0:00:02 > 0:00:04What is a seaside holiday without a beach hut, I say.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Today, I'm in the south coastal county that started
0:00:07 > 0:00:11the great British love affair with these little iconic beauties
0:00:11 > 0:00:15that pepper the British coastline. So where am I? Let's find out.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32Today, we'll be helping this couple swap their urban lifestyle in Poole
0:00:32 > 0:00:35for a more rural existence in the Dorset countryside.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- We'll be impressing them with period cottages.- I'm speechless in a way.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And trying to tempt them with acreage.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46That is your land. There's three acres.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51But will our mystery house prove too good to resist?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Wow factor!- It does.- Absolutely.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01From traditional day huts to radical reinvention,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Dorset's south coast is blessed
0:01:03 > 0:01:05with more than its fair share of beach huts
0:01:05 > 0:01:09which is appropriate as Bournemouth is their birthplace.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Edwardians built them either side of the pier in the early 20th century.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Once a mere humble shed, they now can command huge prices.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22They are the perfect place for admiring this magnificent coastline.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25But it's not just great views and golden sand
0:01:25 > 0:01:28that gives Dorset the wow factor.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Sandwiched down on the south-west coast of England
0:01:32 > 0:01:35between the counties of Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37perennially popular Dorset
0:01:37 > 0:01:40currently ranks third in England for overnight stays,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43with an impressive 2.3 million visitors last year.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47The sweeping stretches of protected Jurassic coastline
0:01:47 > 0:01:50were England's first natural World Heritage Site
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and create a draw for tourists
0:01:53 > 0:01:55who marvel at the natural rock formations
0:01:55 > 0:01:59and look for the ancient fossils which put this coastline on the map.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05And if it's countryside you're after, Dorset does not disappoint.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08With no cities or motorways at all and few large towns,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12it's resolutely rural and the landscape is spectacular.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16In fact, 44% of the county is officially designated
0:02:16 > 0:02:19an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Small market towns and villages dot the landscape,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25epitomising the English country idyll
0:02:25 > 0:02:28with their neat rows of cottages.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33All this beauty, it comes at a price.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Dorset is in the top 10 most expensive places to live
0:02:36 > 0:02:39and we're not just talking beach huts.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41The average detached property here
0:02:41 > 0:02:43costs up to 25% more than the national average
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and 8% more than neighbouring Devon.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50But, if you're thinking of moving here, you'll be spoilt for choice.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Take a look at these.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54For £1.5 million you could appoint yourself
0:02:54 > 0:02:57head of the old school in Manswood.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02A six-bedroom conversion sitting in 1.8 acres of land.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05With a three-bedroom separate cottage thrown in for good measure,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08it certainly makes the mark.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14£520,000 buys you this cottage on the outskirts of Sutton Points.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17With four bedrooms, two reception rooms
0:03:17 > 0:03:19and a traditional country kitchen
0:03:19 > 0:03:22there's more than enough room inside.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25But it's the outside that's the real appeal in this place
0:03:25 > 0:03:29where you can enjoy the truly spectacular views from the terrace.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31It's period features aplenty
0:03:31 > 0:03:33in this Grade II listed thatched cottage.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Situated on the outskirts of Highcliffe,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39the fitted country kitchen complements the cosy sitting room.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42This cute three-bedroom whitewashed chocolate box
0:03:42 > 0:03:47with its pretty garden is for sale at £335,000.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Dorset has got lots of hot properties to choose from.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Let's hope today's house-hunters warm to the ones we've got lined up.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57Time to meet them.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Phil and Angie have been married for three years.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06Phil runs a house cleaning company and Angie's a saleswoman and artist.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09They share their five-bedroom Victorian town house
0:04:09 > 0:04:11in the centre of Poole
0:04:11 > 0:04:14with Angie's three teenage sons from a previous relationship,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and their three Rottweilers.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21But the time has come to swap urban Dorset for rural Dorset.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23We've lived in a town all our lives
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and it would just be nice to have the chance to move out.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30We want to become self-sufficient - live off the land, if you like.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32And to walk the dogs.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We're always going out into the country to walk the dogs by car
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- so it would be nice to just walk the dogs in the country.- Where we live.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Sounds like the good life.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47Do they have a specific location in mind for their country dream?
0:04:47 > 0:04:51We're looking at moving towards Wareham and surrounding areas.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I currently work in the Sandbanks area of Poole.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Anything around a 45 minute drive away from that area would be ideal.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03And just how low rural do our seaside urbanites want to go?
0:05:03 > 0:05:07I think Phil would be quite happy to live in a big field.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10A house surrounded by fields.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Me, personally, I would like to have maybe a country pub,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17a village atmosphere, a little store or something.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So a slight difference of opinion on location,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23but what about the house itself?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I think we'd like the size...we don't want to downsize as such.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30We would still be looking for a large property,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32four or five bedrooms.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34I think it's the living area downstairs.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39We've got such a large living area that we socialise a lot in
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and we don't appreciate how large it is, I suppose,
0:05:42 > 0:05:43until we start to look around.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48We would still like a large space downstairs with a few extra bedrooms.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52When we have our socials people are going to probably stay.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57But it's not just Phil, Angie and the boys we need to consider.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59With Phil's mum and dad wanting to downsize,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03they've decided to sell their house, pull their finances together
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and make the move to the country too.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10We're looking for a property with an annexe or self-contained annexe
0:06:10 > 0:06:14or a building they can make into a living accommodation for them.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Sounds like we're going to have to find two houses.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Do they have anything else in mind?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22My passion is art. Anything to do with art.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Restoring furniture - I love old furniture.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Really, I want a big...well, a workshop or my own little space,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32that I can do my stuff and nobody comes and disturbs me.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33And what about the dogs?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36One of the most important things
0:06:36 > 0:06:39about moving to a new property is the amount of land.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42It's important the dogs, have an open space to roam around freely.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46But before our family can move en masse to the country,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49they need to know how much money they will have to spend
0:06:49 > 0:06:53so we've invited a local estate agent to value their home.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55We have a five-bedroom, semi-detached,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Victorian character residence
0:06:57 > 0:07:00offering spacious, well-planned accommodation,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03situated close to Poole and its amenities.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Taking this into account,
0:07:05 > 0:07:11I would recommend an asking price for this property of £329,950.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17What's the final spend for their big move?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20If we do find somewhere that's outstanding and amazing
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and ticks all the right boxes,
0:07:22 > 0:07:27then we could stretch to £650,000.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Angie and Phil aren't looking to relocate too far from Poole
0:07:34 > 0:07:37but they want a complete change in lifestyle.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Armed with a budget of up to £650,000,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43they want a four-bedroom house with a bit of land
0:07:43 > 0:07:47so Phil can grow his vegetables and Ange's dogs can run around.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49They also need a separate annexe for Phil's parents
0:07:49 > 0:07:53and maybe some studio space so that Angie can get creative.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56So there's a lot to fit in.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59The big question is, is it all achievable on their budget?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04As Phil needs to commute to the Sandbanks area of Poole
0:08:04 > 0:08:08on a daily basis, they don't want to be more than a 45 minute drive away
0:08:08 > 0:08:12and have asked us to look in the countryside inland from Wareham.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15We've lined up an array of properties for them to view.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19As always, I won't be revealing the price tags straight away.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23And, finally, we'll take them to the mystery house which, today,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26could get some trouble brewing.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Angie and Phil, welcome to Dorset.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I was going to say sunny Dorset but, not today, unfortunately.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I think you should be welcoming me to your county.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- We should indeed. Welcome to Dorset. - Thank you very much.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40You live in Poole, within the county,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44but you want to move further afield into the country
0:08:44 > 0:08:47because you want a complete lifestyle change.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Definitely. We've lived in the town all our lives
0:08:49 > 0:08:53and felt it would be nice to move out somewhere more rural
0:08:53 > 0:08:54and give country life a go.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57OK. Phil, your parents are going to be making the move with you
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and they're putting money into this move as well, I believe.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Definitely. We've put our resources together
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and decided to sell both our properties in Poole
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and find somewhere with a self-contained annexe
0:09:08 > 0:09:10where my parents can live.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13You've got a budget of £650,000 for your property
0:09:13 > 0:09:16and also for the annexe for your parents as well.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21You probably know this already but Dorset is a very expensive county.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Bearing everything in mind, everything you need,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28the land, the house, the annexe, and also the commutable distance,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30are you quite flexible on that?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I think flexibility has got to come into it,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35as long as it's not a great jump.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- We are very open-minded to see what there is out there.- Definitely.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44We've got some really interesting properties for you to look at.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46We've also got the mystery property as well.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Are you ready to get started? - Definitely.- Let's hit the road.
0:09:51 > 0:09:57For £650,000, Angie and Phil are looking for a large family home.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59They need at least four bedrooms,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01a big living space with room for entertaining,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03an art studio for Angie,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06a self-contained annexe for Phil's parents
0:10:06 > 0:10:07and loads of land
0:10:07 > 0:10:09to walk those three big dogs.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13We'll certainly do our best but, with that many variables,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16I can already sense a compromise on its way.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20So how ready are they to leave a busy town behind
0:10:20 > 0:10:22and become bona fide country folk?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28When you make this move which, hopefully,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30we're going to be helping you with,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32what do you plan to do?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Eat from the land, really.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Erm...have chickens, ducks.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Stand at a five-bar gate chewing a bit of corn...
0:10:42 > 0:10:44..shouting, "Get off my land!"
0:10:47 > 0:10:50If they move into the village of Hinton St Mary,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I'm sure Phil won't have to spend too much time
0:10:53 > 0:10:55shooting trespassers off his land.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Conveniently located only 29 miles up the A350
0:10:58 > 0:11:00from Phil's work in Sandbanks
0:11:00 > 0:11:03and with a population of just over 200,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06it's not overrun with potential trespassers.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08The village is mainly made up
0:11:08 > 0:11:10of pretty 17th and 18th century cottages
0:11:10 > 0:11:13built around the local Church of St Peter
0:11:13 > 0:11:15and it's one of those cottages
0:11:15 > 0:11:19which we've chosen as their first potential rural residence.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27As you can see, from where we're standing, it's pretty substantial.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31But if you look to your right, that barn comes with the property.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Really? That is really interesting.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37We are in a conservation area.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40It's Grade II listed so you have to bear that in mind
0:11:40 > 0:11:45when you're looking at outbuildings but it has bags of potential.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Thinking of the annexe, that possibly could be the answer.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Yeah.- Ideal.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Let's explore the house first and then we'll come on to the barn.
0:11:54 > 0:11:55Lovely.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Dating back to 1806, this cottage is one of the oldest in the village.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Made of stone quarried just three miles down the road,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05this place is about as local as it gets.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's also served the village in its time as a local shop
0:12:08 > 0:12:12and as a bakery, but will it fit the bill for them?
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Into the courtyard.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Wow! Look at this.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24And then straight into the house.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Oh, my goodness!
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Thank you.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32Goodness.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- "Goodness" in a good way? - Yes, beautiful.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I'm speechless in a way.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I'm like...wow!
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- It's gorgeous.- Are you getting a good feeling?- Yes. Lovely.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- A good start to the tour? - Definitely.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Great. Let's keep going. Good!
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Come through to the drawing room.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59- It's actually laid out in two parts, if you like.- Uh-huh.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00- This is the library.- Right.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Used at the moment but, perhaps, could be a dining area.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09This sort of style is very much what I like. Old style furniture.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12So, yeah, I'm thinking all that old furniture
0:13:12 > 0:13:16I've got at home that needs doing up is going to look lovely in here.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- There was a reason you've been collecting it.- Yeah.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Good. Let's keep going.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- This is quite cosy.- Yes, it's like a little snug.- A little snug, yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- It's gorgeous.- A lovely fireplace as well.- You like that, do you?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Who's going to be chopping the logs? - Ange.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Like this!
0:13:36 > 0:13:40You can actually take the front off and put a grate on it
0:13:40 > 0:13:42and, obviously, it's going to need a guard,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46but then you can open it up to make it a bit more dramatic.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I like this.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51You've said it all, Ange.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I'll have to find something for Phil within this property.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- Something that really catches your eye as well.- No, I am impressed.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Ange is speaking for both of us. - Good.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03What she says...I am impressed.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Well, looks like this place is a hit for both so far.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10If the rest of the tour goes this well, I could be on to a winner.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Here's your kitchen. We've just gone past the downstairs cloakroom.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20It's also a very, very small utility room
0:14:20 > 0:14:22which has got a washing machine.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Nearly everything else is here in the kitchen.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28It's a nice size, actually, isn't it?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We'd probably modernised the kitchen, wouldn't we?
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Put a nice country kitchen in with a wrought iron sink.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Just off the kitchen, the room that was once the village shop
0:14:38 > 0:14:41now serves as an elegant dining room.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Great for Angie and Phil's social gatherings.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But with three teenage boys moving into the cottage with them,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51it's bedrooms that are at the top of their shopping list.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Let's go upstairs to see if there's room to cram them all in.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00This side of the house you've got a very large bathroom
0:15:00 > 0:15:05that goes with this bedroom, which is probably a good standard size.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Gosh, yeah. It's so bright, isn't it? - It is, yeah. Loads of light.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15How is this for size because you've got quite a few boys, haven't you?
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- It's a lovely size.- It's deceiving.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19I wouldn't have thought the bedrooms were this big.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22All the boys have got double beds, so, ideal.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- They're not up for downsizing, then, are they?- No. Not at all.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Downsizing isn't something the boys will need to worry about.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33This floor has two more double-bedrooms
0:15:33 > 0:15:35connected by a shared bathroom.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39On the top floor is another bathroom and a good-sized double bedroom.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42A tranquil retreat for Angie and Phil, perhaps?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Well, that's them and the boys taken care of.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Now it's time to have a look at what we can do for Phil's parents
0:15:48 > 0:15:51so we're heading next door to the barn.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Come on through.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Could this be the project that you're looking for?
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- Wow!- I think there's potential to turn it into an annexe.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06It would take a lot of work but there's potential there.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07Definitely.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Looking at the cobwebs, you're seeing it in its rawest state.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12But you've got the eaves above us
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- so you've got two floors to work with.- Ideal.- Excellent!
0:16:15 > 0:16:21Time now to go and see your beloved garden and think about the price.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Oh, yeah. Hmm.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Surrounded by old stone walls with fragrant jasmine and roses,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31this garden immediately makes you feel a million miles away
0:16:31 > 0:16:32from the dreaded rat race.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It's an ideal place to relax with the dogs
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and maybe munch on an apple or pear from one of the fruit trees.
0:16:38 > 0:16:44- Here's your garden. - It's just a typical country garden.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Definitely.- It's absolutely gorgeous.- Well maintained as well.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50The garden has actually been split into two.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52This is the more formal garden
0:16:52 > 0:16:54but it's been laid to lawn at the back,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56so perhaps the dogs could have that bit.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58They would love it. Absolutely love it.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Phil, vegetables growing. I can see you being a bit of a farmer here.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Oo ar!
0:17:04 > 0:17:08The current owners bought a strip of land at the side of the property.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- That could be ideal for your vegetable patch.- Definitely.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Now it's crunch time.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17How much do you think this property is currently on the market for?
0:17:18 > 0:17:21£600,000, easy.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I would have thought the top end of our budget maybe.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Go on. Let me put you on the spot. How much?
0:17:27 > 0:17:29£615,000. Around the £615,000 mark.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33OK. It has been on the market for a year.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36The current owner is very, very keen to sell.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41The original asking price was £699,000.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43He has dropped it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46This is his lowest he's going to go.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It's currently on the market for £529,000.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53You're joking? £529,000.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The extra money could do a lot of work on the annexe
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and on the main house itself.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Wow!
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- I am surprised.- That is brilliant. - Good.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Well, it does give you lots of options with that extra money.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Do you fancy having another look around the cottage and the garden?
0:18:10 > 0:18:11Yes, please.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- I'll catch up with you in a little while.- Thank you.- Enjoy.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18I think we've hit the nail firmly on the head with this property.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20At £529,000,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24this surprisingly roomy cottage fits this family like a glove.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It delivers four bedrooms in the main house,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29a large garden for the dogs
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and enough money left over to convert the barn into an annexe
0:18:31 > 0:18:33to accommodate Phil's parents.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35There isn't an art studio for Angie
0:18:35 > 0:18:38and sleep-over guests will have to kip on the sofa.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41But is that a sacrifice worth making?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Look at this. - This room is so airy, isn't it?
0:18:44 > 0:18:48The bathroom, it's just ideal for the boys, isn't it?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Bedroom, bathroom. Their own sort of area, isn't it?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54That natural light coming through from both windows.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I absolutely love this house.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59I love the higgledy-piggledy sort of layout, up and down.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01That is just what I had imagined.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05There's just so much potential in there. I could do loads here.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Look, it's all wooden flooring. Ideal. Absolutely beautiful.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Seating area. I love that.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- I like the fireplace. Bags of potential.- Absolutely.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Are you happy?- I am indeed.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Initially, I was sceptical, because of the size of the land
0:19:22 > 0:19:24but the actual property itself,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28I am very impressed with the size of the rooms, the layout
0:19:28 > 0:19:30and the annexe as well,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32that could be turned into a self-contained annexe
0:19:32 > 0:19:33for my parents.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It could potentially become a nice family home.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42- Have you seen enough?- I think so, yes.- Happy, smiley faces.- Definitely.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45And that's just the start because we've got more to show you.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- So let's keep going.- Thank you.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Angie and Phil have already been taking a few trips out of Poole
0:19:58 > 0:20:00into the surrounding countryside,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02especially to Wareham, where they've been doing
0:20:02 > 0:20:06the occasional shopping trip and meeting friends for lunch.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Earlier in the week we gave them the opportunity
0:20:09 > 0:20:12to take a walk around with local historian, Robert McLish,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and delve a little deeper into the town's past,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18visiting one of Wareham's most famous admirers
0:20:18 > 0:20:20at St Martin's On The Walls.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24Here we are in St Martin's, St Martin's On The Walls,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26built in the late Saxon time.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30It's probably the most complete Saxon church in the whole of Dorset
0:20:30 > 0:20:33with the frescoes, drawings on the walls, paintings and so on.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36And, of course, Lawrence of Arabia.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40What's the relevance of Lawrence of Arabia's effigy being here?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43T.E. Lawrence, when he'd finished with the Lawrence of Arabia bit,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46he was stationed at Bovington, Bovington Camp near here,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49as an airman, under the name of Ross.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52He loved Wareham. He used to come and eat in the restaurant here,
0:20:52 > 0:20:53he loved coming here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57This church was closed for all the 18th and 19th centuries
0:20:57 > 0:20:59and he wanted it open, this old Saxon church.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02He was one of a number who fought
0:21:02 > 0:21:04to have the church opened and it was.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07So Sir Eric Kennington, the sculptor, made this.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It was going to go to Westminster Abbey
0:21:09 > 0:21:12but we're glad to perpetuate his name in this place.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16In fact, the walls referred to in the name St Martin On The Walls
0:21:16 > 0:21:19were built by the Saxons to protect the town
0:21:19 > 0:21:20from the attentions of the Norsemen.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Cleverly disguised as grassy hillocks,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25these days you might not realise
0:21:25 > 0:21:28that they're the most complete earthen walls in the country.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32But we're looking for rather more modern walls,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35maybe with a roof attached and a garden
0:21:35 > 0:21:37so it's on with the property search.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Our next house is in Gillingham, the most northerly town in Dorset.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46At 32 miles from Sandbanks
0:21:46 > 0:21:50it's right on the edge of Phil's desired travel time for work
0:21:50 > 0:21:52but I'm hoping they'll think it's worth it.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Gillingham is a popular commuter town given its proximity to the A303
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and it's considerably larger than Hinton St Mary
0:22:00 > 0:22:02with a population of well over 10,000,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05served by more than 70 local shops.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07The property we're taking Angie and Phil to see
0:22:07 > 0:22:08is well away from the town,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12off a country lane, less than two miles south of Gillingham centre.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Here is your next property.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- And this is your barn conversion. - OK. Interesting.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Very interesting.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Believe it or not, this is a 19th century building, originally.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28Oh, really?
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- But I think you have got to judge it as a new-build.- Yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Because there aren't any of those period features inside.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38It does feel as if it's brand new.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41But what this property does have is an annexe.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- OK. Right. - Which has already been converted.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Originally it was a garage.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Lovely.- Interesting.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52So it could be the whole package.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56We'll look at the annexe last but let's go into the main house first.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Sitting in a large garden with an annexe, outbuildings
0:23:00 > 0:23:03and plenty of room for the kids and dogs,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05this place ticks lots of boxes.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09But will it have enough character to inspire art lover Angie?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Here we are, as ever in the country,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14you see that people very rarely use their front door.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16They always use the side entrance,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18so that's the way we've brought you in.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- Here is your living room, your sitting room.- Uh-huh.- Very modern.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Quite a blank canvas? - Minimalistic, yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Again, it's got a nice airy feel. Quite open plan so it's quite nice.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Although it's quite minimal, this actually works for you?
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- It's lovely, but I'm not too sure. - Well, let's keep exploring.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43I'll take you through to the kitchen and the dining room.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54Again, open plan. Very modern, done to a high spec.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's lovely...a lovely kitchen. Nice and open plan.
0:23:58 > 0:24:05But, again, it's not got my little bit of cottagey thing that I like.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Too modern?- Yeah.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13I'm trying to get completely out to the countryside. But this is lovely.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16It's beautifully done. A lovely kitchen...but modern.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20This kitchen has been done up to a very high standard
0:24:20 > 0:24:23but, unfortunately, it's not pushing the right buttons
0:24:23 > 0:24:25with Angie and Phil.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Also on this floor is a large bedroom with an en suite.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Let's see if that gets a better reaction.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- This would be the master bedroom. - A nice size. A good size, yeah.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38It's by far the biggest bedroom. It also has an en suite.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43- That's a bonus.- Mmm.- Go on, Angie, what's going through your mind?
0:24:43 > 0:24:48It's lovely but it's really not what I am looking for.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Even, whatever I could do to it, I've got to look upon,
0:24:52 > 0:24:57wherever we go in this move is going to be our last move.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01I've got to...we've got to be 110% sure it's what we want.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03That's what we aim for anyway.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Oh, dear. It looks like we may have misjudged this one.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10The modern feel of the house isn't going down as well as I'd hoped.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Will seeing the upstairs bedrooms make a difference?
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Mind the child gate.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20So, you've got a large double in there.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24You've got a single here. Loads of storage space.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Family bathroom.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28And another single through here
0:25:28 > 0:25:31which I think has the best view in house.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- It certainly is a nice view. - It is indeed. Beautiful view.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Lovely.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Uh-huh.- No, it's very nice.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It is a lovely property.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43I think this sort of property
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- would suit a young family starting out.- Absolutely.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52We've still got the annexe to take a look at and those outbuildings.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55And good old Dorset, the sun has come out,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57so let's take a look at the gardens as well. Phil, after you.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00As Phil's parents are selling up
0:26:00 > 0:26:04and chipping in with Phil and Angie to buy a property together,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08a self-contained annexe for them to live in is one of the top priorities
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and this house has an absolute cracker.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18As you can see, this is a self-contained flat.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23You've got the open kitchen here, living area, plenty of storage.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26A downstairs bathroom, because there's no upstairs,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30and a double bedroom which leads out on to the driveway.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It's an ideal annexe, really.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37The type of annexe we look for, I think, that they would probably like.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The annexe is ideal.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43It's what we've been looking for as an annexe goes
0:26:43 > 0:26:45but, I think...yeah, nice size.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50A good reaction to the annexe, then. Things are looking up!
0:26:50 > 0:26:54And I still have my trump cards to play outside in the garden.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59So you've seen the barn, you've seen the annexe.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Behind the annexe is a stable block, enough for two horses,
0:27:02 > 0:27:06but I know you don't ride so we were thinking possibly a studio for you.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Good thinking, yeah. Very good. - This house has so much potential.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11But you've seen the gardens.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15It doesn't quite have the land, the allotments,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- you were looking for.- No, sure.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21In an ideal world, how much land would you like?
0:27:21 > 0:27:26- I suppose a minimum of a couple of acres, maybe.- How about three?
0:27:28 > 0:27:33Take a look over there. There's a seven-bar gate. That's your land.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37There's three acres, just across the country lane.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39I kid you not, I joked to Ange,
0:27:39 > 0:27:40I said what a joke it would be
0:27:40 > 0:27:43if they said there was land across there.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46That land comes with the property.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47With that in mind,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50how much do you think it's currently on the market for?
0:27:50 > 0:27:55I would say, because we've got everything that we've asked for,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58it's got to be at the top. £650,000.
0:27:58 > 0:28:04Yeah, I would say close to and in and around £625,000, maybe.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07The property has been on the market for 18 months.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The owners have dropped the price by £100,000.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15The current asking price is £495,000.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Oh, you're joking me!
0:28:19 > 0:28:21OK.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24You can see now why we found this property for you.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28It does fit all your criteria. It's way under budget.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31You wouldn't need to spend any money, unless you spend
0:28:31 > 0:28:34what remaining money there was just to make it your own.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38But don't answer that, Angie. Why don't you both take another look,
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- think about it, and I'll meet you in a minute?- OK. Thanks.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I think I've thrown them a curve ball there.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47They both overestimated the price.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49At £495,000,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53this property has absolutely everything they asked for.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Four bedrooms, a self-contained annexe for Phil's parents,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00loads of land for the dogs to run around, and even stables,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03which could be converted into an art studio for Angie.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07But does this house have enough of the rustic charm
0:29:07 > 0:29:08they're looking for?
0:29:08 > 0:29:12The annexe is ideal for your mum and dad. I think they'd love it.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Definitely. Good size, plenty of natural light,
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Mum could make it her own.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- The house...- I don't think the house...- It's not us.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25It's not what we're looking for so far as the property is concerned.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29Saying that, the annexe was an ideal size as far as annexes go.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31The outbuildings were ideal.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35The gardens situated around the house were ideal,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37as is the amount of land.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40There's a fair bit of land here, really.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Three acres.- The dogs would love it.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45A big vegetable plot.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- A cornfield(!)- Yeah.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51A beautiful house. It's a lovely house.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53But, for me, it's just too modern.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57It's an ideal annexe, ideal land,
0:29:57 > 0:30:02but, for me, sadly, it's not my taste.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Has that got you thinking?
0:30:07 > 0:30:09I think we're still in shock.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10Come on, let's keep going.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19At 88 miles, the Dorset coastline
0:30:19 > 0:30:22is by no means the longest in the country
0:30:22 > 0:30:25but it's certainly a gem in this county's crown.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28From two million year old rock formations and fossils
0:30:28 > 0:30:30to endless stretches of golden sand,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34it was also the birthplace of the ever so British beach hut.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Britain is once again in love with its beach huts.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40It is an affair that may have had its ups and downs,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42but the last few years have seen the beach hut
0:30:42 > 0:30:46firmly re-establishing itself at the top of the core barometer.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50The Dorset coastline is covered in them and some of the prices
0:30:50 > 0:30:54and most desirable ones can be found on Mudeford Sandspit,
0:30:54 > 0:30:56just east of Bournemouth.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58I've come to meet Andrew Bath,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01who has had one of the Mudeford huts in the family for half a century
0:31:01 > 0:31:04and who has kindly invited me to come and have a look around.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07The Spit is easiest to get to by sea,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10so Andrew is taking me on the short cruise
0:31:10 > 0:31:12across Christchurch Harbour in his boat.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Beach huts have their origins way back in the 18th Century
0:31:16 > 0:31:18and they continued to grow in popularity
0:31:18 > 0:31:20until they were made a slightly redundant
0:31:20 > 0:31:24when foreign package holidays took off in the 70s.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27But in these days of crunch top credit,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30the plucky British beach hut is making a comeback.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Across the country, new blocks of designer huts are being built
0:31:34 > 0:31:35to keep up with demand
0:31:35 > 0:31:38and the old ones are being upgraded and spruced up
0:31:38 > 0:31:41to meet the discerning needs of the noughties holiday maker.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43So which one is yours?
0:31:43 > 0:31:49- This one here.- Can we take a peek? I would love to.- Please do.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50The hut we are visiting
0:31:50 > 0:31:54was bought for £400 by Andrew's father in the early 60s
0:31:54 > 0:31:57and he's been spending his holidays here ever since.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59My goodness!
0:31:59 > 0:32:01This is not a beach hut, this is luxury!
0:32:01 > 0:32:04It's a beach hut to us.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05The beach huts here in Mudeford
0:32:05 > 0:32:08are a bit smarter than your average ones.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11You can't live in them permanently but with electricity, gas
0:32:11 > 0:32:15and running water, they are more like a second home
0:32:15 > 0:32:18than a shack to hide in when you're changing out of your wet trunks.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20So you can sleep here?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23In some beach huts, you're not allowed to stay overnight.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24There's only one other place,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27I think it's in Suffolk, where you can stay overnight.
0:32:27 > 0:32:28We can't stay overnight all year.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30From November to February, we can't stay here.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Not that we'd want to because it would be very cold.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35But it's a fairly special arrangement, yes.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Do they ever come on the market? - They do come on the market.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41There's normally one or two on the market all the time.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44But when I say on the market, they tend to change hands with people
0:32:44 > 0:32:47that either have rented here and expressed an interest in buying.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49They're not advertised widely
0:32:49 > 0:32:51outside this community because they don't need to be.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54A hut of this quality doesn't come cheap.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59If you want to get your hands on one, expect to pay up to £145,000.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02But this proud hut owner won't be cashing in.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05You could offer me whatever you liked, it isn't for sale.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06It stays here for the family.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10They might not be getting their hands on this hut,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13but if Angie and Phil want to spend a weekend here,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17they can rent a similar one for between £100 and £150 per weekend.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22With the son beginning to set on their first day of house hunting,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26it's time to take stock of the houses they have seen so far.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- I enjoyed it. We didn't have a clue where we were going.- No.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I still didn't have a clue where I was! I was looking at the cottage.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38I fell in love with the cottage, totally. It had so much potential.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- Definitely.- I loved the garden. The garden was just idyllic.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47My only scepticism about the first property is,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50we ideally wanted land,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54and I'm not sure how big that annex really needed to be.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56But that is my only criticism.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Apart from that, it was really, really nice.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02The second property, again, lovely setting.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08- It had the land, that you really liked, but...- The outbuildings.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11But overall, I know it's a converted barn, but to me,
0:34:11 > 0:34:13it just seemed like a modern new-build.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18- Lovely. A lovely property.- Yeah. But not for us.- It didn't do it for me.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- But it's been an adventure.- It has. - It's been interesting.- It has been.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- I look forward to what we've got to come.- Definitely.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Angie and Phil are looking to move from Poole
0:34:35 > 0:34:37out into the surrounding countryside.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41With a maximum budget of £650,000, they have set us a tricky task
0:34:41 > 0:34:43of finding an ample house
0:34:43 > 0:34:46with room for them and three teenage boys,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49an annex for Phil's parents, and some land.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53They've seen a couple of properties so far,
0:34:53 > 0:34:54but not yet the mystery house
0:34:54 > 0:34:57and we might just have saved the best until last.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Wow! It's lovely.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- Say that a bit louder! - LAUGHTER
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- It's lovely.- Music to my ears.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13We couldn't have got off to a better start yesterday with Angie and Phil.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Angie fell completely in love with the very first property,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20before she had even set foot inside the front door.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Now, whether this is a true love affair or just an early crush
0:35:24 > 0:35:25remains to be seen.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Today, we're going to show them some properties
0:35:28 > 0:35:30that hopefully will get both their pulses racing.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Our next offering is right out in the sticks
0:35:34 > 0:35:37in the tiny hamlet of King's Stag,
0:35:37 > 0:35:41around 35 miles from Phil's work in Sandbanks.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44For anything other than a few snacks from the local garage,
0:35:44 > 0:35:45they'll have to pop up the road
0:35:45 > 0:35:48to the local town of Sturminster Newton,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51which was once home to poet and author, Thomas Hardy.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56But we are countryside bound and what it lacks in local amenities,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59King's Stag more than makes up for with plenty of rural walks
0:35:59 > 0:36:02that Angie and Phil can enjoy with their dogs.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05Finding a character property
0:36:05 > 0:36:08that ticks all the boxes on their wish-list is proving tough.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10On paper, this 1980s house
0:36:10 > 0:36:14has everything they want and I think Phil will love it,
0:36:14 > 0:36:19but will it have that elusive right feeling Angie is after?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21This is the property.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Wow!- Lovely.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30It's a new build but it does have an annex at the side
0:36:30 > 0:36:32that was extended in 2005.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- OK.- Ideal.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37First impressions, Angie?
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- It's new.- Yeah.- I like old.- OK. Phil?
0:36:41 > 0:36:45I like it. The initial look is, yeah, I'm happy with this.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46- Shall we get started?- Yes.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50OK, let's see if I can convince you on a new build.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Having only been around since the '80s,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58this fine family house is definitely not a quaint country cottage.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03but will its many other qualities be enough to impress Angie and Phil?
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Come on through. The traditional entrance for a new property.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11You have got the cloakroom here.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Let's take you straight in to the drawing room.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17OK.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21It's smaller than I had imagined, actually.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Yeah. Compact. More compact than I would...
0:37:24 > 0:37:29It's lovely. It's a lovely room but again, it's not me.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32This is just the first room so let's keep going
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- because there are other merits to this property.- OK.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Phil, if you go straight through,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I'm going to take you into the kitchen.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42Wow! A bigger room.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46So you've got your kitchen diner.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50I know the drawing room you think is a bit small for your needs,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53but I think this is a great family space.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I do think it is lovely and airy. Very nice.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Again, a seated area. Somewhere to eat with the family. It's nice.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- We do like that, don't we?- Yes.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05A kitchen with a nice, large seating area.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- That would fit our table in, wouldn't it?- Yes. Very much so.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- So you like this part of the house. - Definitely.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15This section actually leads us into the annex
0:38:15 > 0:38:19so let me take you through and explain how it works.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- This, originally, was the garage. - OK.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It has been extended.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29But this is it so little quarter, if you like.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30But it does share the kitchen.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32However through that door is the garage.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36This house isn't listed or in a conservation area,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38so with the right planning permission,
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- you can actually extend this into a kitchen diner as well.- Yeah.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47Close this door off, and you have got you annex.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Self contained.- Yes. Pretty good.
0:38:49 > 0:38:50Shall I show you the garage?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Then you can think of how it might work for you.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Take a look in here. Go through. It is pretty big.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Yes. There's potential here, isn't there, to turn this into something.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07I'm glad Phil is seeing the possibilities
0:39:07 > 0:39:09and on the upper level of the annex,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12they won't have to lift a finger.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15You have a good size shower room up here.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- And quite a good, large double bedroom.- Oh yes.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- This is ideal, isn't it?- Yes.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Definitely.- I do like it.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27I like the skylights, definitely,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30because it brings a lot of light and opens it all out.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- It is very nice.- I think my parents would like this as an annex.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34- Do you?- Definitely.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39Making the transition from the house, downsizing to an annex,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I think it's a natural progression and they would like it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43So this is where they would be.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Let's show you where you would be sleeping.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48We have to go back into the original part of the house.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Through the kitchen is a utility room
0:39:52 > 0:39:53with washing machine and dryer,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57and a large, bright study which could easily be converted
0:39:57 > 0:39:59into a spare room for guests to stay in.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02But the rest of the family will be sleeping upstairs.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05So you have a big, spacious landing.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Thinking of the boys, a large double bedroom there.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10I'll let you explore in a minute.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Average size double in there.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16So that's two out of the three boys happy.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19A fight at the end of the corridor because that's a single.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23They'd have to fight amongst themselves. Family bathroom.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28- And this is the master.- OK. - What do you think?
0:40:30 > 0:40:35It's nice and airy and pretty and new and nice.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Is a big enough? - This is a nice size bedroom.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I think we would have a bit of a problem with a single room.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47It's going to be a bit of a fight over that, obviously.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Apart from that, it is an ideal family home.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- I think it is a lovely family home. - It is in nice family home.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- Definitely.- And it's spacious.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- You don't feel enclosed in at all upstairs.- Not at all.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02You've got your en-suite there. Stick your head round.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Lovely.- Shall we brave the weather and step outside?- Yes.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Let's go for it.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10I get the distinct feeling
0:41:10 > 0:41:13that Angie isn't getting the right vibe here,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15whilst Phil is more open-minded.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Perhaps she'll come round when I show her
0:41:17 > 0:41:20how much outside space they get with this house.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22I think we might need a brolly.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Oh, actually, the weather is being kind to us.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29As you come out, you've got very limited garden here,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32but you have a nice garden to the side of the property.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- It's beautiful.- Lovely size.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38If you come over this fence here, actually it's a bridge,
0:41:38 > 0:41:43there's a ditch, through here into the paddock.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46You actually have a stable block there.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49And then if you look around you,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51if you follow the line all the way around,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55all this land, all this paddock comes with this property.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Darn!
0:42:00 > 0:42:05So the pretty garden, the annex with the potential to extend,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10the four bedrooms and all this land.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Yeah, I am impressed with this.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15How much do you think the asking price is for this property?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18£525,000.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Angie, how about you?
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I would say, as I always do, around six.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27It has just come on the market, it has been on since May,
0:42:27 > 0:42:31and the current asking price is £575,000.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- Oh, really?- It's well within budget, isn't it?- Yes.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Well within your budget.- Definitely.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40And it wouldn't cost you very much to do the annex.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I mean, there is nothing. Everything on the list is here.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Definitely food for thought.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Why don't you have another wander around?
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- I'll catch up with you in a while.- OK.- Thank you.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55At £575,000, this five-bedroom detached family house
0:42:55 > 0:42:57is well within their budget,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00leaving plenty of cash to convert the garage into a kitchen
0:43:00 > 0:43:03and make the annex self-sufficient.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07The house sits in 3.25 acres of land with gardens and a paddock.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10So plenty of space for the dogs and there's also a stable
0:43:10 > 0:43:14which could be converted into an art studio for Angie.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16So what are rethinking?
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- Lovely kitchen.- It is. It is a lovely kitchen.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22And of course, I love those kind of sinks.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26But I just haven't got the right vibe. The land is ideal.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30The garden is beautiful and the annex is great.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33You have a lot of the things we wanted on our list
0:43:33 > 0:43:38but the house hasn't got that right oldy worldy feeling for me.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- Potential there for a studio? - Absolutely. Beautiful.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45- What more could you ask really? - Lovely size.- It is.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- And with the views. - All that inspiration.- Exactly.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- All those views.- Totally.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54The garden is a lovely arrangement. Set out lovely.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57You cross that lovely wooden bridge and all of a sudden,
0:43:57 > 0:43:58you're in 3.2 acres of land.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00That was a big positive for me.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05I wonder if this house with all its land has changed your mind?
0:44:05 > 0:44:08You have certainly given us food for thought.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11You are not giving anything away. Let's press on.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18It is time for the mystery property.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Phil and Angie know pretty much straight away
0:44:20 > 0:44:22as soon as they see a house
0:44:22 > 0:44:24whether they're going to like it or not.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27I hope with this one, they keep an open mind.
0:44:30 > 0:44:31Our mystery property
0:44:31 > 0:44:35is in the excellently named village of Fontmell Magna.
0:44:35 > 0:44:40It lies just east of the A350, around 25 miles north of Sandbanks.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45Fontmell Magna is a picturesque village of mills and cottages,
0:44:45 > 0:44:46set in the Blackmore Vale,
0:44:46 > 0:44:50and serviced by a church and a handy local post office and shop.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52It takes its name from Fontmell Brook,
0:44:52 > 0:44:55which flows through the village on its way to the River Stour.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57It's the availability of this water source
0:44:57 > 0:45:00which led to the construction of our mystery property.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04We have been busily ticking Angie and Phil's boxes so far.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Let's see what happens when we compromise
0:45:06 > 0:45:09and leave a few things out.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14So here we are in Fontmell Magna. A beautiful village.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I don't think we are seeing it at its best today.
0:45:17 > 0:45:22But the reason we're here is for the most amazing mystery home
0:45:22 > 0:45:25and it's just there front of you.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29What are first thoughts when you look at it?
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- I'm intrigued.- Definitely. - Very much so.- I want to get inside.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Good. Come on then, let's get out of this rain.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40Built in 1875, this property might look rather wee from the front,
0:45:40 > 0:45:45but what you can't see is the former brewery attached to it at the back,
0:45:45 > 0:45:46which is far from pint-sized.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54What a day! Dorset, but not at not its finest!
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- Wow! Goodness me! - This is lovely.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00This is like a tardis.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04If you could think of loft living in Dorset,
0:46:04 > 0:46:07I think this house might just have it for you.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- Wow! It's lovely. - Say that a bit louder.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14LAUGHTER It's lovely.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- Music to my ears. So are you ready to explore?- Yes. Let's go.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20You're going to enjoy this.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24So through there, you've got your snug and the utility room.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27You've got this fantastic feature here, this archway.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29This is amazing.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34- And this is more the living area, if you like.- Amazing!
0:46:34 > 0:46:37Natural light coming through again so that's a good feature.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40I love it. It's open plan.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42This is a lovely space, but just take a look at this.
0:46:44 > 0:46:45Wow!
0:46:45 > 0:46:50There are kitchen diners and there are kitchen diners!
0:46:51 > 0:46:54Wow! Very nice.
0:46:54 > 0:46:59So, so far, from looking at property outside and then walking in...
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- Complete contrast.- It's a tardis. - It is completely different.
0:47:03 > 0:47:08- Not what we expected. - OK. Shall we keep exploring?
0:47:08 > 0:47:10- Yes.- Upstairs we go.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Finally, I think she's got that magic feeling she was after.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16All this history and character seems to be working
0:47:16 > 0:47:18and it's about to get even better.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23This is a house you could easily get lost in
0:47:23 > 0:47:25and it's not often you can say that.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29As you can see, you have got all the original beams.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31You have got the exposed brickwork there
0:47:31 > 0:47:36and up those stairs is a very large double bedroom.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38And you feel you are in the attic of the house
0:47:38 > 0:47:40but you are only halfway up the property.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42We must go and explore that a bit later on
0:47:42 > 0:47:44because I want to go and show you what is down here.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51So you have got the biggest airing cupboard ever through there,
0:47:51 > 0:47:54which is actually massive and you could make it into a bathroom
0:47:54 > 0:47:58because this property has got five bedrooms.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59- Wow!- Two bathrooms.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04So there is the potential there, which leads quite nicely into this.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- Look at the size! It is gorgeous. - It is massive.- It is so unusual.
0:48:07 > 0:48:12- It's quirky.- That's the word. - It's got character.- Character, yeah.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15That is what I like in a property. Definitely.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19There's lots more for Angie to like on this floor
0:48:19 > 0:48:22as the corridors meander around two more bedrooms and a study.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25But it is upstairs on the top floor
0:48:25 > 0:48:28that the house's biggest wow waits in store.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33So here we are at the very top of the house.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- My goodness!- Wow!- Wow!
0:48:37 > 0:48:39What a tardis!
0:48:39 > 0:48:41This is absolutely amazing.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43- Fantastic.- Isn't it? - It certainly is.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47It just seems to get bigger and bigger.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50Goodness! Open plan.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- It's got a wow factor. - It does.- Absolutely.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59- This is where the hops used to be dried.- Really?
0:48:59 > 0:49:02They have converted it and used it as a living space
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- and I think it is amazing. - It is gorgeous.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09You've got a fabulous en-suite.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15I am amazed. I am speechless. No, I am speechless.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19And now it's time to brave the rain and show you outside.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21We'd better get our umbrellas.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26The house is definitely pushing all the right buttons with Angie
0:49:26 > 0:49:29and Phil seems pretty impressed as well.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32But will he be as impressed when I show him the outside space?
0:49:32 > 0:49:35Those three dogs need a lot of exercise.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40There is no let-up.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42But it's not going to put us off
0:49:42 > 0:49:44because I have to show you the garden.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47It's very rarely that you have a garden
0:49:47 > 0:49:49with a stream running through it.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51It actually goes under the property.
0:49:52 > 0:49:58- Angie, that is crying out as a studio for you.- Absolutely.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00And here is your garden.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04- Lovely.- It's lovely.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Completely enclosed, so the dogs wouldn't get out.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11It actually is a fair size because it goes to the side of the property.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15- It's very nice.- So you've seen all there is to see. It's money time.
0:50:15 > 0:50:20How much do you think the mystery property is on the market for?
0:50:20 > 0:50:23I would value this property at around £529,950.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27- OK. Angie?- £565,000?
0:50:27 > 0:50:31It's just gone on the market for £500,000.
0:50:31 > 0:50:32- Really?- Really?
0:50:34 > 0:50:36That's fantastic. But...
0:50:38 > 0:50:41- But we haven't got an annex.- I was waiting for you to mention that.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44Every time we went up a floor, I thought, they're going to ask.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46- I kept waiting, thinking. - It doesn't.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49And there aren't any other surprises with this property.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51It's surprise enough.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53But with that money left over in your budget,
0:50:53 > 0:50:57half-a-million for the house gives you £150,000 to play with.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01Have you considered getting a separate cottage for your parents?
0:51:03 > 0:51:06- Yes.- Ideal.- Because there is enough money in the purse.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10We have got something for you to look at, just to get you thinking.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- Shall we go and take a look? - Definitely.- Wow! Yes.
0:51:14 > 0:51:19£179,000 could buy this charming one-bedroom cottage
0:51:19 > 0:51:21for Phil's parents.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23But how will they feel about splitting up the family?
0:51:25 > 0:51:28- Wow! Look at this!- Fantastic!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- This is gorgeous. Ideal. - Fantastic!- Absolutely.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35- What's in there? The kitchen?- Look at this.- Lovely.- I love the floor.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38- Very well done.- It's beautiful. I love it.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41- I can see Mum in here. - And me. Lovely.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Let's see what they've got upstairs.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45I love the staircase.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48- That's beautiful.- Very nice.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51It is a lovely size bedroom, look.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54- A quaint little window.- Ideal.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57Ideal indeed.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01At £500,000, this converted brewery has five bedrooms,
0:52:01 > 0:52:05extensive living space, an outside studio for Angie
0:52:05 > 0:52:06and a good-sized garden.
0:52:06 > 0:52:10It also comes way under budget leaving them £150,000
0:52:10 > 0:52:13to find a separate cottage for Phil's parents.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17Unfortunately, it does not have the land they were dreaming of.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22The mystery house, to me, was a fantastic property but for me,
0:52:22 > 0:52:24it lacked the land I required.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26It's a lovely house but unfortunately,
0:52:26 > 0:52:28it's not a contender for me.
0:52:28 > 0:52:33I found the mystery house amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:52:33 > 0:52:34I was...
0:52:35 > 0:52:38..breathless, speechless.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41It had such character and I absolutely loved it.
0:52:41 > 0:52:45Obviously, the part about the annex, an interesting idea,
0:52:45 > 0:52:49but realistically, the whole point of moving together
0:52:49 > 0:52:51would be so that we were together.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01So that' s it. They have seen all the properties we had to offer
0:53:01 > 0:53:03and it's time for a well deserved rest
0:53:03 > 0:53:07and a chat to find out which of the houses most tickled their fancy.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11We' re going to start off with the cottage.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15Angie is fighting the grin straight away!
0:53:15 > 0:53:18- What were your first impressions? - I absolutely loved it.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21It was just my dream little cottage.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23The garden was gorgeous
0:53:23 > 0:53:25and I just thought there was so much I could do with it.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29And just the layout of it. It was big.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32I think the history as well, as you walked into every room,
0:53:32 > 0:53:34it just oozed history.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36Yes. A lovely feel.
0:53:36 > 0:53:41And it had an outbuilding which was very close to the main cottage.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45Could you see the potential of converting that for your parents?
0:53:45 > 0:53:50I was slightly apprehensive at first because of the size of it,
0:53:50 > 0:53:52but with Angie's vision,
0:53:52 > 0:53:55she could see it developing into a nice size annex.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57Yeah, I think it would have been unusual.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00I think we could have turned that into a nice annex for them.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04We saw the converted barn which actually looked like a new house.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07Tell me a little bit about that property.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10The property itself never jumped out at me.
0:54:10 > 0:54:15It was a shame because you had the annex, it had the land,
0:54:15 > 0:54:20it had the outbuildings, but it just didn't have that oomph for us.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24We went to the village of King's Stag
0:54:24 > 0:54:26and saw the new house built in the '80s
0:54:26 > 0:54:29with the annex on the side with the extension.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31What did you initially think about that property?
0:54:31 > 0:54:34I liked it initially.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37Stood outside looking at it, I thought, yeah, that's nice.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Slightly despondent once I entered.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42It seemed to become quite enclosed for me.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44I thought it would not be ideal
0:54:44 > 0:54:47for our family, the size of family we have.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50It was just a shame because the land was beautiful
0:54:50 > 0:54:53and there was an ideal little studio I could have had where the stable was
0:54:53 > 0:54:57but it was just the outlay of the house.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59It wasn't us at all, character wise.
0:54:59 > 0:55:03We had a mystery house, which I always love.
0:55:03 > 0:55:04It's my favourite part.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08Tell me what you thought as you walked through the door?
0:55:08 > 0:55:11That was amazing. That was wow factor.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15We walked into that door and it was just like the tardis.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17Yes, very impressive.
0:55:17 > 0:55:22We would so have loved that type of house if it was just us.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24But at that price of £500,000,
0:55:24 > 0:55:28it gives you an extra £150,000 to play with.
0:55:28 > 0:55:33We looked at a cottage which could be suitable for your parents.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36Tell me what you thought when you walked through that door?
0:55:36 > 0:55:40- I was pleasantly surprised going into that cottage.- It was beautiful.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43It was a lovely little traditional cottage.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45I quite fancied it myself actually!
0:55:46 > 0:55:50Having seen these properties, what's going to be your next move?
0:55:50 > 0:55:55I think this has been an amazing journey but it's made us decide now.
0:55:55 > 0:55:59We know what we are looking for. We want a traditional cottage style.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02For me, that cottage was gorgeous.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04I loved the feel of it.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07I definitely would like to have a look at it again.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09For me, the search will continue.
0:56:09 > 0:56:10We'll have further looks.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13It's been brilliant. We've had a brilliant time.
0:56:13 > 0:56:18Well, it has been a great few days. Thank you both so much.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21And if you do find your dream property,
0:56:21 > 0:56:25- you will let us know, won't you?- Definitely.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29The last few days have reaffirmed in Phil and Angie's minds
0:56:29 > 0:56:31that although they currently live here in Dorset,
0:56:31 > 0:56:35this is still the county they want to spend the rest of their lives in.
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Regarding property, I think we got pretty close.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42But with such a big wish-list, we didn't quite make it.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45But it's only a matter of time
0:56:45 > 0:56:47before they make that move to the country.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Join us again next time.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52If you want to escape to the country
0:56:52 > 0:56:56in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:56:56 > 0:56:59and would like our help, please apply online at:
0:57:11 > 0:57:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:13 > 0:57:16E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk