0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Today we are in a county that is home to this leafy
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and rather humble green vegetable, the cabbage,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and, let's be honest, you either love them or you hate them.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14But where in the UK do you think they were first grown?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Well, join us in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37On today's show we are hoping to find a rural retirement
0:00:37 > 0:00:39pad for a city boy and a country girl,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43and our properties offer them cosy character in abundance.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Oh, this is outstanding! - This is lovely.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Can imagine it, the snow outside, the fire burning,
0:00:50 > 0:00:52just being really curled up in here.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Well, today we are in Dorset
0:00:57 > 0:01:01and this is the beautiful church in the village of Wimborne St Giles,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04and this rather elaborate structure
0:01:04 > 0:01:07is the tomb of Sir Anthony Ashley.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10He was a late 16th century civil servant,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12a man who picked up his knighthood thanks to his involvement
0:01:12 > 0:01:18in the capture of Cadiz during the Anglo Spanish war back in 1596,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21but he's not remembered simply for his service to his country.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25He is the man that introduced all of us to the humble cabbage.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28He discovered it growing in Holland, brought it over
0:01:28 > 0:01:32and started producing the plant here on his estate in Dorset.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Now, the tomb is beautiful.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38That's an effigy of Sir Anthony, and this his wife, but at their feet
0:01:38 > 0:01:42is this polyhedron, said to represent the humble cabbage itself.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Now, many of us regard the cabbage as a vegetable
0:01:45 > 0:01:48that is classically British. And, as you can see,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52it is a story that is very much rooted in this beautiful county.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Dorset sits in the south-west of England
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and shares its borders with four counties, including Wiltshire and
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Hampshire, while the southern edge of the county skirts
0:02:01 > 0:02:02the English Channel.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Dorset's distinctive landscape is as varied as it is beautiful,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11featuring elevated chalky downs and low-lying valleys.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The undulating terrain is blessed with a multitude of attractive
0:02:14 > 0:02:16age-old villages,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19which are characterised by classic thatched cottages.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Together with Devon, Dorset has the highest number of listed
0:02:22 > 0:02:24thatched buildings in the country.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Towards the northern border with Somerset,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30the scenic beauty of Blackmore Vale inspired Dorset's most
0:02:30 > 0:02:34famous son, Thomas Hardy, to write the novel Tess Of The D'Urbervilles,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37using the distinctive village of Marnhull
0:02:37 > 0:02:40as the setting for the work's opening chapters.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Meandering its way through the heart of Hardy country,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46the River Stour flows for 64 miles.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49For centuries it has powered the historic mill at Sturminster Newton,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52which dates to the 16th century.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56With charm and unspoiled beauty, it's no surprise visitors
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and house-buyers are drawn to this lovely part of the
0:02:58 > 0:03:00British countryside.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Now it probably comes as no great surprise that life in such
0:03:06 > 0:03:08an impressive setting doesn't come cheap.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12The cost of your average detached property here in Dorset's is currently running
0:03:12 > 0:03:15at just under £326,000 -
0:03:15 > 0:03:19that's some 57,000 above the national figure.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22And as well as having some of the country's most impressive
0:03:22 > 0:03:26scenery, the geology here in Dorset has also created some
0:03:26 > 0:03:29wonderful building materials that really do give the architecture down
0:03:29 > 0:03:31here a very iconic feel.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35So, will today's buyers fancy, for example, a classic timber-frame
0:03:35 > 0:03:39thatch, a Georgian rectory or indeed a red brick farmhouse?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Michael and Jenny currently live in a four-bedroom detached
0:03:47 > 0:03:51house on a private estate in the London suburb of Woodford Green.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55They met 14 years ago when Jenny was the girl next door.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We met because we bought houses next door to one another.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Shortly after I moved into the new house,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I had a medical problem and I had to have quite a serious operation
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and Michael was great because he supported me
0:04:05 > 0:04:07all the way through that.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- And then we got together, didn't we? - We did.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14You took me skiing because I had never skied before,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16and he proposed to me on the slopes.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Because we were quite...both first timers
0:04:18 > 0:04:23and quite late in life to get married, but it works well.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25The couple have recently retired.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Jenny was a project manager for a busy IT firm in the city
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and Michael ran a clothing manufacturing company.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34With no work ties, they are free to leave Woodford Green,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37an area Michael has lived in all his life.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Woodford Green is a really nice place to live.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44There's lots of green space, there's lots of small shops and restaurants,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46but it is getting busier and busier,
0:04:46 > 0:04:50so that the village feel that was in Woodford Green
0:04:50 > 0:04:52is gradually...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56becoming eroded by the traffic and the buildings.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01And a rural setting will allow the couple's beloved dog Palmer more space.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Palmer changed our lives, basically. He is our main hobby.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07We were very lucky.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Also joining them on the journey are Jenny's elderly parents so, in
0:05:10 > 0:05:15addition to the house, we'll need to find a property with an annexe.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18They are now in their 80s, they live in rule Norfolk,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21they have looked after me all my life,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and this move to the country gives me
0:05:23 > 0:05:27the opportunity to return that kindness and look after them.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Once they are finally settled, and with more time on their hands,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Jenny hopes to improve her cooking skills
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and Michael plans on spending more time in the garden.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40And they are one step closer to their rural dream as the money
0:05:40 > 0:05:41is already in the bank,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44thanks to the sale of one of Michael's factory sites.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47What the move will give us is what we've got now but more.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Just really allowing us to enjoy
0:05:50 > 0:05:52the time that we are not working.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Yes, I think that says it all, really.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Jenny and Michael would like us to concentrate our search
0:06:02 > 0:06:03in the northern part of the county,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06away from the busier coastal areas,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10so I'm meeting up with them to go over their property wish list.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Well, guys, welcome to Dorset. - BOTH: Thank you very much.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15But a big move for you, sir.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17A much bigger move for me because I've lived in London
0:06:17 > 0:06:20all my life and only moved within three miles from where I was born.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Wow!- Whereas Jenny came from the depths of Norfolk.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26She is desperate to get back to the country.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28So the country girl is dragging the city boy.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- I'm trying very hard to, yes. - Here we are in Dorset.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34You grew up in Norfolk, why aren't we in Norfolk?
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I think because with Norfolk, for Michael, it would be too much,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41really too much of a change from he's used to.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Norfolk is very, very rural. Dorset we love.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46We love the mixture of the countryside.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48We've got friends down here as well,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50so I think I'm easing him into it that way.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Well, it's not just you who is moving.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54No, we would like to bring my parents,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56who actually still live in Norfolk.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00We'd like a little annexe for them and they are quite happy to come.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Let's just talk about the property that you ideally want.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06We'd like a property with three good-sized bedrooms
0:07:06 > 0:07:09and, downstairs, what we want is entertainment space.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13So downstairs, we'd like a big kitchen, kitchen/diner,
0:07:13 > 0:07:14a large lounge, a utility room
0:07:14 > 0:07:18because we have a dog, and we would love a conservatory garden room.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21And stylistically, what's your dream, Jenny?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24It's nice to have a bit of character,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27but I don't mind some that are contemporary.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30What I'm probably not so keen on, is something with low ceilings
0:07:30 > 0:07:33and small windows, the archetypal cottage.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35What are the real no-nos?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Thatch, we're a bit concerned about.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- Jenny's father would have a fit if we bought a thatch.- Why?- We're...
0:07:42 > 0:07:43What's his worry?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46He's always been worried about the maintenance and about them
0:07:46 > 0:07:48catching fire and things like this.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Well, let's talk about your parents
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- because they are going to want some space.- They are.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54They're going to need two bedrooms, a sitting room,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57a kitchen and a shower room as a minimum.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Whether we have to build on to something or
0:08:00 > 0:08:02we get something ready-made, that's fine.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05It's interesting that you said you might want to build onto it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07How much of a project would you take on, do you think,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09to make this work?
0:08:09 > 0:08:10I think a reasonable one.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13We haven't got big experience of knocking a house down
0:08:13 > 0:08:17and rebuilding it, but if it was changing a garage into a usable
0:08:17 > 0:08:20room or adding another room onto something that existed there...
0:08:20 > 0:08:27- Just remind us of the budget. - A maximum of £700,000.- Wow!
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Whether we can find something for that, in Dorset.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Well, it's not the cheapest county. - We do realise that, yes.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35But I'm quite optimistic.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38There's a wonderful housing stock here, set in fantastic landscape.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We've got three properties to show you, including our mystery house,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- so let's go. - Let's get cracking.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48For a maximum budget of £700,000, Michael and Jenny would like us
0:08:48 > 0:08:51to find them a characterful house with three bedrooms.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55It should have good entertaining space, ideally a kitchen/diner
0:08:55 > 0:08:56so they can host friends,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59a utility room which would also serve as a home for their dog
0:08:59 > 0:09:03and a two-bedroom self-contained annexe for Jenny's elderly parents.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07We've lined up a selection of stunning Dorset
0:09:07 > 0:09:11properties for Jenny and Michael to contemplate as their new home,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13but they won't know the price of each contender
0:09:13 > 0:09:15until the end of the tour.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18And I'm hoping the mystery house, designed to challenge them,
0:09:18 > 0:09:19isn't the final straw.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Our search begins in the village of Dewlish,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29around ten miles from the county town of Dorchester.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Located in the heart of Thomas Hardy country,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Dewlish sits in a valley on the Dorset Downs
0:09:34 > 0:09:40and features pretty carbon thatched cottages, a well-regarded pub
0:09:40 > 0:09:44and a beautiful old village hall built from brick and flint.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46On the outskirts of the village,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50in a secluded spot on the banks of a small stream, is our first house.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Come over here because I think this is really where you get
0:09:53 > 0:09:56the best idea of what is on offer. What do you think of that then?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Wow.- Interesting. - That is really interesting.- Isn't it?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- The garden is beautiful.- The garden is stunning, full of water features.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06There's a lake down there, which Palmer is going to be in.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- All of the time.- I hope it's got a utility room to dry him off.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Exactly. That is the main property we're going to deal with first,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16which also comes with that one over there,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18which is a completely separate annexe.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23Absolutely ideal. That's what they wanted, to be separate, but close.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25This would be your bit, I think,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27although you could fight over it, actually. You can decide.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I probably would.- That's really interesting.- Come and have a look.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32I can't wait to get inside.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Dating to 1800, the main house was originally three
0:10:36 > 0:10:40separate cottages with the walls built from traditional cob,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43but it's also been added to in the last 50 years.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- We'll start the tour in here. - Right.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- The fireplace. - That is stunning.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51This is just one of your reception rooms.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53There's another one through there, which is a lot lighter,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56with some lovely double doors out of the garden.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58There's another wood burner in there.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00You have got his and hers, if you want.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Being retired, you want a bit of your own space now and again.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05To have two rooms would be excellent.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- This would be lovely in winter. - A cosy snug in winter.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11You can just imagine the snow outside, the fire burning,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13just being really curled up in here.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15It also leads on to the kitchen/diner,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19which I'm hoping is going to be big enough for you.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20- OK.- Let's have a look.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- There we are, Jenny. - This is outstanding.- This is lovely.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- What a lovely space. Loads of space to work.- Yeah.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Friends round for dinner. It's ideal. - And a decent oven.- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40As you can see, you've got the dining end there,
