0:00:02 > 0:00:06This working farm is the only dairy in the world that produces this
0:00:06 > 0:00:11scrumptious cheese, which shares its name with the county we are in today.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15It's going to be a cheese-tastic Escape To The Country.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32'In today's show, I'll help a couple say arrivederci to the Italian Lakes
0:00:32 > 0:00:38'and repatriate to England's green and pleasant land, and it's obvious who's on a tight leash.'
0:00:38 > 0:00:44I could actually get all five dogs in here and if you are lucky you can join us too.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- She's all heart, isn't she? - All heart, isn't she, yes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51I am a person who likes to know what's going on in my house.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53There's going to be no escaping her.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58'But perhaps the mystery property will get us out of the dog house.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:05Today we are in Dorset and it's the Friesian cows on this farm that produce Dorset Blue Vinny cheese,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08which died absolutely at the end of the Second World War
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and was resurrected on this very farm 30 years ago.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15It's a great example of the ancient and the modern coming together
0:01:15 > 0:01:20as it so often does in this wonderful county. Off we go, Richard.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Dorset is positioned on the south coast and though only 50 miles
0:01:27 > 0:01:33across at its widest point it packs a pretty punch for its diminutive size.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39The temptation is to dwell on the country's spectacular 95 mile stretch that makes up the Jurassic coast.
0:01:41 > 0:01:47But beyond its beaches and cliffs lies a county rich in unspoilt countryside from the chalk down lands
0:01:47 > 0:01:52of Cranborne Chase to the rich dairy pastures of Blackmore Vale.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56And its market towns are steeped in history such as Dorchester,
0:01:56 > 0:02:02the county town since 1305 and inspiration for Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07Locally-quarried Portland and Purbeck stone is abundant in Dorset's housing stock -
0:02:07 > 0:02:10olde world thatched cottages are typical,
0:02:10 > 0:02:15but the manor and farmhouses are a reminder of its rich agricultural heritage.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18There's not a single mile of motorway in Dorset,
0:02:18 > 0:02:24which makes it a particularly attractive option for those who like peace and quiet in their countryside.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27When you get to the east of the county you are closer to London
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and you can commute and that pushes up the house prices.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33So, on the border of Hampshire, for example, an average detached house
0:02:33 > 0:02:36will cost you £50,000 more than one in the centre of the county.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38But, as you are about to see
0:02:38 > 0:02:42there is plenty of beautiful property wherever you look.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46£750,000 would buy you a scheduled ancient monument in the form of
0:02:46 > 0:02:50this three bedroomed tithe barn in Cerne Abbas.
0:02:50 > 0:02:57The original cruck beamed roof soars through the main reception room and the light interior glows throughout.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00With a recording suite and offices in the outbuildings
0:03:00 > 0:03:04it will really strike a chord with musicians wanting a live/work space.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07This four bedroomed house in Poole dates back to 1870
0:03:07 > 0:03:13but has been much extended and could be yours for £650,000.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16The open plan living area flows from the kitchen with breakfast bar
0:03:16 > 0:03:22through to an impressive glazed dining area with a terrace that leads out to extensive gardens.
0:03:22 > 0:03:29For £399,000 this three bedroomed thatched cottage in Osmington is a real surprise inside
0:03:29 > 0:03:35with light flooding through its sitting room and not a beam in sight in the open plan kitchen/dining area.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41And, the conservatory extension offers up another generous space for relaxing.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46As you can see property buyers in Dorset really are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful views,
0:03:46 > 0:03:53but unfortunately our house buyers today have REALLY been spoilt when it comes to views. Let's meet them.
0:03:53 > 0:04:00Today's buyers are high fliers, Joe, a retired pilot, and Marilyn, an ex marketing director.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Love was in the air 12 years ago when they met at Heathrow airport and for the last six years
0:04:05 > 0:04:09they've lived in the hills overlooking Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12It seems like a dream come true so why on earth do they want to
0:04:12 > 0:04:16sell their five bedroom villa and settle back in rural Blighty?
0:04:16 > 0:04:22I stopped working a year ago when I retired and...
0:04:22 > 0:04:29I feel I need something to do which I can't do around here, partly because of the language issue,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32partly just because of the way of life here.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We're approaching our "twilight years"
0:04:35 > 0:04:42and we have that feeling we'd like to move back to what is the more familiar,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46and that for us is home which we regard as the UK.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49'So, it's chocks away but where are they hoping to touch down?'
0:04:49 > 0:04:52We want to move somewhere in the south of England because
0:04:52 > 0:04:54we would like to enjoy the slightly warmer weather.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57The sun is very important to me because I grew up in
0:04:57 > 0:05:02the West Indies and the Far East. I love hot climates and plenty of sun.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07'And they certainly want to soak up the best of what the community has to offer in the countryside.'
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I'm not really a city dweller. I much prefer the open spaces,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15being able to go for walks, woods, parkland.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19If we could find a nice small village,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22that would really suit me.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28You're always reading about villages where the pubs and shops and post offices are
0:05:28 > 0:05:32shutting down, or the only way they can be kept going is by volunteers.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37So, that's the sort of thing I'd like to get involved in if we could find a place that needed that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- Especially volunteering at the local pub.- Yes, very important.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48'And for the grand homecoming they have a long wish list for their perfect property.'
0:05:48 > 0:05:54Our next house must have four bedrooms, a large master bedroom with a full en suite.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57A house with a real wow factor,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00a beautiful garden that's easily manageable,
0:06:00 > 0:06:06a couple of extra acres, where we might be able to keep some animals, and it must have a stunning view.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12Also if the house had a separate studio or conservatory
0:06:12 > 0:06:15for me to do my painting in that would be a real added bonus.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20Yes. It can be old, it can be new, we don't really care too much
0:06:20 > 0:06:23and certainly inside we are not looking for any special features.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But, there's even more to factor in.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Having five dogs and three cats sitting around you late in the evening,
0:06:31 > 0:06:37enjoying the fire, it would be so much better if we could have a larger living room.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Out of necessity, because Marilyn can only make banana sandwiches and
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I hate bananas, the kitchen is my domain.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52So, ideally what I would like is a large country style kitchen with a big island in the middle.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58Well, in Italy on Lake Maggiore you either get the views or you get the sun, you can't have both.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03In our case we chose the view but next time I think it's very
0:07:03 > 0:07:07important we get everything right and have the view and the sun.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10How are Joe and Marilyn planning to spend their time once they move back?
0:07:10 > 0:07:16During the summer I'd like to go around the steam fairs, steam railway preservation societies
0:07:16 > 0:07:21and that's something I'd like to volunteer towards as well if possible.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24And I certainly need the space to walk five dogs.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Marilyn loves dogs, I tolerate them.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Five dogs for me is too many.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34'It's a gargantuan wish list but do they have the budget to match?'
0:07:34 > 0:07:37We are looking for a property around the million pound mark.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42If we did come across something that was perfect in every way,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46we could probably increase that by another £100,000 or so.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Because the Euro is very strong against the pound it's a very good time for us to move back to England.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58The great thing about this show is that it's not just buying a house for
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Marilyn and Joe but also organising a homecoming back into English culture.
0:08:03 > 0:08:09Now, on the property front they want massive views and vistas and lots of space but they do have a big budget.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15The one thing that slightly worries me is sun worshipping Joe, but he'll be happy to know
0:08:15 > 0:08:23that Dorset, with 1,626 hours of sunshine per year, is the second sunniest county in the UK.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29So, with magnificent views in mind we'll be focusing our search inland from Shaftesbury in the north,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31straying just over the border into East Devon.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36We'll be seeking out and showing them the best country properties the area has to offer,
0:08:36 > 0:08:41and I'll be asking them to guess the price of each house before revealing it to them.
0:08:41 > 0:08:47And lastly, there's our mystery house which will definitely put village life on their radar.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Welcome back to England or benvenuti as I should say.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Oh, it's so nice.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Can't speak any more Italian though because we are back
0:08:55 > 0:08:58into the English countryside and the beautiful English weather.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01You must be so missing this?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Oh, yes, like a hole in the head.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06We'll get to why you're moving back to England in a minute,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09but first things first how much money have we got to spend?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Well, we were thinking of 1.1 million
0:09:12 > 0:09:17if we saw something absolutely spectacular and fell in love with it
0:09:17 > 0:09:21we could squeeze in possibly 1.2.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Now, in terms of the property I know you've got a lovely
0:09:24 > 0:09:28fluffy white family to accommodate as well as your two lovely selves.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30They are definitely coming with you presumably?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Oh, absolutely, we couldn't leave the family behind.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36So, space for the dogs and cats, but what else?
0:09:36 > 0:09:41Well, we've got a challenge for you because, as you've probably heard,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45we have a fantastic view and if you can come up with something like this,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48you'll be doing fantastically well.
0:09:48 > 0:09:54We should be in Cumbria if you want a view like this really, we don't have lakes down in the south.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Don't you have that in Dorset(?)
0:09:56 > 0:10:03- We've got some lovely houses lined up because you have a beautiful budget. So, let's go.- OK.- OK.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Joe and Marilyn have a grand budget of up to £1.2 million
0:10:06 > 0:10:11for their English country house, which, along with the wow factor,
0:10:11 > 0:10:16needs to include a large lounge that can accommodate Marilyn's five dogs,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20a huge kitchen for Joe, four bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23an artist's studio, and a couple of acres of land.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28And, lest we forget, glorious views to rival those they enjoyed in Italy.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35You, Joe, you've been a real globetrotter not just in your pilot
0:10:35 > 0:10:38career but also in your childhood you were all over the place, weren't you?
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Yes, I was born in Kent but I moved to Jamaica when I was one year old.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So, you don't have that childhood response to English countryside?
0:10:45 > 0:10:49No, no, I have very little experience of it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53I love the sun, sand and sea and blue skies but unfortunately Marilyn
0:10:53 > 0:10:57can't stand the heat so I'm having to make a compromise on this one.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02So you are not going to complain too much about the fact that it's cloudy and wet in England.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08I'm sure I will, privately... but I'll make the most of it.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10But I probably won't listen, anyway.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16'For our first property we couldn't resist hopping just over
0:11:16 > 0:11:19'the border into East Devon to the village of Wick.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23'It's set within the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding beauty.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28'Just up the road the village of Upottery gains a mention in the Domesday Book and, with its 15th
0:11:28 > 0:11:34'century church and pub, it would give Joe and Marilyn the true English homecoming they are hoping for.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38'Set into the hillside is this Grade Two listed extended farmhouse.'
0:11:38 > 0:11:46Keep going and we are going to turn around about now and get the view!
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- Wow.- Sacre bleu, a eureka moment.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Very nice, very nice.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Well, let's look at the house.
0:11:52 > 0:11:59It's an old property, bits of it date back to the 1500s and it's thatched. What do you feel about thatched?
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I don't really know much about it at all and I believe it's supposed
0:12:02 > 0:12:05to be fireproofed these days for insurance purposes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10The thing is for you, realistically, you don't need to know anything about thatch
0:12:10 > 0:12:17because it was re-thatched five years ago and typically a thatch has about 35, 40 years in it.
0:12:17 > 0:12:24It costs on average about £1,000 a year to insure it but it is great insulation, it's green.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Let's get inside.- OK.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'Well, you couldn't get a more typically English country property and although it's not
0:12:30 > 0:12:34'the mountains of Lake Maggiore it's still pretty hilly for England.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'Let's see if they can squeeze their four legged family in here.'
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Come into the main living space.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43This is very nice.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Yes, beautiful.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Look at that fireplace, terrific! - Can you imagine the dogs there?
0:12:49 > 0:12:55I could actually get all five dogs in here and if you're lucky you can join us too.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- She's all heart, isn't she? - All heart, isn't she, yes.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00You can start to see the history here,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04these beams would have been from the original 16th century cottage.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- I like it, very nice. - So, it's nice and light.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08You've got light coming in from both sides,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12you've got French windows over here and another door into the garden.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15So, is it a good size for you, Joe?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18It's an excellent size. The one thing I've got concerns about is
0:13:18 > 0:13:22that it doesn't actually look over the view of the valley.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Well, due to the effects of geometry not every side of the house can face the view,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- but there there are lots of lovely views.- Unless it rotated.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- But it is south west facing which I know is a plus for you.- A plus, yes.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Let's take a look at some of those other rooms.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'Leading off the hall is a separate good sized dining room,
0:13:39 > 0:13:44'with stone fireplace and wood burner, which flows through into the kitchen.'
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Here's our first exposure to the view.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Beautiful view.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55It's not the most massive kitchen, but is it a space you could work with?
0:13:55 > 0:14:00I think what I'd do is just rip the whole lot out and rebuild it.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04What's great is you've got a fantastic utility room on a different level,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07so you've got the washing machine, lots of space, lots of storage.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09And is that access to outside?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- And that's access to outside so that's great for the animals.- Super.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Although this property is listed, in this particular instance they could,
0:14:16 > 0:14:20subject to planning, extend the kitchen out over one floor.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26This farmhouse may have more historic features than you can shake a stick at but it's light and open
0:14:26 > 0:14:32with generously sized rooms which they seem to like. Let's hope the upstairs measures up.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37We've got four bedrooms on this floor.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41This is one of the really good sized ones, not the master.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45It's a good size. Really is. Nice room.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49I'd like to show you the master, the master is the other end.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52'On the way to the master we pass another bedroom,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55'a bright double, great for guests or as a possible study.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00'At the end of the landing is the fourth bedroom which they could convert into a dressing room
0:15:00 > 0:15:04'as it's next door to the modern family bathroom.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07'And their bedroom is on the other side.'
0:15:07 > 0:15:09This is the master.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So, you can lie in bed with the view.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- It's not the biggest room, the other room is slightly bigger, but this is the killer view.- Yes.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20And you've got a very nice en suite as well.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23But, that's not the only space we have.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26We've done upstairs but there's always outside.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31'I've got a treat in store for Joe, as the dogs have the living room
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'perhaps it's only fair he gets to play in the barn.'
0:15:37 > 0:15:42Ah-ha, you wanted a study, you wanted a studio.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Oh, wow. Take your pick.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It's great light because of the skylight. It's perfect for painting.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53And you've got this view as well, so you can be inspired by the landscape.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Yes, it's a wonderful place, yes.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Could it work? - I think it certainly good, yes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:07I don't think it would work for me as a study because it's hard enough to lure myself into the study
0:16:07 > 0:16:11and do a bit of work anyway when it's right next to the living room.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I'd really want my study to be as close as possible to where
0:16:15 > 0:16:18the focal point of the house, where it's all going on.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Well, that's fine, there's all the more space for me and my painting and my train set.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Let's go outside for the final time and let's think about price.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34'Next to the house there's another large barn with a potting shed also included in the sale.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37'But, we'll take a stroll back and survey all that could be theirs.'
0:16:37 > 0:16:42So, here we are back to the beginning where we started the whole tour of your property.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44All told it's two and a half acres.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47It's really beautiful and I love this walkway around here,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- it's a very nice feature. - So, what do you think it's worth?
0:16:51 > 0:16:55I would think it would absolutely have to be at the top end of our budget,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58so I put it at £1.2 million, I think.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03Yes, I think it would be close to that, I'll go at £1.19.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05A bit more optimistic.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11Well, you can both be much more optimistic because this property is on the market for £975,000.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- Good Lord.- That's amazing.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Well, that's great because it gives us some money to play with to do some extensions.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Of course, the alterations, the improvements we would
0:17:20 > 0:17:23like to do, they could all be encompassed within our budget.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- Ooh, great enthusiasm.- Well done.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26Walk round and think about what you'd like
0:17:26 > 0:17:30to spend that extra £200,000 and I'll see you at the front.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- OK, we will do that, thank you, - Thanks.- That way, mind yourselves on the steps.
0:17:35 > 0:17:41That's a good response because they are demanding clients and I think that we've...
0:17:41 > 0:17:45supplied something that fits their brief and it's a beautiful property
0:17:45 > 0:17:50and it would be a great entrance back into English countryside living.
0:17:50 > 0:17:58Under budget at £975,000 this farmhouse offers them a large living room with wood burner for the dogs to
0:17:58 > 0:18:03curl up in front of, a large bright kitchen with scope for an extension,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06four bedrooms with a master en suite.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Outbuildings with plenty space for Joe's studio and model steam trains,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and over two and a half acres of land
0:18:13 > 0:18:17with views to rival those they have in Lake Maggiore.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20It's a beautiful country view, don't you think?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Yeah, if you can imagine this in summer it would be a great place to sit on the lawn overlook the view.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It would be wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29It's England at its best, I think.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I think the setting is wonderful.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I love the woods, the country lanes, the view, perfect, really like it.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38I absolutely surprised myself.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43When I saw I thought, "Oh, my God, it's going to be a dinky little cottage inside",
0:18:43 > 0:18:51but it has so many interesting nooks and crannies and magical little places,
0:18:51 > 0:18:57especially outside in the immediate surrounding gardens, that I really feel quite enchanted with the place.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02The ground floor was excellent, the upstairs, sadly in my opinion, let it down.
0:19:02 > 0:19:09The office space is excellent I can turn that into a wonderful studio and, for me, it's perfect.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14You've also got all these outhouses, these stables.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16You wanted to rescue some donkeys, right?
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Yes, it would be quite a good idea have a donkey or two.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Yes, great idea.- No end to the possibilities of this property.
0:19:31 > 0:19:37As the day draws to a close over the Dorset hills, it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Joe and Marilyn are ready to leave the Italian Lakes
0:19:47 > 0:19:51and make a grand entrance back into English country life.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57For £1.2 million they want to find a property where they can live in the lap of luxury with their five dogs.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Can our properties impress them?
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- This is just a hall? - This is your hall.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- Wow, fabulous kitchen.- Big enough?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09That was a wow and a fabulous, Joe.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Or will they be seduced by the charms of our mystery house?
0:20:17 > 0:20:24Dairy farming plays a major role in Dorset life and during the week I was up with the lark.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29It's five in the morning and I'm at Woodbridge Farm, just outside Sturminster Newton,
0:20:29 > 0:20:33which is a farm in Dorset with a difference as we will find out,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36and, of course, for farmers they've been up for hours anyway.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40This family-run dairy farm is the county's, in fact the world's, only producer of the age old
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, having revived the recipe some 40 years ago.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I'm spending the morning with the man responsible,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52farmer and cheese maker, Mike Davies, to learn what makes it so exceptional.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Tell me about the Blue Vinny.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Blue Vinny has been made in Dorset for hundreds of years.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01It was one of the cheeses that was banned in the last war because they
0:21:01 > 0:21:06wanted to make all the cheese into cheddar type cheeses, hard cheeses, for easy transportation.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12To make cheese you need milk and I see a fantastic herd, can we go and see them being milked?
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Yes, we can do.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17'Since 1998 Mike's Blue Vinny cheese has held
0:21:17 > 0:21:22'Protected Geographical Indication, or PGI status,
0:21:22 > 0:21:27'and is one of only 13 English cheeses to be awarded this by the EU.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30'As Camembert can only come from Normandy and Edam from Holland,
0:21:30 > 0:21:37'PGI status safeguards a local food's heritage, its link to a specific area and its unique properties.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40'Time to check out its key ingredient.'
0:21:40 > 0:21:44So, this is the, do we call it a milking parlour still?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Yes, milking parlour, yes.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- And how many times a day do they get milked?- Twice.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Twice a day. So, how much does an average cow produce?
0:21:52 > 0:21:56Well, Richard has got this herd milking really well
0:21:56 > 0:22:00and they're producing, on average, about 50 litres a day.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- 50 litres?- Yes.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- One cow produces 50 litres?- Yeah.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Who knew? So much milk from one cow.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- This all turns into cheese.- Yes. - Shall we go and look at the cheese?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Yes, sure.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'This hand skimmed cheese is tricky to make as the taste of
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'the unpasteurised milk is affected by factors
0:22:21 > 0:22:25'such as what the cows are fed and even weather conditions.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31'Time to get a whiff of these cheeses halfway through their eight week maturing process in the store.'
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So, this is Blue Vinny HQ.
0:22:33 > 0:22:39- Yes, this is where it all goes on, Alistair.- Quite a strong smell.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44Yes, well, all the cheese are breathing and they are all living.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- As am I.- You might say.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Typically the blue starts outside and goes in.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54No, no, in actual fact although they've got a slight blue coat
0:22:54 > 0:22:58the best cheeses we make are when the blue comes from the middle outwards.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Do I ever get to taste it or do I just smell it?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03No, you can taste it, we'll go up to the farmhouse.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- I'm going to be smelling of it all morning.- You are, yes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:14'So, at last it's back to the farmhouse for a sliver of Dorset Blue for breakfast.'
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So, here's my first ever Dorset Vinny.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Special, a special occasion then, Alistair.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26Mm, delicious. So, in a way you've kind of, you've resurrected the cheese.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Yeah, I have, it had definitely died and we have definitely resurrected it, yeah.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33It must be a nice feeling.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Yes, I mean you tend to get a bit blase about it, but yes, when I stop and think
0:23:37 > 0:23:41sometimes, you think to yourself what have you done with your life,
0:23:41 > 0:23:46and you think, "oh, yes, I reinvented the Dorset Blue Vinny".
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- So that gives me a bit of kick. - And very tasty it is too.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52'Well, thanks to Mike's contribution an important part
0:23:52 > 0:23:57'of Dorset's food and farming heritage is now alive again for years to come.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04'Joe, Marilyn and I are heading to the village of Hooke, some 30 miles away from Shaftesbury.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09'But they would still be a ten minute drive from the perfect sauntering territory of Beaminster,
0:24:09 > 0:24:16'with its historical centre, now a conservation area lined with some 200 listed Georgian and Tudor buildings.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22'And set in the unspoilt countryside is this farmhouse, currently run as a bed and breakfast.'
0:24:22 > 0:24:28The sun is shining on us today because we've got a beautiful property to show you.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Very excited about this one.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34As you can see, a former farmyard, but actually only from the turn of
0:24:34 > 0:24:40the century, 1906 it was all built, but it was completely remodelled in 2001, so nine years ago.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- But I really want to show you the inside of the house, that's the treat.- OK.
0:24:45 > 0:24:52'This house has a grand symmetry about it and I think the stylish interior will amaze them.'
0:24:54 > 0:25:00This is possibly the grandest hallway I've ever shown.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02This is just a hall?
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- This is your hall.- Wow.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- It's a great size, isn't it, fantastic.- Great floor.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11And you can see what they've done in this incredible renovation to the property.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15They've added all this length and all this open space to the sides.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I like the fact you have visibility straight through to the kitchen.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- I really like it. - It's grand, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Wait until you see these.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- Here we've got the beautiful sitting room.- Wow.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- What a fabulous room. - Isn't it great?- Beautiful.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- South facing so flooded with light, and an open fire.- Big open fire.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- Big open fire, nice focal point.- Yes.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45And I must say these see-through doors are an excellent idea.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48I am a person who likes to know what's going on in my house.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50There's going to be no escaping her now!
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Ah, but actually there is because you can hide here in the little snug.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59- And don't think he won't. - Which is beautiful, which could also work as your study.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's got a log burner.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Yes, perfect size actually.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I hope there's a key to lock the door with.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08So you really can escape.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Yes, there's a back exit, I'll block that.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15But isn't this a great space, this makes me want to just kind of sprawl out.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- It's a great room.- Yes. - Joe, wait till you see the kitchen.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25'Joe's been a man of few words so far let's see if he heats up in here.'
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Wow, fabulous kitchen.- Big enough?
0:26:32 > 0:26:34That was a wow and a fabulous.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36This is a great kitchen.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- Wonderful, wonderful, like the skylight too. - Yes, let in more light.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43So, this was the barn, that was the end of the house originally,
0:26:43 > 0:26:48so this was the barn that they linked into the building and turned into this fabulous kitchen.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49So, what do you think?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52I love it. Yeah, it's really, really good.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55I like the fact that there's room for circulation
0:26:55 > 0:26:58so we won't get the bottlenecks that we currently experience.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- "Can't you move those dogs?"- Yeah.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04And you've got a fantastic walk-in pantry and then another huge,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07sort of utility room there which will knock your socks off.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Let's take a look upstairs because that's also important for you.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19'Well, they've been so captivated by downstairs that they seem to have forgotten about the views.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24'We'll head upstairs now and explore this property's five bedrooms which are spread over two floors.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Does the master bedroom match up to the kitchen?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30It's a good size, I like it already.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36It's nice and bright and good amount of wardrobe space, it's a good start.
0:27:36 > 0:27:42Lovely light as well, you've got south facing windows and another window over the garden.
0:27:42 > 0:27:48And, a massive en suite with a double shower, his and hers sinks and a bathtub.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53- Wonderful.- Didn't short change you on this house, Marilyn.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- Does it fit the bill? - It certainly does so far, yes.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01'On this floor there's also a twin room with light streaming in
0:28:01 > 0:28:07'and a large double room used as a B&B guest room right next to the family bathroom.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13'Up on the second floor is the fourth bedroom, a single in the eaves with an en suite.'
0:28:13 > 0:28:16This is another room they use for bed and breakfast
0:28:16 > 0:28:19because it's a beautifully self contained little suite.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22All the bedrooms bar one have en suite.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It's a really interesting room, isn't it?
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- Yes.- I love the beams.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I love houses with sort of interesting features like this room.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33This could definitely be, you could have this as your office space
0:28:33 > 0:28:37although there is a considerable number of outhouses outside.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Ah, interesting.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44'This impressive farmhouse would really launch Joe and Marilyn into English country living in a big way.
0:28:44 > 0:28:50'There's certainly scope for projects galore in these outhouses dating back to when the house was built.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55'There's a long barn, long indeed, stretching over 170 feet
0:28:55 > 0:29:01'and an enormous main barn which Joe could fit a whole train station into.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04'At the back of it is another ready-made space for him.'
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- Look what they've got at the end. - Ah, a studio.- An artist's studio.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14Obviously when all this stuff has gone you could practically turn the whole thing into a studio.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Yes, yes, I think it's got great prospects.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21All of these outhouses are projects really, so you need to go around and scratch your head
0:29:21 > 0:29:24and see what you could do with them but there's enormous potential.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28And if you don't use them all, that's obviously not the end of the world.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31But let me show you the full extent of the land.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- After you.- Thank you.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34'And there's plenty of it.
0:29:34 > 0:29:40'Nine and a half acres in total, with paddocks, gardens and even a tennis court.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:44It's a big parcel of land with some amazing outbuildings and a beautiful property.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46How much do you think it's worth?
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Well, I was wrong yesterday,
0:29:49 > 0:29:54but I feel it's absolutely the top end of our budget, £1.2 million.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Yes, I think I've got to go along with Marilyn,
0:29:57 > 0:30:02it's got to be very close to our budget, maybe just below £1.2.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08Now, you're being over optimistic because it is actually right on your budget, £1.2 million.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11And I think a great deal for that price because you get
0:30:11 > 0:30:17an awful lot of property for it and some beautifully maintained house.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20So, have a look because there's a lot to think about.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25Have a wander round and if you can find your way back to the car...! When you hear the whistle...
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- We'll take our satnav with us. - Exactly. Meet me back in the yard.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- Thank you.- All right, thank you.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34'Priced at the very top of their budget at £1.2 million
0:30:34 > 0:30:39'this magnificent farmhouse certainly has the wow factor they were looking for.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44'Featuring grand reception areas with space for their pets to sprawl out,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48'an enormous kitchen/breakfast room which Joe loved,
0:30:48 > 0:30:53'five bedrooms with four en suite and an array of outbuildings
0:30:53 > 0:30:55'set in nine and a half acres of land.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00'But is the prospect of so much house and land too daunting?'
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- So, what do you think of this barn? - It's certainly a very big barn.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08I'm slightly concerned about the extent of all the outbuildings.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Yeah, there is rather a lot, isn't there?
0:31:10 > 0:31:17It would be very easy to imagine myself living here, particularly on this level.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19I would have to exclude the outbuildings,
0:31:19 > 0:31:24which are scaring me a bit in terms of their enormity,
0:31:24 > 0:31:29but certainly I would feel very much at home in this house.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I'm just imagining a roaring fire,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Farouche and Zara here,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38we can have Ulysses and Aurora next to you
0:31:38 > 0:31:42and dear old Trevor in front of the fire.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45He'd love it there, yes.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47I love it, I really do.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51It doesn't look that much from the outside, but inside
0:31:51 > 0:31:54it's absolutely fantastic and the kitchen is out of this world.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Setting is a little disappointing,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59not much of a view but...
0:31:59 > 0:32:01I think we can work with it.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- You found it?- Yes, finally.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- I laid a little trail of breadcrumbs to get you back.- We did notice.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- There's a lot to look at.- An awful lot, yes.- There certainly is.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- But, now it's time to move on. - Oh, slave driver.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25We've given Marilyn and Joe big land and big views.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Now, I think it's time to test the water and see how
0:32:27 > 0:32:31committed they are to community when they move back to England.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35So, for the mystery house we've come to a village.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41Our mystery house takes us three miles from Shaftesbury to Motcombe,
0:32:41 > 0:32:45set in beautiful open countryside and peppered with gorgeous properties.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48But this is no sleepy village, it has a dynamic soul with
0:32:48 > 0:32:54a community-run post office and village store and regular events staged at the village hall.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58And our mystery property puts them right at the heart of all this.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Come onto the lawn.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Let's check out this mystery house and see what it makes you think.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Well, it's different.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It's different, it's meant to be different.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16The reason we've brought you to this house is because of where it is.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21You mentioned that you really wanted to be part of the community and get involved with village life.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26- Yes.- All the properties we've shown you so far have been very remote.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30So, the mystery house is in the middle of a very desirable village.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32It's a great little slice of England.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Let me tell you a little bit about the history because it's quite interesting.
0:33:36 > 0:33:42These three cottages at the end were three separate dwellings, the last of which was the village post office
0:33:42 > 0:33:46and this was a workshop, a wheelwright and a coffin maker's.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51And you'll see inside again how the renovations have worked.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Interesting.- Shall we take a peek?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- Why not.- Yes, thank you.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00'Well, from the outside our mystery house is certainly an intriguing mix of historic buildings
0:34:00 > 0:34:05'and the sum of its parts makes for a beautifully spacious home.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10'Let's see if Joe and Marilyn are captivated by its charm inside.'
0:34:10 > 0:34:13So, this is actually the most modern part of the house,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17joining up the two bits and straight into your realm, Joe.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- I think this is a contender for a nice kitchen.- Very nice.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Oh, very nice, I like it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:31It's almost actually quadruple aspect, you feel like the sun is coming in from everywhere.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- Very lovely through the window. - And lovely flagstone flooring.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37You can see they've spent a lot of money on this.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39It's a super hi-tech kitchen, can you imagine working in here?
0:34:39 > 0:34:42Oh, definitely.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- And under floor heating. - Oh, that works really well.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48'And I bet they love what's to follow.'
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Ta-da! This is the sitting room.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Wow.- Brilliant. I love it.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58I love the high ceiling and the beams, really nice.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02You get under floor heating under these beautiful floorboards.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Really? Now that's a huge plus for us actually.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- Yes. This is the main lounge? - This is the main lounge although there is more to see later on.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Also you notice there's absolutely double, triple glazing in places,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17to keep the noise from the road, once you're in you don't actually hear it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19You can't hear a thing.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22'We'll go back through the kitchen to the old wing of the cottage where
0:35:22 > 0:35:28'there's a smaller, cosier beamed sitting room, off which is a nice bright study for Marilyn.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32'If she's worried about low beams, she has nothing to fear next door
0:35:32 > 0:35:36in the original post office, now one of the four bedrooms.'
0:35:36 > 0:35:38You see here they've painted the beam white.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Yes, that works. - It makes a difference.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43It's actually still about the same height.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Here is a nice detail, this was the door to the post office.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- Quaint. - And again it's got a nice en suite.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53So, this is essentially a little guest wing.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- Again I'm very impressed with this. - I'm silently evaluating.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01I have to wait until my opinion crystallises. I need more time.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04It takes a while for it all to sink in.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Would it help if we see upstairs? - I think so, yes.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11'Our mystery house may be three dwellings in one,
0:36:11 > 0:36:16'but each part has been extremely well renovated and keeps its individuality.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20'Upstairs off the light spacious landing is a small single,
0:36:20 > 0:36:24'currently decked out with bunk beds, and a bright double room.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26'Next door, there's a modern family bathroom
0:36:26 > 0:36:30'and at the other end of the landing we find their sleeping quarters.'
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- Oh, very nice, yes.- Simple.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Simple but effective, yes, I like it very much.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41Lots of space, and then for you, Marilyn...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43lots of hanging space, a dressing room.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- Oh, good, someone's finally thinking of me.- And...
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Ta-da!- Oh, excellent.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52And that little cupboard's for you there, Joe.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57You're too kind(!) And that's about all I will be given, I'm sure.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- But a very nice en suite actually, double shower.- Yes, good.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03And good views out of the window.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Out of the window is where we go next as we have a garden to explore.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08And the sun's even shining.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13'I think this much extended house offers up a surprising treat
0:37:13 > 0:37:17'inside with lots of room, space and light on both floors.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19'Let's see what they make of outside.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Unlike some of the properties I have been showing this has not
0:37:23 > 0:37:26got acres and acres of land, this is what they call a manageable garden.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Yes, it's a very convenient size, isn't it?
0:37:30 > 0:37:33It's been very nicely done, I have to say.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34What do you think it's worth?
0:37:34 > 0:37:39Oh, good question, I'm going to take a stab at about
0:37:39 > 0:37:41just over £1 million.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43I'd say just under £1 million.
0:37:43 > 0:37:50- Well, it's on the market for £825,000.- Well done.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52It's been on the market for one week
0:37:52 > 0:37:55and I think it's going to be in high demand.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- It probably will be.- Oh, yes.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01So, have a look around as usual and I'll meet you around the front.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- OK, great.- OK.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08Wonderful, that was a good experiment because it could have backfired horribly
0:38:08 > 0:38:11because it's really not what they were asking since there are no views.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14But I do think it's a very valid point that if you want to come back
0:38:14 > 0:38:17to England and you want to integrate, you've got to have neighbours.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19This place has neighbours.
0:38:19 > 0:38:27So, coming in nearly £400,000 under their budget at £825,000 our enchanting mystery house offers them
0:38:27 > 0:38:32a beautiful airy sitting room with high ceilings and period features,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36a large bespoke kitchen, four bedrooms with two en suite,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39and just under an acre of garden
0:38:39 > 0:38:43all set in the heart of a village community.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49The house in fact is much more charming inside than at first appearance from the outside.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52So, I was very pleasantly surprised.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56I love this room. In fact I could be happy in the whole house.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57I like the house very much.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01The garden is very good, easy to manage.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06The one thing I have against it is the proximity of other houses to it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09The lack of a view is disappointing
0:39:09 > 0:39:16because obviously it is nice to have a feature to look out onto but it's not something that's insurmountable.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18What do you think, think you could live here?
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Yes, the aspects I thought I wouldn't like I actually do.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27I'm happy with the garden, I'm happy not to have an enormous garden, I'm quite happy with the view from here.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34All right, that is your lot, time to put your thinking caps on.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45'Well, Joe and Marilyn's house search has reached its final destination.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48'There is no doubt it's given them a lot to think about.'
0:39:48 > 0:39:51So, the weather has stayed consistently English
0:39:51 > 0:39:54for our Italian home buyers and they've braved it, good on them.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Time now to find out which of the houses they liked best.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Allora, now is the moment where we look back over the properties we have seen,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- starting with the house with the stunning views. - They were stunning, yes.
0:40:10 > 0:40:16Very, very nice indeed and a beautiful house particularly the ground floor layout.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18The gardens were wonderful.
0:40:18 > 0:40:24What let it down for us was the upstairs, the bedrooms, very, very little storage space at all.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26And it did feel a little bit isolated.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Can I ask about land at this point with the farmhouse because that was a big, big plot of land.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- Wonderful house.- Stunning house. - It was a stunning house. I just fell in love with it completely.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Everything about it I loved.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42I didn't mind the outbuildings either I could probably have
0:40:42 > 0:40:49found something to do with those, but I think the one thing that did put us off was the nine acres.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53The mystery house was interesting in that it didn't have much land to speak of.
0:40:53 > 0:40:59It had a nice garden and it was a sort of curved ball in the sense it wasn't isolated.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01What were your thoughts about that?
0:41:01 > 0:41:06The amount of land it had was slightly less than we were looking
0:41:06 > 0:41:11for, but it did have a very nice garden and again a beautiful house.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Fell in love with it right away as well,
0:41:14 > 0:41:19but what really is a problem with that one is it's overlooked
0:41:19 > 0:41:22and it's also very close to a road with a lot of traffic noise.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28And although the house was isolated from the noise inside, outside it was quite noisy.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31And what did you think, Marilyn, about the concept
0:41:31 > 0:41:34of being in a village as opposed to being out on a windswept hill?
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I think that particular village because it had a very
0:41:37 > 0:41:41good community spirit, I certainly would like to look into that more.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Is there any one that stands out as a definite contender?
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Oh, the farmhouse was absolutely wonderful.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49The farmhouse for sure. Stunning house.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53If we could just pick it up and move it somewhere else it would be great.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- I know we can't.- Losing those outbuildings in the process.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- "Oops!"- A barn's dropped off.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Well, it's been wonderful.
0:42:03 > 0:42:09You've both been very game coming from the sunny climes of Italy to brave the elements here.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13So, thanks very much and I wish you the best and I hope it all happens very swiftly.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Thank you for helping us with our learning curve.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- Yes, thank you, Alistair, it's been great.- Da niente.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- Prego.- Bravissimo.
0:42:25 > 0:42:31I'm not entirely sure we've convinced Marilyn and Joe to move back to rainy old England,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35but I think we did do a very good job of showing them some beautiful properties
0:42:35 > 0:42:41and perhaps alerting them to the fact that they don't really need all the land they were hoping to get,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45and without that land they could probably get a beautiful house in their budget.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49So, I think all round a pretty good job on quite an unusual brief.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53And if you want to see more happy house hunters looking at
0:42:53 > 0:42:56beautiful property in the beautiful English countryside,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58then join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Now as Marilyn and Joe would doubtless say, arrivederci.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06If you'd like to Escape To The Country in Scotland,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10England, Wales or Northern Ireland and need our help,
0:43:10 > 0:43:12please apply online at -
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