0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's hard to believe that the world's proud tradition
0:00:04 > 0:00:06of trade unionism has its roots underneath
0:00:06 > 0:00:10this 300-year-old sycamore, but it's true.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Find out the story behind it and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Today's property shopper is looking to turn her back on the suburbs
0:00:34 > 0:00:36in favour of a bold move to the countryside.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37From the outset,
0:00:37 > 0:00:41it's clear she won't lose her head over character features.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Just check if I can stand under the beam or not.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Oh, yes. There's a good foot clearance there.- Easily.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- I can't wear my high-heeled shoes, but never mind.- Or your top hat.- No.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53But when her dream starts to become a reality,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55it becomes overwhelming.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56Are you excited?
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- SHE LAUGHS - Stop it! God!
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Today, I'm in Dorset, and this is the Tolpuddle Martyrs Tree.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08It was here in 1834
0:01:08 > 0:01:11that six farm workers got together to form a society
0:01:11 > 0:01:13to campaign for workers' rights,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15and for that they were convicted
0:01:15 > 0:01:18on trumped-up charges of swearing a secret oath
0:01:18 > 0:01:23and sentenced to transportation to a penal colony in Australia.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28Luckily, public opinion turned and they returned home free men,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31but their example inspired trade unions across the world,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and every year the village of Tolpuddle
0:01:34 > 0:01:37celebrates a festival in honour of their legacy.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Part of the West Country region,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Dorset covers an area of over a thousand square miles
0:01:43 > 0:01:48and sits between Hampshire and Devon on the south shores of the UK.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Overlooking the English Channel,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52the sea cliffs here rise up to the highest point
0:01:52 > 0:01:55on the south coast, Golden Cap.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Rearing up some 630 feet,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01it forms part of the area's geological highlight
0:02:01 > 0:02:03to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site
0:02:03 > 0:02:08which charts 180 million years of the Earth's history
0:02:08 > 0:02:12and stretches from the Devon border to the seaside resort of Swanage.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13Other natural landmarks
0:02:13 > 0:02:17include the iconic Durdle Door at Lulworth Cove
0:02:17 > 0:02:20and the renowned East Cliff Beach at West Bay.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Moving inland from this magnificent coastline,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26the Dorset countryside is home to peaceful villages
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and a patchwork of fields laid to pasture.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31It's this landscape which inspired English author
0:02:31 > 0:02:35and poet Thomas Hardy to create his fictional Wessex,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37a setting for many of his famous novels,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39such as Far From The Madding Crowd.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43So, it's fitting that this evocative countryside
0:02:43 > 0:02:45framed by its beautiful coastline
0:02:45 > 0:02:48continues to fire the imagination of many people
0:02:48 > 0:02:52seeking a rural escape where time seems to stand still.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Dorset's property market is booming, and by that I mean it's expensive.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03The average price for a detached house here is £339,000,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06which is £55,000 above the national figure.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Although, of course, there are variations up and down the coast
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and in and out from the coast.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13For example, you'll pay a 10% premium
0:03:13 > 0:03:14if you want to live in Lyme Regis,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and yet eight miles down the coast in Seaton
0:03:17 > 0:03:19prices are much more affordable.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22As a general rule of thumb, the eastern part of the county,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26which is better connected, is more expensive than the west.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Mindful of that, let's find out where today's buyer wants to move.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Della is a retired teacher from Newbury in Berkshire,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37and she's asked her best friend Jenny to join her for moral support.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39They met at school as teenagers,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and after 50 years of friendship, they've developed a close bond
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and seem to have the measure of one another.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48We share everything. We're so boring.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53Della can be quite serious-minded and she can also be quite frivolous.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54She's great fun to be with.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56She probably knows me more than anybody else,
0:03:56 > 0:04:02so she will be frank and honest and quite blunt, really.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05Both ladies are now widowed,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07and although Della lives in Berkshire,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09some 60 miles from Jenny,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12they still make time to catch up with each other once a fortnight.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14We do lunch and shopping.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Whenever we go shopping, we end up trying on the same thing,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22so they get passed from changing room to changing room.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25In fact, with so much in common, they've created a bucket list
0:04:25 > 0:04:27of all the places they'd like to visit together.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We were both on our own and we didn't want to travel on our own.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35We've done lots of places in Europe.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Oman, India. Just come back from Russia.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42We know that it's the only people we can actually bear to go away with
0:04:42 > 0:04:44for such a long time and not fall out.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47For the last 15 years,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Della's home has been a three-storey townhouse
0:04:49 > 0:04:51on the outskirts of Newbury,
0:04:51 > 0:04:52but she feels that over the years
0:04:52 > 0:04:56the area has lost some of its community feel.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It's on a crossroads of the M4 corridor,
0:04:58 > 0:04:59so it's very busy,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03and the fact that there is a major telecom company nearby
0:05:03 > 0:05:07means that we have a lot of transient people.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I'd like to move somewhere that's actually more village-y
0:05:10 > 0:05:12so that I can get to know people a bit better.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I just want that more close community feel, I think.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19It's not just the house location.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22The layout of her current home has become an issue
0:05:22 > 0:05:23as it's on lots of levels.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28What's more, she's also feeling the pinch with the size of the garden.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29I really like gardening.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I just get this real feeling of satisfaction
0:05:32 > 0:05:34when it's looking nice.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Yeah, I suppose I'd like to grow some vegetables as well
0:05:36 > 0:05:39like everybody else does, and maybe a chicken or two.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41You're a vegetarian!