0:11:40 > 0:11:41those lovely windows,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44but it all flows round through that arched doorway
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and down that little flight of steps into the second reception room.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- Lovely.- And it's so light.- Look at this - doggy friendly floor.- Yeah.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Exactly.- Very much so.- I'm really pleased with this.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56What do you think the folks would make of it?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58My mum would love this kitchen.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00She could come here and make jams and cakes and teach me
0:12:00 > 0:12:02how to do that, as well,
0:12:02 > 0:12:03while Michael is in the garden
0:12:03 > 0:12:06with dad learning how to grow the vegetables.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08With the grown-up's duties taken care of,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10there's also a separate utility room
0:12:10 > 0:12:13for the dog to dry off in after a paddle in the brook,
0:12:13 > 0:12:17as well as a downstairs wet room with shower and bath.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21The upstairs is accessed via the second cosy reception space.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25At the top of the stairs, the landing leads onto three bedrooms,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27including a double guest room and smaller twin.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- And, finally, this is yours. - That's a really good size.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38It's got good storage by the looks of it. It's lovely and light.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Now, it's technically ensuite, one would say,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43because you can get to the shower through those doors.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- That shower room itself is a Jack and Jill arrangement.- Right.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50That is what really defines this as the master bedroom.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It's a lovely room.- And it overlooks the garden by the looks of it.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Absolutely. So, what about mum and dad?
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- I'd forgotten about that. - The annexe, yeah.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01You won't forget about it once you've seen it, I can assure you.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I think it's fair to say that mum and dad will be more than happy
0:13:04 > 0:13:07with their separate living quarters, and they're just a short stroll
0:13:07 > 0:13:11from the main house in a modern, recently remodelled annexe.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15There. Come and look at this, guys. I mean, it's huge.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17It certainly is huge.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21You've got two further reception rooms through there,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23one of which is enormous, the other is smaller
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- but also has a gas/log effect burner in it.- Right.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31And then, through here, you've got bedroom with separate loo
0:13:31 > 0:13:34and wash basin and then in there, downstairs shower room.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- It's all on one level.- That is ideal for them.- Ideal.- Really is ideal.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Ideal.- Shall we go and explore the garden?
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Definitely. I'm dying to see the garden.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46We'll explore the price, as well, while we're at it.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49The land that comes with the property is exceptional -
0:13:49 > 0:13:52an acre and a half of beautifully landscaped garden with that
0:13:52 > 0:13:54stunning brook and stream.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58There's also a patio, a real sun trap, various pretty features
0:13:58 > 0:14:03and finally a large outbuilding, a man cave for Michael, perhaps.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07We do get to see some fabulous gardens when we're house-hunting,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09but this is one of the best.
0:14:09 > 0:14:15- Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. - The stream, the pond, the space.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16And the sound of running water...
0:14:16 > 0:14:19And that is all you can hear, actually, isn't it?
0:14:19 > 0:14:21What do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:21 > 0:14:26I reckon it'll be over our budget and I'd say 710.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28710. Jenny?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31One and a half acres, but I'm going to be optimistic
0:14:31 > 0:14:33and I'm going to say 695.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35How optimistic are you feeling?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37The sun is shining and I feel really optimistic.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Then let's make your day because property one could be yours
0:14:41 > 0:14:44for £650,000.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Joking!- Good God!
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- That is amazing. - That is incredible.- Yeah.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I would like you to spend a little more time exploring the annexe -
0:14:53 > 0:14:55just make sure it's going to be right for mum and dad.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Yes.- I'll catch up with you a little bit later on.- OK.- Off you go.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- See you later. - Or maybe you'll find me.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Who knows, in this rambling property.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05As you can appreciate, since this was built back in the 1800s,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07it has been bought and sold many times.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12But when it was sold just after the War, it went for just £7,000. Wow!
0:15:12 > 0:15:15How times have changed.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19£50,000 below their top budget, this delightful detached period
0:15:19 > 0:15:23cottage has a large kitchen diner in which to entertain,
0:15:23 > 0:15:27the three bedrooms they've asked for and a large utility room for Palmer.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The separate modern annexe has more than enough space for Jenny's
0:15:30 > 0:15:34parents and it's all set in a peaceful rural setting
0:15:34 > 0:15:35overlooking a brook.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39I have been absolutely amazed at this house.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Not only has it got all the space that Michael
0:15:41 > 0:15:44and I need inside the house with that lovely kitchen,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46which I would be perfectly happy to live in myself,
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- it's got the perfect annexe for my parents.- It's very rural.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I just have to check out how isolated it is -
0:15:53 > 0:15:57doctors and things for my in-laws - and it would be a big step,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59but I think it might be quite exciting.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03When we see a house, we usually get a very good feeling
0:16:03 > 0:16:06whether this house is going to work for us or not.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10When we walked into this house, I think it was 90% there.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13When we walked out of the house, it was much closer to 100%.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15I could see us living here.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17You know, gardens like this do, of course,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21take an awful lot of work, but my goodness me, are they worth it?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23And they can certainly help sell a property, can't they?
0:16:23 > 0:16:27They certainly can. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- Right, then, we've got two more to show you. Do we need to?- Well...
0:16:31 > 0:16:34You've got to come up with better, but I don't think you will do.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Let's get going.- It would be hard to beat this one.- Come on.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46With three quarters of Dorset's land given over to agriculture,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50it's no surprise that the fastest growing superfood in Britain
0:16:50 > 0:16:52is grown here - the blueberry.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre, the blueberry is
0:16:56 > 0:17:01native to North America and only arrived in the UK in 1949.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04One of the early pioneers of the British blueberry
0:17:04 > 0:17:05was David Trehane Senior,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09who started commercially planting them at is his Wimborne farm
0:17:09 > 0:17:11in the late 1950s.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12Today, it's David's son Jeremy
0:17:12 > 0:17:15who's carrying on the family tradition.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18We've sent self-declared foodies Jenny and Michael to find out
0:17:18 > 0:17:23why Dorset has become the adopted home of the blueberry.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Hello, pleased to meet you.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Welcome to the oldest blueberry farm in England.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30When did you first start growing blueberries here?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33It was very interesting because there was an offer of free
0:17:33 > 0:17:37blueberry plants from a farm in Canada after the War - 1949.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Anybody in this country who wanted to give them a try,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- 80 plants and my father took up the offer.- Why did he think to do that?
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- What is it about this area? - What it is, we're on the right soil.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Blueberries love acid soil, sandy soil...and my father knew that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55He was a plantsman and so he thought, right, there could be
0:17:55 > 0:17:59commercial potential in this and, lo and behold, there was.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03English-grown blueberries are our speciality and the Dorset blues,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07which we've got, command a very high price.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10One of the reasons the home-grown Dorset blueberries are pricier
0:18:10 > 0:18:13is that they are picked and packed entirely by hand
0:18:13 > 0:18:15on Jeremy's family farm.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18And with 35 acres of plantation producing 30 tonnes
0:18:18 > 0:18:21of blueberries every year, Jeremy is taking advantage
0:18:21 > 0:18:23of a couple of extra helpers.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25The skill of this particular job,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28let's start here, is to use your hand, more or less as a cup,
0:18:28 > 0:18:34and your thumb and your finger just to ease the berries off.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- You've got it.- Roll them off?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Just roll, exactly, you're rolling them off.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43If we wanted to grow them ourselves in our garden...
0:18:43 > 0:18:45In terms of growing them in your garden,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47your soil has got to be right.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Another key is never to fork or hoe around them.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54If you've forking and digging, you're constantly damaging those.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57As well as packing a powerful nutritional punch,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00the blueberry is also a surprisingly versatile ingredient.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Although they're normally associated with deserts
0:19:03 > 0:19:07and cakes, blueberries can also be used in savoury dishes.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08Jeremy's wife Sandra has been
0:19:08 > 0:19:10collecting blueberry recipes for years.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14And after a hard day's picking, Jenny and Michael are rewarded
0:19:14 > 0:19:16with the fruits of their labour.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I'm going to just show you a really nice little starter,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22which you can have for your dinner parties.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24We've got the Parma ham here
0:19:24 > 0:19:29and then I just perhaps roll a couple of pieces up on a plate.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I love Parma ham and I wouldn't have thought it goes with blueberries.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- No, I wouldn't.- No, and with melon as well. It's all about colour.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37This is the great thing about blueberries
0:19:37 > 0:19:39because there is no other blue fruit.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Would you like to have a little sample of that?- Yes.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- We'd love to, thank you. - See how it mixes with meat.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48I might as well have a go as well.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54That goes so well together.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59I love Parma ham and now I love blueberries. Delicious.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00Absolutely delicious.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05With Sandra's savoury recipe fresh in their minds, Jenny and Michael
0:20:05 > 0:20:09will be able to host their own blueberry inspired dinner parties.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10But first we need to find them a home,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13so it's back to the business of property shopping.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19For our second property offer, we're travelling north-west towards
0:20:19 > 0:20:23the border with Somerset and the village of Thornford.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25The village centre, with its attractive array of thatched
0:20:25 > 0:20:29cottages, was designated a conservation area in the 1990s.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32There are a number of listed buildings.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34The most recent listing wasn't a house,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37but a classic red phone box tucked away just behind the grand
0:20:37 > 0:20:42clock tower built to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47One of the village's most impressive residences is Thornford House
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and our second offering was, at one time, its coach house and stables.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- So, what do you think, guys?- Very, very pretty.- Very attractive house.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- That's very impressive, isn't it?- It is.- There, you can
0:21:01 > 0:21:06see these two great sets of doors, which would have contained coaches,
0:21:06 > 0:21:11built in 1856 and then rebuilt in 1956.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14So, it's relatively new then, in that sense.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Well, it's all relative, Jenny, yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19It is essentially a property of two halves.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22You've got that bit there, which is the main family house,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24which will be your bit,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27and then this currently comprises a two-bedroom annexe.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28Oh, brilliant.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31This is one that does require a bit of updating,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34but it would allow you to create something
0:21:34 > 0:21:35that is very much your own.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37And the advantage with this one
0:21:37 > 0:21:42is that it's right in the heart of Thornford itself and, in particular,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- for your parents, I'm thinking, it means they're not stranded.- No.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- So, let's see what you think of it. - OK.- Love to.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Less isolated than our first property,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55the village location of our second has obvious plus points,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59but I'm keen to see whether the house lives up to expectations.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01OK, let's start in here, then.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- It's a reasonable-sized room. - It IS a reasonable-sized room.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Right, look at the views. - The views, they're lovely.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Just the decoration needs doing, but that's...
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- Decoration's easy to do. - Well, it is.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Is the field part of the house or is that owned by somebody else?
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- It isn't.- It isn't. - But the good news...
0:22:20 > 0:22:22is that the view comes free.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Go on, let's go next-door. - OK.- Let's go.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- So next-door we've got the dining room.- A good square room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And, again, it's dated but that's something that you could do,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- it's a good square room.- Yeah. - And views, again, of the field.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- It's great. Now, the kitchen is through here.- Right.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Not as big as property one's kitchen, it has to be said.- No.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49It's a shame, the size of the kitchen.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Especially with the dog and wanting another,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54a big lab and maybe another.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55JULES LAUGHS
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Yeah.- Then they'll have to live outside.- Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59No, you can't have that.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03I suppose what everybody wants is, you know, a large kitchen
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- when they come to the country.- You could look at opening all this up...
0:23:08 > 0:23:10..and having a kitchen-diner.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- No.- No? - Then you've only got one room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- That's true. - But it's not a dealbreaker.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Depends what the rest of the house is like and what the annexe is like.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Indeed it does. Come on, let's explore.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Well, Jenny can see the potential of our second property,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28but I fear Michael may need some convincing.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Upstairs, there are the three bedrooms they asked for -
0:23:31 > 0:23:34two good-sized singles, as well as a family bathroom with
0:23:34 > 0:23:37an interesting bath and shower arrangement.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- And this is currently the master. - Well...- This is a nice, light room.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Yeah, and it's a big room, actually. - It is.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48I mean, if you wanted it to be en suite, making use of the bathroom
0:23:48 > 0:23:50that's next-door, you could put a door in here
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- and open it all up that way. - Oh, that's true.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55That's true. A lot of work.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- But, once it's all done, you do get the home you're after.- Yup.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01That's very true.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05So the main house could do with some alteration to make it
0:24:05 > 0:24:07work for our buyers.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10The annexe, too, might also benefit from a few modifications,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13although it does have the two bedrooms Jenny wanted for her
0:24:13 > 0:24:16mum and dad, both with their own washbasins.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18But what will our buyers make of it?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, as you can see, Mum and Dad would get their own front door.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26This is currently the main sort of living area for the annexe.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Let's think about next-door because you've got, really,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- the void of the coach house.- Yup.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34There's two great big sets of double doors, which would give you,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- effectively, three times this amount of space...- Right.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- ..if you punched it through that way.- Yeah.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- So this would be a good size for a kitchen.- Yeah.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- I mean, it does have a kitchen. - Oh, it has?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47It's very small, it's through there.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50It's more of a sort of kitchenette, really, and a bathroom as well.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Right.- But, absolutely, you could free up
0:24:52 > 0:24:54the kitchen that's through there.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58They'd end up with a better living space than we'd have next-door.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Well, there is that danger, there is that danger.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- So maybe you do it for you and they have what's existing.- Yes.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06It's an idea.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09OK, let's pop outside and enjoy this glorious sunshine and...
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Have a look at the garden.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Have a look at the garden and we'll talk about the price as well.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14- Right.- OK.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17As well as the courtyard area at the front of the old coach house,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20the rest of the garden extends to the rear,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22bordered by an attractive wall.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24It's mainly lawn with a log shed for storage.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Let's consider the price, then. What is property two worth, madam?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32I think it's on the market for...
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- 580.- Oh, 580.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38So I'd say 590
0:25:38 > 0:25:41because of the work that needs doing on it.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43You've both been a bit optimistic.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Property two is on the market at 650.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48Same as the first property.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Exactly the same as the first one and, I think,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52if nothing else, it gives you an interesting
0:25:52 > 0:25:56point of comparison between something which is more rural
0:25:56 > 0:25:57and something which is
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- in the centre of a village with all the amenities that go with it.- Yup.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Under their top budget by £50,000,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08our second property is an old 19th-century coach house.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12It offers Jenny and Michael the entertaining space they were after,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16with two reception rooms, although the kitchen is on the small side.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18There are three bedrooms in the main house and two in
0:26:18 > 0:26:21the self-contained annexe and the property benefits
0:26:21 > 0:26:24from a central-village location.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26House two provides Michael and myself with a challenge.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30A challenge that I think is a challenge too far for us.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Outside, the house is charming, inside the house,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35though, overall, it's too small for us
0:26:35 > 0:26:39and we would need to be involved in a considerable rebuild
0:26:39 > 0:26:43to actually create, in the house, the kind of space that we need
0:26:43 > 0:26:45both for myself and for my parents.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I'm a bit daunted about the amount of work it would need to
0:26:48 > 0:26:53bring it up for us to live in it, so I don't think it would work for us.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Well, I've had a good day and I think property number one has
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- definitely given you something to think about.- It has.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00It definitely has.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03But then, yeah, property two has also given us food for thought
0:27:03 > 0:27:06about what we'd compromise on, so that's really useful.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- And we've got one more to come tomorrow.- We have.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- Our Mystery House.- Now, have you tried the local beer yet?- No.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Right, then, come on, it's my shout.- OK.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24It's the second day of our property search here in Dorset
0:27:24 > 0:27:28and, with a top budget of £700,000, we're helping Jenny and Michael
0:27:28 > 0:27:31from the London suburb of Woodford Green
0:27:31 > 0:27:34find rural peace in the West Country.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Coming up, the Mystery House
0:27:36 > 0:27:38gets our buyers thinking about the future.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42I can see a Christmas tree at Christmas... I'm really excited.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43I can see...
0:27:43 > 0:27:46I can see the dog curled up there.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47And I show how living under
0:27:47 > 0:27:50a bed of straw needn't break the camel's back.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Well, as is customary at this stage in a house-hunt,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58our buyers have been left to consider
0:27:58 > 0:28:00the pros and cons of our first two properties
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and we've certainly given them plenty to think about.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06The first offered them that Holy Grail of
0:28:06 > 0:28:09two homes for the price of one but, of course, it was a little isolated.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13So, for property two, well, we went for community.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15A lovely house in the heart of a village, which I think could be
0:28:15 > 0:28:19really important, in particular for Jenny's parents,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22but it didn't offer them all the space they were after.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24So, for our final offering, our Mystery House,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27I think we need to combine the best of both worlds.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Our Mystery House is a real gem,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33but I'm pretty sure it will also give them plenty to think about.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36For our final offering,
0:28:36 > 0:28:41we're on our way to the village of Frampton in the west of the county.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Amenities are found three miles up the road in Maiden Newton,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47a thriving village located on the banks of the River Frome.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Although many of the buildings in the centre of the village
0:28:50 > 0:28:52date to the 17th century,
0:28:52 > 0:28:56the arrival of the Great Western Railway in the mid-1800s
0:28:56 > 0:28:59saw the village expand and today there are numerous shops
0:28:59 > 0:29:02and businesses, including a well-regarded French restaurant.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05House number three is located on the edge of the smaller village
0:29:05 > 0:29:08of Frampton, a six-mile drive away.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10At the start of our house search,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Michael and Jenny were very clear they didn't want a thatched property
0:29:14 > 0:29:16because of the maintenance costs,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19but I'm hoping our mystery option will convince them otherwise.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20Right, guys, come on in.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Oh, wow, wow, wow. - That is so pretty.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- Isn't it?- It's a thatch!
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Yes, it's a thatch. - I don't care, it's beautiful.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- It's absolutely...absolutely... - Beautiful.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- Two pheasants on the roof. - Yeah, lovely that, isn't it?
0:29:35 > 0:29:38And the thatch itself is relatively new, it was done in 2003.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- It's water reed, so it's the longest lasting.- It looks beautiful.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Because it doesn't look that old.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Well, it has been renovated to a very,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49very high standard over the last decade or so.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Now, the bit that should interest you is that bit,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54that is the main house, all of it.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55- All of it?- The whole thing.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58But the bit that's of interest, I think, to your parents,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Jenny, is that annexe there.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Now, it's only one-bedroom,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04but it also comes with a double garage up there,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07which you could potentially think about doing something else with
0:30:07 > 0:30:10because the exciting thing about this property,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- unusually, is that it's not listed. - It isn't?- It's not?- No.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18That is brilliant. I just can't wait to get inside, to be quite honest.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Right, then, let's get inside, come on.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25So, our mystery house is a classic Dorset thatch and even
0:30:25 > 0:30:29the strongest sceptic can't help but be captivated by its exterior.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Now, this isn't the front door, obviously,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35but it's the best way to start, I think, the tour of this place.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Garden room and then this is your kitchen.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- Oh!- Oh, wow!- Come on in.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44That...is...unbelievable.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- Stunning. - I would be so happy in this kitchen.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52The vaulted ceilings, the beams, it's got the right amount of room
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- to work with, the table in the middle that people can sit at.- Yeah.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Well, obviously, with the vaulted ceiling it can be quite dark,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59but that really makes a difference,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02and through here you've got the utility room.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- I just can't wait to see the rest now.- Come on, then.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09There's a small room in here, which they've got as a sewing room
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- but you could have as a study.- OK.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13And then the whole thing kind of drifts through
0:31:13 > 0:31:15into your main living room.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- This is beautiful. - And look at that fireplace.- Yeah.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- Woodburner in there. - Yup.- This is country living.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26It's smaller than I was expecting, but it doesn't really bother me.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- And, also, it's light.- It is.- I could see a Christmas tree at Christmas.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32A shorter one than normal.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34I can cope with that, Michael.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Oh, I'm really excited. - I can see...
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- I can see the dog curled up there. - Brilliant.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Well, the main living space gets the thumbs up,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45but the bedroom arrangement is a little unconventional.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49There are three bedrooms in the cottage, two of which are upstairs.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50They're both good-sized doubles
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and they're serviced by the main family bathroom.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56But the master suite is back down on the ground floor,
0:31:56 > 0:32:00just off the main living room. Huge bath and shower room there.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01- It's massive.- That is big.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04And then the bedroom itself is up this little flight of steps
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- with loads of storage. - Oh, again, that's really pretty.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10It is really pretty.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14Huge bed in here as well. Loads of storage, even enough for my shoes.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Yeah.- Hardly Imelda Marcos!
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- I'm a typical woman - loads of shoes. - Yeah. Happy?- Yeah.- I'm very happy.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23Dying to see more.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Well, let's go and look at the annexe and think about
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Mum and Dad cos you've forgotten all about them, haven't you?
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Er, yes, I have, really.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33The annexe is just a short stroll from the main house
0:32:33 > 0:32:36and comes with its own private courtyard garden.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39At the moment, it only has one bedroom and Jenny wanted two
0:32:39 > 0:32:42for her parents, but it's worth our buyers considering converting
0:32:42 > 0:32:46the double garage it backs onto, should they need more space.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Now, what would your parents make of this, then, Jenny?
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- I think they'd like this. - I think it'd be superb.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56A little kitchen - Mum would definitely like that.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58This barn was only done last year,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01so it is absolutely brand-new.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04They've obviously considered it, really, as a holiday let,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06that's why it's got the layout it has.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08So it will need a little bit of thought, I suspect,
0:33:08 > 0:33:13to kind of turn it into more of a permanent home for your parents.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- It's only got the one bedroom, which is...- Right.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- ..on the mezzanine floor, really. - It's compromise, isn't it?- Mm.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- You can't have everything you want. - Well...
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Doing something with the garage would definitely be the way
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- that I would start thinking.- Yeah.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Let's finish up outside in the garden
0:33:28 > 0:33:31and you might want to start considering what it's worth.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Who knows? It's the mystery house. It's always a challenge.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36It's going to be a difficult one.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40The south-facing garden continues upwards from where we began
0:33:40 > 0:33:42the house tour and is mainly laid to lawn with the added
0:33:42 > 0:33:46bonus of a summer house with a hot tub inside.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Come up here to the top terrace cos I think this is where you
0:33:49 > 0:33:53get a beautiful view of this stunning property.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- But, of course, it's all going to depend on the price.- I know.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- Michael?- That's going to be very difficult. I'd say 690.- 690.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08I wouldn't be that optimistic. I think it's slightly over our budget.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- I would say 710.- 710 and 690.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Well, let's make it simple for you. It is under budget,
0:34:13 > 0:34:15that's the good news, but only just.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- It's on at 695,000.- Right.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22But your instincts are absolutely right.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24I'm surprised it's under budget...even if
0:34:24 > 0:34:25it's only by that small amount.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- I am surprised. - I'm not because of the size of it.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31I mean, it's beautiful but it's not a big house.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- But it is in a village and it's so pretty.- And it is, you know...
0:34:34 > 0:34:37You see, you're talking yourselves into it as we speak.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38I don't think I need much talking.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Well, it's all yours. Go and have a look.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- I will catch up with you later. - Thank you very much.- Off you go.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Under budget by just £5,000,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51on paper our mystery property may not have been an obvious contender,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55but this characterful thatched cottage seems to have won them over.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59It gives Michael and Jenny a huge high-vaulted kitchen/diner,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02three good bedrooms and a modern self-contained annexe
0:35:02 > 0:35:05that could be extended, subject to planning permission.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07It could've been an absolute disaster
0:35:07 > 0:35:10because it incorporated everything that I said I didn't want -
0:35:10 > 0:35:14the thatching, the cute cottage, the chocolate-box lid -
0:35:14 > 0:35:17but I'm totally and utterly bowled over.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20The annexe is slightly small for both my parents
0:35:20 > 0:35:24but, because the garage is alongside, I'm sure we can find a way to
0:35:24 > 0:35:28make the annexe larger by utilising the garage space.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30The thatch doesn't bother me at all.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34It's the quality, the fixtures and fittings, the wiring,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36everything is superb.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39I'm a bit concerned about sleeping downstairs but...
0:35:39 > 0:35:41I absolutely love it.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45I think our classic Dorset thatch has gone down rather well, hasn't it?
0:35:45 > 0:35:46It's gone down very well indeed.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48JULES LAUGHS
0:35:48 > 0:35:49You see, I thought it would.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52But we have given you three to think about, so...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Let's go and considers the options, shall we?
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Definitely food for thought.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Nothing evokes the picture-postcard image
0:36:03 > 0:36:06of the classic English village more than the thatched cottage.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Often used as a roof covering on workers' cottages,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12thatch is now a modern-day status symbol,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15inspiring many to give up city life and live the country dream.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17But, like Michael and Jenny,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20some prospective buyers are wary of thatch.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22However, if looked after and managed properly,
0:36:22 > 0:36:27the costs and risks of this age-old roofing material can be reduced.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31The Thatching Advisory Service is a company that consults on
0:36:31 > 0:36:33fire and safety prevention in the industry.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36I'm meeting its director, Rob Norcott.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Now, Rob, we show many people thatched properties all over
0:36:39 > 0:36:43the UK and some absolutely love them and some absolutely hate them,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45but I think a lot of that suspicion
0:36:45 > 0:36:49is based on a kind of ignorance of how thatch actually behaves.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52And, for many people, the obvious question is - are they a fire risk?
0:36:52 > 0:36:53In most cases,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56fire risks predominantly are in relation to chimneys,
0:36:56 > 0:37:00so it's what appliances are there, what the make-up of the chimney is.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02So having your flue checked out, if you've got a woodburner,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- would be the first thing to do, presumably.- Absolutely key.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Now, many people will also be suspicious of whether or not
0:37:08 > 0:37:10they are watertight.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12I mean, we've got this lovely old building behind us
0:37:12 > 0:37:14here with a typical slate roof,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16which is absolutely bomb proof in terms of water usually.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18But, for many people,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20they'll consider that thatch is a damp proposition, is that true?
0:37:20 > 0:37:22No, it's very much the opposite, actually.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Due to the thickness of the thatch, you know, even a single coat
0:37:25 > 0:37:29of thatching is approximately sort of a foot, 300mm thick.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32The actual amount of dampness will only go in a maximum,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35normally, around about two, three inches.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39On average, it costs around £30,000 to rethatch a property like this.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41It's less painful, of course,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44if you spend a few hundred pounds each year on replacing small
0:37:44 > 0:37:48patches rather than waiting until the whole roof needs redoing.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51That means the relationship with your local thatcher is key,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54such as skilled craftsman Edward Taylor.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56I'm interrupting your busy day. Good to see you.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57Hi, Jules, how are you doing?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Now, we talk about it being a time-honoured tradition,
0:38:00 > 0:38:01it really is.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04But you're a very young man, how long have you been thatching for?
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- I've been thatching about 16 years now.- Still learning?
0:38:07 > 0:38:09All the time. Every roof is different.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10Every craftsman tells me that.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13And what materials are you putting on this particular roof?
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- On this roof we're putting combed wheat on.- And what's this here?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20This is a bundle of water reed, which we were using for ridge rolls
0:38:20 > 0:38:24and just for generally packing out the roof underneath the wheat.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26In terms of durability and lifespan,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29harder-wearing water reed is often the best option
0:38:29 > 0:38:33and can last up to 50 years before it needs to be replaced.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Now, with this roof, it's an extension to an existing property.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Can we get up there and have a closer look,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and see how it all combines the old and the new?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41That's right, come on up.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Although thatchers like Edward still follow traditional
0:38:43 > 0:38:47methods handed down to them, modern building materials,
0:38:47 > 0:38:49unavailable to their predecessors,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51can help protect the property further.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54This roof has been fitted with a fire-board system,
0:38:54 > 0:38:56which buys valuable time should the worst happen
0:38:56 > 0:38:59but also helps reduce insurance premiums.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02A breathable, waterproof membrane
0:39:02 > 0:39:05also adds further protection from the rain.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I suppose the obvious thing to notice, first of all,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10is the blue of the modern, breathable membrane.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12That's right. We have the fire board on,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16then we have the membrane at the top, it just keeps everything watertight.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18With half the roof still to complete,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21I'm keen to try my hand at this traditional British craft.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- Just pick one up and lay it on your arm.- Like that?- That's right, yeah.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- You've got it.- How about that?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Now, if you'd like to come along and just pitch
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- the straw down against the roof. - So, what? Sort of drop it?
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- That's right, just drop it against the roof.- Just to level it up?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38That's right. Yeah, that's all you're doing.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40And then you just sort of bed it in, do you?
0:39:40 > 0:39:43That's right, and then push that up together against your course there.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46And we have our spar right there.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- And then...?- That's the one.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52So how long is this one going to take you to finish, Edward?
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Well, this roof will probably take me another three weeks to finish.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57- If it stays sunny. - Yeah, let's hope so.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Well, thank you very much for
0:39:59 > 0:40:01interrupting your day to show me around.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- Best of luck.- No problem. Cheers, mate. Thank you, Jules.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Well, as you can tell, we've had a pretty busy week here in Dorset.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Three properties, as ever, into which we've had to try
0:40:12 > 0:40:16and fit two very distinct families. But have we managed to do it?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Well, I've got a funny feeling a decision on the future for
0:40:19 > 0:40:23Michael and Jenny and, of course, Jenny's parents, is in the offing.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31Well, Jenny and Michael, you set us quite a challenge this week -
0:40:31 > 0:40:33a property that would allow you and your mum and dad
0:40:33 > 0:40:35to have a whole new life.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Property one set the bar pretty high, didn't it?- It certainly did.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43The annexe was stunning and vast,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47and we know we'd never find an annexe as good as that again.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- Beautiful garden. - So what happens with that one?
0:40:49 > 0:40:51- Is it still on the list? - It is still on the list.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I'm worried about the maintenance,
0:40:53 > 0:40:57the water and the natural spring and being a bit out of the village.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59But we need to go back there, which we will do,
0:40:59 > 0:41:01and see the village properly.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- Wow, so a second visit on property number one.- Definitely.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08We were clearly off to a flying start with that one. Property two...
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Very much in the heart of a village,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15but it did need a little more imagination, didn't it, Jenny?
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It definitely needed more imagination.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It needed quite a bit of work to make it work for us
0:41:21 > 0:41:23and I think that was just a step too far.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28So, for our mystery house, we tried to combine the best of both worlds.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I loved the main house. I could see myself living there,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33so pretty from the outside.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36When I said, "Don't want thatch, don't want a cottage,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38"don't want low beams",
0:41:38 > 0:41:41all that went out of the window once I was in the house and saw it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44So, is there a second viewing in the offing for our Mystery House?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Without doubt, yes.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49If I had to make you choose between two sets of keys,
0:41:49 > 0:41:50this is property one
0:41:50 > 0:41:53and this is the mystery house, which one would you pick?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Provided we could do work on the annexe, it would be property three.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59If we couldn't do work on the annexe, it would be property one.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02If you are able to make an offer...do let us know.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06My hunch is that it will probably also be on the mystery house.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Go and have a look and let us know how you get on.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10It's been a real pleasure.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12We certainly will and thank you very much - it's been great fun.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Thank you very much.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21You know, when we select our properties for our buyers,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25there really is no telling how they're going to react but on this
0:42:25 > 0:42:29occasion, we really have left Jenny and Michael spoilt for choice.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31In terms of our mystery house, well,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33everything they thought they didn't want, well,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37it now turns out it's everything they now think they do want.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39It just goes to prove that, when it comes to house-hunting,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42there's very little that's predictable about property.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43I'll see you next time.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48In the end, Michael and Jenny decided our first property was
0:42:48 > 0:42:50too isolated, but they did go back
0:42:50 > 0:42:53to the mystery house for a second viewing.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56They were about to make an offer but, unfortunately, missed out.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58They have since found another property they like.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01If you would like to escape to the country in
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Wales, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, or even further afield
0:43:04 > 0:43:08to the continent and would like our help, then please apply online at...