Dorset Escape to the Country


Dorset

Similar Content

Browse content similar to Dorset. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!

Transcript


LineFromTo

There's been a castle on this spot for over 500 years,

0:00:020:00:04

watching out over this stretch of water and protecting our shorelines.

0:00:040:00:08

Where am I?

0:00:080:00:09

Well, I'll give you a clue. We're not on the mainland.

0:00:090:00:12

Today, I'm house hunting with a retired couple looking to

0:00:290:00:31

swap their suburban home of 24 years

0:00:310:00:34

to begin a new chapter in the country by the coast.

0:00:340:00:38

Our search serves up a few surprises...

0:00:380:00:40

-Oh, my goodness.

-Oh, goodness.

0:00:400:00:42

What did we say about large gardens? Not wanting large gardens, eh?

0:00:420:00:46

..as well as a few home truths.

0:00:460:00:47

So, this is a good place for you when you're in the doghouse.

0:00:470:00:50

There are facilities there.

0:00:500:00:52

I wouldn't mind being in the doghouse.

0:00:520:00:55

Welcome to Dorset and this is Brownsea Castle

0:00:570:01:00

on its very own island in the middle of Poole Harbour.

0:01:000:01:03

It was built in the middle of the 16th century by Henry VIII

0:01:030:01:06

to defend against the Spanish Armada.

0:01:060:01:09

But over the centuries, it passed into private family hands.

0:01:090:01:12

At the beginning of the 20th century,

0:01:120:01:14

it was owned by a very extravagant millionaire

0:01:140:01:16

who developed the grounds and built a golf course,

0:01:160:01:19

imported golden pheasant and exotic game for his Edwardian guests,

0:01:190:01:23

including grandchildren of Queen Victoria herself.

0:01:230:01:27

In 1961, it passed into the stewardship of the National Trust

0:01:270:01:31

but, I have to say, as properties with a sea view go

0:01:310:01:34

this one is hard to beat.

0:01:340:01:35

In the south west of England, Dorset is bordered by Devon

0:01:380:01:42

to the west and Hampshire to the east.

0:01:420:01:44

Largely bypassed by the Industrial Revolution, the county has

0:01:440:01:48

retained much of its natural beauty with habitats that are among

0:01:480:01:51

the richest for biodiversity in the country.

0:01:510:01:54

Along its stunning 95-mile coastline are some extraordinary

0:01:550:01:59

geological features, including Chesil Beach, the longest shingle

0:01:590:02:02

bar in Europe, separated from the mainland by the Fleet Lagoon.

0:02:020:02:06

Further east is Poole Harbour, created from a drowned valley

0:02:080:02:11

formed at the end of the last ice age.

0:02:110:02:14

It's one of the largest natural harbours in the world

0:02:140:02:16

and provides a perfect haven for yachts.

0:02:160:02:18

At neighbouring Bournemouth, the glorious seven-mile sweep of

0:02:200:02:22

golden sand was recently voted the UK's best beach

0:02:220:02:25

and it's just another of the wonderful features

0:02:250:02:28

this gorgeous county has to offer.

0:02:280:02:31

So, is it going to be worthwhile for our house buyers to move here?

0:02:360:02:40

Let's meet them and find out.

0:02:400:02:42

For the last 24 years, Sue and John have been living

0:02:450:02:47

in a five bedroomed detached home

0:02:470:02:49

in the town of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

0:02:490:02:52

But until they moved there, they rarely stayed put in one place

0:02:520:02:55

longer than three years, thanks to John's career in the oil industry.

0:02:550:02:59

After such a stretch of settled life here, the globetrotting couple have

0:02:590:03:03

got itchy feet and are fairly clear about where they're headed next.

0:03:030:03:08

It's not so much that we want to leave Beaconsfield.

0:03:080:03:10

We'd like a new start, a new challenge.

0:03:100:03:14

Somewhere like Dorset is a place that we've always hankered after.

0:03:140:03:17

I used to live on the coast, before I got married,

0:03:170:03:20

so I really miss the coast.

0:03:200:03:22

Although they now feel able to move away from the area

0:03:240:03:26

there are some much-loved family members

0:03:260:03:28

they'll have to leave behind.

0:03:280:03:30

Two of their three children live close to their current home,

0:03:300:03:32

so they've been able to spend a lot of time with their grandchildren.

0:03:320:03:35

We really enjoy being grandparents

0:03:370:03:39

and that's one of the downsides of moving, really.

0:03:390:03:42

But they've all promised to come and visit us lots and lots

0:03:420:03:45

and, I suspect, half terms we'll be quite popular,

0:03:450:03:48

so we're looking forward to that.

0:03:480:03:50

And there's one particular pastime they enjoy together.

0:03:500:03:54

We are both quite competitive.

0:03:540:03:56

John usually gets quite cross because he's trying really hard.

0:03:560:04:00

And the harder he tries, the worse it gets!

0:04:000:04:02

And Sue is so laidback, you know, "OK, it's only a game."

0:04:020:04:06

But anyway, we love the game. It gets under the skin.

0:04:060:04:09

On the days when the weather isn't suitable for golf

0:04:100:04:13

there's a place indoors where John is most likely to be found.

0:04:130:04:16

I like being in my study.

0:04:160:04:18

Sue and I don't share the same television programmes.

0:04:180:04:22

So, when she's looking at her soaps, it's a fine time for me

0:04:220:04:26

to go in there and have a little escapism.

0:04:260:04:29

I've got some bits and pieces in there, my toys.

0:04:290:04:32

I'm a bit of a collector of militaria and things.

0:04:320:04:35

There so much stuff in there.

0:04:350:04:37

Yes, there's all sorts of stuff but it's stuff that I like.

0:04:370:04:40

Uprooting after 24 years and moving all that stuff

0:04:410:04:45

might seem daunting but this couple aren't fazed.

0:04:450:04:48

I quite look forward to the challenge of it.

0:04:480:04:50

We're not too old for a new start!

0:04:500:04:52

Our buyers have chosen Dorset for its beautiful scenery and are

0:04:560:05:00

happy to consider either a coastal or countryside setting

0:05:000:05:03

but with family to consider, close to their current home in

0:05:030:05:06

Buckinghamshire, they'd like to be no more than two hours away,

0:05:060:05:09

so would prefer to look in the east of the county.

0:05:090:05:12

I'm meeting them to talk through the details of their planned move.

0:05:120:05:15

John and Sue, welcome to Dorset.

0:05:170:05:18

-Thank you.

-So, this is a big move for you?

0:05:180:05:20

This is your big, wonderful retirement move.

0:05:200:05:23

It's the first time we've ever actually chosen

0:05:230:05:25

where we're going to live.

0:05:250:05:27

With the company, we've always been told where we're going.

0:05:270:05:29

And what are you looking for in the property?

0:05:290:05:32

Well, I'm looking, mainly, for a view.

0:05:320:05:34

Sea, golf course, or really nice countryside.

0:05:340:05:37

We'd like five bedrooms.

0:05:370:05:39

Well, four to five, isn't it?

0:05:390:05:42

-Because you've got your family to come and stay.

-Yes.

-Yes.

0:05:420:05:45

We've got family coming. And a lovely, big, modern kitchen.

0:05:450:05:48

I'd like a nice study, or family room, for my toys.

0:05:480:05:52

Toys? What do you collect?

0:05:520:05:53

Bits and pieces I've picked up on my travels around the world.

0:05:530:05:56

So the house is going to be a showcase for your collection.

0:05:560:05:59

No, he has to keep all that in his room. That's why

0:05:590:06:02

he needs a separate room.

0:06:020:06:03

And what about the style, then?

0:06:030:06:05

Are you looking for something contemporary and modern

0:06:050:06:07

-or are you happy for a period property?

-Certainly modern interior.

0:06:070:06:11

No thatched cottage with tiny windows.

0:06:110:06:13

I like the older buildings, I must admit.

0:06:130:06:15

I'm a bit traditionalist in that respect

0:06:150:06:17

but on the other hand, we don't want small windows.

0:06:170:06:20

We do want rooms that are well lit, naturally well lit.

0:06:200:06:24

-With lovely views.

-With lovely views of course.

0:06:240:06:26

-That's definitely number one.

-And what about the outside space?

0:06:260:06:29

We're not great gardeners.

0:06:290:06:31

We're not looking for a large garden.

0:06:310:06:33

Small to medium would be fine.

0:06:330:06:35

Remind me again of your budget.

0:06:350:06:37

Ideally we're talking about just

0:06:370:06:40

under a million or up to a million, ideally, but for the right place,

0:06:400:06:43

we're prepared to go up to 1.2 million.

0:06:430:06:46

That's obviously a beautifully big budget.

0:06:460:06:48

And what about your house sale, how's that going?

0:06:480:06:51

Legally, it's sold, subject to contract

0:06:510:06:53

and I believe there's another two weeks, is it?

0:06:530:06:56

We're expecting to exchange in two weeks.

0:06:560:06:59

-Better get our skates on.

-Absolutely.

0:06:590:07:01

Well, we've got three lovely properties. Let's go and see them

0:07:010:07:03

-before you miss the boat.

-Great, lovely.

0:07:030:07:06

With a very substantial budget of £1.2 million to spend,

0:07:070:07:10

Sue and John are looking for a spacious home

0:07:100:07:13

with at least four bedrooms so the grandchildren can visit.

0:07:130:07:16

John needs a study to store his collections

0:07:160:07:19

and Sue's after a light, modern interior.

0:07:190:07:21

The garden doesn't need to be huge but one thing they don't want

0:07:210:07:25

to compromise on are great views.

0:07:250:07:27

They'd also like the property to be

0:07:270:07:29

in an attractive village setting

0:07:290:07:30

with an active local community.

0:07:300:07:33

We've lined up three excellent properties to view which

0:07:330:07:36

would offer them the lifestyle and scenic setting they're after.

0:07:360:07:40

They won't know the prices of each until they've viewed it

0:07:400:07:43

and at the end of the search, I'll be tempting them with a

0:07:430:07:45

one-of-a-kind property in the form of our mystery house.

0:07:450:07:48

For our first property, we're heading to the East Dorset village

0:07:530:07:56

of Horton, ten miles north of Poole.

0:07:560:07:59

This small village has a population of just over 500 people.

0:08:000:08:04

There's an attractive church, local pub and the village itself is

0:08:040:08:08

overlooked by the unique local landmark, Horton Tower.

0:08:080:08:10

Just a mile away from a very prestigious golf course and

0:08:120:08:15

100 yards from the pub, hopefully the position of our first property

0:08:150:08:18

will appeal to Sue and John.

0:08:180:08:19

Et voila! House number one.

0:08:190:08:23

Oh, wow. It does look lovely.

0:08:230:08:26

It's a contemporary property. It's from the '60s but it's been extended

0:08:260:08:29

and completely transformed, actually,

0:08:290:08:31

in the last eight to ten years.

0:08:310:08:34

The core of the house is this really central part

0:08:340:08:36

and all these other sections have been added in subsequent decades.

0:08:360:08:40

You're very well-placed here for golf clubs.

0:08:400:08:42

-There's a very exclusive golf club just around the corner.

-Right.

0:08:420:08:45

But there are also several other ones, so you've got lots of options.

0:08:450:08:47

-Oh, really? Oh, my goodness.

-It's golfing central here.

0:08:470:08:50

I'd like to go inside.

0:08:500:08:52

-Shall we go?

-Indeed.

0:08:520:08:54

Built in 1965, I'm hoping this house offers the contemporary living

0:08:550:08:59

that Sue and John are looking for.

0:08:590:09:01

Offering nearly 4,000 square feet of floor space,

0:09:010:09:04

the downstairs centres on a well-thought-out

0:09:040:09:07

open-plan kitchen and breakfast room

0:09:070:09:09

developed by the current owners.

0:09:090:09:11

Straight into your domain, Sue, the kitchen.

0:09:130:09:16

Yes! Oh, wow, that's really lovely.

0:09:160:09:19

It's nice and light, isn't it?

0:09:190:09:21

A lovely combination of kitchen with the dining area,

0:09:210:09:24

right out onto decking.

0:09:240:09:26

Really lovely. That's exactly what I like.

0:09:260:09:29

-Is it?

-Yes.

0:09:290:09:31

The ceiling being so nice and light

0:09:310:09:33

and this area is really light,

0:09:330:09:34

you know, when you've got the family it's really nice not to be

0:09:340:09:37

shut away in the kitchen.

0:09:370:09:39

Through there, you've got a sort of TV snug room.

0:09:390:09:41

Round the back, there's a big utility room, a downstairs toilet

0:09:410:09:44

and lots and lots of storage. Is it your taste in finishing?

0:09:440:09:47

-Oh, yes, indeed.

-Great.

0:09:470:09:49

So, let's go through into the lounge.

0:09:490:09:51

At the front of the property, there's a study area

0:09:510:09:54

opposite the main lounge.

0:09:540:09:55

A large modern space with a southerly aspect.

0:09:550:09:58

More space.

0:09:580:09:59

Oh, yes, it is, it's lovely.

0:09:590:10:01

Really unusual with the glass panelling there.

0:10:010:10:04

That's the dining room, but they're using it as a study.

0:10:040:10:09

That would be my study.

0:10:090:10:11

Let's look upstairs.

0:10:110:10:12

Upstairs, there's plenty of space to accommodate the family with

0:10:140:10:17

three good-sized guest bedrooms,

0:10:170:10:19

two modern en-suites and an impressive family bathroom

0:10:190:10:23

with floor-to-ceiling windows to the garden.

0:10:230:10:25

This is the master bedroom.

0:10:250:10:28

-My goodness.

-Oh, my goodness. Yeah.

0:10:280:10:30

That is lovely.

0:10:300:10:32

You've got an en-suite in here. Lovely views.

0:10:320:10:35

-Yep, triple aspect makes it extremely bright.

-Nice and light.

0:10:350:10:38

And upstairs, you've got a mezzanine changing room.

0:10:380:10:41

-Oh...

-My goodness.

0:10:410:10:43

Or you could keep it as your study.

0:10:430:10:46

Indeed, yes, out of the way.

0:10:460:10:48

-Let's look outside.

-Right.

0:10:480:10:50

The grounds are larger than John and Sue asked for,

0:10:510:10:54

with great countryside views.

0:10:540:10:56

I think this low-maintenance space could work well for them.

0:10:560:10:59

You have this formal garden, which is pretty simple to keep.

0:10:590:11:02

-Just a bit of lawn.

-It needs a sit-on mower.

0:11:020:11:05

Definitely needs a sit-on mower because...

0:11:050:11:07

At the back, there, you see that huge field? That's yours too.

0:11:070:11:11

-Oh, my goodness.

-Oh, goodness.

0:11:110:11:14

What did we say about large gardens?

0:11:140:11:16

Not wanting large gardens, eh?

0:11:160:11:17

Well, what's good about that is that it's four acres, the total

0:11:170:11:21

of the garden, but you can just leave it to go to hay and there's

0:11:210:11:24

a farmer who comes, there's an arrangement where they take the hay.

0:11:240:11:27

-Oh, right.

-Oh, that's quite nice.

0:11:270:11:29

It is quite low-maintenance.

0:11:290:11:30

So how much do you think the house is on the market for?

0:11:300:11:33

I think it's probably about £900,000.

0:11:330:11:36

John?

0:11:360:11:37

Probably around £960,000.

0:11:370:11:39

Actually, it's a bit more expensive than that.

0:11:390:11:41

It's on at £1,195,000.

0:11:410:11:45

-Gosh.

-Good grief.

0:11:450:11:47

-Well, we're not very good at that then, are we?

-No, we're not.

0:11:470:11:49

Coming in just under budget, this contemporary and bright home

0:11:510:11:54

would give John and Sue the

0:11:540:11:56

four bedrooms they want, that

0:11:560:11:58

all-important study space for John,

0:11:580:12:00

plus another for Sue.

0:12:000:12:01

Coming with over four acres, there

0:12:010:12:03

may be more outside space than they

0:12:030:12:05

wanted but it's low-maintenance and

0:12:050:12:07

comes with beautiful country views,

0:12:070:12:08

not to mention a number of golf

0:12:080:12:10

courses within a short drive.

0:12:100:12:12

Excellent. Pull the door behind you, we're going onto house number two.

0:12:140:12:17

-Thank you.

-Oh, great.

0:12:170:12:19

Dorset is celebrated for its landscape and captivating coastline,

0:12:280:12:32

three quarters of which is a world heritage site.

0:12:320:12:35

But like the rest of the British Isles,

0:12:350:12:37

its seas can be deceptively treacherous.

0:12:370:12:40

Keeping a watchful eye on the welfare of seafarers is the RNLI.

0:12:400:12:44

And it's here in Poole, at the charity's purpose-built college,

0:12:460:12:49

that the thousands of volunteers

0:12:490:12:51

who make up the RNLI's lifeboat crews and lifeguards

0:12:510:12:55

come to receive their training.

0:12:550:12:56

I'm meeting Training Manager Glen Mallon

0:12:560:12:59

to find out more about their work.

0:12:590:13:01

It must be quite exciting for you

0:13:010:13:03

to have all these things around you all the time?

0:13:030:13:05

It is. It's a real privilege to be able to look after this

0:13:050:13:07

and allow us to train the volunteers on some of the best kit in the UK.

0:13:070:13:10

How many boats have you got here in Poole?

0:13:100:13:12

Two lifeboats and we've got a myriad of different vessels,

0:13:120:13:15

from the inshore lifeboats behind us and some training vessels.

0:13:150:13:18

And in terms of the training...

0:13:180:13:19

So, obviously the RNLI is famous for its volunteers.

0:13:190:13:22

..do they come down here and do their training in Poole?

0:13:220:13:24

The reasons people come here is that the facilities are second to none.

0:13:240:13:27

We can do things like training on the full bridge mission simulator

0:13:270:13:30

and the sea survival centre.

0:13:300:13:31

Is there anything I can do here that's not too...?

0:13:310:13:34

We've got some surprises for you and I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

0:13:340:13:37

And it might involve you getting a little bit wet.

0:13:370:13:39

I'm up for that. Lead the way.

0:13:390:13:41

The centre opened in 2004

0:13:410:13:43

and has the largest sea survival pool in the UK.

0:13:430:13:47

Capable of creating waves of up to 1.5 metres in height

0:13:470:13:51

and demonstrating various conditions such as thunder, lightning and rain,

0:13:510:13:55

it means volunteers can be trained in sea-survival skills,

0:13:550:13:58

lifeguard tests and capsize drills,

0:13:580:14:01

which is what I'm being taught today.

0:14:010:14:03

So, this is an amazing set up.

0:14:030:14:05

It's like a giant swimming pool, really. So, basically, we're

0:14:050:14:07

learning to right the ship and get going again, is that the idea?

0:14:070:14:11

Yeah, the aim of this isn't to train our volunteers how to capsize,

0:14:110:14:14

cos the aim is to go and do the rescue, but it's to ensure that

0:14:140:14:17

they've got the right skills and the confidence in themselves

0:14:170:14:20

and the kit, should the boat capsize for real during a service.

0:14:200:14:23

That's a pretty good skill to learn.

0:14:230:14:25

They operate around 2,000 capsize drills a year here

0:14:250:14:28

and Glen assures me that the boat we're on has been running

0:14:280:14:31

and capsizing for 14 years.

0:14:310:14:33

OK, then, guys. Helmets on.

0:14:350:14:37

So, after a full briefing, I feel in safe hands.

0:14:370:14:40

With the lifeboat capsized, all crew make their way towards

0:14:550:14:58

the bow of the upturned boat, where there's the most space.

0:14:580:15:02

We then exit one at a time.

0:15:140:15:16

With the team out, we move to the back of the boat

0:15:230:15:26

and swim backwards along the swim line.

0:15:260:15:29

The inflation ring is pulled, activating a cylinder

0:15:290:15:31

which fills an airbag to re-right the boat.

0:15:310:15:34

Since its foundation in 1824, the RNLI has saved more than

0:15:360:15:40

140,000 lives.

0:15:400:15:43

Seeing Glen and the team in action first hand, really highlights

0:15:430:15:46

the importance of the work these volunteers do.

0:15:460:15:49

The drill ends with a series of engine checks

0:15:490:15:52

and it's mission complete from the team and me.

0:15:520:15:55

That was amazing!

0:15:550:15:58

You did really well, Alistair. I'm impressed. Well done.

0:15:580:16:01

And that demonstrates that, for our volunteers,

0:16:010:16:03

less than one in ten comes from a maritime background.

0:16:030:16:05

This training's vital.

0:16:050:16:07

-Yeah. Well, hopefully I'll never, ever have to use it.

-I hope so, too.

0:16:070:16:10

Brilliant though, really brilliant.

0:16:100:16:13

For our second property, we've crossed the border just

0:16:200:16:22

east of Dorset to the Hampshire village of Damerham,

0:16:220:16:25

13 miles from Salisbury and five miles from the New Forest.

0:16:250:16:29

Running along the River Allen, this typically English village

0:16:290:16:32

provides excellent walking, riding and cycling opportunities

0:16:320:16:35

for residents and visitors alike.

0:16:350:16:38

Down a country lane and standing proud behind hedged gardens

0:16:380:16:42

is our second property offering.

0:16:420:16:45

Come here and you get a full frontal version of the house.

0:16:450:16:49

-Gosh, yes, it looks imposing.

-Impressive.

0:16:490:16:53

So, we're not going contemporary here. This is a much older offering.

0:16:530:16:57

Mm-hm. As long as it's got a nice modern inside.

0:16:570:17:01

Architecturally, it's more in sympathy with my feelings.

0:17:010:17:05

Well, it is an historic building. This bit is the Georgian part,

0:17:050:17:08

the redder brick. This is an Edwardian extension. And then

0:17:080:17:12

on the other side there's an '80s extension plus a little extra.

0:17:120:17:15

-Oh, right.

-Plus a very special treat added to that.

0:17:150:17:18

Oh.

0:17:180:17:19

We've crossed over the border into Hampshire. Is that a problem?

0:17:190:17:22

No, no, it isn't actually because it's not going to any further

0:17:220:17:25

than two hours from our home.

0:17:250:17:27

We're much closer. It's one hour 40 to Beaconsfield from here.

0:17:270:17:30

-Oh, right, well, that's good.

-Shall we go in?

-Indeed.

0:17:300:17:33

Larger than the first house they viewed, this one occupies

0:17:340:17:37

three floors and, despite being extended over the years, has

0:17:370:17:40

retained many of its traditional features.

0:17:400:17:43

Here's the kitchen and dining room.

0:17:440:17:46

Quite farmhouse feel to it, isn't it?

0:17:460:17:48

I think I prefer the other kitchen a little bit more than this one.

0:17:480:17:52

The wood, I preferred. You know, the granite and the wood.

0:17:520:17:55

Let's go and look at the rest of the house.

0:17:550:17:57

So this is the orangery.

0:17:590:18:02

-Oh, this is nice and light and airy, isn't it?

-Oh.

-Mm-hmm.

0:18:020:18:04

Yes, this is gorgeous. It is, it's lovely.

0:18:040:18:07

Lovely, well constructed. And then this.

0:18:070:18:09

This is the sort of '80s extension

0:18:090:18:11

and the sitting room that goes through into this space here.

0:18:110:18:14

Is it gripping you like the last house or not so much?

0:18:140:18:16

Not quite as much, although I love this room.

0:18:160:18:19

I can imagine spending time in this room.

0:18:190:18:23

OK, so muted feelings.

0:18:230:18:25

Just a little, yes.

0:18:250:18:26

-Let's take a look upstairs.

-OK.

0:18:260:18:28

The downstairs of this house flows seamlessly, connecting large

0:18:290:18:32

entertaining rooms with more intimate areas.

0:18:320:18:35

Back through the kitchen, there's a large formal drawing room

0:18:350:18:38

with views to the garden and meadows beyond.

0:18:380:18:41

And the trend continues upstairs.

0:18:410:18:44

-They use this as the master bedroom.

-Right.

-Ah.

0:18:440:18:47

This one has a very nice en suite, you can see,

0:18:470:18:50

-and a dressing room so you can take your pick.

-Indeed.

0:18:500:18:53

-It's a lovely room.

-Again, a lovely room.

-Nice proportion.

0:18:530:18:57

And here you start to get the views over the fields and the horses.

0:18:570:19:00

I'm conscious though, John, that we haven't given you a study.

0:19:000:19:03

I'm here, waiting in anticipation, though.

0:19:030:19:06

-Don't wait any longer.

-Right.

-Follow me.

0:19:060:19:09

There are three further bedrooms on the first floor.

0:19:100:19:13

Two of which have en-suite bathrooms.

0:19:130:19:15

The fifth bedroom is on the second floor, which has been converted

0:19:150:19:18

to a self contained suite - the perfect set up for John.

0:19:180:19:22

This would make a lovely office, I think.

0:19:220:19:25

-This is spot on, absolutely.

-Ah.

0:19:250:19:27

Yes.

0:19:270:19:28

And you've also got a bedroom through there with an en-suite.

0:19:280:19:31

So this is a good place for you when you're in the doghouse.

0:19:310:19:34

Indeed it is, and with the facilities there,

0:19:340:19:37

I wouldn't mind being in the doghouse.

0:19:370:19:39

-Well, let's look at the garden and see if that pleases you.

-Indeed.

0:19:390:19:42

Outside, the property is a double garage, a number of seating

0:19:420:19:46

areas and wide gardens

0:19:460:19:47

backing onto open farmland at the rear.

0:19:470:19:50

Lovely field here with horses.

0:19:500:19:53

-This is your boundary.

-Right.

0:19:530:19:54

So a smaller garden but it's still about half an acre.

0:19:540:19:57

-Yes, look, it's...

-It's a lovely garden.

-Very nice garden.

0:19:570:20:00

So what do you think the price of the property is?

0:20:000:20:02

Probably about 1.1.

0:20:020:20:04

I think it would be at least 115.

0:20:040:20:07

It's actually on at a shade under 1.1.

0:20:070:20:09

It's on at 1,095,000.

0:20:090:20:12

Right. Well, so that's... that's good.

0:20:120:20:16

For £105,000 under their sizeable top budget, this huge extended

0:20:160:20:20

home is a mix of traditional and contemporary, that would give

0:20:200:20:24

John and Sue enough space to accommodate the whole family,

0:20:240:20:27

while offering the perfect hideaway for John and his toys.

0:20:270:20:31

Many of the rooms have a southerly aspect and those countryside views.

0:20:320:20:35

They'd get the village lifestyle

0:20:350:20:37

they wanted and be nearer

0:20:370:20:39

their family in Buckinghamshire.

0:20:390:20:41

OK, so that's your lot for the day. Two down.

0:20:410:20:44

Time to digest and have a rest. Are you ready for that?

0:20:440:20:47

Absolutely. Thank you, Alistair, it's a very interesting property.

0:20:470:20:50

Let's go.

0:20:500:20:52

What a day yesterday. Two big budget houses.

0:20:570:21:00

Lots of strong responses.

0:21:000:21:02

I got the impression that Sue was not so sold

0:21:020:21:05

on the second house although, after I showed him that man cave

0:21:050:21:08

at the top, John was definitely gunning for house number two.

0:21:080:21:12

I think one of the problems for Sue was there wasn't really views,

0:21:120:21:15

and she really, really wants views, so for the mystery house,

0:21:150:21:18

oh, my word, we are giving them views.

0:21:180:21:21

But it's going to involve some work.

0:21:210:21:23

For our final offering, we're stretching the search area by

0:21:250:21:28

moving further west, to give them the coastal setting they dream of.

0:21:280:21:32

Seven miles south of Weymouth, our mystery property is in Weston,

0:21:320:21:35

on the Isle of Portland.

0:21:350:21:36

Four miles long and just a mile and a half wide,

0:21:380:21:41

the island sits in the English Channel.

0:21:410:21:43

Our mystery house is an architect-designed circular property

0:21:430:21:47

positioned high on a cliff, maximising views out to the sea.

0:21:470:21:51

But this stunning setting comes with a compromise.

0:21:510:21:54

The plot around it needs a lot of work.

0:21:540:21:57

Now you are puzzled, aren't you?

0:21:570:21:59

THEY LAUGH

0:21:590:22:00

-Very.

-Oh, my goodness, yes.

0:22:000:22:02

-You wanted a mystery. This is a mystery.

-It is a mystery.

0:22:020:22:05

Well, I totally blame the both of you because you wanted views,

0:22:050:22:09

-and you're interested in military history.

-Correct.

0:22:090:22:12

Mm-hm! So this, believe it or not,

0:22:120:22:14

is a modern building based on a pre-World War I

0:22:140:22:17

military installation.

0:22:170:22:19

SUE LAUGHS

0:22:190:22:21

So we've come onto the island of Portland.

0:22:210:22:23

-Right.

-Not famous for its golf courses.

-True.

0:22:230:22:26

You will have to cross the causeway to get to the nearest

0:22:260:22:28

-golf course in Weymouth. But you wanted views.

-Yes.

0:22:280:22:32

SUE LAUGHS

0:22:320:22:34

The fortress on this plot was constructed in 1902

0:22:340:22:38

as part of Portland's coastal defence.

0:22:380:22:41

Now an area of archaeological interest, the site was purchased

0:22:410:22:44

by the previous owners in 2007, to build this unique, modern home.

0:22:440:22:49

Despite the building being completed to a high specification, parts

0:22:490:22:53

of the inside still need some finishing and the outside of

0:22:530:22:56

the property is yet to be landscaped.

0:22:560:22:59

But I felt I had to show it to them for one very good reason.

0:22:590:23:03

Oh, goodness me! That is lovely.

0:23:030:23:06

So the whole house is built around this room, really, and this view.

0:23:060:23:10

I can cook with a view.

0:23:100:23:12

And a modern kitchen with a black marble worktop.

0:23:120:23:15

Definitely modern kitchen, yes.

0:23:150:23:17

You can see basically the whole length of Chesil Beach.

0:23:170:23:20

The causeway across.

0:23:200:23:22

This side, you can see... Well, actually, come over and have a look.

0:23:220:23:26

So you look down there, you can see the top of the lighthouse,

0:23:270:23:30

just on the other side of Portland Bill, and this is the coastal path

0:23:300:23:34

-that goes in front of your property behind this wall.

-Stunning.

0:23:340:23:37

Obviously, the challenge for this property is the surroundings.

0:23:370:23:40

-Yes.

-Correct.

0:23:400:23:42

You are perched right on the side of a cliff, but you are on a

0:23:420:23:46

Portland stone cliff,

0:23:460:23:47

one of the most erosion-resistant stones there is.

0:23:470:23:51

-OK.

-Let's go and look at the bedrooms.

0:23:510:23:54

This property would clearly be a huge undertaking, but they

0:23:540:23:57

don't seem put off just yet.

0:23:570:24:00

Hopefully they'll stay open-minded when they see the five bedrooms,

0:24:000:24:03

spanning the circumference of the house.

0:24:030:24:05

They're all of a good size but currently lacking in furnishings.

0:24:050:24:08

Luckily, the master bedroom and en suite is almost there.

0:24:080:24:13

It's gorgeous.

0:24:130:24:15

-You could lie in bed and look over Portland.

-What a view.

0:24:150:24:17

-Oh, it's lovely. Superb situation, isn't it?

-A nice sized room, too.

0:24:170:24:21

Not yet decorated, so...

0:24:210:24:23

Here, through here is the en-suite.

0:24:230:24:26

Also with a glass window so you can see the view while you're showering.

0:24:260:24:29

-SUE LAUGHS

-They have thought of everything.

0:24:290:24:31

You'd have a view and you've got your bubble bath.

0:24:310:24:34

-I mean, what more do you want?

-Great.

0:24:340:24:36

The house is very energy efficient. It kind of basically

0:24:360:24:39

runs itself. It's one of those incredibly green houses.

0:24:390:24:41

Let's have a look outside and then we can talk about price.

0:24:410:24:45

Heading downstairs, there's a bright study with an en-suite bathroom

0:24:450:24:49

that should keep John happy, with plenty of space for his collections.

0:24:490:24:53

The house sits on a sizeable 1.5 acre plot

0:24:530:24:57

and comes with a few added extras.

0:24:570:25:00

This is the whole thing,

0:25:000:25:02

and then over here you've got all these outbuildings,

0:25:020:25:05

so these are the leftovers from the World War I site.

0:25:050:25:07

You've got a big workshop, and then there's actually

0:25:070:25:09

a bungalow where they lived while they were doing it up.

0:25:090:25:12

Obviously you'll need some budget over to do all this work outside,

0:25:120:25:15

so how much do you think the house costs?

0:25:150:25:17

About £500,000.

0:25:170:25:19

I would say at least 600,000.

0:25:190:25:21

Well, it's very difficult to price a property like this.

0:25:210:25:24

I mean, it's kind of unique.

0:25:240:25:25

Though you're both a little on the low side.

0:25:250:25:27

It's actually on the market for 685.

0:25:270:25:30

Oh, goodness, I was way out.

0:25:300:25:31

It is still a considerable chunk of change.

0:25:310:25:34

-Oh, absolutely.

-Indeed. That's true, yes.

0:25:340:25:37

But you would have to do a lot outside.

0:25:370:25:39

For over £500,000 under Sue and John's maximum budget,

0:25:390:25:43

this one of a kind property gives them their number one wish -

0:25:430:25:46

fantastic sea views.

0:25:460:25:48

Once finished, it would have

0:25:480:25:50

the modern interior they're after

0:25:500:25:52

with plenty of bedrooms and a study.

0:25:520:25:55

The outside of the property needs

0:25:550:25:56

some extensive landscaping work

0:25:560:25:58

but with the pot of money left over,

0:25:580:26:00

they could afford to do it justice.

0:26:000:26:03

Whether it's too large a project and too far from their family

0:26:030:26:06

are the only questions.

0:26:060:26:08

So, all three houses... We've seen all three houses.

0:26:080:26:10

Now, time to find somewhere to mull them over.

0:26:100:26:13

-Indeed.

-Yes. Let's do that.

-Come on.

0:26:130:26:16

We've finished. We're all done.

0:26:190:26:21

Have you enjoyed the week?

0:26:210:26:23

-Very much.

-Yes, it's been a wonderful few days.

0:26:230:26:25

More to the point, has it been useful?

0:26:250:26:27

Because obviously you've got someone moving into your house

0:26:270:26:30

-in a few weeks.

-Yes, we have.

0:26:300:26:32

But sadly, I don't think we've found our house.

0:26:320:26:36

I think if you put the first house in the second house's

0:26:360:26:40

situation, that would have been great. But we are going to go back

0:26:400:26:43

to Horton and have a look, and look at the village area.

0:26:430:26:47

So, of all the contenders it was the first house

0:26:470:26:49

that took your fancy most?

0:26:490:26:50

Yes, the specification of that house,

0:26:500:26:53

all the rooms and the views from it that we would want.

0:26:530:26:57

But the one factor against it, really, appeared to be

0:26:570:27:00

the lack of being part of a community, a community village.

0:27:000:27:03

So, have things come into focus? I mean, I know the clock is ticking

0:27:030:27:06

cos you actually need somewhere to live.

0:27:060:27:09

-I think we're going to have to rent, I think...

-Right.

0:27:090:27:12

..and then take our time, a bit more time.

0:27:120:27:14

Well, I'm sorry we didn't manage to pull the jackpot for you.

0:27:140:27:17

But it's been lovely showing you round with a lovely big budget

0:27:170:27:20

and I hope you've enjoyed your time in Dorset?

0:27:200:27:22

We have, very much. Thank you.

0:27:220:27:24

Oh, it's so frustrating when we've got a £1 million budget

0:27:290:27:32

and we don't find the house buyers the house that they want.

0:27:320:27:35

But I guess if you've got £1 million to spend then you really

0:27:350:27:39

have a precise idea of what it is that you're looking for.

0:27:390:27:42

Hopefully, though, John and Sue will rent

0:27:420:27:44

and take a leisurely stroll around Dorset,

0:27:440:27:47

and finally find that dream property.

0:27:470:27:50

But you don't have to wait that long.

0:27:500:27:52

No, you can just turn on the TV next time

0:27:520:27:54

and watch more Escape To The Country.

0:27:540:27:57

If you would like to Escape To The Country in Northern Ireland,

0:28:000:28:03

Scotland, Wales, or England and you need our help,

0:28:030:28:06

why not apply online at:

0:28:060:28:09

Download Subtitles

SRT

ASS