0:00:02 > 0:00:04This ruinous chapel you can see behind me was once the beating heart
0:00:04 > 0:00:07of the community, and was also used as a smuggler's den before it was
0:00:07 > 0:00:11consumed by the ravages of time and the elements.
0:00:11 > 0:00:12Any ideas where I am?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Well, it's not easy, this one, so I'll give you a small clue.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18On a clear day, you get stunning sea views.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Find out more in just a moment.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Today, I'm with a fun-loving couple
0:00:40 > 0:00:43who have their sights set on a coastal business venture,
0:00:43 > 0:00:47but I'm hoping the enveloping sea mists won't cloud their judgment.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- We've picked the worst day to come. - Yeah!
0:00:50 > 0:00:52You have beautiful views going that way.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54We don't, do we? There's a power station over there.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Yes! Don't tell anyone!
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Along the way, they also throw in
0:00:58 > 0:01:01some unexpected property requirements.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Bigger party room, it's got a stage.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Stage?!- Yeah... - What do you do at your parties?
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- Didn't we say that, that we need a stage?- Just showing off.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Today, I'm on the Jurassic Coast
0:01:15 > 0:01:18in the deserted Dorset hamlet of Stanton St Gabriel.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Nestled behind the cliffs in the shadow of Golden Cap over there,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25literally hundreds of metres from the sea.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Now, it's the elevated coastal position
0:01:28 > 0:01:32that led to this tiny hamlet's eventual demise.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Dating back as far as the 11th century,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and was later abandoned during the 1700s.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43An old manor house, and these rather romantic ruins are all that remain,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45although services are still sometimes held here,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and even the occasional wedding.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52It's just one of many charming locations this glorious stretch
0:01:52 > 0:01:56of coastline has to offer.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59A 95 mile-long world heritage site,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01the Jurassic Coast lies in England's southwest,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04along the counties of Devon and Dorset.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The highest point on the Jurassic Coast is Golden Cap,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12below which, the exposed, crumbling cliffs
0:02:12 > 0:02:16reveal fossils that date back 185 million years.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21The rich and varied landscape of the region includes chalk downs,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24limestone ridges and low-lying valleys
0:02:24 > 0:02:26dotted with charming rural villages.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30These are filled with thatched cottages and traditional pubs,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33which are linked by lanes lined with hedgerows,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36a natural feature of this area.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38The West Dorset village of Burton Bradstock
0:02:38 > 0:02:40features thatched buildings dating back
0:02:40 > 0:02:43to the 16th and 17th centuries.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47The church of St Mary was built in the late 14th century,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50but was extensively restored in 1897.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Further west along the coast, the port town of Lyme Regis
0:02:53 > 0:02:55is nicknamed the Pearl of Dorset,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58and is known for its distinctive harbour wall, known as the cob.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03This provides a breakwater for the town, and enabled Lyme Regis
0:03:03 > 0:03:07to develop as both a thriving fishing and shipbuilding centre.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12This protected, fragile stretch of coast is both a place where the
0:03:12 > 0:03:15earth's geological history harks back to the age of the dinosaurs
0:03:15 > 0:03:19and where the traditions of country life still survive.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Life along a beautiful coastline like this, as you might expect,
0:03:27 > 0:03:28well, it doesn't come cheap.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32The average price of a detached house in East Devon and West Dorset
0:03:32 > 0:03:35comes in at around £400,000.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39That's nearly £70,000 above the national figure.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40But then it's not surprising
0:03:40 > 0:03:42when you consider this part of the world is
0:03:42 > 0:03:46an absolute mecca for those seeking a slice of country life.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Plus, it's also popular with second home-owners
0:03:49 > 0:03:52looking to cash in on the lucrative holiday rentals market.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56So, the number one rule if you're looking to get as much as possible
0:03:56 > 0:03:59for your budget is to steer clear of the coastline.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03But that's something today's buyers, well, they'd rather not do.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Fundraiser Jacqui and graphic designer Richie have been married
0:04:08 > 0:04:10for ten years.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Their relationship began in a whirlwind romance.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19We met on my 27th birthday, at a pub in London.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Following that, we went on a blind date, pretty much,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- and that was it, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Kind of moved in with each other the day after.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31They currently live with their cat, Squeaky,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34in the Buckinghamshire commuter town of Great Missenden.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I grew up in Buckinghamshire, so I know the area quite well.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I think what we've realised now is, actually, we really want to go
0:04:40 > 0:04:42and move into the proper countryside.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45So we're looking to move to the Jurassic Coast,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49and I know that's huge, and the area we've sort of narrowed it
0:04:49 > 0:04:52down to, ideally, is sort of West Dorset, East Devon side.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57The planned West Country move means Jacqui is leaving
0:04:57 > 0:04:59her London-based job.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01So, I currently work for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and I guess I'm their chief fundraiser.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06It's incredibly fulfilling. I love it.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I just felt it's time to do something for me.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10The worst thing about my job now
0:05:10 > 0:05:13is the amount of travelling I have to do.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16It probably takes about three to four hours out of my day, most days.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20But a new business opportunity beckons in Dorset.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25When we move, plan A for me is to set up a glamping business.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29We know lots of people that want to get out to the countryside,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31but they just can't face proper camping,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33and so, actually, we just thought,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36"You know what, we'd love to do that.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38"We'd love to set something up like that",
0:05:38 > 0:05:41so it's got to be beautiful and picturesque and somewhere people
0:05:41 > 0:05:42want to come back to on holiday
0:05:42 > 0:05:45and feel that they've had a wilderness experience,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47as much as anything else.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Richie has the freedom to work from anywhere
0:05:49 > 0:05:51with good broadband internet.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Because I do graphic design, which is computer-based,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57as long as I've got an internet connection, I can be anywhere,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00so I can do two, three days from home, which means I'm more free
0:06:00 > 0:06:03to live wherever I want.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06The beautiful Jurassic Coast will allow a fresh start in the country,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08a return to Jacqui's roots
0:06:08 > 0:06:12and allow them to maintain links to London friends.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Well, I spent most of my childhood near sort of Lyme Regis area,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20staying at my grandparents' house. So I know the area fairly well.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22There's lots of other family members around there.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It's not too far for people to come.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27It's not too far for us to get back to see people, either.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30The couple plan to develop new hobbies in Dorset, and Richie wants
