Dorset Escape to the Country

This iconic breakwater has been protecting the harbour here

from the unpredictable power of the sea for over 700 years.

It's a location so loved by one of Britain's most famous female writers

she based one of her best-known novels here.

So who was she? Where am I? Find out in just a moment.

On today's show, I'll be helping a couple strike the right chord

as they get set to create a new life in Dorset.

One of the houses has some hidden surprises.

You caught us out on this one.

I didn't think this belonged to that property.

Then our buyers wage war at the mystery house.

-You can fight over it once we're not around.

-And we will.

Welcome to Dorset and the Cobb in Lyme Regis.

This part of the country has been winning over the hearts of visitors for centuries

including that of the author Jane Austen,

who based her novel Persuasion around this glorious setting.

The charming appeal of this area is also extended throughout the county.

The coastal county of Dorset

is surrounded by Wiltshire and Somerset to the north

and Devon to the west.

As one of the gateway counties to the south west of England,

40% of Dorset falls within designated areas of natural beauty.

From the crumbling fossil bearing cliffs of the Jurassic Coast,

to the marshes and heathland, there are stunning landscapes aplenty.

Its countryside is home to well preserved hamlets and villages

and historic landmarks such as Corfe Castle and Highcliffe.

Dorset also has a rich literary heritage.

As well as being a backdrop to Jane Austen's Persuasion,

both John Fowles and Thomas Hardy called this county home.

If you are a lover of the great outdoors, Dorset offers

some of the finest windsurfing and sailing locations in the UK.

With so much on offer it's no wonder Dorset's house prices

are almost £60,000 above the national average.

The going rate for a detached property here

is just over £315,000.

Broadly speaking,

house prices become cheaper the further west you go,

away from hotspots such as Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.

But homes in the villages west of Dorchester such as West Stafford

and Powerstock, can command a five percent premium

because of their chocolate box perfection.

It's this perfection that's evident in the many architectural styles

on offer throughout this beautiful county.

There certainly is something for every type of buyer here in Dorset.

An architectural highlight are the county's distinctive longhouses

which date back to around the 17th century.

They typically feature trademark thick stone walls

and thatched roofs. Highly sought-after,

a four bedroom home can be around the £500,000 mark.

Georgian style architecture is also a recurrent theme.

Houses around the towns of Dorchester and Weymouth

with stunning sea views can easily cost in excess of £600,000.

Dorset's inland countryside is home to some fantastic properties.

In line with the rest of the county, it can be pricey

with a family home typically ranging from £400,000-£600,000.

Some delightful examples of Dorset properties there.

Let's hope we can match the standard and suitably inspire

today's couple who are ready to escape to the country.

Love-struck Neil and Liz first met many years ago,

but it wasn't until recently that Neil summoned up the courage

to reveal his true feelings.

I always liked Liz and didn't know how to ask her out.

So, I went and found an envelope around town

and I think I may have wrote on the back of a bank slip...

Paying-in slip.

"If you would like to go out some time, give me a ring."

I read it and thought, "That's interesting."

Let it sit for a couple of days and then gave Neil a ring

and said, "Yeah, I'd like to meet up for a drink."

Together for four years, at the moment they're living in Liz's house

in the town of Horsham, West Sussex.

But now they want a fresh start in the coastal county

where their romance blossomed.

We've got very nice, sentimental memories of the times

we've been in Dorset and we're in a position where we can move now.

We've got no ties as such.

We really want to get a place that's both of ours, that we've chosen together.

We just want to start off in a totally different countryside area

and have a bit of space and get away from suburbia

and all the houses, and start again.

Wanting to escape the rat race is one thing,

but the two of them aren't planning on reaching for their pension books just yet.

I'm a self-employed painter and decorator.

I've been doing it now for 26 years.

Hopefully, if I can get work in Dorset

and I'm working there the same as I'm doing here,

it'll be even better waking up in Dorset and going out

the countryside and coastal places and doing the same as I've done here.

When Neil's not working, he's hoping to spend his time sailing.

Do you like that?

While Liz wants to get creative.

I really love to paint. I've painted for many years.

I would love a room which is just mine,

get back into doing my pet portraits

which I've done up until a couple of years ago.

Already sold up, they're all set for their new adventure in the Dorset countryside

and have healthy finances to find the perfect home.

Our budget is up to 600,000.

Neil and Liz would like us the concentrate our house search

in the south-west of Dorset near the coast

and within a reasonable driving distance of Dorchester.

'On Dorset soil, I'm meeting our buyers to learn more

'about their property expectations.'

Welcome to a rather chilly but beautiful Dorset.

Is this the views you had in mind when you decided to move to here?

This is about the area we'd like to come to

and this is the sort of thing we want to see every day.

Give me an idea of the type of home you're after.

We'd like a home that is preferably on the edge of the village.

Not too remote, we don't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

-A studio or something...

-I want to get back to doing my art again.

So that's important for your hobbies.

We have to find somewhere wonderful and pleasing to do your art.

-But is true somebody, not too far from us, is scared of ghosts?

-Yes.

I was just going to say, not too remote

because I wouldn't like be there on my own.

So you don't like old buildings if there is a ghost involved.

-If it's got a history, I wouldn't like it.

-He wouldn't go there.

What is it about Dorset that you both love?

Why have you picked this part of the world?

We've visited here many times.

Specifically in this area.

I have to say the first time we came down here,

I just sat there and went, I'd love to come and live here.

Remind what your budget is.

500 to 600.

-£600,000, top budget?

-Yes, 600 is top.

Or does that include buying a boat for you, Neil?

No, I've been promised a boat by someone not a million miles away from me.

How lovely.

So, we've got three houses lined up for you to see,

-one being the mystery property. Shall we get going?

-Yes. Let's go.

Neil and Liz have a maximum budget of £600,000

for their new Dorset property.

For that they would like a spacious kitchen.

A minimum of four bedrooms.

A room for Liz to paint in.

Space for Neil's boat and definitely no ghosts.

We found three stunning properties for them to view.

In each case I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

Our final choice is a mystery house,

one they may not have considered on paper

but which I hope will go swimmingly.

We are starting our journey near Abbotsbury, 12 miles from Dorchester

and not far from our buyers' favourite coastal town of Bridport.

Abbotsbury is steeped in history and still retains its historic charm.

The careful restoration of many of the cottages

led to a conservation award in 1975.

The village itself is set amongst the hills behind Chesil Beach

and there are plenty of interesting shops,

pubs and even a village store selling local produce.

Our first property is a rather deceptive home

in the style of a characterful local farmhouse,

but was actually built a few years ago.

So, your first potential property in Dorset. What do you think?

-I like it.

-That's a fair size. It does, it looks very nice.

It's a great entrance, I think. The house is a new build.

It is only eight years old

-although I think it looks a bit older than not.

-Yes, it does.

You've got a large driveway which I know you're after.

-And a car port for my boat.

-That is a fantastic start.

-Shall we head inside the house?

-Yes, please.

-Come on then.

'Great first reactions from Neil and Liz

'and they've really taken to the exterior.

'Hopefully we can keep up the momentum on the inside.'

Let's start off with the sitting room.

Yeah. It's fine, isn't it?

-Size wise.

-Nice big space.

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Yeah, nice fireplace.

What kind of fire..?

It's a gas fire at the moment with a remote control for convenience.

Even better news is there is a flue and a chimney stack.

So if you wanted a multi fuel burner there, no problem at all.

That would be nice. You can do your logs and stuff.

-A great start. We like this room?

-Yes.

-Yes.

Happy? OK. Let's continue.

Another very, very generous sized room.

-It is a good size, isn't it?

-Yes, lovely.

Big enough our table and all the chairs.

When you've got all the family coming to stay.

-We've never had them all around the table.

-No, we haven't.

It could be like a chimpanzee tea party.

The kitchen is just next door.

Not quite open plan but I think it works pretty well.

-That's nice.

-It's nice and bright.

You like cream coloured units, don't you?

Yes, I was going to do mine in this. I just like the whole aspect.

Do you? The setup. You have all this space

and this could be a reading room, it could be another dining room,

it could perhaps be a painting room because of the light.

It could, I suppose. You've got a lot of natural light in there.

Tell me, how many bedrooms was it you are after?

-Seven.

-You liar. It was four. Come on, upstairs.

'Well, that is a pretty positive mood to this house so far.

'On this floor you'll also find a large utility room and cloakroom.

'Time to see where they could be sleeping.'

So, your master bedroom.

-Oh yeah, that's a size as well.

-That's nice.

So, a huge master.

You've also got two other double bedrooms down the corridor

and a very large single with the family bathroom.

Oh, right. OK.

-You've got your own en-suite...

-Lovely.

-..which is really well decorated.

Beautifully tiled. If it's in your taste, you won't have to change anything.

Got oodles of space in this house

because it's just the two of you most of the time.

We're going to go outside

and I'll tell you a little bit more about the surrounding area

and also you can start mulling over the price, how much this is worth.

Neil, you lead the way back down the stairs.

'So, a muted response to this room and I'm not sure

'I've convinced Neil and Liz that this is the one.

'Maybe outside will sway them.'

Regarding the garden,

you've got a large, vast garden to the front,

a smaller garden at the back but it is west facing

so you're going to get the sun all in the afternoon.

-Is this about as much land as you wanted?

-Yes. Just.

As far as the beach is concerned, we are about five miles away from the sea.

-Yes.

-So, that's it.

We've now got to talk money.

Neil, you've been mulling this over.

-I have because it is worth a meal this.

-It's worth a meal, is it?

It's worth a meal. The loser is buying dinner.

-Is he very competitive?

-Yes.

-Oh, OK.

-All right then. Well, who wants to go first?

-I'll go first.

-I think, optimistically, 580,000.

-OK.

OK. 545.

OK. You're both out.

You're quite a bit out. It is £635,000.

I have spoken to the owners and they are very happy

to have a conversation with you.

So they do know what your top budget is of £600,000.

They are also in a position to move very, very quickly.

Are you surprised at the price

because you guessed quite a bit under?

I think I thought it was a bit under because of the amount of ground

that's with the property but then you've got to look at the location.

Now you've got that price,

thankfully it hasn't shocked you too much,

why don't you take another look around, explore, have a think

and I'll catch up with you when you're ready.

On the market for £635,000 this house is over budget.

With properties in this area typically selling

for five percent under the asking price, they could potentially afford it

and it does meet a lot of their demands.

It has a large kitchen and garden room.

A spacious sitting room with a brick fireplace.

A good-sized dining room.

Four bedrooms, and plenty of parking for cars and Neil's boat.

-So, do you think the kitchen's big enough?

-Yeah, just.

-Just, I think so.

-It's nicely done, though. I love this area.

I can see us sitting in there.

Out first impressions were very positive.

I find I either like or dislike a place straight away.

I can usually tell within a few minutes.

First impressions of the house was good. It was a nice big, airy hall.

Lots of natural wood. The lounge was nice.

The kitchen and the snug, should we say, that was ideal.

It would fulfil all our needs and everything.

-Hi.

-All good?

-Yes, that's brilliant.

-Seen enough, I think.

-A good start?

-Great start.

-Excellent. Come on then.

-Interesting place.

The historic coastal town of Lyme Regis

has a strong seafaring heritage.

For seven centuries, trade flourished and its port supported

a burgeoning fishing and boat-building industry.

But during the 19th century, the need for boats declined

with many local builders going out of business.

In one corner of Lyme Regis, however,

the boat-building tradition is being kept alive.

As Neil would like a fishing boat when he makes the move to Dorset,

we've arranged for our buyers to meet expert Justin Adkin

who's going to reveal all about this historic trade.

-So, Justin, could you tell us something about this boat?

-Sure.

This is a traditionally built clinker construction.

I've got to ask you this, but how much would a boat like this cost?

If you were to go to a boat yard and commission one to be built,

depending on its finish and standard and fit out,

anywhere between £12-£15,000.

The guys who come here to make a boat,

do they come in as novices and leave being able to build a boat?

That's right. The object of the course isn't just to be able to build a boat,

it's to give you the foundations to become a boat builder.

The academy's a non-profit making organisation,

teaching students modern and traditional wooden boat building methods.

The training courses are completely hands-on

and vary in length from one day to 38 weeks.

-This is the boat that needs the work doing to it.

-Right.

-We need a volunteer to get on the floor for this one.

-Feel free.

-Yeah, I'll do that. Lead me to it then.

-Go for it.

Time for Neil to test his boat-building credentials.

Nice and flat on the plank. You ready?

Yeah, go on.

-OK?

-Yeah.

Not bad for a beginner.

And with the Lyme Regis seafaring history firmly moored

in our buyers' hearts, it's time to set sail once more

as we continue our property voyage.

Our journey continues towards Beaminster

which is 20 miles north of Lyme Regis.

Before we check out our second property,

I want to show Neil and Liz its locality.

So this is the market town of Beaminster.

Have you been here before? Do you know this area?

We've been here briefly about three or four years ago.

The reason I brought you is because the property we're going to show you

isn't too far from here.

As you've been around here, you know it's got shops, bakers,

supermarket, everything you could want.

It might be a good catchment area for your business as well, Neil.

Yeah, I think it would be. It's quite an affluent area.

It is an affluent area.

We think you're going to fit in very well indeed.

-So shall we go and see your next property?

-Yes. Lead on.

Our second house is stunning, but it's also a bit of a risk

as Neil and Liz have stated an aversion to period properties.

And this one is a classic stone farmhouse.

Here is your second property we want to show you.

Oh, yeah. It's a bit older than the other one.

It's a little bit older by about 300 years.

It is Grade II listed.

But as far as we're aware, there's no extra people living in it!

If you know what I mean. Hopefully.

-Is that a reference to me, that one?

-Yes. No ghosts.

-I get that one.

-Intrigued?

-Yeah. I'd be interested to look at what's inside there.

-Good, we've got you thinking.

-Yeah, definitely.

-OK, come on.

'Reassured there are no ghosts treading the boards here,

'our buyers seem keen to take a closer look at this property,

'which I'm sure won't disappoint.'

-So I've got to bring you straight in here.

-Wow, what a place.

There's conservatories and then there's this room.

Just look at that vista. That's why you want to move to Dorset.

-Yeah, that's correct.

-Beautiful, isn't it?

-It is, that is absolutely lovely.

-It's all double-glazed, as well.

-Let me show you the rest of the house.

-Lead on.

So the views of the Dorset countryside have impressed them.

However, I'm still a bit concerned about their reaction

to the rest of the property.

Through here we've actually got two large sitting rooms,

both with fires. I like to think that one's a bit more snug,

although it's a large snug.

-Yeah.

-But you've got this room, as well.

-That's a lovely one, isn't it?

-That's a nice big fire.

-It's brighter than I thought it would be.

-It's nice.

-Yeah. What do you think, Liz?

-I don't know.

I'm struggling with it, because I always said I didn't

particularly like the beams and the old character.

But I do like this room, I think it's lovely.

It'll take on another sort of personality, as well,

-with our modern furniture, as well.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Keen to see the rest of the house?

-Oh, yeah.

-Because it is quite a tour. OK, come on.

'Well, what a surprise.

'Liz likes all the period touches of this home,

'which should be good news for our next room.'

So here is your farmhouse kitchen, as we're in a farmhouse.

Oh, it isn't old.

-I have to say, that's an amazing range there, isn't it?

-Yes.

I don't think you could get a bigger range if you tried.

-That is so massive.

-It's like a double range

and you've got a massive dining room next door, which is separate.

OK, that's worth...

-OK, shall we continue?

-Yeah. Like the cupboards.

-All right, head upstairs.

-OK.

Also on this floor is a study, large utility and cloakroom.

But now it's time to see where they might sleep.

-So come into one of the four double bedrooms.

-Four bedrooms?

-It's got its own en suite.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, that's not a bad size.

-It's a good size.

-Loads of storage behind us.

-Wardrobes.

-Wardrobes.

Token beams, again.

I'll let you explore the upstairs on your own a bit later on

because I want to take you outside, because there's plenty to

see in this house, there's even more to see outside.

-Cheers.

-Thank you.

There are three more double bedrooms up here, one with an en suite.

There's also a good-size family bathroom.

This characterful stone farmhouse has lovely gardens with

fantastic views across the fields and even has its own pond.

But the surprises don't end there.

Now, not only are you moving to the country,

but you want to continue your hobbies.

-I know how important that is to you, Liz.

-Yeah.

So I've brought you into a workshop,

but I think this could make a fantastic artist's studio.

-It certainly could.

-Or workshop.

-No.

-Artist's studio.

-Artist's studio.

And there's another section through there.

You caught us out on this one,

-I didn't think this belonged to the property.

-Good, good.

-I'd be living out here.

-Do you like it?

-We do like it.

-I'd be living out of here, I would.

-Neil, are you feeling neglected?

I'd like to say yes because then you're going to show us

-something good, aren't you?

-Yeah, what about a small barn? Follow me.

I don't think Neil will be too upset that Liz has got the workshop

when he sees what I've got for him.

And, yes, Neil, you've guessed it.

-I was fibbing when I said it was a small barn.

-A little bit, yeah.

-Oh, grief.

-Big enough for you?

I think I would have to expand the business,

get a few more vans to fill it up, yeah.

Room for the boat, room for your van,

room for all your work equipment.

See, there's so many options with this property.

I've got to think of more things just to fill it out.

-Get the optimum use out of it.

-Absolutely.

If I could, I'd put a swimming pool in.

You've also got to start thinking how much it's all worth.

Let's go back out into the garden in that lovely sunshine

-and you can tell me. Give me some numbers.

-OK.

So there's smiles all round, but will that change when we talk money?

So you've seen the house, you've seen the outbuildings,

you've even got your own pond. How much is all this worth?

-615.

-OK.

-Right.

I thought I had an idea when it was just the house,

but when I was shown the barn and then this, I'm going to say...

-..655.

-Ooh.

The price is in-between those two figures.

-Closer to which, though?

-Liz.

-Yes!

-Remind us what you said, Liz.

-615.

It's actually £625,000.

-I'm surprised. Pleasantly surprised.

-I am, actually.

It is an awful lot of house, but we are in the west of the county,

we're quite close to Somerset. So you do get a lot for your money.

-Go and have another look around.

-OK.

It's such an amazing house, you're probably going to be a few hours,

I would say, but take your time, have a look everywhere.

Go back, have a look at the barn, look at your work studio, the things

that are going to make you happy, as well as the house itself.

Off you go and don't fall into that pond.

-See you later.

-See you later.

-Bye.

Well, another amazing house here in Dorset.

Completely different from the first one we saw.

It's got so much character, it's got so much age, it's got

so much going for it and they don't seem to be too put off by the price.

This Grade II listed farmhouse has certainly

put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Even though it's £25,000 over their budget at £625,000.

However, the seller is willing to listen to sensible offers

and it does give our buyers everything they asked for.

So I can really have this room, huh?

Yeah, I suppose so.

-It would be better equipped for a workshop but...

-No, no.

-It is ideal.

-This is more than I ever dreamed of, I can tell you.

It certainly was different,

totally, totally different to the property before.

My only worry is, there's almost too much of it.

Saying that, having got an art studio,

that's a very difficult thing to ignore because it's all I've wanted.

It was a big surprise.

The barn area, I would be constantly thinking of things to put in there,

five-a-side pitch, I don't know, but something like that.

As the day draws to a close over the coastal waters of Dorset, our

buyers get a well-earned chance to reflect on all they've seen today.

Painter and decorator Neil and his partner Liz,

from Horsham, West Sussex,

are seeking a new start, buying their first home together in Dorset.

So far, we've had a very positive reaction to our first property

with its modern style.

And they've been surprisingly receptive to our second offering,

a characterful farmhouse.

But will the mystery property have them riding the crest of a wave?

I always said I'd love to be able to wake up and see that.

And I discover more about the county's food-producing heritage

and tantalise my taste buds.

So how are you both feeling today?

-Nice and relaxed.

-Yeah.

I've got to be honest, guys,

after yesterday, I'm still not entirely sure what you're after.

Because you weren't rude about either of these houses,

but equally, I don't know if they won a place in your hearts.

You probably showed us something that we wouldn't normally look at.

No, I wouldn't have normally looked at that second house.

Maybe we're too set in our ways of what we wanted, perhaps,

and all that, and now you've shown us two totally different things

of which we both really like.

The fact that you liked both the houses yesterday and you were

pretty open-minded, I think our mystery house stands a real chance.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

For our final property gem, we're taking Neil and Liz

slightly out of their search area as we go across the border into Devon,

to the village of Beer,

which is situated in the south-east of the county near Lyme Bay.

Beer itself is an attractive rural village, where many of

the buildings are faced with flint mined from the local chalk rock.

The name of the village is not derived from the drink,

but from the old Anglo-Saxon word, "bearu", which means grove,

and it refers to the forestation that once surrounded it.

Our mystery house has a rather watery connection

and we're hoping that our buyers' love of the sea will entice Neil

and Liz to consider a property that really stretches their search area.

We are actually in East Devon because we think you can get

a lot for your money here.

Because what it does guarantee you are these amazing sea views.

So is it a trip worth making across the county border?

It looks as though it will be, yeah.

-Can't wait to get in there, actually.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

Well, thankfully, even though we're pushing the search boundary,

our buyers have not been put off.

In fact, I think I can see a little twinkle in their eyes.

And with spectacular sea views from nearly all the rooms,

this house on the hill could be full steam ahead.

So I actually brought you in the original front door,

although the owners use the side door.

I just wanted you to see that entrance.

This is the main drawing room.

You've got the view straight out over to Lyme Bay.

I forgot about the view.

And you've actually got all those rolling hills, as well,

-all the countryside.

-Yeah, it's great.

And you do have that small reception room as you walked through,

which they use as a reading room next door.

And obviously, the hatch.

The hatch. Which leads us nicely into the kitchen.

So, Liz, you like a big-style kitchen, don't you? Kitchen-diner.

Yeah, that is nice.

Not actually my first choice in colour, but I could...

-It goes well, it goes really well, doesn't it?

-I like the colour.

-I know you do.

-But you knew I would.

-Yeah.

-So you've got your range there.

-Yeah, just noticed that.

-It's nice.

It's a great space. I want to show you the room just through here.

-Because I think this is a fantastic garden room.

-This is lovely.

-Yeah, this is great.

-So you've got patio doors with access.

Putting you on the spot, how would you use this room?

I'd want this as my lounge, actually.

This is a room where... we've got a massive suite,

it would fit in here lovely, but I'm just a bit

concerned about where we would then have a dining room area.

Is it too good for you, then, to be dining room?

Would you like to live in here, semi-live in here?

Yeah, I'd like to spend most of my time in here.

Looking quite good, so far.

There's one further room to show you downstairs

and it might be the answer to your dining table query,

although I've got it earmarked for something else.

So far, so good, I think.

Now, we could start off the dining room conversation in here.

-Yes, we could.

-Which I was going to.

-I thought you might.

However, with views like that,

surely, it lends itself to being an artist's studio.

Neil's face!

Or your study, obviously, because we like to keep it fair.

No, I can see the light and that as a studio. I can.

It would be ideal, wouldn't it?

So, you have another reception room to play with.

Study, art studio, dining room.

-You know, you can fight over it once we're not around.

-And we will.

On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms

and one good-sized single.

And there's plenty of stunning views of the sea.

So upstairs, with this property,

you've got three double bedrooms, perhaps we'd call this one

the master, but it doesn't have an en suite.

-No, OK.

-But it does have... Look at that view!

I've been looking forward to seeing the views from up here.

-Amazing, aren't they?

-Yes.

Always said I'd love to be able to wake up and see that.

Well, that's music to my ears, and I don't think the outside of the

property will disappoint, either, with its large, landscaped garden.

So, we've actually got a splendid garden here.

It's very mature, lots of shrubs and trees, very well-maintained.

There's a garage, plenty of parking for all the cars, I know another

thing that you would ideally like is a large driveway,

so you've got that. How does it rate from one to ten?

-I'd say about nine.

-Oh.

Oh, yeah, it's lovely being high up, you're not being overlooked.

So?

This house in this location, guess the price.

I know there's a lot riding on this, there's a meal at stake,

so who goes first for the final time?

I think the fact we're in Devon now,

it could be slightly less than it would be in Dorset, but we've got to

take into consideration the garden, the area and, of course, the views.

I'm going to say right on budget at 600.

-Oh, I was going to say that.

-You can say the same.

Yeah, but then the competition's gone, isn't it?

OK, I will go slightly higher and say 610.

OK, interesting. This house,

it is under budget. Look at his face.

-Asking price £595,000.

-Oh, right.

Got £5,000 to play with.

-So under budget this time.

-That's a pleasant surprise.

-It is a surprise, yeah.

-Two counts for me.

-Yeah.

I think this house certainly deserves a second viewing.

-Do you fancy wandering round on your own?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-I'd do that.

I think we need to have another look.

Take your time, there's plenty to see.

-I'll catch up with you when you're ready.

-OK.

-Thank you.

Well, this house-hunt in Dorset has certainly been interesting.

All the houses have had their own merits.

But this mystery property, with this location,

I think it speaks for itself.

This impressive house, with its expansive views

is on the market for £595,000, just below their maximum budget.

And it really is a great option for our buyers.

-This would obviously be our bedroom, as well, main bedroom.

-Yeah.

Imagine waking up to that every morning. Amazing view, isn't it?

It's certainly a mystery house, not only in location,

but the type of house it is.

It's the sort of house I never thought I'd own.

The view is a real bonus, I have to say,

because it is something I've always wanted to have.

We thought we knew what we wanted but you've thrown

a spanner in the works with every house that you've shown us.

And, as I say, we've liked, genuinely liked, all three.

I don't think I want to leave this spot, it's beautiful, isn't it?

-Have you seen enough?

-Think so.

-Yeah.

That's it for Dorset and Devon, we've shown you our three houses,

so shall we go somewhere quiet where you can gather your thoughts,

keep discussing that dining table?

It's going to be the bane of my life, isn't it? Come on.

With miles of stunning coastline and glorious countryside,

it's no surprise that tourism is Dorset's biggest industry.

However, a large proportion of the county's land is actually

used for agriculture and supports a wide range of food producers,

including the UK's biggest organic milk-producing sheep farm.

Earlier in the week, I went to meet the owner, Crispin Tweddell,

to discover more.

I always thought that ewes only produced lambs,

February, March, April, May time.

How do you manage to get milk all year round? Fresh milk?

We run our sheep in different flocks, so they go to the ram at different

-times of year, so they have lambs at different times of year.

-Really?

-So not just in the spring?

-Not just in the spring.

We keep rotating cos we keep producing milk.

So how much milk does the average ewe produce?

They produce about two litres,

which compares with a cow that does about ten times that.

So behind us, we've got some of your sheep there, what variety are they?

I've noticed they've got a very long tails.

They're what are known as Friesland,

which is rather like a cow, Friesian.

Friesland are the most prolific sheep for milk.

Each year, milk from the farm is used to

produce 30,000 litres of sheep's milk yoghurt,

and although they supply supermarkets on an industrial scale,

the technique remains very traditional.

-So this is it? This is where it all happens?

-This is our potting room.

-So the ewes have been milked?

-Yes. And the milk comes in here.

-Yeah.

Where we heat it up and add the culture, then it comes

into this potting room, where we have a special process

called hot potting.

Because the stuff is still like milk,

as it goes into these pots here, and then it goes behind me into

the incubated rooms, where we make the yoghurt at a special temperature.

The pots are kept in the incubator for four and a half hours.

And it's this part of the process that gives the yoghurt its taste

and consistency.

I think it's time for me to try some, don't you?

-Well, I think you've got to.

-I would love to, I'll follow you.

I love yoghurt. I buy yoghurt regularly.

Now, try it. Try that.

Ooh.

It does taste very pure.

So the texture for this type of yoghurt, it's thicker, isn't it?

Not as runny as the conventional yoghurt that I think of.

It's a bit thicker, it lasts a long time.

Think I might take a couple more seconds just to savour it.

It would be rude not to.

Now, that's it, we've shown them all three properties.

And to be honest, I really can't guess what they're thinking.

They seem to like them all.

But has any one house really won them over enough to put an offer in?

Let's find out.

So, still convinced this is the place for the two of you?

Yeah, why would you not want to come here on a day like this?

I totally agree.

The question is, have we found you your dream property?

Because this is important, the first house that you've bought together.

Let's start with the very first property.

It was actually very modern, wasn't it? It was only eight years old,

just outside of Dorchester.

I really liked the house itself, there was very little to do

in the house at all.

It was just the garden, particularly at the back,

that sort of let that house down, I thought.

-The garden just wasn't big enough for me.

-Yeah.

And then we took you much closer to the Somerset border, to West Dorset,

-and showed you something completely different.

-Certainly was.

Without ghosts, I might add, the 300-year-old farmhouse,

Grade II listed.

Once again, it had everything we sort of wanted.

The garden here was a lot better, I thought.

Liz, what about that room for you? The art studio?

Well, that was just amazing.

To have that on-site to put into a proper art studio

was just fantastic.

Let's go to our mystery house, the third property we showed you.

We took you just over the border to Seaton.

It was across the border, as you say, but the view was phenomenal there.

The garden was great.

It's not in Dorset, which is something we said,

we didn't want to go over to Devon.

-It's not doable, is it?

-No.

It's not ideal, purely from Neil's point of work.

So, you liked all three properties.

I'm still not sure if any one of them has won you over enough to

go back for another viewing and perhaps put an offer in.

Well, you've put us on the spot all week,

we'd like to turn the tables, and which one do you think we'd prefer?

I'm going to say, because of the most amazing views,

it's a journey worth making, so I'm going to say the mystery house,

just over the border in Devon.

-You'd be wrong, though.

-Am I? Which one? Put me out of my misery.

-The second one.

-The old farmhouse?

-And you didn't want an old property, did you?

-Not as old as that, anyway.

So come on, then, why?

Why is that the house you want to go and have another look at again?

I'm delighted, by the way, absolutely thrilled.

There's just so much character there, isn't there?

-There's so much potential to what you can do there.

-Inside and out.

-My studio would definitely be there.

-Is that what clinched it?

-For me, yeah.

-Was it really?

Listen, thank you both very much, it's been a fantastic few days.

It has been great, yeah. We've really enjoyed it.

It is an exciting time for you. If that is the house for you,

-I hope you're very happy.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

What a great couple.

Neil and Liz really kept me guessing to the very last moment.

But hey, what a finale.

The fact that they absolutely loved

that 300-year-old Grade II listed farmhouse,

well, it's music to our ears.

We really hope it works out for them,

their first home together, here in Dorset.

Until next time, bye-bye.

Neil and Liz did return to see house number two,

but after careful consideration, they decided it was too big

for their needs and so their search continues.

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