0:00:02 > 0:00:05Behind me is the tallest cliff on the south coast of England,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08which, on a clear day, can be seen for miles.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Where am I? Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28In today's show, I'll be helping a couple ditch the city suburbs
0:00:28 > 0:00:31and build a new life for themselves in the country.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34We've some happy house-hunters on our hands.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35- What a super kitchen.- Nicki!
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Good Lord. Oh, Nicki.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42And the mystery house throws down the gauntlet of a green lifestyle.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48This week, we're in the ever-popular county of Dorset.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51And I'm in the small village of Seatown,
0:00:51 > 0:00:55which, despite its name, has never actually been a town.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57The cliff behind me is called Golden Cap
0:00:57 > 0:01:01and is formed of golden greensand which you can see at the top.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03At 626 feet,
0:01:03 > 0:01:08it's the highest point on the whole of Britain's south coast.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Dorset not only shares borders
0:01:10 > 0:01:13with four other counties, but also looks out
0:01:13 > 0:01:18over the English Channel where you'll find England's first Natural World Heritage Site -
0:01:18 > 0:01:2095 miles of sweeping Jurassic coastline
0:01:20 > 0:01:27whose fossil-rich red sandstone and limestone harbour 180 million years of natural history.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Dorset also has a long and industrious maritime history
0:01:30 > 0:01:36that's set to continue with the 2012 Olympic sailing events taking place in Weymouth.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39But there's much more to Dorset than its coast.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45Behind its beaches is a county rich in unspoilt countryside and picture-postcard villages.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48All a reminder of Dorset's rural heritage.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51With not even a mile of motorway in the county,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54it's a perfect place to be Far From The Madding Crowd,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58as Thomas Hardy, Dorset's most famous author, might have said.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05The houses Thomas Hardy described here in Dorset are in demand as much as ever.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08So much so that the average property price in this county
0:02:08 > 0:02:13is a whopping 27% above the national average.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17With that in mind, take a look at what's currently on the market here.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21For £1.5 million, this eight-bedroom Grade II listed country house
0:02:21 > 0:02:25in Charlton Down has been lovingly refurbished.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Its two stunning reception rooms have open fireplaces
0:02:28 > 0:02:33and the light, spacious kitchen overlooks 1.75 acres of grounds
0:02:33 > 0:02:36which include a tennis court.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Or you could go ranch-style with this three-bedroomed bungalow
0:02:39 > 0:02:43for £625,000 in Ferndown.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46It comes with 2.5 acres of paddock with stables.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51And there's the chance to get cosy inside by the feature inglenook fireplace.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55And at £400,000, this three-bedroom character cottage in Tincleton
0:02:55 > 0:03:03offers surprisingly modern living spaces throughout its quality kitchen and open-plan living room
0:03:03 > 0:03:06where French doors lead out to the garden.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11There we are. Some great examples of houses for sale here in Dorset.
0:03:11 > 0:03:17Let's hope the ones we show this week's escapees match their expectations. Time to meet them.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Nigel and Frieda have lived in their large six-bedroom Edwardian home
0:03:22 > 0:03:25close to Nottingham city centre for 25 years.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27But now their three daughters are grown up,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31they feel it's time to downsize and make a new start in the country.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35This is a house for a family, not just for two people.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37We wanted to go somewhere different
0:03:37 > 0:03:40and change our lifestyle.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Both are very open-minded when it comes to the style of properties we show them,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48but have strong thoughts on what they need in their home.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53Two reception rooms, because Nigel watches football on television quite a lot and I don't.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Guilty as charged.- I don't.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Three bedrooms minimum.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00A decent-sized kitchen.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03We both like to cook and we like the other person to be in the room
0:04:03 > 0:04:06whilst we're cooking so we can chat or do the crossword.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- And drink a glass of wine. - And drink a glass of wine.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12We do like to entertain. We love cooking for other people.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17Besides entertaining, how do they plan to keep themselves busy once they've moved?
0:04:17 > 0:04:21One of the things we're keen on, and we want to continue to do, is to play golf.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25It'd be important, actually, that our house was within perhaps 10 miles of a golf course.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27And a decent one.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32I sing and I would want to join a singing group.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36It's a wonderful way to make friends. It's a fantastic thing to do.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42The couple are both linguists and Nigel currently runs his own translation business from home.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45In the new house, it'd be great to have my own study as a separate room.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Frieda needs her artistic space.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53This is my studio. It was a bedroom, one of my children's bedrooms.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Basically, that means I have to carry everything upstairs.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59What I'd really like is an outbuilding.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06This is my piano. I love it. It's got to come with me wherever I go
0:05:06 > 0:05:10and it's got to have a really nice place to put it in. It deserves it.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It's been around a long time.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16They're also keen to live in a more eco-friendly way.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Here, we've got a condensing boiler.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21We've got energy-saving bulbs.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23We compost our food.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25We'd be interested in finding out more
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and looking at the possibilities of doing something with a new house,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32perhaps in terms of solar panels or geothermal energy.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Frieda and Nigel need to know how much they have to spend,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39so we've asked a local estate agent to value their home.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44This is a wonderful six-bedroom family home with immense character, situated in an excellent plot
0:05:44 > 0:05:47in the heart of West Bridgford and, in my opinion,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50the value of this property is £550,000.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57Well, we're very pleased with Peter's valuation of £550,000.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Our budget for the new house, ideally, would be £500,000.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Nigel and Frieda have chosen a very popular area for their escape to the country.
0:06:09 > 0:06:16The linguistic couple want a minimum three-bedroomed detached house with enough space for an artist's studio.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20They'd also like a well-appointed kitchen and two reception rooms
0:06:20 > 0:06:25so that Frieda can get away from the football - for a budget of £500,000.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31My problem is most buyers have a pretty clear idea of what style of house they want to buy.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Frieda and Nigel don't, which makes my life a little bit more complicated.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39So much to choose from, so little time.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Although we'll be starting our search in Dorset,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I think we may also need to show them
0:06:44 > 0:06:47what the county of Somerset to the north has to offer,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49where they might be surprised
0:06:49 > 0:06:51by how much more their money will get them.
0:06:51 > 0:06:57After all, houses in Somerset are on average 24% cheaper than in Dorset.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01We'll be showing Nigel and Frieda some great properties but, as usual,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05our mystery house will put their preconceptions to the test.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10And, of course, I won't be revealing the property price tags until they've had a guess first.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Hello, Nigel and Frieda. Welcome to West Dorset.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Hello, Nicki.- Are you looking forward to the next few days?
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- We're really are.- Absolutely. - I must admit, a beautiful part of the world.- It is.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Let's talk money straight away.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Budget for this house, half a million pounds.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28A nice round £500,000.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- We're going to keep that on the nose, are we?- We are.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Hope so.- You've set us quite a task because you love your current home, don't you?
0:07:35 > 0:07:3725 years you've been there.
0:07:37 > 0:07:3925 years since we were last house-hunting.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- That's a long time. - It's been wonderful.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44It's been a lovely house to bring a family up,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47but now we're moving on. The family have gone.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52And we want to get on with our lives and we want to live somewhere else and start a new adventure.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Have a new adventure. A new stage in our lives.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59Hopefully, we'll find you something that won't make you miss your current house too much
0:07:59 > 0:08:01if we get everything right for you.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Let's hope so.- You don't want too much of a project, do you?
0:08:04 > 0:08:07But you're quite open to what you're after.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- We are.- The brief is quite wide. - It is!- It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17So we don't have a fixed idea, for example, about style, age... We'll leave it up to you.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- We want to be surprised. - It's a blank canvas.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- But not too much work that's needed to be done by you.- No.- No.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29Now, you're both more interested in living, well, a more green life, aren't you?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Yes, the house we're in at the moment uses a lot of energy
0:08:32 > 0:08:36and we're looking to reduce our carbon footprint in a more energy-efficient house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41Yes. One of our daughters works in the charity sector
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and is very keen that we should follow that sort of life,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48so we have got into it recently in quite a big way, yes.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51So we've got some great properties lined up for you to see,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and, of course, the mystery house as well.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55- Yes, well...!- Can't wait.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- So shall we start? - Yes.- Let's go.- OK.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04'Despite their extensive wish-list, we'll be keeping under Nigel and Frieda's £500,000 limit
0:09:04 > 0:09:07'so they won't incur the 4% stamp duty
0:09:07 > 0:09:09'which would be a hefty sum to pay.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11'They want their dream home
0:09:11 > 0:09:13'to have enough space for Frieda's piano
0:09:13 > 0:09:15'and for Nigel to watch the football..'
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Now, Frieda, I hear you've got a very good voice.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Well, it's not that good, actually! - Are you being modest?
0:09:33 > 0:09:38I love to sing and have done ever since I was a child, so, um...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41I belong to two groups in Nottingham.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44So it's important, when we find you your house,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- that it's got a good community around it.- Absolutely. Somewhere to sing.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Somewhere I can meet some like-minded people.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- What about you, Nigel? Have you got a voice?- Strictly shower room.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Private performances only. - Absolutely, yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04We kick off our property search in the south-west corner of Dorset,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08where we're heading to Charmouth, just a mile from Lyme Regis.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13This beautiful coastal village sits in an area of outstanding beauty.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19Along with plenty of independent shops, there's a real communal feel, which will appeal to Frieda.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Our first property is this detached 1930s house right by the coast,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26so I can't wait to see what Nigel and Frieda think of it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:32- This is your first house.- Hmm.- Wow. It's quite pretty, isn't it?
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- How would you feel about living close to the sea?- Love it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- That's what we want. Yeah.- This house has the most amazing sea views.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- That's what I suspected. I'd love to see the other side. - Good. Let's go and show you.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Well, they're really taken with the location,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54so let's take a closer look inside.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- This goes straight into the first reception room.- OK.- Right.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Cosy.- Very cosy.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06Got a real gas fire here, but that is what I want to point out straight away. Have a look at that view.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Oh!- Wow. That's fantastic. - That's the coastal path.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Isn't it beautiful?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14But as a first reception room goes...?
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- Small.- Could be a little small. - But nice. Yes.- Bijou?
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Yes.- Bijou, but with a great view. - In the summer, it doesn't matter,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26cos you just open those doors and sit outside.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- And we'll find plenty for you to do in the winter as well. - Good.- I'm sure you will.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Let's keep going...- OK. - ..through here.- Right.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38We'll check out the second reception room.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Here is your dining room. This used to be the kitchen when the house was built,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46so the range would have been in there.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52There's currently an electric fire, but if you wanted to open it up and make a real fire, you could.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Again, it's got the same views. - It's got the view, yes. Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- But in comparison to where you live now, it's a serious downsizing for you.- It is a big step.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Six bedrooms, big Edwardian house. It's very different, isn't it?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09It is, but we're going to have to think differently.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12We've got to have a different mindset.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14But you do seem quite realistic, I have to say.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Yes, we are. We've got to be realistic.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- Mm-hm. OK, well, let's see what you think of the kitchen.- OK.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25It's pretty modern.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- Again, it's a fair size.- Yeah...
0:12:31 > 0:12:33THEY LAUGH
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- I can see you adjusting while you're looking around.- I am.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- There's nowhere to sit. - It's a nice, bright kitchen, but there's nowhere to sit.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- This is the extension.- Right.
0:12:42 > 0:12:49- This was built about 17 years ago. Round the corner, you've got the conservatory.- Oh, right.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53With the right permission, you could open this right out.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55We'd have to think hard about that. OK.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Now, I know, at the moment, you haven't got an en suite.- No.- No.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02This house doesn't have an en suite.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06However, it does have the family bathroom on the ground floor.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Ohh.- OK.- Which is slightly unusual.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Yes!- How would you feel about that?
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- I'd have to have a look at that.- OK. Let's have a look.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24So, take a peek in there. That's your family bathroom.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- OK.- But it's worth bearing in mind, cos we are on the ground floor.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- Right.- And you've got a huge bath in the corner. You've got the bath, the shower.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Although it's not large, it has everything you want.- It has.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Have a think about that. I'm going to take you upstairs.- OK. We'll think about that.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It's definitely the views that are going to sell this property.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Upstairs certainly doesn't disappoint on that front, either.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52You've got three double bedrooms upstairs.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54A-ha.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- I would...- Whoa!- I would call this the master, but you're straight to that view.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- I didn't realise you could see the beach. Isn't that wonderful?- Yeah.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- And that...- That's a walk-in wardrobe at the moment.- OK. - You could change that.
0:14:08 > 0:14:15With the bathroom downstairs, I know that wasn't ideal. The wall there isn't a supporting wall,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- so you could take that out and make that...- An en suite.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23Either an en suite for this room, or a family bathroom for upstairs.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- Right.- Let's look at one of the other bedrooms and then I'll take you outside.- OK.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34So, here we are. We can't get away from that view.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Right.- Again, it is wonderful. - It is lovely.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Bringing it back to the bedrooms and size...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42This is fine as a guest bedroom.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44What do you think, then, Nigel?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I'm concerned about just three bedrooms, without study space.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52I'm not sure it's going to be adequate, really, when we have people visit.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53But we'll see.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Well, the third double room is a good size
0:14:57 > 0:14:59with a basin and WC cleverly tucked away.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Our couple could make changes to the property,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06which might be worth it for those magnificent coastal views.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11So here is your garden and, of course, that spectacular view.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14You've been itching since we first arrived...
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- We have.- That view is superb.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- It is beautiful. - That is the Jurassic Coast.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- Millions and millions of years old. - Yes.- Would you get bored with it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- Never.- Never.- Never?- No. - Not in a million years. - We're actually in Lyme Bay.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- Yes.- But it is quite amazing.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37But - cos I keep pulling you back from that view to the property itself -
0:15:37 > 0:15:42this is a very mature garden, it's been looked after so well.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Just under half an acre.- Really? It's a gardener's garden, isn't it?
0:15:46 > 0:15:52- I mean, it is so beautifully kept. - Now, where we're standing,
0:15:52 > 0:15:59there isn't any studio space, but you could build a structure here. All would depend on the price.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- Have you had time to have a think? - How can you put a price on that view?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05It's the unknown in the price.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- 440,000?- OK. Frieda?
0:16:09 > 0:16:16I agree with Nigel. I think the house itself would probably be, if we didn't have the view,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20about 400,000, but the view... I'd say 450.
0:16:20 > 0:16:26- OK. You're both out, actually. You're both under.- Oh, yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- The current asking price is £495,000.- Hmm...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- You can understand why.- Yes.- You can. Yeah. It is under budget
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- and we would have to do a lot to it. I need somewhere to work.- Yes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40And there's nowhere here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Why don't you take a wander, have another look
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- and I'll catch up with you in a while.- OK. Thanks, Nicki. Thank you.
0:16:47 > 0:16:54It is a prime location. You can't fail to be impressed with those views,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58but the house, it is delightful but it is on the small side for them.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Whether they'll change their mind - we'll have to wait and see.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06You can change a house but you can't change its location,
0:17:06 > 0:17:12and this house is under budget at £495,000, offering them...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25..and with an insulation retro fit,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28this property could achieve an energy-efficient D rating.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34- You could imagine sitting here, though, and reading the Sunday newspapers.- You certainly could.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38The views and the garden are absolutely wonderful,
0:17:38 > 0:17:44but the house itself, unfortunately, I think that's going to be too small for us.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- That's a nice view.- A lovely view. - Superb view, yeah.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- It is the only sitting room and... - Where are you going to go?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Exactly. Where are you going to go?! - Ohh.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59It'd be a wonderful place to spend a holiday, for example, but it's not really ticking the boxes
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- for somewhere to live permanently. - You look comfortable, Nicki.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08I am very comfortable. I could stay here all day, but you're going to drag me away.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Time to go!
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Although they've spent time in Dorset, they haven't yet visited Lyme Regis,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23a popular seaside town with coastal walks for Nigel,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25and plenty of art galleries to keep Frieda happy.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28To find out more about the town's rich past,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31they're meeting town guide, Carl Salter.
0:18:32 > 0:18:39Away from the seafront, Lyme Regis's maze of charming medieval back streets still survive today,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41the most famous being Sherborne Lane,
0:18:41 > 0:18:46used by monks escorting pilgrims back to Sherborne Abbey, some 30 miles away.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54A lot of people came to Sherborne Abbey as pilgrims, hoping for a cure for whatever ailments they had.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59It was quite dangerous travelling by coach
0:18:59 > 0:19:02so they came by sea, and they would come in at the harbour, there,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and then the monks from Sherborne would come down here
0:19:06 > 0:19:11and take them off. Hopefully, they'd get the cure for whatever ailment they had.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Dorset's very own Lourdes, then.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17The Lepers' Well marks the spot where, 700 years ago, a lepers' hospital stood,
0:19:17 > 0:19:22which treated all manner of medieval skin conditions.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27Sherborne Lane leads down to the River Lym and to the restored 14th-century town mill.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33It's new and old power sources would no doubt interest our eco-enthusiasts.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39- So what actually powers the mill? - It's powered by its original water wheel,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42but also, there is another twist to it because, just recently,
0:19:42 > 0:19:49we've gone green in Lyme, and there has been a hydro-electric turbine put in
0:19:49 > 0:19:52so that now we produce our own electricity.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- Also, any extra power then goes into the National Grid.- Really?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Down by the sea are yet more historic remains,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03with the harbour, known as The Cobb, once a prosperous medieval port.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09I'm sure Nigel and Frieda would be in there element here by the sea,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12and luckily, our next property is just 13 miles away,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14near the village of Loders.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19Tucked away in quiet countryside, Loders is your archetypal rural Dorset village,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23with pretty Hamstone cottages, thatched roofs,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27an inviting pub and handsome church, dating back to the 12th century.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29A mile outside the village,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34our first house serves up a very special 20th-century take on a traditional Dorset house.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- Oh, wow.- Wow.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Gosh. This is different.- It is a stunning house.- It is stunning, yes.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- Architecturally designed by the current owner.- Right.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50It took him three years to actually build the house.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- OK, more intriguing.- You're liking the look?- That little bit there, that's...
0:20:54 > 0:20:57That's the car port at the moment. Shall we go and explore?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Yes, please. - It certainly looks impressive.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Got the wow factor when we walked up that drive.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- From the outside.- Let's hope we have the same inside.- Yes, let's hope.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08They seem intrigued by the outside
0:21:08 > 0:21:12and I think they're going to be pretty impressed by what the inside offers.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- So with this house, you go straight into the dining hall.- Right.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Very bright. Lovely tiles.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Copper slate, isn't it? They're beautiful.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27It's like a greenhouse, isn't it? With all these...
0:21:27 > 0:21:30All that glass. The glass wall.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31The growth there as well.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And you've got double glazing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Nigel, not to leave you out - I know work is important and you need an office.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42As you can see, an architect lives here at the moment, but that could potentially be your office.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Indeed, yes, it looks lovely.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46And not shut off from the rest of the house.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- No, that's a big enough space for me.- That would work?- Absolutely.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53I'm glad all this works. Now, turn around,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55because this is your sitting room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Wow. Look at that.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59What a lovely space.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00It's great.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Impressed as you walk through?- Yes.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Definitely. It's very light, very open.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Modern. Nice lines.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- I like the wooden A-frame.- Yeah.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- I'm a big gobsmacked, actually. - It's very unusual.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- I can see our furniture in here. - I feel it's got a lot of character,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- even though it's a new build. - It has.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Definitely. - Good. Let's keep going, then.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- Through to the kitchen.- All right.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28It's very positive so far and I'm sure the kitchen will give them that extra space they're looking for.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Here we are.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Right.- Yes. Oh, right.- So we are...? Oh, I see!
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- So another dining area. Informal dining. - I can see us using that a lot.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- Or evening, because that's west? - That's west.- So evening that side, morning that side.- Light's important,
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- I can tell, isn't it? Because you're an artist.- So important. I don't like sitting in the dark.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- In the evenings, you can have drinks out there. - Absolutely.- On your balcony.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55And this obviously is the kitchen.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00It looks very pleasant. Nice exposed beams and all the rest of it.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- The great thing is you've got a utility room through there. - Really?- With extra storage.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- That's interesting. Right. And this little bit is lovely. - Yeah.- Lovely.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- Works well, doesn't it?- Get the newspapers out and sit around there with a cup of coffee.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- It's good.- Excellent, and you've got the downstairs cloakroom next door.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Now it's time to go upstairs.- OK.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28Brilliant. Nigel and Frieda seem really excited by the design and layout of the downstairs.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33We'll head upstairs and take a look at the first of the three bedrooms in this property.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39So another unusual sized room.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- Yes.- Which seems to be the theme in this property.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Yes. Oh, right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47- Talk to me.- Two skylights.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I thought it was going to be bigger.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54I suppose I'd forgotten that that was the A-frame for the lounge.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57So there's nothing on top of that, of course.
0:23:57 > 0:24:03- You've got storage in there so you've got a walk-in wardrobe through there.- Right.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- Workable?- Yes, workable.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- I think so, just.- Just about.- Yeah.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- OK. Let me show you the family bathroom that's next door.- OK.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21So again, you've got the unusual layout.
0:24:21 > 0:24:27That's nice, the lovely modern bathroom furniture and the lovely big bath. That's what I like.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- But where's the shower? - It's one of those hand showers.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35- Hmm.- Oh.- Are you a shower man?- Is there space to put a shower here?
0:24:35 > 0:24:40- You could perhaps get one in there but there are other options with this property.- Right.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Let's see if we can find you a shower.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Follow me.- All right.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I'm not giving up that easily, Nigel.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50The second bedroom could solve that shower problem.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55- This is a large double. - Right.- Out of the three. - Yes. That's a nice size.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Good size. And light.- Yeah.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00This could be a great studio.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02It's got quite an artistic feel.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06It has, but we really need the bedroom space. That's the problem.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10It would be a shame to mess these lovely old floorboards up.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13With only the family bathroom and no shower, Nigel,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17what you could do is actually go through because that's a stud wall.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20There's some storage space on the other side,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23so you could put an en suite there. It's big enough.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Shower room?- And then you've got a nice large bedroom with a bathroom.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- This could be the master. - Shall we go downstairs and look at the garden?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Yes, let's do that. - That would be lovely.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Off the landing, there's also a useful single bedroom.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42But now we'll make our way outside to the garden which should suit them down to the ground.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- So the garden's just under a quarter of an acre.- Right.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- That sounds great.- That's enough.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52And it's nicely done. It's quite low-maintenance.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56There's an area at the back for growing your own vegetables.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Excellent.- Got your greenhouse.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02And just looking, this is a stunning-looking property, isn't it?
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- It's great.- It is.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07With your artistic nature in mind - the car port at the moment -
0:26:07 > 0:26:12unless you really wanted to keep it as a car port, this could be a fantastic studio.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Yeah, we thought of that.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18If you put glass across the front, you've got a workroom there for you, potentially.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Yes, that's what's missing, really. So that is a solution.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26So how much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Hmm. Towards the top end of our budget. I'd say 480?
0:26:29 > 0:26:34Do you know? I was going to say 480, actually. I was. I promise.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39- It's currently on the market for £479,500.- There you go.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- We are getting the hang of this. - You are very close, indeed.- Yeah.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Which would leave just over £20,000.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- For alterations and improvements. - Exactly.- Yeah.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Well, lots to think about, really. - Yes.- Absolutely.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Plenty of options, so why don't you have another wander?
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- I think we will.- And I'll catch up with you a bit later on.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Thanks, Nicki. Will do. Thanks.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Just shy of £480,000,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07this bespoke architectural house
0:27:07 > 0:27:09in a lovely rural setting
0:27:09 > 0:27:13comes in under our couple's budget and would give them...
0:27:24 > 0:27:25It's fully insulated,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28but if they want to notch it up to a D energy rating,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32they could install a condensing boiler to heat the house and water,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35cutting their bills by 30%.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Block off the front and use it as either studio space for you or living accommodation.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46It's a place I really could see myself living.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48It's a beautiful house.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Out there on the balcony,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55evening meal, out there with our friends in the formal dining room.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00Some slight concerns on the amount of space we have here.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Both downstairs and upstairs, actually.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07So I think you'd agree, it's a very unique house.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08BOTH: Certainly is.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- Nigel, if you can grab the door? - Sure.- And we'd better hit the road.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- OK.- Right.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22The Dorset town of Bridport harbours an 800-year-old tradition of making nets and rope for the Navy,
0:28:22 > 0:28:29as the land here was one of the few places in England where hemp and flax grew successfully.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34Besides fishing and sailing, most of England's hangman nooses were made here during the Middle Ages.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39So that "to be stabbed by the Bridport dagger" meant to be hanged.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42They may be using synthetic material nowadays,
0:28:42 > 0:28:47but the rope and net heritage is kept alive by a number of local netting businesses,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51such as Edwards, one of the oldest companies in Bridport,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54which turned its hand to making sports nets over 120 years ago.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Today, it's managed by Archie Berkeley.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Our particular niche in the market
0:28:59 > 0:29:05is applying the traditional finishing skills of net-making to these sports nets.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08What type of nets do you produce here for sport?
0:29:08 > 0:29:13We make football, for example, tennis, golf, cricket and so on.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16There's quite a pedigree with regard to football nets.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21Edwards was the first company to manufacture the football net in the 19th century when it was invented.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Wow. Have you done any famous matches?
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- You might have heard of the 1966 World Cup final?- I have, yes.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30That would give you an example. Those were all manufactured here.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Wow, that's quite a claim to fame. - It is indeed.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36'The Bridport net business might be a cottage industry,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39'but it's thriving and worth around £7 million a year.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44'I'm meeting Ros, who's going to show me the ropes when it comes to finishing these nets.'
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- Hi, Ros.- Hello, Nicki. - Good to meet you.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49You look hard at work there. So what are you doing?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- This is called shut in.- Shut in.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54I'm joining two pieces of net together to make the start of a net.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- So you can make a really long net? - Yes.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59It comes in sections and you're putting it together?
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Yes. You normally get pieces of net about 20 metres long
0:30:02 > 0:30:04and you join them together.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07You needle through the top, then you hold it with two of your fingers.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12Make an knot, then you come to the bottom one, do exactly the same.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16It would take a couple of months for me to get up to speed.
0:30:16 > 0:30:22But I couldn't keep up with Ros who joins together 300 metres of netting a day. Still, I'll give it a go.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- Shall I swap? - Yes, it's like cat's cradle.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- So...- Through your top mesh.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- That's right. - Pull it down.- Pull it down.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- To there?- No, you've gone a bit...
0:30:35 > 0:30:37You want to hold it with your...
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Put those two fingers up to there.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42God, I need more fingers. I've only got 10.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47So this is a process that was done centuries ago and hasn't changed?
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Yes. It's exactly the same. It's joining two bits of net together.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55I know Bridport has such a reputation for net and rope-making,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but it still pays to do it by hand rather than by machine?
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Oh, yes, I think it looks neater. - Yeah.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03'It's certainly harder than Ros made it look.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06'At this rate, I'll be here all night.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15So with the first day of our house search at an end,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Nigel and Frieda take time out to reflect on the houses they've looked at.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23So, what did you think of the house with the view?
0:31:23 > 0:31:27In terms of location, that house was absolutely perfect.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- The views were stupendous. - They were, weren't they? They were spectacular.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- It had a cottage-y charm to it. - It did, it certainly did.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42But I don't think there was enough room for us, there wasn't enough space for two of us
0:31:42 > 0:31:45to sit separately in the evenings.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46If that were necessary!
0:31:47 > 0:31:53- Yes.- And then think about me working. - There wasn't enough room for either of us to work,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56a study for you or a studio for me.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- It's going to make a lovely house for somebody.- It will.- But not us.
0:31:59 > 0:32:05- The contemporary house that we saw. - Didn't that have the wow factor? - It did.
0:32:05 > 0:32:11- It had that lovely open feel about it.- It certainly gave me a good feeling inside.- Yes.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- And the garden, I liked that. - The garden was great. Nowhere near as big. And easy to manage
0:32:16 > 0:32:22With that house, we could see the potential to make some improvements,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26make some extensions, and get it more to what we require.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Let's hope tomorrow we find something
0:32:28 > 0:32:33that has some of the good points of both the houses we've seen, and more.
0:32:33 > 0:32:40I'm hoping there will be something more on the environmental side as well, in terms of energy efficiency.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- Fingers crossed.- Fingers crossed! - That Nicki can come up with a miracle.- A miracle!- A minor miracle.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48A minor miracle, let's drink to that
0:32:56 > 0:33:02'Nigel and Frieda want to up sticks from Nottingham to put down roots in or around Dorset.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07'With a top budget of £500,000, they're looking for two reception rooms, a study for Nigel
0:33:07 > 0:33:10'and an artist's studio for Frieda.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15'SO far they've seen two houses, but coming up, Frieda resorts to some wishful thinking...'
0:33:15 > 0:33:18I'm hoping it's going to be 499,950.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Are you? - FRIEDA LAUGHS
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- Are you really hoping? - I am hoping, yes!
0:33:24 > 0:33:28And our mystery house has a whole load of hidden secrets within its walls.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33It's the start of a new day,
0:33:33 > 0:33:35and I think it's dawned on Nigel and Frieda
0:33:35 > 0:33:39that although they want to downsize from a six-bedroom house by half,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43a three-bedroom property isn't going to be big enough for them
0:33:43 > 0:33:45and their friends and family when they want to stay.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48So I think we're going to need to be realistic
0:33:48 > 0:33:52and perhaps look at bigger houses offering more accommodation.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55However, I'm not sure that on their budget of £500,000,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58they're going to find what they want in Dorset.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02So we're heading north to the county of Somerset to see what it has to offer.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05I just hope this weather holds.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10As properties can be up to 24% cheaper in Somerset than Dorset,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13it's certainly a gamble worth taking.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Our next house is in the historic market town of Ilminster,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18just 17 miles from Lyme Regis.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Renowned for its magnificent 15th-century minster church,
0:34:22 > 0:34:27there would also be plenty of independent shops and market produce on our couple's doorstep,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30and Frieda can be indulge her art and music passions
0:34:30 > 0:34:34at the former Meeting House, now an art gallery and concert hall.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Our property is just a mile out of Ilminster.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40This is your farmhouse.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43OK. Right. The whole of this?
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- Now, it is attached...- Oh.- ..so that is a separate property.- Right.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- But I would say, keep an open mind on this property.- Right.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55It's worth considering, so look at it from the outside,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- wait until you see what's inside.- OK.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00'I think they're going to be delighted by the living space
0:35:00 > 0:35:05'and character in this farmhouse, so let's take a look.'
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Here we are in the entrance lobby.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11I think I'll take my shoes off, because it's pretty muddy out there.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15- OK.- This is obviously a newer part of the property,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18but the wall that you're looking at, that is 250 years old.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Standing here, you can see that was the farmhouse,
0:35:22 > 0:35:26and that was the mill barn - literally - the two separate doors.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Through there, you've got the cloakroom and the utility room.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31Shall we start the tour?
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Oh, yes, please, it looks fabulous.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Here's the drawing room, sitting room.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Dominated by that amazing inglenook fireplace.
0:35:41 > 0:35:42- Incredible, it's amazing.- Huge.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47I think you could get your whole family in there, couldn't you, if it was cold?
0:35:47 > 0:35:49We could! I can imagine sitting up next to that.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Is that a wood-burning stove? - Yeah, multi-fuel.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56And if you look just to the side, that's an old bread oven which they've kept.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Beautiful.- It's a great room. Low ceilings, of course.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- Low ceilings, but that's OK. Not too low. - And you've got the original beams.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09- Yeah, they're original? Right. - To the side, there's a large study.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- Good.- So, Nigel, I'll let you explore that in a little while, but plenty of room there.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I know entertaining is a big part of your lives,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19so I don't think you'll be disappointed with the next room.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- Nigel, we're going to follow you through the door.- OK.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- Oh, wow.- What a super kitchen.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Nicki, good Lord.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Even I'm really smiling as I walk into this room.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- It's fabulous.- A beautiful kitchen. - Absolutely amazing.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Look at the floor!
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Original flagstones.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42That is...incredible.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46And it's light and airy, with that door and the window.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- I love the brickwork round the stove, there.- Look at that stove.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- So a big range...- Yeah. - ..but you'd get used to it?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Oh, yes, I'm always wanting more rings!
0:36:57 > 0:37:02- Especially at Christmas.- With all your family and grandchildren, going to keep you busy.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04You've got a dining area there.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09- And somewhere to sit, yes, lovely. - Very impressed with this room.- Good.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Wonderful.- And it doesn't end there. - No?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Through here...
0:37:15 > 0:37:19You've got another large room, currently used as the dining area.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21That's a lovely size as well, isn't it?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23So you could keep it as a dining area,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26or you could make it into another reception room,
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- and just have the kitchen as the dining place.- Yeah, we could.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Room for your piano, there. - My piano could go there.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- That's important, isn't it? - It is very important, yeah. Ideal.
0:37:37 > 0:37:43- I'm going to move you on on that note. We're going to go upstairs, so let me lead the way.- OK.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'We've got a definite thumbs up here,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'so let's see if I can get them excited by what's on offer upstairs.'
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Heavens, look at that! - How's that for a landing?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Well, that's just unbelievable.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57There's a lot more to it than you think.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- You get to appreciate the whole length of the property.- You do.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05'Leading off this impressive landing is a light, spacious family bathroom,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09'and all four bedrooms, including two well-decorated doubles,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12'perfect for when their daughters come to stay.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16'And would this third bedroom be large enough for their guests?'
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- This is the smallest of the smallest.- The smallest?
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- The smallest.- But it's a great size! - Yup.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25For a guest room, it's just perfect.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- Yes, lovely room. - It's lovely, and it's the smallest.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- It's the smallest. - Oh, show us some more.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Well, now it's time to see where you both would be.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37So, Nigel, if you want to lead the way, keep going along the landing.
0:38:39 > 0:38:46'At the end of the landing is a real treat of a master bedroom for them.'
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Ah, so this is your bedroom.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- Lovely.- It's spectacular, isn't it?
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- Really. That's the chimney, is it, from downstairs?- That's it,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- that's the inglenook. It's a great feature, isn't it?- It is.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- As it travels through the house. - Yeah.
0:39:02 > 0:39:08And there's the bonus of a large en-suite with bath, and Nigel's beloved shower.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14Frieda seems bowled over by the ample space and beautiful features in this house,
0:39:14 > 0:39:15and it doesn't end there.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19I can't wait to show them what they get outside.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20So here is your garden.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22I can't believe it.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- But it's a little bit more than just this garden.- Right.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29If you look straight ahead to where the stable block is,
0:39:29 > 0:39:35- and then take your eyes to the left, all of that is your land.- Really?
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- 2.5 acres.- You're joking. - You've got the chicken run there.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Chickens! - Are you going to have chickens?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I'd love to have chickens, I really would.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49- To get fresh free-range eggs, that would be great.- Plenty of space for a vegetable patch.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51If you look, there is a carport there.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56The owners have got permission to have that extended and made into a proper structure.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Possibly a studio for you, Frieda.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- If that's not enough, can you see where the willow trees are?- Yes.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03- That's an island.- Uh-huh.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08- I can see the bridge.- You've got the River Isle going through - you've got your own island!
0:40:08 > 0:40:13You know the rich and famous? It's the done thing to go and buy your own island? There you have it.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- We would have to put a duck house on it!- Exactly.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20How much do you think this house is currently on the market for?
0:40:20 > 0:40:23I'm going to guess it's going to be £540,000.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Over budget, you're saying?- Yeah.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29I'm hoping it's going to be 499,950.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Are you? - FRIEDA LAUGHS
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Are you really hoping?- I am hoping!
0:40:36 > 0:40:40If you've bought this property, with all this land,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43you would have £5,000 change.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Really? Out of 500,000?
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- You were close.- Oh, Nicki!
0:40:47 > 0:40:50£5,000. Which could go towards...
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Sheep! - ALL LAUGH
0:40:53 > 0:40:54The artist's studio!
0:40:54 > 0:40:58It's not going to go towards an artist's studio.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00So, yeah, £5,000 change.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05You should go and have a look around the grounds, and then go back and take a look at the second property.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07- Definitely.- Have a real think.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12- We'll do that, thanks.- Off you go. Go and check out those sheep.- OK.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Well, what a surprise.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19A few reservations when they first arrived, but as soon as you walk through that door,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23that farmhouse sells itself, and all of this, it's a bonus.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Under budget at £495,000,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29this stunning Somerset farmhouse
0:41:29 > 0:41:32was definitely worth crossing the border for.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33It has...
0:41:45 > 0:41:47The grounds already have planning permission
0:41:47 > 0:41:48for an out building,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50so Frieda would get her studio.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52They could also retrofit
0:41:52 > 0:41:53a condensing boiler
0:41:53 > 0:41:54for their water and heating,
0:41:54 > 0:41:56which could bump
0:41:56 > 0:41:59this property's energy efficiency rating up to a D.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03How amazing to have all this land.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08- And a river! And a picnic table on the island.- Brilliant. - It's brilliant.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11I'm really glad we've come over the border to Somerset,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14because I think you get a whole lot more for your money.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- This could be my study. - Big enough for you?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Absolutely, yeah, it's fine. I could see myself working there.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23I could certainly see us living here.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25It's got everything we could ask for.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30It's absolutely wonderful, and we would very seriously consider moving here.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- Hi, Nicki, is it time to go?- It is, I'm going to have to drag you away. - OK.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43So far, all our properties have been packed full of individual charm,
0:42:43 > 0:42:48but what they had in character, they lacked in eco-features.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Retrofitting is a practice where energy-saving devices are fitted
0:42:52 > 0:42:55to an existing property to reduce its carbon emissions.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00With this in mind, Nigel and Frieda are meeting Charles of the Ecos Trust Charity
0:43:00 > 0:43:03to learn what they could add to their home.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07Over a third of a house's heat escapes through the walls,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09so good insulation is vital.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10Here we are.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12This is what we are using.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- We are using sheep's wool insulation.- Sheep's wool?- Yeah.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17That's interesting.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Now, that's really thick.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24Yeah. It's a great product to use on walls on older houses.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28- Where has that come from, Charles? - That's from Cumbria.- Oh, right.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31You have a lower carbon footprint using these materials,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- because you don't use energy to produce them. - No, the sheep use theirs.- Yes!
0:43:35 > 0:43:37BOTH: Absolutely.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39- And then... - And then you've got this?
0:43:39 > 0:43:44Yes, which is wood fibreboard. So you've got that, plus the sheep's wool,
0:43:44 > 0:43:47wrapping up the whole frame, making it really warm.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51In the UK, £8 billion of energy is wasted every year
0:43:51 > 0:43:55because of bad insulation and poor heating systems,
0:43:55 > 0:44:02but Chris shows Nigel and Frieda how solar energy can be harnessed to make savings.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05Here's one of the skylights that we're going to be using on the roof.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- Right.- That will create a sun space. These are double-glazed,
0:44:09 > 0:44:13argon-filled units - they'll reduce the amount of heat loss during the winter.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16Are you going to be using solar panels as well?
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Yes, we'll use solar thermal panels,
0:44:18 > 0:44:22so that will provide heating for the hot water in the house,
0:44:22 > 0:44:29so we're combining passive solar heating with active solar heating.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Maybe this is the sort of thing you could use when you move?
0:44:32 > 0:44:35It could be, we'll certainly think about it, thanks for showing us.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- It's been fascinating.- Pleasure.
0:44:39 > 0:44:45We've shown Nigel and Frieda a variety of properties, but now it's time for the mystery house.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47The couple are environmentally aware,
0:44:47 > 0:44:51and hoping with this final property to see one or two green credentials.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53Little do they know.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56'Our mystery house takes us to the village of Stawell,
0:44:56 > 0:44:59'close to the Somerset Levels.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03'An array of architectural house styles are tucked away in the village,
0:45:03 > 0:45:07'from chapel conversions to grand period properties,
0:45:07 > 0:45:12'but nothing quite like our 21st-century mystery house, with its bang up-to-date green credentials.'
0:45:12 > 0:45:18- This is the house I want to show you, because you wanted a house with eco-features, didn't you?- We did.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20How about an eco-house?
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- Sounds fascinating.- Definitely.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- Looks really different. - Very, very different.
0:45:26 > 0:45:27- Unusual.- Unusual.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- Unusual.- Unusual.- Two things I want to point out as we're standing here,
0:45:32 > 0:45:37the front of the house is north-facing, so the windows at the front are much smaller.
0:45:37 > 0:45:42They're triple-glazed, with argon gas, which keeps the heat in.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44Also, if you look at the front of the lawn,
0:45:44 > 0:45:49underneath that manhole is a huge, huge tank -
0:45:49 > 0:45:522,500 litres that can hold - all which comes off the roof.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- Rainwater.- Exactly. That is for the toilets and the washing.- Right.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- So let's step inside and I'll show you around.- OK, thanks.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04'This timber-framed eco-house is super insulated
0:46:04 > 0:46:09'and includes a wall cavity filled with powdered recycled newspaper, but that's just one example.'
0:46:11 > 0:46:16So come on in. I must admit, this is a first for me, an eco-property,
0:46:16 > 0:46:20and I find it really exciting. Obviously, we're in the hallway.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24Down there, you've got the utility room and the downstairs toilet,
0:46:24 > 0:46:28and to the left, you've got a study, and that faces to the north.
0:46:28 > 0:46:33- But I want to take you straight into the living area.- OK.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38So, as you can see, open-plan living.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Yes, very light, very light and airy.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45- You've got ceramic tiles on the floor.- These are ceramic, are they?
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Yeah. They've got a special thermal material underneath them,
0:46:49 > 0:46:54so in the summer, it keeps the property cool and in the winter it retains the heat.
0:46:54 > 0:46:59Where that sculpture is, that's actually going to be an automated wood-pellet burner.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01You can see the pellets at the side.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04That's going to be installed on that plinth by the builders,
0:47:04 > 0:47:09- and that's going to provide most of the hot water and heating for this property.- Right.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11Most of it will come from there.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Of course, wood is a renewable resource, isn't it?
0:47:14 > 0:47:19It is. And the better news is it costs between £200 and £300 a year in wood pellets,
0:47:19 > 0:47:22so once it's installed, that's the only cost you're going to have for that.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- How does that compare your house? - That is... Oh!- Excellent.
0:47:26 > 0:47:27That's probably our monthly costs.
0:47:27 > 0:47:33- That's what I was thinking. That's a big difference, isn't it? - Absolutely.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36So you've got your open-plan living, you've got your dining area here.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39The kitchen is next door, here.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41- Mmm-hmm.- Right.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- Not a largest of kitchens. - That really doesn't matter,
0:47:44 > 0:47:48because you've an extension of it here to sit, so that's fine.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- Energy-efficient white goods here. - A+ energy-efficient!- Yeah.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- You have beech tops and you have pine - all sustainable forest material.- As you'd expect.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01'There's a second study for Nigel or Frieda to make their own,
0:48:01 > 0:48:04'with French doors leading out to the garden.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08'Going upstairs, the carpet is made from sisal, a renewable plant fibre.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11'But now let's look at the four bedrooms in this eco-house.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13'First stop, the master.'
0:48:16 > 0:48:19So it's quite bare at a moment because it's only just been built.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21- Yes.- Yes, it looks a bit sparse.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26- Imagine it with all of your belongings and everything.- Yes.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28- Yes!- Would it be full?
0:48:28 > 0:48:30It would, it would, yes.
0:48:30 > 0:48:35- This is all cupboard space? - Yes. Actually, this house has a lot of cupboard space.
0:48:35 > 0:48:36They've thought about that.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- That's good.- It makes a big difference, doesn't it?
0:48:39 > 0:48:44- And you've got the view outside of the agricultural land and farm next door.- Right.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- Yeah, that's lovely, and a balcony. - Yeah.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50- You've also got an en-suite. - Oh, fantastic!
0:48:50 > 0:48:52Take a look. Go on, after you.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59- Oh, right.- Ample room?- It's good. - Ample room, yeah.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01And a nice shower.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Eco-taps, which aerates the water.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06- Yes, so you use less.- You use less. Have you got those at home?
0:49:06 > 0:49:10- Yes.- Very good, I'm impressed. - We've already got them.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14- Right, I've got more to show you. - OK.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17There are three other bedrooms, including two bright single rooms,
0:49:17 > 0:49:20one which leads onto the balcony.
0:49:20 > 0:49:26The family bathroom has the all-important shower cubicle and a bath.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30But we'll go through to size up the fourth bedroom.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34- This is the second largest of the four bedrooms.- Right.- OK.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36So big enough to get a double in.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38- Yeah, just.- You can envisage that.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40You've got storage there.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- Yeah.- It's got that beautiful balcony.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46Yes, it's lovely, on to the orchard there, it's beautiful.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50'I get the feeling Frieda and Nigel admire the green credentials
0:49:50 > 0:49:54'of our mystery eco-house, but I wonder whether they've really clicked with it.
0:49:54 > 0:49:59'Still, they're very open-minded, so maybe the price will clinch it.'
0:50:00 > 0:50:02So here's the garden.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04As you can see, it's been landscaped but not planted.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07That won't be a very big job, will it?
0:50:07 > 0:50:10No. Not a massive garden, but you didn't want a lot of land.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14- That's true, yeah.- Is it big enough?
0:50:14 > 0:50:17- What do you think?- I think this would be great for a busy young couple
0:50:17 > 0:50:21that want an extremely low-maintenance garden,
0:50:21 > 0:50:25but I think we'd probably want a bit more space outside.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28What do you think? How much is it currently on the market for?
0:50:28 > 0:50:32It's quite difficult to assess the...
0:50:32 > 0:50:35extra cost involved in the energy-saving measures.
0:50:35 > 0:50:40I would guess 440,000.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43I'd put it probably a bit higher than that at about 460.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48- 460,000? OK.- 460.- 460?- Yeah.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51- The current asking price...- Yes?
0:50:51 > 0:50:54- ..is £399,000.- Oh, really!?- 399? - Yep,
0:50:54 > 0:50:59so well under your budget and four bedrooms,
0:50:59 > 0:51:02- plus the two studies downstairs. - Right.
0:51:02 > 0:51:08You could say it's competitively priced to encourage people to look at eco-houses
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- Why don't you have another wander around?- We will, thanks.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15At £100,000 under budget, it's certainly worth another look.
0:51:15 > 0:51:21- It certainly is. - And I'll meet you in a little while. - OK, thanks, Nicki.
0:51:21 > 0:51:25A whopping £100,000 under budget.
0:51:30 > 0:51:31It offers...
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Loads of eco-features,
0:51:39 > 0:51:42and an impressive B energy efficiency rating,
0:51:42 > 0:51:46which only 5% of UK properties currently have.
0:51:46 > 0:51:51- One big, open-plan space. - Yep, it's what we've got. - What do you think?
0:51:51 > 0:51:56Well, in principle, it's a great way of using limited space, but we do like to have our own space.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59I'm very, very impressed with the eco-features in the house.
0:51:59 > 0:52:05I was disappointed with myself, in a way, that I didn't like it as much as I'd hoped I would.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07What do you think, Frieda? Is the garden big enough?
0:52:07 > 0:52:10Honestly?
0:52:10 > 0:52:11- I don't think so.- No.
0:52:11 > 0:52:17I'm not sure that I can see us having this as our home.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21But I can imagine other people enjoying it - particularly younger people.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25So all done and dusted?
0:52:25 > 0:52:29Well, you've certainly given us a lot to think about with this one.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31Good. Well, let's find somewhere nice and quiet
0:52:31 > 0:52:35- where you can gather your thoughts together.- OK.- Sounds good.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Well, our house hunt is at an end,
0:52:40 > 0:52:44and I think the range of properties we've shown Nigel and Frieda
0:52:44 > 0:52:47have given them a lot of different options to think about.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56Nigel and Frieda have seen a variety of properties over two counties,
0:52:56 > 0:53:01and I wonder if any of them have tempted the couple to get their chequebook out.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04Well, there's only one way to find out - let's go and ask them.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13- Well, Nigel and Frieda, it's certainly been a very enjoyable few days.- It's been great.
0:53:13 > 0:53:18But how do you think it's gone for you? Dorset and Somerset.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20- All in one go. - Two for the price of one.- Yeah.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24Fantastic, it's been a lovely, lovely few days for us as well.
0:53:24 > 0:53:28So shall we kick off with the gardener's cottage by the sea,
0:53:28 > 0:53:30with that amazing garden?
0:53:30 > 0:53:32What did you think about that?
0:53:32 > 0:53:39It's a pretty amazing view and garden and, really, that was stunning.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43What a way to start. Absolutely beautiful.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48But the living accommodation, unfortunately, just wasn't big enough.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50Simply not big enough. Charming but not big enough.
0:53:50 > 0:53:56We looked at a new-build, architecturally-designed, can you remember your first impressions?
0:53:56 > 0:53:59They were very positive. We really liked the...
0:53:59 > 0:54:05I did anyway - I really liked the design from the outside and I took to it immediately.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08- It was stunning, wasn't it? - It was spectacular.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09Downstairs was fine.
0:54:09 > 0:54:14The sitting room was beautiful and there was an nice little study and a nice place to eat.
0:54:14 > 0:54:19But we needed another room, really, and there was nowhere for me to work either,
0:54:19 > 0:54:22so it wouldn't have been perfect.
0:54:22 > 0:54:27A new day, and a property which, I think it would be fair to say,
0:54:27 > 0:54:32caught your eye pretty instantly as you walked through the door - the old farmhouse.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35As soon as we walked through the door, we were really impressed.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39We were sucked into that house, it had an emotional pull.
0:54:39 > 0:54:44It sort of said, "Come into my home..." You know, it was...
0:54:44 > 0:54:47"You'll be comfortable here." It almost spoke to you
0:54:47 > 0:54:51- as you walked in through the front door.- I like that.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55- It gave you that mmm feeling. - Absolutely, it wanted you to go in,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58and that was a very friendly atmosphere, you know?
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Obviously a very happy family home.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04And you were pretty surprised at the grounds,
0:55:04 > 0:55:07all 2.5 acres that you didn't need!
0:55:07 > 0:55:12Exactly! That was a bit of a surprise to both of us, I have to say.
0:55:12 > 0:55:18Now, something completely different, and I think this is always the fun part, is the mystery house.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21A slight curveball, very different,
0:55:21 > 0:55:24but what this house brought was those real green values,
0:55:24 > 0:55:27- being an eco-house. - Absolutely.- Definitely.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32- What did you both think? - In terms of the energy efficiency, its green credentials if you like,
0:55:32 > 0:55:33it was fantastic.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Unfortunately, for us, it wasn't big enough again, really.
0:55:37 > 0:55:42And it didn't grab us the way the farmhouse did.
0:55:42 > 0:55:47I think it will definitely appeal to some people, but just not to us.
0:55:47 > 0:55:52- What's the next step going to be? - Well, Nicki, we love the farmhouse,
0:55:52 > 0:55:57so I think we're going to give that some more thought.
0:55:57 > 0:56:01We like it so much we are seriously thinking about taking it further.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04Well, that's great news, I'm absolutely delighted.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06We'll be keeping our fingers crossed.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10Can I say thank you? You've been tremendous these last few days.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14You've been so open-minded and receptive to everything we've shown you.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17You've shown us wonderful things, you've been a fantastic guide.
0:56:17 > 0:56:21- It's been great fun.- Keep in touch, won't you? Let us know how you get on.- We will.
0:56:24 > 0:56:30It's been a real pleasure showing Nigel and Frieda the properties,
0:56:30 > 0:56:35partly due to their open-mindedness and being open to our suggestions.
0:56:35 > 0:56:40Although they had set their heart on Dorset, it's clear Somerset was a revelation.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44One thing is clear, we've given them plenty of food for thought.
0:56:44 > 0:56:45See you next time.
0:56:45 > 0:56:50If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
0:56:50 > 0:56:51or England and need our help,
0:56:51 > 0:56:54please contact us through our website...
0:57:15 > 0:57:18Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:18 > 0:57:21E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk