0:00:02 > 0:00:05The thing I most enjoy about exploring the British Isles and its landscape
0:00:05 > 0:00:10is that at almost every twist and turn you can find a human story that tells us
0:00:10 > 0:00:13a little bit more about our history and where we've come from.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Take this gorgeous old ruin behind me.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22It's thought that buried within are the remains of a soldier shot 356 years ago.
0:00:22 > 0:00:23But why was he here?
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Where am I, for that matter?
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Join me for what promises to be a very historic Escape To The Country.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45On today's show we'll be meeting a couple who want to swap
0:00:45 > 0:00:49the Spanish sun for muddy boots in the English countryside.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53We have wonderful rural properties, if they can hold their nerve.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57I am scared silly. I don't know what this price will be.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00But other getaways leave them utterly speechless.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- How about that for a kitchen/diner? - Oh!
0:01:06 > 0:01:13Today I'm in Somerset and this extraordinary glacial lump is known as Burrow Mump.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17It played a small but significant part in the fortunes of the English Civil War here.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21In 1645, the Royalist Army, led by Lord Goring,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25took on the Parliamentarians at the nearby Battle of Langport.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30Goring and the Royalists were defeated, but some of the stragglers
0:01:30 > 0:01:33made it back here, where they held out for a further three days.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39When eventually they were overcome, their resistance marked the end of the Royalist campaign here,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43in the West Country, handing the region to Oliver Cromwell.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The rest, as they say, is history.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Lying in the south-west corner of England,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Somerset is bordered by four other counties
0:01:51 > 0:01:54and bounded by the Bristol Channel to the West.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59The stunning landscape ranges from the dramatic limestone cliffs at Cheddar Gorge
0:01:59 > 0:02:03to the expansive open moorland of Exmoor National Park.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Somerset has a plentiful supply of natural building materials,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11including the mellow grey lias stone
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and the distinctive honey-coloured ham stone,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15both of which have been used to build
0:02:15 > 0:02:18an assortment of attractive country properties.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25You may be surprised to learn that the average detached house in Somerset
0:02:25 > 0:02:30will set you back around about 7% above the national average.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35But that does compare very favourably with Devon and Dorset.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39In Dorset, it's a whopping 25% above the national average
0:02:39 > 0:02:44and in Devon it will set you back 16% above the national figure.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49If you want value for money, and a slice of the West Country, Somerset is a good bet.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55If you're property shopping with £800,000 to spend,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58how about this three-storey Grade II-listed property in Bath?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01It comes with four bedrooms,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05and period features are a theme throughout the reception areas,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09which include a garden room with great views across the valley.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Or, a few miles from Taunton,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19this listed thatched cottage delivers bags of historic charm.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Priced at £325,000, it has three bedrooms,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26two receptions with a kitchen/diner
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and to the rear lies a pretty enclosed garden
0:03:29 > 0:03:32with a delightful paved terrace.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Lastly, this two-bed terraced cottage in South Cheriton
0:03:37 > 0:03:42is on the market for £250,000 and is packed full of character,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45with exposed brick and timbers in the reception areas
0:03:45 > 0:03:48as well as a lovely garden room.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55Well, as you can see, some wonderful property down here, and three more houses to come on the show,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57including our mystery house,
0:03:57 > 0:04:02but are any of them good enough to tempt today's buyers to part with their cash?
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Well, let's meet them and find out what they're after.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Today's house buyers are Phil and Diane,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12who are looking to simplify their lifestyle,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14as they currently split their time
0:04:14 > 0:04:17between properties in Spain and North London.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22Phil spent 40 years working as an architect and Diane used to be a bank manager,
0:04:22 > 0:04:27but since retiring they've set their hearts on moving to the West Country.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Maintaining two properties is difficult. We want to be closer to our family as well.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- We've been away and we've missed a few things about England and family is one of them.- Mmm.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42But what else persuaded them to give up the sun, the sea and the sangria?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46I've always wanted to do drawings and paintings
0:04:46 > 0:04:50and never had the time to do it. I've got all the equipment.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55I think I've got the ability to do it. I just haven't addressed it.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01I make a lot of jam and chutney in Spain and I'd like to be doing that here.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I love picking blackberries from the hedgerows. I like freebies.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- We'd love to have chickens and maybe a pig, if you'd let me!- Yes.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17Although they've identified the West Country, they're open as to the exact location.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21On the edge of a village preferably, to give us more open space.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- We'd like a view.- Mmm.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27We've never had a view. Even in Spain we don't have a view!
0:05:27 > 0:05:29I was born by the sea.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34As long as I know it's close enough to be able to go to,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37half an hour's drive, 30 miles away or something like that.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40It's great they're so broad-minded.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It helps to keep your options open.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45What do they want from the new house?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Ideally three bedrooms.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50And the ability to either have
0:05:50 > 0:05:56or to make the kitchen into a large kitchen, living, eating area.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Family room.- A family room, yeah.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Although Phil no longer works as an architect,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06there's a personal building project he would like to complete.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10When we bought the house it was my intention
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to convert the loft into a den or boy's room,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15however you might call it,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18but in our new house I'll be looking for a space,
0:06:18 > 0:06:23somewhere I can go and hide away and play my music and do my own thing.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28All in all, they both seem flexible, but is there anything they wouldn't consider?
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- A brand-new house, I think. - Yes, I would say so.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38You also expressed a dislike of the chocolate-box type of cottage,
0:06:38 > 0:06:39too pretty-pretty.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45They've just accepted an offer on their London property for £315,000
0:06:45 > 0:06:48but are waiting for a buyer for their Spanish villa.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53With that in mind, what's the final figure for this West Country move?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57The budget for this next move will be up to £400,000.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Well, Phil and Diane want to move here to the West Country
0:07:04 > 0:07:08and, when faced with views like the one behind me, who can blame them?
0:07:08 > 0:07:14They're prepared to consider almost anything within East Devon, West Dorset or South Somerset,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17but I think the key to this search will be Somerset.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22They'll get more bang for their buck here and all the indoor and outdoor space they're after.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27We'll be starting our search in southern Somerset,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31close to the Blackdown Hills and the villages around Ilminster,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34about a half-hour drive to the coast.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38We've found some superb homes, each offering great opportunities,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41but I'll be staying tight-lipped about the prices.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Finally, there's the mystery house,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46where we're presenting a picture-postcard country dream.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- Hello, Diane.- Hi.- How are you?- Hi.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Here we are, Somerset beckons with a hint of sunshine.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55Whether it will last I've no idea.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Quite an exciting move for you two.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Fantastic, we're very excited.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05And I gather you've got a lot of money burning a hole in your back pocket, because you've exchanged?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Yes.- Thank God, yes.- Has this had any effect on the budget?
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Yes, it has, it's gone up by £50,000.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- £50,000 just like that.- Yes. - Brilliant.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- So £450,000 is what we've got to play with?- Yes.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Let's have a look.- Great.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Seeing as Phil and Diane have already exchanged contracts,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30time is of the essence to find their next home.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34So, with a revised budget of £450,000,
0:08:34 > 0:08:38they're after a three-bed property with inspiring views.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Diane has her heart set on a country kitchen
0:08:40 > 0:08:44and Phil is looking for a den to escape to.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Outside, they want a decent plot of land,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48with room for chickens and a pig.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52They're not keen on new-builds, as they prefer historic character,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55and they are prepared to take on minor renovations.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Now that Phil and Diane have upped their spend,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01I'm confident we can find a property to fit the bill.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It's time to get this house search started.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Our first port of call is Stocklinch,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12three miles north-east of Ilminster.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17Stocklinch is a small tranquil place dating back to medieval times
0:09:17 > 0:09:20with a mix of traditional and modern properties
0:09:20 > 0:09:23housing a small, close-knit community.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Set in the heart of the countryside,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29the impressive panorama opposite our first house
0:09:29 > 0:09:30should hopefully provide
0:09:30 > 0:09:34the perfect inspiration for Phil to develop his painting passion.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Well, let's start with this one, what do you think?
0:09:37 > 0:09:38- Wow!- It looks good.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Yeah? You don't get all of it.- OK.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45It's a rural semi, so you get that half on the right.
0:09:45 > 0:09:471900, Victorian, late Victorian,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- so it's got lots of features as well.- We like Victorian.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54We've only ever owned three houses and they've all been Victorian.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Come and have a look.- Thank you.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01This former worker's cottage has been substantially extended
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and offers three reception rooms,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07the smallest of which is at the front, and has great views to open countryside.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17Now then, Phil, we're going to start with what might be your den.
0:10:17 > 0:10:18This is what I'm thinking about.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21In terms of size and space, I mean, something of a snug,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- a TV room or an office, whatever you want.- It's not too big. It's good.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Would this work?- For me.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28LAUGHTER
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- That means you're not allowed in here.- You've got it.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- You probably wouldn't get a look-in here.- No.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- It's fine, maybe there's something for me! - Oh, yeah, follow me through here.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Right, Diane, this could be just for you,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50but actually this is the bit that you've got to share, really.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55Your main family room, reception room, call it what you will.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Nice working fireplace there.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- It's very nice and bright as well, isn't it?- Yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03It's a very amenable space, this.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07You could make this quite contemporary if you wanted to
0:11:07 > 0:11:11or go with the country Victorian, which is what they've got here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Comfy Victorian is what I like. - Comfy Victorian? OK.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Comfy, country Victorian, there you go.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Let's see if the kitchen matches up. - A new catchphrase.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- There, Diane. What do you think? - This is great.- Isn't it?
0:11:26 > 0:11:30The thing that really struck me when I first came in was the floor.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Where else do you get flags like that?- Absolutely.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- It's like my grandmother's flagstone kitchen floor.- Really?
0:11:37 > 0:11:38- Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- You've got the range, that's very nice.- Yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45In terms of a kitchen on its own, it's not bad.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49So where do we put the sofa? Come and look at this.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54This is the latest extension, that's really made it work, I think.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It's a lovely room, and what a surprise when you come through here.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Yes, and a dining table and doors out to the garden.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Off of it, we have quite a generous larder/utility room.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Wonderful. - You've got loads of space.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- Store the jams in there. - Your jams, chutneys, wine.- Yeah.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17'With positive reactions from both parties on the ground floor,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19'it's time to head upstairs.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22'There are four double bedrooms here, including two at the front.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24'Both are light and airy
0:12:24 > 0:12:27'and there's another double at the rear
0:12:27 > 0:12:29'adjacent to the family bathroom.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33'Next up, we're going to take a look at the largest bedroom.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:36This is currently designated as the master.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37- Oh, right.- OK.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42It's quite busy, because you've got all this free-standing storage.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Again, another lovely window with a view of the village beyond.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Will it work?- It's bigger than the room we've got at the moment.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It certainly is. - Let's finish off in the garden.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- OK.- It's a little bit higher again.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- We can indulge the view and see what you've got out there. After you.- Thank you.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'As we make our way downstairs, back through the house,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06'it gives our buyers the opportunity
0:13:06 > 0:13:09'to reflect on what this delightful property has to offer,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'both on the inside and outside.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16'The south-facing garden may not stretch to pigs,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20'but there's certainly enough room for a few chickens.'
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Let's get down to the basics and talk about money.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Go on, Phil, what do you think this is on the market for?
0:13:27 > 0:13:33- I'm thinking just below £400,000. - Yep. OK.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- Er, 435.- 435. Well, you could now afford £435,000,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- because you've upped your budget by 50,000 to 450.- Mmm.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46You've come in at £400,000, which is where you were before you got the extra cash.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- The good news is that this is less than that.- What?(!)
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- This is 357,500.- Right.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55It just goes to show you what you can get.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- Good.- Yeah?
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- That ticks a lot of boxes, then. - Doesn't it just! I thought it might.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Go and have a good old explore.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Why not start with the chickens and I'll catch up with you later.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Yeah, off you go. Grab an apple, why not?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11We are in Somerset, home of apples after all.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16And, of course, cider. You never know, we might be drinking that if we celebrate the sale of this one.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20As a first property, it's turned out to be a pretty good start.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Nearly £100,000 under budget,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26this semi-detached property is great value,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30considering it meets most of Phil and Diane's requirements.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33With four bedrooms and three reception rooms,
0:14:33 > 0:14:38there are plenty of options for both an art studio and a getaway den.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40There's a large kitchen/diner
0:14:40 > 0:14:43and a manageable garden with a ready-made chicken enclosure
0:14:43 > 0:14:48and it's set in a prime position to make the most of the rural views.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52With no building work to do, our first property could help them
0:14:52 > 0:14:58realise their longstanding dream of a country lifestyle straight away.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02The price is amazing. I'm so impressed with that.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The flow of the rooms would actually work for us as well.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09The garden isn't as much land as we thought we wanted,
0:15:09 > 0:15:13but I think we could work it, and maybe that's the project.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15It's certainly a contender.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18You suggested the room downstairs but I fancy this room.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It's unusual, isn't it?
0:15:20 > 0:15:23It's a lovely Victorian place,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25what we're used to and what I like.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27It's nicely proportioned and clean.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30There's a lot of house here for the price that's offered
0:15:30 > 0:15:33and plenty of scope in the back garden
0:15:33 > 0:15:36and the views are to die for, they're lovely.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Ah, out you come.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Had a good old explore, Phil?- Yep.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48It's a pretty good start and a good example of the value of money that Somerset has to offer you.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- It's very interesting. - And it's only the first one.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Let's see more.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The view from our first property
0:16:05 > 0:16:08looks out towards the beautiful, rural Blackdown Hills,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12which cover an area of around 230 square miles
0:16:12 > 0:16:14across the border of Somerset and Devon.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16There are no towns here.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Peaceful picturesque villages such as Staple Fitzpaine
0:16:19 > 0:16:23with a small population of 150 people.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25But what it lacks in size
0:16:25 > 0:16:29it makes up for in character, being full of historic properties.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34During the week, Phil and Diane met up with former resident Gill Cooper
0:16:34 > 0:16:38at the impressive Grade I-listed Norman Church of St Peter.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42It was originally built in the 1200s,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45but in the 1400s with the prosperity of wool and a wealthy landowner,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49they decided to rebuild the church tower
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and they built this magnificent Somerset church tower.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55The towers were built as a landmark,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59but also to house the bells and also to show the prosperity.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- An indicator of wealth?- Absolutely.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05There's obviously some gargoyles or something up there.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I'm glad you noticed those.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11They're not actually gargoyles, they're called hunky punks.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15They're little creatures that live at the top of Somerset church towers
0:17:15 > 0:17:17and they're very special.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- And they're all different?- They are.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23They're not religious. They're more likely to be pagan images.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29Another features in the Blackdowns is the network of ancient hedgerows,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31which total over 5,000 miles.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Hedgerows not only enclose stock and provide shelter,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39they're a valuable natural habitat supporting a spectrum of species.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43They make a great place to find edible treats,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45perfect for Diane's preserve-making passion.
0:17:45 > 0:17:52With that in mind, they've come for a foraging lesson with wild food expert John Wright.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- Hi. I hear you want to do a bit of foraging, a bit of hedgerow harvesting.- Love to, yeah.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02There's lot to be found and the best place is along the roadside.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04A lot of the best things grow there.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09It's nice and light, and often cut back in the spring so things grow up fresh.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12John, I love making chutneys, jams and marmalade,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17is there anything we'll find today that I could make something out of?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's a funny time of year, we're in the middle of July,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- but there's soft fruit. I don't know if you can make anything from soft fruit.- Yeah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- Let's see what we can find. - Fantastic. Let's go!
0:18:27 > 0:18:33Autumn is generally the best season to find a variety of fruit and nuts ready for harvest
0:18:33 > 0:18:36such as blackberries, which are delicious in pies,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39elderberries, which can be turned into wine,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41and sloes for gin.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45When foraging, be careful never to eat anything
0:18:45 > 0:18:48if you're not certain of its exact identity.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53Also be sure to vary your location so the plants can rejuvenate
0:18:53 > 0:18:58and remember to leave something for the wildlife, who need food to see them through the winter.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Hey, look at this.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06This is the best thing. If there's one thing I hoped we'd find today, it's these.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- These are wild strawberries. - Fantastic.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Have you seen them before? - No. Can we try one?
0:19:11 > 0:19:16You want to try one? I was going to try one. You try, go on.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I'll let you!
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Are you going to have one? - Of course.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22I'll have one too.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- Wow.- What an intense flavour. - It is an intense flavour, yeah.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- It hits the spot, doesn't it? - Oh, fantastic.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33There's lots of them here. Shall we collect?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- I don't think we're going to fill my basket.- No, not today.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- I'll put them in my hat, how about that?- They're so ripe.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Oh, wonderful.- That looks good.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- You keep finding them hiding under the leaves.- Yeah.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49We're not doing too bad.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Today's bounty may not fill a basket,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53but they'll be spoilt for choice here by the autumn.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Time to get back to the hunt
0:19:55 > 0:20:00to see if we can find a property that's ripe for picking.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06For our next stop, we're heading to Barrington,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08staying in the outskirts of the Blackdown Hills.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10It's a conservation village
0:20:10 > 0:20:14situated in the fruit-growing area of the county
0:20:14 > 0:20:17with a pub and a 13th-century church
0:20:17 > 0:20:20featuring an unusual octagonal tower.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24This is an ideal rural spot full of period houses,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26many of which are built from ham stone and cob,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30with native reeds employed in pretty thatched rooves.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Our next house dates back to the early 1800s
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and is now a large and beautiful family home
0:20:36 > 0:20:39which is attached to a smaller cottage that lies to the rear.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Right, guys, here's our second property to feast your eyes on.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- What do you think? - Very interesting.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47I love the brick and the stone.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51It has been renovated to a very high standard.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53"Embellished" is the word I'd use.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55But, as ever, it depends on what you think of it.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- Great.- Make less work for me. - Don't think you've got off lightly. I've got plenty for you to do.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Come on.- All right.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07'This pretty, 19th-century farmhouse has made an impression.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13'Let's hope the interior lives up to expectations, starting with the main sitting room.'
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- That's a wood burner. - That is a wood burner.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Pretty special. Quite a contemporary feel, all this.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- It is very, very nice that. - That feels nice.- Yeah?
0:21:26 > 0:21:33And this flooring goes throughout and really joins it altogether.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Very interesting.- Yeah?
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Very, yeah.- Good.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Are we higher up the scale of interesting?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- For me, yes, because it's got that much more space.- Ah.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- So our first impressions are better? - Good, yes.- Excellent!
0:21:48 > 0:21:50I always hope they go up as we go through the houses.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Come and follow me through here, because you'll like this.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02OK, Diane. What do you reckon?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Wow! Wow!
0:22:05 > 0:22:06LAUGHTER
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- That's a fireplace, too.- Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10And the beams and they are not low!
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Not low. Not dark.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- And brick, have you seen this, Phil? - Yes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18A lovely space, isn't it?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20A nice big room, I love it.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- I get the sense, Phil, you're more encouraged with this one. - I'm really going for this.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30There is more of 'em. Everything is orientated towards the back of the house
0:22:30 > 0:22:32which is this way, as is the kitchen.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33- Great.- Great.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Now then, Diane, is this going to work for you?
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Can you rustle something up in here? - I think I could.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- I think I could.- Yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- It's nice, isn't it? I love this big stone wall here.- Fantastic.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Presumably, at one point, was the old external wall of the building.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00This has been added on, later on. But done in a way which I think is really, really smart.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Yes.- Yes.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- You're really excited.- We are!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07He is. He's going like... and I'm just going, "um".
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Well, the enthusiasm seems to be building on the ground floor
0:23:13 > 0:23:17which has a large useful utility room as well as a games room
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and timber frame conservatory.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27'With the excitement brimming, time to tour the first floor where there are three bedrooms.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28'There's a large double,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30'a good sized single
0:23:30 > 0:23:35'and an impressive family bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool bath.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:43There you are, right next door to that huge bathroom, you have this.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- A lovely window.- Yeah.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Sweet, isn't it?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50A fireplace there.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Not quite square. You've got roof line coming through there,
0:23:53 > 0:23:58but plenty of room for this freestanding storage.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02So I think you'd accommodate most of what you would need.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- Definitely.- Yeah?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I think you are out of a job, Philly!
0:24:08 > 0:24:09I've no work to do.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11I have got plenty of work for you to do.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- You keep saying that. - It's outside.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Come on, I'll show you. - All right, let's go.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21'We're heading back downstairs through the kitchen
0:24:21 > 0:24:22'which takes us out to the back garden.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27'Immediately to the rear is a large paved patio which leads down
0:24:27 > 0:24:29'to the formal lawned area.'
0:24:30 > 0:24:36There's a vegetable patch and lots of fruit trees for Diane's jams and chutneys.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41The range of outbuildings includes a large workshop and stables
0:24:41 > 0:24:45and with Phil's trained architect's eye, he should be able to work some magic.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Now you also said you wanted a view.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- Yes.- Yes.- So there you go.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Mmm.- It has sort of got it all, really, hasn't it?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Everything.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00I am scared silly, I don't know what the price is going to be.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03One thing that's going to have an influence on the price
0:25:03 > 0:25:07isn't the fact that you get the house, the lovely lawn
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- and the outbuildings and all the rest of it. You also get this paddock.- No!
0:25:14 > 0:25:20All in whole lot the whole thing is 2.35 acres to be precise.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25If you want to go down the pig route or sheep or chickens or whatever,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28you have got plenty of space out there.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Fantastic. - Come on, Diane, make me an offer.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- I think it's going to be about 550,000.- 550.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45- I am going to be cheeky and say 465.- 465.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48You are both wrong!
0:25:49 > 0:25:54- Go on.- It is on the market for £479,500.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I hope you will accept my apologies
0:25:57 > 0:26:00for showing you something over budget, but I think this is a good one.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Oh, it is amazing.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- Am I forgiven?- Yes.- OK.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07HE LAUGHS
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Good. Oh, look, oh!
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Go on, go and have a look around. I'll catch you later.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Over budget at £479,500,
0:26:21 > 0:26:26our second offering is a highly attractive detached period farmhouse
0:26:26 > 0:26:30that comes with everything our buyers specified, and more.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33It has three bedrooms, three receptions
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and a beautiful kitchen/diner.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38The house is immaculately presented,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41with plenty to keep them occupied in over two acres of grounds,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44complete with several outbuildings to renovate.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48This place has quite obviously touched Phil and Diane emotionally,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52which is THE most important thing when house-hunting.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55But will that be enough to allow them to stretch beyond their budget?
0:26:55 > 0:27:00This house was amazing - lots of textures and natural materials.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02It's everything that I wanted out of a house.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I loved it, all the way through, every room.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I'm just blown away with the style,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10the size of it,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12and the garden.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14This kitchen is unbelievable.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19And to still have those projects outside, it's fantastic.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21I can't believe you found a house like this for us.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23It's so perfect.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27This would be a fantastic workshop - the space to do what you like.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Yes. It's interesting with the light panels, as well, isn't it?
0:27:31 > 0:27:32Yes.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33You've got some...
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Ah-ha! I've caught you plotting and scheming!
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's all going on, isn't it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42This place has clearly had a profound effect on both of you.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- Yes.- It has. - So many opportunities.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46So many. It's not over yet -
0:27:46 > 0:27:49there's one more property to come - the mystery house.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52But this one is going to take some beating, I suspect.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- This is amazing.- Brilliant.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Come on, I'm going to drag you away.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09And, as the sun sets on a day of high emotion,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13the first stage of our house-hunting journey draws to a close.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Still to come, eyes are widening in the mystery house.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Show me more!
0:28:21 > 0:28:22Show you more!
0:28:22 > 0:28:27'And I'll be getting all primitive back in the 1st Century.'
0:28:31 > 0:28:35As you can see, a glorious start to our final day's house-hunting
0:28:35 > 0:28:38here in the West Country, with Phil and with Diane.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Yesterday they certainly enjoyed our first property,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43but they both adored the second one.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It even brought tears of joy from Diane.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49So clearly, our final property, the mystery house,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51has a lot to compete with.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Two things they said they didn't want were new-build
0:28:53 > 0:28:56and pretty little chocolate-box cottages.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59So, it's the mystery house. Let's test them with this one.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Well, guys, here we are.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06It's our final journey to our final house.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08It's all gone pretty quickly, it seems.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09It certainly has.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12We're heading further south than we have previously,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15down towards the coast.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- Whoa!- Sounds good!
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Diane was born by the sea
0:29:20 > 0:29:23and the call of the ocean is another factor spurring this move.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Our final destination is the village of Abbotsbury,
0:29:26 > 0:29:30across the border in Dorset, right on the outstanding Jurassic coast.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Abbotsbury is a beautiful and historic village
0:29:34 > 0:29:36surrounded by magnificent rolling countryside.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39It's set in the hills behind the 18-mile stretch
0:29:39 > 0:29:43of pebble shoreline, known as Chesil Beach,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47and is overlooked by the 15th-century St Catherine's Chapel.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51The majority of the village has been in the care of the Ilchester Estate
0:29:51 > 0:29:56for 500 years, and their conservation policies, along with a proud community,
0:29:56 > 0:30:02ensures that Abbotsbury continues to reflect its 1,000-year-old heritage.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Right then, Diane.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Come here, Phil.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- There's the mystery house. - Beautiful.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I was worried about this one because you did say,
0:30:12 > 0:30:17"We don't want chocolate-box and we don't want new-build."
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Mm, and this is both.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- This is both.- Whoa!
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Can you see, in the wall there, it says 2006.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- Oh!- It's brand new.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- It's brand new.- Wow.- Right.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35But built of local Purbeck and Abbotsbury stone.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Come on, let's go and have a look. - Great.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'The mystery house is a semi-detached thatched cottage
0:30:43 > 0:30:45'right in the heart of the village.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47'It combines all the charm of a character property
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'with the benefits of modern day conveniences.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Right, in you come. Watch your head on the lamp!
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Right.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Let's start in here.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00There we go.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02How about that for a kitchen/diner?
0:31:02 > 0:31:03Oh!
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Come in, Phil, don't be shy.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06Wow.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- That's what you wanted. - It certainly is.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- Show me more.- Show me more!
0:31:12 > 0:31:14The finish in here is something
0:31:14 > 0:31:18that really sets the scene for the rest of the house, to be honest.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20It had proportions of a modern building,
0:31:20 > 0:31:25but it's wrapped up in this lovely looking old exterior.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26So far, so good.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27So far, so good.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I'm amazed.
0:31:29 > 0:31:30Fantastic.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Yeah? Right, follow me through here.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Just off the kitchen, you've got a really nice utility room.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Same sort of spec as the kitchen.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39- And then this.- Amazing.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Can you see yourself?
0:31:41 > 0:31:44You know, Sunday morning - Phil with a cup of coffee with the papers.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45Definite.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Whatever the weather.- Yes.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50That's the way.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51Relaxed life.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Anything for an easy life.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57And views out to the garden, which we will explore at the end.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59I love the colour of the stone.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00- Yes, it's lovely.- Local stone.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05The ground floor also has a large, light and pristine sitting room.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07'Next, we're going upstairs
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'to see what's on offer on the first floor,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12'starting with the master bedroom.'
0:32:12 > 0:32:14OK.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Come on in.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19This is you guys, effectively.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Storage behind me, as you can see.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Right.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Again, we're on the front, so we've got beautiful views out.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Your en-suite is through that door there -
0:32:30 > 0:32:32a basin, loo and shower.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Great.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35OK, so enough, I suspect.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38Phil.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41I'm not getting any wow out of Phil at the moment.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I'm struggling with the space, to be fair.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Yes, OK. What about Diane?
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I'm fine with it. I'm absolutely fine.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54To me, this is more a home, strangely.
0:32:54 > 0:33:00I think, also, I get the feeling like a Disney set here.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01A bit staged.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04There are a further two double bedrooms upstairs,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07one of which also sits at the front of the property,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11again taking in that amazing view towards St Catherine's Chapel,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13and out to sea.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18On the other side of the hallway is the family bathroom.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20'That concludes the tour inside,
0:33:20 > 0:33:25'so it's back downstairs, through the conservatory, and out into the terrace garden.'
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Whilst there's no room for pigs or chickens,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31what is on offer is very beautifully done.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38This is the very last layer, or level,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40to your terraced garden.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- Now then...- Oh, wow!
0:33:42 > 0:33:44That's the view.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Let's have a think about the money.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Our last time of asking.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51You go first, Phil.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52I wasn't ready for this!
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Beautiful, beautiful house. A beautiful location.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It's very high spec.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01I think it's got to be just slightly over our budget.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03I think £460,000.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06£460,000. Diane?
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Well, all of the above, and the fact that it is so close to the sea,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12I think that is fantastic,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16but I think I'm going to say about £425,000.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17£425,000.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22Well, either those figures are affordable, I think,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25should you want it, but, um...
0:34:26 > 0:34:28..it's neither of them.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33It's on the market for offers around or in excess of £420,000.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Oh.- Oh, right.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I think it's an interesting one,
0:34:38 > 0:34:42and I think it certainly balances out what we've been able to show you
0:34:42 > 0:34:45in terms of desirable location and so forth.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48But it's up to you guys. Let the tussle continue.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Off you go. Go and explore and I'll catch up with you later.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Off you go.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57Comfortably under budget by £30,000,
0:34:57 > 0:35:01our mystery package is a stunning new-build thatched cottage,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04with the visual appeal of a more historic property.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07The first floor houses three bedrooms,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10and on the ground floor there's a cosy conservatory,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14as well as a large sitting room and a beautiful kitchen/diner.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18The immaculate landscaped garden may not be suited to pigs and chickens,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22but you do get the advantage of incredible breathtaking views
0:35:22 > 0:35:25that come with this fantastic coastal location.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28So, this was actually, for me, a great surprise.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Very unusual.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33We had hadn't thought about new properties, and we hadn't thought
0:35:33 > 0:35:39that you could create an amazing thatch like this.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42And I think the setting is amazing. I could see myself living here.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46I think... I think it's very comfortable.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Sadly, I can't see a den in this house.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51And maybe that's one of my difficulties.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56I think it's a gorgeous environment around here.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Almost too perfect, I would say.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Well, that's it.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08End of the mystery of the house.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11End of all of our house tours.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Confused?
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Very.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14- Excited?- Yes.- Yes.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16All of the above?
0:36:16 > 0:36:17Yes.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20Let's get you somewhere where you can mull it all over
0:36:20 > 0:36:23and we'll see what you do with the rest of your lives.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Off you go!
0:36:30 > 0:36:35'It's no secret that I have a passion for archaeology
0:36:35 > 0:36:38'and, with over 11,500 known archaeological sites,
0:36:38 > 0:36:43'Somerset is the perfect place to get my hands dirty.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47'Earlier in the week, I visited a site ten miles from Bath called Blacklands
0:36:47 > 0:36:51'where they've unearthed evidence of one of the earliest Roman villas in Britain.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56'Educational officer Tavis Walker was on hand to tell me more.'
0:36:56 > 0:37:00Behind us we've got a Roman villa footprint,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02from an early phase of Romanisation.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05What date are we talking about - 1st Century AD somewhere?
0:37:05 > 0:37:071st / 2nd Century AD.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Most of the larger villas in the area were built in the 3rd / 4th Century,
0:37:11 > 0:37:15by professional builders - very fancy mosaics, underfloor heating.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Whereas this one, being an early structure,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21it's almost a DIY - someone's built it themselves.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25In the surrounding area we've got a number of Iron Age roundhouses.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29It looks like these roundhouses were still standing
0:37:29 > 0:37:31at the same time as this villa.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35This illustration demonstrates what the Romano British farmstead
0:37:35 > 0:37:38would probably have looked like in its full glory,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40with a square colonnaded villa
0:37:40 > 0:37:43featuring a stone tiled roof and two gate houses.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47The whole thing represented a real leap forward in terms of providing
0:37:47 > 0:37:51a much more organised and comfortable rural lifestyle.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54The story we've put together from our finds,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57it looks like, maybe during the early years of Roman Britain,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00one of the local Iron Age occupants of this site
0:38:00 > 0:38:02was living in one of the roundhouses in the area,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05possibly joined the legions, served his 25 years.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08So he comes back and says, "I don't want that.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10"All these roundhouses, we've had it wrong.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14"We're going to build a nice square villa". You can imagine that conversation!
0:38:14 > 0:38:16You can imagine him coming home and thinking,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18"I can't live like this any more."
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- "What were we thinking?!"- Yeah!
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Just metres from the villa footprint,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26volunteers are digging out an Iron Age roundhouse
0:38:26 > 0:38:30dating back to around 500 BC.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33There is this joke amongst archaeologists that it is rubbish.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37But that's what it's about - we're looking for everyday bits and pieces
0:38:37 > 0:38:40that will tell a human story as to what life was all about here.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43That's exactly the aim of archaeology,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46and it's the rubbish, the everyday stuff, that gives the story.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50'There are voluntary archaeological digs throughout the country
0:38:50 > 0:38:51'so anyone can get involved.
0:38:51 > 0:38:57'Digs have a great sense of community and they can also be very exciting.'
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Ah, now, my endeavours are paying off.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01What have we got here?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04It looks like you have got a bit of pottery.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07There it is. I nearly lost it! There we are.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Can you date that one?
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Let's have a look. It looks like...
0:39:10 > 0:39:13It's a small piece. It's probably Romano British greyware.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17That's what you'd expect to find on a site like this.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Wonderful! I'm enjoying this. It's a while since I had a chance to dig.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22I think I'll stick around!
0:39:22 > 0:39:26We've got lots of jobs. We've even got a big, juicy cesspit over there!
0:39:26 > 0:39:27Oh, cheers!
0:39:30 > 0:39:32We knew from the outset
0:39:32 > 0:39:36that this was going to be a big lifestyle change for Phil and Diane.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38They've already sold one house in the UK,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41and they've also got one in Spain they're going to sell
0:39:41 > 0:39:44to fund their future retirement back here in the UK.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47We've shown them, I think, three viable properties,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49but do we have a clear winner? Let's go and ask them.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Well, Phil, Diane, here we are on glorious Chesil Beach in Dorset.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01We started in Somerset.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04At the end of our journey, how have you found it?
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Amazing. Really interesting.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12It started with that 1900 late Victorian villa, semi-detached.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13I thought it was nice.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16We're very familiar with Victorian features. We loved it.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19The view over the valley was fantastic.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22The inside of the house was lovely. It flowed fantastically.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27I thought the modern extensions have been done sympathetically.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31In hindsight, the kitchen doesn't quite work for me.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I can't see ME cooking meals in there.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It doesn't quite flow the way that I would like it to do.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Then we took you to our second house,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44which was just a spit up the road, just a few miles in it.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46A lovely property, Diane.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Beautiful.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Beautiful rooms. The size of the rooms.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56The modernisation to the house had been done very, very well.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58The textures and the materials were just perfect.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01It was everything that we probably aspire to.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Those outbuildings certainly fired your imagination.
0:41:05 > 0:41:06There was so many options.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10I thought that was a terrific house on which to end our first day.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13It certainly ended on a high for all of us.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18I realised the mystery house was going to have a lot of competition.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21It has absolutely everything, and to be this close to the sea,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25for me, that was fantastic. What a surprise though, yeah.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27A thatched roof!
0:41:27 > 0:41:28You see, a new one!
0:41:28 > 0:41:31New build, whoa!
0:41:31 > 0:41:35But I loved it. I thought we would be very, very comfortable there.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Phil, wasn't quite so sure.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Tell us your reservations.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43First of all, I was a little concerned
0:41:43 > 0:41:46about the lack of space in the house itself.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Incredibly clean - I'd be scared of putting a foot wrong in there.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54What happens next? Have we persuaded you to buy any one of them?
0:41:54 > 0:41:59I think later on this afternoon we'll be contacting the agent
0:41:59 > 0:42:03on house number two to see if we can actually put an offer in.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04I am absolutely delighted.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07You never quite know at the beginning of a house search
0:42:07 > 0:42:10how it's going to go, but you've been great fun.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12I'm delighted we've been able to show you
0:42:12 > 0:42:15three very interesting and very inspiring properties.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Best of luck. It's been a pleasure.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Thank you ever so much. It's been wonderful.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Thanks.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25You know when the weather is like this,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29you can't blame anybody for wanting to make the West Country their home.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I love house-hunting down here, as do Phil and Diane.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36We've given them three fantastic houses to choose from,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40but I suspect from the outset there was only one clear winner.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44They've yet to buy it - it is over budget, but I think they will,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48and I suspect Phil's retirement is going straight out of the window!
0:42:48 > 0:42:50I'll see you next time.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58Phil and Diane made an offer on the second property of £450,000,
0:42:58 > 0:42:59which was rejected.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02They upped their offer by £20,000,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04and I am delighted to say that it has been accepted.
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0:43:06 > 0:43:09in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
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