0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:10I'm in a part of the land that is a World Heritage Site and is also home to a flock of over 1,000 mute swans,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13ideal neighbours for any country life.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32'Today, we help a homesick couple swap their French chateau
0:00:32 > 0:00:36'for the creature comforts of the English countryside.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41'We'll tour some stunning period houses in breathtaking locations.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:43What do you think of that?
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I like the whole thing but sorry, my mind's still on the view!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53'One house takes the concept of sharing to a new level.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- That, I've never seen before. - I've never seen it before either.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- Quite kinky, I think.- What do you think, Fred?- Not for me.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06'And there's a mystery house, a real historical treasure,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08'but which one will seal the deal?'
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Today, I'm in Dorset, in the heart of the Jurassic Coast.
0:01:14 > 0:01:20I've come down to the swannery at Abbotsbury. Swans have been living here as long as anyone can remember.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26600 years ago, Benedictine monks used to farm them for the table, a sort of medieval posh nosh.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28The good news is times have changed.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Swans are heavily protected and the work at the swannery is vital.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38Here they are weighing and tagging them, trying to understand how these creatures live their lives.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Who can blame them wanting to do it here in Dorset?
0:01:43 > 0:01:47The southwest county of Dorset has been left largely untouched
0:01:47 > 0:01:50from the majestic beauty of the Jurassic Coast
0:01:50 > 0:01:54to the rural valleys made famous by writer Thomas Hardy.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Typical of the Dorset countryside is the Blackmore Vale,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02a wide valley of clay farmland and tucked away villages.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08As far as historic houses go, Sherborne Castle is perhaps one of the most impressive,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12built by the courtier and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And Dorset is noted for its mild climate,
0:02:15 > 0:02:20so you can see why today's property hunters have chosen this county
0:02:20 > 0:02:22as the place to find their next dream home.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30If you fancied escaping to the country back in the medieval period,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34you wouldn't have bought your house, you'd have built it, something like this cottage.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37But these days property comes at a price
0:02:37 > 0:02:42and in Dorset your average detached will set you back about £344,000.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46That's a staggering 30% above the national average.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50So let's hope today's buyers have got nice, deep pockets.
0:02:50 > 0:02:57Today's property seekers, Rosemary and Fred, live in their chateau in Fougerolles in the south of France.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Fred has led a busy working life as a company chairman
0:03:01 > 0:03:05and even though he's retired, he and Rosemary have been hard at work
0:03:05 > 0:03:09restoring a once run-down chateau to its former glory.
0:03:09 > 0:03:16With seven bedrooms, seven en-suites, two swimming pools and 25 acres, it's kept them busy,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18but culturally, it's been difficult.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Well, we came to France about two and a half years ago.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25And we thought the language would be a challenge,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30but it's proved to be much more of a challenge than what we thought.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36We thought we wanted peace and quiet, but it's been too quiet as we've not been able to communicate much.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42There's another quirk of French life that Rosemary and Fred just can't get used to.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48And the fact that the shops don't open through the day from 12 o'clock to half past two
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and they shut at seven o'clock in the evening.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Yes, if you run out of anything.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Yes, supermarkets that stay open through the night...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Not that we're shopaholics or anything!
0:04:01 > 0:04:04So life across the Channel is not for Fred or Rosemary,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08but I think they're never happier than when they're on the move.
0:04:08 > 0:04:14When it comes to property, we have always been in agreement. 16 times we've purchased houses.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17We've managed to live together for 40 years
0:04:17 > 0:04:22and we have never had a disagreement over houses up to this date.
0:04:23 > 0:04:2816 moves is quite a feat and has been largely down to Fred's career.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32But having retired, they have the luxury of settling down.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34So what are they looking for?
0:04:34 > 0:04:41Well, we would need to have five bedrooms and preferably with five en-suites,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44three reception rooms, a large kitchen.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- Maybe a swimming pool. - That's the icing on the cake.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52As far as outside space goes, Fred is after something more manageable.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56With this property, we have got 25 acres of land.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00That's a lot of land to manage and look after and maintain.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Preferably, the next property would have between three and five acres.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Rosemary and Fred are already dreaming of a Dorset cream tea
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and are itching to get started on the move,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14so we've invited round a local estate agent to value the chateau.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19It's a fabulous property, renovated to an exceptionally high standard.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21I think it will sell very well.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I would recommend putting this on the market for 2.53 million sterling.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30With 16 properties under their belt,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33how much do they have to spend on property number 17?
0:05:33 > 0:05:39If we find a house, a property that meets all our requirements and really excites us,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42we would be prepared to pay £1.6 million.
0:05:44 > 0:05:50There is certainly no doubt we've got one of the biggest budgets we've ever had on Escape To The Country,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53but what exactly do they want for it?
0:05:53 > 0:05:59It goes without saying, a nice, big, spacious country house, five bedrooms, preferably en-suite,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02and three acres of land to keep Fred happy.
0:06:02 > 0:06:08Well, they've certainly got the money and I do believe Dorset has got the houses.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Rosemary and Fred are looking for
0:06:12 > 0:06:14a traditionally English rural location,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17so we're focusing our search in north Dorset,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20close to the Georgian town of Blandford Forum
0:06:20 > 0:06:23and within 30 minutes of the coast.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Over the next two days, I'll be showing Fred and Rosemary a selection of stunning properties,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31but I'll only reveal the price after each viewing.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34The final property will be the mystery house,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36a real show-stopper and in a league of its own.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- Well, Fred, Rosemary, welcome here to Dorset.- Thank you.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49Now, you have got a fantastic budget, well over £1 million.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- Exactly how much are we talking about?- Up to 1.6.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58Up to 1.6, which means clearly we have got some fantastic properties to show you.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- Something special. - They're all special, as you would expect for that sort of money.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08But I have a concern. My concern is this - you are serial house-movers, aren't you?
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- How many times have you moved in your lives?- This will be number 17.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19- The longest we've lived anywhere is about nine years, isn't it? - As long as that?- I think so.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Now, is this gonna be the final move, do you think?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- No.- Every move is the final move.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I love your candour and I love your good humour.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35Great budget, great location. I love Dorset. There's an awful lot to see.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Who knows? Maybe we'll find you the place you'll stay in forever.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Wouldn't that be good? - We'll stay for a while.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Come on.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48'I've got a feeling we're going to have our work cut out.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53'Finding something as stunning as their French chateau is gonna be a tall order.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57'Rosemary and Fred have a very healthy budget of £1.6 million,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'but they are expecting to get their money's worth.'
0:08:21 > 0:08:27What's the most important thing you think that you've missed living outside of the UK
0:08:27 > 0:08:30that you're hoping to find when you come back?
0:08:30 > 0:08:36For me, I think it's being able just to decide, "Let's go to the cinema."
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Or "Let's go to the theatre."
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Down to the language problem again.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- You're really saying you miss the English language.- Yeah.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52'Our first property is on the outskirts of the town of Gillingham,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55'30 minutes north of Blandford Forum.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59'The town has a long history that dates back to Saxon times
0:08:59 > 0:09:02'and there are plenty of opportunities to meet the locals
0:09:02 > 0:09:07'as the town has lots of amenities, including a pub, post office and ironmongers.
0:09:07 > 0:09:14'The property is two miles from the centre and sits back off its own private gravel driveway.'
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Out you come.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Now then, Rosemary...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24What do we all think of that?
0:09:24 > 0:09:28What do I think of it? It looks like a good, big, substantial house.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33It's very typical of a late Victorian farmhouse for this part of the world.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37It has had a lot of work done to it recently. Some of it is still in progress.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- But first, let's go in and see what you think of it.- OK.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Right, guys...
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- That's a nice floor. - Nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Original, Victorian.- Yeah, it looks good.- Let's start in here.
0:09:56 > 0:10:02This really does give you a sense of the proportions that you get in these properties.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I like the high ceiling and I like the bay window.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- And also the doors opening out. - To the garden, yes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14I suppose in some ways there is something quite neutral about this property.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Because it has just, a lot of it, been done.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Yes.- So it's not cluttered with so much stuff.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- But the decor doesn't bother me. We can always do that.- Yeah.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- It's the fabric of the building. - The fabric of the building.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- And it's space.- Yes. - That's gonna have a huge bearing. - Proportions and how solid it all is.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Let's continue. This is just but one part.
0:10:40 > 0:10:47'Across the entrance hall is an identical sized reception, again with a large bay window.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'Along the hallway is a small study for Fred.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55'Next to this is a cosy snug with a wood-burner, perfect for Rosemary's dogs.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59'And the final reception is the formal dining room.'
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- This is a good size. - Yeah.- It's a surprise, yes.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07It hasn't got a bay, but it has still got those lovely windows and the shutters.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13- It's perfectly adequate as a dining room. - Yeah, it's a good size dining room.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15And it will take a sideboard here.
0:11:15 > 0:11:21The other great thing is it's right next door to the kitchen. Come and have a look at this.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- Oh, this is nice.- Yeah? - Good size kitchen.- That is nice.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33I thought you'd like it. Under-floor heating underneath this Travertine floor.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- It's rather sweet. Come and have a wander through. - And it's quite bright.- Very bright.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Loads of windows and doors. The main cooking end of things is here.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48You've got that huge, great big, double gas range cooker, central island...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Through here we've also got a utility room
0:11:51 > 0:11:55for all your white goods and bits and pieces.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Dogs, etcetera, in there potentially?- Yes.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- And a great big walk-in pantry. - That's good. I like that.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08- But I think this is terrific.- It's a very nice kitchen.- Everything is hand-built as you would expect.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- Downstairs, reasonably happy with? - Yes, yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15It has got more interesting as we have moved through.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- There is method in the madness. - You know what you're doing.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25'They're not giving much away, but after a lukewarm start, I think the kitchen has impressed them.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30'And hopefully they'll be equally impressed with the ideas I have upstairs.'
0:12:30 > 0:12:36This is one of the six bedrooms that this property provides you with.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Loads of light. But here's the thing.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- This is en-suite...- Yes. - And it's through there.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49I'm imagining that this collection of rooms we're about to explore
0:12:49 > 0:12:52could be the master wing of this property.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58- I'd imagine you using this as a dressing room because the bathroom is through here.- Right.- Have a look.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Now, this is the bathroom that joins...- This is a good size.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11- ..what would be the dressing room to the master bedroom which we'll see in a minute.- Right, I see.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- It's very much a his'n'hers arrangement. - I thought I was seeing double!
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Two showers! - That, I have never seen before. - I've never seen it before either.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Quite kinky, I think.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- What do you think, Fred? - Not for me.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29I thought your eyes would light up then!
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Come and have a look at the master bedroom through here.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40So this is technically the bedroom, I'm thinking, of the master suite.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Come in, Fred. Come right round. - Good, it's big.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Very big bed. Takes up a lot of space.- Yeah.
0:13:46 > 0:13:53- But there's a lot of space left over.- Absolutely.- Loads of light coming in and nice and quiet.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- Would this work as a master? - It would.- Oh, yeah.- Yes.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Right, there's plenty more. Come and have a look.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09So we've got a third double in there. That's not en-suite. OK?
0:14:10 > 0:14:15The bathrooms have had a lot of attention in this house. This is the family bathroom.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- This is nice. - Go and have a look at that.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Yes...- Oh, I'm disappointed. It's just a single shower(!)
0:14:22 > 0:14:25That's lovely, the roll-top bath,
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- very much in keeping with the sense of period that this house has.- Yes.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- It's a very comfortable, good size, isn't it?- Good.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36All right, come on. Let's keep going.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40'Along the hallway, there are another three bedrooms,
0:14:40 > 0:14:46'making six in total, all good sized rooms with polished wooden floors and two have en-suites.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51'Inside, this house certainly has all the bedrooms Rosemary is after,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55'and outside, there is a manageable amount of land for Fred.'
0:14:55 > 0:15:01Right, out you come. I'm a huge fan of courtyards and I think this one is really pretty.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07And of course, on one side you've got this range of what would have been the stable block.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- A building to convert. - Absolutely ripe for conversion.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- I know you are gonna be itching to do that if you bought this property. - You'd have to.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- You would have to do something with it.- Yeah.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26And it's very, very private. It's nicely out the wind too. Let's go and have a look at the rest of it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30'The courtyard would be the perfect sheltered area for a swimming pool
0:15:30 > 0:15:34'and there are just over seven acres of land to play with.'
0:15:34 > 0:15:38All of this, Fred, is just crying out to be turned into a garden.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43Oh, there's more than a garden! That's a field!
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- There's a paddock there too. - You name it!
0:15:46 > 0:15:50So let's have a think then about...its value.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54It's the first one that you've seen. How much do you think it's worth?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- Do you want me to go first? - There's a question. On you go.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02I think it's probably 1.25.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Rosemary?- I'd say 1.3.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10How about 1.5? That's the current asking price.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15OK. 1.25 would be nicer!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17LAUGHTER
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I knew he was gonna say that.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Have a wander round. It's the first one we've seen.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- And have a think about that obvious list of things you would want to do to it.- OK.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Have another look around and I'll catch up with you later.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55So what's the verdict?
0:16:55 > 0:17:00First impressions, good family house. Good size.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05I really like the kitchen. I think the kitchen is excellent.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07I think it's a well-presented house.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10This is a nice, bright room.
0:17:11 > 0:17:18- I do like the bay windows and the shutters.- You've got two windows, so you've got plenty of light.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22It's a good, sound building. It has all the bedrooms that we require.
0:17:22 > 0:17:29It has a good number of reception rooms. Bit of work to be done, but I don't see it as a major obstacle.
0:17:29 > 0:17:35And obviously, it's something we'll have to consider after we've seen the other properties.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43- Well, chaps, all done?- All done. - Have you seen enough? - Yes, thank you.- Yes, for now.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- Are you gonna part with £1.5 million, I wonder?- Need to think.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53Well, there's plenty more to see and a lot more to think about. Come on, follow me.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Fred and Rosemary's decision to go house-hunting in Dorset is slightly unusual
0:18:06 > 0:18:10as they've never actually set foot in the county before,
0:18:10 > 0:18:15so earlier, they headed to Blandford Forum to enjoy one of their favourite pastimes.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- What time is it, Rosemary? - It's two o'clock.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26- And the shops are open at lunchtime. Wonderful, this is England. - Oh, good. Let's go shopping.
0:18:26 > 0:18:32Blandford Forum was rebuilt in 1731 after a great fire destroyed much of the centre.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37As a result, it is one of the best preserved Georgian towns in England.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41And there are plenty of individual shops to keep Fred and Rosemary busy,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43from butchers to antique emporiums.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47It's got all the little keys and nooks and crannies.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52I wonder if it hasn't got a secret...a secret drawer?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56The wood feels lovely, doesn't it? It's really nice.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00It's got that squeaking, polished feel.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Antiques aren't the only curiosities on display.
0:19:04 > 0:19:11The Cavalcade of Costume Museum is a fascinating collection spanning 250 years of fashion,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13inspired by the late Mrs Betty Penny.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19And the museum has a traditional tearoom, serving Dorset cream teas and home-made cakes,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22something that Rosemary and Fred have been dreaming of.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- What are we going to do next?- I think eat more scones.- Oh, good idea.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Our next property is just north of the town of Shaftesbury,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37one of the oldest and, at 750 feet above sea level,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39one of the highest towns in England.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43The cobbled street of Gold Hill will no doubt be familiar.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It was made famous by the Ridley Scott advert for a well-known loaf of bread.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Many of the older buildings are built from local limestone,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54salvaged from the demolished Shaftesbury Abbey.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57The property we are going to see sits in an elevated position
0:19:57 > 0:19:59across the Blackmore Vale.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Let's see what Fred and Rosemary make of it.
0:20:04 > 0:20:10Well, I thought we'd start, unusually, in the garden of this particular property
0:20:10 > 0:20:13because I know you wanted somewhere with a view, Fred.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15This is a view.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16This is some view.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20The Vale of Blackmore stretching as far as you can see.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- It's amazing, it's lovely. - Fantastic. It really is good.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27But, of course, it also comes with a house from which to enjoy it.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29What do you think of that?
0:20:29 > 0:20:35I like the whole thing but my mind's still on the view! THEY LAUGH
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Well, concentrate if you can, Rosemary, on that.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40What we've got here is not the oldest house in the world,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44built about 1930 or so. This one, however,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47has been completely renovated in the last five years.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Let's have a look inside.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Now, come on in here.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59What do you think?
0:20:59 > 0:21:04I think this is very nice and bright. I do like the archways.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- I have a thing about archways. - Well, there's a few in here.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10There's a nice little study in there for you, sir,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12which you can explore a little bit later.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Bags of room in there, enjoying the view as well.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Come here and look at this.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Now, this is what I think is what this property is all about.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Yes, that's special.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Isn't it? It's a picture.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Just a picture.- It's not bad, is it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:32It's a lovely, bright room.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36I mean, this space is wasted. It could be a dining area...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Why spoil it?- You'll spoil it, no.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- I think it would spoil it. - What would you...?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I like it as it is, as one big room.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Beautiful, it's nice.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Yeah, I think it's very, very nice.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51OK, let's continue. Let's go and have a look at the kitchen.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Follow me up the hallway here.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59What we've got is lovely underfloor heating,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- underneath this floor. - Yes, you can feel it, it's lovely.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Running through into here.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Nice kitchen.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- Good size. Manageable.- Very manageable, all new, as you can see.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16You can have a kitchen that's so large you're exhausted walking round it all day.
0:22:16 > 0:22:23- This would be manageable. - This is... You'd have the space, but the working area is right.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28Off the kitchen is a cosy sitting room, making only two reception rooms,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30which may be a sticking point.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34But there is more space in the basement, which has been converted into a personal gym
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and a well-stocked wine cellar.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40I love this arrangement, I think it's terrific.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Purpose-built wine cellar.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50Whether you drink it or not, your friends will love you if you stock it like this.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53It's beautifully presented, as wine cellars go.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- Certainly.- That's pretty much it for the downstairs of the property.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Let's have a look upstairs.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04They're definitely keeping their cards close to their chest,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08but I think they are impressed by the immaculate finish of this house.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13This landing is terrific. It's really light, really wide.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Yes, it's nice and bright.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Let's start in here.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Bright, yes.- I do like bright.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Family bathroom, Rosemary, what about that?
0:23:21 > 0:23:26That's very nice, isn't it? I've never seen one quite like that before.
0:23:26 > 0:23:33These are nice, these are original doors to the build of the property, 1930s, these brass fittings.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38So, there are a few bits that survive from when it all was put together.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42The whole lot renovated, as you can see.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43It's a nice job.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48We've also got you, of course, a number of bedrooms. Five doubles.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Oh, good. That's about right.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Some are en-suite. Let's go and look at those.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00All of the bedrooms are bright, generous-sized doubles,
0:24:00 > 0:24:05neutrally decorated so Rosemary can put her own stamp on them.
0:24:05 > 0:24:06This is your master.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10And it's a very nice master.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11Yes, good one.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Yes, it's lovely.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17You've got a range of choices up here with all the bedrooms.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20You've also got an en-suite in here. Look at that.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Go on, check it out, while we're here.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25It's a wet room, really.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Yes, I like that idea. It's nice.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Let's go outside and have a look at the gardens,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- you've got plenty to keep you busy out there.- OK.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35So much for retirement.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Follow me.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Now, outside, you have this huge gravelled area,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45you've got that great big double garage there, Fred,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47to put all your bits and pieces in.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Land-wise...
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- all in all, it's about 15 acres. - Oh, gosh!
0:24:53 > 0:24:59- That's quite a bit.- You've got a huge field and the rest of it
0:24:59 > 0:25:01is a mixture of mature garden, as you can see,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04orchards running down there, through to the paddock.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07'But that's not all. The other little bonus you get
0:25:07 > 0:25:11is the self-contained three bedroom gatehouse at the top of the drive.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14With that in mind, will they get the price right?
0:25:14 > 0:25:17I'll say 1.45.
0:25:17 > 0:25:211.45. OK. Rosemary?
0:25:21 > 0:25:23I'll say 1.5.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27You always had expensive tastes, didn't you?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29You married the right one there!
0:25:29 > 0:25:33So you're saying, top end, 1.5 million.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35OK. It's on the market for...
0:25:35 > 0:25:371.75.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39You see?
0:25:39 > 0:25:45That is a shock. I thought I might be a little low, but not 300,000 low.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Yeah, well, we are in a bit of a hot spot, this area of Gillingham,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Shaftesbury and so forth. It's a very popular place to be.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Of course, there's an awful lot with this property and they've done a lot to it.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00So you'll know from your work on the chateau, they want to get their investment back.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- But...- The work they have done very well.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Very well finished.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Very nice.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12But I still didn't think it was 300,000!
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Well, go and have a look around, a good old think about it.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Everything's negotiable, Fred. - Maybe so.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Off you go. I'll catch up with you later.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Both properties have recently been refurbished, so no work
0:26:40 > 0:26:43for Fred inside, but outside he'll be kept busy
0:26:43 > 0:26:45with 15 acres of land.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's more outside space than he wanted,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51but what's a little extra garden between friends?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I think this house is very nice.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58It's very well presented.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It has a lot of things going for it,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05especially the view. The view is just stunning.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09I don't think we could find nicer in Dorset.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12The only thing that I'm a bit concerned about is the extra room,
0:27:12 > 0:27:17reception room. We're really one down, perhaps, here.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21I wonder if it didn't have the bookcase,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25and didn't have the desk, is it big enough for a snug?
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- And what are you going to do with the other snug?- Dining room.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I think the renovation is absolutely superb and the decor is very nice.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Very tastefully done.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38All in all, a very good property.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41Boo!
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Well, there you go.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48Lots to think about. I know we haven't had time to look around that specifically,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50but clearly if this house is going to be of interest,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52and if it is a contender on the list,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54you can explore that later.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57It shows how much extra you get with this property,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- albeit slightly over-budget.- OK.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- So, shall we continue?- OK.- Come on.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Until recently, Fred has led a busy working life, but now he's retired,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23he's hoping to spend more time in the garden.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I've brought them here to meet gardening expert Steve Griffiths.
0:28:27 > 0:28:33The gardens boast a collection of rare and exotic plants from all over the world,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35from the Himalayas to the Mediterranean.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37This is what we call the Victorian Garden.
0:28:37 > 0:28:44Here we've revived the Victorian practice of using sub-tropical plants and big foliage effects.
0:28:44 > 0:28:51It really does look its best towards the late summer with the bananas and the hardy perennials.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Let's talk more about your gardening ambitions, Fred.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Would you take on something like this where you've got this mix of exotic?
0:28:58 > 0:29:02If I thought I could grow all these plants, I would certainly do it,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04but I have trouble even growing pampas grass.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09What's the secret, Steve? Why can't Fred grow his pampas grass?
0:29:09 > 0:29:11I don't know. We can't kill it here!
0:29:11 > 0:29:12I've been trying to kill it!
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Perhaps you need me!
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Well, if you still struggle, you know where to come to revise.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23These are fantastic. Tell me what these huge plants are.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28That's a relative of the banana, it's Ensete ventricosum.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31It's the Abyssinian banana with lovely red leaves.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- Do you have any real bananas? - Of course. We have other species
0:29:35 > 0:29:39and there are bananas on a plant at the moment if you'd like to see?
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Yeah. Come on! Bananas in the UK. After you.- Are you hungry?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I could be!
0:29:46 > 0:29:51The reason Steve can grow bananas here is thanks to a unique microclimate.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55It's a combination of Dorset's higher-than-average sunshine hours,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57the warming effect of the sea,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00and the clever planting of oak trees, which helps to keep the heat in.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04It's like Jurassic Park in here, isn't it? Look at that!
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- There's your bananas.- Who'd have thought you'd see bananas in the UK?
0:30:09 > 0:30:10It's amazing, isn't it?
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Right, so, you've seen bananas, if you want to get your hands dirty,
0:30:14 > 0:30:16I've got some planting for you round the corner.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- There you go, Fred!- Let's see what kind of gardener you really are!
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- OK.- Come on.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31There you go, that's what you need.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33That's a big spoon, isn't it?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37What are we planting, Steve?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Today, we're planting these lovely oak trees. They're evergreen
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- and they come from Mexico. - Oh, right.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47They're quite tender, but this is a lovely spot here, they've got sunshine,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50a nice slope, so they should do quite well.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52There we go.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56There we go. Look at that.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00I'm an expert already, you see.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Like launching a ship, Rosemary.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Fantastic.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08'As long as this tree survives longer than his pampas grass,
0:31:08 > 0:31:10'we'll be all right.'
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Just working it in with my heel
0:31:11 > 0:31:14to make sure there's not too many air pockets.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17It will be firm around the roots.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18It won't dry out that way.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- Very good.- There we are, Fred.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- How about that? - Have your spoon back.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28So a part of Dorset forever yours.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30You can come back and see how it gets on.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Come back in 20 years and carve my name on it.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33There you go.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Steve, thank you very much for having us.- Thank you.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37It's a terrific garden.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41We wish you all the very best of luck and hope the frost keeps off.
0:31:41 > 0:31:42Thank you.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49With the day drawing to a close, Rosemary and Fred head back to the hotel
0:31:49 > 0:31:51to take time to reflect on today's properties.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57What did you think of the house hunting today?
0:31:57 > 0:32:02Oh, I think it was exciting, it was different, it was enjoyable.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05And what did you think of the Victorian farmhouse?
0:32:05 > 0:32:11Well, the Victorian farmhouse... had all the rooms we would require.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14I like the high ceilings.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16And the en-suites were good.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- And the kitchen was a super size. - The kitchen was excellent.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24In contrast, what do you think of the house on the hill?
0:32:24 > 0:32:29The house on the hill, you're not going to better the view, I don't think.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32The view sells it.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38But I'm not sure that the garden and the land is more than what we actually want.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42However, I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow produces.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Yes. Cheers to a successful day.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47OK.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04After two and a half years of living in the south of France,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Rosemary and Fred are ready to pack up and head home.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12They're looking for a property in Dorset and have a budget of £1.6 million.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15So far, they've seen two impressive country piles,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18but coming up, Fred and Rosemary plan to go their separate ways.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21A house for you and a house for me.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Oh, right. That's the best idea today.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Have we found them a match for their French chateau?
0:33:27 > 0:33:31That's a proper house. You've saved the best till last.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39Welcome to my final day's house hunt here with Fred and with Rosemary.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45We've got a terrific budget and a county that really does deliver some fantastic houses.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51Armed with such resources, property hunting down here is like being a child in a toy shop.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54And today, well, it just gets better.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00'Our next property is in the village of Durweston,
0:34:00 > 0:34:04'two miles west of Blandford Forum on the edge of the Blackmore Vale.
0:34:04 > 0:34:10'Durweston sits in the Stour Valley and is fairly quiet, but is just two minutes from Stourpaine,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14'which has a post office, a general store and a pub.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18'I'm very excited about this next property. I think it's a real gem.'
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Now then, what do you think of that?
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Ah, this appeals.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26This looks good.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30This to me is the classic English, archetypal country house.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- It's Grade 2 listed.- All right. - Georgian, 18th century.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39An enormous house.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44Absolutely enormous, but packed with character. Just you wait and see.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- Just you wait and see. - OK, you've got me excited now.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- Fred, what do you think?- Looks good.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Come on, let's have a look.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Right, chaps. Come on in.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- Don't be shy. Come on. - This looks good.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09I wouldn't normally dwell in a hallway, to be honest, on a house tour,
0:35:09 > 0:35:15but there's a wonderful presence to this property as soon as you walk in.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- What do you think, Fred?- It's very different to what we've seen so far.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- Does this Georgian period appeal? - Yes, it does to me. Very much.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Fred?- And I do what I'm told!
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- Just let me see it. It'll grow on me.- OK.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32I hope it will. Come and have a look through here.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Now, this is one of three reception rooms that you've got.
0:35:41 > 0:35:46This is probably the biggest, I would say. But what do you think?
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- It's a good room.- It's very good. The proportions are very good.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55Lovely, great big fireplace. Double doors out to part of the garden.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59Yeah, I think it's a very cosy room, this. It is but one.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01There is plenty more. Come with me.
0:36:03 > 0:36:09Now, the stone floor continues right through into the kitchen. What do you think of this?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12You see, I do like stone floors.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14I do like that old feel.
0:36:14 > 0:36:21There are some original features in here. Those great big cupboards, that's all as it would have been.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- You've got a new Aga, of course. - Proper Aga, yeah.- Proper job there.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- In terms of size, reasonably big enough for you? - Yes.- Plenty of room in here.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Very much kitchen-cum-diner.- Yeah.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39But you've also got a separate dining room next door. Come and have a look at this.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- How about entertaining in here? - Yes, very nice.- Yes, a good size.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53Yes, it is a good size. There's a sideboard and all the chairs there.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- And that's a long table.- It is. - I love this room.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01And it's huge. It doesn't have to be a dining room, depending on...
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- It's ideal. - It lends itself very well to it.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09'Across from the dining room is a downstairs toilet-cum-reading room
0:37:09 > 0:37:12'with enough literature to keep you busy.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17'And there's a second sitting room, smaller and cosier than the first with a real fire.
0:37:17 > 0:37:24'Up the main staircase to the first floor and an impressive feature landing.'
0:37:24 > 0:37:29This is quite special, I think. How many landings have a fireplace on them?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- This is true.- Yeah, a good landing.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Nice and bright, airy.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- I've always wanted a gallery landing. - Well, there you go.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- How many bedrooms did you want ideally?- Five.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- OK. This has nine.- Oh, right, OK!
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Sons and daughters better start and produce, I think.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55Don't put the pressure on them just yet! Let's start our little tour through here.
0:37:55 > 0:38:01Right, this is currently the master bedroom. You've got nine to choose from, so take your pick!
0:38:01 > 0:38:06- But this is currently set up as the master. - It's certainly big enough.- Yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Ample space in here.- Ample space.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Bags and bags of room. In there we've got an en-suite. Have a look.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20They've gone a bit French, haven't they, with the hand-painted doors and that?
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- In terms of size, I think it's plenty big enough.- I think it's a good size.- Yeah. Good.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28There's plenty more to see. Come and have a look through here.
0:38:30 > 0:38:37There are so many rooms to show you here, it is hard to know where to start and where to finish.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Have a look at this one.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Quite cute.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Oh, isn't that lovely?
0:38:43 > 0:38:49It's very nice that they've left all the fireplaces. So many people block them up or get rid of them.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Good, right, come on. There's loads to see. Out we go.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58'With a further four bedrooms on this floor, Rosemary and Fred will be spoilt for choice.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04'Only one has an en-suite, but I'm sure Fred will relish the opportunity of remedying that.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09'And for the final three bedrooms, we're heading to the attic.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:14So here in the eaves we've got the last of the nine bedrooms.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Three up here - one across the landing. This is the central one.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21And in here, the very final one.
0:39:24 > 0:39:31They're both very similar, a good size double. You can't say there's not enough space in this house.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35There's loads of space. And there's even more space outside.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- Are you coming to live with us(?) - I could do! Would you have me?
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- Would you have me after all of this?- Definitely not!
0:39:43 > 0:39:50There's loads to see outside. If you won't let me live in here, I might go and live out there! Come on.
0:39:53 > 0:40:00You also get this barn, Fred. That's all included. Used as a bit of a party area by the current owners.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- And this one on the left as well? - Yeah.
0:40:03 > 0:40:09- And you also get this quite private little courtyard. - Oh, yes, that's a surprise.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- You see the old stables arranged around it?- Good stable block, yes.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17You also get that building over there, built to mirror this range.
0:40:17 > 0:40:23- That was built in 1998 for the housekeeper. - Very good. Very good.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27- We've got a house for you and a house for me.- Oh, right.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28That's the best idea today!
0:40:28 > 0:40:31There's plenty more. Come and follow me.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34And what about this, Fred?
0:40:34 > 0:40:38- There you go.- At last you've found me a swimming pool.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- You've done it.- I knew you would get there eventually.- What about that?
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- That's good.- You've got a pool house to go with it.- It looks a good size.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- Any idea what size it is? - It's that big.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55'I said that this property is massive and it really is
0:40:55 > 0:41:01'as there are plenty of lawn gardens, a greenhouse to indulge Fred's gardening ambitions
0:41:01 > 0:41:05'and a tennis court and paddock, so how much is it on the market for?'
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Oh, there's the burning question.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10I'm lost on this one.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13All right, I'll have a shot, I'll have a shot.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- It's 1.55.- I think it's more.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Well, you go ahead.- I say 1.7.- 1.7.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27Well, it was on the market for 1.85.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29There you go, did it again.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33However... It's been reduced to 1.55.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37You were absolutely right, Fred. What do you think about that figure?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41It would require some thinking about and a bit of work to be done.
0:41:41 > 0:41:47- It's still within budget.- Yes. - But I know you'd want to spend some money on it.- Well, he would.
0:41:47 > 0:41:54- Have a look around and start making that list, Fred. I'll catch up with you later.- The list's already there.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- I dread to think how long it is. - It's not how long it is, it's how much it is!
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Go on then, off you go. See how much it might cost you.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07This Georgian farmhouse is on the market for £1.55 million.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23You get a lot for your money, so could this be the one?
0:42:23 > 0:42:26This is one of my favourite rooms.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32Yes, very comfortable, very cosy. Nice fireplace. Plenty of light coming in.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37Good dimensions and it's the double aspect again, isn't it?
0:42:37 > 0:42:42You know, as they say, the first few minutes are what sells the property to you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44So I did, I got that warm feeling.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48There are things certainly that need to be done.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52And Fred being Fred, I know we'd have to address the ceilings
0:42:52 > 0:42:55because there are a few cracks about.
0:42:55 > 0:43:01But I don't know many people that would buy a property that was spot-on, everything.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03We would always have to do something.
0:43:03 > 0:43:09I like the grounds. The swimming pool is a plus. The tennis court is a plus-plus.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13So all in all, I think the house really has a lot to offer us.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- Right, guys, out you come.- OK.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21I think that was definitely worth having a look at.
0:43:21 > 0:43:26- Yes, I think so.- It was interesting. - I'm glad you think so. I think it's terrific.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- But there's plenty more to see, so I'm gonna whisk you away.- Good.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41At last, I can reveal the mystery house to Fred and to Rosemary.
0:43:41 > 0:43:47This picture postcard white cottage behind me offers some clue as to what it is.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52It's typically Dorset and it is thatched, but, believe you me, it's a lot bigger.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00What do you think would make the perfect mystery house?
0:44:00 > 0:44:05Well, I was on the internet and I did see a beautiful property.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08The only thing was it was £5 million!
0:44:08 > 0:44:14But if you could have scaled that all down, I don't need a helicopter pad, that would have been perfect.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19'Rosemary will be relieved that the mystery house is well under £5 million,
0:44:19 > 0:44:22'but it's still got plenty going for it.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25'It's in Hammoon, eight miles from Blandford Forum.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28'Set against a quiet rural backdrop,
0:44:28 > 0:44:32'Hammoon does have a parish church dating from the 13th century,
0:44:32 > 0:44:36'but for shopping, it's a short drive to Sturminster Newton,
0:44:36 > 0:44:39'a pretty town beside the River Stour.
