0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, this pretty hedgerow, flushed as it is with autumn colour,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09may look like any other you can see across the British countryside,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13but this one is thought to be almost a thousand years old -
0:00:13 > 0:00:15but how would we know, and where is it?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Today's search is all about old versus new,
0:00:38 > 0:00:42with house-hunters torn between traditional and contemporary.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45This is very me, very me.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Who's going to get the final say?
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Oh, we'll see, we'll see!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Our task is to deliver the best of both worlds
0:00:53 > 0:00:57which will bowl them both over, and it looks like we're halfway there.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00I've never had underfloor heating, that would be nice.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- Is it warm?- Yes, it's lovely!
0:01:02 > 0:01:04JULES LAUGHS
0:01:04 > 0:01:05Richard's in, look, he's done it!
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Well, today we are in Dorset,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14on the 550-acre Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve -
0:01:14 > 0:01:15and, as you might expect,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19this area is covered with literally miles of hedgerows.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Now, in recent years, not only have they analysed many historic maps,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27they've also employed a rather clever rural rule of thumb,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30to determine that some of these hedgerows could date back to 1050.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Now, later in the programme I'll be back here,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35finding out not just how they've managed to date them,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39but also how important hedgerows are to our landscape as a whole -
0:01:39 > 0:01:43and, I hope, getting something of a masterclass of what we can all do
0:01:43 > 0:01:45to help maintain these features through the winter.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Dorset is in a prime position on England's south coast.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Uninterrupted by cities and motorways,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56the county is agreeably remote,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58and just over 40% of it
0:01:58 > 0:02:02falls within designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Much of Dorset's charm is found in its picturesque villages,
0:02:06 > 0:02:07over 150 of them.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11One with a remarkable tale of old is Milton Abbas,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14which started life in a different location.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17The entire village was moved to its present spot
0:02:17 > 0:02:20in the late 18th century, so as not to spoil the view
0:02:20 > 0:02:23from the Earl of Dorchester's newly-built mansion.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Nearly 100 miles of heritage coastline
0:02:26 > 0:02:28skirt the county's southern edge
0:02:28 > 0:02:31where crumbling cliffs reveal a unique cross-section
0:02:31 > 0:02:34of geology and prehistoric treasures.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Charmouth Beach is a particular favourite for fossil hunters
0:02:37 > 0:02:40hoping to discover a Jurassic gem.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41In the south-east,
0:02:41 > 0:02:46the 60 square-mile Isle of Purbeck is bordered by water on three sides.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49It's home to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage,
0:02:49 > 0:02:55and the towering ruins of Corfe Castle, some ten centuries old.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57With history surrounding you everywhere,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59there's no doubt that Dorset presents
0:02:59 > 0:03:01a compelling and varied portrait of country life,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05at times millions of years in the making.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Well, there is, I'm afraid, no two ways about it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Property hunting here in Dorset doesn't come cheap.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Currently, the average price of a detached house here
0:03:16 > 0:03:21is some £400,000. That's £70,000 above the national figure -
0:03:21 > 0:03:22and as for East Dorset,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26well, there, you could happily expect to pay even more -
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and that's because of two sizzling hot spots,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Poole and, most notoriously, Sandbanks,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35where properties regularly go for millions of pounds.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So if you want a bit more for your money, the advice is simple.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Head towards the west of the county.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44So what is it about Dorset, one of my favourite parts of Britain,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47that has attracted today's buyers to want to move here?
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54One half of our house-hunting duo is retired doctor Drew.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57He met partner Richard, who works for an airline,
0:03:57 > 0:03:58two and a half years ago.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02After hitting it off online, they decided to meet up.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03I came down to Bournemouth to visit you.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06You did, and I picked you up from the train station.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09You did. You stood there with your little rucksack and shorts,
0:04:09 > 0:04:10and looked really cute!
0:04:10 > 0:04:11It was a very hot day, I remember.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14It was very hot and sunny, and the weather was just fantastic,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and we clicked straight away, because we've got things in common.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19A great day at the beach
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and, well, ever since then, we've been pretty inseparable.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24For the last 16 years,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Londoner Drew has been living in this five-bedroom 1930s semi
0:04:27 > 0:04:30in Finchley - and when Richard's not travelling for work,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34he divides his time between a flat he owns in Bournemouth,
0:04:34 > 0:04:35and visiting Drew...
0:04:35 > 0:04:37..but city life really isn't for him.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I love the outdoors. I love the outdoor life.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Although it's great being in London, and there's a lot to do,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47but I find when you live here, you don't actually do those things.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50So we're looking forward to just setting up a new life,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- nice home, outdoor life.- Definitely.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55They've chosen to buy in Dorset,
0:04:55 > 0:04:56a county with a mix of
0:04:56 > 0:05:00coast and countryside with good road links to friends,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02as well as Drew's son, Fraser, in London.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05It's a move they hope will help them to achieve
0:05:05 > 0:05:08not just a slower pace of life, but also a more active lifestyle.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11I've lived in London for quite a long time now,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and it's very busy and frenetic, so the move to Dorset will be...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18..it's a much calmer environment, fresh air, good quality of life,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21lots of opportunities for our shared hobbies.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23It's the complete opposite, in fact, to London.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Yeah, we're looking forward to doing country walks, kayaking,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29getting some mountain bikes, going out,
0:05:29 > 0:05:34having a much more outdoor active life than we can actually have here.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Although they've been looking for six months already,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40this couple are yet to find a property to please them both.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's been interesting looking at house-hunting together,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45because we do have different styles.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I prefer a more modern style of house.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50And I'm a much more traditional type person.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51I like something a bit quirky.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55He loves things - he loves straight lines, neatness, tidiness.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We do kind of feed off each other,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00so, if Drew's unsure about something,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I reassure him, and it's vice versa,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06so, you know, we do balance each other out that way.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07One thing they are agreed on
0:06:07 > 0:06:11is that they'd like more outside space in their next home.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12We would like a big garden.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14I'd also like a large greenhouse
0:06:14 > 0:06:16because I grow a lot of cactuses and succulents,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18so I'd like to be able to grow a lot more of those.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19I'd like to get into gardening.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21I don't know anything about gardening,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24but I really want to give it a go, I really want to try it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Drew's house is sold and due to complete in a couple of months,
0:06:29 > 0:06:30and they are in need of our help
0:06:30 > 0:06:33to make their countryside dream a reality.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35It's going to feel lovely being in our new house.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41To be able to open the windows and not listen to sirens, car alarms,
0:06:41 > 0:06:42this is just going to be bliss.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Whilst they're undecided on property style,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51location-wise they concur.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53They need good road and rail links to London,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56but otherwise are happy to look anywhere in the county.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Let's hope they're also on the same page
0:06:59 > 0:07:02when it comes to the finer details of the move.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03Right, chaps, let's pause here
0:07:03 > 0:07:06because I think this really does rather set the scene, doesn't it?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Now, the question as to how much you know about Dorset
0:07:09 > 0:07:12really fascinates me because peculiarly, Richard,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14you have a flat here, in Bournemouth?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17That's right, yeah. I've got a flat in Bournemouth in the city centre,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19but, obviously, I travel a lot for my work
0:07:19 > 0:07:22so when I get home I like to stay in my flat
0:07:22 > 0:07:24and I don't really get out much,
0:07:24 > 0:07:25because I can walk to the town,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27I can walk to the train station,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29so I haven't really explored Dorset at all.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Now, in terms of the property that you're after,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35give us an idea of the spec that we need.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38OK. We're looking for something like three bedrooms plus a study,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40or possibly four bedrooms.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41A big kitchen would be great.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43A big kitchen, we would like a garden.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45We have very little garden at the moment.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Room for a gym would be great.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48Yes. A pool would be nice.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49A pool would be nice!
0:07:49 > 0:07:51JULES CACKLES
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Now, before we get carried away,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57I gather that you have actually been through the door
0:07:57 > 0:07:59of some 26 properties here in Dorset?
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Correct.- Something like that.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04So what have they not had that you're hoping we are going to find?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Well, quite a few were - not on estates,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09but on roads with many other houses.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12We would like some privacy, I think.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Other things...- You don't want to be so isolated, though,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18you still want to be close to some form of life,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- village life or...- Community. Yeah.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25How much are you proposing to spend on this new adventure together?
0:08:25 > 0:08:30Well, something between £750,000 and £800,000.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33I think £800,000 is realistically the top of our budget.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36I'm very pleased with what we have to show you this week,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38and we've got some beautiful weather to go with it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41So, now's your chance, boys, to come and explore rural Dorset
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and see what you, Richard, have been missing all these years.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Come on!- Fantastic.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54With a substantial budget of £800,000,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Drew and Richard are looking for a detached property
0:08:56 > 0:08:58with three bedrooms and a study,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02as well as a large sociable kitchen and a garden.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06They'd also like a garage or space where they can create a home gym.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10We've found three exciting properties to tempt them with,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14and at each one I'll be asking them to guess the all-important price tag
0:09:14 > 0:09:16before I reveal it at the end of the tour.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Our final property will be our Mystery House,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21offering up some unique spaces
0:09:21 > 0:09:23and a different angle on life in the countryside.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35How important is being attached to a community for you both out here?
0:09:35 > 0:09:36Well, I think, well,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I've always been in a community my whole life, really,
0:09:39 > 0:09:40and I think one of my worries
0:09:40 > 0:09:43about the move would be the feeling of isolation,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46so, having a village nearby or being in the village, I think,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I would have to have something like that.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51The shock, culturally, to me, would be too great
0:09:51 > 0:09:56to suddenly go from a 10 million population city to a few hundred.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59I think that would be quite a shock!
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Our search kicks off in the North Dorset village of Tarrant Monkton.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Nestled in the Dorset Downs,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11the village is made up of mostly thatched and cobbled
0:10:11 > 0:10:15character cottages, a number of which are listed.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18It is home to one of the three remaining medieval packhorse bridges
0:10:18 > 0:10:22in the county, as well as an award-winning 17th-century pub.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26If Drew and Richard fancy a slice of quintessential village life,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29that's exactly what they'll get with our first property.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31There we go, what do you think of that one?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Gosh. Isn't it stunning?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Stunning, it looks amazing.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36It's a picture-postcard...
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- It's beautiful. - ..house in a beautiful village.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42It's, not surprisingly, Grade II listed,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44because it's 17th century.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Ah, OK, OK.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48In terms of the rural dream, Richard,
0:10:48 > 0:10:49I mean, is this the sort of thing?
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Yeah, it's absolutely stunning.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Can't wait to see inside.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55How many properties like this have you looked around?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57We've seen one a little bit like this, but not as nice as this.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00No, we haven't seen anything of this standard.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02So out of the 26 that you've looked at, you haven't yet seen anything
0:11:02 > 0:11:04this sort of age, this sort of period?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- No.- Come on, let's see what you think.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Originally two separate cottages,
0:11:10 > 0:11:15this now single detached property is currently used as a holiday let.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Offering over 1,600 square feet of accommodation,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21it includes a side extension added in the 1980s,
0:11:21 > 0:11:25which houses the current kitchen, where we are starting our tour.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28It's the one area that may need some work,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31but I'm told the current owners are in the process
0:11:31 > 0:11:33of gaining planning permission for a further extension.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36What do you reckon?
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's... It's nice.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I mean, just having something you can fix up
0:11:40 > 0:11:42just means you put your own mark on it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Certainly not afraid of that - but it's still a decent size.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48It's still usable.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Oh, yes. The rest of it is just gorgeous.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52It just opens up as you go through.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55See this, to me, is where this property
0:11:55 > 0:11:57really starts to sell itself.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58Oh, that's - that's lovely.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Wow. That fireplace.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Look at these beams. The history is...
0:12:03 > 0:12:05And look at the hook in the centre.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06Yeah, absolutely. Well, imagine it.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Back in the day, this would have been the kitchen,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11so all manner of things would have been hanging off the ceiling.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Beautiful in here. - YOU'D be hanging if you misbehave.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15LAUGHTER
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Probably!
0:12:17 > 0:12:19I know Drew prefers a contemporary style,
0:12:19 > 0:12:20but I must say both our buyers
0:12:20 > 0:12:23seem to be falling for this cottage's character and charm.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29This, I think, is really your period chill-out space really.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- That's nice.- Oh, God, look at this.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It's stunning.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35So interesting and quirky, isn't it?
0:12:35 > 0:12:39You see, this is, this is absolutely not where you've been
0:12:39 > 0:12:41for the last 20-odd years, is it?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43No. I go for symmetry, clean lines,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45this is everything that I don't normally look at -
0:12:45 > 0:12:48but it's just absolutely amazing.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Real character, isn't it?
0:12:50 > 0:12:54You've got an additional, I'm going to say, in brackets,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56fourth bedroom down there at the moment,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58but I would say study,
0:12:58 > 0:13:01so we are brokering this very much as a three-bedroom.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- So far, so good.- Good, well, let's continue upstairs.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10The staircase leads from the living room to the three bedrooms
0:13:10 > 0:13:13on the first floor, which include a twin room with feature fireplace,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15a cosy but characterful double,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18and the master all served by a family bathroom
0:13:18 > 0:13:21with separate shower and bath.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27So no surprise, then, this being the biggest, would be for you two.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Oh, wow, oh gosh. Lovely.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30This is a big room, big room.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I mean, as a holiday let, they've set it up as a sort of family room.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36That's why there are currently three beds in here and the cot and so on,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39but a bit of storage over there which is quite helpful.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Mm-hm. Beautiful, beautiful room, lots of space.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Given that you have looked at 26 properties,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I think it's quite revealing that only one of those
0:13:46 > 0:13:48bore any similarity to this one.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Which is why I'm delighted we've had a chance to start
0:13:51 > 0:13:56with what, to me, is a classic bit of Dorset architecture -
0:13:56 > 0:13:59and I'm even more delighted that you like it, which is the key thing!
0:13:59 > 0:14:02This, on paper, is not something I would rush to look at,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04but you've shown us and you've challenged us
0:14:04 > 0:14:06and brought something we wouldn't normally look at,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- and I think it's fantastic. It works.- It's so quirky.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Well, let's see what you make of the price.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12We'll talk about that in the garden.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13Follow me.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Outside, the garden extends to around a third of an acre,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and surrounds three sides of the property.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24There are a couple of seating areas to enjoy the wonderful rural views,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26and there is even an outdoor privy
0:14:26 > 0:14:30which is also listed and is used as a tool shed.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Right then, chaps, this is one that I think really should, I hope,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36kind of sell itself, really.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Ponies grazing in the field next door,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40the pub within walking distance.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41It is absolutely stunning.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44And for us I think, garden wise, it's about the right size.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48So, I'm going to put Drew on the spot.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50What do you think this is on the market for?
0:14:50 > 0:14:54I think it's probably on for something like 750,000.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55I think 725.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57725.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00This is on the market for 650,000.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- Really?- No, really?
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Wow. Wow!
0:15:04 > 0:15:05Wow, we were way out!
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- But in a good way. - In a very good way.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12I'm surprised. No, that's very encouraging.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- It is.- Right then, go and have another look around.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16See what you get for that sort of money,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and I will come and find you a little bit later.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Because this really is a property to enjoy,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25to soak up its history and its character -
0:15:25 > 0:15:27and to find this in a village such as this one,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30with all the amenities that it has to offer,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32it's just a joy.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35An absolute joy. I LOVE house-hunting in Dorset!
0:15:36 > 0:15:38This Grade II listed thatched cottage
0:15:38 > 0:15:40has the three-bedroom study space
0:15:40 > 0:15:43and good-sized garden Drew and Richard asked for,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46in the heart of a beautiful village location -
0:15:46 > 0:15:50and coming in £150,000 under budget,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52there would be plenty left in the pot
0:15:52 > 0:15:54for them to put their own stamp on it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57The initial reaction of walking down the lane, there,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01with the horses in the meadow, and then you see the house,
0:16:01 > 0:16:02is just stunning.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I was just blown away.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I know it's a bit higgledy-piggledy and low ceilings,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10but I think it...it's got the right chemistry for me,
0:16:10 > 0:16:11and I just loved it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14The price, what a fantastic surprise.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Something this location, this setting, near to the pub,
0:16:18 > 0:16:23beautiful garden, who would have thought? Just fantastic.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24I'm very happy with where we started,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26and given that we have talked about this local pub
0:16:26 > 0:16:28that is within walking distance,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30perfect place for lunch, do you think?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Great, let's go!- Come on, let's go.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41One of the things Drew and Richard are looking forward to
0:16:41 > 0:16:43when they make their move down to Dorset
0:16:43 > 0:16:45is embracing the great outdoors
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and taking up mountain biking as a hobby.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53Boasting more than 4,700 foot paths and bridleways across the county,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56that take in its countryside, coast and countless landmarks,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Dorset is the perfect place for them to get started.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03We've arranged for them to meet Charlie Hobbs at Nine Barrow Down
0:17:03 > 0:17:04on the Isle of Purbeck.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Six years ago, he traded in life as a marketing executive
0:17:08 > 0:17:11to run a bike shop and hasn't looked back since.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14So what makes Dorset such a great place for mountain biking?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16We've got a great network of trails
0:17:16 > 0:17:18and so you can pick your way around the countryside,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21over the hills, past the castles, along the beaches,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24but it's also a brilliant way of getting from one pub to another.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26This place is riddled with fantastic pubs
0:17:26 > 0:17:29with big views out over the sea. It's brilliant.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32So what would be the longest and shortest trail in Dorset?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34The shortest and one of the most popular
0:17:34 > 0:17:35is a trail called the Priest's Way.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38It comes up out of Swanage and goes up to a pub
0:17:38 > 0:17:40on top of the hill overlooking the sea,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42and people will ride up on a Sunday morning
0:17:42 > 0:17:44and zigzag and roll back in the afternoon.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46So that's the shortest -
0:17:46 > 0:17:49but the longest has got to be the Dorset Gravel Dash 100,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53which is 100 miles in one go in one day, all off-road,
0:17:53 > 0:17:57and we get about 100 people turning up for that, and it's tough.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58It's really tough.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01It's not something to start with, but it's something to aim for.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05OK, and talking about starting with, I mean, I'm a novice.
0:18:05 > 0:18:06I can ride a bike.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09How would you advise me in terms of getting started?
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Speak to your local bike shop.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Down here we've got the Dorset Rough Riders.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15They've been going for over a quarter of a century now,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18and they have group rides almost every day of the week.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19You know, it's brilliant,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21because you're moving to a neighbourhood,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23and then you'll be dropped straight into a little social group.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26You'll make friends, you'll get to see where the great trails are
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- and find out where everything is. - Sounds perfect.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- It does, sounds great. - It is! It really is.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Before Drew and Richard invest in new bikes,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Charlie's offered to take them out for a test ride
0:18:38 > 0:18:42around the Purbeck Hills, to get a taste for Dorset's cycling scene -
0:18:42 > 0:18:46but on today's trip there will be one significant difference.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47These are some big tyres.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Yes - mountain bikes, but not as you know it.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51These are called fat bikes,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55the most distinguishing feature is the great big fat tyre,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and the reason for that is it soaks up all the bumps,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00it allows you to ride over anything.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Originating in America, the first forms of fat bike
0:19:02 > 0:19:05were designed to cope with extreme surface conditions
0:19:05 > 0:19:08like snow or sand.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10With the helmet, you want to make sure it's nice and snug.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12They're adjustable round the back here,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14and then you do it up and here,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and you should have just enough room for a couple of fingers.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18So it's snug but not too tight.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23With the minimum thickness of 3.8 inches,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25the tyre's larger contact point with the ground
0:19:25 > 0:19:27prevents them sinking into sand or mud
0:19:27 > 0:19:31and also helps to negotiate tree roots or tall grass,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33so they're an ideal way to tackle
0:19:33 > 0:19:35the varied terrain of the Dorset countryside.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38So how are you finding it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Well, it's not as easy as it looks.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43If mountain biking was meant to be easy,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45they wouldn't put the word "mountain" in it!
0:19:45 > 0:19:47PANTING
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Although not best appreciated on a day like today,
0:19:50 > 0:19:55the route Charlie's chosen regularly enjoys views down to Poole Harbour
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and even out to Brownsea Island.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01With a wide range of trails on offer, from landscape rides
0:20:01 > 0:20:04for intermediate or novice riders like Drew,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07to red or black trails for the more experienced,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09there are endless cycling opportunities
0:20:09 > 0:20:10to keep our buyers busy
0:20:10 > 0:20:14whilst exploring what they hope will be their new home county.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Over this boundary and then it's downhill all the way to the pub.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- Perfect. - I thought you might say that!
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It's what we're waiting for.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Last one to the pub gets the beers in!
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Next, we're heading to the south of the county
0:20:35 > 0:20:37to the village of Sutton Poyntz,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39just seven minutes by car to the beach.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Tucked away beneath the chalk downs,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44the village is overlooked by the famous Osmington white horse,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and is a popular spot for visiting walkers and cyclists.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52The pretty village duck pond is surrounded by character properties,
0:20:52 > 0:20:53including the local pub,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57which brings the community together through a busy calendar of events -
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and it's just a short stroll from here to our next property,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04a fact that should be a real draw for our buyers.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Here we are. This is number two.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Wow. This is quite imposing, especially this backdrop behind it.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13The backdrop's amazing, isn't it?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16You've got this downland rolling away into the far distance.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20So we've, I suppose fast-forwarded from property one
0:21:20 > 0:21:22in the 17th century,
0:21:22 > 0:21:23to the 21st century,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and this one, which is only two years old.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Oh, really?- I was going to say, it looks pretty...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Yes, yes, gosh, nice clean lines, which I like.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33You like your symmetry, don't you?!
0:21:33 > 0:21:35And what about for you, Richard? Does this appeal?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Yes, it's really impressive.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Love the attention to detail.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40You got the brickwork along the bottom
0:21:40 > 0:21:42and then the cleanness of the walls, there,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44and even the lighting looks really smart.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Will we go for something that's more familiar,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50or will we retreat back to the period property of this morning?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Who knows? But, yes, let's have a look.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58This house is the complete opposite to our first offering,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02boasting a modern interior that I'm confident will appeal to Drew
0:22:02 > 0:22:06and some stylish features that I hope will keep Richard happy, too.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Right, so nice little lobby hallway there, and then this is the, er...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14..I guess your principal sort of cosy living room, as it were.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15Right. This is very nice.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Look at the fireplace, it's absolutely massive.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- Fabulous room.- Lovely feel, very symmetrical and very smooth walls...
0:22:23 > 0:22:24It is crisp, isn't it?
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- It is.- The newness is all around us.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Is this your sort of thing?- Er...
0:22:30 > 0:22:34..I would go more for character, but, but they have put it in.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37It's a new build but they've built in an inglenook fireplace.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Yeah.- You know, it's great.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39You can sit on the sofa,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42and look what you see through the window from your lounge.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Ah, well, wait till you see what you can see from the kitchen.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- You're going to like this. - Oh, really?
0:22:50 > 0:22:53There we are, guys. How about this?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Wow, this is...- Oh, wow!
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- A huge kitchen! - And a very stylish kitchen.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Very slick, isn't it?
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Utility room through there, and then, as you might expect,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06everything else beautifully kind of integrated.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08You know, fridges, freezers and so on...
0:23:08 > 0:23:09..and an island.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I knew that the finish in here
0:23:11 > 0:23:13would be something that would excite you.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Now, this is very me, very me.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Who's going to get the final say?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Um, we'll see, we'll see!
0:23:22 > 0:23:23JULES LAUGHS
0:23:23 > 0:23:26What we want is something that's very us, don't we?
0:23:26 > 0:23:27- We do.- Let's have a look upstairs.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Back in the front hall, there's a smart downstairs cloakroom
0:23:33 > 0:23:37and a staircase which leads to four bedrooms up on the first floor.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40A bright master bedroom enjoys views of the surrounding fields
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and an en-suite shower room.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Another large double lies to the front of the house.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47The smallest of the bedrooms is being used as a study,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50and there's a super stylish family bathroom
0:23:50 > 0:23:52with a freestanding bath -
0:23:52 > 0:23:54but we're exploring another option
0:23:54 > 0:23:57for what could be their master bedroom.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Now, I've opted to, um, show you this one in more detail up here,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06because although it doesn't have the en-suite shower room
0:24:06 > 0:24:08which next door does, to me, the view from here
0:24:08 > 0:24:11recommends this more as a master.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12Mm-hm. To waken up in the morning,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15open the curtains or the blinds and see this from your bed...
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Yeah. And the glass panel which means you see the full view.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Which is quite spectacular.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The rooms and the sizes works very well.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25Plus the vista.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28I know, come on, let's go and take another look at that
0:24:28 > 0:24:31and talk about the price while we're down there.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Richard and Drew can also set up their home gym
0:24:35 > 0:24:37in the garage to the side of the house,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40which benefits from power and lighting.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Meanwhile, outside, it's mainly lawned
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and surrounded by far-reaching views.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Garden-wise, I mean, it is only two years old, this property,
0:24:48 > 0:24:50so not a lot has happened here,
0:24:50 > 0:24:55you know, to embellish it in a way that you could do.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Well, the garden's just a blank canvas,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59it's yours to do with what you want, which is fantastic,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01so we can just really go to town on that.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Yes, I agree, I agree.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So, how much is it worth, then, gentlemen?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I would say...
0:25:10 > 0:25:11..775.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15775. Grabbing those figures out the air!
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Well, you've gone close to where I was going to go.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I was going to say £780,000.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23I think it's getting towards where our limit is.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Here we are, then. This could be yours for...
0:25:27 > 0:25:29700...and £15,000.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31715?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Wow. I am surprised - and four bedrooms.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Yes - and great outdoor space.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- Cocktails in the evening.- Yes.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Living the dream, boys!
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Yes. Off you go, the house is yours, go and explore...
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- Thank you. - ..to your hearts' content.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Coming in substantially under budget,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55this brand-new detached property has four bedrooms,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59a stylish open-plan kitchen-diner, and a garage for a home gym -
0:25:59 > 0:26:01and it's all in a wonderful plot
0:26:01 > 0:26:05surrounded by stunning South Dorsetshire countryside.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- These doors are nice. Look at those.- They're lovely.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11There we go.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Good floor.- Perfect for the gym.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Property two, very different from property one.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19In terms of spec, it's got the rooms that I'm looking for.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21The flow is very nice.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Less compromises here than, say, house number one,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26in terms of what we're looking for from a house.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29The style is lovely, yeah.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33I'm not a massive fan of modern living, but this works very well.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I mean, there's no work to be done here.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37You move in, it's already there,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40straight off, fantastic, it's really good.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Well, that's it for our first day of house-hunting.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Happy so far?- Very happy so far.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49We seen two very different properties,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53both stylish in very different ways and both very nice.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- I like them both actually. - Yes, it's been really interesting.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57So, lots to talk about over a pint.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Yep.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Right.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12We are in Dorset helping Londoner Drew and Richard from Bournemouth
0:27:12 > 0:27:13buy their first home together.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18With a generous budget of £800,000, they're ditching city life
0:27:18 > 0:27:22in search of a countryside retreat and a more active lifestyle.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Coming up next, our Mystery House
0:27:24 > 0:27:27might be just what the doctor ordered...
0:27:27 > 0:27:28This is who you are, isn't it?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Yes, it is very much who I am.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32It's very clean lines.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Like a surgery, it's almost like an operating theatre, isn't it?
0:27:34 > 0:27:36LAUGHTER
0:27:36 > 0:27:39..and later, I try my hand at an age-old technique
0:27:39 > 0:27:43to preserve Britain's hedgerows.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Gosh, that is...
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Fragile but still there.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Well, it's always nice to head into your final day of house-hunting
0:27:53 > 0:27:55with at least one good option on the table,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and if we were able to show both Richard and Drew nothing else,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I'm pretty happy with the two properties we've seen so far,
0:28:01 > 0:28:02there is plenty to choose from.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06So what could we possibly come up with for our final offering,
0:28:06 > 0:28:07our Mystery House?
0:28:07 > 0:28:08Well, it's perfectly obvious so far
0:28:08 > 0:28:12that they both have a real love of contemporary design.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15This is a property that, frankly, we don't get to see very often
0:28:15 > 0:28:16on Escape To The Country,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19but I'm hoping it might be just what they're looking for.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Our Mystery House takes us to the village of Upton,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27just three miles from the popular coastal town of Poole.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29Closer still are the beaches,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33heathlands and marshland of the Lytchett Bay nature reserve,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35a key site for wildlife
0:28:35 > 0:28:39which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Back in Upton, our property takes pride of place
0:28:42 > 0:28:46in a secluded position at the end of an attractive private road.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47There we go.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49- That's the Mystery House.- Wow.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51This is what I was not expecting.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52This is ultra modern.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53Yes, indeed.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57We know that you love your contemporary design,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59and as it's the Mystery House, we thought, well, why not?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Let's indulge that a little more.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06It's only five years old, and it's empty.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Ah.- What do you think, Richard?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10It's certainly different from the last two.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11I love the angles.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Very different, very smart.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15It's very striking.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18So that's the front door, but we're going to use the back door today.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19OK.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23I knew the exterior of our unique Mystery House
0:29:23 > 0:29:25would satisfy Drew's taste for clean lines,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28but I'm glad it also appeals to Richard.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I can't wait to show them inside.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Tell me what you think of this, then.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Wow.- Oh, this is, yeah...
0:29:36 > 0:29:39This is...
0:29:39 > 0:29:42I mean, I haven't got words to describe it.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43It's just beautifully...
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Very stylish.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- It's lovely. - This is who you are, isn't it?
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Yes, it is very much who I am.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's very clean lines, very minimalistic as well.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Like a surgery, almost like an operating theatre, isn't it?
0:29:58 > 0:29:59Says the doctor!
0:29:59 > 0:30:01JULES LAUGHS
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Come and have a look through here.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05This is a lovely sort of atrium hallway.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07That's the front door that we didn't use.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09OK. Huge hallway, isn't it?
0:30:09 > 0:30:10It's just stunning, isn't it?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14And then this is the main living room,
0:30:14 > 0:30:20which then opens up that way to the dining end, as it were.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23It's gorgeous, isn't it? You can have your TV on the wall there.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- Yeah.- Sofa.- Sofa.- Relaxing.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30If you haven't already noticed it, there are no radiators on the walls,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33which means you've got underfloor heating around.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Lovely.- I've never had underfloor heating, that would be nice.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Is it warm?- Yeah, it's lovely!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Richard's in, look, he's done it, he's done it!
0:30:46 > 0:30:50Well done. Well, try before you buy, mate, that's what I like to say.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Come on, let's have a look upstairs.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Follow me, this way.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Viewing a property in its bare state
0:30:56 > 0:30:59does require a certain level of imagination,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03that these two are having no problem appreciating its potential,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and I'm glad Richard's already making himself at home.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07From the reception hall,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10a beautiful oak staircase leads to the first floor.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14See, this is a nice touch, having the glazing
0:31:14 > 0:31:16instead of the banisters up here,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19which again gives it that sense of space.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Now, we've got four bedrooms, OK? All slightly different.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Two of them are en suite.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26That's a double, but isn't en suite.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30That's the smallest of the lot,
0:31:30 > 0:31:31little sort of box room in here
0:31:31 > 0:31:33which might be more of a study, I suppose.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39This one here, again, another double, that is en suite.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Great size. Own shower, perfect.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Perfect layout.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45But, er, master bedroom is down here
0:31:45 > 0:31:47next to the family bathroom -
0:31:47 > 0:31:50with a beautiful lightwell, as you can see.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53And then this would be for you two.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Come in, Richard. This is the other bit of the big window,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00which is a stunning master bedroom.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01Have a look in there.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03That's quite nice, your en-suite.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Wow.- Pretty good, isn't it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:07And so space age!
0:32:08 > 0:32:10I think we might have put the cat among the pigeons
0:32:10 > 0:32:11with our Mystery House.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14The radiator, look at the radiator!
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Happy?- Am I happy? Yes, very happy.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20I think it's just breathtakingly beautiful, isn't it?
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Have you ever seen a bedroom as nice as this?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- It's incredible.- Right then, start thinking about the price,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- because that's going to be the next hurdle.- Oh, dear, dear!
0:32:28 > 0:32:29JULES LAUGHS
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Heading outside, there's a double garage
0:32:33 > 0:32:35which would work well for Richard and Drew's home gym,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37and a good-sized lawned back garden
0:32:37 > 0:32:41with a number of mature trees and plants.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I think there'd be enough garden space here
0:32:44 > 0:32:46to occupy your gardening ambitions.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Oh, definitely, and it's already quite mature,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50so it's not too much work to do.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51No, I agree.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54So, let's talk about the price tag of our final offering.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57It has to be at the top end, I think.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00It's going to have to be around £790,000, I would guess.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- Yes, yes. - I think it's more like 795.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07OK, I mean, your instincts are right,
0:33:07 > 0:33:12in that Poole is notoriously one of the most expensive bits of Dorset.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15However, you could take it away today...
0:33:16 > 0:33:20..for a guide price of £730,000.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Really? Well, again - you've surprised us at every property.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27We always think it's more expensive than it is, but that's very good,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30730,000, is amazing for this.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- It's very good. Isn't it? - Yes - but the spec, the location,
0:33:34 > 0:33:36the style, the individuality of the place.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Well, look, go and have a wander round,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41soak up these lovely fixtures and fittings
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- and I'll come and find you later on.- Thank you.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Off you go.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Well, there you go. Just this morning
0:33:47 > 0:33:51they probably thought that either one of our first two properties
0:33:51 > 0:33:53would suit them down to the ground -
0:33:53 > 0:33:56but yet again, the Mystery House has made them think twice.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Coming in a very comfortable £70,000 under budget,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03this contemporary mystery property
0:34:03 > 0:34:05has been finished to an exceptionally high standard
0:34:05 > 0:34:09and would give Drew and Richard four bedrooms,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12a stylish kitchen with all the mod cons,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16as well as a garden and double garage for a home gym -
0:34:16 > 0:34:18and it lies down a secluded private road.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21It's quite a unique design.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24There certainly isn't anything else like this.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26It's got an amazing glass frontage,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28which just takes advantage of the views.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31You've got state-of-the-art appliances everywhere.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Underfloor heating through the house.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Yes, let's not forget the underfloor heating.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Which is - it's luxury, isn't it?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40It's a luxury house,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42but at a very affordable price,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and it gives me some extra money to, well... Who knows?
0:34:44 > 0:34:46To treat me.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47Of course!
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Well, chaps, I'm afraid that's it.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Our house tours are now complete.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Yep, well, lots to think about,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- but we'll discuss it and then we'll discuss with you.- Absolutely.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Well, let's find you a nice place for a cup of tea. Come on.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Dorset's rural landscape is characterised
0:35:07 > 0:35:11by a patchwork of fields surrounded by high hedgerows.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Acting as corridors across the landscape,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16they connect woodlands and one another,
0:35:16 > 0:35:18enabling small mammals, birds and insects
0:35:18 > 0:35:21to travel under a protective canopy,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23providing vital shelter and food -
0:35:23 > 0:35:26but they can also tell us a lot about the heritage of our landscape.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I've come to the Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33eight miles from the market town of Bridport,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36to meet Steve Masters from the Dorset Wildlife Trust,
0:35:36 > 0:35:38to find out a little more about the importance
0:35:38 > 0:35:41of these monuments of living history.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Well, Steve, many people will drive through the countryside
0:35:44 > 0:35:46and probably take our hedgerows very much for granted,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48but they are an integral part
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- of what makes this landscape work, aren't they?- Indeed they are, yes.
0:35:52 > 0:35:53I mean, the hedgerows we have got
0:35:53 > 0:35:55here at Kingcombe across the reserve,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58some of them have been dated back to medieval times,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01even longer than that, back to the 11th century.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03The role of hedgerows fascinates me,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05and being able to date them is even more interesting,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08because it means we can potentially get a handle
0:36:08 > 0:36:10on how the landscape's management has changed over time -
0:36:10 > 0:36:12but how do you go about dating them?
0:36:12 > 0:36:15There's a hypothesis called Hooper's Hypothesis.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19You take a section about 30 metres long,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21and you count the number of woody species
0:36:21 > 0:36:24that you find in the 30 metre section, times it by 100,
0:36:24 > 0:36:28and you should be roughly somewhere around the age of the hedgerow -
0:36:28 > 0:36:32and you do that to get an average all along the hedgerow.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35So how accurate is Hooper's Hypothesis?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Well, out here at Kingcombe, with the use of old maps,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40we can sort of tell that the hedgerows have been there
0:36:40 > 0:36:43for similar amounts of time that they were dated to,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45so it is reasonably accurate.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47A lot of these hedgerows may well have been here
0:36:47 > 0:36:51just before the time of William the Conqueror.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53So, it really is a step back in time.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Since the Second World War,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59the UK's ancient hedgerows have dramatically declined,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03largely to increased field size and make way for development.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04By the 1990s,
0:37:04 > 0:37:09121,000 kilometres of hedgerows at across the country had been lost.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Steve and the team from the Wildlife Trust
0:37:12 > 0:37:16have been working hard to maintain Dorset's surviving hedgerows.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20This winter they aim to re-lay a mile across the West Dorset Estates
0:37:20 > 0:37:22of which Kingcombe is the largest.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Well, this is a lovely ancient track.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28It certainly is. It's probably been here for hundreds of years,
0:37:28 > 0:37:30along with the hedges associated with it.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33And clearly, it's being laid now. Who's been working on this?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36This is one of our volunteers. We have a big group of volunteers
0:37:36 > 0:37:39who come out every week and help us do the hedge laying,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and this has taken somebody about a day to do.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43That's a day's work?
0:37:43 > 0:37:45You have got a lot to do, haven't you?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48But if you're unfamiliar with the process of literally laying hedges
0:37:48 > 0:37:51we can see here, it does look pretty brutal, doesn't?
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Many people might be surprised
0:37:53 > 0:37:56to think that, actually, the whole thing can stay alive,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59because there's not much connecting the stem,
0:37:59 > 0:38:01once it's laid, to the root?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04The main living part and the tissue of the tree
0:38:04 > 0:38:06is round the outside, here,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08so, as long as you leave a quarter of that attached,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11all the nutrients and water can still come up from the root system
0:38:11 > 0:38:13and enable it to reshoot in the spring.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Right then, come on then, give me a little lesson in how to do it.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18What you want to do is you want come through
0:38:18 > 0:38:21a roughly sort of 45 or steeper, if possible, angle,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23and then, after you've done that,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25we should be able to start, hopefully, bending it down.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29At around 15 years old, these stems are the perfect age and size
0:38:29 > 0:38:32for laying, and can be bent or woven into the hedge.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- Cut a bit more. - Yes, little bit more?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- Yes.- Oh, you've got to be brave, haven't you?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38You certainly have. The hazel's quite good, though,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40because it's very pliable material,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43so you can bend it and work with it quite well and cut a lot out of it.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46So shall I just gently walk it forward?
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Indeed, yes. - Oh, a reassuring crack there.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- That's it.- And there we are, we're still attached.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55The laid stems are known as pleachers,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59and they'll eventually grow back vigorously with new vertical shoots,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01improving the structure and strength of the hedge.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04So, how long do think it will take for this to regenerate?
0:39:04 > 0:39:07In Spring this'll probably be... probably a foot,
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- maybe a foot and a half high. - This one looks a bit tiny.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Is it worth laying, or would you just cut this off?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13I think you can have a go at laying that one.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It looks like it's an ideal size to have a go with a bill hook.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Ah, right, so, again,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- we're looking for a nice 60-degree angle, aren't we?- Yes.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Once laid, hedges should be trimmed annually to encourage side shooting,
0:39:23 > 0:39:27creating a wider, denser hedge with plenty of dead wood in the bottom
0:39:27 > 0:39:32providing safe cover and food for up to 3,000 species of wildlife.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- Gosh, that is...- Excellent. - Fragile but still there.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39And for some, like our native dormouse,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42an essential habitat to nest and hibernate.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45It's lovely to think that we're doing something in these hedgerows
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- that's been done here for centuries.- Indeed.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51And it's such a simple but rewarding process,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54because at least we're helping to maintain these hedgerows,
0:39:54 > 0:39:57which are so important, not just for the maintenance of stock
0:39:57 > 0:40:00and keeping the animals in, but also for the rest of the wildlife
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- to use as their little highways. - Exactly right, exactly right.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Right then, carry on, shall we?- Yep.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Well, there's no doubt that we've given Drew and Richard
0:40:18 > 0:40:21three fantastic properties to choose from this week -
0:40:21 > 0:40:23but I suspect that trying to make a decision
0:40:23 > 0:40:26as to which one is going to be their favourite
0:40:26 > 0:40:28could be harder than any of us might have thought.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37Ah, this is all very cosy, isn't it?
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Well, then. I think a really interesting week.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Three very, very strong properties.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- All very different. - I think we've loved all of them.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I mean, the first one I thought was fascinating,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53because it was everything you thought you didn't want, Drew,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- but actually, you fell in love with it.- I did.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Even as we drove into the village, it had a lovely feel,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03and then you showed us the cottage, which is not really my usual style,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05but because of its quirkiness, I loved it.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09But then we sort of dialled up the modern element,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11didn't we, with our second property?
0:41:11 > 0:41:16You did. What attracted me initially was the views that you could see
0:41:16 > 0:41:20behind and to the side of the house, was absolutely breathtaking.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25And so we then took you to our final offering, our Mystery House,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28a very, very distinctive property.
0:41:28 > 0:41:29It was different.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33It was a unique design, haven't seen that anywhere else,
0:41:33 > 0:41:34certainly not around Dorset.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38What I'd really like to do, before we take the leap of faith, is to...
0:41:38 > 0:41:42I'd love to get some advice on what we can do with house number one,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46because that location was, is, superb -
0:41:46 > 0:41:49and imagine, if we could put some of the elements of the Mystery House
0:41:49 > 0:41:53into house number one, maybe extend the kitchen as you mentioned before,
0:41:53 > 0:41:59and that really would make it a stunning, stunning chocolate box.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Because I love the character.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04The character of those houses is tremendous -
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- and village life.- I agree.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- Well, guys, best of luck to you. Let us know how you get on.- We will.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Well, where better to finish our visit to Dorset than here,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21beneath the rather splendid remains of Corfe Castle?
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Now, when William the Conqueror
0:42:23 > 0:42:25first set about establishing a fortress here,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27just after the Battle of Hastings,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29country life wasn't so much an aspiration,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33it was a way of life for most of Britain's population.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Now, of course, these days, times have changed.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Many of us are trying to reconnect with our rural roots.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Now, clearly, both Richard and Drew have some way to go
0:42:42 > 0:42:46before they can realise THEIR ambitions of a country life,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48but I'm pretty certain that once they do move to Dorset,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51they won't regret it. I'll see you next time.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, England,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Wales or Northern Ireland and need our help,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02why not apply online, at...