0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today I'm in Buckinghamshire, at Milton's Cottage,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07so named as it was once the home of John Milton.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13And this is where he completed perhaps the greatest epic poem in the English language, Paradise Lost.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17But if you, like me, think that the quintessentially perfect country cottage
0:00:17 > 0:00:20could be paradise found, then keep watching.
0:00:34 > 0:00:40In today's show, we took a look back at a selection of our favourite cottages from previous shows,
0:00:40 > 0:00:45where a traditional Dorset stone cottage reveals some unexpected delights...
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Ah! An en suite!
0:00:47 > 0:00:53..and when an extended 19th-century Arts and Crafts cottage really hits the spot.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57To use the jargon - it's ticking a lot of boxes!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02Plus, I get to rustle up some dinner in a 19th-century cottage kitchen.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08Yes, today we indulge our love for the country cottage.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12And this cottage is typical of Buckinghamshire and the Chiltern area.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17But whether you're looking for roses round the door, a wicket fence or a cosy fireplace,
0:01:17 > 0:01:21one thing's for sure - the rural landscape has plenty to offer.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26And if we've whetted your appetite, and the country cottage is your dream, then keep watching.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29We have a veritable feast of chocolate-box temptations.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37The first use of the term "cottage" originally described a very modest dwelling for poor farm labourers,
0:01:37 > 0:01:43or cotters, a peasant who was given a place to sleep by the landlord in return for working on his land.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46As agriculture changed and industry moved into the towns and cities,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51those left in the countryside had to utilise their front rooms to earn a living,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53such as cloth-makers and weavers,
0:01:53 > 0:01:58who worked from home, hence the term "cottage industry".
0:01:58 > 0:02:03And in the days before building materials could be transported all over the country,
0:02:03 > 0:02:08cottages were built with regional materials that were close to hand, such as locally quarried stone
0:02:08 > 0:02:12or clay for bricks, which today means they come in all shapes and styles,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16reflecting the land and the geology in which they were built.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27Over the years we've seen many stunning cottages on Escape To The Country, both large and small.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30That's made choosing a selection a very tricky challenge.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32But first, we're heading to Gloucestershire,
0:02:32 > 0:02:38where newly retired Ian and Beryl were looking for a three-bedroom property with bags of character.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43Now with a budget of about £400,000, Beryl was looking for a spacious kitchen-diner,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and Ian wanted a garage to house his classic car.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50And that is exactly what Jules Hudson had up his sleeve.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56And this gem of a cottage was to be found in the village of Oaksey,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59on the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire borders.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04It's a small village with a large community spirit, and plenty of activity.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08And with a shared love of rugby, Ian and Beryl were pleased to note
0:03:08 > 0:03:11that regular games are played on playing fields,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14so the location of this property got us off to a good start.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Do you want a few clues as to what we're looking at?
0:03:17 > 0:03:19We're getting there.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- We're getting there. - Now come through here. Bit of a mystery tour, this one.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28I've brought you in to this part to start with, because this is your driveway, shared driveway.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- And that's your garage. - OK, that'd be perfect to fit my little MG Midget in there.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Come through the rickety gate...
0:03:36 > 0:03:37Come in, Beryl.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Now then, Ian, come here, sir.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45That's looking...good. Very sweet.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Very quaint. - It's about 200 years old.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Old farmer worker's cottages.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53The first thing to get over, I suppose, is that it is semi-detached.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57How do we feel about semi-detached in this context?
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- It looks absolutely lovely from here.- Look at your face! I love it! Brilliant.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- Well, let's get in, shall we? - Indeed, yes.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10Well, that's a relief, because this place is gorgeous and one not to be missed.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11Come in here.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- Your smile! - This is really, really nice.
0:04:18 > 0:04:25- Nice oil-fired range for you. - Table - I always like a table, sit out in the kitchen.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- We say heart of the home a lot, but his kitchen does that. - Yes, yes, it does.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35It is one of the great principal rooms. But reception-room-wise, come through here.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Now...I think this is really cosy.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43But you tell me, is it big enough for you?
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Yes. Yes, I agree it's cosy.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- It's cute.- It is. I'm not so sure in terms of the size
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- accommodating the furniture that we've currently got, which is fairly new.- It could work.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- It wouldn't be a problem, it could work. - Well, let's continue, shall we?
0:05:00 > 0:05:05Behind the kitchen there's a very useful large hallway, which is almost a room in itself.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08And this leads on to a small but handy utility room.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16At the other end of the hall is a small bedroom, but it has an en suite. And upstairs, there's more.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Come up. Let's start with the family bathroom.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Go on, Beryl, have a look in there.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28Oh, this is nice. Very pretty tiles. Pretty, bright room.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31So how does it compare with what you would be leaving behind?
0:05:31 > 0:05:33It's about the same size, actually.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- OK, so your downsize isn't going to be reflected in the bathroom? - No.- No.- No, not at all.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Good. Well, let's have a look at the other two bedrooms up here.- OK.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Now...how about this as a guest room?
0:05:45 > 0:05:48It's larger. It's a big size, isn't it?
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Well, last but not least, the master bedroom.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Go on, sir, lead us through that hallway there. Straight on.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Keep going, across the landing.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Oh, you had to duck your head there, didn't you?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Oh, this is nice.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Very airy. You see, it's all very light and bright.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14It's a nice size. For a cottage, it really is a nice-sized bedroom.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Surprisingly large. It's got little fitted wardrobes.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- And the lovely window seat again. - And another lovely fireplace.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27As you can see throughout this house, you don't really need to do anything at all.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30It's all in very good order. Now then, in terms of the garden,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32we saw a bit of it on the way in.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36You can get a lovely view from here. But let's explore that a bit further
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- and see how much it's going to cost you. - OK, we'll follow you.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Now, that's where we started, with the lovely view of the back of this cottage.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Indeed, yes. - What you can see is what you get.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02That's as big as it is. You've got a wood shed at the bottom. How would this work for you?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- This size is right.- It's right? - Is right, yes. Yes.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Keep the hedges in order, and that's it, really.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Loads of room for your grandchild to play on.- Sure. And safe.- Very safe.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Very safe, very confined. - So let's have a think about it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21You've got £400,000 of your hard-earned money, or so.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22Make me an offer, Ian.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24If it was anywhere...
0:07:24 > 0:07:31- If it was just below 400,000, I think we could be quite interested.- OK.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Just below 400,000.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36It's not just below 400,000.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- It's on the market for £435,000.- OK.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42A little bit over the budget,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45but perhaps still within the bounds of possibility,
0:07:45 > 0:07:51- if, in the final analysis, you come back and think it's the one. Yeah.- Yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Go back inside, have a look around, see what you get for 435.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02It works very well.
0:08:02 > 0:08:08It's the mix of the 200-year-old cottage and the contemporary fittings.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10From the outside, it really did look quite small.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15And they've certainly made full use of all the space that there is.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And I was impressed by the size of the kitchen,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22and having a bathroom downstairs and up. That's brilliant.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25I think the house came up with a lot of positives.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28The garage outside that will house my little MG Midget.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30The bedrooms are quite roomy and light.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36At £435,000, I think we would have to work out whether that is actually possible.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39But we wouldn't discard it on terms of price alone.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Are you all done?- We certainly are.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Lots to think about?- A lot.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Keep those thoughts.- Okey-doke.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Keep those thoughts.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Cottages come in all shapes and sizes.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59And for our second, it's time for something a little different.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05In East Sussex, Brian and Liz were looking for a three-bedroom period property for about £700,000.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Alastair Appleton had his work cut out.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12It was going to take something very special to prise Liz away
0:09:12 > 0:09:14from her beloved home in Greater London.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20But behind the deceptive exterior of this property lay a real gem of an extended cottage.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23The property Alastair took them to was in the village of Ditchling,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26once home to Eric Gill,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30the famous sculptor and typographer from the early 20th century.
0:09:30 > 0:09:37Ditchling lies at the foot of the South Downs, and the house was to be found on the edge of the village.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38This is the next property I want to show you.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42I think this is an interesting property, for all sorts of reasons.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44What do you reckon from the outside?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- It's got wonderful elevations. - Yes, it's pretty.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51It's obviously very interesting inside.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- It is indeed.- How old is this? - Turn of the century. It's an Arts and Crafts building.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- It looks very light.- They've done some clever extensions inside. Let's go inside and see.- Right.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07- A lovely hand-made oak door.- Yes. - Sets the tone.- It does.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Isn't it marvellous? - It's great, isn't it?
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- Do you like the hallway? - Very pretty entrance hall. Introduction to the home.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18And this is where they've extended, across...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22It used to be quite a small cottage staircase that went straight up there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- They put in this support beam and then put in this lovely wooden stairwell.- It's a pretty house.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Marvellous, it really is.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33The acid test is always the kitchen-dining room.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- Ah...- This is magnificent. It really is.- Oh, my goodness!
0:10:39 > 0:10:42It takes your breath away. I think it's ideal.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47This is original Arts and Crafts. This was put in in the original building.
0:10:47 > 0:10:53It's certainly in keeping with that style, that return to the values that took place back then.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Come into the kitchen.- Right.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59I was slightly concerned that the house was too contemporary for you.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05It does have a very modern... although it's keeping all the elements...
0:11:05 > 0:11:11- Is it in your style?- Very much so. - I don't think it's too modern at all.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I think it's been very well done.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15It's married up the old with the new.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18And then this is the sitting room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Oh, again, what a pretty room.
0:11:21 > 0:11:28- Isn't it great?- Oh, it's great. - Lovely size.- A very pretty room.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Can't really fault this, either. - Lovely aspect.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- Yes.- I love the way it's decorated. It's nice and light,
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- the curtains are ideal with this decor.- Good. So let's go round to the left.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Thank you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Oh, yes, another very light room.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53This is their family room - this is where they watch telly, where the kids do their homework.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Interestingly, this used to be the garage.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Good Lord.- My goodness.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02It is again a bright room.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- And a nice size, too.- Yes. Good-sized room.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- So back into the lovely hall. I love that beam.- Yes.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Beautiful, it really is. And so light.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- You've got four bedrooms.- Four?
0:12:17 > 0:12:21None of them are vast. But I think they are all beautifully...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- They are well-appointed. - ..proportioned.- Yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:30- Once again, we've got the eaves like we have at home.- Very nice.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34This is their guest room, so it's a simple room. But you've got some storage.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Easily space for a double bed, and the original windows, which I think are lovely.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Let's take a look at some of the other possibilities.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49Across the landing is the family bathroom, which is fresh and bright.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Next door is a bedroom I have thoughts about.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54My view is that this would be a good study.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59I'm inclined to agree, because it's a brighter room and you've got a very pretty view.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Absolutely.- It's very nice. - It's lovely.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05I think you'll like the master because I liked it a lot.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Good.- Just through there.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09(MOUTHS)
0:13:11 > 0:13:14That's is very nice, for a start, isn't it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- Ah!- Here's your en suite.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18You have got an en suite, haven't you?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20A shower.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Very nice. - Very nice and light, too.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Beautiful built-in wardrobes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28And a very nice-sized bedroom.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31It is. Light and airy and bright.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Light on both sides.- Yes.
0:13:33 > 0:13:41It's a family home with a cosy feel to it, without being overpowering and large and rambling and whatever.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Alastair, you've really, really scored.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49Oh, thank you, thank you, I do try. Let's take a look outside, because outside is lovely too.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55They are certainly taken with the inside, but will the garden meet their high standards?
0:13:55 > 0:14:00Coming out through one of the many, many doors.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01What a beautiful garden.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- It is.- Southwest-facing, so you get sun all day long.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Lots of terracing and decking all around, lots of nice space for eating out.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13It's bigger than the first one, not quite as big as the second one.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- No, the garden seems to be a nice size.- It's an ideal size, I think, actually.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Ah! Two weeping willows. - Two weeping willows. - Not one, two.- Marvellous.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Good grief, this is a large plot. - It is, it's huge.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33I feel that your enthusiasm has somewhat dimmed since we've gone outside.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Well, just a tad, because the garden is just a massive project.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44At some stage, it's been a wonderful garden, but it's now quite neglected.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49It has the potential to be an absolutely stunning garden, but it's a lot of money and work.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- A lot of money.- Talking of money...
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- Talking of money.- Here we are. You are going to go first this time.
0:14:57 > 0:15:03Um...I feel this is also at the very top of our budget, and above.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09I think we are looking at about... a minimum 750.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13What do you think?
0:15:13 > 0:15:14I'd go under that.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18I'm going to hope...it's 675.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20That's quite a lot under.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24I'm afraid your wife is much nearer the mark. In fact, spot on.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28It's on the market at the moment at £750,000.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Yes!
0:15:31 > 0:15:34That's not good, it's not good that it's so expensive.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- It's way over your budget. - But I was right.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- Why don't you have a look inside, and I'll meet you at the front? - Thank you. I think we'll do that.
0:15:45 > 0:15:51Everything about it is actually delightful. You can't fault it.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- You can't, and it's a lovely kitchen, nice and roomy. Eat-in kitchen. - Eat-in kitchen.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- And the downstairs is marvellous. - It is.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04After all the properties we've seen, this is the one that's really quite blown us away.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Here, you've got a really bright and lovely double bedroom.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13Plenty of room. I found the bedrooms were ideal.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16It's definitely the best house we've seen so far.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27Many of the cottages we've shown on Escape over the years have often retained their original features -
0:16:27 > 0:16:29like bread ovens and inglenooks with ranges.
0:16:29 > 0:16:35If, like me, you've ever wondered how you cook on one of these devices before the age of microwaves
0:16:35 > 0:16:40and instant heat, keep watching, because we are about to find out with a 19th-century cooking lesson.
0:16:42 > 0:16:48This is the Chiltern Open Air Museum, which rescues old buildings and re-sites them in their grounds.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54This pair of cottages started life as a barn before they were divided into two farm worker's dwellings,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58demonstrating life from the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02And it's here I've arranged to meet Davina Watson, a living history specialist,
0:17:02 > 0:17:08who has kindly offered to show me some basic cooking methods, first from the 18th century.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Very much an 18th-century cottage.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Very cold, like the 18th century!
0:17:13 > 0:17:14It's not much warmer than out there.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- No, because we haven't got the big fire going. - We have not got the big fire going.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- But we have the bread oven going. - We have because you're going to make bread in that oven.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Davina is wearing a typical outfit from around the mid-1800s,
0:17:27 > 0:17:34with a snood - or a hairnet - apron and over-sleeves, worn to protect clothing from open fires,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37like the one Davina has already got going in the bread oven.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41The bricks retain the heat from the fire as the embers die down.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47They can be pushed back to make room for the bread, as all you need is the heat from the bricks to cook it.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51First of all, you are going to need the flour. If you'd like to put in four of those.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Have you got a recipe book from the 18th century?
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Not on the 18th century, but the bread recipe hasn't changed,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03except that today, it's very difficult to get live yeast,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05so we have to use the modern version, thee powdered yeast.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09We've got powdered yeast. This is just ordinary flour?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Ordinary strong flour from the supermarket.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Bread formed part of the staple diet for farm workers,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19but when they had something more substantial to eat - pigeon or rook stew -
0:18:19 > 0:18:22it would be cooked here on a pan over an open fire.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Right, I think that's probably ready now.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Sprinkle a little bit.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Oh! That feels good! It's looking pretty good, I think.- It is.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- How long will we have to wait before our finished loaf? - About 45 minutes,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37but it depends on the temperature.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It could be a lot sooner and it might be a lot later.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44But while we are doing that, we are going to go to the 19th-century kitchen
0:18:44 > 0:18:46and you can make a nice rabbit stew.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52- So we are hopping into the next century.- Yes.- Let's go.- We've got a range - you'll enjoy that.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00A-ha! Stepping into the 19th century, the late 1800s now.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Yes, yes.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- And they had a bit more furniture these days! - A lot more furniture!
0:19:06 > 0:19:11And although it's still got the bread oven, same as next door, it's now got a range.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- I can FEEL we've got a range. - It's a lot warmer in here!
0:19:14 > 0:19:17For us to make our rabbit stew.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- First thing that we have to do is fry it off.- Oh, right.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24And then just pop him in.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Basically, just to seal the outside of it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31While that's in there, we can start doing the vegetables.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Little bits like this?- That's right. - OK, there we go.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37This is going to be a hearty stew. At what time of the day would you do this?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40You'd get up in the morning and put this on?
0:19:40 > 0:19:46Yes, your stew has to cook slowly, so you'd probably put it on about 11 o'clock,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- but then most farm workers didn't come home for a lunch.- Right.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56They had their meal in the field, and sometimes it was taken out by the wives,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- and that's where you get "ploughman's lunch". - Nice hunk of cheese!
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- And if you're lucky, a bit of pickle.- Pickle.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- Then you'd get home and this would've been cooking for a good few hours.- Yes.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- It would've been served up for the whole family. - That's all the vegetables done.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Back to the rabbit. That should be nicely browned now.- Yeah.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- We don't want it to cook, we just want it to brown off.- OK.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24We take the rabbit off the cooker, stuff it with prunes, fresh sage and some basil,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28mix in the veg, and let it stew. That's what I call a hearty stew.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32That will be a very hearty stew. There we are.
0:20:32 > 0:20:38While that's all cooking, a quick step back in time to the 18th century next door
0:20:38 > 0:20:42and the loaf of bread should be ready to go down nicely with our stew.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48It's great to see all of these things in action - the range, the bread oven.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It really brings country living to life.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- Cheers!- Cheers!
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Enjoy.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01For my favourite and our final cottage, we're off to Dorset,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05where William and Valerie were looking to get back to their country roots.
0:21:05 > 0:21:11They had a budget of £365,000 and wanted a three-bed, detached property with a nice garden.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16William in particular was looking for a garage and a workshop and all Valerie wanted
0:21:16 > 0:21:20was an en-suite bathroom and I had the pleasure of showing them
0:21:20 > 0:21:22what I think is a classic country cottage.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26And the village I took Valerie and William to was Stour Row,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28three miles from Shaftesbury.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It is a picture-postcard setting with terraced cottages
0:21:31 > 0:21:36built in the local stone that makes Dorset so distinctive.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38The property sat on edge of the village,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41surrounded by views of farmland that William was desperate for
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and was sure to go down well with Valerie too.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48So here we are.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Right, lovely.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Yeah.- Yes. - Initial reactions?
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Very good.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Yeah, I like that.- Yes.- Yes.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01It's 200 to 250 years old. Detached cottage, so you've got your space.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Yeah.- Right.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06I bet you want to see inside. Let's go.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I think that's a thumbs up!
0:22:08 > 0:22:13It's a pretty cottage and it has a fantastic setting so I've got high hopes for this one.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Come on through.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24This is nice.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- What do you think of this?- Oh, wow!
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Love the wood burner.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Yes!
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- It's a dual fuel burner.- Right.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36We've got the bressumer beam.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40And these beams as well. How do you feel about that?
0:22:40 > 0:22:41It's nice.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- It's not modern.- No, I like it. - You really see yourselves entertaining in this space.- Yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48I'm liking the feeling I'm getting.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- But there's a lot more to see. Could you lead the way?- Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00A lovely living space for you.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- It is.- Yes.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I like the open fire.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10- A working fireplace. - Is it? Oh, yeah. You know what that is, Denise, don't you?
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- It looks to me like a bressumer. - Good girl.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Well done.- So features that you like?
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Well, I do.- Definitely.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Hold that thought. Follow me.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21OK.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I think they're quite taken with this place but I'm about to reveal that
0:23:25 > 0:23:29the family bathroom is downstairs and I'm keeping quiet that it's not
0:23:29 > 0:23:31the only bathroom in this house.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Right.- Gosh.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Nice surprise? - Yes, nice-sized bathroom.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Bright. Roll-top bath.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- Indeed.- No shower for you, William.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52That's the only problem but I guess with a bit of shunting around, you could get a shower in.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- You like a stand-up shower? - I do, yeah.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58There's another room just along there, so, again, after you.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04You asked for more space and voila!
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- Yes.- Yeah, lovely. - Nice room. A lovely study.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- It's a really country feeling type of property.- It is.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16It's ticking a lot of boxes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- And we haven't even seen upstairs yet.- That's very true.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- So let's take a look.- Right.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29What a view! You've really done it this time.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33- That's beautiful. You're really in the country here.- Yeah.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- I like that very much.- Yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Those views are also enjoyed from the three bedrooms up here, two of which are small doubles
0:24:41 > 0:24:46but I'm going to cut to the chase and show them the one that holds this property's ace card.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49So here we have the master bedroom.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Right. This is nice.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57It's a reasonable size. In fact, it's bigger than I thought.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- It's nice.- Nice? You like?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- We like.- I've got something special to show you, though.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Really?
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Ah! An en-suite!
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Fantastic! Look at that!
0:25:09 > 0:25:15That's just the reaction I was looking for. The shower!
0:25:15 > 0:25:18That is definitely a plus.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- That's a plus.- Big tick.- Yep.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25Now I've wowed you with the upstairs, let's head downstairs and look at the garden.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26- OK.- OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28After you.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36What do you think of the garden?
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- It's a nice little garden.- Little?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- You've got half an acre.- Really?!
0:25:42 > 0:25:47At the bottom there, it extends further. The thing is, it's long, not wide.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49It's what you call a Dorset strip.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Oh, really?- It extends right the way through the back to the woodlands.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54- Oh!- How does that suit you?
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- Very well.- Great.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03- We've got this space, we've got the acreage at the back but I want to show you what's round this way.- OK.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Now, you wanted a garage and a workshop.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11- There's your workshop.- Lovely.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15But on your wish-list was a garage.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Most definitely.- Right.- Oh, yes.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Currently being used as a wood store.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22That's very good. Handy.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Excellent.- Yeah.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26And it's got power and everything.
0:26:26 > 0:26:32- That's good.- Let's keep moving.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39I'm getting the feeling you like this place.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Yeah.- You could be right.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42Ooh, tentative smiles!
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- You definitely like that bathroom, the en-suite.- I did.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47That makes so much difference.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49How much are you willing to pay to get that?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- 362.- OK.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Me, I think it's 365.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I reckon it's right at the top of our budget.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58You're both incredibly close.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01It's on the market at £367,000.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Just a little bit over your budget
0:27:04 > 0:27:06but you can always put in a cheeky offer.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Absolutely.- Right.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13With that in mind, go back inside, have another look around and I'll speak to you later.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Lovely, thank you.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I was a bit disappointed it was so close to the road
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- when we arrived but I've not really thought about it since.- Nor me.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30The standard of finish internally to all the decoration is good.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Someone's treated maintenance seriously in this house
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and as a retired maintenance surveyor, that cheers me up.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42The upstairs surprised me more than anything in as much as
0:27:42 > 0:27:48there was three really nice rooms and with the en-suite,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51absolute bonus, which was fantastic.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01It looks like I was saving the best till last with that en-suite
0:28:01 > 0:28:04for Valerie but I really did enjoy showing them what I think
0:28:04 > 0:28:10is one of the true treasures of the landscape, the picture-postcard cottage.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15Unfortunately, that's all we've got time for today but I hope we have given you a little taste
0:28:15 > 0:28:18of rural heaven and although we've only scratched the surface,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21I hope we've inspired you to find your own country cottage dream.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk