0:00:02 > 0:00:05This tiny hexagonal fort was part of a formidable defensive frontier
0:00:05 > 0:00:07that spanned over 50 miles
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and has been described as the Hadrian's Wall of the 20th century.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14But where is it, and what was it designed to defend?
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Find out in just a few moments.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37On today's show, it's a return to a rural setting
0:00:37 > 0:00:40for two recent retirees, and their pets.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And our properties are full of surprises.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Ooh, very nice.- Oh, yes.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Oh, wow.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I say, it's huge!
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Wow, a four-poster, woo-hoo!
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in the West Country above Burton Bradstock beach in Dorset.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02And you might recognise this brick and concrete construction
0:01:02 > 0:01:06behind me as a World War II fortification known as a pill box.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09But this is one of literally thousands built
0:01:09 > 0:01:14hastily across the south of Britain between 1940 and 1941 as part
0:01:14 > 0:01:17of the largest military construction programme in our history.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Now, today, though, these wartime relics, like the one behind me,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24can be found peppered across the countryside
0:01:24 > 0:01:26in various states of decay.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29But they also serve as a poignant monument to a time
0:01:29 > 0:01:34when Britain's freedom, and indeed her existence, was under threat,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38and her long and enduring battle for survival and eventual victory
0:01:38 > 0:01:40was only just beginning.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Dorset sits on the south-west coast of England
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and is bordered by four counties, including Wiltshire to the north
0:01:49 > 0:01:51with Somerset and Devon to the west.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56To the south, the distinctive 95-mile coastline borders
0:01:56 > 0:02:00the English Channel, and is made up of long sand and pebble beaches,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02white cliffs to rival those at Dover
0:02:02 > 0:02:05and rocky outcrops such as Durdle Door.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07But it's not just the magnificent shoreline
0:02:07 > 0:02:09that this county is known for.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Inland, the coastal landscape gives way to picture-postcard vistas
0:02:13 > 0:02:16of rural England at its best, with narrow country lanes,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20high hedgerows and pretty villages lined with thatched properties
0:02:20 > 0:02:22like at Evershot.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25With atmospheric villages and beautiful landscapes,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27the Dorset/Somerset border
0:02:27 > 0:02:30offers those seeking a rural home the complete package.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37But what part of this beautiful south-western countryside
0:02:37 > 0:02:40are today's buyers looking to find a house?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46It's a back-to-the-country venture for today's home-hunters
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Philip and Diana, who live in the town of Hook in Hampshire.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52They've been married for over 40 years and met
0:02:52 > 0:02:54when they were just 16 years old.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57I was going out with Diana's best friend,
0:02:57 > 0:02:58used to go out to the cinema,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and Diana used to come along and chaperone.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Philip recently retired as a resources administrator
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and Diana as a primary school teacher.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09They've lived in their current four-bedroomed property since 1987
0:03:09 > 0:03:13but over the years they've noticed a change in the neighbourhood.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15It is a busy place now.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Like everywhere else, there's going to be a lot of development,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20you know, over about 600 houses they're planning.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And with their two grown-up children now having families of their own,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28they feel the time's right to move back to a part of the country they
0:03:28 > 0:03:31both know well, having lived in the West Country when they were younger.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35I mean, there are far more fields than we ever see here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- Rolling hills. - And no traffic!
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Having been married for four decades,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Philip and Diana share many interests.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We go to church together.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47We go away in our motorhome together.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49We go away in our motorhome together,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51which is a great pleasure to us.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54We both like gardening.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Unfortunately, this garden has got too small for us,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00we'd really enjoy having a bigger garden.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- And my wife likes to come fishing with me.- Yes.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04With a book.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10And when he's finished reeling them in,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Philip will be hitting the roads in his two classic cars,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16one of which is this 1934 Austin 7 Special.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21I have another car, which is a Wolsely 1500, 1958.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24He is affectionately known as Wally,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27whereas the other car is known as Willy.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Philip and Diana are looking forward to their new life in the country,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34but they're under no illusions that it's a big step.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39One of my concerns would be possibly losing contact with people
0:04:39 > 0:04:42that we have regular contact with,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46but, apart from that, I think if we go into it open-minded,
0:04:46 > 0:04:52and flexible, then I think, you know, we should make a go of it.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Philip and Diana aren't set on a particular county
0:04:59 > 0:05:02but generally prefer the countryside inland,
0:05:02 > 0:05:03along the Dorset/Somerset border,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so we're concentrating our search there.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I'm meeting up with them in north-east Dorset
0:05:08 > 0:05:11to talk over their property wish list.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12So, here we are
0:05:12 > 0:05:16surrounded by beautiful Somerset/Dorset countryside.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Now, why have you chosen this particular corner?
0:05:19 > 0:05:21We've lived in this part of the world.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- You've worked here when you lived here before?- Yes.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Completely different kettle of fish now you've retired, how are you enjoying that?- We're loving it.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Well, you're in beautiful countryside now,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34cattle just beyond us, is that your dream?
0:05:34 > 0:05:36We obviously want a village close by,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39within walking distance if possible.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- OK.- So we can go off to walk and get his paper in the morning and, er...
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Get his paper?!
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Yeah, yeah, well, that's what it's all about when you retire.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Let's talk about the house.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Your classic car, that needs a home first of all.- Yes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51You need a garage.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Couple of garages really. - Couple of garages, right, OK.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55You like gardening, I know that.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Yeah, you know, we really like a bigger plot.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01You've got grandchildren. How many? Is it five?
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Five, we've got grandchildren, yeah.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04So they'll be coming to stay.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06How many bedrooms do we need?
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Well, we say three, we don't want more than three.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14The house is really secondary to the garden, and a view, please,
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- we'd love a view.- All right. - And a conservatory.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- And a conservatory, to take in that wonderful view.- Yes.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24So let's talk about budget, what's the final budget here?
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Top whack, 460,000.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Well, I know what we're looking for.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It may not all come in one package,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- that's the compromise sometimes. - OK.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37We've got three fantastic properties lined up.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Let's start with the first, this way.- Excellent, let's go.- Lovely.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43For a budget of £460,000,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Philip and Diana's perfect property needs to offer what
0:06:47 > 0:06:51they have in their current home, but in a countryside setting.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54They'd like at least three bedrooms, ideally a conservatory,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56a large garden with good views,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and a couple of garages for Philip's classic cars.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04We've lined up three excellent rural properties for our buyers to view,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06selected with their wish-list in mind.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11I'll be asking them to put a price on each at the end of the tour.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Our mystery house gives them another option entirely,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16but it's one they'll need to put their own stamp on.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Our first property is in Winterborne Stickland,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26in the north-east of Dorset.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28A village of around 600 people,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32it grew up around the church, which was built in the 13th century.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35There are several pretty cob and thatch cottages
0:07:35 > 0:07:37lining the main street, including an inn.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Our first house is found on the edge of the village
0:07:40 > 0:07:43a mile from the thatched pub.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47OK, so our first foray into the local property market
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- starts right here.- Wow.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Wow is a word I love to hear. - Yeah, it's quite big.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- What we're looking at, see the downpipe, the black downpipe?- Yep.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59And see this protruding, well, sort of like gable if you like? OK.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00- Up to that.- Mmm-hmm.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Well, it's different, isn't it? Very different.- It is.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- First impressions?- Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Intrigued, definitely intrigued, yes.- Yes, very interesting.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- I need to address the car issue. - OK, yep.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- You've got a double garage. - Oh, wow.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- Hey, excellent. - Yeah, it's a good size.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- So, armed with that knowledge... - Yep.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24..let's go and see where you'll live, not your cars. Follow me.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29Part of a private development of six dwellings built on an old farmstead,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32our first property is only 16 years old, but is constructed using
0:08:32 > 0:08:36reclaimed materials including the brick and flint for the walls.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Righty ho, so downstairs we've got...
0:08:41 > 0:08:44water closet as soon as you walk in.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Now, tell me what you think of this room. Is it what you were expecting?
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Oh, that's quite cosy, isn't it? - Wow, very cosy.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Log burner, I like it, I like it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57How does this compare to the place you've got at home?
0:08:57 > 0:08:58It's very different.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Well, we've got a conservatory on the end of our living room there.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Well, you don't have that conservatory here,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05you could easily put one on,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08but you do get that sort of sun terrace area there, as you can see.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- Very nice. Just big enough, we don't want anything bigger than this.- Yep.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14All right, now, we could have gone straight into the kitchen
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- when we went through that door there.- Oh, right, yes.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19But I think it's quite a nice flow to do it this way.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21So, let me just show you the other side of it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Right then. So, a dining kitchen.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Ooh, very nice.- Whoa, yes, excellent, that's fantastic.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Yeah, just about the right size. - Yeah.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38But so far, I mean, these are pretty good reactions.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41OK, well, you can see the flow to this house now, can't you?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Let me just squeeze past you here, we'll go upstairs to the bedrooms.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Philip and Diana asked for three bedrooms,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52and they get potentially five with this house, spread over two floors.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54The top floor features a study/bedroom area
0:09:54 > 0:09:58and a further double bedroom behind that with an en-suite bathroom,
0:09:58 > 0:10:00somewhere for the grandchildren to play and sleep.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03The first floor is home to three bedrooms,
0:10:03 > 0:10:08including two smaller rooms as well as a fully tiled family bathroom.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10This is very much the master.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Come right in actually, Philip, to see what you've got.- It's huge.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15It's not as light as I'd hoped for,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17it is quite dark, even these windows here.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19But then again, if you changed the decor...
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Hmm, I suppose it's, you know, the style of the barn, isn't it?- Yes.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Again, it's en suite.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Let me show you the garden.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- OK.- Yep, lovely.- OK, follow me.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34In addition to the double garage,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37the outside space includes a large private rear garden
0:10:37 > 0:10:39which is mainly lawn and terraced,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42with steps leading up to a decked vantage point.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Now, for climbing up the terrace, you're rewarded with this view.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Oh, wow, I can cope with that.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Yeah, very nice.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55So, how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- About 450, I think.- 450?- Mm-hm.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01I'm going to go a little bit more, I think. More 455.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05This place has just come on the market with another agent,
0:11:05 > 0:11:09and they've reduced it down to £465,000.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10OK.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- No big surprise? - No.- No.- No.- No.- You can see why.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18£5,000 over budget,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21our first property gives Philip and Diana
0:11:21 > 0:11:24pretty much everything they asked for and more.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27The barn style design offers up five bedrooms -
0:11:27 > 0:11:29two more than they needed, but somewhere for the grandkids
0:11:29 > 0:11:31to stay and play when they come and visit -
0:11:31 > 0:11:37a double garage for Philip's classic cars and a large garden with views.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Well, that's the first one done. - OK, that would be good.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- On to the next.- Excellent.- Lovely.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Head inland from the rocky Jurassic Coast
0:11:52 > 0:11:56and the Dorset landscape gives way to gently rolling hills
0:11:56 > 0:12:00and wide valleys all the way up to the Somerset border.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Around three quarters of the Dorset countryside is agricultural.
0:12:04 > 0:12:0717 years ago, one local sheep farmer, looking for a more
0:12:07 > 0:12:10profitable business, sold up and tried his hand at growing
0:12:10 > 0:12:14a crop more closely associated with the cultures of Spain and France.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Today, Mark Botwright's garlic farm near Bridport is going
0:12:18 > 0:12:22from strength to strength, producing 900,000 bulbs a year.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25He's also found a novel way to preserve the seasonal product
0:12:25 > 0:12:27all year round.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29I've come to meet Mark to find out more.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34Garlic, it's not the traditional plant we'd have here, what,
0:12:34 > 0:12:3750 or so years ago, why is it becoming so popular?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Er, I think our taste buds are changing,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's a good cash crop, it's something that people like to eat.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Now, you're a traditional farmer by trade,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48what made you start thinking, "Let's grow some garlic"?
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Well, believe it or not, my wife, Wendy, gave me three bulbs
0:12:52 > 0:12:5517 years ago as a birthday present.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57We never ate any in the kitchen,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I just kept it back all the time, dried it and replanted it,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and from that, this is what you see after 17 years of hard work.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06You are joking!
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- This is the product of those three birthday bulbs of garlic?- Yep.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Fresh garlic is in season between July and October.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17And the dried bulbs have a limited shelf life of a couple of weeks.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Mark wanted to find a way to preserve some of his bulbs
0:13:20 > 0:13:22so they could be eaten all year round.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25A few years ago, he came across an ancient Korean method
0:13:25 > 0:13:28for curing garlic bulbs, by exposing them to heat
0:13:28 > 0:13:31and moisture over a 40-day period,
0:13:31 > 0:13:36producing what is known as "black garlic", which lasts up to a year.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Now, you call it black garlic?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- That's right. - It doesn't look particularly black.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Let me show you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47- You ready?- Yep.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Wow, it's jet black, isn't it?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- There you go.- Like tar!
0:13:52 > 0:13:56It's got a real liquorice-y texture,
0:13:56 > 0:13:58but a real balsamic, aged balsamic flavour.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Can I have a nibble?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Yeah, you can, there's one here you can try.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I put it in my mouth and I thought
0:14:06 > 0:14:09that's like a liquorice allsort sort of thing,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and now, I'm getting the sort of balsamic vinegar,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16and only now do I get the garlic, it comes in stages, doesn't it?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Yeah, sweet, savoury...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21This is the nice thing about it, you don't have to actually
0:14:21 > 0:14:23chop it up, so you actually put it down,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- and you can make a paste that easily.- Goodness me!
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Black garlic has twice the antioxidants of normal garlic,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35is low in fat, rich in natural sugars, making it sweeter in taste
0:14:35 > 0:14:40and, unlike its whiter version, leaves no smell or bad breath.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44There are a variety of ways it can be used in everyday cooking,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46in pastas, roasts and stir fries.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Or simply warmed with butter
0:14:49 > 0:14:53and enjoyed on a piece of ciabatta toast, with ricotta cheese,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56some scrapes of fresh garlic and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03That is absolutely amazing,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07I'm getting a really nice, smoky flavour, and that sweetness
0:15:07 > 0:15:11from that garlic as well, that black garlic, oh, my goodness!
0:15:11 > 0:15:14As Britain's only black garlic producer,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Mark has finessed the ancient curing process and has his own
0:15:17 > 0:15:23special heating hut, which churns out 2,500 bulbs every 40 days.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26He now supplies the country's top eateries with British black garlic -
0:15:26 > 0:15:30it's a far cry from his days as a struggling sheep farmer.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42For our second option, we're hopping over the border into Somerset
0:15:42 > 0:15:44and heading to the village of Compton Pauncefoot.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48The closest amenities are spread across the neighbouring villages
0:15:48 > 0:15:51of North and South Cadbury, a three-minute drive away,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55and include a shop for Philip to buy his paper, and a pub.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58House two is in the smaller village of Compton Pauncefoot.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02A community of just 70 inhabitants, the centre point is
0:16:02 > 0:16:05the 15th-century parish church, built from local golden hamstone.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Our next offering is almost opposite -
0:16:10 > 0:16:12part of a development of six properties
0:16:12 > 0:16:15created from former agricultural buildings.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17As the last development went down quite well, having a few
0:16:17 > 0:16:21neighbours around, we thought we'd stick with that theme for this.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Right.- And, yeah, it's another barn conversion.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Oh.- Wow.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28What do you think of how it looks?
0:16:28 > 0:16:32From here, fantastic, exceptional.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Yeah, really good, really good. - OK.- Yeah, yeah.- All right.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Can't wait to go in.- Let's do that.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Converted in the late-'90s, our second property is an old granary
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and like the village church is also built from hamstone,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48which is a feature of this part of southern Somerset.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52The interior pays homage to the original fabric of the building,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54revealing exposed timbers and vaulted ceilings.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Righty-ho, first impressions, Diana.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Ooh, quite small.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Not too high.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Very light, though.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Yeah, it is light, but how big's that window.- Room to...- Yeah.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Room to have breakfast?- Yeah.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- Can I make a suggestion? - Get rid of that.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Get rid of that, you've got more than enough reception room.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- All right, OK, OK.- All right. - Space later on.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24First of all you can see you've got this raised level here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28I think that would make a much better dining area, breakfast area.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Then this is just a kitchen, with a massive gas range.- Lovely.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36And just here you can see this is made for a breakfast room or...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- casual dining. - Yeah, so light, it's fantastic.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43But then you've got a huge room just here.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- Oh!- Follow me.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Amazing room.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Wow, I say, it's huge.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57It's not too big, but it is big, and very light.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- ..how much light they let in.- Yeah.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Now, I know you like to have a fire -
0:18:01 > 0:18:03you've got a lovely stove there, haven't you? Wood burner.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- It's a wood burner?- Yeah.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07So is this their main living room?
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Yeah, this is... It's not an upside-down house completely,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15but, yeah, this is the only first floor we've got.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16The bedrooms are downstairs.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- Oh, right, interesting.- OK.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21With the dining arrangements covered,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24we're turning our attention to the sleeping quarters.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27This property has three double bedrooms,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31two with full-height windows leading onto an outside terrace.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34There's also a large, fully tiled family bathroom
0:18:34 > 0:18:36with freestanding bath.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41But then, the master - much bigger again.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- Oh!- Wow, a four-poster! Whoo-hoo!
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- I say!- Yes, it's a good size, a very good size.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- And a whopper of an en-suite next door as well.- Oh.- OK.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Very nice.- Nice and light.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Look, this is so far so good. What's going through your mind?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00I'm thinking what's the garden like? That's what I'm thinking,
0:19:00 > 0:19:01cos that could swing...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Yes, well, I tell you what, it could do, actually,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06that could be the compromise.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07Let's make our way out there,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- and on the way start thinking about price.- OK.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14In addition to the paved terrace,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18there's a secluded L-shaped lawn area bordered by a small stream.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22And Philip has a garage for his classic cars, as well as a workshop.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Now, the garden, sunny it might be,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- huge it is not.- This is it, is it?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- This is it.- Yeah.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Big compromise.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Your boundary is that lovely little babbling stream there.- Right.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- And then, well, it just goes round the corner, really.- OK.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44So how much do you think this place is on the market for, then?
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Um, I'm going to go for £425,000.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52And I think a little bit more, probably 430.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Philip, you're spot on.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- It's on the market for £425,000.- OK.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Mmm-hmm.- You're not impressed now.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I mean, it was going so well, wasn't it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Yes.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Yeah, I just think the garden completely killed it for us, really.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Below budget by £35,000, our second property,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15a charming barn conversion,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18gives Philip and Diana light and spacious living areas,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22the three bedrooms they asked for and a garage for the cars.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25But it seems the garden, despite being pretty and secluded,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28isn't quite large enough for our buyers.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33I still think we've got one property that you're considering, hopefully,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36so let's head back now and then tomorrow the mystery house.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Lovely, thank you. - Look forward to that, excellent.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Whilst property number one went down pretty well yesterday,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50I'm not convinced we've shown Philip and Diana a house
0:20:50 > 0:20:53with a big enough garden to make them want to move down here.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Now, I do remember them both telling me
0:20:56 > 0:20:59that if they could pick up the modern house that they live in
0:20:59 > 0:21:02and move it down here, they'd be more than happy,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05and I think the mystery property fits into that category,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07but, of course, being the mystery,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09it comes with a couple of compromises.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10First of all, Philip,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14well, he'll have to go two or three miles by bicycle every morning
0:21:14 > 0:21:15to collect his morning paper.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Diana, well, she doesn't yet get a conservatory,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20and they'll both need an imagination
0:21:20 > 0:21:23when walking around the internals of the property.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27But if they're prepared to overlook these...foibles, let's say,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29then they'll get their garden,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32enough outside space for a very active retirement.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Let's see how we go.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42We're staying in Somerset for our third and final property,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45which is in the village of North Barrow.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50The small country town of Castle Cary, three miles away,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53is the main hub for a large part of southern Somerset,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55with a wide range of shops and cafes.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Our mystery property is a ten-minute drive away,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00located in a quiet setting.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02It certainly has the land.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04The house itself is a bit of a blank canvas,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08but gives Philip and Diana the chance to put their stamp on it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10This mystery house,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- we've got more garden than we've seen already.- Yep.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17And it goes on, but what do we think of the house?
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Mmm, very nice, actually, yeah.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21Yeah, very nice, yep.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- How old's this one, then, is it...? - Mid-'80s.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Mid-'80s? - Yeah, so it's a modern-ish house.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Now, first things first - your morning newspaper, Philip.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32That's not a problem.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Oh, it's not a problem now!
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Well...- Good! - ..I'm sure we can get it somehow.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41It's three miles away, in Castle Cary,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43but the grandchildren, what's great about this village,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46is it's about three miles from the A303,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49so you're really well connected by car.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51And as you can see, there's plenty of gardens.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- We'll look at that later.- OK.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Now, what are you like,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58in using your imagination, when you look around a house?
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Yeah, fairly flexible, yep.- Yeah? Well, let's go and look inside.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05As well as a generously sized garden,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07which continues around the other side of the house,
0:23:07 > 0:23:09there's a double garage for the two cars
0:23:09 > 0:23:12and plenty of parking space for the motorhome.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Let's start with the living room first of all.- Oh, yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Oh, wow.- Yeah, that's a reasonable size, isn't it?
0:23:18 > 0:23:20It is, it's not a bad size at all.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- What have they got in the...? - Fireplace as well.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Yeah, it's big enough for us. - Yeah, definitely.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Good, all right. Let me take you into the kitchen.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31We'll have a quick duck into the dining room on the way through.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- Righty ho.- So if you come in, just to the right-hand side,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- there is the separate dining room. - Right.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38OK, yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Ground floor loo there and then a fairly compact kitchen.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- Come right in. - Oh, big enough for me, I think.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Oh, it's not bad.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- But a lovely view of the garden. - Oh, wow.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Yeah, definitely a wow factor, that.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57I really do think this house is crying out for something
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- that you said you're after, and that's a conservatory.- Yeah.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Either on the dining room, or on the kitchen or maybe both.- Yes.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Let's have a quick look at the master bedroom, OK?
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Can I just squeeze past there? Thank you very much. Up we come.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Upstairs there are four bedrooms -
0:24:13 > 0:24:15two doubles and two singles,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19as well as a family bathroom, all arranged off a central landing.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21This is the master.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Not huge, but you get your storage.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- OK. Yeah, that's... - It's not bad, is it?
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- But this is absolutely adequate and, er...- En suite, yep.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- En suite.- Yeah, en suite.- Golly!
0:24:32 > 0:24:33I really like it a lot.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36There's huge potential, huge potential.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38- Does that excite you, Diana? - It does.- It does.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Worries me a bit, because I don't know the price or anything!
0:24:41 > 0:24:43No, but if you could afford this sort of house
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and afford to do what you'd like to do to it, these cosmetic changes,
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- is this the sort of thing you had in mind?- Absolutely.- Definitely.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54The mystery property has worked its magic on our buyers,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57who seem as impressed with the house as they were with the garden,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01which extends to over half an acre and is mainly laid to lawn.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Now, you did say you'd love the idea of a view.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Now, that hedgerow at the back there,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09you drop that down, then you get a view over farmland.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- Would be fantastic.- Yeah, yeah.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Let's talk about the price. Look back at the house.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- I'm going to be bold.- Go on.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I'm going to say 350.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Diana?- I think you're way out. - Do you?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Yeah, I think it's 450, 440.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It's on the market for offers in the region of
0:25:26 > 0:25:28£435,000.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- Oh!- So...
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Why did you guess 350?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34I was just being hopeful!
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Now it's considerably more than 350,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39what do you think of it, Philip?
0:25:39 > 0:25:41I think we could run with that.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45£25,000 below their top budget,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48the modern mystery property offers Philip and Diana essentially
0:25:48 > 0:25:52the shell of a house they can modify to suit their tastes and needs.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It comes with four bedrooms, one more than they asked for,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58a double garage and 0.6 of an acre of land.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Well, I'm hoping we might have found you a house.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06I think you might.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Well, that sounds like you've got something to discuss,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12something to think about, let's find you somewhere to do just that
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- and we'll catch up later on. - Brilliant.- After you.- Thank you.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24So, you've had some time to think?
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I'm pretty sure I know your favourite house,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- the mystery property, am I right? - That's right.- Definitely.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Do you want to buy it? - We would like to buy it, yes,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34we need to do a bit of homework first, though. OK.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37What is it about the mystery property that's, well,
0:26:37 > 0:26:38captured your hearts, if you like?
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Well, it's the size of the garden, obviously.- Yeah.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- Definitely the size of the garden, and the garages, and...- The view.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50..the view, and the potential that the house has.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51The potential for what?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Well, to make it our home, you know.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57First and foremost, that's the most important thing.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Yeah, and it would be fun doing it.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01So, we've got to think long and hard.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04So, when is the second viewing? I'm going to push you on this.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- Saturday, hopefully.- This Saturday? - Yep.- That's encouraging.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Whatever you decide, and I hope it will be positive,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- let us know, won't you?- Course we will.- Yep.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Good luck. Well done. - Thanks very much.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Well, Philip and Diana did go for the sort of house
0:27:23 > 0:27:25you'd find in a town
0:27:25 > 0:27:27that's actually situated in the countryside,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31but I think that's because it gave them so much of what they said they
0:27:31 > 0:27:36were after - the modern interiors, the village location, somewhere
0:27:36 > 0:27:41to park their motorhome, and most importantly, that massive garden.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45So much so, I think the only thing stopping them purchasing that house
0:27:45 > 0:27:49is themselves, but then again, it's been so long since they've
0:27:49 > 0:27:53bought a house, I can appreciate why they want to have a second viewing.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56But when they do that and they look around the locality, this weekend,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I do hope it gives them the confidence to take the plunge.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01See you next time.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05If you would like to escape to the country
0:28:05 > 0:28:08in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11or perhaps even further afield on the Continent,
0:28:11 > 0:28:15and would like our help, you can apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow.