great views out of the window.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49And I love that central island. That's lovely.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53I like to be cooking in the kitchen and having people around me.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55This is an ideal place for that.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57The living room didn't disappoint either.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02This is a good size, isn't it?
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Lots of wall space, because we have got a lot of pictures and paintings
0:33:05 > 0:33:08that we need somewhere to hang up. I like the fireplace.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09- A working fire?- A working fireplace.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Great. That's what we want.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Then it was time to reveal what was behind those mysterious doors.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Sally, this, I think, should be just for you.- Oh, yes!
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Isn't this lovely? A little snug all to myself.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28All to yourself. It's an escape, isn't it?
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Well, there are plenty of rooms to escape to in this property,
0:33:31 > 0:33:32so let's keep looking.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38That door leads through the utility room back to the kitchen.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Here, another room.- Yes.- Yet another room.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Could be a dining room.- The current owners have used it as such.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47It could be a study, because it's got a nice view out over the
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- adjoining properties.- It could be.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Another door led to a key requirement on their wish list.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Ah! They've already got a gym.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01This is where it would be.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- Oh, my goodness me.- Look at this. - Yes.- Ideal. It really is.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07It's just a wonderful space, isn't it?
0:34:07 > 0:34:10And a view out other than looking at a wall, as we do at the moment,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12when we're on the running machine or the cycling machine.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- Absolutely perfect. - This is a really good space.
0:34:15 > 0:34:16A real selling point.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20Upstairs this vast barn conversion was home to six bedrooms,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22all good-sized doubles.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25All of this built-in wardrobe space here.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28They really have utilised everything in this property.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29They certainly have.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- But this is the room I want to show you.- Oh, yes.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- A lovely room.- It's huge.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36It's huge and there's more to it.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Here, you've got a walk-in wardrobe.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41- Oh, I like that.- Come this way.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I'm not sure that's big enough for all your clothes, dear.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Through here, you have your en-suite.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Oh, look.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- It's great.- It is lovely.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I think you quite like this property, don't you?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- It's growing on us.- I think we do.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Outside, we didn't hold back on space, either,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02with a massive lawned garden, a field and two paddocks.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05All in all, just over a four acre plot size.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09All of that property, all of this land.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12The question is, how much do you think it's worth?
0:35:12 > 0:35:16I think were talking up in the 700 thousands, I really do.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- OK.- So 700,000 from Jeff.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21I was going to go as high as that, if not higher, to be honest.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- But I could be wrong. - Give me a number.- 725.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28725. So that's quite a bit above your budget.
0:35:28 > 0:35:35It is. But what about if I told you it's actually on the market at £585,000.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36- What?- What?
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- You are serious?- I'm absolutely serious.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41That's amazing.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Well within their £600,000 budget,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Jeff and Sally succumbed to the space of the barn conversion,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49and made an offer on it.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Another inspirational house-hunting journey in England's Jurassic heartland.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03More than 40% of the Dorset countryside has been designated as
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08but aside from its arresting coastline and countryside,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11there are many man-made marvels to admire too,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14including more than 9,500 listed buildings,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18and when it comes to setting up home here, with over 150 villages to
0:36:18 > 0:36:21choose from, you are definitely spoilt for choice.
0:36:21 > 0:36:27Plus, its lack of motorways and cities make this truly rural county
0:36:27 > 0:36:28an ideal getaway.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33But if you're after a bit more of a buzz, where better than Bridport,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36one of Dorset's premier market towns.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38It has a reputation for arts and culture,
0:36:38 > 0:36:42and a rich heritage built on the rope making industry.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45It's home to over 1,000 historic buildings,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49including a lovely 1920s Art Deco cinema.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52And it is, of course, Jonathan and Diana's news hometown,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55and an ideal place to meet up with friends.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Diana has invited me along to her sewing group,
0:36:57 > 0:37:01which meets in a yarn shop next to the Bridport cinema,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03and is run by local, Rosie Shelton.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05And for the ladies in the social circle,
0:37:05 > 0:37:09it's less about the knitting and more about the chatting.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12So how long have you been coming to Knitter Natter?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16Probably came here about two weeks after I moved to Bridport.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18And we wandered into the shop.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21We spoke to Rosie, and she said she had a Knitter Natter group,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24so along I came and met these lovely ladies.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28And it's been great. I really got to know the area, and everyone made me
0:37:28 > 0:37:31feel really welcome, so it's just a lovely way to...
0:37:31 > 0:37:34It's a really nice way to meet people.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36You don't really need to even discuss the knitting,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39you're just talking about life and everything else.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Always putting the world to right with politics.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Always gets heated, but, um, yeah.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46And there's always nice cake.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49What are you working on at the moment?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Well, this is a cardigan I started knitting when I came here
0:37:52 > 0:37:57first of all, 15 months ago, but it got side-lined, because winter,
0:37:57 > 0:37:58and it's now come out again.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59I've nearly finished it.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02So this is a seasonal knitting, picking this back up.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Yeah. And some... And the nice thing is,
0:38:04 > 0:38:06that if you do get stuck with anything,
0:38:06 > 0:38:10there are lots of people who can help and add advice.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Who's chief knitter in the group?
0:38:12 > 0:38:13Ooh.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15I'll tell you who it isn't.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17OK. Let's start there.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Sorry, my question should've been who's the worst knitter in the group?
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- I've just been taking it all back, so...- Oh, really?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26So yeah, they're very good.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28You see, it's because they're not busy chatting.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- I know.- They're focused.- Yes.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Focused. They've had their cake and they're just head down.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35We're listeners.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Is it a different person that makes a cake every week?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Some people just bring it in, don't we, really?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46If someone's got time to make something,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48we just bring it in and treat everybody.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- Treat each other.- Who's the clever person that made this week's cake?
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- Rosie.- Rosie. Thank you very much, Rosie.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- Would you like some?- I was waiting to be offered some.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59That's why I came. Apart from the company, too.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02The cake and the company.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07It seems Diana has had little trouble in finding like-minded
0:39:07 > 0:39:09friends in this close-knit community.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Ten miles down the coast from Bridport is the beautiful Dorset
0:39:16 > 0:39:17village of Abbotsbury.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21With its collection of classic stone thatched buildings,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23the setting is straight out of a Thomas Hardy novel,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26and packed with old world charm.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Abbotsbury was once home to a lavish monastery,
0:39:29 > 0:39:31founded in the 11th century.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34In the Middle Ages, the monks established a swannery,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37farming the swans to produce food for their banquets.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Located on a lagoon behind Chesil Beach, it's one of a few
0:39:41 > 0:39:45places in the world you can walk through a colony of nesting swans,
0:39:45 > 0:39:49and it's one of Diana and Jonathan's favourite Dorset spots.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54It's feeding time, and some of the 600 swans are peckish.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56So how often do you come to the swannery?
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- At least once a week.- Do you feed the swans every time?
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Nope.- This must be the place that you bring all your visitors.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05- Oh, yes.- Oh, yes. Yes.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- Yes, yes.- You've become tour guides here.- We do.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11We had three in the last two weeks.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14How would you say your life has changed overall,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16since moving here to Dorset?
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Crumbs.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- Totally changed.- It has totally changed.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Because we've had to find out...
0:40:26 > 0:40:27- ..find out everything, really.- Yeah.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30We didn't... So we knew the area from driving through,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33and we had to, not only make a new group of friends,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36we had to find out where the local nice spots are,
0:40:36 > 0:40:37which is why we're here.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Down to local craftsmen, everything really.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44But it's... That was one of the nice parts.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- It was quite challenging.- A bit like starting again.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Yes.- Yeah.- But you have the time to discover everything.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Exactly.- Yeah. Every day you find something new.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56You go to different places and you meet different people and it's just,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58it's like being on holiday, honestly.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It really is. Every day is a lovely day.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03What else have you got planned? Because as you say, you've been so
0:41:03 > 0:41:07busy with the house and settling in and finding out where everything is.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Does it always feel like now that life can start,
0:41:10 > 0:41:14that new life that you were wanting to start?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17We get to do things like identify courses, like I want to go foraging.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I want to learn more about the plants and the hedgerows.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23So I'm going on a course for that, and I've got books and I'm starting
0:41:23 > 0:41:27to take them out with us and have a look in, so lots of things now.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29In the past, you said,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32"I wonder what that would be like to know more about,"
0:41:32 > 0:41:35but now you've got the time to actually find out about it.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40So has it lived up to your expectations, this big move?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Oh, yes. But it's far surpassed it.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43- No doubt, yeah.- Surpassed it.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48I think very often we sit there and say we can't believe we live here.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52We can't believe that we've moved and it's now our home.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54And the children come down and they say,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57"We know it's your home because everything's here,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00"but it's just amazing that you're down by the sea and you're in a
0:42:00 > 0:42:01"different place."
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And they do comment how happy we are too, and it's...
0:42:04 > 0:42:06I've said before, it's because we've done it together.
0:42:06 > 0:42:11And we go out and we do things together as opposed to one working
0:42:11 > 0:42:14or both working, and it's been a nice, it's been a really nice move.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15- Yeah.- Really happy with it.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26It's been so lovely catching up with Jonathan and Diana,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and getting a little glimpse into their new life here in Dorset.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Although they've been busy settling in to their coastal home and doing
0:42:32 > 0:42:36up the garden, they found the time to enjoy their fresh surroundings
0:42:36 > 0:42:37and make new friends.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41It's been wonderful to see them fully embrace the slightly
0:42:41 > 0:42:44slower pace of life, and hopefully their journey will give others the
0:42:44 > 0:42:47confidence to make the big move and escape to the country.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53If you dream of escaping to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56England or Northern Ireland, and would also like our help,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58apply online at...