0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05Now this gorgeous pool behind me
0:00:05 > 0:00:09may look like the quintessential picture of peace and serenity,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13but about 200 years ago it was a hive of industrial activity
0:00:13 > 0:00:16with men furiously digging. But for what? And where?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41On today's show I'll be helping an island-hopping spiritual healer
0:00:41 > 0:00:44find peace in the countryside, ably assisted by his daughter.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47We hit the spot...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Oh, this is... This is it!
0:00:49 > 0:00:50This is...wow.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- It's the perfect size for you, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54And leave them stumped.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56You're a bit lost for words!
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I'm a bit speechless, yeah. I am.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Well, today we're in Dorset and this
0:01:03 > 0:01:07is the aptly named Blue Pool at Furzebrook just outside Wareham.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Since the days of the Romans, this area has been a rich source of
0:01:10 > 0:01:12what is known as Purbeck Ball Clay.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Since the early 1600s, it was much in demand for producing clay pipes
0:01:16 > 0:01:20following the introduction of tobacco from the Americas.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23And as our love affair with tea increased in the 1700s,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27the likes of Wedgwood turned it into teapots and teacups
0:01:27 > 0:01:30to grace some of the finest homes in the country.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34This particular clay pit behind me was begun in 1840,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but within 20 years they'd finished work here,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39and left behind this amazing blue lagoon.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42And it's the clay in the water that still exists
0:01:42 > 0:01:46that gives it this amazing turquoise colour.
0:01:46 > 0:01:47It is a real gem,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51that just goes to show that this region is full of hidden surprises.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Dorset, bordered by four counties
0:01:55 > 0:02:00is sandwiched between Hampshire in the east and Somerset in the west,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04and its geographical location offers the best of countryside and coast
0:02:04 > 0:02:07with 42 percent of the county designated as protected
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Its shores encompassed the 95 mile long Jurassic coastline
0:02:16 > 0:02:18whose 180 million year old prehistoric cliffs
0:02:18 > 0:02:21have earned it World Heritage status
0:02:21 > 0:02:23and include the remote stretch of Chesil Beach
0:02:23 > 0:02:26and the secluded Lulworth Cove.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Looking inland, farming has shaped Dorset's rural landscape
0:02:30 > 0:02:33with lowland areas defined by lush pasture land
0:02:33 > 0:02:37feeding their county's dairy industry.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Unsurprisingly, 80% of this agricultural splendour
0:02:40 > 0:02:42falls within a natural conservation area.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It's no wonder then, that Dorset exerts
0:02:45 > 0:02:48such a powerful pull on property shoppers,
0:02:48 > 0:02:49looking to find a permanent home
0:02:49 > 0:02:52in this wonderful mix of glorious scenery.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02Now, Dorset's desirability does come at a cost.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05£316,000 is what you'll have to pay
0:03:05 > 0:03:08for your average detached property here -
0:03:08 > 0:03:11that's some 60 grand above the national figure.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14But as with all statistics, there are things that can skew them,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18and here, well, it comes in the form of Sandbanks near Poole.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Multi-million pound properties that represent some of the most
0:03:21 > 0:03:24expensive real estate in the UK.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27But don't panic if you haven't got seven figures to hand,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30head north to Wimborne or indeed around Blandford Forum
0:03:30 > 0:03:32and you will certainly find plenty,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34not only that will take your breath away,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37but would also make your money go that little bit further.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39So, time now to meet today's buyers
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and find out why they think Dorset is the county for them.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Since the year 2000, retired IT consultant John
0:03:48 > 0:03:51has lived in busy Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
0:03:51 > 0:03:53close to his daughter Sarah,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55but he feels the time is right to swap the high street
0:03:55 > 0:03:57for a quieter spot in the countryside.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Bembridge is a lovely, lovely place,
0:04:01 > 0:04:06but over the years it's got more and more and more busy.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08The traffic is getting bigger and bigger,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11so for me it's not as quiet as I would have liked it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17And John has signed up his daughter to assist in his search for a new home.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Sarah's been my... I would say, my closest friend.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It's two good mates, isn't it?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Yeah, we do get on very well. - We're good mates.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29And I don't preach any more. I don't tell her what to do.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37I will help Dad find his next property by being honest, I think,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and practical about it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Having lost his wife just over six years ago,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47John has a new lady in his life but she lives on the mainland,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51prompting his desire to leave the island.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Ingrid lives in Weymouth,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and I want to be near her,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57because she's very special to me.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01It's been difficult because of the expense of the ferry crossings.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04The logistics of it are just quite difficult to manage,
0:05:04 > 0:05:05to get from here to Weymouth.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08So, it makes sense for Dad to be over there.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14When it comes to the new home, John is very specific about what he's after.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I think the priority is a nice quiet spot.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23My ideal property would be a nice low-slung cottage.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I'm not keen on thatch,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28what with the insurance problems and all that sort of thing.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Its energies are quite important, and the feel.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36It's not so much the bricks and mortar - that's not important -
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I'm not after chocolate box stuff.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44An important element in the new home is the kitchen.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I am passionate about my cooking.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I've been cooking Indian food - well, cooking food -
0:05:50 > 0:05:52since I was about three.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55We love cooking huge banquets together.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We'll cook about 15 dishes, you know.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00And also playing a key role in the property search
0:06:00 > 0:06:04is spiritual healing - something close to John's heart.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06My biggest passion - it's my life now, vocation,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10whatever you want to call it - is healing.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14The healing that I do has not got a label on it, not like others.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18I just try and keep it very simple and very straightforward,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22and I work on the basis that there is a cosmic energy which drives everything.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25So a healing room is very important.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28It doesn't have to be a bland empty box or anything,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31it just needs a room that feels right.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36All that's left to discover are the finances for the move.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40My budget for the move - £350,000.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45John has asked us to concentrate our search around the south coast,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49to be within reasonable distance of his partner Ingrid in Weymouth.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51I met up with him and his daughter Sarah
0:06:51 > 0:06:54to find out more about his property hunt.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56This is an interesting tale, really.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59You're escaping the Isle of Wight!
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I'm actually moving here to break out with the healing side,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06and take that a bit more seriously now. And, erm...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I found a partner three years ago
0:07:08 > 0:07:11and we've really hit it off together.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15She lives in Weymouth, so it was an opportunity to bring the two together.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19What sort of travelling time are we trying to get within?
0:07:19 > 0:07:20About 20 minutes to half an hour.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Sarah, are you the voice of reason - dare I say - in all of this?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26He's the one who's going to feel the energy, but, yes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I'm giving him the advice.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31But in terms of practicalities... Bedrooms-wise, what...?
0:07:31 > 0:07:32Three bedrooms.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34I don't need any more than that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I know that you've been quite anxious about the idea
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- of a thatched property.- Yeah.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43I mean, my reservations are obviously how long the thatch has been there.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48I don't want a £30,000 build cropping up in two or three years.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50If it's a thatched place, it's got to be relatively new.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Right, then, so you've got £350,000 to spend,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58we've got three, I think, really interesting properties to show you.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59I think we should make a move.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07For a budget of £350,000, John is looking for three bedrooms,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09a separate room to use for his spiritual healing,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12a good-sized kitchen diner,
0:08:12 > 0:08:13a quiet village location
0:08:13 > 0:08:18and all within half an hour of his partner Ingrid in Weymouth.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20We have three gorgeous properties for John,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24and after each tour we will see if he can guess the price.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Our final offering is a mystery house which,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28although it might not be on his radar,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31could totally change his outlook.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34So, we began our search with our first property.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37What other interests are you hoping to pursue down here?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41I've always had a fascination for working with wood and glass.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47So working with the two together would be an ideal.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50It's something you could have a bit of pride in,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and it doesn't take up a lot of space.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- You're clearly a very positive man, John.- Oh, yeah.
0:08:56 > 0:09:03And I get the sense that you are pretty optimistic about this week.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Yes, it will all come together.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11We're heading west to the village of Netherbury,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13close to the town of Beaminster,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16about 40 minutes from his partner in Weymouth.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Netherbury is a peaceful village beside the river Brit
0:09:20 > 0:09:22in a designated conservation area,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25and in a region known for its stone houses and cottages.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27For the essential day-to-day supplies,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31the nearby market town of Beaminster is only two miles down the road.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Property number one, a detached period stone house,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39sits in a quiet hedge-lined lane in the heart of Netherbury village.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Hey. - What do you make of that?
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Well, that's a wow. - Yes?- That is beautiful.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- You got a wow out of me! - How about that?- Already!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49We haven't been in yet!
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Central front door, rooms either side...- Yep.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Pretty, isn't it?- It is really pretty, yeah.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58What do you think Ingrid would make of it?
0:09:58 > 0:10:00I think she would really love it.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03We're off to a great start, with a "wow" for the exterior
0:10:03 > 0:10:06and so far it's hitting all the right spots.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10As we head inside, I've got a good feeling about this house.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Let's hope John does, too.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Well, John, I thought we'd start in here.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Now, obviously, this is set up as their dining room,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21but I thought we'd tackle the business of having somewhere
0:10:21 > 0:10:23for you to work with the healing first.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Yeah. This would be perfect.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29There's a sense of quietness in this room as soon as you walk into it.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Is the road an issue? I mean, you can't really hear it, can you?
0:10:33 > 0:10:37There is some secondary... double-glazing there, too.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Let's keep going. Follow me across the hallway.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43So this is your main living room, John.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Oh, yes.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49This is just the right size.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I think I said I don't want anything too big.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- We can get six of us in here, no problem.- Yeah.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57And it's all done as you can see.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58The finishes are really nice.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Another lovely working fireplace there.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03No, the room is neutral.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06You know, so there's nothing here that would disturb me.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Well, Sarah's smiling, so I think it's all good news.- I like it.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Oh, it is lovely. - Yeah?- Yes.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- And then this is the kitchen/diner, John.- Oh, this is it.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22This is... wow.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- It's a perfect size for you, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Very simple space, this. Nothing's very cluttered.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Lines are very clean, it's all done.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31It's really nice, actually.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It's been done really well.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- We do need to see upstairs. - Mm.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- Yes.- To draw this picture together, don't we?
0:11:39 > 0:11:40- We do.- Indeed.- OK.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45The house has delivered the perfect kitchen,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48and so far no negative vibes at all from the downstairs.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50So let's hope that continues.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Up on the first floor
0:11:52 > 0:11:55there is one good-sized and another slightly smaller double bedroom,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57and a small single.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Then, up another few steps is the master bedroom.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Ah, yes. This has got to be the master, hasn't it?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Yes, indeed.- This is good. This is good.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Next door is a really lovely bathroom.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Just been all done.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16So, again, nothing really to have to do.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18No. You could just move in here.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20But what about the practical side, Sarah?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22The rooms are manageable.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I think you'd manage quite well. You wouldn't feel overwhelmed.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- And this is a lovely room. - Yeah. Definitely.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- Good. - Lovely and bright.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Well, talking about lovely and bright,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34let's get out there to the garden.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- Yeah, go into the sun. - Absolutely.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40John seems really taken with the house. Top to bottom.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43And as we head for the garden to guess the price, the sun is shining.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45It really can't get any better.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48This is a sun trap, for sure.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52You've got that sort of patio area down there,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55and then it's terraced up to this lawned area.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58And then you've got farmland and an orchard beyond.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Yeah, it's fantastic.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Well, let's have a think about the price, then.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05I would probably say...
0:13:05 > 0:13:06Mmm...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- 335.- £335,000, Sarah?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Voice of reason?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I think it's going to be a bit more.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- I would say 345.- 345.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21I would say it's close to the budget.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Actually, you've both straddled it.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Oh, right.- This is on the market at £339,500.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30That's isn't far off. That's nice.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- That's a nice price.- I'd say so. Ten grand under budget.- Yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- There's nothing really needs doing. - No.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Well, I think you should now go and explore a bit more.- Right.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Feel the energy.- Feel the energy!
0:13:43 > 0:13:45THEY CHUCKLE
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Under budget at £339,500,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53this double fronted period stone cottage will give John
0:13:53 > 0:13:55the peace he's looking for,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57along with four bedrooms,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00a quiet private space to use as a healing room,
0:14:00 > 0:14:05a good-sized kitchen/breakfast room for when the family come round.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06A generous sitting room
0:14:06 > 0:14:08and it's all set in a pretty village
0:14:08 > 0:14:10in the peaceful Dorset countryside.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- This is nice, isn't it? - It is, isn't it?- It's good.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19You could even have this as a master bedroom, really, if you wanted to.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It's got a lovely feeling to it.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24It's a very, very gentle feeling to it.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29There are issues with locations for me. Mainly the distance from Ingrid.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33I wanted to be a bit more closer, roundabout the 20-minute driving time.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Here we're a bit further than that.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I could see my dad living here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I think this is ideal for him.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45The rooms are just the right size, they're cosy.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48There is a room he could definitely use as a healing room.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- I think that went rather well, John. - Brilliant, absolutely superb.- Yeah?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- A good start, Sarah? - Yeah, very good start.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00It couldn't get better, really, could it?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- It might, it's still shining. Come on!- It is, isn't it? Wow!
0:15:07 > 0:15:10For centuries Dorset's countryside has been home to traditional
0:15:10 > 0:15:14craftsmanship skills that underpin country life.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16But with shifting employment trends,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20these practices are in danger of dying out.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24However, artisans at the Dorset Centre for Rural Skills near Child Okeford
0:15:24 > 0:15:27have been reviving and teaching traditional crafts.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Mindful of John's creative streak,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33we sent him, and daughter Sarah, to meet founder, Rob Buckley.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38Well, welcome to DCRS, the Dorset Centre for Rural Skills.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41This is one of the workshops where we run courses.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Is there anything you're particularly interested in?
0:15:44 > 0:15:49I have always had this passion, since I was a child, to do something with glass.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- I think it's fascinating.- Yes.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53If you want to come down this way to the studio,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57one of our tutors has got something very special lined up for you.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- That's wonderful.- Oh, fantastic. - If we head on down here.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The aim of the Centre is to give craftspeople the opportunity
0:16:05 > 0:16:08to pass on their skills whilst maintaining a business.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Running courses such as hedge-laying, blacksmithing and glass blowing.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Local glass-blower Emsie Sharp has been running her own studio for over
0:16:17 > 0:16:20ten years, having learnt her craft around the world,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23including three years in Murano, Venice,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26the centre for glass blowing.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Have fun.- Thank you very much, lovely to meet you. Cheers. Bye-bye.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Come in.- Okey-dokey.- Thank you.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- So you've come to have a go at glass blowing, have you?- Yes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40We're going to try a bauble.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42This is one my son made, who's six.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- If he can do it, you can do it.- Exactly!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50The glass, a mix of 24% lead and silica,
0:16:50 > 0:16:54has to be in the furnace for 24 hours, making sure
0:16:54 > 0:16:57it's approximately 1,100 degrees Centigrade
0:16:57 > 0:16:59and pliable enough to be worked.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Keep turning, that's it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Got it.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Colour is achieved by rolling the molten glass in ground metal
0:17:08 > 0:17:09oxides which impregnate it.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Over to the heat.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The glass is then returned to the heat in the glory hole
0:17:15 > 0:17:17part of the furnace, which is not as hot.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- We're melting in the colour.- Right.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Out you come, hang it down. Into the mould.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Ah, right.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Now I want you to blow as hard as you can
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- and turn at the same time.- OK.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Steep angle.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Turning and blowing, turning and blowing.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Speed is the key in glass blowing as it's imperative to
0:17:44 > 0:17:48get the glass shaped before it cools down.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Yes, here it comes already. Good, keep going.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54And it's essential to keep turning the pipe to avoid the fluid
0:17:54 > 0:17:57glass dropping off the end.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Lovely. OK?- Yeah.- See that.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Not a bad attempt.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Now for the finishing touch.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Tweezers there?- Snip, yeah. And again.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Lovely.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15A little hook.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Hurray!
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Great. Beautiful bauble.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Thank you, Emsie, that was really, really good.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27After their insight into Dorset's rural craft heritage,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30let's hope John and Sarah can continue to plough their creative
0:18:30 > 0:18:33gusto into a house-hunting quest.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39For our second property we're travelling east to the
0:18:39 > 0:18:43centre of the county to the village of Hilton, near to the town
0:18:43 > 0:18:46of Blandford Forum, around half an hour from Weymouth.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50The pretty village of Hilton with its 15th century Gothic church
0:18:50 > 0:18:52is in the heart of the Dorset countryside
0:18:52 > 0:18:57and is littered with picture postcard thatched cottages, typical of the area.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Bearing in mind John's aversion to thatched roofs,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04we're taking a chance here in order to give him extra space.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08House number two is a Grade II listed semi-detached cottage
0:19:08 > 0:19:11that has undergone extensive modernisation.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Now, John, look over there.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Good grief!
0:19:17 > 0:19:19That is property number two.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- That's nice, isn't it?- Yeah? What do you think, Sarah?
0:19:25 > 0:19:28I love it, I think it's really sweet, really pretty.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33One thing I can assure you of is what we find on the inside
0:19:33 > 0:19:35is not what you're expecting.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36OK.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40'A good reaction to the outside and John hasn't run away
0:19:40 > 0:19:44'at the sight of a thatched roof so here's hoping the configuration
0:19:44 > 0:19:47'of this extended cottage will give him the space he needs.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- Feast your eyes, John.- Good, gosh.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Gosh!
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Wow.- Wow!
0:19:56 > 0:19:58I was not expecting that.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- I told you.- You were right. - It's something else.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03It's absolutely fantastic, isn't it?
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- You are lost for words. - I'm a bit speechless, yeah. I am.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09It's not like me.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Let's see if you can find words in here. This is amazing, look at this.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17'As we leave the kitchen, we move into the new part of the cottage,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20'an extension that runs along the rear of the property adding
0:20:20 > 0:20:24'significant extra space with two large extra rooms.'
0:20:28 > 0:20:30What do you say about this?
0:20:30 > 0:20:35It's not a wow, it's more than a wow, I think. Yeah.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- They've done a fantastic job. - It's really clever, isn't it?
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Come and soak up the atmosphere, it's quite a lot, to be honest,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44to take on.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49It is so different to probably what any of us were expecting.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54It's this mix of contemporary and old and thatched
0:20:54 > 0:20:59and it would take me a time, I think, to get adjusted to it.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03'Onwards to the rest of the extension
0:21:03 > 0:21:05'that offers an option for John's healing area.'
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Now here on the other side of the pod you've got a wet room.- Gosh.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17This, which is currently,
0:21:17 > 0:21:18the master bedroom.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Nice, isn't it?- Very nice.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26If you were prepared to compromise on your bedroom and go upstairs,
0:21:26 > 0:21:31this might lend itself to being your treatment room.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33That's true. That makes sense.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39'The upstairs is within the original part of the cottage
0:21:39 > 0:21:41'with its more period configuration.'
0:21:42 > 0:21:47Now it's up here, guys, that we really start to go back in time.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Much more of that cottagey feel. - Yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51Come into this one.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It's nice.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Now really here we have two bedrooms that are pretty much the same size.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00This one and one next door.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Quite a nice family bathroom up here.- Mmm.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- In all, it's a three bedroomed house.- Yeah.- OK.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10This is where the compromise might be
0:22:10 > 0:22:16if you decide to use that amazing master suite as your treatment room.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17Yeah.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Yeah, it would be an option, though.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Come on, let's go and get some fresh air.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28'As we head outside, I get the feeling John is finding this
0:22:28 > 0:22:31'combination of the old and new slightly confusing.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35'It remains to be seen if he's willing to concede on bedroom size
0:22:35 > 0:22:37'in order to get his healing room.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:41You see, this John, I think this is where
0:22:41 > 0:22:43it really starts to make sense.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47It seems to blend, it's a nice contrast with the thatch.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49You know what's coming now, don't you?
0:22:49 > 0:22:50It's Sarah's turn first.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I'm going to say, 360.- 360.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55I know it's above budget, but...
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I think, potentially, it could be spot on budget about 350.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Mm-hm.- But I'm being optimistic there, I think.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- It's 325.- Good grief!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- No way, really?- How about it?- Wow!
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It changes the equation yet again.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Well, you go and do the maths and I'll catch up with you later.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Yeah, OK.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20This Grade II listed thatch cottage comes in under
0:23:20 > 0:23:23budget at £325,000.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25With a mix of contemporary and traditional features,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29and gives John three bedrooms, with a master ensuite.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33A large kitchen/breakfast room, a bright and airy sitting room,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37a manageable garden and all within an attractive village location.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41If you are going to compromise with downstairs
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I don't think either of these two are big enough.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44- No.- For you.- Yeah.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48I love it, I just don't know whether it's the house for you.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I mean, really, what do you feel about it?
0:23:51 > 0:23:56I don't know, I just don't have that sort of feeling.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01Well, the bedroom, absolutely stunning.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04I would die for that. It is beautiful.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09When I walked into the living room, it literally knocked me back.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I had to step back a little bit.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16This is lovely uber-modern and all the rest of it
0:24:16 > 0:24:19but there's a bit too much space here.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21It may be a bit too modern for him downstairs.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25I think, then upstairs, it was a bit too small and cottagey for him.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29I think his mind is still trying to work out how that would work for him.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32This has definitely got the wow factor, this house.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I'm not sure it was the right wow for him.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- We've had quite an exciting day, I think.- We have.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42Ready for a celebratory drink to finish our first day.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Phor!- Absolutely.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Come on.- Lead me to it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02It's day two of our house hunt with John from Bembridge
0:25:02 > 0:25:05on the Isle of Wight who has £350,000 to spend
0:25:05 > 0:25:07on his Dorset retreat.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Coming up, we get the right vibe from the mystery house.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15This one, for me, does send zinging things around.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19'And I try to meet a very slippery countryside resident.'
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- Are you sure there is anything living in here?- Definitely.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30You know we do get to work in some fantastic locations on the show
0:25:30 > 0:25:33and, as always, Dorset has not disappointed us.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Just take a look at that.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and over in mist, Lyme Bay and the rest of the coast
0:25:41 > 0:25:44to the south-west, stretching off into the distance.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48The beginning of any working day doesn't get much better than this.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51When we finished up yesterday at property two
0:25:51 > 0:25:54John said that he was feeling somewhat perplexed.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57As we are over halfway through our house tours,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00I think we need to transform that sense of confusion
0:26:00 > 0:26:02into some sort of conclusion.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Maybe value for money is the key.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Let's find out.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08It's mystery house time.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12For the mystery house we're staying in the area,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16travelling a few miles down the road to the village of Milton Abbas.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Milton Abbas is a picture perfect 18th-century model village.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Thatched cottages equally spaced apart run either side
0:26:25 > 0:26:28of one Main Street, interspersed with village shops,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30a pub and post office.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34It has, however, an unusual history having begun life
0:26:34 > 0:26:37as Middleton village, half a mile down the road
0:26:37 > 0:26:39on the Milton Abbey estate.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44The Lord of the estate didn't like the look of Middleton, so he razed it to the ground
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and moved everyone to a new site, now known as Milton Abbas.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52The man responsible was called Lord Damer
0:26:52 > 0:26:58and in 1772 he asked one Capability Brown to redesign the estate.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02He moved the village and produced this, well, amazing vista.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It is, it's fantastic, isn't it? Beautiful.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08If you like all this you're going to love our mystery house
0:27:08 > 0:27:10because it's just down the road
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- and this will be your local port of call.- That's good.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Come on, let's show you the property.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19'A short walk away at the bottom end of the village lies
0:27:19 > 0:27:23'the mystery house, a Grade II listed semi-detached cottage
0:27:23 > 0:27:26'that may test John's ability to compromise.'
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Oh, that is...
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Yeah, gobsmacked as they say in Liverpool.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- Lovely?- Yeah. It's gorgeous.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- You don't get the whole thing. - Oh, right.- It is a semi.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39It's lovely.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Does it have the right sort of feeling?- It does.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44'An amazing reaction,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48'especially considering John's reluctance for a thatched roof.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50'He seems to have come full circle.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53'However, the acid test is to come, as we head for the kitchen,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55'a room high on his agenda.'
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Come in, John.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Now...
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Not a massive kitchen/diner.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- No.- Not a diner.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09You know we can't have everything, can we? It's about compromise.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- What are you thinking?- I thought you would say "no" immediately.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- I'm really surprised, pleasantly surprised.- Yeah.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- No, because of the kitchen size? - Yeah, I thought that would just be...
0:28:19 > 0:28:21But compromise is good.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- It has three bedrooms.- Mm-hm.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- Two of them are on the ground floor. - Yeah.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I think we should try and have a look at one of those next.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34'John's U-turn by compromising on the kitchen dining space
0:28:34 > 0:28:35'has taken us by surprise
0:28:35 > 0:28:38'as I thought it would be a substantial sticking point.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41'Let's hope the good vibes continue with the possible
0:28:41 > 0:28:43'space for the healing room.'
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- This is nice and light, isn't it? - Isn't it? Gosh, yeah.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50And you get a nice view out to the trees.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- Next door also has a light well like that.- Yes.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58This is bigger, it's set up as a twin and next door is the bathroom.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- You just get that lovely feeling, it's very grounded.- Mmm.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05That's probably because of the age of the property.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08The living room is a real seller, come and have a look.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10That sounds intriguing.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Now on the way, is the dining room.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Oh, yeah.- That's nice.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20It's not a kitchen/diner but it is a kitchen with a diner.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- Wow!- Yeah.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- Oh, gosh.- You like that?- Yeah. Definitely.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27- Cosy, isn't it?- It is.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- That's rather nice, the little window seat there.- That's lovely.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35This one, for me, does send zinging things around, you know.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39But the head is still saying, "You don't want semi
0:29:39 > 0:29:41"and you don't want this and you don't want..."
0:29:41 > 0:29:44The heart is saying, "Hang on, let's just..."
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Is he given to following his head, or his heart?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- He's a heart man.- I thought so, yeah. - Yeah, definitely.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54We have got you quite a nice master bedroom upstairs,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- so you've got your own little domain there.- That's good.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- Let's have a look at that. - That's important.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02'The mystery seems to be coming up trumps,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05'not just on a practical level but spiritually too.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08'Onwards upstairs to see if the bedrooms
0:30:08 > 0:30:10'have the zing factor as well.'
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- Do you like this?- Yeah.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Oh, yeah.- That's really sweet. - It's nice.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- You're beaming, aren't you?- I am.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I've never seen you so happy.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24And across the landing, effectively an ensuite dressing room, really.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Shower in there and so on.- Yeah, it's really cosy.- It's really cosy.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32I think it's a happy coincidence that, actually, our final property seems to fit more.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35It is all kind of here, spatially, for you.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38And it has the character and similar, better energy,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40than number one did.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- So...- Which you really liked. - Yeah, I did like.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- Ah...- So, yeah, this is lovely.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'With the energy flowing, we head outside to the garden
0:30:50 > 0:30:52'as it's time to guess the price.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- What do you think, John?- There it is, the pond.- Your water feature.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- The water, yeah.- You love water.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00That's... Listen...
0:31:00 > 0:31:02WATER TRICKLES
0:31:02 > 0:31:07Now the garden itself also continues up beyond this other terrace
0:31:07 > 0:31:09here and way up towards the wood line.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I think this one is going to blow my budget.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18It's going to be above 365.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20365, Sarah?
0:31:21 > 0:31:25I'm being more optimistic and I'm going to say it's on budget at 350.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- At 350.- Mmm.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31It could be yours for offers in excess
0:31:31 > 0:31:33of £300,000.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Good grief!
0:31:36 > 0:31:41That is incredible. Gosh, I know I would be so happy here.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45The feeling of this place is quite incredible.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- This is the one.- Yeah. - Oh, yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Well, there is a bit more that you haven't seen and it's up that hill.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- Beautiful views, go and check it out and I will find you later.- OK.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'The charm of this 18th century Grade II listed mystery cottage
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'seems to have completely won John over and is well within budget
0:32:07 > 0:32:11'with offers required in excess of £300,000.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15'It gives him three bedrooms, including a decent sized master
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'with the option to convert one into a healing room.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21'A characterful living room with inglenook fireplace,
0:32:21 > 0:32:26'a peaceful garden, including ornamental pond and secluded patio.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28'Views over the glorious Dorset countryside
0:32:28 > 0:32:32'and all within reasonable distance to his partner, Ingrid, in Weymouth.'
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- It's a nice space, isn't it? - It is, isn't it?
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Can you see yourself healing up here? - Oh, yeah.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43This has totally blown me.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45- I know I said that yesterday. - I know.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49This is a very positive thing. Very positive.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53The kitchen, perhaps I would have liked a kitchen/diner
0:32:53 > 0:32:56but actually that kitchen is perfectly adequate for cooking.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59The living room is just, it's just so fantastic
0:32:59 > 0:33:02and there's a lovely energy in the whole thing.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Wherever you go on this property, there's a feeling of flow of energy.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Timing point of view, from Weymouth, we're only looking at 20,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12maybe 25 minutes.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17I think I've got a very clear idea of where I want to be.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24This has changed his whole outlook and he's willing to compromise.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28There's something about it that he feels is right for him.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31He's just walked through the whole house saying, "Yeah, I love this.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33"I'd love it, I can feel it."
0:33:33 > 0:33:36If he's happy with that, so am I and I share that.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40I think it's really, really cosy and lovely. A really lovely house.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- Out you come, sir. Madam. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Wow, what a few days we've had, John.- What a journey.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49- What a journey.- Mm.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52It's not quite over yet, you've got it all to think about now.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56So off you go, let's hope you've resolved that confusion.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Yeah.- I'll catch up with you later.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Thanks.- Brilliant.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04That is it as far as our house tours go for John and for Sarah
0:34:04 > 0:34:07but if we have managed to whet your appetite as to what
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Dorset has to offer,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12here's a little taster of what's on the market right now.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16If you want to put down roots in Dorset, you can
0:34:16 > 0:34:19still secure the village life with period stone cottages
0:34:19 > 0:34:22such as this two bedroomed terraced house in Pymore,
0:34:22 > 0:34:27just north of Bridport on the market for £210,000.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Should your budget stretch a little further,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32then this Georgian Grade II listed three bedroomed semi
0:34:32 > 0:34:35in the classic picture postcard village of Bradford Peverell
0:34:35 > 0:34:37is full of character.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43This home is available for offers in excess of £395,000.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47If the classic thatched cottage is your idea of a country retreat,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49but you're looking for modern conveniences,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52then how about this 10-year-old four bedroomed hamstone property,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55mixing contemporary fittings with period character
0:34:55 > 0:34:59inviting offers in excess of £625,000.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08At the beginning of the 19th century, heathland covered
0:35:08 > 0:35:10most of South East Dorset
0:35:10 > 0:35:12but today some 86% has been lost.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16It's important to conserve these areas as it's this environment
0:35:16 > 0:35:18which is home to specialist plants and animals,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22including all six of our native reptiles.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24'Today I've come to Arne,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27'a heathland nature reserve near Wareham on the south coast
0:35:27 > 0:35:29'to meet Michael Wilson from the RSPB
0:35:29 > 0:35:32'to find out more about these cold-blooded creatures
0:35:32 > 0:35:34'and, hopefully, meet some.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Now the headline that there are six reptiles in the British Isles
0:35:38 > 0:35:41was news to me, I have to confess, and I'm surprised, in a way,
0:35:41 > 0:35:43that there are so many.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It's amazing, there's actually three lizards, three snakes.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50So we've got slow worms, common lizards, sand lizards,
0:35:50 > 0:35:52grass snake, adder and smooth snake.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Here Arne is a hotspot for them, really.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57I have to confess, probably like most people,
0:35:57 > 0:35:59I have a slight reservation about snakes.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Should I be cautious, are there any that are dangerous in any way?
0:36:03 > 0:36:06The only venomous reptile is the adder
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and really it's more scared of us that we should be of it, really.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It will only bite if it's threatened,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14if someone accidentally stands on it, something like that.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Well, what is it about this particular reserve that makes it
0:36:17 > 0:36:20work as a home for this rare collection?
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Lowland heath is an extremely rare habitat. It's dry here.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27We're obviously at the southern edge of the country.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30They just really like that sort of habitat.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32How big an area does this cover?
0:36:32 > 0:36:36We've got about 1,200 acres that we currently manage here at the moment.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37So, yeah, big area.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40A fair bit to get around, we better get a move on! Come on.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42THEY LAUGH
0:36:42 > 0:36:46'Up on the heath, the RSPB monitor and record reptiles
0:36:46 > 0:36:50'and we're hoping to see at least one of our six native species.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54'Because of their rarity, a special licence is required to survey
0:36:54 > 0:36:56'and disturb smooth snakes and sand lizards.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59'If we do find anything, I'll leave the handling to the experts.'
0:37:02 > 0:37:04So, yeah, if you come over here, Jules,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08I'll show you our reptile surveying area we've got set up.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10All I can see is some old tin sheets.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14It does look a little bit odd but there is a serious point to this.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Reptiles are cold-blooded
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and these tins warm up first thing in the morning
0:37:18 > 0:37:20and reptiles find them as a refuge,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23so they can actually reach a decent body temperature,
0:37:23 > 0:37:24so they can be active.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Fingers crossed, see what we can see.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Take it off carefully.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31Well, there's no-one in!
0:37:31 > 0:37:35There are several more to look under so we'll see what we can find.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- They are clearly rare. - That's reptile hunting for you!
0:37:39 > 0:37:40Ah, ants.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Lots of ants.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47No.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48No.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53No.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Not a soul.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57No.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59No. No one!
0:37:59 > 0:38:01A spider.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Is it?- No.- No.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I mean, Michael, we have looked under...
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- What, 40?- About 40 tins.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18They are out here somewhere. I like to think they're watching us.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Probably laughing at us. - Probably laughing at us, yeah.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24'Thankfully, however, Michael caught a couple of reptiles
0:38:24 > 0:38:27'earlier in the day. Let's see what he's got for us.'
0:38:29 > 0:38:31The first thing I'm going to show you
0:38:31 > 0:38:34is probably the commonest reptile in Britain.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36This is a slow worm.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Despite appearances she's actually a lizard.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44If you grab hold of their tail it will actually lose its tail.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Just put your hand out like that.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Incredible, it seems quite happy.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Yeah, they will start being quite active because they like the warmth
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- of your hand so it'll make them more active.- There you go.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- Shall I put the lid back on there? - Yes, safely.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- What have we got in here? - That was a lizard.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04This is a snake.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Again, quite common,
0:39:07 > 0:39:11you might even find these living in your compost heaps at home.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13The biggest snake that you get in Britain
0:39:13 > 0:39:15and it's a grass snake.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- She's actually a couple of feet long. - That's incredible.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22I wasn't expecting to see anything that big, if I'm honest.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25It's incredible the way it's lying there, with its mouth wide open.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27That is a classic grass snake playing dead.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Yeah, properly playing dead.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33I'm not sure she's enjoying this experience, you better put her back.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34I think I'll put her back.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Michael, thank you very much.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40We had a frustrating search but it's lovely to see the real thing here.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45Of the six species, the adder is the only venomous reptile in the UK.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47When it comes to our cold-blooded neighbours,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49remember the golden rule.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- Look, but don't touch?- Yeah.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57'Like the creatures basking in the Dorset countryside,
0:39:57 > 0:40:01'I know our house hunters have certainly enjoyed their time here,
0:40:01 > 0:40:03'so let's find out if Sarah has managed to help John
0:40:03 > 0:40:04'come to a conclusion.'
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Well, as you can probably just make out, over there,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12John and Sarah are now coming to the end of what,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I suspect, has been a fairly detailed discussion
0:40:15 > 0:40:19and where better to have it than against the backdrop of the remains
0:40:19 > 0:40:23of Milton Abbey, set now within the grounds of Milton Abbey School.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27There's an awful lot going on around that table.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Let's go and find out what's going to happen next.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39So...
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Where are we now, Sarah, with this search?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Have we managed to do it for your dad, do you think?
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- I think you have.- Really?
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- I think you have, yes.- OK.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I'm not going to say too much because it's his decision.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I'm getting the right vibes, let's say.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Property number one had the edge, didn't it?- It did.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01It did because it had a lot of all of the parameters
0:41:01 > 0:41:03that I was looking for.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Dead on there, it was spot on.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It was perfect until today.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The mystery house seems to have changed everything.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Today wouldn't have happened quite so dramatically
0:41:13 > 0:41:18if we hadn't had that contrast from the first two properties.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It challenged maybe what I was thinking.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22What am I trying to do, what's my purpose?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Am I coming here because I want to do my healing?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28That's not the ultimate thing.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31The purpose is to spend the rest of my life
0:41:31 > 0:41:35in peace and tranquillity and in a place I'd love to live.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37So where are we?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Providing things go ahead back at home,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I'm going to see if I can make an offer on the last one.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- The mystery house? - The mystery house.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It's dependent on you selling your current property on the Isle of Wight.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Which could be soon.- Could be soon.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Have you got a good feeling about that?- Yes, brilliant.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- Best of luck.- Thank you. It's been really good.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59That is our pleasure.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Now Milton Abbey ceased to be a monastic centre during the
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Reformation of the 1540s
0:42:09 > 0:42:12but it still has a spiritual air about it.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16I think that's a theme that's really run through this entire week.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I've always believed that buying a house should be an emotional
0:42:19 > 0:42:22process but, thanks to John, I'm beginning to think it should
0:42:22 > 0:42:25also have a spiritual dimension, as well.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26I've learnt a lot from him
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and now, with any luck, he'll be living just up the road from here
0:42:29 > 0:42:32in possibly just a few months' time.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37'John has since returned to Milton Abbas for a second viewing
0:42:37 > 0:42:40'of the mystery house and is eager to put in an offer.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43'All that remains is for John to sell his property
0:42:43 > 0:42:46'and Dorset may soon welcome a new resident.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49'If you'd like to Escape to the Country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Scotland, Wales, England or further afield to the continent,
0:42:52 > 0:42:53and would like our help,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56then please apply online at...