0:05:41 > 0:05:43I wouldn't eat them.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44I just want the eggs.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Drawn to both countryside as well as the coast,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Della has earmarked specific places she would like to have access to.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56The area I'm looking for is around the area of Lyme Regis,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00the old rope-making town of Bridport and Charmouth.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01It has the Jurassic Coast,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04so it's great for walking on the beach and walking on the cliffs
0:06:04 > 0:06:05and things like that.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08We'd be able to go out, cream teas,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10long walks, enjoy the beaches,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13so the sooner she moves, the better so far as I'm concerned.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Della's townhouse is already under offer,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19so this exciting new chapter is imminent.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21And her friend's support and advice
0:06:21 > 0:06:24will be vital in pinpointing the perfect place
0:06:24 > 0:06:26for her new life in the country.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30Jenny's coming because she is the sensible head.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33I'm practical. My interest...
0:06:33 > 0:06:34I'm ruled by my heart.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I've known Della a long time,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39so I think my role is she'll know what she likes
0:06:39 > 0:06:42and I can worry about what she needs.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- I think that sums it up, yes. - Absolutely.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54As Della wants to enjoy the best of the countryside and coast,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57she would like to be situated between the historic towns
0:06:57 > 0:06:59of Lyme Regis and Bridport.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02So, with her location locked down,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05it's time to meet her and hear more about her hopes
0:07:05 > 0:07:07for this new home.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Ladies, welcome to Dorset. - Thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14It's quite bright and breezy up here. Look at the cliffs. Amazing.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- This could be your home, Della. - It could, yes.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- And, Jenny, you're here to be an extra pair of eyes.- Yes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24My ambition for today is to be analytical and dispassionate.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Very good. And you're more heart-led, are you?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I'm afraid I am, yes. My heart will rule my head at all times.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- You'll be like, "I love it! Where's the chequebook?"- Yes.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34So, what exactly are we looking for?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Tell me about the ideal property here.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Looking for something with two bedrooms, at least.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44A nice size garden, cos I have a very small garden at the moment.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46And in terms of location,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48do you want to be in a town or out in the middle of nowhere?
0:07:48 > 0:07:50I'd like to be out in the countryside,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52but I do need access to public transport
0:07:52 > 0:07:53for when I get too old to drive.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56And what are your worries about Della?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I don't want her to make a mistake and be unhappy.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I want her to buy the ideal home.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Gosh, you're a force to be reckoned with.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Yes!- You're going to keep her under control.- Oh, yes.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07I shall sort her out.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08Wonderful. OK.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09In terms of the style of the property,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- do you have any particular desires there?- I have... No.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16I'd quite like something that has a bit of character,
0:08:16 > 0:08:17but I'm not really that bothered.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Although, I really don't like thatched houses.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Don't like thatched?- No. - Anything else you don't like?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24I don't want it to be attached to something.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- I want to be able to walk around it. - What is the budget?
0:08:28 > 0:08:34Well, about 350 would be great. I can go to about 380.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36I do have some more money in the pot,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38but I want to use that for the bucket list.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Ah, your travels. Yes. How lovely.- Yes, yes.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Well, we've got three lovely properties to show you,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- and no time like the present, so follow me.- Thank you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53With £380,000 to spend, Della is after a character property
0:08:53 > 0:08:56that has at least two bedrooms to accommodate guests.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57She'd like a large garden
0:08:57 > 0:09:01and to be well-connected to transport links.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05We've cherry picked some of Dorset's most desirable properties
0:09:05 > 0:09:06which seem to meet her brief,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10however the price of each house won't be revealed
0:09:10 > 0:09:12until the end of each tour.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Our final offering will as always be the Mystery House,
0:09:15 > 0:09:16which will challenge Della
0:09:16 > 0:09:20to reconsider her strong property preconceptions.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Our first offering takes us to the northwest corner of Dorset
0:09:31 > 0:09:32to the village of Thorncombe,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36which is just under ten miles from Lyme Regis on the coast.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Nearby is the historic market town of Chard,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41just over the border in Somerset.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43From the late Middle Ages,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45it flourished as a centre for the wool trade,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48and its wealth over the centuries is evident
0:09:48 > 0:09:51in its hamstone architecture.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55The high street features many 17th-century listed buildings
0:09:55 > 0:09:57which are now home to a range of amenities.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00A 15-minute drive away back in Thorncombe
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and just a short stroll from the community-run village shop
0:10:03 > 0:10:05is house number one.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07And as you can see, built in 1997,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11and it's a fairly simple two-up two-down sort of property.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13It looks very charming.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14I mean, obviously we know
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- there's a compromise about it being attached.- Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21But we thought that the village was enough of a kind of bonus
0:10:21 > 0:10:24to sort of maybe think about it.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Jenny, what are your thoughts?
0:10:25 > 0:10:28I think the development is charming. It looks picturesque.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32It looks like an old Dorset village, but it's got the modern features.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Mm.- Yes, that's the good point about it.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35- Mm.- Great.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Yeah, Della could have the garage and I can back on the drive.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39I like the fact you're already planning that.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Oh, yeah. Yeah.- It's got to fit both of you really, hasn't it?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Where do we put my car? Where's my bedroom?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Oh, absolutely. She'll choose her bedroom, yes.- Yeah, yeah.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48Let's look inside.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52I'm pleased that Della is open
0:10:52 > 0:10:55to seeing more of this semidetached modern cottage
0:10:55 > 0:10:59as its been sympathetically designed to reflect the traditional style
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and uses building materials found in the local area.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06The setting and character exterior have got us off to a good start,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08but let's see what Della makes of the inside.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- So, a little hallway into the kitchen.- Wow.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15This is just what you're looking for.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Those colour tiles are what I've got in my house now.- Aw, sweet.- Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Nice room for a table. Really nice.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's a good lot of work space,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and you do have a sort of downstairs loo just around here
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- in a sort of little boot room. - Oh, that's good.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I think it's very versatile space.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32There's plenty of room.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34There's room to use it as a kitchen/diner,
0:11:34 > 0:11:39or you could take out the table and have a comfy armchair.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Let's go back and look at the other wing.- After you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Over here, you've got the sitting room.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Those proportions, essentially it's the mirror image
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- of the kitchen in terms of size. - Yes.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Nice and light again because you've got windows at both ends
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- and a fireplace central point. - What about you, Jenny?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58What do you think about this living space?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00I think the living space is excellent.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01I can see Della's furniture in here
0:12:01 > 0:12:05and I can see it being a very usable and warm and friendly place.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- Yeah, it does have a friendly feel, doesn't it?- Yes, yes.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12You don't really notice you're attached inside the house.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13No, and the good thing about it
0:12:13 > 0:12:18is you're only attached on the kitchen side, so that's a bonus.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21With downstairs covered,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24we'll head upstairs to where there are three bedrooms.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28There are two comfortable doubles of equal size and a small single,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32all of which make use of a three-piece family bathroom.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35But we're heading to one of the doubles currently used
0:12:35 > 0:12:37as the master.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39What do you think of the sleeping accommodation?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41What do you look for in a bedroom?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Somewhere to sleep, somewhere to lay my head.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Right.- That's it, really.- OK. - But no, it's a good size.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49You can walk around. Is that a fitted wardrobe over there?
0:12:49 > 0:12:51You've got a wardrobe there. The other room has a wardrobe too,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- and there's space here for some extra bits and bobs.- Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It's a nice big and bright room, isn't it?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- You can have the other one, Jenny. - Yes.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03That doesn't mean to say that I won't have this one
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- if this one is better.- Oh, OK.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06So, the sleeping accommodation
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- is not the most important thing for you.- No.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Actually, what's more important is the living space
0:13:10 > 0:13:12and the garden, to be honest.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- So, this passes the muster. - Yes, it does indeed.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- Yeah.- Let's go in the garden then.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Outside and to the rear of the cottage,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25the conservatory flows into the well-maintained garden,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27which has a good level of privacy,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30and beyond the trees, backs onto open fields.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35The all-important garden. Is this big enough?
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- This is big enough, yes.- Great.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39There's room for me to have some vegetables
0:13:39 > 0:13:42and room for me to just potter.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Yeah, it's great. Nice and peaceful.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48And, Jenny, are you kind of at peace with the garden layout?
0:13:48 > 0:13:49I like the garden layout.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52I like the fact that you've got access from the garage
0:13:52 > 0:13:53and from the side of the house,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56so it's easy to bring things around
0:13:56 > 0:13:59when you've got bags and bags of compost to bring around.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- You can get the car nice and close to the garden.- Mm.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- So, practical head on again. - OK, yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05Now, the price.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08That's the all-important element we haven't talked about.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10What do you think this is on the market for?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- 350,000.- Mm-hm.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- What do you think, Jenny?- 365.- 365.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18OK, so, that's interesting,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22because this property is actually on the market for...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Brace yourselves.- Oh, dear.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- ..329,950. - Oh, that's a good surprise.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Yeah.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34So, actually you'd have money under your initial budget to put into...
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Round the world trip. - ..bucket list.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Armed with that important information,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42why don't you go have a snoop around and I'll see you out the front?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Great. Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Under budget by £50,000,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53this charming cottage with three bedrooms
0:14:53 > 0:14:57gives Della that large garden she's after.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Situated in the centre of a village and with countryside views,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04both she and Jenny seem to be pretty impressed with the location
0:15:04 > 0:15:08and living spaces the property provides.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Good, favourable first impressions.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12It's new but it looks old,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15so it has all the advantages of a new house,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17but you still have a traditional look about it.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19The space is just what I need.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21I don't want anything too large anyway,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23and it's got this cottage-y feel.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It's got a really nice kitchen, so, yeah, it's good.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I think it's a well-located house
0:15:29 > 0:15:32in a nice development close to the village,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35so there's lots of amenities here.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37There's enough community here.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41We've seen people walking up and down the road and passing by,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43so I think she'll get the community spirit
0:15:43 > 0:15:45that she's looking for.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Well done, ladies. Seemed like you were having fun.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49So, Jenny, if you pull the door,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52and we're going to go straight onto the next house.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- Good. Thank you. - Looking forward to it.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00In the heart of the Dorset countryside
0:16:00 > 0:16:04just outside the historic county town of Dorchester
0:16:04 > 0:16:08lies the 750-acre estate of Kingston Maurward College.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Built in 1720,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14the estate was sold on to the local council in 1947
0:16:14 > 0:16:17when it became an educational institution.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20At that time, it was used to teach soldiers returning
0:16:20 > 0:16:24from the Second World War about self-sufficient food production.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Today, the site comprises a working farm, formal gardens
0:16:27 > 0:16:29and the impressive house,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32which caters for 850 full-time students
0:16:32 > 0:16:36who attend a range of agricultural and horticultural courses.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39As Della is keen to create her own garden oasis once she moves,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42we've arranged for her and Jenny
0:16:42 > 0:16:46to meet the head of horticulture, Joanna Jeffery, for a guided tour.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49So, it's not just professional training that you're giving.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51It's also for people who just want...general interest
0:16:51 > 0:16:53to improve their gardening skills.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56That's right, yes. Yes, for domestic gardeners as well.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58And some people who are changing careers
0:16:58 > 0:17:00who are keen amateur gardeners, they love their gardens
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and they want to turn it into a way to earn money,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04so we see plenty of those as well.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Let's hope you find somewhere down here
0:17:06 > 0:17:08and you can come along and take some courses.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Oh, that'd be great. - That would be really good.- Yeah.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Dorset is obviously very famous for Thomas Hardy.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Has he had any connection to this estate at all?
0:17:17 > 0:17:18He was brought up as a child
0:17:18 > 0:17:22in a village at that end of the estate - Bockhampton -
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and of course his heart is buried at Stinsford Church,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26which is at the far end of the lake.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31So, though he is in Poet's Corner, his heart is in Dorset.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- As it always was.- Yeah.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The impeccably maintained Grade II formal gardens
0:17:37 > 0:17:40extend to 35 acres and were created
0:17:40 > 0:17:42by the last family to own the estate, the Hanburys,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46between 1915 and 1922.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48But rather than laying them out
0:17:48 > 0:17:50in the Arts & Crafts style of the time,
0:17:50 > 0:17:54they were designed using classic Italian Renaissance principles.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57The result is a series of self-contained rooms
0:17:57 > 0:17:59partitioned by hedges,
0:17:59 > 0:18:01with each zone featuring a centrepiece
0:18:01 > 0:18:04such as a water fountain or statue.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Joanna is taking Jenny and Della to the Red Garden room,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12that features a lily pond surrounded by box hedging
0:18:12 > 0:18:14which neatly frames delicate red salvias.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18So, why is it a purely red garden? Isn't that unusual?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Well, Lady Hanbury, who designed the garden,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23also had a sister garden in Northern Italy called La Mortola,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27and all the foliage is red and the plants we planted here are red,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31and that linked to that sort of Mediterranean style.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So, we see the ponds, the symmetry,
0:18:34 > 0:18:39the wisteria climbing over the summer house.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So, the plants you've got in here now,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44are they the same kinds of plants that Lady Hanbury would've planted?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46They're certainly in the spirit
0:18:46 > 0:18:48of what she would've planted, in the colour.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51As well as historic gardens,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54the lawns are home to that great 19th-century sport, croquet.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59As Della is keen to embrace all that country life has to offer,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01there's the chance for her to have a go
0:19:01 > 0:19:06under the expert guidance of one of the team players, Bob Field.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Try and get it in the front of that hoop.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- That'll do fine. - Definitely not hard enough.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13THEY LAUGH
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Nearly, nearly, nearly. Went a bit further, didn't it?- Gone out.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19That's it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Oh, too far.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Very good.- Ooh!- Wow. - Nearly went through.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Thought to have been introduced to the UK from France
0:19:26 > 0:19:27in the 17th century,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30the early version of croquet was originally called paille-maille,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34derived from the Italian words for ball and mallet.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36OK, we've gone through the first hoop,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39so now we've got to go for the second hoop.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Lovely.- Oh!- OK.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- And yellow.- Nice spin on that.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Lovely shot.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48So, how do you find it, ladies?
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- I'm finding it really hard. - It is very hard, isn't it?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- And I'm not going to give up my day job.- OK.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- It was lovely to see you. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58- Bye-bye.- Good to meet you.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03The ladies have certainly been inspired by these surroundings,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05but it's time we got back to our property search
0:20:05 > 0:20:09to find Della her ideal home and a perfect patch
0:20:09 > 0:20:12where she can put her grand garden ambitions into action.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Next, we're hopping across the border into Devon
0:20:18 > 0:20:20to the rural village of Smallridge,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24which is just seven miles from the seafront at Lyme Regis.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Situated on the edge of the Blackdown Hills,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:20:30 > 0:20:31the landscape here is clearly defined
0:20:31 > 0:20:34by its agricultural heritage.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36In the heart of the village,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39clusters of pretty cottages are built around its centre
0:20:39 > 0:20:41and there's an active local community
0:20:41 > 0:20:43despite it's quiet rural location.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Just off one of the charming country lanes
0:20:47 > 0:20:50with its own gated driveway is our second property.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Come on in.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Very different offering here.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00So, it's a 1970s bungalow set amongst this beautiful landscape
0:21:00 > 0:21:01with some lovely views.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Single-storey, so that's good. What about transport, though?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Well, Axminster is the centre for everything,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10so that's got your doctors and shops and restaurants,
0:21:10 > 0:21:11and there are buses that go there,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14but a lot of the ladies here kind of gather together
0:21:14 > 0:21:17if they want to go in and they organise a sort of social taxi run.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- OK, well, that's good, yes. - What about you, Jenny?
0:21:20 > 0:21:21What are your first impressions of this one?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I think it's a nice bungalow.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It's got parking, it's got a nice garden,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28so I'm quite anxious to see it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Shall we scale the drive?
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Let's scale the drive.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35The practical nature of single-storey living
0:21:35 > 0:21:37seems to have struck a chord with Della,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40so hopefully inside will target those heartstrings.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Here's the kitchen. And what a view.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- Wow. This is gorgeous. - This is a lovely kitchen.- Yeah.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Nice worktops, lovely kind of units as well.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Tastefully done. - They're gorgeous, yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- Can you imagine having your breakfast here?- I can indeed, yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Shouldn't ask you. Can YOU imagine having your breakfast here?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00I can imagine sitting here while Della waits on me hand and foot
0:22:00 > 0:22:03and I have croissant and coffee and the whole bit for breakfast.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Yeah, in her dreams.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07In her dreams.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08I can see myself sitting there
0:22:08 > 0:22:10reading the paper with a cup of coffee.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Yeah. Let's have a look at the living room.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Similar-sized room and a similar kind of great big
0:22:21 > 0:22:24kind of landscape window looking out over the front garden
0:22:24 > 0:22:25and the trees.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Your furniture, would it fit in here?- I'll take it as it is.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Oh, you like these bits of furniture?- It's very nice, yeah.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Great. You've been struck dumb.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I know. It's really nice.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Wow. Are you excited?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- SHE LAUGHS - Stop it!- Oh, no.- God!
0:22:41 > 0:22:44She's going to cry. Aw!
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- No, she won't. She'll have a bit of the vapours instead.- Aw.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50She's having a quiet moment to herself
0:22:50 > 0:22:52while she composes herself and thinks about it.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56In your experience, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
0:22:56 > 0:22:57Could go either way.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Do you think you could see her living here?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I think it's a beautiful house in a beautiful area,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and I'm quite keen on her having a sensible bungalow.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- I'm just taken by the views. - They're gorgeous, aren't they?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- OK.- Come on in.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Are you excited about the log burner?
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Absolutely. Yes.- I can see the house is doing something to you.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19I'm not quite sure what... SHE LAUGHS
0:23:19 > 0:23:21..but I'm going to press on with the house tour.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Let's look at the bedrooms. - Thank you.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28It's clear that this move comes as a big life change for Della,
0:23:28 > 0:23:29which is bringing out her emotions.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Off the main hallway and to the rear of the property,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36there is a bright, well-decorated bathroom
0:23:36 > 0:23:40which is shared by a couple of good-sized double bedrooms.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44We're going to investigate the slightly larger of the two.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Are you two going to arm-wrestle over who gets which bedroom?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- No, I'll get the best one.- OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50She thinks.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53The truth of the matter is when she moves in,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56she says to the removal men, "Put the spare bed in there."
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- I'm stuck.- And then you're done. - Mm.- Yeah.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- And are you liking the inside of the house?- Yes.- Good.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I don't want to set her off again. Let's going to the garden.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- Quick.- Off you go.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Attached to the garage but accessed from the rear garden
0:24:14 > 0:24:15is a secluded garden room,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19where perhaps Della could admire the fruits of her gardening labours.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Oh, that's nice.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24With its own little WC.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Southwest-facing, the garden enjoys the afternoon sun
0:24:27 > 0:24:31and takes in those gorgeous views over rolling hills.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Along with established borders,
0:24:32 > 0:24:37there's also a patio where she could wine and dine outside with Jenny.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- So, the garden is the right size? - The garden is great, actually.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43What you need is something just to keep your interest
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and have just a few veggies around and be good.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48What do you think of the garden, Jenny?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50My view is gardens are to be looked at,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54not to work in, so for me, ideal size.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56And you'll have noticed,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58on the top of the roof facing the setting sun,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- solar panels.- Mm.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Now, these are great because in a good summer,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05they would bring in about £600 to £700 back from the grid,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09which means that the current owner lives here without any energy costs.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12That's amazing. Yeah, that's really good.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17The thing that you need to know now is how much this property costs.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20355.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- OK. What do you think, Jenny?- 345.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24345.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26OK, so you're both wrong in this instance.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30This house is on the market for £312,000.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Wow.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- God, I could afford lots of taxis, couldn't I?- Exactly.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41- You can put that £40,000 into a taxi kitty.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- I need to have another look around inside now.- Go. Go.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46- Enjoy.- OK.- Don't let me stop you.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Were those tears of joy or were they tears of frustration?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I'm hoping the former. I guess we'll find out.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01A huge £68,000 under Della's budget,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05this bungalow with two bedrooms seems to have delivered the goods
0:26:05 > 0:26:09inside and out and certainly pushed some emotional buttons.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10Set on the edge of a village,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14it benefits from beautiful views over open countryside.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16It's a beautiful setting.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Lovely views. Nice proportion.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Lovely sunny rooms.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22It's just a great house.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Perfect for me, but maybe my heart is ruling my head.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28I think it's great for Della.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30It's got everything that she needs.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I think that a sensible-size house
0:26:32 > 0:26:35with a sensible-size garden is the way forward for her.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37I think it's definitely worth trying to find out
0:26:37 > 0:26:39a little bit more about the area,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43and if that was good, then, you know, I'd tell her to go ahead.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Whether she listens to me is another thing.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- There we are. Two houses done today. - Yes.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Both quite interesting, I think. - Very, very different.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- Very different. Thought-provoking? - Indeed, yes.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Right. Let's go and find a place where you can provoke your thoughts.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09It's the second day of our house hunt
0:27:09 > 0:27:11with Della from Newbury, Berkshire,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13who's joined by her best friend, Jenny.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16With a budget of £380,000,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19she's hoping to fulfil her long-held desire
0:27:19 > 0:27:21of moving to Dorset.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Coming up, our historic mystery property
0:27:23 > 0:27:26is clearly giving off some spine-tingling vibes.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28It's not haunted, though?
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Not haunted that I know of. Boo! THEY LAUGH
0:27:32 > 0:27:35And I get to sample a Victorian seaside delicacy
0:27:35 > 0:27:38which is making a comeback to Britain's southern shores.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- It's an aphrodisiac. - Are they really?- Yeah.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Come on. Bring it on.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Day two of our property search here in Dorset,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50and it feels like being on the ground has made everything
0:27:50 > 0:27:53a bit more real and a bit more emotional for Della.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55It's like the focus has come in
0:27:55 > 0:27:59and she now may have to buy one of these houses and live in it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01And the Mystery House is interesting,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04because in two important ways it's not what she's looking for,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08but in other ways it's the classic Dorset country property,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11so it'll be interesting to see how she responds.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20What do you think the Mystery House is going to be?
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Could be thatched.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27Cos that was one thing I absolutely didn't want, so...
0:28:27 > 0:28:29So, thatched, one thing.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30What about you, Jenny?
0:28:30 > 0:28:32What do you think we might be showing for the mystery?
0:28:32 > 0:28:37We saw such different properties in different areas yesterday.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39I've got absolutely no idea
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- what you might have up your sleeve for us today.- No.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46- And you've already tested me on having an attached one.- Yeah.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48So, I hope this one isn't too testy.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54For our final property,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57we're heading back into Dorset to the village of Uploders,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59which is just three and a half miles
0:28:59 > 0:29:02from one of Della's favourite towns, Bridport.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05But closest to the property lies the charming village of Bradpole,
0:29:05 > 0:29:10which at its heart has an attractive Victorian village hall.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The local community also has useful amenities,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16including a post office and a local pub.
0:29:16 > 0:29:17Just a five-minute drive away
0:29:17 > 0:29:21and back in the pretty village of Uploders is our mystery property.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24As Della currently lives in a modern townhouse,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26we couldn't resist showing her
0:29:26 > 0:29:28a traditional Dorset chocolate box property.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32As we were driving over,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35your superhuman powers of deduction were correct,
0:29:35 > 0:29:40because the Mystery House is, as you suspected, a thatch.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41Right.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43You can see it's an L-shaped property.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- You are this part of the L.- Right.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48And this thatch is two months old.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- I was going to say, it looks very new.- Yeah.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53What are your objections to thatch?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I think it's always the hidden cost that if you buy somewhere,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59and then you think, "Oh, I've got to spend however many thousands
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- "doing the roof up." - So, it's the money.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02It looks very pretty, though.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Let's have a look.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Dating back around 300 years,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11our mystery thatch is thought to have originally been a cow shed.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Renovated four years ago by the current owners to a high spec,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18the interior is a sympathetic mix of traditional meets modern.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- This is nice.- It's lovely, yes. Light cream.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Lovely units. Nice worktops.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28And a nice little eating area here.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32A nice little eating area. How is it for size?
0:30:32 > 0:30:36It's a good size. I'll just check if I can stand under the beam or not.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- Oh, yes. There's a good foot clearance there.- Easily.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- I can't wear my high-heeled shoes, but never mind.- Or your top hat.- No.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46This is by far the oldest property we've shown you.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48It goes back to the 1700s.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52But the inside, it's probably the newest in terms of decor.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- It's not haunted, though? - Not haunted that I know. Boo!
0:30:55 > 0:30:58THEY LAUGH
0:30:58 > 0:30:59- OK, so...- It looks very nice.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- Thumbs up for the kitchen? - Thumbs up for the kitchen, yes.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Given Della's original aversion to thatches,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10so far she's reacted surprisingly positively.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Also on the ground floor adjacent to the kitchen
0:31:12 > 0:31:14is a sleek shower room.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16And this is the sitting room.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Really built around the amazing fireplace.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Yeah, that's a beautiful fireplace.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Nice floor too.- Mm.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Jenny, is this getting the seal of approval?
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Yes, yes. I think that's Della's sofa and this is mine.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Oh, my God. We've gone to separating sofas now.- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Not content with bedrooms, it's also the sofas.- No, no, no.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Well, we haven't seen the bedrooms yet, have we?
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- Only a hop and a skip away.- May not get my seal of approval.- Follow me.
0:31:42 > 0:31:43Mind your head.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Up on the first floor,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49there are two well-presented double bedrooms,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51one of which is currently used as a single.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52Both rooms have access
0:31:52 > 0:31:55to a luxurious Jack and Jill bathroom,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57featuring a roll top bath.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Up until now, Della has been less concerned
0:32:00 > 0:32:01about the size of the bedrooms,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04so fingers crossed she likes the master.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06This is very spacious, actually,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09cos you could have all the chests under eaves,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11and plenty of wardrobe space.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Very charming.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Above the wood,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18you have got all the kind of snug warmth of the thatch,
0:32:18 > 0:32:19which, apart from anything else,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21is an extremely good insulator, so...
0:32:21 > 0:32:23And what's interesting about the thatch,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25it's not hanging down over the window,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27cos sometimes they are and make it very dark.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Yeah, yeah. - Have you seen enough up here?
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- Yes, that's fantastic.- That's fine. - Thank you very much.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Let's go and explore the garden and the price.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Outside, the entire garden lies to the front of the property.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Within the grounds, there is a greenhouse and vegetable patch,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46as well as a detached studio or home office.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50With the house pretty much receiving positive reactions all round,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53I wonder if Della could see herself rolling up her sleeves
0:32:53 > 0:32:58and getting green-fingered in this stunning and secluded setting.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00How are we doing for size?
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Well, sometimes you just look at a garden and think,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05"Actually, it's better not to have flowerbeds
0:33:05 > 0:33:06"and just let it be natural,"
0:33:06 > 0:33:09and then that saves even more work, doesn't it?
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- I know I keep changing my mind. - I know, exactly.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13You were like, "I want to move to work hard in the garden."
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Now you're like, "Oh, just let it all grow wild."
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Yeah, just sit here and look at the countryside.- Mm.- No.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20As long as you've got a glass in your hand,
0:33:20 > 0:33:22you can sit and watch the weeds grow.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25She's the best person to go property shopping with, isn't she?
0:33:25 > 0:33:27OK, so, what about the price of this one?
0:33:27 > 0:33:29How much do you think the Mystery House costs?
0:33:29 > 0:33:30So, I think it's going to be
0:33:30 > 0:33:33probably just a little bit over budget,
0:33:33 > 0:33:35so I would say...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37382.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39What do you think, Jenny?
0:33:39 > 0:33:43It go lower at 367.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47OK, in this instance you are very, very accurate.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's actually on the market for 365.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Do you know, I was going to say 365 first, and because she had...
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Don't change your answer now. You said 367.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Because she didn't go on the five, I decided not to.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04My main reservation would be whether I could use those stairs.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Right. Have another go.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Go in and explore inside. - OK, thanks very much.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11And I'll see you when you come out.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- Thank you.- See you later.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19£15,000 under budget,
0:34:19 > 0:34:22our mystery cottage may have converted Della to thatch.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24It gives her two bedrooms
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and has a lovely garden overlooking open countryside.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30And it's within easy reach of the village centre.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33It would be a fantastic productive area, wouldn't it,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35with the vegetables and fruit trees?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Yeah, it would take a bit of effort to clear it,
0:34:38 > 0:34:39but there's a lot of space here.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Location's beautiful, birds singing. Lovely garden.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Love the kitchen. Love the living room.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Upstairs, not quite as light and airy
0:34:50 > 0:34:53as I would've liked it.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54I'm still not convinced.
0:34:54 > 0:34:59It's too pretty and too chocolate boxy for me.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00But I'm not buying it.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I'm absolutely charmed by this Mystery House.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07I can forgive it its thatch because once you're inside,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10you have no idea and it doesn't darken the windows.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14And didn't even realise it was attached.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It's just tranquil. It's beautiful.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20Just feels lovely and friendly and cosy and warm.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21Mystery House all done.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24That's all three properties I've showed you know.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Perhaps we should find a place to kind of recuperate
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- and think about what to do next. - Indeed. Thanks very much.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Well, not what I'm going to do next, what you're going to do next.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33What I'm going to do next, yes.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35Brilliant idea. Let's go and talk about things.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43With over 90 miles of coastline,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46fishing has been a mainstay of Dorset life for centuries,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and fleets of working boats are a common site
0:35:49 > 0:35:51off the county's shores.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55The most westerly town along the coast is Lyme Regis,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58where its livelihood has been shaped by the man-made harbour
0:35:58 > 0:36:01with its famous sea wall known as the Cobb.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I've come to meet John Wason,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07who's spent nearly 50 years fishing off these shores.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- You must be John.- Yeah.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- Afternoon, young man. All right? - Beautiful day for it.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15Yes. Beautiful.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- Are you going to take me on board?- Yeah.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- Brilliant. - I'll take you on board if you like.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22John's family runs a shellfish business
0:36:22 > 0:36:25right on the beautiful harbour, and he's agreed to introduce me
0:36:25 > 0:36:27to the edible spoils of these waters.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32These buoys here?
0:36:32 > 0:36:34And what have we got here, lobster pots?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Lobsters and crabs.- Lobsters, crabs.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Just a short distance from the shore and within the harbour walls,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45John keeps his lobsters and crabs in pots underwater.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47The crustaceans were caught a further mile out
0:36:47 > 0:36:50a couple of days ago and I've been entrusted
0:36:50 > 0:36:53with the skilled task of hooking a pot out of the water.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56That's it.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- So, what's going to come up? Oh.- Crabs.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08They're big crabs, aren't they?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Oh, God, are you going to pick them out?
0:37:10 > 0:37:11Oh, blimey.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17What happens if they give you a nip? What's the secret?
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- HE LAUGHS - Hold them at the back.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21Can I have a go?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23You can have a go, but if they get a hold of you,
0:37:23 > 0:37:24you'll know all about it.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- So, I shouldn't have a go? - Cos they really hurt.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30So, you go from the back legs.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33Oh!
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Oh!
0:37:38 > 0:37:43HE LAUGHS I am brave and I am manly.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47In a good week, John catches an average of 80 crabs and 30 lobsters,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51which are enough to stock his seafood store back at the harbour.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Next, it's onwards to unload another pot.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- I might give you a job.- I know. I'm a good pair of sea legs.
0:37:59 > 0:38:00And what's coming up here?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Lobsters.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04Oh!
0:38:04 > 0:38:07They got a bit more fight in them, the lobsters, didn't they?
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Mm-hm.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11And how's this for size? Is this a good size?
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Yeah, they're a nice size. They're prime size, actually.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Prime size. - Yeah, that's prime size lobsters.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21The claws of these lobsters were tied together
0:38:21 > 0:38:23when they were first caught, so they're easier to handle.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28They've got beautiful colours on the bottom.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32John has a restricted quota on the number of crabs and lobsters
0:38:32 > 0:38:34he's permitted to catch,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37however another daily haul is a more abundant sea creature
0:38:37 > 0:38:39found around five miles off the coast.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Once a desirable Victorian street food,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46today the humble whelk is a less-favoured delicacy here.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Around 95% of whelks caught off the British coast
0:38:49 > 0:38:50are exported abroad.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54So, basically, they're like giant sea snails.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Well, it is a sea snail, isn't it? Yeah.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58They're not like, but they are in fact giant sea snails.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00'Tis a giant sea snail.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03So, it's a bit like an escargot, like a French snail.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- Yeah.- Bigger.- Yeah, bigger.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- They taste better than the French snails.- Of course they do.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14John's sons and grandson, who are also fishermen,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18catch a tonne of whelks every day for the Far Eastern market,
0:39:18 > 0:39:22but John's weekly yield of around 180 kilos goes directly
0:39:22 > 0:39:26to the quayside family stall run by his wife, Claire.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31This is my domain. He catches these and I sell them.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Do you cook them?- John cooks them. - Oh, you're the cook, John.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- John's the cook. - Course I'm the cook.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- And he'll clean them out. - And I shell them.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40I don't think I've ever eaten whelks.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Right, now is the time to be initiated.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- The taste is beautiful. - They're good for men, actually.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Because of potency?
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- Aphrodisiac.- Do you need that? - Are they really?
0:39:52 > 0:39:53- Yeah.- Come on. Bring it on.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Low in fat and high in vitamin B12, whelks are simply boiled in water
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and best served with a little pepper and white vinegar.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Mmm. That's pretty good.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09I'm feeling more manly by the minute.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12HE LAUGHS Here's to seafood.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- Yeah.- Nice meeting you.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Nice to meet you too. You too.- Yeah.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20Mind your hand. He got nipped. I didn't.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- He did.- He did.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25There are signs that the whelk may be enjoying a revival,
0:40:25 > 0:40:29with UK sales up 20% in the last few years.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31I'm sure there's no better place to sample them
0:40:31 > 0:40:33than here at source caught by a fisherman
0:40:33 > 0:40:36who has inspired two generations of his family
0:40:36 > 0:40:37to follow in his footsteps.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41And you can't deny John works in a spectacular setting.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Despite Jenny's very clear-spokenness,
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I'm a little in the dark to know
0:40:50 > 0:40:54which of the three houses Della has as her favourite.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57My money would be on the bungalow, but let's go and find out.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01The summer rain has driven us indoors,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03but it gives us a chance to think about the three houses.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06I'd be interested to know which was your favourite,
0:41:06 > 0:41:07if indeed there was a favourite.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Contrary to everything I said,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13an attached thatched cottage was my favourite.
0:41:13 > 0:41:14- Ah, the Mystery House.- Yes.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17So, what's going to happen next? What's the next move?
0:41:17 > 0:41:19If it hadn't been for the stairs,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22I would've actually stayed in that house with my chequebook,
0:41:22 > 0:41:26but I think I will now keep watching to see what comes up in that area.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29So, it's that area around Bridport nearer the coast.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30Yeah, I think that's my favourite now.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33And would you consider thatch and attached?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35I certainly would, yes.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37So, in that sense, it's widened your search remit a little.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41It has indeed, yes. It's been enlightening.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Have you also kind of widened your search remit?
0:41:43 > 0:41:45I'll go with whatever Della says,
0:41:45 > 0:41:46as long as it's got a nice room for me.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- Great. - I might get her to pay for it too.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- You should. At least a contribution. - Yes.- Rent out the bedroom.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Well, I do hope you find somewhere
0:41:55 > 0:41:57- because obviously the clock is ticking.- Yes.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I hope that find somewhere in the area that you want.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Sorry that we didn't quite get it right with our three houses.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04But you nearly got it right.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06There's always something to be learned.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09And enjoy the rest of your time here in Dorset.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18On a beautiful summer's evening like this,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21you can understand how Dorset has swept Della up
0:42:21 > 0:42:23under its magic spell, though, I have to say,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25I was a bit nonplussed she didn't fall in love
0:42:25 > 0:42:27with any of our properties, particularly the bungalow.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29I thought that was a sure-fire winner,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33and then suddenly the Mystery House came in and snatched the prize,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37despite all the drawbacks according to her original wish list.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Nonetheless, I do think we focused her mind
0:42:39 > 0:42:41on this beautiful part of the countryside,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44and I do hope that you will join us next time
0:42:44 > 0:42:46for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:49 > 0:42:52in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and need our help, please apply online at...