0:44:39 > 0:44:45'The streets are lined with thatched cottages and there's a good selection of shops and pubs.'
0:44:46 > 0:44:50Now then, that's what I want you to feast your eyes on.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55That's a proper house. You've saved the best till last.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58A 15th century manor house, Fred.
0:44:58 > 0:45:04- Grade 2 star listed, so just one off Grade 1. Handsome enough for you?- Can't wait now.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07'This house is brimming with old-world charm,
0:45:07 > 0:45:11'but, as we'll discover, it does need some attention.'
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- Right, come on in. - A nice big hallway.- Lovely hallway. We'll explore that later.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20But come on in here. What do you think of all this?
0:45:20 > 0:45:24- This is nice. - It's a good sized room, isn't it?
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- Indeed, very good.- A huge room. - And I like this.
0:45:28 > 0:45:35It's very, very interesting. All sorts of features around this house. Great big lumps of oak everywhere.
0:45:35 > 0:45:41- But quite surprising, the height of the ceilings.- Yes.- Good. - Right, come with me through here.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45- That's nice and bright, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49You've got this mullion bay window and this nice, big fireplace.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Great big lintel on top of it.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55What would you be moved to tackle with this?
0:45:55 > 0:45:59I don't think you would touch this room at all.
0:45:59 > 0:46:03- You'd leave it painted...?- Yeah. - Well...- I might change the colour.
0:46:03 > 0:46:08- It might be very, very dark. - I wouldn't darken it. - From the oak panelling.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11'I thought Fred would be itching to do some renovations,
0:46:11 > 0:46:15'but so far, he is being very relaxed, which is good news.
0:46:15 > 0:46:21'Aside from the two main reception rooms, there's a small snug with a stone fireplace and carved surround.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25'And then there's the kitchen.'
0:46:25 > 0:46:31- Oh, my goodness!- That's a bit of a surprise.- They've suddenly come up to date.- That's not bad, is it?
0:46:31 > 0:46:36It's totally unexpected. I don't really know what I did expect.
0:46:36 > 0:46:41I didn't expect a modern Aga and all sorts of things in here.
0:46:41 > 0:46:46- I think it works. It's certainly big enough. - It is. The kitchen's big enough.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49And you've still got all these lovely features,
0:46:49 > 0:46:53these lovely stone mullion windows, leaded lights and so forth.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- So far, so good?- Yes, yes.
0:46:56 > 0:47:01Let's go upstairs because I think that's where it probably needs a bit of attention.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06- But there are seven bedrooms to play with.- Oh, I didn't expect that!- Yeah, seven.
0:47:06 > 0:47:13'Upstairs, there's a good sized family bathroom and the first two bedrooms are generous doubles,
0:47:13 > 0:47:16'one of which has an en-suite.
0:47:16 > 0:47:22'Then there are a further three bedrooms all of a similar size which just leaves two left to see.'
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Creaky floorboards.
0:47:24 > 0:47:29- Well, as long as I don't go through it.- That's the ghost coming in again.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33I'm sure there are one or two ghosts around here. You never know!
0:47:33 > 0:47:38- How are you feeling about this property?- I think it's a really wonderful property.
0:47:38 > 0:47:45But is it engaging you to think about, "Oh, yeah, we'd want to take that on and do it"?
0:47:45 > 0:47:50- Yeah, we're maybe ten years too late!- Don't say that. You're never too young, Fred!
0:47:51 > 0:47:55It's not the "too young" he's worried about, it's the "too old".
0:47:55 > 0:47:59It might take me ten years to do it all.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02OK, it's not over yet. Let's have a look at the rest of it.
0:48:02 > 0:48:08'I think there's plenty of life left in Fred yet and maybe he could be persuaded to take on this project,
0:48:08 > 0:48:11'especially when he sees the next room.'
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- More squeaky boards. - Oh, my goodness!
0:48:14 > 0:48:18But this is extraordinary. These painted boards with these stars on,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22it's thought these go back to the origins of the building.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26They are a really historic part of it.
0:48:26 > 0:48:32- To be honest, they probably do need some measure of conservation at some point for the future.- Yes.
0:48:32 > 0:48:37- But nonetheless, well worth seeing. - It's amazing.- You're sleeping under the stars!
0:48:37 > 0:48:43- It caught my eye as soon as I came in.- The stars are shining down on you, yes.- Not bad.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45There's a lot to show you outside.
0:48:45 > 0:48:51- It was a working farm and that'll give you some clue as to what you might find out there.- Lead on, sir.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53Let's have a look.
0:48:53 > 0:48:58'At the back of the house, there is a large courtyard surrounded by brick outbuildings,
0:48:58 > 0:49:00'including a coach-house.
0:49:00 > 0:49:07'Unusually, the main garden is a short walk from here, but there is lots to keep Fred out of mischief.'
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Now in here is a little secret.
0:49:13 > 0:49:19- How do you fancy a walled garden, Fred?- Yeah, it's very nice. It looks pretty.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23- Isn't it?- Yeah, it's a very charming place.- Very charming.- Lovely.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28- Very, very private.- Just a little quiet haven.- Totally private.
0:49:28 > 0:49:34It's the garden for the house because you don't have sweeping lawns and all the rest of it.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38But you do get 11 acres.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Oh, gosh, right.
0:49:40 > 0:49:46You get two very big paddocks, all the farm buildings, the walled garden and you get the house.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49Good.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52- Are you still excited? - Oh, absolutely.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56Let's go back and have another look at the property from the outside.
0:49:56 > 0:50:02In this sunshine, it's gonna look gorgeous and you can tell me how much you want to pay for it.
0:50:04 > 0:50:09So we're back where we started outside the front of this beautiful building,
0:50:09 > 0:50:14begging the question, how much do you think it's worth?
0:50:14 > 0:50:20I think finished it's probably worth 2.5 and it's possibly 750 to do it.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24- So, 1.75. - Rosemary, what do you think?
0:50:24 > 0:50:29I think because of the history, etcetera, attached to it, perhaps 1.8?
0:50:29 > 0:50:321.8? OK.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35It's on the market for 1.3 million.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37There you go. That's a surprise.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42- It is the cheapest of the properties that we have shown you.- Surprising.
0:50:42 > 0:50:48- Go and do some maths. Have a wander round and I'll catch you later. - I'll count on my fingers.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52- And your toes, I expect! I'll catch you later.- Thank you.
0:50:52 > 0:50:57This historic thatched manor house is on the market for £1.3 million.
0:51:03 > 0:51:09The house does require some sympathetic updating, but has plenty of charm and character.
0:51:15 > 0:51:19So are Rosemary and Fred ready to be lord and lady of the manor?
0:51:19 > 0:51:23I do like this room. It's very nice, isn't it?
0:51:23 > 0:51:26- Great proportions.- Good fireplace. - I do love that inglenook.
0:51:26 > 0:51:32When we first arrived, I just looked at the house and I thought it was absolutely superb.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36I was excited about getting inside to see what it would reveal.
0:51:36 > 0:51:41I like the front room. I really like the mullion windows.
0:51:41 > 0:51:47I like the main rooms, the drawing room, the dining room. I really like the walled garden.
0:51:48 > 0:51:53The only thing, as I look at it, there's a lot of work to be done,
0:51:53 > 0:51:55a lot of money to be spent.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58And am I too old to take it on?
0:52:04 > 0:52:08All right, then. The day is coming to a close.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12That was it, guys, that was it, the final house of the tours.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15- Lots to think about? - Lots to think about.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18- Fancy a drink?- I'd love one!
0:52:18 > 0:52:20Come on, then.
0:52:29 > 0:52:36'Rosemary and Fred are discerning house buyers, but we've given them plenty of options.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40'So now for the tricky part - trying to reach a decision.'
0:52:42 > 0:52:46As you can probably see behind me, the light is going
0:52:46 > 0:52:50and our journey is almost over with Fred and with Rosemary,
0:52:50 > 0:52:56but not before we have found out if they have decided whether or not any of the properties could be for them.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00They are all worth an awful lot of money. The question is, are they gonna part with any?
0:53:06 > 0:53:10Well, Fred, Rosemary, this is the end of our journey through Dorset
0:53:10 > 0:53:12and some of the properties it has to offer.
0:53:12 > 0:53:18Let's see how successful it may have been. It started with the Victorian farmhouse.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21- What did you think of that? - I liked the house.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25I think we could improve the house by putting on a garden room.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30At the walled courtyard, there is certainly room there for a swimming pool.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34So there's a lot of things we could actually do
0:53:34 > 0:53:37to improve the look and the value of the house.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41- What about the kitchen? It was quite special.- The kitchen was great.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45- Yeah, a good kitchen. - It had all the space you would need.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Absolutely. The kitchen was good.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Then we took you to something different, the white house on the hill.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54what did you make of that? The view was amazing.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56The view was stunning.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59But once we thought about it,
0:53:59 > 0:54:01and thought about the garden,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04to be realistic,
0:54:04 > 0:54:08we're not getting any younger and I think it was...
0:54:08 > 0:54:10Fred thinks differently!
0:54:10 > 0:54:11It was an all-work garden.
0:54:11 > 0:54:16There certainly wouldn't have been anything relaxing about that garden.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18- Nothing relaxing?- No.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20- I think it's too much work for us. - OK.
0:54:20 > 0:54:26Then another day dawned and we took you to something with much more manageable amounts of land,
0:54:26 > 0:54:31that Georgian farmhouse. What did you think of that as we arrived?
0:54:31 > 0:54:35I liked that one. I liked that one a lot. I liked the appearance of it.
0:54:35 > 0:54:40And I felt that the grounds were manageable.
0:54:40 > 0:54:47- It had everything that we wanted. - And a pool.- It had a pool, a tennis court. Everything was there.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51But there were a few cracks and things inside
0:54:51 > 0:54:53that I don't think the boss liked.
0:54:53 > 0:54:59No, I think that house had an awful lot more work to be done.
0:54:59 > 0:55:05And if we're talking about budget, I think we were going to go way over the budget
0:55:05 > 0:55:07if we continued with that house.
0:55:07 > 0:55:12OK. Then we took you to something very different, the mystery house.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15The old manor house. What did you make of that one?
0:55:15 > 0:55:22Certainly it was very interesting, but I wouldn't know where to start as regards renovations or anything.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26But I think there would be a heck of a lot.
0:55:26 > 0:55:33Although it was the cheapest house, when you add on the price of the renovations, you're way over budget.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37It would work out the most expensive house of the four.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41I'm gonna ask you for a decision. What happens now?
0:55:41 > 0:55:44I like the Georgian one.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47Fred likes the other.
0:55:47 > 0:55:54So I think we'll have to go back and have another look at both properties and then compromise in some way.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57I'm sure whichever one you do decide upon, if you do,
0:55:57 > 0:56:01it will be a terrific house, once it's finished.
0:56:01 > 0:56:07- I look forward to coming back and seeing you in there with everything done.- You would be very welcome.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10- It'd be a great pleasure. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:56:16 > 0:56:23Well, Fred and Rosemary are now well on their way back to their gorgeous chateau in the south of France.
0:56:23 > 0:56:27It's given me more time to consider what this house search was about.
0:56:27 > 0:56:33When it started, it seemed like the sky was the limit and we had a fantastic budget and great houses.
0:56:33 > 0:56:39But Fred's determination to throw several hundred thousand pounds at any one of the properties
0:56:39 > 0:56:45made me wonder perhaps this was less about finding a home and more about finding a labour of love.
0:56:45 > 0:56:50But sometimes that's what property is all about. I'll see you next time.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53If you'd like to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:56:53 > 0:56:55then why not apply online at:
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