0:00:01 > 0:00:03The land I'm stood on used to be a thriving market town
0:00:03 > 0:00:07in the late 1700s. But then, within just a few short years,
0:00:07 > 0:00:12all trace of the town and its buildings were completely gone.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So what happened to the town and where did all the people go?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18I'll reveal all in just a few moments.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Today, I'm helping two teachers leave their city life behind
0:00:52 > 0:00:55to find a rural home in the countryside.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58And we show them some unexpected treats.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- I could easily work with this. - Could you?- Oh, yes.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Then there's our mystery house,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06which helps our buyers reach new heights.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- I feel quite high. - We are high, it's a good view.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13Today I'm in Dorset
0:01:13 > 0:01:17on what used to be the site of the market town of Milton.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Back in around 1770, this would have been a bustling place
0:01:21 > 0:01:25with shops, wealthy traders, almshouses, a pub.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28There was even a grammar school.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31But then along came a certain Joseph Damer,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34who was later to become the first Earl of Dorchester.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36As a rather important and powerful man,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39he decided that the town of Milton
0:01:39 > 0:01:43was obscuring his view from his own house, Milton Abbey, over there.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46So, in a rather savage bit of town planning,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49he destroyed or demolished Milton altogether.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53I'm happy to say the residents of Milton were rehoused
0:01:53 > 0:01:57about a mile away in Milton Abbas, which is still there.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00It's funny. People will do anything for a view, won't they?
0:02:05 > 0:02:06On the south coast of England,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Dorset is bordered by Hampshire to the east,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Wiltshire to the north and Somerset to the west.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16A major draw for the county's visitors is the sweeping Jurassic coastline
0:02:16 > 0:02:20that stretches all the way from Dorset to East Devon.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25It's a coastline dotted with stunning bays like this one at Lulworth Cove.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Dorset is the birthplace of writer Thomas Hardy,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32and the beautiful, pastoral countryside that filled his novels
0:02:32 > 0:02:35can still be found here today. More than half of the county
0:02:35 > 0:02:39is classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42with the landscape mix of rolling hillsides and chalky downland.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Indeed, it's on one such section of downland
0:02:45 > 0:02:48that one of Dorset's most iconic ancient landmarks,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51the Cerne Abbas Giant, takes centre stage.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The rural retreat has long been an aspiration
0:03:00 > 0:03:03held by city dwellers in search for a piece of the good life.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Retiring out of the city is no new phenomenon.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08In fact, it's been popular since the 1920s,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12when people used the national railway network
0:03:12 > 0:03:15to relocate to well-serviced towns and villages
0:03:15 > 0:03:17like those found here in Dorset.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20And with its stunning coastline and beautiful countryside,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Dorset is now the second most popular county to retire to.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27And, of course, that's reflected in its property values.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32The average cost of a detached house here is £320,000.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35That's an incredible £70,000 above the national figure.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So with those rather steamy property values in mind,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40take a look at the selection of properties
0:03:40 > 0:03:43that we found currently on the market here.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47For £395,000, this traditional four bedroomed house in Beaminster
0:03:47 > 0:03:49could be yours.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51There are impressive brick feature fireplaces
0:03:51 > 0:03:54in the ample sitting room and dining room.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58And the house has wonderful views over the West Dorset countryside.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Or there's this single-storey colonial-style property
0:04:04 > 0:04:06in Southover, for £550,000.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09This double height sitting room opens onto a conservatory,
0:04:09 > 0:04:14and there's plenty of entertaining space in the sizeable dining room.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16Outside features a well-established garden
0:04:16 > 0:04:19with around 4.5 acres of additional land.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22If your pockets are deep enough
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and you'd like something truly spectacular,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27there's this 17th-entury four-bedroom house in Hook
0:04:27 > 0:04:30for £715,000.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33The property has a wealth of period features,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35including an inglenook fireplace in the dining room
0:04:35 > 0:04:39and exposed beams in the sitting room.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Time to meet today's buyers,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and find out why they are ready to Escape To The Country.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Meet Wendy, a teacher who's soon to retire, and her husband, Rick,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52a former teacher who's already taken the plunge.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Having spent their entire working lives in London,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58they're ready to leave the busy streets behind
0:04:58 > 0:05:01for a slice of peace and tranquillity in the West Country.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05We'd like to move to Dorset. It's a really nice county.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09But I would really like to move because I feel like I've done London.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I want some space. I don't actually want to go into retirement,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15I want to start something different in a different place.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17We've always said we'd move, haven't we, when we retired.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But we do need more space.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24We need a nice place for our children to come and stay.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Our buyers have been living in this three-bedroom house
0:05:28 > 0:05:30in Stoke Newington in London for 11 years.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33And even though their two daughters have flown the nest,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35they're still longing for more space
0:05:35 > 0:05:39and the chance to enjoy their wide range of hobbies.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40I'm really interested in cooking.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43And fishing and boats and playing my guitar
0:05:43 > 0:05:46and keeping animals and gardening.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I like the idea of being able to go and pick stuff out of the garden,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52bring it in and cook with it and eat.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56I want to build an outside kitchen with a barbecue stove.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Rick and Wendy have a real passion for the British coast,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02and it's a key factor for the location of their new home.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Not really too far from the sea, 10 miles inland would be OK,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09because I would like access to a place to slip a boat in.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Or a mooring would be fantastic obviously.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15So a mooring would help keep Rick smiling,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19but there are plenty of other requirements on the wish list.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24Ideally, we'd like a detached house with lots and lots of space.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28A really nice, characterful kitchen.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Minimum of three bedrooms, so that when the girls come
0:06:30 > 0:06:33there's somewhere to stay with their families.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36And a large bathroom.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41Rock god Rick would also like a special room to let his hair down.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42Certainly in the new house,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I'd love a place where I can set up all the equipment
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and have it specifically as a music room,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50for all the guitars and amplification.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Only one more thing to nail down, and that's the finances.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Our maximum budget is £600,000.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06To paraphrase Samuel Johnson,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09when you're tired of London, you're tired of life.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11But that's patently not true with Wendy and Rick.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15They see a move here to the Dorset countryside as a fresh challenge.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Hoping for, perhaps, a new lease of life.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20So, whilst they may have some trepidation
0:07:20 > 0:07:23about leaving the big city of London behind,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I'm hoping a few days in this beautiful countryside
0:07:27 > 0:07:29will put any fears to rest for good.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Rick and Wendy want to be within striking distance
0:07:36 > 0:07:37of the Dorset coast,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40so we're focusing today's search within a 20-mile radius
0:07:40 > 0:07:44of the coastal town of Poole in the east of the county.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47We've lined up some stunning properties for them to see
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and, as usual, they'll have to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Our last property is of course the mystery house,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57and I'm hoping it will make our buyers embrace the high life.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59So, let's talk about what you're after here.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03First of all, let's talk about your lifestyle.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I just want to start following the interests I have already
0:08:06 > 0:08:08and expanding them, really.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10OK, it looks like we're looking for
0:08:10 > 0:08:13a property with a fair bit of outside space.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Have you got an idea of how much space you'd want?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Is it a garden, is it land?
0:08:17 > 0:08:21The thought of actually making a small area as an allotment
0:08:21 > 0:08:25to grow root vegetables like potatoes and onions
0:08:25 > 0:08:28would be fantastic, and to incorporate that into my cooking.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30What I really aspire to is to actually create
0:08:30 > 0:08:35an eatery in the garden, like an outside extension to the kitchen.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39What about style of property? You live in a Victorian house just now.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42We'd like light and to be able to look out of the window at a view,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44perhaps, like this. Possibly.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Yeah, OK.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49We've got two houses to look at today. Two very different houses.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Mm.- Let's see how we get on.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Rick and Wendy have a budget of £600,000
0:08:58 > 0:09:01and would like a detached house with plenty of space.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03They want a minimum of three bedrooms
0:09:03 > 0:09:08so their family can come and visit, and Wendy is keen on country views.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Rick, well, he'd love a garden big enough to grow his own produce.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27For our first house, I'm taking them to the much sought-after village of Tarrant Monkton.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31It's within easy reach of the coast and just 19 miles away from Poole.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35It's no wonder this picture-postcard village is so popular.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37There are a number of pretty thatched houses
0:09:37 > 0:09:40and a charming 14th-century church.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Amenities include a farm shop and a pub.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47The house I'm showing Rick and Wendy is an attractive period property
0:09:47 > 0:09:50which once played an important part in the local community.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56So then, here we are, property number one.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Come right round, we'll go in the front garden.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02What's your first impressions of this house, then?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04I really like it.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Now, there's a bit of history attached to this place.- That's good.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Parts of this property date back to the 18th century.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- It was a baker.- Oh, wow!
0:10:12 > 0:10:18It was a post office and then a general store, if you like.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- It's very pretty. It's a pretty house.- Good.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- So good first impressions, then? - Hmm, yeah.- Yeah, yeah.- OK.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Let's get inside.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Well, we're off to a good start. Let's see if we can build on that.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Righty-ho! Let's come, first of all, into the living room.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Hopefully, not a bad size, you'll agree?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- What do you think of the style? - I like it. I really like it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Yeah.- I like the wooden floors, we've always liked wooden floors.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Really nice. - And proper woodburning stove.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- That's important, that's really important.- Fantastic.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53You did say you wanted a light...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Yes.- There's plenty of windows.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Good. These are great reactions.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I mean, it's difficult, you live in a Victorian house.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Yeah.- This is a country house now. - It's a country house.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07It certainly feels that way.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Is that your style? Is that what you're hoping to find?- Yes, yes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Definitely. - It gives a sense of more space.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Good, all right.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Well, look, first room sounds like a resounding success to me,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19but you've also got two other reception rooms.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22You've got another small study to the side of that fireplace
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- and a great-size dining room which feeds off the kitchen just here.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30So let's have a look at that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Now, Rick, I know the kitchen is your domain.- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39What do we think?
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Well, first appearances, great.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43And I like this central island for preparing food.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- That's what I've always wanted.- OK. - Somewhere where you can prepare food
0:11:47 > 0:11:49and people aren't in and out of cupboards around you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Another great thing about this kitchen, it's just a cooking area.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57You've got a really good-size utility just through that door there, that stable door,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- with a downstairs loo. So...- Yeah.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- And the floors... - There's a nice light space as well.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06It feels part of the garden which is something I really like.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Feels like you're almost in the garden.- Yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11I think there's all sorts of possibilities in here.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I mean, it's a really nice kitchen, there's no doubt about that.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- I think it feels like a lived-in, nice house so far.- It does, yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Let's have a look at one of the bedrooms. Just this way.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Upstairs, there are four good-size double bedrooms.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Two of them are dual-aspect, so there's plenty of light.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36There's also a large family bathroom with a separate shower cubicle,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39but I'm taking them to where THEY might sleep.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Now, then, this is the master bedroom.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Quirky in its shape, certainly. - Yeah, very unusual shape!
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Now, this is the master bedroom because we've got
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- a bit of extra storage here and you've got an en suite.- Mm.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Oh, that's good, yeah. - Handy.- Handy, yes.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59But that's actually a lovely view from the bedroom window.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- I can imagine it being a really cosy room to be in. - This is beautiful to look out of.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- That's very cottagey and pretty, that window.- Yeah.- There you go.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- You can make it a proper feature and really brighten up this room.- Good.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12There's lots of potential upstairs,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15but it's the outside of this house that I'm really excited about
0:13:15 > 0:13:20as it contains a surprise that I think Rick will really like.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23So, outside, another option for you,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26if you don't want to be playing your musical instruments IN the house,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28or Wendy, if you don't want him to,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31you've got a good-size garage here, a double garage with power,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33but also a ready-converted loft
0:13:33 > 0:13:37which you could make into a great music studio.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- That certainly gives us potentials, doesn't it?- Doesn't it, just?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Now, that's the music side of it.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Now, I know you told me about your desire
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- for maybe some sort of alfresco-type cooking and dining.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52They've got a sort of griddle at the back.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56It's almost a gazebo, but you could make that more of a permanent structure.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- You could. You could develop that. Definitely.- Good.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02So, decent-size garden,
0:14:02 > 0:14:08four-bedroom house with that double garage in a lovely little village.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Rick, let's have you first, shall we?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- 550,000.- OK.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22- What do you think, Wendy? - Um, I think about 570.- OK.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28- Well, this house is on the market for offers around £595,000.- 595.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- No big surprises.- No.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34There's a lot of the house that you haven't yet seen, so go back inside
0:14:34 > 0:14:36and I'll catch you in about 20 minutes or so. All right?
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- OK.- Great, we'll do that. Thanks.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42As I said, tentatively quite positive.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43There's a lot for them to see here
0:14:43 > 0:14:47but, I think, also, everything they've asked for.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Pretty good start.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52So, for offers around £595,000,
0:14:52 > 0:14:57this characterful house meets many of Rick and Wendy's demands.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00It has a large kitchen with a central island,
0:15:00 > 0:15:01there are four bedrooms,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04so ample room for all the family to come and stay,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and there's even an alfresco cooking area in the garden.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12Plus, a double garage that could work as a music room for Rick.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15This could be a good place to store my guitars, even, as well.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- It could be, yeah. - Someone obviously plays in here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I think it could be a really lovely home for us
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and a lovely place for our children to come and visit and stay.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29I think the house was really, really interesting in a lot of ways.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33It had a lot of the things that I really like about a house. Loads of potential.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- All done inside?- Yes, yes, thanks. - Good. OK, well, onward and upward!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Just this way.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Rick and Wendy's move to Dorset
0:15:53 > 0:15:55is all about getting closer to the coast,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58especially as Rick wants to do more sailing.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02So, we sent them off to explore the maritime town of Poole,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06which could be perfect for mooring Rick's boat.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10A busy port from the 13th century, thanks largely to its wool trade,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Poole's importance to the region steadily grew,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15and by the mid-19th century,
0:16:15 > 0:16:2090% of the local population were employed in maritime activities.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Today, the harbour and bay are popular areas for water sports
0:16:23 > 0:16:27such as windsurfing, water-skiing, and sailing.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Within Poole Harbour there are six islands, the largest being Brownsea,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34which is an important National Trust nature reserve.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38It's a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and home to a variety of rare birds and animals.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Head ranger Reuben Hawkwood
0:16:43 > 0:16:46is taking Rick and Wendy out to spot some of the island's wildlife,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48including the endangered red squirrel.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Almost extinct in southern England,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54the red squirrel is one of the most important animals on Brownsea,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58and thrives here thanks to the absence of the larger grey squirrel.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Indeed, there are currently over 200 of them on the island.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04It was the greys that chased off the reds, wasn't it?
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I've got to get that right, yeah.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10The greys came over from America. They're bigger and stronger
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and they can eat food earlier in the year than the reds can.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Also, they've got a virus called squirrel pox which they carry.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It doesn't affect them, but it can kill the red squirrels.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Look, there it is! It's on the feeding station. Wow!
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Quite fast, aren't they? - They're so much smaller.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28I didn't realise how much smaller they were.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- It was completely on cue, that, wasn't it?- That's fantastic, yes.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37As a protected site, Brownsea is also a haven for a range of birds,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41especially those that shelter here in the winter.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45These rare species can best be viewed from one of the hides.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- Just have a look out there. - What an amazing view! This is great.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- This is the first time I've been in a hide.- Is it, really?- It is, yes.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54The birds we've got on here at the moment,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57you can see we've got things like Black-tailed Godwits,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59we've got various gulls out here.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01The island is also the birthplace
0:18:01 > 0:18:04of one of the biggest youth institutions in the world,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06the Boy Scout movement.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12Military officer Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental scout camp here in 1907,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15keen to instil independence
0:18:15 > 0:18:18and a host of life skills to the British youth of the time.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19This is a scout stone.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22It commemorates the original camp
0:18:22 > 0:18:25which Baden-Powell made on the island in 1907.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27The first campsite is just down there.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30There's a flagpole erected to show where it is.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33So, what happened on that first camp?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Baden-Powell brought 20 boys over here,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39split them into four groups, and they did various activities,
0:18:39 > 0:18:44you know, making shelters, learning how to camp.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46It's a fantastic place to camp. Really lovely.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51Brownsea Island is just one of the many local attractions around Poole
0:18:51 > 0:18:55that Rick and Wendy can experience when they move here.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00But for now, it's time to continue scouting the rest of the Dorset countryside for their dream home.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08For our second property, we've travelled just over 11 miles inland
0:19:08 > 0:19:11close to the village of Witchampton, which has all necessary amenities
0:19:11 > 0:19:15such as a church, a pub and a village shop.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20A few miles down the road in Manswood is our second property - a thatched cottage
0:19:20 > 0:19:24which stands alone in the stunning Dorset countryside.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So then, property number two.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Very different.- Very different, yes.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Sweet.- Sweet? Good!- Chocolate-boxy.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Yes. Now, thatched cottages aren't everybody's cup of tea,
0:19:37 > 0:19:41but you mentioned you like the idea of an older property,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- something with a bit of history. - Yeah, and they're usually very old, aren't they?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Parts of this property date back around 300 years.- Oh, wow!
0:19:47 > 0:19:50What about those views, though? Something else, aren't they?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Are you taking it all in, or...?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- I'm really interested in its layout just here.- Yeah.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59This hut and that little walkway corridor, it's really interesting.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- These sound again like pretty good reactions from the outside.- Hmm.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Let's look inside.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Positive reactions so far. Let's see what they make of the interior.
0:20:12 > 0:20:19- So, the first room is the kitchen. - Oh. Look at the range cooker, Rick.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- You've always wanted one of those. - The cooker looks really good, yeah.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- That's oil fired. It also provides the heating and hot water.- Right.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29The windows are in good positions, so when you're doing stuff,
0:20:29 > 0:20:33you can just look out to the garden. I could easily work with this.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34- Could you?- Oh, yes.- Yes.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- It looks practical.- Hmm-mm. - It looks really usable.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- Now, you have a downstairs bathroom with this house.- OK, yeah.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Which is just behind you there. You can have a look at that later.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Now, there are two reception rooms. Let's have a quick peek in the first one,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- then we'll settle in the second, OK?- OK.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56Off the hallway is a light day room with views over the fields outside.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58And there's a touch of deja vu
0:20:58 > 0:21:01as this property also has a space set up as a music room.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Perfect for Rick.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06But we'll take a look at room they could both relax in.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Right now, this is one of the two reception rooms.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Cosy, isn't it?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Yeah. It's a really nice feel about it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20I like this feature, the stairs in the corner, going up. Yeah.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Well, this property has two sets of stairs,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26because it used to be two cottages.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Because on this side,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30is the one reception room with the staircase going up.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Yeah. - And its own fireplace just here.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Oh, look at that wood burner, Rick. That's a really good one, isn't it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Now, whilst you've got an impressive wood burner,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I think next door is a much more impressive fireplace.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Which you might want to change around a little. Follow me.- OK.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Right.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Now, you may need to mind your head, or certainly, guests might need to.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- OK. But I really... I love this reception room.- Yeah.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Look at the fire, Rick. - This is a beautiful space.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01And you can see some history here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- You can see where they've been baking bread and cooking pies!- Absolutely.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07What do you think, Wendy? Do you feel the same?
0:22:07 > 0:22:12I agree, yes. I think they are so characterful, both of these rooms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- And so cosy.- And another staircase. That's really nice, isn't it?
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I love this idea of a staircase there
0:22:17 > 0:22:20and a staircase going up there, two different parts of the house.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24Well, the upstairs is very much in two parts, as you say, Wendy.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30Because you go up here to a bedroom, a really good sized bedroom, OK?
0:22:30 > 0:22:32And a smaller single.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36Or the other side is, I would say, the master side of the property.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Right.- So you have the guest wing, and your wing.- Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Let's go into your wing, shall we?- OK.- Yeah.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- I really like this. - It's great.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49Great responses. Let's hope they feel the same in the main bedroom.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55Now again, we've got cottage style dimensions and proportions.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I like the windows, they're really nice.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- You'd expect a bedroom like this in an old cottage.- It's got character.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- That's the way it should be. - The floorboards are good.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08This room I think is the master because it has its own ensuite.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Oh right, OK. - A decent sized one, as well. Mmm.
0:23:11 > 0:23:17So, three bedrooms, not huge, but with bags of character up here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Oh, yes.- Isn't there?- Lots. - There is a lot of character.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I really like this room. It's lovely.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Let's go outside and I'll show you the other garden.- OK.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- But also, start to have a think about price.- Prices, OK.- OK, yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Lead the way.- OK.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Rick and Wendy wanted a lot of outdoor space,
0:23:36 > 0:23:42and this property is flanked by gardens on either side of the house, totalling a third of an acre.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45There's also a charming rustic stable block in the garden,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47which is perfect for storage.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Now, as you can see, the garden just keeps on going.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53And whilst you've got your greenhouse at the top of the garden,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- that is where the growing really takes place.- Oh, yeah.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01You've got plum trees, pear trees, cooking and eating apple trees.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- You've got the lot, haven't you? - That's superb.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08The idea of just being able to come out and pick your own fruit
0:24:08 > 0:24:10and just have it whenever you want.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12And a really quirky house to live in.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Well, I'll make one of my totally useless guesses again.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24I think about probably 565.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- OK. 565.- I have no idea.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31I think probably about 585, to 590,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33because it's got such a lot of land with it.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35It's not a bad guess.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38It's on the market for the same price as the first property.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42This house is £595,000. Do you think that's fair?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- I think it's fair, because there's not a lot to do.- No.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48It's very well maintained and looked after.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52I've got a feeling this has been sorted by the present owners.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- I think they've looked after it, loved it.- Yes.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Bizarrely enough, I think there's more for you to go and discover now,
0:24:58 > 0:25:02especially with the outside areas, than maybe in the first property.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- So why don't you go and do that? - Yeah.- You have the rest of the day,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07so take your time. I'll catch you when you're finished.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- OK, then.- All right?- Yes. - See you in a bit.- Great.- OK.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16That really felt like it went well.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19As I said, it's not a huge house. They're not after a huge house.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22They're after something... especially with Rick,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26something that keeps him busy. Something they can both enjoy.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29I think this house could be just that.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36Priced at £595,000, this delightful period cottage
0:25:36 > 0:25:37offers two reception rooms,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40a traditional kitchen, and four cottage-style bedrooms.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Outside, there's two large gardens,
0:25:44 > 0:25:45with mature fruit trees,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47and a stable block.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I think the gardens are amazing.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Really like the gardens.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53The fact that it's in two parts, as well,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55makes it very interesting.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The outbuildings, the old stables, we can do a lot with that.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00It's quirky. It's unusual.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Even though the kitchen isn't big,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I can imagine working with that kitchen,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07because the outside space is really big.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10There's lots of chance for gardening,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13storing, growing, all sorts of things.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I really like this house.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- All done, inside and out? - BOTH: Yes.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Lots to see in the garden, wasn't there?- Lovely garden.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Great. Well, hopefully a good end to the day. Let's go.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40As the sun sets over the tranquil Dorset countryside,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43the first day of our property search comes to a close.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Rick and Wendy have spent their entire working lives
0:26:54 > 0:26:55teaching in London.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58But now they want to shut the door on the classroom for good,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00and retire to the Dorset countryside.
