0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, I'm in the county which is the birthplace of these iconic military machines.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09Where am I? Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43On today's show, we'll be helping a couple escape the city limits
0:00:43 > 0:00:48for a bit of calm in the countryside and we get off to a tearful introduction.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- I'm getting quite emotional. - And lavender!- Such a lovely house.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57- It is beautiful.- Don't make me cry! - Cos then I'll go!
0:00:57 > 0:01:01And then words fail them in a modern property masterpiece.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- Wow!- OMG!
0:01:09 > 0:01:13I'm in Dorset, in Bovington, the home of the British tank.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Back in 1916, after two years of fighting on the continent,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19trench warfare was at a stalemate.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23What was needed was an armoured vehicle to penetrate enemy lines.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27So the British Government, in secret, set about testing tanks here in Dorset.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Later on, I get to go in one. Yes!
0:01:30 > 0:01:35But in the meantime, they're not the only giants to inhabit this beautiful corner of England.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Dorset shares its borders with the counties of Devon, Somerset,
0:01:40 > 0:01:45Wiltshire and Hampshire and also boasts some of the most fascinating coastline in southern England,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49which were once the stomping ground of the largest creatures that ever existed.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Dorset's 95 miles of heritage coast
0:01:52 > 0:01:56have unearthed some rare and complete dinosaur fossils.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59And the rocks here reveal a unique cross-section of geology
0:01:59 > 0:02:02that spans the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05over 100 million years in the making.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08This county also exhibits another mammoth landmark,
0:02:08 > 0:02:13in the form of a 54-metre chalk man, carved on the hillside at Cerne Abbas,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16whose age and origin is unknown,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19but has come to symbolise an important part of Dorset's heritage.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23The county is satisfyingly remote, without any cities or motorways,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28just a bounty of historic market towns and countless county hamlets,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33chock-full of idyllic homes that present a perfect picture of rural English charm.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41If you are thinking of moving here, then you should pray for pennies from heaven,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45because an average detached house will set you back £312,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49That's a staggering £54,000 above the national figure.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52If you want to live near the sea, then you should have very deep pockets indeed,
0:02:52 > 0:02:57because this county has the most expensive coastal properties in the entire UK,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00situated just behind me in Sandbanks, near Poole.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04But if you head inland towards Somerset, you can shave around 10%
0:03:04 > 0:03:06off the county's national price.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11But whatever your finances, there are a whole host of period properties to choose from here.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17The market town of Bridport has some great examples of Georgian architecture
0:03:17 > 0:03:19from the 18th and 19th centuries,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23built on the wealth of its 750-year-old rope-making industry.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27However, their proximity to the coast makes them pricey.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32For character and countryside, Dorset is awash with a great range of thatched cottages,
0:03:32 > 0:03:37such as this traditional longhouse in a rural hamlet just south of Blanford Forum.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42It offers five bedrooms and is on the market for just shy of £770,000.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Dorset's locally quarried limestone from the Isle of Portland
0:03:46 > 0:03:51also paints a pretty property picture, giving the region a very distinctive and delightful style.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56This five-bedroom home has an asking price of £395,000
0:03:56 > 0:03:59and the use of natural stone in its construction belies the fact
0:03:59 > 0:04:02that it was built just two years ago.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08As you can see, your spoilt for choice here, but what are our buyers looking for?
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Legal secretary Chrissie and her husband, John,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19have spent the past 15 years living in a desirable West London suburb,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23but a recent career change has made them re-evaluate their priorities.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27I went to sea shortly after leaving school
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and travelled the world for some 30-odd years in the merchant navy.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35A year ago, I had the opportunity to take early redundancy
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and retire, which I decided to do.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43The thinking behind it would enable me to spend more time with Chrissie.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46And they've chosen to drop anchor back in Dorset,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48where they first found love.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Me and Chrissie met 20 years ago when my ship was in Portland harbour.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58- We hit it off straight away. - Yes, we were introduced by a friend. - We were introduced by a friend.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Well, I'd quite like to move back to Dorset.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04It's where I met John. It holds many memories for me.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09And just carry on, really, where I left off all those years ago.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11After a few years of married life there,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15they relocated back to Chrissie's large childhood home in Chiswick,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18that's been in her family for some 60 years.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22But the time has come to swap the city for the country once and for all.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25London's got a lot going for it, it really has,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29but I think we really do hanker for the countryside now.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33We've done London. By selling this house, releasing the funds,
0:05:33 > 0:05:39- downsizing, it will enable us to do that.- Yes. It will help us pursue our dream.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43And there's another member of the family who will complete that dream.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48I've always liked cats. Lou-Lou now, that I have, is my second cat.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51And we got her from a rescue centre.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54I'm very interested in rescue centres.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58If we had one in the village where we eventually move to,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01it's something I'd like to get involved in.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04As well as volunteering, socialising is high on the agenda, too.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- It would be nice to mix with the local community. - Meet some new people.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12As we're not really drivers at the moment, even though we have passed our tests...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- We do need some amenities within walking distance. - And public transport.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Both John and Chrissie are united about their preferred location,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24but when it comes to the property itself, they're not quite so unanimous.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28My ideal house would ideally be something contemporary.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Chrissie does prefer some features.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- I like a few features, like a wood-burning stove.- Yeah. But I'm willing to compromise.- Yes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40Something that gives us a bit of country feel, but something also that's modern.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43They will be selling the family house in London to fund the move,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and have a good idea of what they're prepared to spend on their new Dorset home.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Our budget for the move is £600,000.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54But, for the right property, we'd be willing to extend it to £700,000.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00John and Chrissie are looking for a country home west of Poole,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04and east of Dorchester, so we'll be exploring that portion of the county
0:07:04 > 0:07:07to try to satisfy both their rural and coastal aspirations.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Time for me to meet up with our house hunters
0:07:10 > 0:07:15on Dorset's stunning shores, to finalise the finer details of their prospective move.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Hiya.- Hello. - Welcome to Dorset.- Thank you. - I should say "welcome back"!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So why decide on Dorset for this big move then?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Well, look at the view. It's wonderful living in a place
0:07:24 > 0:07:27with a wonderful sea view like that.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30And, you know, Dorset has a lot of memories for us.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34We were married in Dorset. I met John in Dorset, you know.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I love the fact that you talk about the view and your face is just going, "Aaw!"
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Yeah. For me, a sea view in a property is not a priority.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I'm used to the sea. I can give it a miss.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47So you want the rural view and you want the sea view?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Well, just to make John happy, you know.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- I'd like a sea view in the front and he could have the rural view in the back.- I'm willing to compromise.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Thank goodness you said that. I was going to say, "Good luck with your search, see you later!"
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- So what are you after in a house? - Detached.- Right.
0:08:01 > 0:08:07Three to four bedrooms. A nice-sized garden for Chrissie, cos she loves her gardening.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- I do like gardening, yes. - Fairly contemporary.- Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- Open-plan kitchen. - Yeah, open-plan kitchen.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Conservatory, if you can manage. - Right.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18That can always be added on if we don't find one.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20I was going to say, the list is getting longer and longer!
0:08:20 > 0:08:23How much money have we got for this? Cos it's quite an expensive county.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- Yes. We thought 600,000. - But at a stretch seven,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- for the property that hits the spot. - OK.- 700.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35I've got three lovely houses to show you - I think they're lovely! Shall we get going?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Oh, yes! Please, yes.- Come on then!
0:08:40 > 0:08:44For a maximum budget of £700,000, John and Chrissie are after...
0:08:51 > 0:08:53John has a preference for contemporary interiors,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57but Chrissie is hankering after a few traditional features.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09The jury's out on whether the location is surrounded by fields of green or acres of blue.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11All-in-all, it's a tall order,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15but we do have a fantastic selection of very engaging Dorset properties
0:09:15 > 0:09:17that we hope will more than meet the mark.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21As ever, I won't be revealing the price until the end of each tour.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Last but by no means least, is the mystery house,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27which promises to be a real cliffhanger.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Our first destination is the village of Farnham in north Dorset.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Farnham is a sought-after location within the Cranborne Chase,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41where it feels as though time has stood still.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Perfectly preserved, white-washed, thatched cottages
0:09:44 > 0:09:49line the quiet, narrow lanes and completely epitomise a true rural idyll.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53There isn't a shop within the village, but there is a bus service
0:09:53 > 0:09:55that passes through a couple of times a day
0:09:55 > 0:09:59and an inviting 17th-century pub with some very friendly locals.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02There's a man after my own heart.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- You're living the village dream. - Yes. Well, trying to, certainly.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- How long have you been here? - Oh! 16 years, I think.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Something like that.- And originally you're from...?- From London. - Ah, right! So...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- We're from London.- Right. - Very similar.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Originally, a cockney, believe it nor not.- Is it too quiet here?
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Ooh! That depends what you want out of life, doesn't it? No, I don't think so.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And what about community spirit? Cos there's no shop.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30There isn't, but there is one just over one field.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33And there are things like events in our local pub -
0:10:33 > 0:10:37quizzes and rallies and all sorts of things.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- This is called The Museum. There's a story behind that, isn't there?- Yes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45It's named after the Pitt Rivers Museum,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48which is just up the top of the hill.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54And that was a major collection of, well, artefacts really from all over the world.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56But a lot of them from this part of the world.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Listen, we won't keep you. You enjoy your pint.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Unfortunately, we can't go to the pub...- Oh!- I've got a house to show you.- Oh, right!
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Maybe later!- Yeah, maybe later. I'll hold you to that.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- Well, enjoy the house.- Cheers. Thank you very much.- My pleasure.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- Right. It's back up this way. - Thank you.- All right. Bye-bye!
0:11:12 > 0:11:17This desirable village certainly gets a high recommendation.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20So time to see if our first house will get our buyers' seal of approval.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24It's just a stumbling distance away from the pub.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Ooh!- Ooh, indeed!
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- Ooh! What can you say? - What a beautiful house!- Yeah.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- I'm getting quite emotional. - And lavender!- It's just such a lovely house.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- John!- I am, it's beautiful. - Oh! It is beautiful.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- John, don't make me cry! - Cos then I'll go!
0:11:45 > 0:11:47LAUGHTER
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- Pretty, isn't it?- It looks very well-maintained, Aled.- And it fits in with the rest of the village,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55which is, I think, 99% thatched!
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- I love the door. The door's... It really invites you in. - It does, doesn't it?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01It's got character, but it's not over the top.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- You know that inviting door?- Yes.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- It's inviting us in. Come on. Let's go.- I'm going!
0:12:07 > 0:12:11This very pretty thatched cottage has all the hallmarks of a period property,
0:12:11 > 0:12:17but was actually built some 14 years ago and manages to combine character features with all the mod cons.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Time to see if it's a combination that appeals to Chrissie and John.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Oh, this is nice... This looks really cosy.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- Isn't it?- Yeah! No, I like the size of this room, it's lovely.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- It's well done.- It's got a nice outlook to the garden.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38You could put a conservatory out there as well. Just planning permission, of course.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- So you like it?- Yeah. - Er, first impressions, yes, I do.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- It does feel a little bit, a little bit claustrophobic...- Really?
0:12:45 > 0:12:50OK, cos I'm thinking we're really lucky to have the size, you know,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- of ceiling here, the height that you've got.- Definitely, yeah.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58And we are downsizing, so I need to adjust to the size of the house.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00But it is big enough for two people.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03'Though they may feel rather snug in the sitting room,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06'I'm very confident they won't be cramped in the next area.'
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Come on in.- Oh!
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- Oh, my word!- Oh! This is lovely!
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Isn't it just?- It is.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- It's just the right size kitchen. - Beautiful ceiling. Kind of a vaulted ceiling.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- Plenty of space.- Yeah. - Kitchen-diner, yeah?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Travertine floor. Under-floor heating.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Yep.- Oh!- You've got this lovely little breakfast bar as well. - That's beautiful.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33And then you've got this enormous table in here for dining.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- I think this is where you'd spend most of your time. Well, YOU would, anyway!- Yeah!
0:13:37 > 0:13:38LAUGHTER
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- I'd be waiting in there, by the cosy fire.- Lovely!
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Oh, you would, would you? - I think if the sun's out, this room would be fantastic.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Yeah.- It really would. So you like it?- Mm!
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- So far, so good, as they say. - Quite nice, yeah.- Quite nice?!- Yeah!
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Let's go upstairs.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58'This house is actually laid out over three storeys,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02'with the top floor completely given over to a long and large double bedroom.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'Back down a level on the first floor are the three remaining bedrooms,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09'that include two light and roomy doubles,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11'one of which is currently being used as a study.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16'This sits right next to the family bathroom, but I'm showing them the room which could be theirs.'
0:14:16 > 0:14:19And this is the master. Come on in.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Oh, this is a nice-sized room, yeah. - Good size, yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Very nice size. En suite as well. - Very modern en suite.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Can we have a look? - Yeah. Pop your head round.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Oh, yes. Oh, nice shower for John.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- That's a good size, yeah.- Bright enough, isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- It's a nice size.- Have you got a lot of clothes?- Yes. I need a walk-in wardrobe.- That's handy.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Have we got room for one? Oh, magnificent!
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- This is my room then!- Yeah, yeah. I don't know where I'm sleeping.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Before poor John gets turfed out altogether,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56let's turn our attention to the garden.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's mainly laid to lawn, wrapping itself all around the property.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04This house also benefits from a barn-style double garage.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- So...?- Mmm.- Nice garden, isn't it?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- It is. Very nice. - Beautiful wraparound garden. - It's a big house, you know.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- I know you're coming from a big house.- Yes.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18But, for both of you, I would say, you wouldn't want anything bigger.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- No.- No, you are right.- So what do you reckon it's on the market for?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I would say...
0:15:24 > 0:15:25675.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- £675,000?- Yes.- OK.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- How about you?- I think I'm going to go in lower.- Right.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34I'm going to say 635.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- It's currently on the market for £565,000.- Really?- Oh!
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- That's surprising. - It's well worth that.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Well, go back in and have a look around.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- And I'll be by the front.- OK. - Smelling the lavender.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- And the roses.- And the roses. I always smell of roses.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51LAUGHTER
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Go on, off you go!- OK, then. - Take your time, yeah?- Thank you.
0:15:57 > 0:16:03Comfortably under budget at £565,000, this charming, recently built thatched cottage
0:16:03 > 0:16:06has the visual appeal of a more historic property.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27First impressions of the house as we walked up through the gate from outside,
0:16:27 > 0:16:33it quite took my breath away. Made me quite emotional, because it is a beautiful looking house.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- What do you think of this room? - It's a strange space.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- And you just banged your head on there as well.- Yeah.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45I don't know. I can see it being more of a storage area.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50When I came through the gate, I saw the front of the house with its lovely porch
0:16:50 > 0:16:52and roses and I thought, "Oh, this is lovely!"
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Just what you would imagine - a chocolate box house.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59But some of the rooms could have been a bit bigger, especially upstairs.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- And you're still smiling!- Hello!
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Seen enough?- Yes, yes.- The lavender smells gorgeous, and the roses.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Beautiful. Jump in the car? - Yes, please, yeah.- Come on.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Set amongst the rolling hills behind Dorset's Chesil Beach
0:17:25 > 0:17:29is the beautiful village of Abbotsbury, home to the remains of Abbotsbury Abbey,
0:17:29 > 0:17:34whose Benedictine monks established a swannery here back in the 11th century.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37As Chrissie is keen to get involved with animal welfare,
0:17:37 > 0:17:42during the week we arranged for our buyers to meet the swannery's general manager, John Huston,
0:17:42 > 0:17:47to discover more about this ancient natural habitat of nesting mute swans.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51The swannery, we think, started around the 1040s,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54when the Benedictine monks established a monastery
0:17:54 > 0:17:57on the hill at Abbotsbury village, just behind us.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02The swans were already here, so the monks were really taking advantage
0:18:02 > 0:18:05of a wonderful source of free food.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Does anybody actually eat swan in this day and age?
0:18:08 > 0:18:14No. The swans are protected. Most swans are owned by the Queen.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Except, uniquely, here at Abbotsbury,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20the swans are owned by the Ilchester Estates,
0:18:20 > 0:18:25who purchased Abbotsbury off Henry VIII in 1541.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30The feathers from our Abbotsbury swans are used by Lloyd's of London
0:18:30 > 0:18:33to record sunken ships in their Book of Doom.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36And they've assured me that they would have used an Abbotsbury quill
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- to record the sinking of the Titanic.- Oh, a lot of history. - It's amazing, isn't it?
0:18:42 > 0:18:46At any given time, at least 1,000 swans feed and shelter in the lagoon.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51And the hatching of the first cygnet traditionally signifies the start of summer.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56This is the only colony of mute swans you can visit anywhere in the world.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00And they're drawn here by the perfect, five-star swan conditions.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03The eel grass in the water is one of their favourite foods.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07The freshwater streams are ideal for cygnets in their early stages,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10because they can't tolerate seawater.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- John, do swans make good parents? - On the whole, yes.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17But, occasionally, for odd reasons,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21we get abandoned cygnets and it might be a bad parent,
0:19:21 > 0:19:25or perhaps the parents have been attacked by a predator, like a fox.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30In those sad circumstances, we have our adoption parents to look after the cygnets who have been abandoned.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Would you like to see them? - We'd love to.- Ooh, yes! - It's over this way.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39There are five of these pens at the swannery,
0:19:39 > 0:19:44which provide sanctuary to neglected cygnets before they can, hopefully, return to their natural environment.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49Abandoned cygnets get put in here with a good family.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And if it's done in the early stages,
0:19:52 > 0:19:58they will immediately bond, the sound of the cygnet will be recognised by the parent.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00They imprint and they accept them as their own.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- And how old are these cygnets? - They're probably only a week, two weeks old.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Two weeks old?- They're quite big for two weeks, aren't they?
0:20:08 > 0:20:13It's the role of a swan herd to look after the welfare of the birds,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17which includes feeding twice a day and conducting an annual census.
0:20:17 > 0:20:23Swan herds have been keeping records of cygnets born at the colony here since the late 14th century.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25HE CHUCKLES
0:20:25 > 0:20:27But that's enough swanning about for now,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29as it's time to get back to the property hunt,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34to try and find John and Chrissie the perfect place to spread THEIR wings.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41For our second property, we're travelling around 12 miles south of our first location,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43to the town of Wimborne.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49Officially titled Wimborne Minister, due to the presence of a huge, 1,300-year-old, limestone church,
0:20:49 > 0:20:54this market town has a much busier and livelier environment than our previous house.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58There are plenty of shops, restaurants and conveniences,
0:20:58 > 0:21:02housed in attractive, historic buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05And they're all within walking distance from our second property,
0:21:05 > 0:21:11which provides a very modern contrast to the ancient architecture of the town centre.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- Oh, lavender again! - Yes, lavender again.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But a rather...more unusual house.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Built in 2005. It actually won East Dorset House of the Year...- Oh!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25..In 2005, the year it was built.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- I can certainly say, I've never seen nothing like it.- The street aspect!
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Is that a good thing or is that a bad thing?- I don't know.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- I really don't know.- I get a bit worried when she's lost for words!
0:21:35 > 0:21:37I suspect there's something on the other side.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- Let's go and find out if you're right. Come on.- Oh, yes!
0:21:41 > 0:21:44This property is part-clad in weathered oak,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48behind which is hidden a very unique house, designed by the current owners,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50who are well-renowned architects.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55John, in particular, wants something contemporary. That's exactly what we're giving him here.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Wow! Wow!
0:21:57 > 0:21:58SHE LAUGHS
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yeah.- Wow!
0:22:00 > 0:22:01OMG!
0:22:01 > 0:22:03HE LAUGHS
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- Well, it's not what you expect. - It's what you said though.- Yes.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- I like.- Yeah?- I like.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I like.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- I love the glass! - Yeah, the glass is lovely.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- This is unusual.- It's like a treehouse.- It is, isn't it?
0:22:20 > 0:22:24It's almost like having a conservatory and then the open space, your garden, there.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- The outside is actually coming into the inside.- Yeah.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31First impressions, I like it. It's modern, which I like.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35It's highly contemporary, which I like. I do like.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38It's like something out of a magazine, isn't it?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Mm. It appeals to me.- Yeah? - Yeah, I like.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- What about you?- First impressions. - Mm. I need to see some more.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48OK. Well, come on then. Let's go.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- And the open-plan theme continues. - Yeah, it flows.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Yes.- Flows nice. Flows nicely. - I do like that at the back.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Great place to have a dinner party. - Yes, it's really nice there.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06And, to me, this is the hub of the house. This is the entertaining area where you would sit
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- and have your food and cook, chat while you're doing it. - Looking out on to that aspect.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- I think it might be too modern for me.- Right.- Somehow. I don't know.
0:23:15 > 0:23:22'Open-plan and modern is one thing in theory, but the reality does seem to be scaring Chrissie.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26'But there's no doubt John is ready to seal the deal and I don't blame him.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29'For this is a truly remarkable house.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31'Off the dining area, there's a compact study.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'That takes us full circle back to the front hallway.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37'This property features an upside-down layout
0:23:37 > 0:23:42'and the oak staircase leads down to the bedroom quarters on the lower ground floor,
0:23:42 > 0:23:47'where there's also a utility room, as well as a luxurious, fully tiled bathroom.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'In total, there are four bedrooms and the windows in each one
0:23:50 > 0:23:55'frame the natural habitat outside. It almost feels like a painted canvas.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59'There's a beautifully appointed twin room and two similar-sized double bedrooms,
0:23:59 > 0:24:04'which just leaves the largest bedroom, with direct access out to a private courtyard.'
0:24:04 > 0:24:09- This is the master.- The bedroom's nice. Like the wardrobes.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- Lots of wardrobe space. - Lots of storage.- Love the window.
0:24:12 > 0:24:18- You've also got en suite.- En suite. - Whirlpool bath. Have a look. Very modern.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Oh, the bathroom's lovely. - That's beautiful. Good size, yeah.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Really nice.- Love it, yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27So the idea is, you see, if you're lying in your bath,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- you're looking out on to water as well.- Yeah.- Oh, yes.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- That's called a vision pool, apparently.- Oh!
0:24:33 > 0:24:36And the little door leading out on to the garden.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- No diving in, OK? - Oh, the pool area.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Right. Come on out.- Oh, right.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- Big run up. Are you ready?- Oh, dear!
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Chrissie, can you imagine doing this when you're 70 years old?- No!
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- This is no good, Aled?- No?- No! - Why not?- A steep bank like that.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- Don't you just want to roll down it? - No. Maybe children will.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Cats might like running up and down it, but can you imagine me gardening here?
0:25:04 > 0:25:09I'm not sure. You've got your garden coming round from the front of the house.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12This part they've just let overgrow. Well, OK. Let's talk money.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Money, ah! Let's say 699.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Wow! OK, £699,000.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Top of the budget. I think it's above budget.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23720 maybe.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- It's on the market for top of the budget. 700...- Exactly?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- £700,000.- Really? Is it? OK.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- So I was the nearest.- You were. - 699.- Such great joy in it!- Yes!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- That was a good guess, Chrissie. - Yeah. It's, erm...
0:25:36 > 0:25:42It's quite a high price to pay for something that I wouldn't really be happy with.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44OK. That's fair enough.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- Do you want to have another look around? - All right then. See you later.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50THEY LAUGH
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Woah! Woah!
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Right at the top of their budget, at £700,000,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00this property meets much of our buyers' criteria.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Wrapped up in an outstanding contemporary finish.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23But will the garden here make it too much of an uphill struggle?
0:26:23 > 0:26:28This is a nice room. This must be like a second bedroom.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- It looks nice and airy. - Good size, again, Chrissie.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34When I first saw house number two,
0:26:34 > 0:26:39I was very surprised, cos I'd never seen anything like it in my life, I can truly say.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44It was very, very modern and, in fact, it was too modern for me.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48And, for me, the house hasn't got the garden I would want.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52It's actually got a wild look at the back, which is a bit like a forest.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56When I walked into the house, I was surprised, pleasantly surprised,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00because this type of house is the kind of thing I like -
0:27:00 > 0:27:03modern, plenty of glass,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05open-plan...
0:27:05 > 0:27:08And it really hit the spot for me, it really did.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12The lounge is the best space in the house.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16It's got sliding doors out on to the decking, veranda,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18which is a really nice feature of the house.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22I don't feel enclosed in here. It doesn't feel small and it flows lovely.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27They've been in there long enough, I tell you. Oh!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- Hello!- Ah, you took your time.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- Well, John liked it so much. - I didn't want to leave.- Oh!
