0:00:02 > 0:00:04Described as one of the most romantic sites in England,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06this street with its views of the countryside beyond is
0:00:06 > 0:00:10one of the most filmed and photographed in Great Britain.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12So where is it? I'll tell you in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today, our homebuyers are planning to make every second count
0:00:33 > 0:00:35as they gear up for a move to the country.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Oh! HE LAUGHS
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Wow.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41And there are plenty of surprises in store for them.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I'm just...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Yeah, I'm just... - Speechless.- Yes, lost for words.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Today, I'm in Dorset, and this is Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, which
0:00:53 > 0:00:55overlooks Blackmore Vale in the distance.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Until the last century, this street was a busy market where local
0:00:59 > 0:01:01produce and livestock was sold.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02In more recent times, though,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06it has become the poster town that really evokes old England,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and its image has been used on everything from film sets to
0:01:09 > 0:01:11book covers to chocolate boxes.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Even in this rain, looking at Gold Hill, it's easy to see why.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Dorset is situated on the southwest coast of England and is bordered
0:01:20 > 0:01:26by the four counties of Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Over half the region is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35with scenic expanses of undulating green a feature.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40Handsome houses sit in dramatic valleys surrounded by gentle hills.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Villages like Briantspuddle near Dorchester are packed with
0:01:43 > 0:01:46the charming thatched cottages the area is known for,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51bordered by vibrant flowers spilling onto country lanes.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54This is classic Thomas Hardy country
0:01:54 > 0:01:58and just nine miles from where he was born, so it's clear to see why
0:01:58 > 0:02:02he drew inspiration for his novels from the striking Dorset landscape.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Proud to be one of the few counties in England without a single
0:02:05 > 0:02:07stretch of motorway running through it,
0:02:07 > 0:02:12and coupled with its unspoilt vistas, Dorset is an appealing
0:02:12 > 0:02:15choice for those who want to go far from the madding crowd.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20If you're thinking of house hunting in one of England's four most
0:02:20 > 0:02:22southwesterly counties -
0:02:22 > 0:02:24so Dorset, Somerset, Devon or Cornwall -
0:02:24 > 0:02:27you'll soon realise that Dorset is the most expensive.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32A detached property here will cost you on average £320,000,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35that's around £24,000 more than neighbouring Devon
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and about £45,000 above the national average.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41It's Dorset's coastal properties that are pushing up average
0:02:41 > 0:02:44prices across the county as a whole.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46So if you're not bothered about sea view,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49look north, where your property pound should stretch a little
0:02:49 > 0:02:51further, which is great news for today's
0:02:51 > 0:02:54couple as that's exactly where they're looking for a new home.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Retired school business manager Lisa
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and IT salesman Jim from Totton in Hampshire
0:03:01 > 0:03:05met across a curry more than a decade ago.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09We've been together for 11 years, and we met in an Indian restaurant.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13I was out celebrating my birthday and Lisa was out with a girlfriend.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They married ten months after their spicy encounter,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18uniting their two families.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21I have a daughter called Jade.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25She's 22 and she's just finished a university degree
0:03:25 > 0:03:29in Plymouth. And then I've got a stepson, James, who's in the Army.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32He drives tanks for a living and absolutely loves it.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34And four months ago,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Lisa and Jim added a four-legged friend to their clan.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- We have a dog, we have Shugs... - Shugs.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43..which we got back in May from a rescue centre.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- He's a Rottweiler cross, um... - Ridgeback.- Ridgeback.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49And he's a big, soft gentleman.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Here's my companion now that I don't work.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55When Jim's at work, he's my friend.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58A couple of years ago, Lisa and Jim went through a hard time
0:03:58 > 0:04:00when Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04But happily, she was given the all-clear last year.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07She decided to take early retirement and her experience has given them
0:04:07 > 0:04:10both the desire to move to the country
0:04:10 > 0:04:12in search of a better quality of life.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15It changed my outlook on life completely.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Life is for living, you just don't know what's around the corner,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19hence why we want to do this move,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22hence getting the dog. Life's too short.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25You've got to take everything you can when it's given to you.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26She's come out the other end.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29She's come out the other end extremely healthy
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and with a new vigour for life.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Lisa and Jim have decided they'd love to live in an area they've
0:04:34 > 0:04:37driven through many times over the years.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39What we love about North Dorset is the greenery.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Just the wide open spaces,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46the millions of shades of green. It's just beautiful.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47And it's a bit more undulating than here.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50There's a few more hills for wandering up and down with the dog.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I think it's going to take a lot of the stress out of my life,
0:04:53 > 0:04:54definitely.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I'm hoping the move down there,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59because it's a small village, there'll be more of a community
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and so there'll be a lot more things that I can take part in.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05And Lisa and Jim know exactly what they want in their new
0:05:05 > 0:05:07country abode.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11What we're looking for in the new house would be three bedrooms,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14plus a study, a wet room for looking after the dog,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17a largish garden so that we can grow vegetables
0:05:17 > 0:05:20and also so it's suitable for the dog.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I ideally would like a large kitchen still because we enjoy our cooking.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28And I would like an en suite to the bedroom.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- It's got to be country views.- And somewhere with a bit of character.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32Yeah.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Not something that is just cookie cut from the same plan
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and just copied and copied and copied.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Although they'll be living their rural dream,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Jim will still be commuting to work in London three days a week.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Yeah, I guess it's going to add an hour each way to my journey,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53potentially, so that is something of some concern.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57But I think the gains outweigh the extra journey,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59so I'm happy to do that.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04And while Jim's working hard, Lisa will be enjoying a new hobby.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06I've now started to do some painting,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08or attempting to do some painting.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11That's quite nice because that's quite relaxing.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Actually, I think she's doing a really good job.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18She's thrown herself at it and every painting she does,
0:06:18 > 0:06:19she gets better and better.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23So with their desire to make the most of every day,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Lisa and Jim are ready to grab their new life with both hands.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28I think now's the right time.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32We've decided that something we would have done eventually anyway,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34we're just going to do sooner.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Lisa and Jim have asked us to concentrate our search
0:06:40 > 0:06:43in the North Dorset area, close to South Somerset.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45But they're happy to consider properties
0:06:45 > 0:06:47either side of the border.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50They'd like to be between their children, who are in Plymouth
0:06:50 > 0:06:52and Tidworth near Salisbury.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Before we start viewing homes for Lisa and Jim to escape to,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I'm meeting them in North Dorset
0:06:57 > 0:07:01to make sure we've got their property desires covered.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02Jim and Lisa, welcome to Dorset.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05It's a little bit misty, but we're hoping it's going to clear up.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Tell us more about where you'd like to live,
0:07:07 > 0:07:12because you still need to have access to London, don't you, Jim?
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Yeah, I work a lot in London and therefore I've got to
0:07:14 > 0:07:18get to a station that's within about two hours of London.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22That just makes it the right sort of commute.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25We know people who live in London and have an hour's commute,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28so two hours doesn't seem that... Not excessive.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29- Not that much more.- No.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30So not too rural.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Not stuck out in the middle of nowhere but within easy reach
0:07:33 > 0:07:34of a station would be good.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37What kind of position are you in with your old house?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Well, we've just sold the house, so subject to contract...- Brilliant.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43So it's all guns blazing, get ready, find us that house, please.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- You're absolutely ready to move. - Ready to move.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48I'll find you the house, tell me your budget.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Our budget is 450,000.- OK, great.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54I've got three properties lined up for you.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- And as you're ready to move, let's go.- OK.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Lisa and Jim's budget should comfortably cover their wish list,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06which, luckily, isn't too extensive.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09They'd like a character three-bedroom detached house
0:08:09 > 0:08:10plus a study
0:08:10 > 0:08:14and a room for their dog to wipe his muddy paws is a must.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Lisa would love a large kitchen-diner to cook
0:08:17 > 0:08:18and entertain in
0:08:18 > 0:08:21and an en suite to their bedroom would be a bonus.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Outside, they'd like a garden
0:08:23 > 0:08:24that can be a haven for both of them
0:08:24 > 0:08:26to grow vegetables, plus,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28for Shugs the dog to run around in.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30And finally, Jim needs to be able
0:08:30 > 0:08:32to commute into London for work
0:08:32 > 0:08:33three days a week.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37With their house sold, Jim and Lisa are raring to go.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41We'll be introducing them to three contrasting properties.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44And after they've toured each one, we'll let them know its cost.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Their third and final stop will be to the Mystery House.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50And today, although it will give them something
0:08:50 > 0:08:54they really don't want, it will give them so much of what they do want,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56I hope they'll think it's a good trade-off.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Lisa, do you feel really eager to move?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Do you kind of have those butterflies
0:09:03 > 0:09:05about a move as big as this?
0:09:05 > 0:09:06Yeah, I'm really excited about it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I want to be able to walk out my front door
0:09:09 > 0:09:11and I'm in the countryside with the dog.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14My only concern is the commute for Jim...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19..because I want him to be able to enjoy the move as much as me
0:09:19 > 0:09:21and Shugs are going to do.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22I think I'll enjoy it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25It'll just be more of a weekend enjoyment for me.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Well, that's why I think you're OK with this move at this time,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- aren't you, Lisa, because you'll have the dog as...- A companion.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Exactly. A friend around.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I mean, that's one of the reasons why we got him.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Was because when Jim's at work, and Jim tends to work long hours,
0:09:39 > 0:09:40it means I've got a companion
0:09:40 > 0:09:43and it means I've got something to get up for in the morning -
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- take him for his walk and... - Yeah, it's nice to have that focus.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- It keeps you fit.- Yes, absolutely.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50It's helping bring my fitness back up.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57For our first property, we're heading to the village of Marnhull
0:09:57 > 0:09:59in the north of the county,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02just over seven miles from the town of Shaftesbury.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Marnhull, one of the largest villages in England,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07sits in the Blackmore Vale.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09As well as a good selection of amenities,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13the village has the impressive stone church of St Gregory, which
0:10:13 > 0:10:15dates back to the early 12th century.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Plus the village itself and its pub have both played parts
0:10:19 > 0:10:22in Thomas Hardy's novel Tess Of The d'Urbervilles,
0:10:22 > 0:10:23but with their names changed.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Located on the outskirts of Marnhull is our first house.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29This pretty double-fronted cottage.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31THEY CHUCKLE
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Oh. Oh, that's beautiful.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Are those tears?- They are, yeah.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38Oh, my God. On the first house!
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- It's got loads of character. - Absolutely plenty of that.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- It's just beautiful, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- It's chocolate box. - That's the word.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- It's a cottage that dates back to the 1680s.- Oh, wow.- Wow.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56And we have thought about you, Jim.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Obviously, the tears from Lisa says that she's going to buy
0:10:59 > 0:11:04the house anyway, but we are very, very close to Gillingham
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and so under a two-hour commute to London from there.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Fantastic.- Fantastic.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10OK. Composed.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- So far, so good.- Yeah.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14I can't wait to see the inside now.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19This picture-perfect cottage that has reduced Lisa to tears is
0:11:19 > 0:11:22built from local Marnhull stone.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25In 1860, it was extended from a single dwelling
0:11:25 > 0:11:28to a two-bedroom cottage, with a further extension
0:11:28 > 0:11:29around 30 years ago.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31We are entering straight into the sitting room
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and dining area, which takes up the whole of the oldest
0:11:34 > 0:11:38part of the property and is teaming with period features.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39Come in.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42- Wow.- Wow.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- This really does have character. - It does.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Size wise, how does this work for you?
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- This is fine.- This is fine. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53This is absolutely great.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- I like it, actually, that you've almost got two separate areas.- Yeah.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Yeah. I like this.- It's cosy.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- It is.- It's just really cosy.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03I can imagine being sat there with the fire on in the evening.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05THEY LAUGH
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- She's not always crying, though, is she?- I do cry a lot.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10You wouldn't believe it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12You wouldn't believe how much.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Yeah, ticking my boxes so far.- Good.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Let's show you the kitchen and the rest of the downstairs,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- the new addition to this cottage. - OK. Brilliant.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23The kitchen sits behind this large reception room
0:12:23 > 0:12:27and is three centuries younger than its neighbour.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33This is the former exterior to the cottage, so all this was added.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35What do you think about the size?
0:12:35 > 0:12:38It's a bit smaller than I'm used to,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40but it's beautiful.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- We can make this work easily. - Could you?- Yeah.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46There is a shed outside that the current owner is
0:12:46 > 0:12:49using as a utility, so all the water and everything is in there
0:12:49 > 0:12:51and her washing machine and everything is out there
0:12:51 > 0:12:53so that's why you don't see any of those.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- I hadn't even thought about them. - No, I hadn't.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Because there wouldn't be room for that here.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02And then this conservatory was added 20 years ago.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06So you could use that as your formal dining area if you wanted.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- You really like this house, don't you?- Yeah.- Yeah, we do.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11I do really like this house.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- It was a real surprise.- It is, yes. - It is beautiful.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20This character cottage is definitely charming Lisa and Jim,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22and the upstairs mirrors the ground floor.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26There is a family bathroom with a large corner bath
0:13:26 > 0:13:28plus three bedrooms - two bright doubles
0:13:28 > 0:13:30and the largest is the master.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32It overlooks the front of the property
0:13:32 > 0:13:34and comes complete with a sink.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37It feels a little bit small.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It's just an observation, it's not really a criticism at all.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43I don't like the sink in the room.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45I guess you can move the sink easily enough.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48I'm still sold on it, though.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49- Let's go outside.- OK.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54So it's all good inside as we head outdoors to see what Lisa
0:13:54 > 0:13:56and Jim make of the pretty gardens
0:13:56 > 0:13:59to the side and back of the cottage.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03There's plenty of space for their dog to stretch his legs.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05There are also three sheds and a summer house,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08which could be that inspirational retreat
0:14:08 > 0:14:10that encourages Lisa to pick up her paintbrush.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Is this enough space for you? - Oh, plenty, yeah.- Plenty.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Absolutely, yeah. And it's enclosed as well, which is good for the dog.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Exactly.- And I can plant a few fruit trees.- Yeah, you can.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- Plenty of space for that here.- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27A bit quirky. It's got different areas, which I like.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31But how much is this house going to cost you?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33This is the bit that's going to upset me, I think,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35because I think it's going to be over our budget.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I think it's going to be on the market for 465.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Jim?- I don't think you'd be that cruel,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42so I'm going to say it's inside the budget,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44and I'm going to say 439.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47It's actually on the market for 425.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Wow!
0:14:49 > 0:14:52But does it change your opinion of the house in any way?
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- I like it even more. - THEY LAUGH
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Good, good.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Go and have a look at the house and I'll meet you out front.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00- All right.- OK. Thank you.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06This period cottage has come in at £25,000 under
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Lisa and Jim's budget, leaving them
0:15:08 > 0:15:10with a generous amount of change that could go towards
0:15:10 > 0:15:14converting one of the sheds into a wet room for their beloved dog.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17They wanted character and they have it in spades here,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20plus, there's just the number of bedrooms they wanted and
0:15:20 > 0:15:22a conservatory.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23There are also good train links for
0:15:23 > 0:15:26when Jim has to travel to London for work.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31So, what do you think?
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I think I would make this the master bedroom
0:15:33 > 0:15:39and convert the master into a dressing room and casual bedroom.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Bed-settee, something like that.- OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45When I first saw the house, I was very emotional
0:15:45 > 0:15:50and Jim was very reserved, and that is normally how we work as a couple.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54He's the sensible head and I'm the one that goes with my heart.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57It was everything I could think of in the front of the house.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59It was just beautiful.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I really love this property, I think it's an incredible place.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04It's everything that I think we imagined
0:16:04 > 0:16:07that we would want in a property.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I guess I'm just trying to be a little bit more practical.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Just thinking things through
0:16:12 > 0:16:15and just making sure that life would work in a place like this.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Do you love it even more? - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- You have to persuade Jim round, though.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- We've got to keep it sensible. - All right, all right.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- I've got another house to show you. - Thank you.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Our buyers can't wait to find their country retreat,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39and they're hoping to live the good life.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43And Jim is keen to have an abundance of fruit trees in his garden.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46So to give them a taste of what could lie ahead,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48we've arranged for them to visit Dorset Nectar,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52an organic orchard farm near Bridport which
0:16:52 > 0:16:56produces 200 tonnes of apples a year from its 3,000 trees.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And some of its juicy annual harvest
0:16:59 > 0:17:03is turned into 65,000 litres of Dorset cider.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Oliver Strong left South Africa over three decades ago
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and has lived in Dorset for ten years.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12He is at the helm of the family business.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- How many varieties do you have here? - We have 11 varieties.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17OK, and what variety is this that we're looking at now?
0:17:17 > 0:17:18This is a Dabinett.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20And there's nothing on it, there's no marks whatsoever.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Not a single spray has been on it. It makes a very, very good cider.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26It's renowned for very strong, smooth cider.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Can I eat it?- Oh!
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's not meant for eating, but you can try it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- And hard.- Hard!
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Wow, that's bitter. That's very dry.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The variety of apples Oliver grows here are perfect for cider
0:17:48 > 0:17:52because their high tannin content gives the golden drink its
0:17:52 > 0:17:55distinct, well-rounded southwest cider flavour.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57When we get our new house,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00we were thinking of maybe planting some apple trees.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03How long before we could expect some fruit?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Cider trees you have to wait a little longer,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09so instead of within the two or three years, maybe five years.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11But it's well worth it.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14With the apples that you have here, can you only make cider from it?
0:18:14 > 0:18:17No, apart from making a rich apple juice,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20we also, after the cider has gone very hard and dry,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22we make a fantastic vinegar.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27This is where some of his cider is transformed to vinegar.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Oliver makes around 10,000 litres a year,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33and it's sold mainly to health stores around Britain.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38What's the difference between cider vinegar and cider?
0:18:38 > 0:18:39Cider, of course, has alcohol.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Vinegar actually uses and consumes alcohol.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46It makes it acidic into a vinegar.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48The cider is poured into oak barrels which
0:18:48 > 0:18:52hold 220 litres of the amber nectar.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56If you'd like to pour it in to our vinegar barrel.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00When the cider is exposed to air in the barrel, it ferments,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04turning the alcohol to acetic acid, which is basically vinegar.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07The liquid will remain in the barrel for three to five years.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The longer it's in, the stronger the flavour.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11And as it develops,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15a jellylike substance called mother forms on its surface.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19It's the live enzymes in the mother that eat the alcohol
0:19:19 > 0:19:21present in the cider.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Do you add anything to it to help with it...?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25No, just a lot of love and care!
0:19:25 > 0:19:27THEY LAUGH
0:19:27 > 0:19:29And what prompted you to make cider vinegar
0:19:29 > 0:19:30rather than just making cider?
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Well, we're very passionate in vinegar, but we realise
0:19:33 > 0:19:37we need to make money first so we made cider and now vinegar.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40And we think the vinegar is extremely healthy for you.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43We recommend you take it at least three times a day.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- Before a meal.- What, naturally, on its own?
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Oh, absolutely.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Many believe that as well as sprucing up a salad dressing,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53cider vinegar also has numerous health benefits and it's thought
0:19:53 > 0:19:57it help with ailments such as diabetes, arthritis
0:19:57 > 0:19:59and also colds and sore throats.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02If you'd like to grab a bottle, I'll show you how it's done.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- OK.- You just slide it up, put it onto the tray.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- How does it taste? - Oh, you should try it, try some.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11It's very good.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- I think Lisa should try it. - Oh, thanks.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- There you go.- Right, OK.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- It's an acquired taste. - Can I try some?- Yes.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It's strong.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35That's really good.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38It's like... It's just like an acidic cider.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- You can still really taste the apples in it.- Yes, absolutely.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45If the taste is too tart, mixing a tablespoon of the vinegar
0:20:45 > 0:20:48with water and honey will help it slip down nicely.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- It's been such a great day. - I'm glad you came.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Thank you very much, Oliver. - You take care now.- Thank you.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00For our next property, we are travelling just under ten
0:21:00 > 0:21:04miles northwest to the small hamlet of Stowell close to the
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Dorset-Somerset border, but it's actually in Somerset.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Two and a half miles south of Stowell
0:21:10 > 0:21:14is the village of Milborne Port, also in Somerset.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17It has an attractive centre full of character with sandy coloured
0:21:17 > 0:21:19stone cottages lining the streets.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23And not only does the village offer locals a good selection of shops
0:21:23 > 0:21:27and pubs, it also boasts the Grade I listed red brick
0:21:27 > 0:21:31and Ham stone Ven House built at the end of the 16th century.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34A six-minute drive and we're at our second property -
0:21:34 > 0:21:37this handsome home with an interesting past.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Oh.- Oh, wow!
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Oh. Oh, dear.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- You have a dilemma, don't you?- Yeah.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48It's lovely, again. From the outside, it's beautiful.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Again, it's picture postcard, chocolate box.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- It's not a bad dilemma to have, liking two houses.- No.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- It's a little bit different from the cottage.- Yeah.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- This used to be an old schoolhouse. - Ah.- Brilliant.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03And don't know whether you noticed,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06but we have just hopped across the border.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Have we snuck into Somerset? - Oh, OK.- Just, yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11That's fine. How far are we from trains?
0:22:11 > 0:22:12Not far from a mainline station -
0:22:12 > 0:22:16a few minutes' drive - and then two hours into London.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20That's taken care of. It's now whether you like the house or not.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22I like the outside of the house.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25I'm just a bit concerned about the size of the garden.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Well, there's a dog bowl, so...it might be workable.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Shall we go and see if the inside, sizewise, works for you?
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Yes, please.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37This stone house is thought to be early Victorian.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38In the past, it has been used
0:22:38 > 0:22:41as both a schoolroom and a village hall.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Once inside, we're heading straight to the largest of the living spaces.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50This is one of two reception rooms that the property has,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52so this would be your main living room.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It's not hitting me...
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Yeah, the outside is saying one thing
0:22:57 > 0:22:59and the inside's saying something different.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Yeah, so I guess, for me,
0:23:01 > 0:23:08I'm looking for that quaint oldsy-worldsy character.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10This looks like a new build inside.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14It's been done really nicely.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18It just doesn't feel as homely as I was expecting.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- It's one room.- Yes, exactly.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Let's stay open-minded.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Let's give the place its chance. - Oh, yeah. OK.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I'm glad Lisa and Jim are keeping their options
0:23:29 > 0:23:31open as we move next door to the kitchen.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35So I think the kitchen does have more of a country feel to it
0:23:35 > 0:23:36than that living room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- It's a nice kitchen. - It is a nice kitchen.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41I like what they've done with the colours.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42It's nice and bright.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44It's got more of a feel to it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I guess it doesn't...
0:23:47 > 0:23:50It doesn't hit me here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52I just don't think it's grabbing me.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Let's see if upstairs grabs you here. Then we can make a decision.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Yeah.- OK.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Also on the ground floor, there's a bright dining room,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06a contemporary shower room and a utility which could double
0:24:06 > 0:24:09up as an area for the dog as it has a door to the outside.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Then as we move up to the first floor,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16there's a family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19There are two doubles and a single currently in use as a study.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21And at the front is the master bedroom
0:24:21 > 0:24:24with an en suite shower room.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26This with the beam, with the exposed beam...
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Does make a difference. - Yeah, it really does.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32This feels like you're in a schoolhouse because of the beam.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Yes, it definitely feels like an older property.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Yeah, I don't know. - You're on the fence.- Yeah.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38At the moment, I'm on the fence.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- You need to have a proper explore, don't you?- Yeah, I think so.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Well, let's go outside.- OK.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45We'll discuss things a little bit more
0:24:45 > 0:24:47and then you can have your explore.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- OK, brilliant.- Lead the way. - Thank you.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54The inside of this cottage hasn't elicited the emotions from
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Lisa that the first house did, but we're not quite finished yet.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03The pretty enclosed garden is to the side of the house
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and there's also a detached garage and a shed.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10But has Lisa changed her mind about the size of the outside space?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The garden, for me, is still an issue, I feel.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17What about the price?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I think this is more expensive than house one.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- So I'm going to go at the 440 mark again.- OK.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28I still think this is more than our budget,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and I'm going to stick at 465.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31- OK.- OK.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- It's actually on the market for £385,000.- Whoa!- Whoa!
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Does that change your opinion of the house?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- No.- No.- Because that's a lot of money.- It doesn't.- Really?
0:25:43 > 0:25:47The price shocks me because of what it has got,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50but it's still lacking something
0:25:50 > 0:25:53that... It's not making me feel like I'm at home.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Why don't you both go and have a look at the rest of the house
0:25:56 > 0:25:58and I'll meet me at the front in a bit?
0:25:58 > 0:25:59- OK.- OK, thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05This Victorian house is £65,000 under Lisa and Jim's budget,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08but is the change enough to buy them
0:26:08 > 0:26:09the feeling they say
0:26:09 > 0:26:10is missing for them here?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12The stone house is full
0:26:12 > 0:26:13of character on the outside
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and it's got one more bedroom
0:26:15 > 0:26:16than they asked for, which could
0:26:16 > 0:26:18be used as a study for Jim
0:26:18 > 0:26:20and it has also got the en suite
0:26:20 > 0:26:21they were hoping for. Plus, there
0:26:21 > 0:26:23is a utility room which
0:26:23 > 0:26:25could be just the thing for the dog
0:26:25 > 0:26:27and a pretty garden for him
0:26:27 > 0:26:28to run around in, too.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29The train journey to London
0:26:29 > 0:26:30is around two hours,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32which Jim should be happy with.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36This house on paper gives us more of what we've asked for,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38and it lacks something as well.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And it's an intangible thing that it lacks.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45It's something that I wasn't expecting to experience.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47This house is a beautiful house,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49but, for me, it hasn't got the character
0:26:49 > 0:26:51that I'm looking for in a property.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52I love the history of it
0:26:52 > 0:26:57and I love the fact that it's been restored beautifully.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01The style that's been restored to isn't one that appeals to me.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08I like how we saw a different side to Jim this afternoon.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Yeah, it was totally different to this morning.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Have the two houses that you've seen given you lots to think about?
0:27:14 > 0:27:15It definitely has for me.
0:27:15 > 0:27:21Yeah, and I'm starting to realise that maybe gut is more
0:27:21 > 0:27:23important than the practicalities, as well.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24- Let's go get a drink.- OK.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35It's the second day of our visit to North Dorset, searching out
0:27:35 > 0:27:39a country haven for Lisa and Jim from Southampton to call home.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42They've got a healthy £450,000 to spend
0:27:42 > 0:27:46and they're looking for somewhere that's bursting with character.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Coming up, our Mystery House takes Lisa's breath away.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51SHE LAUGHS
0:27:51 > 0:27:53That's really amazing.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56And I'll be taking the reins of an ancient sport.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- Well done.- Good boys.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Good boys, good boys.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Yesterday, it was pretty clear how Lisa felt about both houses.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10She had her emotions written all over her face.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Jim, however, was trying to play it a little cooler,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17wanting to make sure he balanced practicality with gut feeling.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20So I wonder how they'll both react to today's Mystery House.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24It comes with character and space but also one big compromise -
0:28:24 > 0:28:26it is the Mystery House, after all.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31For our third and final property, we are journeying just over
0:28:31 > 0:28:33seven miles west to the village of Corton Denham.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38It's on the Dorset-Somerset border but officially in Somerset.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The ancient village is in a very rural location,
0:28:41 > 0:28:45sitting in a valley with hills ebbing and flowing around it.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49There's a dining pub and a church and breathtaking scenery.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Just to the north of the village is our Mystery House,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54in a farm setting.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It may be deep in the heart of the countryside, but it's also
0:28:57 > 0:29:00just under a two-hour train journey to get Jim to work in London.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Come closer, come closer. - Oh, the tears are coming!
0:29:04 > 0:29:07That is stunning.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08That's really amazing.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10The mystery is...
0:29:10 > 0:29:13that it is attached so...
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- I never noticed that! - THEY LAUGH
0:29:15 > 0:29:17The whole thing was a flour mill.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- It's been converted into three separate houses.- OK.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23And this middle section is the one I want to show you.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- It's the kind of terraced house I could live in.- Yeah!
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Yeah. I guess it is a terraced house, yeah. Strictly speaking.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34But the views, I mean, are just stunning.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36To look at that every day.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39We're in a valley, which means you've got views all the way round.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- It is stunning.- It is just...
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Yeah, that scores full marks on character.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Yeah.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49This former of stone mill house
0:29:49 > 0:29:52was converted to a family home in the 1980s
0:29:52 > 0:29:54and is Grade II listed.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56It seems to have overwhelmed Lisa and Jim
0:29:56 > 0:29:59and I hope they get the feeling they're looking for
0:29:59 > 0:30:01inside this property, too.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04It may be attached, but it's certainly not lacking in space.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07And as we enter the house, a large entrance hall
0:30:07 > 0:30:09leads us to the kitchen at the back.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11THEY LAUGH
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- A good size.- It's a very good size.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16Oh, I'm going again.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Love the view.- Oh, this is lovely.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Oh!
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Oh, God.
0:30:24 > 0:30:25Excuse me.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- And the size is great. - The size is fantastic.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Size is really good.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Through there is a separate dining room.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Wow. It's a nice size.
0:30:39 > 0:30:40- That is good.- It is.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43It feels bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- I don't know why. - Well, that's because it is!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Normally, I'd take you upstairs at this point to see the bedrooms,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52but I'm going to take you downstairs.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Oh, wow.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57The house is laid out over four floors, and beneath us
0:30:57 > 0:31:01is an open-plan drawing room that takes up the footprint of the entire
0:31:01 > 0:31:02lower ground floor,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05and it's actually on the same level as the garden.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Wow. - THEY LAUGH
0:31:09 > 0:31:10- I'm just...- I'm just... Yeah.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- Speechless.- Yeah, lost for words.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16What would you do with a space like this?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I mean, a man cave would be great,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21but I feel guilty by having a man cave this big.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23You could have it... Why restrict it to men?
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- This could be an office-cum-painting-cum...- Office?!
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- I was thinking more entertaining, parties.- That's true.- This is...
0:31:29 > 0:31:30This is...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Straight onto the garden.- Exactly.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Cocktail reception. Cinema room.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- Games room.- Yeah.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42It just... Yeah, the potential of how we could live here...
0:31:44 > 0:31:47It's fair to say that both our buyers are bowled over by this
0:31:47 > 0:31:48fabulous mill house.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52And moving upstairs, two floors above the drawing room on the first
0:31:52 > 0:31:56floor are two large double bedrooms divided by the landing.
0:31:56 > 0:31:57We're heading to one of them.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00- Oh, wow!- Oh, wow!
0:32:00 > 0:32:04So, this is one of two, really, master bedrooms
0:32:04 > 0:32:05you could choose from.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- It's beautiful.- It's huge.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09You've got this size room with an en suite there.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13And on the other side of the first floor, pretty much the same thing.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Another room with an en suite.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- That's fantastic.- I just can't believe how big it is.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It's fantastic, it really is.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25And then on the second floor, you have three bedrooms up there
0:32:25 > 0:32:27with a family bathroom. Two of them doubles.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Three more?- So five altogether.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31LISA LAUGHS
0:32:31 > 0:32:32It's blown me away.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35The Mystery House has blown me away.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I'm speechless. And it doesn't feel attached.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42The house just hasn't put a foot wrong,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45and I don't think anything is going to change as we head
0:32:45 > 0:32:48outside to see what the garden holds for their beloved dog.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51It certainly has fabulous views for Lisa and Jim.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55There's access to the garden from a utility room.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58How's this for a garden? Would Shugs like it?
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- Oh, he'd love it.- He'd love it. Absolutely would love it.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05And I could have a vegetable patch here as well.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06Plenty of room for that.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09It's already got Jim's fruit trees.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Oh, fantastic.- Fantastic.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14So it goes all the way down to the fence there
0:33:14 > 0:33:17so it's the biggest garden we've shown you.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18I think definitely.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23And you've got a gazebo and a hot tub at the end of the garden.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24If that's your style.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Wow.- How about that?!
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- You can yourselves living here? - Yeah.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32So how much would this house cost you?
0:33:32 > 0:33:35I think it's going to be way out of our budget.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I think it's going to be on the market for 525.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41I don't think it's that much, but I do think it's over our budget,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44so I'm going to say 470.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45OK.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49It's actually on the market for 450,000.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So I've used your entire budget, but I spoke to the owner
0:33:52 > 0:33:56this morning and she said that she is willing to take offers.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Wow.- Oh!
0:33:58 > 0:33:59I'm going again.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01THEY LAUGH
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Oh!
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Really?- Yes.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It is accessible to you.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11If you really want this house, you can have this house.
0:34:11 > 0:34:12Oh!
0:34:12 > 0:34:15SHE SIGHS
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Well, there's a whole floor that you haven't seen yet.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- So go in and see that.- OK.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Make sure you're happy with the rest of the house
0:34:22 > 0:34:24and then I'll meet you out the front.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- OK, brilliant. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30This beautiful Grade II listed mill house
0:34:30 > 0:34:32is bang on Lisa and Jim's budget,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34but even better, the owner
0:34:34 > 0:34:36is willing to consider less.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37It gives them more than they
0:34:37 > 0:34:38could have wished for with
0:34:38 > 0:34:39five bedrooms and a huge
0:34:39 > 0:34:41drawing room perfect for
0:34:41 > 0:34:42family get-togethers
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and the kitchen-diner in somewhere
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Lisa would be happy to spend time.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48The enclosed garden is great
0:34:48 > 0:34:49for their four-legged friend
0:34:49 > 0:34:51and the views would provide Lisa
0:34:51 > 0:34:54with the perfect artist's backdrop.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55Plus, the commute to London
0:34:55 > 0:34:57is just what Jim is looking for.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Did we ever think we'd have that much space?
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I never thought there'd be that much space
0:35:01 > 0:35:03in a house in our budget, I've got to say.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04Not like this, anyway.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05I think there's...
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- There's just so much potential and possibility with this house.- Yeah.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10We've got a lot of scope.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13This house made me so emotional because I just didn't
0:35:13 > 0:35:16think in my wildest dreams that we'd ever be able to afford
0:35:16 > 0:35:18such a beautiful, large property like this
0:35:18 > 0:35:21with the stunning views that it's given to us.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24It was just unbelievable.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28The fact that this house could be a reality for us is just great.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31I never would have thought that something like this
0:35:31 > 0:35:34would be within our reach.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38The area's beautiful, it just ticks all the boxes,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40both emotionally and practically.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- You really do have stunning views here.- Very much so.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- Right, that's all three houses done. - Yep.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Let's go and find somewhere to sit and have a proper chat.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55OK, brilliant.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04The British countryside is the perfect setting for the sight
0:36:04 > 0:36:06of horses galloping across the fields.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08And Britons certainly are equine lovers,
0:36:08 > 0:36:12with up to a million horses and ponies owned in the UK today.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16On this 17-acre farm near Dorchester, Tony Munt keeps
0:36:16 > 0:36:20five horses and a pony which he partners with carriages to
0:36:20 > 0:36:22take part in combined driving,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25the oldest equine sport in Europe.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It's similar to the equestrian sport of eventing.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32One or more horses pulls a carriage guided by a coachman, or driver.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Hello, Hector, Achilles. Nice to meet you.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37What kind of horses are they?
0:36:37 > 0:36:38They are Dutch Warmblood.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41They've got very strong legs and bone
0:36:41 > 0:36:44and they're a very good driving and riding horse.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Tony has a collection of 30 carriages,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50some worth as much as £35,000,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53which he shows with his horses, competes with
0:36:53 > 0:36:55and also hires out for events.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- You get on board and I'll give you a lesson.- Great.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02In the late 19th century, carriage driving was all the rage
0:37:02 > 0:37:05with the rich and royalty. And nowadays,
0:37:05 > 0:37:07with dozens of clubs all over the country,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10anyone can learn to drive a carriage.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Tony himself has been involved in the sport for over 25 years,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16so I know I'm in safe hands.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19OK, so what is the first move, manoeuvre I need to know?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Just say, "Walk on."
0:37:21 > 0:37:23OK. So I just tell them to walk on?
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Just tell them to walk on.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- How loudly?- Quite loud.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Walk on!
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Walk on!- Very good.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Right, so you just want to pull them over that way.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35- This is steering.- That's it.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Behind us, grooms Geoff and Sue are on hand to assist.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42You can actually feel the power, can't you?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Yeah, they are powerful beasts!
0:37:45 > 0:37:47This is... The hardest thing to do is actually walking
0:37:47 > 0:37:49because they're unbalanced.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51When they're trotting, they're more balanced.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Voice commands along with the reins
0:37:53 > 0:37:56are used to control these beautiful horses.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58Just shorten up your reins a little bit.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00When you say shorten up, so...
0:38:00 > 0:38:02OK, pull everything right back.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- Right back, yeah. - Is that to slow them down?
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Yeah, that's just to slow them down, and just walk on.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Because I do feel they want to go faster than I'm allowing them to.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12They'll give you 100%. They just want to, you know...
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- Go full pelt!- Yeah.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- But I have to be the boss. - Yes, you've got to be the boss.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22That's it, just come on the left-hand side. That's it. Well done.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25That's it. Lovely. Good. Well done.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Super.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30When you've got them nice and straight,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33we could then have a little trot.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Just bring them over a tad. That's it.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36Trot!
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- Trot, boys.- Trot, boys.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42I need to imitate your voice.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- They listen to you better than they listen to me.- They do, yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Combined driving actually heralds from centuries ago.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51As far back as the Old Testament,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53kings and their kingdoms were dependent
0:38:53 > 0:38:56on skilled chariot drivers in war.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- Good boys, good boys.- Trot, boys!
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I can see the concentration on your face!
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- Can you?- Yes!
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Now I've mastered walking and trotting,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Tony is stepping things up a notch by introducing water.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Whoa!
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I can't say I'm not a little nervous!
0:39:16 > 0:39:17OK.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21They're going to favour going towards the bridge,
0:39:21 > 0:39:22so just to keep them off the bridge.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Keep them away from the bridge. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- Are they excited about going in? - I think they are, yeah.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30They're eager to go in, they've seen the water.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31- They love going through the water. - OK.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Walk on?- And then ask for them to trot, yeah.- OK.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- Now trot.- Trot!- Trot!
0:39:37 > 0:39:38- Trot, boys!- Trot! Trot! Trot!
0:39:42 > 0:39:43- Trot!- Trot!
0:39:43 > 0:39:46The river here is less than two feet deep.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48It is a great discipline for the horses to teach them
0:39:48 > 0:39:50to travel confidently through the water.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53And it also helps keep their legs strong.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Trot, boys!
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- Head over this way.- Trot, boys!
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- Walk, boys. Walk on.- Walk on.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Trot, boys!- Good boys. Good boys.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- Walk on, walk on, walk on. - Trot, boys!
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Good boys.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Wow.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Oh, thank you so much, Tony. That was brilliant.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Very well done.- I can't believe I got to do that on day one.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17That was lovely.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Well, there's no doubt our Mystery House
0:40:24 > 0:40:26has won over both Lisa and Jim.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28It is perfect for them.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I think the question now isn't so much
0:40:30 > 0:40:33what is going to happen next but when.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35I cannot wait to find out.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43So... Huge smiles on both of your faces.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46It's been an emotional couple of days for both of you.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49We know you have fallen for the Mystery House big-time.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51What happens now?
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Well, we're going to get onto the agent today
0:40:53 > 0:40:55and we're going to put in an offer.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- Today?- Today.- Brilliant news.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Because a house that has you both beaming so much,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03you should not let that go.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- No, not at all.- Why is it THE house?
0:41:06 > 0:41:09It just gives us everything that we want.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13It gives us the space, it gives the character, it gives us...
0:41:13 > 0:41:18The views are just phenomenal from every aspect of the house.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21It's just...oozes us.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I love the wheel.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25The wheel is just fantastic,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27the history of the place, and there's just
0:41:27 > 0:41:32so much practical space just to entertain, have friends round.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34There's just so much space for that.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37You can really make it the heart of your family, that house.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Absolutely, and that's what I can see.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44The coming together will be so much more fun, I think, in this house.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45When we first arrived there,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47I didn't even notice that it was attached.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49And I think because of the thick walls
0:41:49 > 0:41:52and the way that it's positioned,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55it's not going to ever feel like it's attached either.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Yeah, for me, it doesn't feel like a compromise.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59It just feels like a great house
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and there's something compelling about it.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05I'm so thrilled you found THE house.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I'm really happy that our search proved so fruitful.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11So keep in touch and I cannot wait for that phone call to say that
0:42:11 > 0:42:14"The Mystery House is our official new home."
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Thank you very much.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Well, when Jim and Lisa said they'd put in an offer today,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23they meant it because a little birdie has told me
0:42:23 > 0:42:26that's exactly what they've just done.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29And I'm delighted to say their offer has been accepted,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33which is fantastic news because they both came here to Dorset
0:42:33 > 0:42:35looking to start afresh in a new home,
0:42:35 > 0:42:40and it looks like they'll be doing exactly that in our Mystery House.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42We wish them well. See you next time.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Everything is going through with the purchase of the mill house,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49and Lisa and Jim can't wait to move in.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:51 > 0:42:54in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England
0:42:54 > 0:42:57and would like our help, you can apply online at...