0:27:00 > 0:27:05We've had some great reaction to our fantastic properties so far.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09I really like it. I like the wooden floors. We've always liked wooden floors.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12But, coming up, can our mystery house solve the problem
0:27:12 > 0:27:14of family Christmases?
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- What would we use up here for? - Hiding away from the relations?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21And I get a little Zen on a Dorset beach.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I don't understand how this is done.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Now today, as you can see,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32different weather conditions and different challenges,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35as we're off to see the mystery house.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39As ever, it's here to offer the house hunters something different.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43This place, it certainly does.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46I know Rick seems to like the history of properties, and the area.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49This place has bags of history, and inside, for Wendy,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51it's light and spacious.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Outside, it has all the land I think they're after.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Some of it, not so usable,
0:27:57 > 0:28:02because, let's say, it's got one or two sitting tenants.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Today, as you know, it's the mystery house.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13What would you like the mystery house to be today?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Perhaps near a river, near an estuary.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Yeah. Any ideas what it might be?
0:28:21 > 0:28:25My guess would be a conversion of some sort,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27like a church, or a barn.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Or a boathouse.- Or a windmill?
0:28:39 > 0:28:40For our mystery property,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43we've travelled to the village of East Stoke,
0:28:43 > 0:28:45in the River Frome valley.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47The nearest village for amenities is Wool,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51which has a baker's shop, a post office, and a pub.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The house we're showing them is not detached, like they asked for,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56as it's split into three dwellings.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00But I can safely say it's a truly unique home.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07Now, as mystery houses go, I think this one is a bit...
0:29:07 > 0:29:10No, it's a lot of a gamble. So, here we are.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Well, well.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- Yes!- It's not a house, it's a church.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19It IS a church, which is now at least living accommodation.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Instantly, you can see the old workings, if you like, of a church,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28and all that goes with it, or went with it. Does it bother you at all?
0:29:28 > 0:29:29Erm...
0:29:29 > 0:29:32I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34What do you think of the look of the place?
0:29:34 > 0:29:35- I like it.- It's amazing! Fantastic.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Come on, let's look inside.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40So, there's a bit of trepidation,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43but I'm sure the interior of this property will bowl them over,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46especially as it has such an amazing tower.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49First stop is the dining room.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Now, this part of the property is very much open plan.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55It's got a bit of a flow to it.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Now, your kitchen, over there. Not a huge kitchen.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01No, but such a big space.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03I like it, actually.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- I like it. I like it. - I love this space.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06And look at all the lovely wood.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09It was converted into living accommodation,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11around 1990.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13And the current owner
0:30:13 > 0:30:16has done a lot of the work.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19They've put extra floors in. They've made the studies here, as well.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23You've got a nice study. You've got potential for music rooms.
0:30:23 > 0:30:24You've also got a number of bedrooms.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29You've got two on this floor. And a downstairs shower room and loo.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Now, you said you liked this, Rick,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34even though it's got a fairly modest-sized kitchen.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37It certainly pours into the dining room.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It doesn't matter, because it comes out.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41It's great. We've always wanted a very big table.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44And nice acoustics.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45Ah, right. OK.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Sit in here playing the acoustic guitar.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Maybe you don't play your guitar down here,
0:30:50 > 0:30:52cos I've just had an idea, now you've said that,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54of where you could play your guitar.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57It may go down well, it may not. Follow me.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02We're heading to the sitting room on the first floor of the tower.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Now, then.- Oh, wow!
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Oh look.- Another great space. - Fabulous. Look at this.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Oh, the wood-burner!
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Cos we thought they wouldn't be allowed to have one in here.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- I was surprised to see that, but it's great to have.- It really is.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26That's so important, so special. It's great.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29With such a big room like this, as well,
0:31:29 > 0:31:31you want a good central feature.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Notice, the windows that you like downstairs,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- this is the continuation of them up here.- Oh, yes.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Now you mentioned somewhere to play your musical instrument.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42You've got a minstrel gallery up there.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- You've got a whole other floor, like a mezzanine.- Yes.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Again, the quirkiness continues here.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50If you notice, a spiral staircase,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52and that takes you all the way up to the tower,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55where you have some fantastic views.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58On a nicer, drier, less windy day.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00If you wanted a master bedroom on this floor, you've got one.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03You've got a door, just through here. I think you'll like this.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- Follow me.- OK.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09The characterful features are an unexpected treat for Rick and Wendy.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12And there are more in the main bedroom.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14What do you make of this one?
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Oh.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- Nice bedroom.- It's lovely. It's really lovely.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24The windows are stained-glass windows everywhere, again.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Not a bad size, is it? You have room for a sofa in there.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Fitted wardrobes, and an ensuite bathroom behind there, as well,
0:32:30 > 0:32:31so it's lovely.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Very good, yeah.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I like it. I like the whole church.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Wendy, you seem more taken with this property than maybe even Rick is.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Why is that?
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I think it's the character. It's so unusual.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46I was a bit lost for words when we came in.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50The rooms are beautiful. I wasn't expecting to come into a church.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55It's not often you see the inside of a church like this, is it?
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- No, and the way... - SHE LAUGHS
0:32:57 > 0:33:02Inside, it seems to have gone down very, very well.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04It's outside...
0:33:04 > 0:33:06where I'm becoming a little nervous,
0:33:06 > 0:33:07but let's see how we get on.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- OK, then.- Lead the way.- OK.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12With the interior of this house being such a hit,
0:33:12 > 0:33:16I hope they'll be prepared to be open-minded about the garden,
0:33:16 > 0:33:20which is split between the three houses that make up the church.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28You do get your own exclusive part of these grounds as a garden,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31which is this bit, here.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- You see the hedgerow there, the nearest hedgerow.- The tall one.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39It goes to the path there, follow the path round
0:33:39 > 0:33:42and then this hedgerow here.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Now, what about the gardening here because that's very important?
0:33:46 > 0:33:49This was always going to be the gamble, I thought.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Are you allowed... because it's sacred ground?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55You're allowed to dig down no more than 18 inches.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- Which is understandable.- Yes.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- You see, with vegetables you can have raised beds.- Yeah, quite.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04You're not actually going into the ground at all. That's not a problem.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09So from what you've seen, how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:34:09 > 0:34:13I have to be frank with you, I've never valued a church before.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Also, I think that a lot of people could be put off
0:34:16 > 0:34:20by having graves in the garden.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Just from that point of view,
0:34:22 > 0:34:27I think it's beautifully decked out inside but from that point of view,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- I think about 550. - OK, Wendy?
0:34:30 > 0:34:35I think possibly, because it's so well done, the conversion,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37about 575?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I think they're fair comments you both make.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44This house is on the market for £600,000.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48This house is right at the top end of your budgets.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Why don't you go back into this mystery property?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54It is so different, I'm sure it will take quite a lot of getting used to.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- If you fancy it, go into the tower. - OK.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- All right.- That will be fun.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04- Good, you've got loads of time. - We'll wave down to you.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Yeah, be careful, all right.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11So, the mystery property was always going to be a gamble
0:35:11 > 0:35:14and I was worried about the outside space.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18But I think they've been so impressed by the quirky interiors
0:35:18 > 0:35:22that this here that we're standing in isn't such a problem.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25On the market for £600,000,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29this converted church is a truly unique home.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It has a modern kitchen which flows off an attractive dining room,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36three bedrooms and that amazing tower
0:35:36 > 0:35:40that provides fantastic views of the open countryside.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45There's a platform up here, Wen.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- Quite high. - We are high, that's a good view.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52What would we use up here for?
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Hiding away from the relations?
0:35:55 > 0:36:00As far as the garden's concerned, it hasn't got the growing space,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02the storage space,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05the chances to build a place to charcoal and sit out.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Maybe the outside space here is nothing near what I want,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13but the inside space definitely is.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16It's a beautiful house, beautiful conversion. Really lovely.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Something very unusual.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21The open space is something that I really like.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- A bit breezy.- It is! - Did you get to the top?
0:36:28 > 0:36:29Nearly, not on the roof.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Maybe another time.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Let's find you somewhere to mull this over, shall we?
0:36:34 > 0:36:35This way.
0:36:48 > 0:36:5095 miles of the Dorset to Devon landscape
0:36:50 > 0:36:52is known as the Jurassic Coast.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56It's the only place in the world where there's a continuous stretch
0:36:56 > 0:37:02of rock formation that holds 185 million years of geological history.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06It's this same rock formation that provides material
0:37:06 > 0:37:08for these stunning sculptures created in Lyme Regis
0:37:08 > 0:37:11by local artist Adrian Gray.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16And no, it's neither an optical illusion nor very strong glue.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20These stones are just simply balanced one on top of another.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23That is amazing. It's...
0:37:25 > 0:37:28It's almost as if there's a bolt put through both stones
0:37:28 > 0:37:31but there's clearly no room for that.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Placing stones on top of each other is as old as mankind itself.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40Our ancestors used it as a form of expression before they could speak
0:37:40 > 0:37:42and stone totemic figures
0:37:42 > 0:37:45served as friendly landmarks across barren landscapes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Adrian, talk me through what we're trying to achieve here.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51It's certainly a visual thing, isn't it?
0:37:51 > 0:37:56What I want to do is create a sculpture
0:37:56 > 0:37:59that looks like it's impossible.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01You're doing that!
0:38:01 > 0:38:02When it looks impossible,
0:38:02 > 0:38:06it will have a certain magic to it or a certain sense of wonder.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10When I achieve that, the sculpture, I feel, has a kind of presence.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13The tricky thing I'm doing here is trying to balance the weight
0:38:13 > 0:38:17against the friction that's going to stop it sliding down the stone.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20You think about what you're doing and you create a sculpture
0:38:20 > 0:38:24that seems to actually be completely wrong,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and it's that wrongness about it,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30the fact that it looks like it shouldn't work,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33creates absolutely something really new, I think.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36That looks fantastic.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38It looks amazing but it also...
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Your eyes are saying that shouldn't be happening.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44With Adrian's guidance,
0:38:44 > 0:38:48I'm going to try my luck at achieving the seemingly impossible.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50What you're trying to do is
0:38:50 > 0:38:53bring yourself into that little point of contact
0:38:53 > 0:38:56and just move it really slightly.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- You need to have a go and see what I'm talking about.- OK.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02You have to have hands still, body still.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Find that stillness inside of you.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07It's a really, really meditative process.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09I thought you were close then.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Oh! It felt so close!
0:39:19 > 0:39:22It's like tai chi, this is.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26I'm just getting a coffee.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29HE LAUGHS
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Oh! This is the hardest thing.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37I'm going to have to admit defeat here and hand over to Adrian
0:39:37 > 0:39:40and see if he can balance the stones that have beaten me.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Hope you're filming.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I'll pull away again.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54You've done it!
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Well, with these stones, you've either got it or you haven't
0:40:00 > 0:40:03and I think I know which side of the fence I fall on.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Well, that's definitely something that's a lot harder than it looks.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Let's see if I fared any better with the three properties I've shown Rick and Wendy.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22So, the big move from the smoke to Dorset.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26After the properties we've shown you, what about the properties then?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Let's start at property number one.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Pretty good reactions from the start, weren't there?
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I like the village as well that property was situated in.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37It had the most interesting spaces.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41I think there was a lot of work to be done, decoratively, throughout.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43OK, that's one down.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46The second property in the afternoon -
0:40:46 > 0:40:48great reactions but very different.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51This time it was all about the outside, wasn't it?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- Yeah. I like the garden. - I knew you would.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It had lots going on in the garden,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58there was plenty of food growing, which I liked.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01It was well kitted out, the second house.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- It had the range.- It had the range, which I know you're keen on.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07It had views over fields from the kitchen which was also really nice.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10So today, we're off to see the mystery house.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13What were your thoughts when you first got there?
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- Absolutely gobsmacked. - Yes. I was astounded.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- It's quite modern, really. - It's beautiful inside.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Spacious and modern but with lots of wood.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24The graveyard aspect of it didn't put you off
0:41:24 > 0:41:27but you didn't get a whole lot of growing area there, did you?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30I could make a compromise.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33My only worry with consecrated ground like that is
0:41:33 > 0:41:35how far you'd have to go to get permission to do anything.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Have you managed to agree at least on a favourite property?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I think the favourite really is the second one, really, isn't it?
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- For me, yes.- And for you, Wendy, as well?- I like the second one.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I am concerned about its position.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55I felt it was a little bit, for me, a little bit cut off.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57How are we leaving this then?
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Are you going back to the second property location at some point?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I would like to.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06I'd like to visit the locations of the second property and the church.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08And the church, yeah. Both of them.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13OK, get a hold of some maps, go back for a second viewing,
0:42:13 > 0:42:14maybe the next few weeks.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Either way, please let us know.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I'd love to hear what your final decision on this is. Good luck.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Thank you.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28I think we nearly had three in contention this time
0:42:28 > 0:42:31because if the first house was at the right money,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33that could well have been in the running too.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37As it stands, it's between a converted church with its own graveyard
0:42:37 > 0:42:38and a thatched property.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Neither of which are everybody's cup of tea
0:42:40 > 0:42:43but I think quirky was definitely the order of the day.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47So hopefully, they'll go back to both properties and both locations
0:42:47 > 0:42:49and out of those two houses,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52one of them will be the house they retire to.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53See you next time.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00After careful consideration, Rick and Wendy were more interested in the mystery house
0:43:00 > 0:43:03and are keen to work out the options for the garden
0:43:03 > 0:43:04before making a final decision.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07If you would like to Escape To The Country
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0:43:11 > 0:43:13please apply online.
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