0:06:30 > 0:06:34to put some practical family heirlooms to good use.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Things I'd definitely like to do more of, to play with
0:06:37 > 0:06:40my grandad's old tools which I've inherited. He was a carpenter.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43He's got lots of beautiful old wood-handled tools.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46What I'll be making, I don't know. It could be anything.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Rocking horses, cuckoo clocks or perhaps just the odd bird box.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Jacqui and Richie ideally want to be in West Dorset,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58close to the Jurassic Coast.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01However, they're prepared to consider locations further inland
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and also venture across the border into Devon.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07I'm meeting our couple at the Dorset cliffs
0:07:07 > 0:07:09to find out more about their move.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- Welcome, both of you, to the Jurassic Coast.- Thank you.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13You both love it here, don't you?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Absolutely love it. - Oh, yeah, absolutely love it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- What's not to love? It's gorgeous, isn't it?- Exactly.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- We've come down a lot recently. - We've come down loads,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22we got a camper van so we could come and explore more and decide
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- exactly where we want to live. - But you want to be within striking distance...
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- Within striking distance, yup.- West Dorset, really.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30So, the West Dorset part of Jurassic Coast, rather than the East part.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Yeah. How close to the sea would you like to be?
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Well, not this close!- No!
0:07:36 > 0:07:39But within 10, 15 miles is ideal.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- What are you going to do here? - Plan A is to give glamping a go.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Just because I think I'll be quite good at it.- There's a market for it.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- Yep.- There is?- While there is, it might work.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49It could be something else, though.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Have you been involved in hospitality before?
0:07:51 > 0:07:52My parents are.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55They bought some holiday cottages and run those.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- So, I've got a fair idea about the work involved.- Yeah.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00I've got itchy feet, so I've got to have something to do,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02I'm not coming down here to sort of
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- sit around and drink gin. - Very busy person.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08No, although there are attractions to that lifestyle, admittedly!
0:08:08 > 0:08:11OK, well, let's talk about the house itself.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12What are you looking for?
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Basically, we're after something fairly compact, so three bedrooms.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- OK.- Has to look nice. I mean, it has to have potential,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21so we're prepared to do a bit of work.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Happy to do heavy DIY renovation ourselves.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- The land is probably more important, in a way.- Setting.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31And it's something you can't really articulate until you get there.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35It's got to just look beautiful, because that's the whole experience
0:08:35 > 0:08:38we want to have for our guests, so if it's some big, flat field
0:08:38 > 0:08:41where there isn't a view or the view's a bit rubbish,
0:08:41 > 0:08:42it's not going to work.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Have you got an idea of how much land you think you'd want?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Ideally, three acres plus.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51OK, I've got an idea, then, in my mind, of the style,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54the kind of thing you're looking for. Let's talk about price.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57How much have you got to spend on this?
0:08:57 > 0:08:58It's a pretty big move for you guys.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Yeah, so we've scraped everything together.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Counted all the piggy banks? - We have, we have!
0:09:04 > 0:09:08And somewhere in the 800,000 mark would be perfect.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- OK.- And within that, we'd like a little bit of scope if we were doing
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- huge renovations...- All right, look,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16we've got three very interesting properties,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18very different in their own way, as well.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Ready to go?- Definitely. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26With a maximum budget of £800,000,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Jacqui and Richie would like a detached property
0:09:29 > 0:09:30with quirky charm
0:09:30 > 0:09:32and at least three bedrooms.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35They want around three acres of land for a business,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37and the house should be close to the coast,
0:09:37 > 0:09:38and to a village pub,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40to draw in their prospective
0:09:40 > 0:09:42holiday-makers.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45We've selected a rich mix of properties which tally with
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Richie and Jacqui's wish list.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50I'll be asking them to guess the price of each one
0:09:50 > 0:09:51before I reveal it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Our final offering will be the mystery house.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56It has potential for their business,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59but with a difference - which might make a big splash.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Our property search begins in the Devon hamlet of Rawridge,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09situated in the Otter Valley.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13A mile away is the village of Upottery,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16made up of impeccable thatched cottages
0:10:16 > 0:10:20and set in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Parts of the local Church of St Giles date from the 12th-century,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and I'm hoping that Richie and Jacqui will be pleased to discover
0:10:27 > 0:10:31that the local pub is both a centre for the community
0:10:31 > 0:10:33and serves local ales.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Back in Rawridge, the first property we've come to see
0:10:36 > 0:10:38is in a lovely rural location.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Well, you'll notice we've come over the border into Devon.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- We are within that 15 mile to the coast, but only just.- Yep, just.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- And this is the house. - Looks massive.- It is substantial.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50And really well done.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53The barn itself dates back a couple of hundred years.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- All right.- OK.- That is the old farm, and it was split up.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Yep.- That's included.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- I think you said you'd like the idea of a quirky property.- Mm.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03- This is definitely quirky.- Yep.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Want to go inside?- Yes, please. - Please.- Come with me.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10This handsome barn conversion has happily prompted
0:11:10 > 0:11:12initial positive reactions.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16As we enter, hopefully, the ceiling height in places
0:11:16 > 0:11:18won't hamper their enthusiasm.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Mind your heads.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Now, ducking your head might be a bit of a theme for you
0:11:23 > 0:11:24in this house, Richie.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- The main event.- That's nice. - It's a really nicely done kitchen.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Nice, warm cosy feeling. Nice thick walls.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34- Nice range.- That will be a feature.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37If you've been outside in the fields to do whatever you do,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- it's constantly on.- Yeah.- Yeah?!
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Assume the position, that's it, bum warmer!
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Yeah, it's lovely.- Great size, as well. Not too big.- Yup.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Pleasantly surprised with the extra ceiling height.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49I mean, let's talk about that.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51We've walked through the front door,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54ducked to get from the front hallway,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- you've ducked twice.- That wouldn't necessarily put me off.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- Wouldn't it?- Depends on the rest of everything.- OK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Should we keep looking through?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Yeah, lovely, thank you. - Come with me.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06I'm pleased the low beams won't necessarily
0:12:06 > 0:12:08be a deal-breaker for Richie.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10As we head back through,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12a downstairs bathroom is off to the right.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15And then we come to the main reception space.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Now, the living room is... I'd call it a snug, really.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Oh, right, yeah. It does feel a bit enclosed.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Oh, I know what you mean... - But it is cosy.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- It's cosy in a good way, yeah. - It's got a fireplace.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Well, living in the country, you've got to have an open fire,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31or at least a solid fuel burner, haven't you?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Yeah, that's a beast, isn't it? - That's a big beefy one.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36All right, now, through there, you've got a utility, really, a boot room.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Right.- In order to get to the boot room you either come in through
0:12:40 > 0:12:41the main house or you walk in round the back.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- I think maybe think about reconfiguration...- Mm.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- ..or use it for something else. - Yeah.- But don't think of it
0:12:46 > 0:12:49as an office, because I've got plans for that.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Shall we go upstairs and look at the bedroom?- Please.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Yes, please.- Come with me.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57The downstairs seemed to be gaining overall approval.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Up on the first floor, two cosy, characterful guest bedrooms
0:13:00 > 0:13:03lie under the eaves. One with an en-suite bathroom.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07But there is another bathroom
0:13:07 > 0:13:09immediately to the left of the stairway.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Beyond this, right at the far end of the corridor,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15lies the master bedroom and en-suite shower.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Have either of you two ever been skiing before?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Oh, yeah, it's like a lodge.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- The quirk continues, in a good way. - Really cosy.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27You can see the conversion here now, can't you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- They've done a lovely job. - You like it, do you?- Yeah.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33The quirky bits of this house are sort of ringing bells for you,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- aren't they?- Mm.- But, at the moment, there's been a lot of ducking.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38A little bit too much ducking, probably, yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Yeah, there's too much in this house for Richie.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43I'm not sure yet whether this is the house for you,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- but maybe we won't know until we go outside, so come with me.- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Though the bedrooms' low beams are a drawback,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I'm still hoping that what lies outside this property
0:13:54 > 0:13:56could prove a selling point.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58At the rear of the barn conversion,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02there's a beautifully secluded patio and garden.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Outbuildings offer the chance for Jacqui and Richie
0:14:04 > 0:14:08to build a workshop, and to have an office for their business.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12It also comes with plenty of that all-important land,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15and sits in a very attractive setting.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Some great views here, aren't there? - Oh, yeah, lovely.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Fantastic views, yeah.- Good vista.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22So, you've got, all in all,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24something approaching eight acres.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Right.- That's good. - I was hoping you'd see the benefit
0:14:27 > 0:14:30of, I mean, pitching your tent or what have you, coming out,
0:14:30 > 0:14:32looking out at this beautiful view in the morning,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- I think, would be pretty special. - It is a nice spot.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I think it's
0:14:41 > 0:14:46765,000.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48That's very precise, isn't it?! He's shaking his head.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Too high, too high. I think it's closer to 695,000.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53OK.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Heading in the right direction.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Should have kept going.- Mm.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59This house is on the market for £650,000.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Wow.- Cool.- Yeah. - That's a good price for it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It is a good price.- Well, I'm pleased that you both guessed over.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Have a look around, refresh yourself of what you get here, and I'll catch
0:15:08 > 0:15:10up with you in a moment. All right?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Yep.- Lovely. Cheers! - See you in a bit.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Under budget by £150,000,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17this two-storey barn conversion
0:15:17 > 0:15:20provides a well-fitted kitchen and dining area,
0:15:20 > 0:15:22a cosy sitting room, with wood burner,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24and the three bedrooms Richie
0:15:24 > 0:15:26and Jacqui asked for.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It comes with eight acres of land,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31and the outbuildings offer space for offices and a workshop.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Oh, wow. This is nice, nice and bright.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Yeah, could use it for an office, maybe.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I think there's probably room in the house for an office,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and you could probably use this for,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- you know...- Messing around in.- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I think this house is lovely.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51A lot of great quirk to it.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And in terms of how it would work for us,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56I think it would need to be a little more secluded.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00We wouldn't necessarily need eight acres of land.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04We could go sacrifice some of the land for a bit more seclusion,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07if that meant we could be further in towards the coast.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08I think it's a lovely house.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11I love the thick walls and the exposed stone.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Unfortunately, some of the ceilings are a bit low,
0:16:15 > 0:16:17especially for Richie, but even for me,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21so I'm not sure if that's something we could really deal with,
0:16:21 > 0:16:22day in, day out.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Hi!- Hi, how many times did he bang his head?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Ah, nil!- Nil? Oh, well done.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31So, overall? Happy with everything you've seen so far?
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- Yeah.- Yeah. Good first house. - Good start.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Right, OK.- Yeah. - Sounds like, "Could do better."
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Let's see if we can. Come with me. - Great.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Dorset's dramatic coastline and stunning countryside has been
0:16:49 > 0:16:54an inspiration to generations of artists and craftsmen.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Richie wants to put his grandfather's carpentry tools
0:16:56 > 0:16:59to good use when he and Jacqui move to the area.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03So, we've arranged for them both to meet master craftsman
0:17:03 > 0:17:07David Saltmarsh, who specialises in bespoke handmade chairs.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10So, David, this is a beautiful spot you've got.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13What made you move here, and how long have you been here?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Well, we loved the area since we came down here,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17and decided to move down.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20We've been down here about 13 years now.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, you working on any chairs at the moment we could have a look at?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Yeah, I'm always working on a chair, and I've got one nearly finished,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28so maybe you can come and help me stick it together.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29- Yes.- Cool, let's go.- Great.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38So, I can see lots of lovely hand tools here.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Yeah, I use mainly hand tools, but I have a few power tools,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44but we're completely off-grid,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47so the power tools that I do use are powered by wind and the sun.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50So, are there any techniques that you use to make the chairs
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- that you could show us now?- Yeah, I can show you the shaving horse.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Yeah, great!
0:17:56 > 0:18:00The woods David likes to work with are locally sourced ash or cherry.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03The trees are felled in winter, and the timber is used whilst it's still
0:18:03 > 0:18:07green, and contains moisture, making it easier to work with.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11So, which part of the chair is this going to be?
0:18:11 > 0:18:14This will probably be a leg. Do you want to have a go? Are you ready?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Yeah, I'd love to. - You can have a go on this one.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Right.- You're going to sit on here and clamp it with your feet.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22And how hard do you need to pull it?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- You'll figure it out. - So, what angle?
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Flatter than that.- Like that? - Yeah, like that.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Like that. Yeah, there you go.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Oh, it's hard. You can feel it getting flatter, can't you?- Yeah.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Am I a natural?
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- Oh, definitely.- Oh, yeah! - Definitely!
0:18:41 > 0:18:42I'm impressed, I'm impressed.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45David makes Windsor chairs,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48where a solid piece of wood is used as the seat, but the back and legs
0:18:48 > 0:18:52are individually crafted lengths of timber.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54After the wood has been shaved,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58it's over to the pole lathe to refine and finesse his design.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01This part of the process is now in Richie's hands.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04That's it. It'll take a while to pick up but you'll get it.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- I feel kind of connected to it, because you...- Exactly, yeah.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- You're doing a whole movement.- Yeah, you got to get the rhythm right.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Yeah, I don't know if I got the rhythm right but...!- You'll get it.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23After crafting the individual chair pieces,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26the moist wood needs to dry before it can be assembled.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30So, we're going to put these spindles in - one, two and three.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- So, tap them in with this. - With this?- Yeah, tap them in.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37The back and legs of the chair are secured to the seat
0:19:37 > 0:19:38in drilled sockets.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39- There.- It's like ribs.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43And now we've got to line this up, and get them all on there.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46So, point those, as we go down from the... That's it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Get that one. Last one in.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Can you feel that creak?
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- Wow.- Oh, yeah, that's a lovely chair.- There it is.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Been great to see all this in action. Been really inspired
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- by this.- Yeah.- I'll probably come down and ask you for some more help
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- when we've moved down here. - Oh, I'd love that.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- I'd love to see you both again. - Yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10You've been a great host, thank you so much.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13After being inspired by David's impressive carpentry,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15it's time to return to our house hunt,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18where hopefully we can carve out a favourable outcome.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Our second property also lies within the Devon border,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28in the village of Woodbury Salterton,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and closer to the coast.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Woodbury Salterton has a vibrant and close-knit community,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36near to some of Devon's most beautiful countryside,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40and it's home to a thatched 15th-century pub and a church,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42both local meeting points.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- OK, then, house number two is everything in white.- Mm!
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Hey!- Wow, that is massive. - That's a wow, we got a wow.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52What do we think of the style of this property?
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Yeah, yeah, it looks sort of country cottage.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- It was knocked about and extended just prior to 2015.- Mm.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- So there's a bit of history attached to it.- Notice some nice new
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- double-glazed wooden windows, which are good.- Yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05There's plenty to see and explore.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- The footpath's right on your doorstep.- Yep.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08For guests and maybe you.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11And you shouldn't be banging your head as much in this house.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12- Good.- Shall we try?- Yeah!- Yeah.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Originally two separate cottages,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19this extensive, beautifully converted property
0:21:19 > 0:21:21seems to have caught Jacqui and Richie's attention.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25From the front doorway, the living room is at the end of a spacious
0:21:25 > 0:21:28entrance hall.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Let's start with the living room,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- because there's a bit of a flow to this house.- Oh, right.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Workable space.- No fireplace. - Nice floor.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38There is a working fire elsewhere in the house.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Right.- Because this isn't your only living room.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- But you've got a dedicated living room at the far end.- Cool.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46It'd be a good party room, it's got a stage.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Yeah.- And that sort of stuff. - Stage?!
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- What do you do at your parties?! - Didn't we say that,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- that we need a stage? - Just showing off.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56I quite like it, because this is clearly the extension,
0:21:56 > 0:21:58but they've managed to keep so much light thrown into this room,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- haven't they?- Yep.- Mm.- It's good.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Let me show you the kitchen. I rather like it.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I wondered whether it was around there.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10You see what I mean about the flow?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- OK.- Oh, yeah, nice sort of hand built, isn't it?
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Yeah, it's quirky, isn't it? - Nice ceiling.- Good beams.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18It's really nice, the way they've done it,
0:22:18 > 0:22:19really sort of unique, isn't it?
0:22:19 > 0:22:22I think so. So, let's have the tester, then.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- You're cooking... Oh, look, confident!- Ooh!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27And I've got this early warning system of my hair.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- So, you're all right, then? - No problem.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33Through there, you've got a downstairs wet room and loo.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35OK, and then you can go up the spiral staircase,
0:22:35 > 0:22:40which I think will be a good office cum craft room.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Happy so far?- Yes.- Yeah, yeah, looks nice.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Let's scoot through this way,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and I'll take you upstairs to the bedrooms. Come with me.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51It's great that they not only appreciate the high spec finish of
0:22:51 > 0:22:54the living areas, but that Richie can easily walk tall
0:22:54 > 0:22:55through all of them.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59The first floor is reached from the main stairs in the hallway.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02A bathroom with a charmingly old-fashioned feel includes
0:23:02 > 0:23:03a freestanding bath.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07The four bright bedrooms, all with wooden floorboards, and one with
0:23:07 > 0:23:09en suite, are tastefully decorated
0:23:09 > 0:23:12with a nautical theme and natural features.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15But I'm going to show Jacqui and Richie what I think
0:23:15 > 0:23:17could be the master.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Just mind your step here, and your head, in particular, Richie.- OK.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Is this the master?
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Well, it depends on what you want from a master bedroom.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33The one at the end has views down over the hills, and is en suite.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Right.- But I think this has a nicer outlook.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Yeah, it's lovely. - I like the skylights,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41I like the shape of the alcove there, and...
0:23:41 > 0:23:43What's the feel you're getting from this house?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46I haven't fallen in love with it... yet.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49You were cooing more in the first house.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52The other house had a bit more personality about it,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54but you could put personality into this house.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55You're absolutely spot-on.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's up to someone to put a bit of atmosphere into the house.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- Yep.- That's the fun stuff. - A bit of you two.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'm hoping Jacqui will reserve judgment,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07as outside is a very generous proposition.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11The property has two garages
0:24:11 > 0:24:15and a landscaped rear garden, with spectacular views.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19A timber summerhouse could be repurposed as a workshop.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23What's more, the glamping business could be accommodated here, too.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26In regards to land,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28you get around four acres.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- Right.- Quieter than the first property?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Much quieter.- Yes.- Yeah. - Way quieter.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- What are you thinking? - Well, I think this could work.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- As a whole package...- Uh-huh?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Not sure if I'm falling in love with it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I know that's just a completely stupid thing to say.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I think you've got every right to want to fall in love with something.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49How about guessing the price?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I've had a figure in my head.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- It's £725,000.- OK.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- Jacqui?- Well, I think it might be a bit more,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59so I'm going to say
0:24:59 > 0:25:01£750,000.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Good guess.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05It's on the market
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- for offers around £795,000.- Mm.- Mm.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Whilst we're here, I think you should have a look around
0:25:10 > 0:25:13the property and the land, get a real feel for it,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15refresh your minds, and I will catch up with you out the front in a bit.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- All right?- Lovely.- See you in a mo. - Thank you.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Priced at £795,000,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25this sympathetically-converted property
0:25:25 > 0:25:28rings in just under Richie and Jacqui's budget.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32It provides two living areas that really make a design statement.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35There's a bespoke, open-plan kitchen-diner,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39and the four bedrooms offer plenty of space for guests.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42What's more, the four acres of land are ripe for developing a potential
0:25:42 > 0:25:44glamping business on.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Although the land itself is lovely and a good size,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50there is a house that is directly overlooking it,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and the view, as well, although lovely,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54isn't quite what I had in mind.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I was expecting it to be a bit more rural.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Positive things about this house are the layout.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I love the quirky layout.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04I like the kitchen sort of social area,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06lovely little windows
0:26:06 > 0:26:08and, yeah, it's very tastefully done.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Right, then. Two properties down.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14That's it for today.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Hopefully, something to talk about and consider over a pint or two
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- this evening.- Great idea. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I might even buy you one.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It's the second day of our house-hunting adventure
0:26:35 > 0:26:37on the Jurassic Coast,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39with Buckinghamshire couple Jacqui and Richie.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Armed with £800,000,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45they're looking for a country property with personality and scale,
0:26:45 > 0:26:46ideally near the sea,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50where they can create a luxury camping business venture.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Coming up, our mystery house serves up an unexpected way
0:26:53 > 0:26:55of opening doors to guests.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- It feels more like you want to be on holiday here.- Yeah.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Well, you want to use the beach, don't you?! You want to...
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Basically, we're going to be on permanent holiday.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03Well, someone is!
0:27:05 > 0:27:07And I fulfil a lifelong ambition
0:27:07 > 0:27:09in one of the country's oldest breweries.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13This is one of my dreams, to be able to bathe in beer.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Well, I'm not entirely sure we've hit the nail on the head quite yet,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19but that's what the mystery property is all about.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22So far, well, I think we're struggling to find the balance
0:27:22 > 0:27:26between getting the right house that also has this wonderful
0:27:26 > 0:27:29glamping business potential.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32But, for me, I think Jacqui really needs to fall in love with the house
0:27:32 > 0:27:36itself, maybe at first sight.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39But do they both really need this full-on glamping business
0:27:39 > 0:27:41and all the compromises that come with it?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Maybe they're after a property that just gives them something else,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47something to keep Jacqui's mind ticking over.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49This house could have just that.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56So, did you lie in bed last night thinking
0:27:56 > 0:27:58what you might be seeing today?
0:27:58 > 0:28:01It would be nice to see something a bit...
0:28:01 > 0:28:02..a bit closer to West Dorset.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05And I'm hoping that it might be a castle.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06LAUGHTER
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Oh!- I think it might be... - Or a windmill!
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I think it might be a bungalow.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13But in a really amazing setting.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14At the moment,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16you're both way off.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18THEY LAUGH
0:28:20 > 0:28:23The mystery house is in the West Dorset village of Morcombelake,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25our closest location to the coast.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Amenities include a farm shop,
0:28:27 > 0:28:32post office and a church built in the early 1840s.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35The village is also home to a factory famous for making the
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Dorset knob biscuit, part of the county's culinary heritage.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42In an elevated position above the village and the coast,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45our mystery house is situated down a quiet country lane,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48and offers Richie and Jacqui a completely different take
0:28:48 > 0:28:52on how to furnish themselves with potential income.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- This is the mystery house.- Oh, wow. Yeah.- It's cute.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56You're not just going to a thatched house,
0:28:56 > 0:28:59you're also going to a converted coach house, as well.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Oh, yeah, lovely. - That is the mystery element.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05This is no glamping business.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- Our thoughts are a self-catering business.- Mm.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Yeah, that's good.- OK? Could we live in a house like this?
0:29:11 > 0:29:13He's lovely,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16and it's a lovely little spot.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- Great spot.- Can I just say, we've picked the worst day to come here.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- Yeah!- You have beautiful views going that way.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- We don't, do we?- What? - There's a power station over there.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28Yeah! Don't tell anyone!
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- So, very intrigued to see inside. - Yeah. Good.- Very intrigued.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33I'm intrigued to see if you're going to bang your head or not.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- Yeah!- Let's find out. Come with me.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Although the weather is misty, they seem to have an extremely
0:29:40 > 0:29:42clear view on the mystery thatched cottage.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44As we enter through the front door,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46we find it opens onto a kitchen-diner.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Come on in.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- Yes, nice.- Cottagey. - It's nice.- Characterful.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- Cosy.- This house has lots of smaller rooms, if you like.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00So, this is just the kitchen, kitchen-breakfast room, if you like.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03More of a day area there, and a small snug next door.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Very much cottage-esque proportions here.- Yeah.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- The size doesn't put me off...yet. - What do you think about this
0:30:09 > 0:30:11kind of house? Is it something you would like to live in?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Yeah, I would definitely consider it.- Let's keep looking around.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18From the kitchen, a lovely light conservatory
0:30:18 > 0:30:20runs down the side of the property,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23allowing access to both the garden and the sitting room.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So, the snug has views.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- Quite a snug, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah, again, a bit of updating required,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- but...- 19-sort-of-20s kind of vibe.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Get rid of everything that makes you think
0:30:37 > 0:30:41that it's an older person's house and you've got a lovely space here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- Mm.- Yeah.- You've got a nice flow, haven't you?
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- You know, you've got the kitchen... - Yeah.- ..into a day area,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49bags of light there in that conservatory,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- and then coming into here. - Yeah, it's cute.- It's cute?
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's cute. You know, I think we need to see the whole package.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- OK.- To make judgment.- I'd normally take you to the bedrooms now,
0:30:58 > 0:31:00but I know you're dying to see the holiday accommodation,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04and it actually could be somewhere that Richie sleeps
0:31:04 > 0:31:08when he's come home late from the pub anyway. Come with me.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Up on the first floor, there are three bedrooms in total.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Two doubles, along with an additional single,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15set into the eaves.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Though none are en suite, they all make use of the family bathroom.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I'm sure they would definitely want to put their own stamp
0:31:22 > 0:31:24on the interior of the mystery property.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29In stark contrast, the business side of this package is ready to go.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32The detached two-bedroom holiday cottage is converted from
0:31:32 > 0:31:34a stable block and features underfloor heating.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Got a bit more space here, actually, than the main house.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Oh, right.- This is cool! - Yeah, this is cute, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Now, this has only recently received planning consent
0:31:45 > 0:31:48to be a holiday cottage. You've got two bedrooms.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52You've got a double and single. And a bathroom.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55The great thing about this cottage, it's not part of the house.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- No. No, separate. - You're very self-contained here.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Yeah, it's lovely. You can totally see people
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- having a happy holiday in here. - Yeah.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- It feels more like you want to be on holiday here.- Yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08You're a bike ride or a long walk to the nearest bit of coastline.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Seaside means holidays, doesn't it?
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Yep.- Yeah.- You want to use the beach, don't you?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- You want to use...- Basically, we're going to be on permanent holiday.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17Well, someone is!
0:32:17 > 0:32:21But, of course, proximity to the sea comes at a price, doesn't it?
0:32:21 > 0:32:22- Oh.- Of course.- Come with me.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28It remains to be seen if the mystery property will tempt them to reassess
0:32:28 > 0:32:30their business aspirations.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33On the opposite side of the lane is a large parking area
0:32:33 > 0:32:36and a timber outbuilding that currently houses a workshop,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39double garage and storage space.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Time to take in the half acre of garden.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- So, here we are, in the lovely garden.- Gorgeous garden.- Yeah.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- Really nice, isn't it? Mature?- Yeah. Lovely trees.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50Very manageable looking.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53I'm going to continue with this lie, there's great views here.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Could be!- That building there... - Yup.- Mm.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58..again, there's no guarantees,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00you'd have to get planning consent, but look at it,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02you've got a footprint of a fantastic basis
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- for a holiday let there. - Definitely.- Yeah. It's lovely.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- A little summerhouse there.- I know. - I was thinking workshop.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11You don't have the land for your camping.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- You've got the holiday let. - It's a different offer.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- But you do have a lovely garden. - Yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- It's a lovely spot, as well.- Mm. - Yeah. It's great.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21This is a typical mystery property, isn't it?
0:33:21 > 0:33:22It's got you guessing.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25All in all, as a package, it is fantastic.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27So I have no idea how much it's worth,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- in case that was your next question. - Well, I was going that way!
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- It was coming.- Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34I'm going to guess at...
0:33:34 > 0:33:36..£695,000.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- OK.- I'm going to say...
0:33:39 > 0:33:44..740,000.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Not far off, Richie.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51This mystery house is on the market for offers around £685,000.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52- That's good.- That is good.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- It's a good price.- It's a great package, actually.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Because there's so much to look at, go and have the scoot around -
0:33:57 > 0:33:59all the outbuildings, maybe go back inside the house,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02and I'll catch you whenever you're done. All right?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Lovely.- See you in a moment. - Great.- Cheers!
0:34:06 > 0:34:09£115,000 under their budget,
0:34:09 > 0:34:10our thatched mystery property
0:34:10 > 0:34:13presents Jacqui and Richie with a different option
0:34:13 > 0:34:16for their business, comprising a thatched three-bedroom home,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19plus a separate two-bed holiday let.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Although it doesn't offer the acreage,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25it's in an ideal coastal spot for those prospective guests.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29It was a good mystery house
0:34:29 > 0:34:32in that it showed something we probably wouldn't
0:34:32 > 0:34:35have looked at online. However, there's a lot to it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Although the house I'm still not sure about,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40because I still feel, with my giant proportions,
0:34:40 > 0:34:41a little bit constricted.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46The rest of it is a good package.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50So, yeah, overall, surprising, in a good way.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54So, the mystery house is a bit on the poky side,
0:34:54 > 0:34:58but that's balanced out and over-compensated for
0:34:58 > 0:35:00by the fact it has a holiday cottage.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Really good mystery property and something, I think,
0:35:03 > 0:35:07that will make us really think and perhaps even consider.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- Here they are.- Hello! - Grinning from ear to ear.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Now, tell me,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14who gets dibs on that summerhouse?
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- Me.- Me.- Oh. Well, maybe you can sort that out on the way
0:35:17 > 0:35:19to somewhere where we can sit down and have a bit of a conflab
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- and decide what you want do. - Let's do it.- Sounds good?- Yeah.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23- Perfect.- Let's go.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32For centuries, Dorset has been renowned for its beers, and more
0:35:32 > 0:35:35than a dozen real ale breweries have opened up in Dorset
0:35:35 > 0:35:38in the last decade alone. However, in Bridport,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Palmers Brewery can boast continuous production
0:35:42 > 0:35:43for over two centuries.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46To find out more about its enduring history,
0:35:46 > 0:35:47I'm meeting John Palmer,
0:35:47 > 0:35:52whose great-grandfather bought the brewery over 100 years ago.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- John, hello.- All right? - Great to meet you.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I understand you must be fourth generation?
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- That's correct.- Walking here, it was like going back in time.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03And, then, here, we're slap bang in the middle of a brewery in a town.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- You don't see that every day. - No, you don't.- Not any more, anyway.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09No, we're a very scarce commodity these days.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15The brewery began construction in 1794.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19The late 19th century saw two brothers, John and Cleeves Palmer,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22buy the site, and the family has run it ever since.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27I always say that we hold this in trust for the next generation.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28So, 200 years ago,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31when your great-great-grandfather bought this brewery,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34talk to me about what we would see right here.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Well, you would've seen horses and wooden barrels,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39it would have felt remarkably similar.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44The building has changed little in over 100 years,
0:36:44 > 0:36:49and the 1879 waterwheel, which used to power the brewery, still turns.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51When it was completed in 1796,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Palmers Brewery featured the latest technology.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59These traditional methods remain today to ensure distinctive tastes
0:36:59 > 0:37:01for the company's ales.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Darren Batten is Palmers' head brewer.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10He's been working at the company for 25 years, and is going to give me
0:37:10 > 0:37:12an insight into the time-honoured process.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15- Darren, good to see you.- Hi.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18I must say, looking around this place,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20I've been to a few breweries in my time and you've got a real mix of...
0:37:20 > 0:37:23..a juxtaposition, if you like, of old and new, haven't you?
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Yeah, it's a traditional brewing process, so we do exactly what
0:37:26 > 0:37:28a modern brewery would do, but we do it manually.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31We have no computers doing it. We have to do it ourselves.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35It all starts with this magnificent 1885 machine,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39which is still used every day and is where each pint begins.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Grains of barley are crushed to expose their sugars
0:37:42 > 0:37:44and then turn them into grist,
0:37:44 > 0:37:50which is then transported by the conveyor belt to the grist case.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53So, you're doing it yourselves here now, at the moment.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Let's talk through the process, because I can see things
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- that look familiar.- This is the grist case. This is the mash tun.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02This is the steels masher, so this is where we combine the grist
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- with the water to start the brewing process.- Yeah.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08You imagine this was 19th-century, mixed with...
0:38:08 > 0:38:10This looks a bit newer.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13This is a new piece. 1967, so this is the new mash tun.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Oh, it's a spring chicken at, what, 60-odd years old, is it?!
0:38:16 > 0:38:18It's not that old. It's only 50.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21After water is combined with the grist, it's collected
0:38:21 > 0:38:24in the mash tun, where more water is added
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and the starches in the grist gradually convert to sugars.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29The liquid, now called wort,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31then moves to copper tanks
0:38:31 > 0:38:35known as brew kettles, where hops are added and the mixture is boiled.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38So, think of that as a big tea strainer for hops.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40I'm already getting a sense of this exciting operation.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Can I see some more?- Yeah, definitely, yeah. Come with me. - Thank you.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48After cooling, the wort is transferred to fermentation tanks.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51These date back to the early 1900s.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54So, this is the beer ready to have the yeast put into it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- This is a new beer.- You've never brewed this before?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59No, completely new brew. It's our seasonal out for spring,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- and it's the first-ever brew. - Do you make a small amount first?
0:39:02 > 0:39:03Really, this is a small amount.
0:39:03 > 0:39:058,500 pints is the smallest I can brew.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08So it's a case of brewing it and hoping it tastes good in a week's time.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I imagine this is the stuff, this is the yeast.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14This is the yeast we've been using since 1976, 3,000 generations old,
0:39:14 > 0:39:15so if we used a different yeast,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18you wouldn't recognise the flavour of our beers.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19It's in these large fermentation tanks
0:39:19 > 0:39:24that the liquid starts to become clearly recognisable as beer.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27This is one of my dreams, to be able to bathe in beer!
0:39:27 > 0:39:30But you could do - there's so much of it. You've got an idea,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33but you don't really know how it's going to taste, do you?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35I really don't know until we actually taste it in a week's time.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38But we've got some beer we've already made that you can taste.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Oh, good, good, good! Well, finish off, then, and I'll start
0:39:40 > 0:39:42lathering up a bit of a taste for it!
0:39:44 > 0:39:45After a week of fermentation,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48the beer is casked and matured in the cellar.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Today, the brewery produces five distinctive ales.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54This is our IPA,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58which we've been brewing for 40, 50 years here at Palmers.
0:39:58 > 0:40:0040, 50 years? Goodness me!
0:40:04 > 0:40:07I tell you what, it doesn't taste too strong,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- got a nice malty taste to it as well, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:40:09 > 0:40:134.2%, so a real English Palmers IPA.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Tempting as it is to stay and sample all these different ales,
0:40:16 > 0:40:20it's time to catch up with our house buyers, to see whether
0:40:20 > 0:40:24they've come to a final decision on what to do next.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29Well, Richie and Jacqui reacted pretty well to the mystery house,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33but, on reflection, I'm unsure whether it's a genuine contender or
0:40:33 > 0:40:37perhaps it's just opened their eyes up to different kinds of property.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Let's find out.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48So, let's talk about the properties.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51What, if any, are up for consideration, then?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Out of the three, the favourite would have been the mystery house.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Now, the mystery property, it was, I suppose, furthest from the mark,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59if you like, of what you said you were after,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03but I felt like we almost got closest, as an option.
0:41:03 > 0:41:04It seemed to have more scope.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07The location was definitely the best of all.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10I think that's really helped us to crystallise the fact that we want to
0:41:10 > 0:41:14be at West Dorset and maybe slightly into East Devon.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17You seem a lot happier in the Dorset end than you do in the Devon side.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Definitely.- Yeah, I mean, part of the reason for that
0:41:20 > 0:41:23is there's just an atmosphere, for me,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25around West Dorset that's different.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27So, let's move forward in your search.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Are you still hell-bent
0:41:30 > 0:41:33on finding that house with that dreamy land?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Yeah, I'd still like to have some land.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I'm not sure we need even three acres.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Could be slightly less land, more towards where we're at.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43What's the plan going forward?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46So, we're going to just hit the estate agent's.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I'm just going to be on their case on a daily basis.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50Lucky them!
0:41:51 > 0:41:55But what about your living accommodation now?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Is your camper van going to be parked up in various spots around
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- the south coast?- We're lucky enough that Jacqui's mum and dad have got
0:42:01 > 0:42:03a place on Exmoor that we can stay at for a while.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05You're ideally placed now, then.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07You've got cash in the bank and you're going to be living nearby
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and you know the area even better now.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Whatever you decide, do please let us know.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- Thank you very much. - Keep in touch.- Thank you.- Great.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Quite often, I meet couples whose budget doesn't necessarily
0:42:24 > 0:42:26measure up to their aspirations.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28But that's not the case with Jacqui and Richie.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32I think this past couple of days has proved to them that they can afford
0:42:32 > 0:42:33what they're after,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36they will just have to bide their time and wait for the right property
0:42:36 > 0:42:38to come on the market.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41And in moving down towards Jacqui's parents,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45I think that will put them in the ideal position to pounce on
0:42:45 > 0:42:48the right kind of property as and when it comes up for sale.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51I wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Wales or Northern Ireland, and would like our help,
0:42:59 > 0:43:00you can apply online at...