0:27:33 > 0:27:37- You're going to have to leave, cos it's not your house yet.- No. - Don't tell me if it is going to be.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Two very different houses today, so I think we'll go back and regroup.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Start again tomorrow.- Yes! - Come on then.- Look forward to it.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57As the sun sets across the Dorset countryside,
0:27:57 > 0:28:02we leave John and Chrissie to reflect on the two properties they've seen so far.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12With a budget of £700,000, London-based John and Chrissie
0:28:12 > 0:28:16have decided to quit the city for a rural home in Dorset, where they first met.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20So far, they've had a taster of traditional and a cut of contemporary,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24but, coming up, the origins are rather confusing in the mystery property.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- It's not a joke house, is it? - No, no. This is all for real.- No!
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- It's not a museum, is it? - It could be, I suppose!
0:28:33 > 0:28:36And, as for me, well, I'll be making tracks!
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It's the start of day two and yesterday went rather well.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47We found John his dream property in the second house.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50The only problem was that Chrissie didn't like the garden or the trees.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53I think we best "leaf" that one alone. Bring on the mystery house.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Trees aren't a problem. It's even got a sea view. Lack of transport might be though.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Will their ship come in? It's time to find out.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06And to get to the mystery house, we're most definitely going off the beaten track.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- You are going to take up the driving again?- Yes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- Yeah, definitely. - We need to. To live in Dorset, we're going to have to drive.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- Yes.- It's a good road, don't you think?- No! - This road is atrocious, Aled.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- If I...- You need a horse and cart.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25If I had to walk down here... We won't be getting a car.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28We'll be getting a donkey or a horse and cart.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- A good horse and cart along here would be fun.- Yes, I think so.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37For our third and final stop of this property tour,
0:29:37 > 0:29:41we're heading south-west towards the coastal wilds of Holworth.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44In fact, we'll be as close to the sea as you could possibly be,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46without getting caught by a wave.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51The mystery property towers 200 metres above the former fishing hamlet of Ringstead
0:29:51 > 0:29:54and has a real feeling of seclusion.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57But the location is still close enough to civilisation if needed,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00being less than ten miles from the seaside town of Weymouth,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02which offers all the essential amenities.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07The gamble with this house is there's no public transport connections near to the property,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11just a beautiful coastal landscape with commanding sea views.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15And just before the road tumbles down to the shore, we arrive.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18SHE LAUGHS
0:30:18 > 0:30:19- Wow!- So...
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Well, I don't know what this is. - It's the mystery property, that's what it is.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27It looks like an old school house.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- It's actually an old coastguard house.- Oh, is it?
0:30:30 > 0:30:35This was the boss's house. And there are six other houses attached to it.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Basically, we've brought you here because if you look that way...
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- What do you see?- The sea!
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- If you look that way, what do you see?- Rolling hills.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- There you go!- And over there. Oh, it's beautiful.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Oh, beautiful views.- Yes. - Well, shall we get in?
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- Oh, yes. Yes.- Come on! - I might have to get a donkey!
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Cutting an imposing figure high on the chalk headland,
0:30:58 > 0:31:03the mystery property was built back in the early 20th century to deter and catch smugglers.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07So let's step inside for a little time travel.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- Two entrances to the property. This is the back one.- Oh, right.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Through to a utility room. Also a downstairs loo there.- Yeah.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Follow me through to the kitchen. - Oh, it's very quirky!
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Isn't it?- Isn't it just?- Yes.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Yes. Oh, this is... Oh, it's lovely this kitchen, yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- Yeah.- A nice feel to it.- It is.
0:31:27 > 0:31:33It's old fashioned but it's been loved. You can see it's in good condition. I can see that.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36I love the kitchen. It's very country kitchen, isn't it?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- So you've got the gas lamps.- No!
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Really?- No!- They don't still work, surely?- Yeah.- No!
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- Gor!- No!- Beautiful, isn't it? I love it!
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- JOHN LAUGHS - It's really... It's...
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- It's not a joke house, is it? - No, no, this is all for real.- No!
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- It's not a museum, is it? - It could be, couldn't it?
0:31:55 > 0:32:00But just lovely little features everywhere you look. Do you like it?
0:32:00 > 0:32:05In today's modern world, I don't know. It's not modern enough for me.
0:32:05 > 0:32:10- I'd find it quite hard to get used to this.- We might change your mind. Let's look at the living room.- OK.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Come on, follow me.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Oh, this is another quirky room!
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- Cosy little room, isn't it? - Yeah, it's very cosy. - Again, great fire.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30- I know the fires are wonderful. - Beauty that, an absolute beauty! - Even nicer than the one in there.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- I just want to sit down and curl to sleep now.- Yes.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- You could be sitting here with your cat on your lap.- Yeah.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Next door you also have a study, music room,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42which you could have as a little snug, a his-and-hers TV room.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- But John didn't want lots of little rooms.- No, not particularly, no.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49The mystery house is set out over three levels
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and, up on the top floor, lie two bright and homely double guest rooms.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58Originally, the house offered a total of four bedrooms.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01As well as the two up in the eaves on the second floor,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03there were also two on the first floor.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06They've now been divided with folding wooden doors,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09which, when opened, create a rather grand master,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13enjoying both rural views to the back and coastal views to the front.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15And that's where we're heading next.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Nice family bathroom with a rolltop bath. Come through to the master bedroom.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- Oh, quite spacious up here. - This is quite nice.- Oh, surprised!
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- Really surprised.- So you've got your own dressing area here.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Look at the view as well.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Dressing area for you.- Yeah. - Sea views. Rolling hills.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- I know some of the rooms downstairs are small. - Yeah, yeah, it's better up here.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- I could see this house as a weekend retreat.- OK.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45You know, not somewhere that I could live in every single day.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50But if I wanted to escape for a weekend retreat, it would be some place like this.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54This mystery house isn't for the faint-hearted.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Sadly, it appears to be too remote for our city slickers.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01But we can't leave without checking out the pretty garden,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05and soaking up those incredible and inspiring views.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10And it's little surprise that this property also comes with an artist's studio.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- Might as well take a seat. - Yes, this is wonderful. - It is, yes. It is nice.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- It's definitely stunning.- It is. - It's the only word for it. - It's a lovely location.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26- Let's talk money, cos you never know, that might change something. - This is a hard one.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I'm going for 450.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Wow! All right. OK. 450,000?- Yeah.- OK.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37I'm going to go up into the fives. I'm going to say something like 525.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41- £525,000?- Yeah.- OK.- Yeah.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- It's definitely not 450. - Isn't it?- No.- No.- Nowhere near.- No.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Well, I always go by the old-fashioned prices.- OK!
0:34:48 > 0:34:50LAUGHTER
0:34:50 > 0:34:52It's actually on the market for £575,000.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54575? Yeah. OK.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Listen, go and have a look around. I'll be up here waiting for you.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- OK.- Yeah.- We'll do that. - Come along, Chrissie.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08Again, under budget with an asking price of £575,000.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12The mystery property is a Victorian, three-storey, semi-detached...
0:35:13 > 0:35:17A rare opportunity to buy a part of Dorset's coastal heritage.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29But it's the dramatic and inspirational setting
0:35:29 > 0:35:32that makes it so very special.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35The house is charming.
0:35:35 > 0:35:41When you come into the kitchen, it is actually a lovely, cosy farmhouse kitchen.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43And it is very appealing.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Although it's got that charm, it's too rustic, in a way.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50It's in very good condition,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53but it is like stepping back in time.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57I think I would, sympathetically, update it,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00keeping some of the traditional character of the property.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03And you've got the benefit of the outhouse, as well.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08The outhouse was a nice space, if you wanted to do any hobbies, any painting, or something like that.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- Hello.- I thought you were prolonging the journey back, you were dreading it.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Seen enough?- Yes.- Yes. - I think so, yeah.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- We've shown you three very different properties.- Yeah.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- Certainly have. - Definitely. All different.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Shall we go and find somewhere where we can have a chat about them?- Yes.- Come on.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44It's safe to say that Dorset's winning combination of breath-taking coastline
0:36:44 > 0:36:48and vintage countryside makes an ideal retreat for a spot of R and R.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Ah, there's nothing like the British countryside.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55And where better than Dorset in the summer? Peace and tranquillity.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57And tanks!
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Oh, yes.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02During the Great War, the British military were desperately trying
0:37:02 > 0:37:06to find alternative ways of overcoming the stalemate in the trenches.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11One mechanical solution was the secret development of so-called "land ships"
0:37:11 > 0:37:15at Camp Bovington in the rural moorlands on Dorset's south coast.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19This location was ideal because tanks could easily be transported
0:37:19 > 0:37:22to the frontline just across the water in France.
0:37:22 > 0:37:27And today, the camp is still home to the Armour Centre for the British Army,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29part of which is open to the public.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31I met up with museum curator David Willey
0:37:31 > 0:37:36to find out more about the early deployments of these remarkable trench-crossing machines.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41So I never knew that the German trenches were a little bit nicer than ours.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46Well, the Germans, like this one... This is a recreation of a German trench we've got here.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51They were there to stay. That's the whole point. They occupied the ground. We've got the problem.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56How are we going to get them out? How are we going to push them back out of France and Belgium?
0:37:56 > 0:37:59And that's why the British come up with this thing, the tank.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04This new armoured vehicle was designed to cope with all types of ground conditions,
0:38:04 > 0:38:10break through layers of barbed wire and provide protection from artillery and machine-gun fire.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Little Willie was the first basic tank prototype,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16developed by British engineers, who drew their inspiration
0:38:16 > 0:38:19from the caterpillar-tracked equipment used on farms in the USA.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24Although not an instant success, Willie paved the way for the Mark I tank,
0:38:24 > 0:38:30which was the first ever to be used in combat at the Battle of the Somme in September 1916.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- Is it a complicated bit of machinery?- For the day, they are cutting-edge technology.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- Why don't we have a look at one and you can see for yourself? - Brilliant. Come on.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Conditions inside the early tanks were cramped and appalling.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47Apart from the enemy, the crew of up to eight men had to contend with deafening noise,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50suffocating fumes and intense heat.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- So here we are. We're in what's called a Mark IV tank.- Right.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58And this is the one they made the most of in the First World War. They made about 1,000 of these.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01This particular one is what they call a male tank.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05This one, being a male, has the bigger guns on the side, what they call six-pounder guns.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Female tanks just have two machine guns.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- Why are all the tanks here then? - This is where all the tanks came back after the First World War
0:39:13 > 0:39:19to be chopped up for scrap metal and the story goes that Rudyard Kipling, the author and poet,
0:39:19 > 0:39:24came down here in about 1923 on a visit and said, "You ought to save some of those.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27"They were very important in the First World War." And that was the start of the museum.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Modern tanks have now evolved beyond all recognition.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35And they're actually allowing me to have a go. Talk about big boys' toys!
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I'm in.- Right, now I'm going to pass you some ear protection.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- Fantastic.- Yeah, comfy? - Can't hear a word you're saying, so it's obviously working.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Copied and developed by countries all over the world,
0:39:50 > 0:39:54this original British invention has become a key weapon for the military
0:39:54 > 0:39:59and even today, constitutes an essential asset in land combat operations.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03And talking of assets, in the battle of the houses,
0:40:03 > 0:40:05which one of our selection, if any, will win?
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Let's find out.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Well, thanks for finding a nice secluded spot for us to have a chat.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- But windy, isn't it? - Escape To The Country!- It is, yeah.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- We're the only ones brave enough to...- We are. Mad as hatters, aren't we?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Yeah! Well, hope you've enjoyed it.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- It's been great.- It's been marvellous. A good adventure and a good experience.- A lovely few days!
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Three really different houses.- Yeah. - Very different, yes.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34How did you feel when you walked up to that first one and saw that thatched roof?
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It really brought a tear to my eye. I actually got quite emotional.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- I really did.- It looked lovely. It's what you would imagine
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- when you come up to a house. - And it was absolutely immaculate inside.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- Yeah.- Yes, it was a lovely house.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51There was only one drawback. It was really rural.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54There was nothing there.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- It had neighbours.- It had neighbours and a village pub.- Yeah.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01And the people were very friendly, but there was no shop.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04You couldn't even buy a newspaper there.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06You need a car to live there.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11- I think you're going to need a car wherever you live in the country. - I think we've discovered that.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15In the last few days, we've found out that you do really need a car.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Let's talk about the second one. It just wasn't modern enough!
0:41:19 > 0:41:21- Must we?- Yeah, sorry! Hold her back!
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- You loved it.- I loved it.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- And I think you said you didn't like it.- I didn't like it at all.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I hoped that it would be modern and when we went inside, by golly it was modern.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- I really liked it. - It was modern, yes.- I loved it.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- That was the type of house I like. - And then we showed you remote, with the third one.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42It was rural, but it gave you the sea,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46which I was willing to compromise on, and it also gave you the rural aspect,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- so it didn't feel totally rural. - You didn't feel you were cut off in property three,
0:41:50 > 0:41:56because you could see Weymouth, Portland, you could see a town
0:41:56 > 0:41:58in the distance, more or less, you know.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00You loved the drive up, didn't you?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Oh, the drive up was... Well, what can I say?
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- You definitely need a four-by-four car there.- You would.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- Yes.- Definitely.- Yeah.- It was an amazing house though.- Unbelievable.
0:42:10 > 0:42:16If you want to get away from it, escape from the world, that's the house, really.
0:42:16 > 0:42:22- Be a bit of a hardship to live there.- Do you think? - I think so, yes.- I think so, too.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25So the second property was too modern?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- And the third property was too old-fashioned for you? - Too old-fashioned.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33- Which means the first property's perfect.- The first property was my favourite out of the three.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Right. So do you think you'll see any of them again?
0:42:37 > 0:42:42- Not...- Realistically?- Not those ones.- Not out of the three, no. - No.- No.- Not even the first one then?
0:42:42 > 0:42:45We'd rather get something where we can walk around.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- Well, I wish you luck. - Thank you!
0:42:47 > 0:42:52And I hope you do find that house with the sea view and rural views that's not too isolated.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- We'll try our best. - It's been great meeting you and lovely spending time with you.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Well, I think it's fair to say that we showed Chrissie and John
0:43:02 > 0:43:05three very different properties here in Dorset.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08And all of them, on paper, had elements of what they're looking for in their dream house.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11But one thing is for certain, if they are going to make the move here,
0:43:11 > 0:43:14I fear they're going to have to jump back in that car.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17I wish them well. It's bye from me.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25please apply online at:
0:43:46 > 0:43:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd