0:00:02 > 0:00:04Who would think this beautiful remote bay
0:00:04 > 0:00:06held one of the greatest secrets of World War II?
0:00:06 > 0:00:10So where am I? And what secret does this location hold?
0:00:26 > 0:00:28On today's show,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31I'm helping a business couple unwind after spending the last
0:00:31 > 0:00:34few years living and working in two of the busiest cities in the world.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36But will any of our properties seal the deal?
0:00:36 > 0:00:39I thought the kitchen was bright. This is really bright.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41I mean, it's just gorgeous, isn't it?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43So far I think it's working very nicely.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46It is picture-perfect.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Today I'm in Dorset
0:00:49 > 0:00:53and this is the glorious tourist magnet of Studland Bay -
0:00:53 > 0:00:56renowned for its wildlife and tranquil beaches.
0:00:56 > 0:01:02Not quite so peaceful, though, back in April 1944, when Operation Smash,
0:01:02 > 0:01:07codename for the so-called dress rehearsal of the D-Day landings in
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Normandy, was in full swing.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12A bunker was built to ensure the safety of dignitaries,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14who were watching the proceedings.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Just a few weeks later, on the sixth of June 1944,
0:01:17 > 0:01:23the Allied invasion of Europe was finally launched on the beaches of
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Normandy. And despite the great sacrifices of those men
0:01:26 > 0:01:28that lost their lives on that day,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32many more may have perished without the experience
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and training they received here on the shores of Studland Bay.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43The county of Dorset sits in the south-west of England
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and its neighbours include Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49The coastline, which borders the English Channel,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53is generally formed of high cliffs, interspersed by undulating valleys.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58It boasts the highest point on the entire south coast, Golden Cap,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02just east of Charmouth and part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The low-lying coastal area includes the seaside town of Weymouth,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08which has been a draw for tourists
0:02:08 > 0:02:12since King George III holidayed there on 14 separate occasions.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Inland, Dorset's rural scenery has provided inspiration for some of
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Britain's best loved novelists,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22including Thomas Hardy and Enid Blyton.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24With its rural charm and unspoiled beauty,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27it's no surprise visitors and house-buyers are so drawn to this
0:02:27 > 0:02:30appealing part of the country.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Let's find out who today's buyers are and why they decided that Dorset
0:02:37 > 0:02:39is the destination they are hoping to escape to.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44David and Tracy have been married for 13 years
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and currently live in a three-bedroom cottage in Ealing,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49west London.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Having recently sold their skincare business,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54the appeal of living in the capital is fading.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57I've always said with London, and I really believe this,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00I think everyone should experience it.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I remember in the early years, I was actually excited.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06I have to say, I don't feel that now and I think, therefore,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09that I would say it is definitely my time to move on.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12David has a son and daughter from his previous marriage
0:03:12 > 0:03:14and two grandchildren.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16And their current property just isn't large enough
0:03:16 > 0:03:19to entertain their family and friends.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Even though there is just the two of us, we actually want a lot more
0:03:21 > 0:03:25space, because we've got a lot of family that could join us.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Tracy first fell in love with Dorset
0:03:27 > 0:03:29during a memorable childhood holiday.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33And for David, the county fulfils his desire to be close to the coast,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35but still within reach of London.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39We've always had this thing about going to the seaside,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41living closer to the sea.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44I think Dorset, for me, just seems to tick all the boxes.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48We've been there many, many times. Very relaxed, very chilled.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Before London, the couple spent a number of years living and working
0:03:52 > 0:03:54in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57The outdoors way of life has rubbed off on them
0:03:57 > 0:04:00and it's something they are keen to replicate in Dorset.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02After three and a half years of living in California,
0:04:02 > 0:04:07I had blond hair, I had a suntan, I almost spoke the lingo.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I was really into my cycling.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13I used to cycle to work and back, ten miles a day, and I loved it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16After a gruelling couple of years building up the business,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19they are looking forward to relaxing.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Change is always really frightening, so don't think this is a light,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27casual thing. You take a long time. And I think probably the last
0:04:27 > 0:04:30two years we have worried about where our business is going.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34I already feel happier. I know this sounds really strange,
0:04:34 > 0:04:35but work has been so intense
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- we are not going to be working together
0:04:38 > 0:04:40and I'm actually quite looking forward to that.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Just having a normal life.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47David and Tracy would like to be fairly close to the coast,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51within 20 minutes by car, and not far from Dorchester.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54So we are concentrating our property search in the south of the county.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57With their London house now under offer,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I'm meeting up with them in Bedminster
0:04:59 > 0:05:02to find out more about their prospective move.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04David and Tracy, welcome to Dorset.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- Thank you very much.- You are unusual,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09because you're moving to the country,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- moving away from a big city, but you're not downsizing, are you?- No.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- You're upsizing.- We are upsizing, yeah.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I think you're the first couple I've ever had that are upsizing.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I think the word I keep using is "breathe", you know,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22because I think London feels quite intense to me.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I just want to have this space that we can really kind of breathe,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28light and airy and spacious. And have our friends and family as well,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- because they are very important to us.- One of the other things,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34we lost our dog a few months ago.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38And we are dog lovers and we want to get a couple of dogs.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42And, of course, we are waiting to get into our new house to do that.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45The house, the dream property, what are you looking for?
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Four bedrooms as a minimum.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Spacious and light.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54This is where we probably divide,
0:05:54 > 0:05:58because David would go contemporary and very modern and minimalistic all
0:05:58 > 0:06:01the way. I'd be happy with that on the inside, but on the outside,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03an older property.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Don't want to be on top of our neighbours.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09And definitely not thatched - even though I like the look of it,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12it's not something that we'd want take on.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14So remind me of your budget.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Tracy, you like talking about the numbers.- £875,000.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- And is there any flexibility on that?- Less than.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22THEY LAUGH
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Well, let's see how we get on.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28We'll finish our tea and coffee and I think we should hit the road.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- Thank you.- OK, very good.- Fantastic.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34For a very generous budget of £875,000,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37David and Tracy would like a detached,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39light and spacious property. As far as style goes,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42they'd prefer an older shell with a modern interior,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44but thatched roofs are a no-no.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46They're after four bedrooms,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49for when family and friends come to stay.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51And, finally, they'd like to be within reasonable distance
0:06:51 > 0:06:55of the sea. And hope to get a dog, so the garden should be enclosed.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56Over the next couple of days,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59David and Tracy will see three delightful Dorset homes
0:06:59 > 0:07:03that we've lined up for them. And will keep them guessing on price,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06until the end of each tour. Our final property, the Mystery House,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10could leave our buyers clutching at straws.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15We're starting our property shopping in the hamlet of Langton Long.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18It's a mile and a half away from the historic market town
0:07:18 > 0:07:20of Blandford Forum.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23The original town was destroyed by a fire in 1731
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and rebuilt shortly afterwards by renowned architects
0:07:26 > 0:07:29and surveyors - the Bastard brothers.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32The quiet hamlet of Langton Long, the location of our first property,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35is a three-minute drive out of the town and stands on the estate of a
0:07:35 > 0:07:38former mansion house.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Here is our first property. - Fantastic views.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Amazing views.- Of the countryside. Look at that.- So the house was built
0:07:44 > 0:07:47in the early 1960s. And the land all around here
0:07:47 > 0:07:49is part of the Langton estate.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52It is really beginning to rain now, so should we start the tour?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Indeed, yes.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58The house has been stylishly refurbished in the last few years
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and extended to the rear, with an emphasis
0:08:01 > 0:08:02on reducing its energy bill.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07The property's green credentials include solar and PV panels,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11an air source heat pump providing near zero running costs.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15So you've got a large hallway,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17but I wanted to start off with the kitchen first.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20It's amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- Very stylish.- You've got all this space.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Cleverly, they've put in a sort of study area there,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30which is all incorporated, same units.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33But this kitchen leads us to this glass room.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Incredible. Isn't it amazing? - Hugely spacious, isn't it?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Look at the staircase.- Yeah. - Oh, it's fantastic.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Look at the view! I love it!
0:08:48 > 0:08:52In addition to the kitchen breakfast space and the glass garden room,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55there is a further reception room -
0:08:55 > 0:08:57a cosier option at the front of the house.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Upstairs, there are four bedrooms,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03including a good-sized guest room and two singles.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06But the smallest leads onto a huge study area above the glass room.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Then there is the master.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Oh, how lovely.- Very nice.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Lovely and light, isn't it? And airy. Nice fitted wardrobes,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- very important.- And an even better view from the window here.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Not only is it quite a large room, but you also have,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25if you look just over your shoulder, you've got an en-suite as well.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Right. So far, I think it's working very nicely.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- Yes, it's looking very good. - Yeah, it's good.- I mean, it's very
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- impressive, what we've seen so far. - Good. Well, I'm thrilled.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35And I think you are going to be just as impressed
0:09:35 > 0:09:36with the garden as well.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39The well-maintained garden is large and fully fenced,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41so ideal for a dog.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44There's also a vegetable patch. And at the front of the property,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48and old well tower, now converted into a useful outhouse.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50And a garage, which is integral to the house.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:09:53 > 0:09:58I'm thinking 790,000, that sort of range.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I actually think it's a bit less than that.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03So I think £750,000.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08The asking price, Tracy, you are practically on the money.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12£749,500.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- TRACY GASPS - Wow.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- That's well under your budget. - It's WELL under your budget.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20It is, very much so, yeah. Excellent.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24And the owners do really want to move. They are relocating to another part of the country.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28This house was recently marketed just under 800,000
0:10:28 > 0:10:31and they have just dropped the price by £50,000.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Under budget by £125,000, our first property,
0:10:36 > 0:10:41a 1960s conversion, offers David and Tracy the light and spacious rooms
0:10:41 > 0:10:45they wanted, a contemporary interior with that stylish glass room,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49a dog-friendly garden and four bedrooms.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- You seemed to enjoy that tour?- It was very good, thank you very much.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Only the first house, we've got to show you as well.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Dorset has remained a rural county
0:11:00 > 0:11:03since the days of Thomas Hardy, in the 19th century.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06The Industrial Revolution largely bypassed the county,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10which in turn allowed rural crafts to flourish.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I've come to Brenscombe Wood, on the Isle of Purbeck,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17to meet a woodsman who manages a 45-acre site
0:11:17 > 0:11:20and in his spare time teaches green woodworking skills -
0:11:20 > 0:11:23which involve using hand tools on freshly cut wood.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26I'm meeting Toby Hoad and his work horse, Fleur.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Toby, what an amazing setting.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Yes, it is, yeah.- So, tell me, what exactly does a woodsman do?
0:11:33 > 0:11:39I produce charcoal for barbecues, campsites and local shops.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43That is during the summer. I produce furniture. And in the winter,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46it's more getting out doing the felling.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- I sell logs locally as well for firewood.- I can see Fleur in the
0:11:50 > 0:11:54background there. Does she actually help you transport the logs around?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Yes, she does. Every single log I sell, as chopped logs or furniture
0:11:58 > 0:12:01or any timber. With Fleur, I can weave in and out of the trees.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03She has minimal damage on the woodland floor
0:12:03 > 0:12:05and she' s good company, as well.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Are we able to see her in action today?- Of course.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Good girl.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Fleur is a Comtois, a French breed of horse especially suited to
0:12:17 > 0:12:21logging, because of its broad shoulders and stocky legs.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Toby, it's the power. I mean, she's trying to break out
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- into a trot already!- She is, a little bit!
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Toby is taking me to his woodland workshop to get a
0:12:30 > 0:12:32lesson in greenwood furniture making.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37He is finishing off a bench made out freshly fallen softwood.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39So, can you work with it straightaway?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43I work the wood green, using hand tools to shape it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- It's easier, is it?- So, it's easier. Because I've got no electricity
0:12:46 > 0:12:48here, obviously, being a woodland workshop.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50I wouldn't be able to work with any seasoned wood,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53because you would need power tools to get through that hard wood.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55The bench needs an armrest,
0:12:55 > 0:12:59so Toby cuts a piece of oak to the correct size.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01What we're going to do is, we're going to try to split it straight
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- down the middle.- Right.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06And we're going to do that by positioning the froe,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09which is this, which is a splitting axe, through that.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The piece of wood will spit straight down the middle.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Yeah? And there we go.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20OK, the next thing we are going to do now...
0:13:20 > 0:13:22This is a right-handed side axe.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24You can see that it has got a bevel on the right-hand side
0:13:24 > 0:13:27and completely flat on the left-hand side.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31So again, very ancient tool. Designed specifically for this job.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35The side axe enables Toby to craft the piece of wood
0:13:35 > 0:13:37to the rough shape of the armrest,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40before moving on to the shave horse to smooth the edges.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Would this date back hundreds of years?
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Yeah, indeed. The old bodgers in the Chiltern Hills used these.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50I'll just show you how it works. It's actually a clamping device.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55So, you push with your feet and you hold the piece of wood in place,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58like that. And then you use something called a draw knife -
0:13:58 > 0:14:00which does look really dangerous,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02because you are pulling it towards you.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03Believe it or not, your shoulders
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and your elbows stop you from pulling it into your body.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Which you will soon see.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11I'm just don't ask you to sort of take the bark off with a draw knife.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- That would be a great help.- OK.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- That's good.- And then I bring it towards me?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Yes, exactly that. So just...
0:14:20 > 0:14:22That's it, perfect.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Despite Toby's reassurance, my care in using the draw knife
0:14:26 > 0:14:28means we'll probably be here all day.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31So, it's over to the expert to smooth it down.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33SHE LAUGHS
0:14:33 > 0:14:37What's taken me quite a few minutes, it takes you seconds!
0:14:39 > 0:14:43The final touches to smooth off the ends, using a rounder -
0:14:43 > 0:14:45effectively, a giant pencil sharpener.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Now we've got ourselves an armrest which looks like it can do with
0:14:48 > 0:14:50being fitted now, I think.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- That is a good fit.- Excellent. Nice tight fit, brilliant.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Very good.- The proof is in the seating.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- So may I?- There we go, Nicky.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Let's see how we get on.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Oh, and very nice it is, too.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Toby, thank you very much. - You're more than welcome.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15For our second house, we are heading south towards the coast and the
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Hamlet of Creech Bottom.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Nearby Wareham, a six-minute drive away,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24provides amenities for the surrounding villages.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Sitting on the banks of the River Frome,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29the Saxon town is effectively known as the gateway to the Purbeck
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Peninsula. Our second house sits in a quiet rural location a few miles
0:15:34 > 0:15:35outside Wareham
0:15:35 > 0:15:38and was built as the foreman's cottage for the nearby railway.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Wow! This is very nice.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42So, our second property,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46we've brought you to practically the coast.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48The cliffs are two miles up the road.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51And you said you wanted to be close to the sea.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Yes, absolutely.- And here it is. - Wow.- Beautiful.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59So, quite a substantial property. It has been extended out the back.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01So, the original house is the part we're looking at.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06Built in the Georgian style, but it only dates back to about 1910.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Right, well, I think we should start, don't you?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- Absolutely.- Sounds good.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15The coastal location of our second house should satisfy David. And the
0:16:15 > 0:16:18facade of the property should fulfil Tracy's desire for an older
0:16:18 > 0:16:21frontage. But will the interior prove modern,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23light and spacious enough for our buyers?
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Now, the way the house is set up at the moment,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28you walk straight into the dining area.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31But I'm going to call this the reception area,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34because there is a lot of space in this property
0:16:34 > 0:16:36and you might not choose to have a dining room here.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Yeah, definitely. Lovely.- OK.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41This is a great welcoming area when your guests come to stay
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and, of course, where is the first place you're going to take them?
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Into the kitchen.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Now, plenty of space here!
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Incredible.- I think you can see, can't you,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56where the extension comes into play?
0:16:56 > 0:17:00So, the way it has been laid out, you've got this very large...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03At the moment, because it's a family that lives here,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05it's a study area with a real fire.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11And you have got this huge open-plan kitchen, again, with dining space.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It's so light and airy as well, isn't it?
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Yeah.- And the floor as well. - The floor is fantastic.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19You've also got this room next door.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Oh, this is lovely.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25An additional room for you.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I thought the kitchen was bright, this is really bright.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- It's gorgeous, isn't it?- Mm.- Mm, I'm liking this a lot, actually.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Enough room for family, grandchildren?
0:17:34 > 0:17:36I think so. Absolutely.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39There's more to see yet, but just the space here alone.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Yes.- You can see lots of opportunity.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Well, it seems we have won over Tracy,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47but David is keeping his cards close to his chest.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50The ground floor also provides a sitting room an open fireplace.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Upstairs, there are four generous bedrooms
0:17:54 > 0:17:56arranged off a central landing.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00One would make an excellent guest room, as it comes with an en-suite.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02And there are two smaller rooms
0:18:02 > 0:18:04overlooking the front of the property.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07There is also a separate family bathroom
0:18:07 > 0:18:08and the master is at the back.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11We've got an en-suite.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Nice. Beautiful size.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Good size, yeah.- Really lovely.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20The house sits in an acre plot with a large rear garden, mainly lawned,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23and already partially enclosed by a dog-proof fence.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29I think it's always great when you show somebody round a house
0:18:29 > 0:18:33and you leave a little bit up your sleeve for the end.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Behind us, we have quite a large chalet.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39In there, there's electricity, there's a toilet.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43That could make a fantastic retreat,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46perhaps for your grandchildren when they are a bit older.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Television in there, everything. Games, whatever you want.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51And, of course, we can't forget the actual space
0:18:51 > 0:18:53that we're standing in.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Well, I think 755, that sort of range.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00And I think 720.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04You're both out, by quite a lot of money.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07The asking price, and this is unusual, the way it's worded,
0:19:07 > 0:19:12but it's offers in excess of £835,000.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- I think we're quite...- I'm shocked by that, really.- Shocked at that, really.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18It's high, I would say.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Under budget by £40,000,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25our second offering provides David and Tracy
0:19:25 > 0:19:27with a characterful exterior and a contemporary feel inside.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31They get the four bedrooms they wanted,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34space for the family and a dog-friendly garden.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Have we ended on a high note?
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Not so sure about that price for you two.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Not so sure about the price. I think we'll have to see.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42There's a few things to think about.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Yes.- And the good news is, I've got another house to show you tomorrow.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Yesterday, I think we got off to a good start with David and Tracy.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Both our houses were well-received,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01but the price was a surprising factor
0:20:01 > 0:20:03with the home close to the sea.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06However, we do have is one more property to show them.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09This time, it's our Mystery House.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Now, they like the idea of open-plan, they want space
0:20:12 > 0:20:15for a home to flow on the inside.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19All well and good, but first impressions on the exterior?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Well, this one might prove interesting.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27For our final house choice,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30we're heading inland to the hamlet of Winterbourne Muston.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Just three miles up the road is the large village of Bere Regis,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36which featured in several novels of Thomas Hardy.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39At the start of our house search,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41David and Tracy had closed the book on thatched properties.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44But I have a feeling the Mystery House
0:20:44 > 0:20:47may provide the twist in the tale.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51And our final offering is...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55The Mystery House.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57THEY LAUGH
0:20:58 > 0:21:02It is picture-perfect, isn't it? I mean, it is gorgeous.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Very lovely.- Look at the lovely, lovely windows.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08You two are remarkable!
0:21:08 > 0:21:11The one thing you said when I first met you was,
0:21:11 > 0:21:12"We don't want thatched."
0:21:12 > 0:21:16It doesn't mean that I don't like the style of it, because I do.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19It's beautiful, isn't it? How could you not like thatched housing?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23It is thatched, it is our Mystery House.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25But what is inside is so beautiful,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27we think it's worth the consideration.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31You probably wouldn't have thought of looking at this yourselves, is the truth, would you?
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- No, I don't think we would have done.- Probably not, no.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Shall we have a look? - Yes.- OK.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40David and Tracy's reservations about thatched, like many,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43centred on the replacement costs.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45But our Mystery Property was re-thatched
0:21:45 > 0:21:49with Chinese water weed a few years ago, which has a life-span
0:21:49 > 0:21:51of about 50 years.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53The cottage dates to the 16th century
0:21:53 > 0:21:56and, unusually for a building of its age, is not listed.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58The rear has been extended,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01providing a side entrance to the property.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06So, step inside your kitchen.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Who expects a kitchen like this in a thatched cottage?
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- It is fantastic. - Yes, very impressive.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- Absolutely beautiful.- So, the kitchen has given us a bit of the wow factor straightaway.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Oh, it has.- Definitely.- It's lovely. It feels amazing.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Let's go through.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Well, at the moment, it's a dining room but it would make a fantastic
0:22:28 > 0:22:30sitting-room/office.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33So far, could you imagine yourself living in a property like this?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- I think we could.- I definitely know that we could.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Could you?- For sure.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Despite our buyers' initial qualms about thatched houses,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45the Mystery Property, with its light, open-plan interior,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48natural oak floors and original features,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50seems to have tugged at the heartstrings.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Just beyond the kitchen-diner
0:22:53 > 0:22:55is the final reception room on the ground floor.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Oh!- Here is your sitting room.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Wow! This is incredible. - It IS incredible.- Look at that wall.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I didn't expect to see this.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07That is... If there is one thing I would love, apart from this house,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10is that fireplace with the slate.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15This house has is already proved to be very different to everything else
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- we have seen.- Yeah. - Quite spectacular.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20And just on another level, really.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, one more than they asked for.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Four of those are doubles and there is one single -
0:23:27 > 0:23:29all in the older part of the house.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31There is also a family bath
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and shower room with exposed beams
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and the master is in the newer extension.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40So, master bedroom.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Underfloor heating.- Very good. - And also in the en-suite.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Nice! What a treat.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- I hate cold feet in the morning. - Shall we have a look?- Go on.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Have a little look inside.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- Go on, David, I think you should. - All right.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Oh, this is lovely.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Oh, look, shower as well. - Beautiful, isn't it?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04David, you're not meant to be in the shower!
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Oh, but it is so nice!- Also, I do want to point out,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11you have a walk-in wardrobe there. So, are you keen to have a
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- look at outside now?- Indeed.- We are.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The cottage sits in half an acre of gardens,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20which are low-maintenance and mainly laid to lawn.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Within the grounds, there's also a garage and timber summerhouse.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28I love it. There's nothing I don't like about it.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I really, really do think it's picture-perfect.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33We've got to put a price on it.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36So, how much do you think the asking price is on the cottage?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39£820,000.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42And I think 790.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47The asking price for the Mystery House, it's offers in excess of...
0:24:47 > 0:24:49£695,000.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- Wow!- I'm so shocked. Given how much work they've done.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55And the state that it's in.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59It's just blown us away, I can't believe it. That's...
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- That's incredible, isn't it?- Mm.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- Are you shocked and that? - Yeah, I'm very shocked.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- Say again? - THEY LAUGH
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Just confirm that number!
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Offers in excess...- £695,000.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13695,000, wow!
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Under-budget by £180,000,
0:25:16 > 0:25:20the price of our Mystery House comes as a bit of a shock,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22but in a good way.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It's a 450-year-old thatched cottage,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27which has been renovated and extended
0:25:27 > 0:25:29to give it a contemporary feel.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32It provides David and Tracy with one more bedroom
0:25:32 > 0:25:35than they asked for, a light and spacious interior
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and a large garden suitable for dogs.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40There we go, finished.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42You've seen our Mystery House, well,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44you've seen all our properties here in Dorset.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- We have.- Yes, thank you very much.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- We have been very pleasantly surprised, particularly with this one.- Good.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Let's go somewhere, the sun is still shining,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- have a cup of tea and mull over your options.- Yeah.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04So we've had a fabulous couple of days. We have seen, well, quite
0:26:04 > 0:26:06different types of properties, haven't we,
0:26:06 > 0:26:10David and Tracy? But you're quite difficult to read.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Now, normally, when I think that it's because people aren't giving
0:26:13 > 0:26:17anything away, but you have actually been very encouraging about all the
0:26:17 > 0:26:19properties we've shown you.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20I think with both agree
0:26:20 > 0:26:24that we liked houses one and three in particular.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29And they are ones that we will definitely go away and
0:26:29 > 0:26:33discuss with the possibility to coming back and viewing.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Is there a preference over those two properties?
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Well, surprisingly,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I think the preference would probably be on the third house.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Who would have thought we would look at a thatched house?
0:26:43 > 0:26:44Yeah, it's unbelievable, really.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48What do you think you are going to take away from the last few days,
0:26:48 > 0:26:49this experience?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52One of the overriding things is that we know for sure is that this house
0:26:52 > 0:26:54needs to be right.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Not just for now, not just for next year or the next couple of years,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00but for the rest of our lives.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- Of course, yeah.- But we do have to think about things like closeness to
0:27:04 > 0:27:08shops and towns and whether that's a priority, etc.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11There's no doubt about it, Dorset is...
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- No, we've learnt a lot.- ..an amazing, amazing county.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17We can't wait to be down here. And thank you for the experience.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Well, you're welcome. We've been thrilled to show you just a small taste of it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- But it certainly whetted your appetite.- Thank you, Nicky.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Thank you very much indeed.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Well, what has become evident is that David and Tracy's budget is
0:27:31 > 0:27:33realistic for their needs.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Their passion for Dorset certainly hasn't diminished.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39And this whole experience will, hopefully,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43have broadened their minds to all architectural styles.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Join me again on Escape To The Country.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52David and Tracy decided the rural of locations of our first and third
0:27:52 > 0:27:54houses were too remote for them
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and have since made an offer on a property
0:27:57 > 0:28:00in the small coastal town of Highcliffe, East Dorset.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03If you would like to expect of the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Northern Ireland, England,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07or perhaps even further afield to the continent,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and would like our help, please apply online at...