0:00:02 > 0:00:04Did you know each of England's 68 lighthouses
0:00:04 > 0:00:06has its own distinct signal?
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Let me explain - each lamp flashes a certain number of times
0:00:11 > 0:00:14and then repeats the pattern a certain amount of time later on.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17So even if you're out at sea in the middle of the night
0:00:17 > 0:00:18and you know the pattern,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21you will know which lighthouse you're looking at.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24So for example, this one flashes four times
0:00:24 > 0:00:27and then 20 seconds later, four times again.
0:00:27 > 0:00:28So, which one is it?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Coming up on today's show, we'll be helping a couple from Surrey
0:00:48 > 0:00:51to escape England's crowded southeast
0:00:51 > 0:00:54and the potential space is a real eye-opener.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Wow, this is amazing - oh, I like it!
0:00:57 > 0:01:00This is really big. This is very deceptive.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04And the trilling countryside also offers up some audible delights.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- You can hear the birdsong. - I can, it's so tranquil and...
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Absolutely fantastic.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Today, I'm in Dorset and this is Portland Bill lighthouse
0:01:15 > 0:01:18whose lamp shines out over the English Channel -
0:01:18 > 0:01:21one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Its signal, on a clear night,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27can be seen 35 nautical miles away at sea.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29It's clearly doing a good job, at least today,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32because there are no shipwrecks on this coastline.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34And what a beautiful coastline it is.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37Dorset shares its borders
0:01:37 > 0:01:41with Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46The county is a magnet for over two million visitors a year
0:01:46 > 0:01:50who are drawn here by its beautiful countryside and extensive coastline.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Bypassed by motorways and city settlements,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57the 95-mile stretch of the Jurassic coast
0:01:57 > 0:02:01charts 185 million years of prehistoric geology.
0:02:02 > 0:02:03Over that time,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07the sea has carved natural wonders into these limestone cliffs
0:02:07 > 0:02:09such as Lulworth Cove
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and the precarious chalk arch of Durdle Door.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14Nearly half of Dorset falls
0:02:14 > 0:02:17within protected Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:17 > 0:02:20yet its rural landscape is also a working one
0:02:20 > 0:02:22with pastures around the Blackmore Vale
0:02:22 > 0:02:26providing fertile ground for dairy farming.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28The countryside remains much as it was
0:02:28 > 0:02:30when Thomas Hardy wrote of it.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Hardy was born just outside Dorchester and, to use his words,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36this really is a place "far from the madding crowd",
0:02:36 > 0:02:38given that, on average,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41413 people live within a square mile here,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44making it one of the lowest populated counties in England.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48So, in other words, Dorset has lots of space,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52although you do have to pay a premium to get your share of it.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54According to Dorset County Council's figures,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Dorset is the second most expensive county in the UK after London,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04with the average house price here standing at £314,000,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07which is £59,000 above the national figure.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13That said, Dorset is also one of the healthiest counties in the country.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I have been told that if you move here,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19you could live an average of two years longer,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22which probably makes the price worth it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23Let's meet the couple
0:03:23 > 0:03:26who have chosen this beautiful part of the country to come and live
0:03:26 > 0:03:28and find out why.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Husband and wife Denise and Peter
0:03:30 > 0:03:34first laid eyes on each other at a bowling alley, four decades ago,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38and have spent a thrilling 32 years raising their family
0:03:38 > 0:03:41in this four-bedroomed, semi-detached home
0:03:41 > 0:03:44in the busy commuter town of Epsom in Surrey.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But now their three children are all grown up,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49they want to downsize, release some capital
0:03:49 > 0:03:52and realise a long-held desire.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54I just want a change of environment.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I've lived in this area all of my life
0:03:56 > 0:03:58and I just want to be out in the countryside.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Not too far from the sea, so we can do coastal walks,
0:04:02 > 0:04:07and we just want to see birds, animals, rather than traffic.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11A self-employed building consultant, Peter has only recently decided
0:04:11 > 0:04:16to wind down professionally in order to fulfil the country dream.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22It was one particularly horrible, cold day in January or February
0:04:22 > 0:04:26and I'd got absolutely filthy dirty, freezing cold, soaking wet
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and I thought "That's enough - it's time to sell up
0:04:29 > 0:04:33"and move somewhere a little more relaxing
0:04:33 > 0:04:35"and throw my equipment in the river."
0:04:35 > 0:04:37HE LAUGHS
0:04:37 > 0:04:39And he wants to swap the river for the sea
0:04:39 > 0:04:43as they've both set their sights on relocating to West Dorset.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48We like the area, it's very uncommercialised
0:04:48 > 0:04:52and we really would like to be in a rural setting,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55because where we live at the moment is quite built-up
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and quite near the main roads.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00We just want to chill and enjoy life.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04With retirement on the cards, Peter and Denise have clear ideas
0:05:04 > 0:05:07of how they want to spend their new-found freedom.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08I do like to play golf,
0:05:08 > 0:05:13I do intend to join one or more golf clubs down there.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I've been making jewellery for less than a year.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23I went to a local craft class and was able to make a bracelet.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28And I thought it was a really, really easy project to do
0:05:28 > 0:05:29and from then on,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33I've made more bracelets, necklaces, earrings etc.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36I'm also a keen sea fisherman -
0:05:36 > 0:05:40used to go out from boats in the English Channel
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and I intend to once again join the local fishing club
0:05:43 > 0:05:46and hopefully do some deep sea fishing.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48And I also really like walks
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and I can't think of anything better than the coastline of Dorset,
0:05:52 > 0:05:53for that particular reason.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Their current house is already on the market
0:05:56 > 0:05:58and they have approximate figures in mind
0:05:58 > 0:06:00for the proposed West Country venture.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06The budget for our move is £325,000
0:06:06 > 0:06:09up to a maximum of £375,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Peter and Denise have requested a location
0:06:13 > 0:06:17in the western portion of Dorset and near to the coast,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19but not necessarily right on it.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21So we'll be searching in the beautiful villages
0:06:21 > 0:06:24around the market town of Bridport.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And I'm meeting up with both our buyers on Dorset soil
0:06:27 > 0:06:29to get better acquainted.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Welcome to Dorset. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35It's a very beautiful spot I've brought you to, isn't it?
0:06:35 > 0:06:36- It certainly is. - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Is this what you're looking for as a change from Epsom?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Oh, definitely.- Life in the country.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44So tell me about the house - what's your sort of dream house,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47within budgetary constraints?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Oh, anything between...
0:06:51 > 0:06:54..two to four bedroom, or three bedrooms and a study...
0:06:54 > 0:06:56I think three bedrooms is the minimum.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58And with a garden,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02somewhere with perhaps a few chickens to run around, grow a few vegetables.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05So you said two to four, you said three bedrooms, minimum.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07What are you going to use these bedrooms for?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Well, we've got three children, obviously,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and for visitors as well,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15because quite a few of our friends in southwest London
0:07:15 > 0:07:18definitely expressed an interest in coming down and spending time -
0:07:18 > 0:07:20having, basically, a holiday home.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Right.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Of course, extra bedrooms means extra money
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and it's quite an expensive part of the country you've chosen.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27We know that.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30So what is your budget?
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Well, it's realistically between 325 and 375 -
0:07:34 > 0:07:39up to 375 if it's the right house in the right location.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43We would be prepared to take on a project,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45providing it was towards the lower end of the project
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- rather than the higher end.- Right.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Because, obviously, we haven't got unlimited funds
0:07:50 > 0:07:53to live on for the rest of our lives, so...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57In terms of your house sale in Epsom, how's that going?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- We just accepted an offer yesterday...- Great!
0:08:00 > 0:08:02..which we're very, very pleased with.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- So it's all systems go. - Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05I'm buying into this dream,
0:08:05 > 0:08:09but you have to buy into the houses that we've selected for you.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11I've got three corkers,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13so I just hope that they fit the bill.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Well, we'll soon find out. - We will, very soon. Follow me.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23For a maximum budget of £375,000,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Peter and Denise are downsizing and looking for a character home
0:08:26 > 0:08:29that has at least three bedrooms.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33They'd consider a small project that involves minor refurbishment
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and are after a decent-sized garden in which to grow vegetables
0:08:36 > 0:08:38and possibly to keep chickens.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41And lastly, they want to be within easy reach
0:08:41 > 0:08:43of the enticing southern coast.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47We've got a variety of great Dorset homes to show our buyers
0:08:47 > 0:08:49but of course, the prices will be a guessing game
0:08:49 > 0:08:51until the end of the tour.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Lastly, there's our mystery property,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56set in a 350-acre plot -
0:08:56 > 0:08:59and yes, I did say 350 acres.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03So, with Peter and Denise's house under offer,
0:09:03 > 0:09:04we better get it started.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08Have you had some thoughts
0:09:08 > 0:09:11about how you might meet some people and make friends?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- I might get a job.- Ah.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16THEY LAUGH
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I'll pay you to carry the golf clubs if you require...
0:09:18 > 0:09:21I'd rather stick pins in my eyes, thank you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22Good answer.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Our first destination in the remote hamlet of Hilfield.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31And we're throwing our buyers right in at the rural deep end
0:09:31 > 0:09:32with property number one,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36as the nearest shops and pubs are about five miles away
0:09:36 > 0:09:40in the picture-postcard village of Yetminster.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42But with their hankering after traditional country life,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46let's see what Denise and Peter make of our first house,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49back in the peaceful pocket of Hilfield
0:09:49 > 0:09:51in the thick of lush Dorset countryside.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56OK, house number one - here we are.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Really, we wanted to show you something that was...well,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03the absolute opposite to the hustle and bustle of Epsom.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- You've certainly done that. - It's amazing.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08We're in a beautiful, beautiful area.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- You can hear just the birdsong. - I can - it's so tranquil and...
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Absolutely fantastic.- Yes.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17What are your thoughts about the style and the look
0:10:17 > 0:10:18from the outside?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Looks quite a period cottage.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It is. It comes from the end of the 19th century,
0:10:23 > 0:10:24farm workers' cottages
0:10:24 > 0:10:28and it's attached, so that is your neighbour.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31That's fine, that's not a problem.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32Excited to look inside?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Absolutely.- Definitely. - Let's have a look.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Built in 1889, this semi-detached Victorian cottage
0:10:40 > 0:10:43has been gradually extended over the years
0:10:43 > 0:10:46and has a deceptively large ground floor footprint
0:10:46 > 0:10:48with three reception rooms.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51This is the front room,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55straight off that little sunroom-porch.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57You can see the bones of the house here,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59this lovely, original flagstone.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Beautiful.- Yeah. - What a lovely, charming room.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I love the wide window -
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- obviously that denotes the thickness of the wall, doesn't it?- Exactly.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10They were well-built, these Victorian cottages.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I do love the floor, absolutely adore the floor.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14It's quite a decent-sized room.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Do you feel like it could be homely?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Yeah - I like what I see so far. - Good, very good.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Let's go and have a look at the kitchen.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28So the house proceeds in these rooms -
0:11:28 > 0:11:30you've got a little dining room there,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33at the foot of the stairs and then this is the old kitchen.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- This is charming.- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37This is really sweet, yeah. I like this.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41You've got all the facilities - you've got some work surfaces...
0:11:41 > 0:11:42Two sinks and the range.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- And also a walk-in larder as well, in that door...- Oh!
0:11:46 > 0:11:48So lots of storage for your...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51That's a bonus, a walk-in larder.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54So you've got the front room, which is south-facing,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56so you get a lot of the sunshine,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58and the dining room and the kitchen,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01but you've also, through here, got a very nice study.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Oh, this is a surprise. - This is very nice.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07You get the nice quarry tiles on the floor
0:12:07 > 0:12:08and lots of lovely light
0:12:08 > 0:12:10and doors out onto the garden, there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13It's a very useable space -
0:12:13 > 0:12:16you could use it as an office or an extra bedroom...
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- TV room.- TV room.- Yes, for sports.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Ah, so it's just been nabbed.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Yes, you could make it into a nice snug.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Yeah. Yeah, that would work.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28With Peter getting first dibs on the study,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31things seem to be going well for the ground floor,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33which also benefits from a shower room
0:12:33 > 0:12:35that doubles up as the utility.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Now we've completed our tour downstairs,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42we're going to make our way up to the first floor.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45There's a family bathroom and three bedrooms on offer.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48To the front of the property lies the smallest bedroom
0:12:48 > 0:12:52next to a larger double with glorious, unspoilt views.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Then this is the master.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Oh, this is...nice, a nice space.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01No storage, no? OK.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Yes, you need to think about your storage.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06You might want to appropriate one of your guest rooms
0:13:06 > 0:13:07- as a sort of dressing room. - Possibly.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- But it's nicely decorated. - Nice colour scheme.- Nice outlook.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13The thing about all of the rooms up here are the views -
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- you've got killer views.- Fabulous.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Well, I can let you explore the rest of the house in your own good time,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23but I'm going to show you the garden and ask you about the price,
0:13:23 > 0:13:24so follow me.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28As we make our way outside,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30it gives Peter and Denise another chance
0:13:30 > 0:13:32to take in this charming cottage.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Off the study, a paved patio
0:13:34 > 0:13:38leads onto a delightful long and levelled lawn garden,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41featuring ready-established vegetable plots
0:13:41 > 0:13:44and plenty of room for chickens.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45I mean, in terms of the garden,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47is this the size that you're looking for?
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- It's lovely. - That's very, very, very acceptable.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Yeah, that's a really nice...
0:13:53 > 0:13:55It's a really nice property.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58OK. Well, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:13:58 > 0:14:02Um...I would hazard a guess at about 320?
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- I'd say about 315.- 315.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Well, this is actually on the market for 340.- Oh, OK.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12That's the market price at the moment.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Why don't you have a look inside? We didn't see the rooms upstairs.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Have a nosey through those and I'll meet you at the front.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- OK, all right.- Thank you very much.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Well within budget and all modernised and ready to go,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30the first property is on the market for £340,000
0:14:30 > 0:14:34and presents a late-19th century semi-detached cottage.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36It comes with three reception rooms,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39a kitchen-breakfast room, three bedrooms
0:14:39 > 0:14:41and a large garden that is enveloped
0:14:41 > 0:14:44by an exceptionally green and pleasant Dorset land.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50I think it's a very nice house. Um...it is very remote.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55Uh...the owners have done a really nice job refurbishing it
0:14:55 > 0:14:57but it's not really to my taste.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01The fact that the cottage appears to be in the middle of nowhere
0:15:01 > 0:15:03is of some concern to me.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09I would prefer to be in an area where there is some sort of life
0:15:09 > 0:15:12other than...my other half.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Um...so it would concern me
0:15:15 > 0:15:21to be living...quite a way out from civilisation, as it were.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Apart from the farmer in his field, it's just so tranquil here.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29A little too remote for them, perhaps.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Hello, guys - you all done?- We are.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- Wonderful.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Well, shut the door, cos we're done too.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38That's your house tour finished. Follow me.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45When Denise and Peter make their move to Dorset,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48one of their next steps on the road to the good life
0:15:48 > 0:15:50is to keep chickens -
0:15:50 > 0:15:51and they are not alone,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54for as self-sufficiency becomes more popular,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58over 700,000 of us have become back yard hen farmers
0:15:58 > 0:16:03and chickens rank in the top ten most popular domestic pets.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06So we sent our buyers to a farm in Dorchester
0:16:06 > 0:16:08for a lesson in how to get the ball rolling
0:16:08 > 0:16:11with poultry breeder, Jo Hunt.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16Is there certain breeds that are more...user friendly, so to speak,
0:16:16 > 0:16:17and lay lots of eggs?
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Yeah - there's definitely more "user-friendly" hens.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24We normally recommend you start off with a mixture of hens,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26one of them being something like this one -
0:16:26 > 0:16:27a little brown hybrid hen.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33Lovely, docile nature. It'll lay you 300-330 eggs a year.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36What about problems with foxes and things?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Do you get them in this borough, in this county?- Yes.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Wherever you go,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43you're going to have a problem with foxes and badgers.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46You do need to have secure fencing.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Jo keeps over 300 breeder hens and 1,500 young stock
0:16:50 > 0:16:55in a wide range of varieties, colours and egg-laying capabilities.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Typical starter prices for a hen from a reputable supplier,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02that has had all its vaccinations, is around £25.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Would you like to have a go at holding her?- I would.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- Is there a good way to hold her? - Yeah - slide your hand underneath
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- and get your fingers either side of her legs and support her weight.- OK.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- That's the best way.- OK.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14Oh, I can't believe how soft she is.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I was expecting much coarser feathers.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19It's really quite downy, isn't it?
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Ever so soft, and the legs are nice and smooth.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- She's really gentle as well. - She's very docile, very.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Very cuddly!
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Keen to get hands-on, Denise is clearly smitten already.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37But the key to successful poultry keeping is good housing.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40It's essential that the hen house is well located -
0:17:40 > 0:17:43above ground level with sufficient sunlight and shade.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Also remember not to overcrowd the house
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and ensure that you have enough space
0:17:48 > 0:17:50as the minimum land requirement
0:17:50 > 0:17:53is one square metre per average-sized hen.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The first thing you're looking for is easy access.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59You can see every part of this hen house just by opening the roof.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02The nest boxes should be in the darkest area of your hen house.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04That's an interesting point.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07The hen should only be in here either to sleep or lay its eggs.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09The rest of the time, it should be outside.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11The nest boxes are also on a slight angle -
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- you notice that the eggs are rolling down to the corner?- Yeah.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It's just, again, so the eggs are to the back -
0:18:16 > 0:18:17A, it's easier for you to collect
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- and it's harder for her to keep, to sit on them.- Right.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23There's actually seven eggs in there.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25How many chickens would have laid those?
0:18:25 > 0:18:27They lay roughly about three eggs a week.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30We actually have five females in here.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Hens need daily attention,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35with a ready supply of clean water and food.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37With proper care, the average lifespan
0:18:37 > 0:18:39can be up to 15 years and more,
0:18:39 > 0:18:43but the older they get, the shorter their laying season.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Now our couple have gained
0:18:44 > 0:18:47a practical insight into chicken husbandry,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51we need to get back to the business of finding them the right house.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53But not before a well-earned rest.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It's the second day of our property search here in Dorset
0:19:01 > 0:19:06where, on a budget of £375,000, we're on a mission
0:19:06 > 0:19:09to move Surrey-based husband and wife Peter and Denise
0:19:09 > 0:19:12out of the cramped, suburban southeast of England
0:19:12 > 0:19:15into the wide open West Country.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Still to come, there are two more properties to see
0:19:19 > 0:19:22and we're spelling out the virtues of our last one.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- This is mystery with a big "M". - It is a mystery.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28And I'll be getting a lesson in art and local life
0:19:28 > 0:19:31with a couple we first met more than a decade ago.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33Like this?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Uh, no, no...that's a photographer.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44For the first stop today, we're venturing out west,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48to Broadwindsor, just over six miles north of Bridport.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Lying in a conservation area,
0:19:50 > 0:19:55Broadwindsor is a small but lively village, steeped in history.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Amenities include a pub, a community-run shop
0:19:57 > 0:20:00and a thriving arts and crafts scene,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03which could be ideal for our jewellery enthusiast Denise.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09Notable buildings include an 11th century, Grade II listed church,
0:20:09 > 0:20:10as well as a former pub
0:20:10 > 0:20:14where Charles II hid from the Parliamentarians
0:20:14 > 0:20:17and reputedly escaped dressed as a serving wench.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20But history aside, we're here to see a house.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23And just on the side of the village, we've got exactly that
0:20:23 > 0:20:25in the form of our second property.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32This used to be the tollhouse for the road in and out of the village.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And you can see, it's the whole property.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37It's a LONG house
0:20:37 > 0:20:40and it's actually extended in two chunks,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- once in the '60s and once in the '90s.- Yeah.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43But it's built of the local stone,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46the Jurassic limestone that you get around these parts.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- Looks very, very, very... - Interesting.- Interesting, yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53How do you feel about the concept
0:20:53 > 0:20:55of taking on a historic property that you'd have to do something to?
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Is it grade listed?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- No, it's not.- Fine - that's...
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Obviously, keeping it in character with the village,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04but modernising it, is not a problem.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Let's look inside.- OK.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Dating back to the 1800s,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13this historic detached property is abundant with character,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16and for our buyers, who would be up for some minor improvements,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18this could be just the ticket.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21We're entering the property through a generous study
0:21:21 > 0:21:23and straight into the sitting room.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- Wow!- That a surprise?- Yeah.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- This is really, really nice. - Really old-school.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32- Lovely and wide.- Yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35You know, proportions are really, really good, yeah.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37You've got a chimney breast there that you could open up
0:21:37 > 0:21:41and put in a log burner or even a real fire.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Where the first house, I think,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44was finished to a very high standard -
0:21:44 > 0:21:46clearly, the people had come in and brought in a lot of...
0:21:46 > 0:21:49This, I think, is more of a, sort of, open book
0:21:49 > 0:21:51that you could write your story in.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Absolutely. - It's very, very interesting.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57I don't think we'd have ever considered anything quite like this
0:21:57 > 0:21:59and quite as old as this, perhaps.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00I would like to see more.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We go through here, it takes us to the dining room.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04Lovely.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Had to slightly dip my head to get through there, but not too low.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12So this room - I might suggest using this as a dining room.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13It's a through room,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- it takes you to the kitchen and the stairwell.- OK.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21This is a house where you could style it as to...meet your needs.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Absolutely. It's a small room, but it's quite...
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Again, the proportions, the widths.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Obviously the width of the house...
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Well, it's bright, because you've got three windows,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Double aspect, which is...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Yeah, light coming in all the time.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37But of course, the kitchen's key - let's have a look.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Yes.- OK. Let's go.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45This is the last addition, so this was put on in the 1990s.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- OK.- To make a kitchen room.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Really nice space.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Yeah, I could see me cooking in here. - Could you?- Yeah, I could.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56The tiles go really well with the age of the property,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58sort of slate-looking.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03In terms of the actual layout of the light and the space,
0:23:03 > 0:23:04it could work.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Yes, it could, yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Good.- I like this. I really, really like this.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I'm glad you can see...
0:23:10 > 0:23:11This is definitely one
0:23:11 > 0:23:13where you need to engage your "house imagination."
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- Yes.- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Let's have a look upstairs.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18You've got three bedrooms here, which I think is good.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20You lead the way.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Served by a spacious family bathroom,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24the three bedrooms upstairs
0:23:24 > 0:23:27are arranged over the entire ground floor footprint
0:23:27 > 0:23:29and so are all great-sized rooms.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Come on in - this is actually not the biggest room,
0:23:36 > 0:23:37but perhaps the brightest.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's above the kitchen, so at the modern end of the house.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43It's nice - it's triple aspect, nice and light and airy.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44Even with small windows,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46you've still got a decent amount of light.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Yeah. In terms of...
0:23:48 > 0:23:49I'll let you explore upstairs a little more -
0:23:49 > 0:23:51first, let's have a peek outside.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- Mm-hm.- Cos you do have a river.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Do we?! That sounds...- OK.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00We're going to weave our way back through the property
0:24:00 > 0:24:03to the gardens at the rear and the side of the house
0:24:03 > 0:24:07that are mainly laid to lawn, backing onto meadows
0:24:07 > 0:24:09and featuring a lovely little stream.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I might have slightly oversold it as a river.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Yes, very narrow. - But a brook, perhaps.- Yeah.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Very quaint.- It's very sweet.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22And who can boast of having a river in their back garden?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Quite.- I'm sure it leads to a river.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26It does indeed lead to the River Parrett.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Oh, I know, yeah. - Any history of flooding at all?
0:24:29 > 0:24:31None whatsoever.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33That's actually quite a steep retaining wall,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36so I think you'd probably be all right.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37So you can see, from the back of the house,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40you can see the age of the different extensions a bit more clearly -
0:24:40 > 0:24:42the old house at the front,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44the modern extension right at the back.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- What do you think of the garden? - It's a manageable size - uh...
0:24:48 > 0:24:49That's one way of putting it!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51THEY LAUGH
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Divided by the delightful stream, brook, river...?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57I think a sit-on lawnmower is out of the question.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58A bit perilous, yeah.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01You'd be parked into the river/stream...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Let's call it the river, just to make me feel good.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- I think 330.- Oh...
0:25:10 > 0:25:12I think, given the location
0:25:12 > 0:25:15and the size and the quaintness of it,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I think it'll be more than that. I think it'll be about 350-355?
0:25:19 > 0:25:22OK, you're dead on the money. It's on at 350.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24But the owner has been very frank
0:25:24 > 0:25:28and said that she's aware that there's work that needs doing
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and she would take sensible offers.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32It would need a bit of money spent on it, yeah.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35It needs a little bit of modernisation.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Why don't you go and have a look upstairs,
0:25:37 > 0:25:38because we didn't really get to explore,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- and just get a feel of the ambiance? - OK.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- And then I'll see you at the front. - All right.- Thank you very much.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54With a guide price of £350,000, property two is a former tollhouse,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57made of local limestone, that lies within a charming village.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02The accommodation lends itself to three reception rooms,
0:26:02 > 0:26:06a kitchen-breakfast room and three bedrooms
0:26:06 > 0:26:08and the garden is rather special,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10being that a river runs right through it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:16I think the property is lovely. It's very unusual, very quirky.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Something I wouldn't have considered, and...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23There's something magical, something special about it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25This property works in some respects,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28in the fact that it's a really pretty little location.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Unusual, being a tollhouse -
0:26:30 > 0:26:33I don't think I've ever been in one of these before.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37However, maybe it's a little bit over our budget
0:26:37 > 0:26:40when you add up the cost of the renovations
0:26:40 > 0:26:42to the actual value of the property.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I love the property -
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I think it's stunning and very, very beautiful,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49but it does need a lot of work doing to it
0:26:49 > 0:26:51and I really don't think that, at this time of our lives,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53that we have that in us.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Good - so, we're all done in Broadwindsor.- OK.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Ready for the mystery house? - I am, indeed.- Yeah. Come with me.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I don't think we've really hit the nail on the head
0:27:13 > 0:27:16with those first two properties, so the mystery house...
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Quite excited about the mystery house, in fact,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20because they wanted something with character,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22but not too much work,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26and they want some space and they want neighbours.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Now, this property has all of those in spades
0:27:29 > 0:27:31and it's behind this wall.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33So mysterious...
0:27:35 > 0:27:37The mystery house is our final stop
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and we've headed even further west, out of Dorset,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43to the village of Rousdon in east Devon.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45The village is just three miles away
0:27:45 > 0:27:48from the elegant coastal resort of Lyme Regis,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52which has some great examples of Georgian architecture.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54A huge range of shops and facilities are on offer here,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57many with a strong focus on the sea,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00from sailing clubs to fossil hunting.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03And a footpath runs from Lyme
0:28:03 > 0:28:06right along this magical Jurassic coastline
0:28:06 > 0:28:09leading directly to the location of the mystery house
0:28:09 > 0:28:12which has an alternative and most impressive approach
0:28:12 > 0:28:14down a tree-lined avenue.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21- Well, this is quite a mystery house. - Yes, very much so.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26- It's completely...jaw-dropping. - We're supposed to be downsizing!
0:28:26 > 0:28:28I'm sorry to break it to you, but it's not all yours.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31This is the Rousdon Estate and this is an extraordinary building
0:28:31 > 0:28:33that was built in the mid-19th century
0:28:33 > 0:28:37by Sir Henry Peek, who was a sort of spice merchant
0:28:37 > 0:28:39who then went on to make famous biscuits.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44And he amassed a huge fortune and built this entire estate,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49this whole fantasy village in the sort of mock Tudor style.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53So the whole 350-acre site is now,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56essentially, a sort of private community,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59of which you could be part.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- As long as I don't have to mow the lawns.- No, you don't.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- This is mystery with a big "M". - It is a mystery.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06I've never been here before
0:29:06 > 0:29:08and I think it's just a stunning bit of architecture,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10a very interesting story.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- Lead on.- Yeah.- Follow me.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15The Grade II listed Rousdon Estate
0:29:15 > 0:29:17comprises of numerous converted buildings,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21including cottages, farmhouses, as well as a chapel,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24and the section we've selected for Peter and Denise
0:29:24 > 0:29:27is a mews house located in the courtyard.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29This is amazing.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35This was all the stable block - so the horses and carriages
0:29:35 > 0:29:38would come in under the clock tower, into the cobbled yard
0:29:38 > 0:29:41and then these were all various, sort of, professions
0:29:41 > 0:29:43to do with looking after the horses.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45And your house is part of it - not all of it.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It goes from this gable here - so this right-hand door -
0:29:49 > 0:29:51across to this door here.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54So it's the central section of the courtyard in front of us.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- Wow.- That's quite an impressive building, that.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00It's terrific!
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Shall we have a look inside? - Shall we? Yeah!
0:30:02 > 0:30:03- Follow me.- Can't wait.- Let's go!
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Part of a ready-made community,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10the stable courtyard has been carved into ten properties
0:30:10 > 0:30:13but each one has its own individual design.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Come on in - better close the door behind you, Peter.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18If you come over here,
0:30:18 > 0:30:23you get the full view of the dining kitchen.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26This is the first one where we've given you the dining room
0:30:26 > 0:30:27and the kitchen in one space.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28I like this, yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31This is really nice - great kitchen-dining room.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34So what we're looking at the moment
0:30:34 > 0:30:36is approximately half of the ground floor?
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- Yes - this is the lion's share of the ground floor.- OK.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42It's not a massive property but, I think, very well laid out.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Fabulous. Certainly is.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46Let's have a look at the next room.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Come on through - nice, big, wide walkway,
0:30:53 > 0:30:55and then a step down into this area.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- I like this.- Do you?- I do.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Lovely oak floors. A slightly smaller space, but...
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Big enough, it's big enough.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08No, proportions are great. Like it - like it a lot.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11There's some storage in there, the boiler is actually in there.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Under the stairs, you've got a shower and toilet.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17It's a very efficient use of the space.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19What about the stairs coming down into the sitting room?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21That doesn't mind me in the slightest.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22It just adds to the charm
0:31:22 > 0:31:28and it is...a bit of a feature, within the house.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- Shall we go up them? - Ooh, yes, please!- Absolutely.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45So, another step, into the master bedroom.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Wow - this is amazing. Oh, I like it!
0:31:48 > 0:31:51This is really big. This is very deceptive.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Storage area there, what I assume is a wardrobe.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- No - this is an en suite. - Ah!- Oh, even better!
0:31:58 > 0:31:59SHE GASPS
0:31:59 > 0:32:00Shower room, toilet...
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Then you've got two very nice guest rooms, both doubles,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07and a family bathroom at the end of the hall.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- This is wonderful.- Yeah - this works.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Really nice, really nice.
0:32:12 > 0:32:13It's got a nice feel to it -
0:32:13 > 0:32:16it has that slight sort of feel of the Victorian.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Big, high ceilings, lots of light.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21I'm getting a good feel from this house.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Yeah. Yeah, I think it's fantastic.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Shall we take a look outside at your outside space -
0:32:26 > 0:32:29you do get a garden as well - and maybe talk about money?
0:32:29 > 0:32:30Fantastic, yeah.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Both Denise and Peter are clearly bowled over
0:32:37 > 0:32:39by this striking mews property so far
0:32:39 > 0:32:42and I've no doubt that the large, low-maintenance garden
0:32:42 > 0:32:43won't disappoint.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48It's extraordinary, this church at the bottom of your garden.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Sir Henry obviously had this vision
0:32:50 > 0:32:54of a perfect little village community with its own church.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55Do they ring the bells?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58They don't - that's a private dwelling now, it's a home.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- Is it really? Gosh.- Amazing.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Obviously, this is your garden,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05but clearly, you've got to be quite friendly with your neighbours,
0:33:05 > 0:33:06one on each side.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09But you have, as a resident of the estate,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12access to the 350 acres.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16So you can, you know, walk around those at your leisure -
0:33:16 > 0:33:20including two pathways which take you straight down to the beach.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Oh! Incredible!- You're kidding! - You can walk to the beach.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- Oh, yeah - that sounds good to me. - Pretty amazing, isn't it?
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- I didn't even realise we were that close.- Yeah.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30So what do you think it's on the market for?
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- 370?- I'd be amazed if it's less than 400, 420.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38Peter, you think we're very mean,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40showing you a property so above your budget!
0:33:40 > 0:33:42This is actually right on your budget -
0:33:42 > 0:33:45it's on at £375,000.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- I won!- Incredible. That's amazing.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51So you could have your slice of the Rousdon Estate.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- That's really surprising.- Yeah.
0:33:54 > 0:33:55Why don't you have a look inside?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- We skirted round upstairs quite quickly.- Yeah.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59I'll see you at the front.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- OK.- Thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06That...is a good mystery house.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13With a guide price of £375,000,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16the mystery property is a spacious mews house
0:34:16 > 0:34:20that makes up part of an exclusive 350-acre estate.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23A high-quality, two-storey conversion,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27it features a large kitchen-diner, open plan sitting room,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29as well as three good-sized bedrooms,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31including an en-suite master.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I think it's safe to say that both our buyers
0:34:34 > 0:34:36are quite taken with this unique proposition.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43I'm very excited about the property - it's such an unusual consideration
0:34:43 > 0:34:48and I just think we should really think about it seriously.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51My head's spinning like a roulette wheel!
0:34:51 > 0:34:52It really has just gone crazy.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56I mean, it's nothing that I would even have possibly considered,
0:34:56 > 0:34:58you know, until having seen it.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It's just so, so different and I'm really in a...
0:35:01 > 0:35:03HE LAUGHS
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- ..off me head at the moment, basically.- Befuddled.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09I am. I just...it's just difficult to put in words,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12cos I don't know, you know, what to say,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14because it's just blown me away.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17That marks the end of Denise and Peter's property tour
0:35:17 > 0:35:19around Dorset and east Devon,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23but in 2002, we were in this same glorious spot,
0:35:23 > 0:35:28helping Londoners Chris and Sue find their dream West Country escape.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32This is the first, first opportunity I've seen -
0:35:32 > 0:35:34you know, the other house and this house -
0:35:34 > 0:35:37as somewhere suitable for painting.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Half a century of the city commute had taken its toll
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and Chris in particular was longing to sit on a cliff somewhere
0:35:44 > 0:35:48to draw real land and seascapes rather than painting from photos.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52And although we didn't find them their ideal country abode,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55the experience was the catalyst that completely changed their lives,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59for they are now fully fledged Dorset residents.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03What's more, Chris's amateur pastime has evolved into his profession,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06and he and his wife run a gallery in Bridport,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08which is where I met up with them both.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Chris and Sue, it is such an honour to meet you,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16because you predate me -
0:36:16 > 0:36:19you were on the show before I existed,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21as far as Escape To The Country was concerned.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- We were, yes.- 11 years ago. - That was 11 years ago.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26It doesn't seem like it.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27I know you didn't buy one of the houses,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30but it did kind of get you down here, is that right?
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- Mm, yeah.- We had an inkling, but we didn't know it was possible.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Then once we'd done the programme, the genie was out of the bottle,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40and everything said,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43"Yes, let's try it when we're in a position to do it."
0:36:43 > 0:36:45So, we're surrounded by your art.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47This is all your beautiful art on the wall, Chris.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Are these all yours? - Yes, they are, yes.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I see the sign - they're all very different styles.
0:36:52 > 0:36:53Mostly, they're local views,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56purely because I've got this commercial background
0:36:56 > 0:36:58and I want to tap in on that, really, I suppose.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Do you mean you want to do things that people will buy?
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Yeah, yeah.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06I...I call myself an artist with a small "a",
0:37:06 > 0:37:08but I've got a kind of marketing background,
0:37:08 > 0:37:09so I would like to sell some.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11If you imagine what it would be like
0:37:11 > 0:37:13to move down and open a little gallery,
0:37:13 > 0:37:14- this is kind of how you imagine it. - Mm.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Has there been any regrets? Have you missed London?
0:37:18 > 0:37:22- No - we've been back twice.- Twice? - Twice in five years.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25We still get a buzz, but it's nice to come home.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26And it was home -
0:37:26 > 0:37:28as soon as we moved here, it was home.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Have there been any difficulties, any problems?
0:37:30 > 0:37:33If you were giving some advice to some of our escapees...?
0:37:33 > 0:37:35You may have a dream, but you've got to be flexible.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- Right.- Because you don't know that dream until you're in it.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I want to experience more of the inspiring Dorset environment
0:37:44 > 0:37:48that is now home to Chris and Sue 24/7.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51So leaving Sue behind to look after the gallery -
0:37:51 > 0:37:53and armed with sketch pads and pencils -
0:37:53 > 0:37:57we're off for a mini art class at nearby Charmouth Beach
0:37:57 > 0:38:01which has one of the best vantage points of the hill and cliff
0:38:01 > 0:38:03at Golden Cap.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And, at this moment, I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- So, this is the Golden Gap.- Yes.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12It's the highest spot on the south coast.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- Really?- Yeah.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16And this is your preferred view to draw?
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Do you have any preferences? - I like comfort.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- I'm not a great person for going out with piles of kit and...- No?- No.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- You don't have an easel? - I have an easel, I have easels...
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I was wanting a smock or, at the very least, a hat.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Anything can be arranged.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35- Any tips?- Um...
0:38:35 > 0:38:41It doesn't matter what you draw, as long as it resembles what you see.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44And it doesn't matter if anybody else doesn't see it.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46If you enjoy doing it, then that's a good drawing.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- I like your style. - I always start with a horizon.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Chris not only lives in the heart
0:38:52 > 0:38:55of Dorset's historic coast and countryside,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59but he also successfully uses his surroundings as his career,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02depicting the county's iconic landmarks and views,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05such as the nearby harbour at West Bay...
0:39:06 > 0:39:10..and further east along the coast, towards Abbotsbury.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18I'm liking what you're doing, but I shouldn't copy you.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20I should draw what I see.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25It's interesting, because you see you're much less fearless
0:39:25 > 0:39:27about putting in all the details.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30It's all there - you can tell where it is.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- I think it's brilliant - well done. - Thank you.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36So, I can understand why you'd want to make this your life,
0:39:36 > 0:39:38as opposed to the rat race of London.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Yes.- Any regrets?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Um...
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Other than I should have - or we should have -
0:39:45 > 0:39:47done it a lot sooner.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49That's a pretty good regret.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52After savouring some of the more relaxing elements
0:39:52 > 0:39:54of Chris's daily life here in Dorset,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56I'm definitely sold.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59But it's time to find out if this magical county -
0:39:59 > 0:40:01or, indeed, any of our properties -
0:40:01 > 0:40:04have worked their charm on our present house hunters.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08I think we've got a clear winner -
0:40:08 > 0:40:10the mystery house seems to win hands down.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Peter and Denise are in a great position -
0:40:12 > 0:40:14they've got an offer on their house in Epsom
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and they're ready to move, but we just need to find out
0:40:17 > 0:40:19whether they're really going to go for this lovely house
0:40:19 > 0:40:21that we've found them - let's find out.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I've shown you all the houses, and I have a very strong feeling
0:40:27 > 0:40:29that the mystery house is in the lead -
0:40:29 > 0:40:31the other two houses, not so much. Is that right?
0:40:31 > 0:40:33The mystery house is a real contender,
0:40:33 > 0:40:34yes, you're right.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I didn't particularly warm to either of the first two houses,
0:40:38 > 0:40:39for various reasons -
0:40:39 > 0:40:44the remoteness of the first house, and it was obviously semi-detached,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47and the second house needed a lot of work doing to it,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50and it would have entailed renting and complete renovation
0:40:50 > 0:40:51while that was being done,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53so it would have been a lot of pressure.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54You're in a good position,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56cos you got an offer on your house in Epsom.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00- We have, mm-hm.- Do you think about making a move on the mystery house?
0:41:00 > 0:41:02What are your thought about it?
0:41:02 > 0:41:05We are going to talk about it tonight
0:41:05 > 0:41:12and...weigh up the...all of the good points and the not-so-good points
0:41:12 > 0:41:15and, uh...yeah, discuss our future.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16You can choose where you live,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- but you can't choose your neighbours.- Very true.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23And the concept is totally different to what we were expecting
0:41:23 > 0:41:26and it really has sent my head into a total spin,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29so it does need an awful lot of consideration
0:41:29 > 0:41:31before we commit to that sort of thing.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Yeah, we did parachute you
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- into a completely different concept of living.- You certainly did!
0:41:36 > 0:41:37But it was well worth it,
0:41:37 > 0:41:42because it helped us appreciate what we want and what we don't want.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44And on the positive side,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47what has it, sort of, clarified for you that you do want?
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It's absolutely confirmed what we first thought -
0:41:50 > 0:41:53that we just love Dorset/East Devon.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56And it is definitely going to be the place where we want to live.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Do let us know what you decide and what happens with your house.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- Yes, we will.- We certainly will.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- Of course.- Thank you very much for your help
0:42:03 > 0:42:04- Thank you.- Cheers.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11One of the great joys of my job is bringing people down
0:42:11 > 0:42:14from the hubbub of the London suburbs to this,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16like our two escapees, Chris and Sue,
0:42:16 > 0:42:18from ten years ago on the show.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20And you know what? I think that Peter and Denise
0:42:20 > 0:42:22are going to be joining their number -
0:42:22 > 0:42:25give or take a few quibbles about the mystery house,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27I think we managed to hook them.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31Join us next time for more successful episodes
0:42:31 > 0:42:32of Escape To The Country.
0:42:34 > 0:42:35On reflection, Peter and Denise
0:42:35 > 0:42:38decided not to pursue the mystery property,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40but the good news is that they have had an offer accepted
0:42:40 > 0:42:42on another Dorset property,
0:42:42 > 0:42:44so we wish them well with their move.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:47 > 0:42:50in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
0:42:50 > 0:42:52or even further afield to the continent,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and need our help, please apply online at...