Cheshire and Coventry

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0:00:02 > 0:00:05Now, would you exchange your house with a complete and utter stranger?

0:00:05 > 0:00:07Well, that's what more of us are doing every single year.

0:00:07 > 0:00:10Because home-swapping is on the rise,

0:00:10 > 0:00:12with many Brits seeing it as a wonderful way to get around

0:00:12 > 0:00:14the country with minimum expense,

0:00:14 > 0:00:17and try out a whole new lifestyle.

0:00:17 > 0:00:20However, if you're not too sure that it's right for you,

0:00:20 > 0:00:23see if our brave first-time swappers can win you over.

0:00:25 > 0:00:26- Woh-hoh!- Woh-hoh!

0:00:29 > 0:00:32Families from across Britain are about to go on an adventure.

0:00:34 > 0:00:37They don't know each other and have no idea yet

0:00:37 > 0:00:39where they're going or what type of property

0:00:39 > 0:00:42they'll be calling home for the next few days.

0:00:43 > 0:00:45Oh, look at that view!

0:00:47 > 0:00:48During their stay,

0:00:48 > 0:00:51they'll give their verdict on each other's home...

0:00:51 > 0:00:55- It gets a bit claustrophobic. - Thank you, whoever owns this house.

0:00:55 > 0:00:57..and get the opportunity to try something new

0:00:57 > 0:00:59in a different part of the UK.

0:01:00 > 0:01:02Yes!

0:01:02 > 0:01:04Oh! That's me sorted...

0:01:04 > 0:01:06Only on their return will they get to see

0:01:06 > 0:01:09who has been living in their house...

0:01:09 > 0:01:10Yeah!

0:01:10 > 0:01:12I think we're almost psychic...

0:01:12 > 0:01:14..and what they really think of it.

0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Very minimalist.- Sparse.

0:01:17 > 0:01:20- It is not...- I don't think there's one thing that I would change.

0:01:20 > 0:01:23It doesn't look like this could be their main home...

0:01:30 > 0:01:35Our first home-swappers are country-loving Pete and Phil.

0:01:35 > 0:01:38They are both developers and they've used their expertise

0:01:38 > 0:01:41to turn their 15th-century cottage

0:01:41 > 0:01:43in the village of Higher Whitley in Cheshire

0:01:43 > 0:01:45into a glamorous show home.

0:01:45 > 0:01:47We've tried to make it as contemporary as possible,

0:01:47 > 0:01:50but without ruining the heart and the character of the place.

0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It's a nice, fresh... - It's an eclectic taste.

0:01:53 > 0:01:56- A very eclectic.- We collect stuff from all over the world.

0:01:56 > 0:01:58Their love of travelling isn't just confined

0:01:58 > 0:02:01to the far-flung corners of the globe.

0:02:01 > 0:02:04They've actually moved house 11 times in the UK

0:02:04 > 0:02:06since they've been together.

0:02:06 > 0:02:10But now they feel they've found their perfect rural retreat.

0:02:10 > 0:02:12It's not a big property, it's a small property,

0:02:12 > 0:02:15but that suits us now where we are in life.

0:02:15 > 0:02:18It's a special property, it's in a really beautiful area.

0:02:18 > 0:02:21Our location is just lovely.

0:02:21 > 0:02:24The neighbours are lovely here.

0:02:24 > 0:02:25They're very welcoming

0:02:25 > 0:02:29and you have the traditional village fete here.

0:02:29 > 0:02:33For their home swap, they're hoping for a complete contrast.

0:02:33 > 0:02:37I would like an apartment on the Thames. That would be nice.

0:02:37 > 0:02:39As lovers of interior design,

0:02:39 > 0:02:41they have very high expectations.

0:02:41 > 0:02:44The worst thing it could be for me is dirty.

0:02:44 > 0:02:47I'm quite fastidious, keeping the house nice and clean.

0:02:47 > 0:02:49- Why leave home for something... - ..less nice.

0:02:49 > 0:02:52You want it equally as nice.

0:02:52 > 0:02:54I don't want to end up in a big concrete city,

0:02:54 > 0:02:59so somewhere that's all industrial and a bit miserable, really.

0:02:59 > 0:03:01So, nothing against Coventry,

0:03:01 > 0:03:05- but I don't want to go to Coventry. - So to say.

0:03:07 > 0:03:10Our next swappers are David and Linda

0:03:10 > 0:03:13and the guys will be delighted to hear that they live in...Coventry!

0:03:13 > 0:03:16With a passion for the outdoors,

0:03:16 > 0:03:1910 years ago, they decided to buy a narrow boat

0:03:19 > 0:03:22and settle down on the water in the picturesque Exhall Basin.

0:03:22 > 0:03:25The boat was built in 2008.

0:03:25 > 0:03:28- 2008...- The boat was built.

0:03:28 > 0:03:30It's what you call a self-fit-out.

0:03:30 > 0:03:34The person bought the empty hull and then fitted it out himself.

0:03:34 > 0:03:38- We bought it off him and spent the past few years...- Changing it.

0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Changing it to what suits us. - Yes.

0:03:41 > 0:03:44- And it's rather unique in style. - Bizarre.

0:03:45 > 0:03:49Individual, our taste is very individual.

0:03:49 > 0:03:52David and Linda have travelled all over the world

0:03:52 > 0:03:55and feel their floating home allows them a degree of freedom.

0:03:55 > 0:04:00We love the fact that we can just move it.

0:04:00 > 0:04:03You know, one weekend we can just go up the cut for a few days.

0:04:03 > 0:04:06We tie up in the middle of nowhere and do a bit of fishing.

0:04:06 > 0:04:08Have a barbie on the bank.

0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Best of both worlds, we've got, haven't we?- Yeah.

0:04:11 > 0:04:15It certainly will be a different world for their guests.

0:04:15 > 0:04:18The swappers will like mostly the outside space

0:04:18 > 0:04:22and, I suppose, the novelty of being on a boat.

0:04:22 > 0:04:25Everything is scaled down a little bit, isn't it?

0:04:25 > 0:04:28Smaller bed, smaller settee...

0:04:28 > 0:04:30bigger telly.

0:04:31 > 0:04:35These first-time swappers may sit at opposite ends of a colour chart.,

0:04:35 > 0:04:39but one thing they do have in common is a love of discovering new places.

0:04:39 > 0:04:43So, what could be more perfect than a home-swap?

0:04:43 > 0:04:46I've no idea what we need, but if we put a selection of things in.

0:04:46 > 0:04:51We don't know what we're going to be doing. Are we going for a walk? Is it hot?

0:04:51 > 0:04:53It'll be OK. When you're home-swapping,

0:04:53 > 0:04:55if you get the chance, it's well worth taking the time

0:04:55 > 0:04:59to talk to your fellow swappers, so that everyone knows what to expect.

0:04:59 > 0:05:04I took slippers in case we were on a cold floor in a castle.

0:05:04 > 0:05:07Do you want your slippers as well and a dressing gown?

0:05:07 > 0:05:10Oh, slippers, yeah... Pyjama bottoms, I want, as well.

0:05:10 > 0:05:14I should hope so! Some swappers even ask for references,

0:05:14 > 0:05:16and it's certainly worth doing a few basic checks

0:05:16 > 0:05:19to establish that your guests are who they say they are.

0:05:19 > 0:05:22Sadly, I have had to pack David's festival pants.

0:05:22 > 0:05:25Why he thinks he's going to a festival, I don't know.

0:05:25 > 0:05:27You don't know where you're going, so...

0:05:27 > 0:05:30Let's see, life's an adventure.

0:05:30 > 0:05:33Let's go on our holidays! Come on, then, let's go!

0:05:34 > 0:05:36Getting to see a new part of Britain

0:05:36 > 0:05:39is just one of the many attractions of doing a home swap.

0:05:39 > 0:05:42But to add a little bit of mystery to proceedings,

0:05:42 > 0:05:44our couples have absolutely no idea

0:05:44 > 0:05:47where in the UK they are going to be staying.

0:05:47 > 0:05:50They've left the decision up to us - brave decision! -

0:05:50 > 0:05:52based on what we know about them.

0:05:52 > 0:05:56Now, first to discover their destination are David and Linda

0:05:56 > 0:05:58and their off to leafy Cheshire.

0:05:58 > 0:06:00Cheshire! We haven't been there before.

0:06:00 > 0:06:03We haven't been to Cheshire, no.

0:06:03 > 0:06:05When I think of Cheshire, I think of cheese.

0:06:05 > 0:06:08Chester...

0:06:08 > 0:06:10You don't want Crewe or Stockport.

0:06:10 > 0:06:13You shouldn't say that, because you might get it.

0:06:15 > 0:06:18For Pete and Phil, it's Coventry.

0:06:19 > 0:06:22Oh, that's being sent to Coventry.

0:06:22 > 0:06:25Exactly the place I didn't want to go to.

0:06:26 > 0:06:28Are you ready for this?

0:06:30 > 0:06:33Locations revealed, it's time to hit the road.

0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Jump in, then. Are you going to drive?- I'll drive.

0:06:41 > 0:06:43See you later.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49Pete and Phil are travelling

0:06:49 > 0:06:50just over 90 miles

0:06:50 > 0:06:52to the Exhall Basin

0:06:52 > 0:06:54near Coventry in Warwickshire.

0:06:54 > 0:06:57This area sits on the Coventry Canal,

0:06:57 > 0:07:00which was constructed in the late 18th century

0:07:00 > 0:07:04to connect the rapidly expanding city to the Trent and Mersey Canal.

0:07:04 > 0:07:07It's a location that's fantastic for walking

0:07:07 > 0:07:11and those who like taking in the local wildlife.

0:07:11 > 0:07:13After a two-hour journey,

0:07:13 > 0:07:16they finally arrive at their home away from home.

0:07:21 > 0:07:24OK, please tell me it's not a canal barge.

0:07:24 > 0:07:28That's not what I'd want to stay in I don't think...

0:07:28 > 0:07:30But we'll see.

0:07:30 > 0:07:33It might be a lock keeper's cottage just around the corner?

0:07:33 > 0:07:35Get your fingers crossed, quick! OK...

0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's a canal barge. It's a canal barge.

0:07:39 > 0:07:41BOTH LAUGH

0:07:41 > 0:07:43Right, Coventry and a canal barge.

0:07:43 > 0:07:46Lovely...lovely. Just what we needed.

0:07:46 > 0:07:50The sight of a narrow boat seems to have brought back some bad memories.

0:07:50 > 0:07:53It was a week that we didn't enjoy, to be honest with you.

0:07:53 > 0:07:57We had horrendous weather. It was very confined spaces.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00We spent all of the time playing cards, because there was nothing else to do.

0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Especially if the weather's bad. - We haven't done it since, have we?

0:08:03 > 0:08:05We'll have to see what it's like.

0:08:05 > 0:08:08Oh, dear. At least it's not raining yet.

0:08:08 > 0:08:11Yeah, it's not luxury inside, is it?

0:08:11 > 0:08:15But you know what, though, it's charming. It's not poky.

0:08:15 > 0:08:17It's not poky at all. It's actually quite a nice size.

0:08:17 > 0:08:21I'm six foot two and I can stand up nicely without banging my head.

0:08:21 > 0:08:24So, the space, I quite like.

0:08:24 > 0:08:26It looks more like they come here for weekends,

0:08:26 > 0:08:29it doesn't look like it could be their main home.

0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Shall we explore the kitchen? - Yes, let's go see.

0:08:35 > 0:08:37I think the kitchen is quite workable,

0:08:37 > 0:08:40- you could have quite a nice experience in this kitchen.- Yeah.

0:08:40 > 0:08:42At least they DO approve of the kitchen.

0:08:42 > 0:08:45So, who do you think lives in a barge like this?

0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Probably retired... - I would say it's retired...

0:08:47 > 0:08:50Definitely, the taste of the furniture.

0:08:50 > 0:08:52But just because you are retired,

0:08:52 > 0:08:54you don't need to live like an old person!

0:08:56 > 0:08:59- It's a strange toilet, but... - It's a tiny little toilet.

0:08:59 > 0:09:03In fact, I've not seen one like that before, where it's sideways on.

0:09:03 > 0:09:07But what about their new shower?

0:09:07 > 0:09:09Oh, my God. That's not too bad.

0:09:09 > 0:09:12Hang on, let's try... You can do your lower half

0:09:12 > 0:09:14and then just duck when you need to do your hair.

0:09:14 > 0:09:17So, obviously, I'm actually taller than the shower.

0:09:17 > 0:09:19Let's get out. There you go.

0:09:19 > 0:09:22So, very small for two big lads.

0:09:22 > 0:09:23But it's OK, this space.

0:09:23 > 0:09:27Once they've negotiated their way through the corridor,

0:09:27 > 0:09:30our swappers check out the master bedroom.

0:09:30 > 0:09:33This is quite a comfy bed by the feel of it.

0:09:33 > 0:09:37- Less wood. Painted ceiling, much better.- Yeah, much nicer.

0:09:37 > 0:09:39I'm quite liking this space.

0:09:39 > 0:09:43This space feels fresher, because it's paler. It's less oppressive.

0:09:43 > 0:09:46Personally, I would still like to go and book into a hotel.

0:09:48 > 0:09:52It's... We definitely wouldn't have chosen anything like this.

0:09:53 > 0:09:56Come on, lads! There's more to see.

0:09:56 > 0:09:58It's not a massive garden to look after,

0:09:58 > 0:10:00so this could be so much better.

0:10:00 > 0:10:03It could be amazing, couldn't it?

0:10:03 > 0:10:06It's a little bit tired, it's a little bit dated.

0:10:06 > 0:10:09The pergola's good and you've got the lovely screen

0:10:09 > 0:10:13and it's nice furniture around the table and chairs.

0:10:13 > 0:10:15So, while Pete and Phil debate

0:10:15 > 0:10:18whether to stay or go from their narrow boat,

0:10:18 > 0:10:19our other home-swappers,

0:10:19 > 0:10:20David and Linda,

0:10:20 > 0:10:22have just arrived

0:10:22 > 0:10:24in Higher Whitley in Cheshire.

0:10:24 > 0:10:27This picturesque village in the heart of the countryside

0:10:27 > 0:10:30has a range of amenities which include a local store.

0:10:31 > 0:10:35Around half an hour's drive away is the busy city of Chester.

0:10:35 > 0:10:38The medieval cathedral here is a very popular tourist

0:10:38 > 0:10:40attraction in the North West.

0:10:40 > 0:10:43Over 900 years old, there are special tower tours

0:10:43 > 0:10:47which offer visitors the chance to see two countries and five counties

0:10:47 > 0:10:49from the top of the cathedral.

0:10:50 > 0:10:52After travelling around 90 miles,

0:10:52 > 0:10:55David and Linda are about to get their first glimpse

0:10:55 > 0:10:58of the place they'll be calling home.

0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Wow, this is chocolate box pretty, isn't it?- Yeah.

0:11:01 > 0:11:04I feel a bit embarrassed coming to this lovely place

0:11:04 > 0:11:08- and they've got our boat.- This is very nice.- It's lovely, isn't it?

0:11:15 > 0:11:17A bit of a duck theme going on.

0:11:17 > 0:11:19Thank you.

0:11:21 > 0:11:24Oh, wow, look at this.

0:11:24 > 0:11:27This is beautiful, isn't it?

0:11:27 > 0:11:30I'm a bit concerned, cos you're a bit of a muck magnet.

0:11:30 > 0:11:31Look at all of the...

0:11:31 > 0:11:34Look at the artwork. Wow...

0:11:34 > 0:11:39- It's very tranquil in here, isn't it?- Very calm. Very relaxing.

0:11:39 > 0:11:43Look at all of these sofas! We can have one each, stretch out...

0:11:43 > 0:11:45Look at the size of the telly!

0:11:45 > 0:11:49Well, it's certainly different to our boat, anyway!

0:11:50 > 0:11:52I think they like it.

0:11:52 > 0:11:54But next, it's the kitchen.

0:11:54 > 0:11:57Oh, this is very nice. This is your room, Linda.

0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Wow!- This is the sort of kitchen you've always wanted.

0:12:01 > 0:12:02All this work space.

0:12:02 > 0:12:06Cupboards, proper drain...dishwasher!

0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Oh, amazeballs...- Have you seen the size of that fridge?

0:12:14 > 0:12:17If I'd say anything, it doesn't look lived in.

0:12:19 > 0:12:20Oh, I think it does!

0:12:20 > 0:12:23- There's no pictures of... - There's no photographs,

0:12:23 > 0:12:28but that's obviously fair enough. They don't want us gawping at them.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31- I reckon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen lives here.- I think...

0:12:31 > 0:12:34do you realise we've got Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on our boat?

0:12:34 > 0:12:36Where?

0:12:36 > 0:12:37Oh, God...

0:12:37 > 0:12:41Could be a footballer, there's lots of footballers around here.

0:12:41 > 0:12:44- We could be stood in Wayne Rooney's house.- I don't think so.

0:12:46 > 0:12:48Shall we go and see upstairs?

0:12:48 > 0:12:51There's an offer I've not had in a long time(!)

0:12:53 > 0:12:54Cheeky!

0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Oh, this is a bathroom! Very nice. - Oh, wow!

0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's got your favourite bath, Linda.

0:13:00 > 0:13:02Oh, a spa bath!

0:13:02 > 0:13:05Well, you're not going to get me out of here for two days.

0:13:05 > 0:13:07I'll be like a wrinkled prune!

0:13:07 > 0:13:11I'm so chuffed. Thank you, whoever owns this house.

0:13:11 > 0:13:14I love you. I want to marry you and have your babies.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18That'll come as a big surprise!

0:13:18 > 0:13:20This is the bedroom. Oh, this is nice...

0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Nothing gets past you, Sherlock! - That bed's bigger than our boat!

0:13:24 > 0:13:27- That is beautiful.- I'll get agoraphobia in that bed!

0:13:27 > 0:13:29Look at all of this cupboard space!

0:13:29 > 0:13:31SHE GASPS

0:13:31 > 0:13:34Oh, dear! I'm going to bed now!

0:13:34 > 0:13:36- I don't... I'm speechless.- And me.

0:13:36 > 0:13:39Oh, it's a beautiful house.

0:13:39 > 0:13:41It is, it's fantastic.

0:13:41 > 0:13:43Let's go put the kettle on.

0:13:48 > 0:13:52It's early evening, and one couple is settling in nicely

0:13:52 > 0:13:54while the other has a decision to make.

0:13:54 > 0:13:58- OK, do you want to stay or do you want to go?- We'll stay.

0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Are you sure?- Yes.- We can drive off now.- Oh, quick...

0:14:02 > 0:14:03Right, come on, then.

0:14:03 > 0:14:06When we first glimpsed the houseboat,

0:14:06 > 0:14:08I think I speak for us both,

0:14:08 > 0:14:11- when I say it was one big disappointment.- Slight shock.

0:14:11 > 0:14:15This is too good to be true after what we... Our boat...

0:14:15 > 0:14:20- This is very nice.- We've got the nice end of the stick.- Oh, yes.

0:14:20 > 0:14:23I love it. I love the squishy sofas. I love the colour scheme.

0:14:23 > 0:14:26I love the tranquillity.

0:14:26 > 0:14:28Bagsy this side, near the roses.

0:14:28 > 0:14:30Not only was the decoration not to our standard,

0:14:30 > 0:14:33it was a little bit dusty and a little bit tired.

0:14:33 > 0:14:35So, things like that grate on us.

0:14:35 > 0:14:38So, to find things not quite in place

0:14:38 > 0:14:42and as clean and tidy as they should be, that was a bit of a nightmare.

0:14:42 > 0:14:44- A bit of a shock.- Yeah.

0:14:44 > 0:14:46Look at this! Oh, it's done so beautifully.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49I'm so embarrassed. All I had was some bacon in the fridge.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52Look, champers!

0:14:52 > 0:14:54Oh, my Lord!

0:14:54 > 0:14:56Cake for you and beer for me.

0:14:56 > 0:14:58Oh, what a thoughtful lady!

0:14:58 > 0:15:02Thoughtful, yes. But lady? Um... Keep guessing.

0:15:02 > 0:15:04How are you feeling, then, disappointed?

0:15:04 > 0:15:07Personally, I would still like to go book into a hotel.

0:15:16 > 0:15:19In Coventry, Pete and Phil are waking up

0:15:19 > 0:15:21to their first morning on a narrow boat,

0:15:21 > 0:15:25a world away from their glamorous and spacious cottage.

0:15:25 > 0:15:26I hit the sack and went to sleep

0:15:26 > 0:15:29for probably a good eight hours uninterrupted,

0:15:29 > 0:15:31which, for me, is quite rare.

0:15:31 > 0:15:32It does rock slightly,

0:15:32 > 0:15:36- and it's like going back to being a baby where you...- Rocks the cradle.

0:15:36 > 0:15:38- You rock like a baby.- Yeah.

0:15:38 > 0:15:39Meanwhile in Cheshire,

0:15:39 > 0:15:43David and Linda are loving their new-found sense of space.

0:15:43 > 0:15:45- The bed was lovely last night, wasn't it?- It was.

0:15:45 > 0:15:49- It was huge I lost you a couple of times.- I know.

0:15:49 > 0:15:52It was like crossing the Sahara to get a cuddle.

0:15:52 > 0:15:54BOTH LAUGH

0:16:01 > 0:16:04As part of their swap, each couple has written a manual.

0:16:04 > 0:16:07"Welcome to Lilycote 2."

0:16:07 > 0:16:10It gives top tips on the workings of their home.

0:16:11 > 0:16:14It tells you how to do everything on the boat,

0:16:14 > 0:16:17except, obviously, drive it if we had to take it out.

0:16:17 > 0:16:20There is also a section full of ideas

0:16:20 > 0:16:22for days out in the area.

0:16:22 > 0:16:26But with this home swap, there's an added bonus, this envelope.

0:16:26 > 0:16:28Hidden inside is a special day trip

0:16:28 > 0:16:31which will give our couple a unique taste

0:16:31 > 0:16:33of what this region is all about.

0:16:33 > 0:16:36But first, they need to crack the clue.

0:16:37 > 0:16:39"Bon voyage." Oh, so it's a journey.

0:16:39 > 0:16:42It's going to be on a canal boat, isn't it? It's got to be.

0:16:42 > 0:16:46- It's not going to be on a speedboat. Shall we have a look inside?- Yes.

0:16:52 > 0:16:54And it says, "As we live on a narrow boat,

0:16:54 > 0:16:58"we felt you should experience the full delights of this idyllic lifestyle.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01"So, today you will be learning how to navigate your way

0:17:01 > 0:17:02"along a local canal way."

0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Have you got your sailor's outfit with you?- It's somewhere.

0:17:05 > 0:17:07I always pack that.

0:17:07 > 0:17:09Fetching!

0:17:09 > 0:17:11Pete and Phil are off to the village of Stoke Golding,

0:17:11 > 0:17:14just a half an hour's drive away from the boat.

0:17:14 > 0:17:17They are meeting Julian Carlyle from the Ashby Boat Company,

0:17:17 > 0:17:21who is going to give them a lesson in narrow boat navigation.

0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Pete, I think it's time for you to have a go at steering.- OK.

0:17:25 > 0:17:29The Ashby Canal is a 22-mile lock-free stretch,

0:17:29 > 0:17:31winding its way through picturesque countryside

0:17:31 > 0:17:34in North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire.

0:17:35 > 0:17:39Canal-boat holidays in Central England cover the largest collection

0:17:39 > 0:17:41of canal and river networks in the country,

0:17:41 > 0:17:43and as you weave your way through the waterways,

0:17:43 > 0:17:47there's plenty of beautiful scenery to keep you content.

0:17:48 > 0:17:52This route is especially ideal for first-time narrow boat drivers

0:17:52 > 0:17:55or for people hoping for a relaxing getaway.

0:17:55 > 0:17:57But there are some hazards.

0:17:58 > 0:18:01If you go too close to the arch of the bridge,

0:18:01 > 0:18:04you can hit the boat straight into the bridge

0:18:04 > 0:18:06and cause a lot of damage.

0:18:09 > 0:18:12You've gone through the middle of the bridge - perfect.

0:18:14 > 0:18:18Right, well, considering he says he was rubbish last time he did it,

0:18:18 > 0:18:22ten years ago. It's like he's done it for a few weeks, now.

0:18:22 > 0:18:25- If you want to, you can have a go at turning the boat around...- OK.

0:18:30 > 0:18:33We should have turned this earlier, but never mind!

0:18:33 > 0:18:36I always say, "There's nothing like a three-point turn in a canal boat."

0:18:36 > 0:18:40I'm going to put it in reverse, just so we don't hit the bank too hard.

0:18:40 > 0:18:42Now, we wanted the nose in there.

0:18:42 > 0:18:46- We might actually have to use the pole.- Oh, and push ourselves?

0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Phil, you can use the pole if you want.- I can do that, no problem.

0:18:50 > 0:18:52Now, it's Phil's turn to show some muscle.

0:18:52 > 0:18:54Come on, give it a bit of welly!

0:18:56 > 0:18:57It's a slow...

0:18:57 > 0:19:01You can feel the weight of the boat you've got to move.

0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Perfect, he likes a bit of physical exercise.- No, he doesn't!

0:19:05 > 0:19:08Doesn't he? THEY LAUGH

0:19:08 > 0:19:11You've got to pull it out before you let go...

0:19:11 > 0:19:14He thinks it's his job to turn the boat completely around.

0:19:14 > 0:19:17- All I really needed him to do was... - Get away from the bank.- Yeah.

0:19:17 > 0:19:20I'm not sure he's ever going to stop!

0:19:20 > 0:19:22- We'll just be spinning round in circles!- Yeah.

0:19:22 > 0:19:26One more little one and that's it. That's it.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28Put that back on the roof, if you would.

0:19:28 > 0:19:31And then walk to the back, then we'll set off.

0:19:31 > 0:19:34Back on track, and time to head home.

0:19:34 > 0:19:37But it seems like there's been a mutiny aboard.

0:19:38 > 0:19:40Oh, look what I found!

0:19:40 > 0:19:42- I think you need the captain's hat, now.- That's me sorted.

0:19:55 > 0:19:57With their feet back on dry land,

0:19:57 > 0:20:01Peter and Phil head off to explore their new local area.

0:20:01 > 0:20:04First stop, it's the old Saxon town of Bedworth,

0:20:04 > 0:20:08famous for its almshouses dating back to 1840.

0:20:08 > 0:20:12The most dominant structure here is the All Saints Parish Church,

0:20:12 > 0:20:17which was rebuilt in the late 19th century with Runcorn stone.

0:20:17 > 0:20:20And if this area of Warwickshire takes your fancy for a home swap,

0:20:20 > 0:20:23you can take your pick of property styles,

0:20:23 > 0:20:28from timber-framed houses to classic chocolate-box cottages.

0:20:32 > 0:20:35While Peter and Phil continue exploring Bedworth,

0:20:35 > 0:20:39back in Cheshire, David and Linda are enjoying their immaculate home.

0:20:39 > 0:20:42I like the way they've done the garden.

0:20:42 > 0:20:44They've done little areas, and it's lovely.

0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's all different. I couldn't do it, but I love the...

0:20:46 > 0:20:49You'd concrete it, so you wouldn't have to deal with it!

0:20:49 > 0:20:51No, but that I like the attention to detail.

0:20:51 > 0:20:53There's a balance about it.

0:20:53 > 0:20:55I don't know how to explain it.

0:20:55 > 0:20:57Time to turn their attention away from the perennials

0:20:57 > 0:21:01to an envelope hopefully full of adventure.

0:21:01 > 0:21:02Shall we a look and see what we are doing?

0:21:04 > 0:21:06The clue is, "All fired up".

0:21:07 > 0:21:10I think we're going down a coal mine.

0:21:10 > 0:21:11We're going to get the sack.

0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Artillery range?- Yeah, could be.

0:21:15 > 0:21:19- Paint-balling? - Might be bottles? Bottle blowing.

0:21:19 > 0:21:21Shall we have look what it is, then?

0:21:21 > 0:21:25"We have a passion for this region's local produce.

0:21:25 > 0:21:28"So, today you will be getting hot under the collar

0:21:28 > 0:21:30"at a traditional smokehouse."

0:21:30 > 0:21:33Oh, we're going to go and have a smoke? Kippers!

0:21:34 > 0:21:36Bring it on.

0:21:37 > 0:21:40David and Linda are heading out west to Wilmslow

0:21:40 > 0:21:42to the Cheshire Smokehouse.

0:21:42 > 0:21:47Here, they produce traditional smoked meats, poultry and fish,

0:21:47 > 0:21:50all cured in the smoke stoves on site.

0:21:50 > 0:21:53It's a family business established over 100 years ago

0:21:53 > 0:21:57by John William Ward who learned his craft in Canada.

0:21:57 > 0:22:00His great-grandson Darren Ward is now in charge

0:22:00 > 0:22:03and he's going to show David and Linda just how it's done in.

0:22:04 > 0:22:07This is a mixture of salts.

0:22:07 > 0:22:10Saltpetre - potassium nitrate - and sugar,

0:22:10 > 0:22:13and this is what actually cures the products.

0:22:13 > 0:22:17So, in this tub here, we've got some lovely loins of Cheshire pork.

0:22:17 > 0:22:20Grab plenty of salt and we just need to rub this into the pork,

0:22:20 > 0:22:22and that's going to cure it.

0:22:22 > 0:22:25You're taking the moisture out and that's helping preserve it.

0:22:25 > 0:22:27Give it a little shake.

0:22:27 > 0:22:31- On the side.- You go first, because they look heavy.

0:22:31 > 0:22:34Look at you, professional, he'll be giving you a job.

0:22:34 > 0:22:35Hey, you've done this before.

0:22:35 > 0:22:40Perfect. These will actually lose around about 20-25% in weight.

0:22:40 > 0:22:42So we've got some here - these ones.

0:22:42 > 0:22:44I could do with being salted!

0:22:44 > 0:22:46ALL LAUGH

0:22:46 > 0:22:49- I wasn't going to say. - We're all in that boat!

0:22:52 > 0:22:54So, we going to submerge it in here.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56There's some that have been done already.

0:22:56 > 0:22:59If you just gently lower that into there...

0:23:00 > 0:23:04After the bacon has been immersed in the mixture for four days,

0:23:04 > 0:23:06it then gets placed in the smoke stove.

0:23:06 > 0:23:10- Wow.- There we go. Now, we're going to hang this in.

0:23:10 > 0:23:12Look at this, wow...

0:23:12 > 0:23:15So, those will be in there about 18 hours.

0:23:15 > 0:23:17What does it look like after the process has finished?

0:23:17 > 0:23:20You'll notice there's not a tremendous colour difference,

0:23:20 > 0:23:24because it already started off quite dark to start with.

0:23:24 > 0:23:27It has gone a bit darker, it's gone a bit firmer,

0:23:27 > 0:23:29we've lost a little bit more weight on that.

0:23:29 > 0:23:31I'd love to try some of that, it smells delicious.

0:23:31 > 0:23:32I'll just put this back,

0:23:32 > 0:23:35- and we'll go and have a taste. - Brilliant.- All right.

0:23:35 > 0:23:39This is an Aladdin's cave full of local food delicacies.

0:23:39 > 0:23:43So, it's a perfect pit-stop for travelling foodies.

0:23:44 > 0:23:45Dig in.

0:23:45 > 0:23:47Grab a fork.

0:23:47 > 0:23:50- Thank you very much. - It would be better with a fork,

0:23:50 > 0:23:53or just use your fingers, yeah. Proper manly.

0:23:53 > 0:23:55Conan the Barbarian, there!

0:23:55 > 0:23:58So, you can see the molasses has just darkened the edges,

0:23:58 > 0:24:01it'll give it quite a sort of sweet flavour.

0:24:01 > 0:24:04What's the verdict? Thumbs up?

0:24:04 > 0:24:05Excellent.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Some days are really hard, aren't they, love?- You're right, it is.

0:24:08 > 0:24:09SHE LAUGHS

0:24:13 > 0:24:15Makes me hungry!

0:24:15 > 0:24:19So, fed and watered, Linda and David head back to the cottage.

0:24:19 > 0:24:21On the way, they stop off in Stockton Heath

0:24:21 > 0:24:23just a few miles from where they're staying.

0:24:23 > 0:24:27It's only small, but it's full of all the amenities you need

0:24:27 > 0:24:28for an enjoyable getaway.

0:24:30 > 0:24:32And if you would like a home swap in this area,

0:24:32 > 0:24:35there is a wealth of property styles to suit every taste.

0:24:37 > 0:24:39Let's face it, we Brits just love our food,

0:24:39 > 0:24:42and no matter where you live or what time of the year it is,

0:24:42 > 0:24:44there's always plenty of choice.

0:24:44 > 0:24:47So, it's no wonder that home swappers sometimes like to show off

0:24:47 > 0:24:51the great range of local produce that's available in their area.

0:24:51 > 0:24:55But the question is, will it be to our guests' liking?

0:24:58 > 0:25:00Back in Coventry, it's dinner time.

0:25:00 > 0:25:02Peter and Phil are about to discover

0:25:02 > 0:25:05their locally inspired dish of the day.

0:25:05 > 0:25:07OK, time to look at the menu.

0:25:07 > 0:25:10Looks like we've got to have "a delicious pie

0:25:10 > 0:25:13"from the local pub's famous pie parlour served with potatoes,

0:25:13 > 0:25:15"seasonal vegetables from our allotment."

0:25:15 > 0:25:18So, they've got an allotment, which is nice.

0:25:18 > 0:25:21At least the menu has sparked their appetite, unlike the cooker.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24- IGNITION CLICKS - It's definitely not igniting.- No.

0:25:24 > 0:25:25It's not come on.

0:25:25 > 0:25:28Let's turn it all the way up.

0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Do you have to push the gas button in, as well?- Yes.

0:25:31 > 0:25:32It is, it's on now.

0:25:32 > 0:25:34So, yeah, it was push the button.

0:25:36 > 0:25:37Meanwhile in Cheshire,

0:25:37 > 0:25:42David and Linda have been left local bread, vegetables and meat.

0:25:42 > 0:25:45Marinated and prepped for a North West barbie.

0:25:45 > 0:25:50Linda, can you bring me a fork and a glass of red, please?

0:25:52 > 0:25:55Oh, a glass of red, that's a nice surprise!

0:25:55 > 0:25:58Anybody like to prick my sausages?

0:25:58 > 0:26:01I'm sure I could find somebody to do that for you, darling.

0:26:01 > 0:26:04You barbecuing is standing there drinking alcohol

0:26:04 > 0:26:07and staring at things burning as a rule.

0:26:09 > 0:26:11What we're going to do is put

0:26:11 > 0:26:14a big blob of Stilton on the top when we cook them,

0:26:14 > 0:26:18and it will go all over the pastry and get sticky.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23Oh, the sausages look good, lovey.

0:26:23 > 0:26:26They're nice and firm, aren't they?

0:26:26 > 0:26:28This is a good old job, David, for you.

0:26:28 > 0:26:32Normally, I don't let you near fire and sharp implements.

0:26:32 > 0:26:34Two-minute champagne break,

0:26:34 > 0:26:36and then everything should be cooked.

0:26:36 > 0:26:39- How's that sound?- Sounds good to me. - Go and sit down and have it, then.

0:26:39 > 0:26:42Oh, champagne! Somebody's living the high life!

0:26:46 > 0:26:48They look a bit delish.

0:26:48 > 0:26:51Did they say put Stilton on the pie, or did you just add that?

0:26:51 > 0:26:53No, it doesn't actually say put Stilton on the pie.

0:26:53 > 0:26:56It looks incredible, though. Looks really good.

0:26:56 > 0:26:58Very nice. Looking forward to that.

0:26:58 > 0:27:00- Do you want me to pass that over to you?- No, I'll manage.

0:27:00 > 0:27:03You can pass me a burger, if you want to mother me.

0:27:03 > 0:27:05I'd like to smother you, not mother you!

0:27:05 > 0:27:07I'm going to have some of this dipping sauce,

0:27:07 > 0:27:09but I won't dip anything because that's uncouth,

0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I'll just pour it on like that. - Bon appetit.

0:27:12 > 0:27:13Oh, bon appetit, senor.

0:27:13 > 0:27:16We could be in the Continent, couldn't we?

0:27:22 > 0:27:23What about the crust I've given you?

0:27:23 > 0:27:26The crust is sensational, actually.

0:27:26 > 0:27:29I've got to say, it's one of the nicest pies I've ever tasted,

0:27:29 > 0:27:31it's really, really gorgeous.

0:27:31 > 0:27:32So, cheers to ourselves...

0:27:32 > 0:27:34Cheers to ourselves.

0:27:34 > 0:27:36..and also to our kind hosts.

0:27:36 > 0:27:37Cheers.

0:27:42 > 0:27:44Peter and Phil from Cheshire

0:27:44 > 0:27:47have swapped their fashionable 15th century cottage

0:27:47 > 0:27:48with David and Linda,

0:27:48 > 0:27:50whose prize possession

0:27:50 > 0:27:52is their uniquely-styled narrow boat

0:27:52 > 0:27:53which is moored

0:27:53 > 0:27:54on the Coventry Canal.

0:27:56 > 0:28:01It's day three and our swappers are getting to know the neighbours.

0:28:01 > 0:28:04Feeding the ducks, there's eight turned up,

0:28:04 > 0:28:06and moorhens in the family.

0:28:06 > 0:28:09Now, they may well be bonding with the local wildlife,

0:28:09 > 0:28:12but the bed is turning into a battle ground.

0:28:12 > 0:28:16The neighbour asked us this morning, "Did you have a nice sleep?"

0:28:16 > 0:28:18And Pete says, "Oh, yeah, I slept really well again."

0:28:18 > 0:28:21Well, Peter's like this on the bed!

0:28:21 > 0:28:23Course he slept well! I'm at the edge, like this...

0:28:23 > 0:28:27The bed is so small...

0:28:27 > 0:28:29but apart from that...

0:28:29 > 0:28:31As they make the most of the outdoor space,

0:28:31 > 0:28:35Peter and Phil are about to discover what's in store today.

0:28:35 > 0:28:38But first, it's the all-important clue.

0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Oh...- OK, our clue is,

0:28:40 > 0:28:42"Air today gone tomorrow".

0:28:42 > 0:28:44OK, that sounds really exciting.

0:28:44 > 0:28:48I've always said I would never get in a light aircraft.

0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Let's get the envelope open.- OK...

0:28:55 > 0:28:59OK, "Coventry is famous for its aviation history.

0:28:59 > 0:29:02"So today you will be winging your way to a local air museum."

0:29:02 > 0:29:05OK, so we're not going up, then?

0:29:05 > 0:29:10- I'm sort of disappointed, actually. - You wanted to go up in the air?

0:29:10 > 0:29:11OK, but a local air museum,

0:29:11 > 0:29:14that will be interesting. Yeah, very nice.

0:29:17 > 0:29:19The Midland Air Museum in Baginton

0:29:19 > 0:29:22celebrates the area's aviation heritage,

0:29:22 > 0:29:24and Pete and Phil have jetted in

0:29:24 > 0:29:28to meet up with the museum's curator Barry James.

0:29:28 > 0:29:31We all travel today, we go around the world in jet aircraft.

0:29:31 > 0:29:35It all stemmed from them early workings in the '20s and '30s,

0:29:35 > 0:29:37that led us to have Comet Airliner

0:29:37 > 0:29:40and where we are now with the Airbus-380,

0:29:40 > 0:29:43where people travel all over the world.

0:29:43 > 0:29:46The pioneer of the jet engine that revolutionised air travel

0:29:46 > 0:29:50is Sir Frank Whittle, one of Coventry's famous sons.

0:29:50 > 0:29:53His designs have influenced all the aircraft on show here.

0:29:53 > 0:29:58So, around us here you'll see some unique aircraft like the Hunter,

0:29:58 > 0:30:01the Seahawk, the Javelin, the Meteor -

0:30:01 > 0:30:04all built in Baginton by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Company,

0:30:04 > 0:30:07but all part of the Hawker Siddeley group.

0:30:08 > 0:30:12But our swappers have their eyes on a more relaxing ride.

0:30:12 > 0:30:14A CMC Leopard from the 1980s.

0:30:20 > 0:30:22Oh, lovely. Look how low it gets!

0:30:22 > 0:30:24Nice, if you're passenger.

0:30:24 > 0:30:28You would have great views because it's all glass.

0:30:29 > 0:30:33The passengers have a bit of a more luxury trip at the back, don't they?

0:30:33 > 0:30:35They are paying a lot more than you!

0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Yeah. - HE LAUGHS

0:30:39 > 0:30:42This great museum doesn't cost the earth.

0:30:42 > 0:30:46They have special open-cockpit days with an additional number of planes.

0:30:46 > 0:30:48And if you're lucky, you might even get the chance

0:30:48 > 0:30:50to sit in some of the aircraft.

0:30:50 > 0:30:55One of the planes that dominates the museum is the Argosy.

0:30:55 > 0:30:57It's a roll-on-roll-off freight aircraft

0:30:57 > 0:31:01which was used to transport everything from food to horses.

0:31:02 > 0:31:04Oh, it's really good up here.

0:31:04 > 0:31:07You've got a great view right across the museum and the airfield.

0:31:07 > 0:31:09I've always fancied going into a cockpit.

0:31:09 > 0:31:11It's actually quite a thrill to be here today.

0:31:11 > 0:31:15Incredibly complicated, though, I'm interested to know

0:31:15 > 0:31:17if it's actually still as complicated today.

0:31:17 > 0:31:21It just seems an awful lot of bells and switches and levers.

0:31:21 > 0:31:23This would have been designed in the mid-'50s -

0:31:23 > 0:31:25of its day, it was cutting-edge.

0:31:25 > 0:31:29Would a modern-day pilot be quite daunted by seeing all of this?

0:31:29 > 0:31:31A modern-day pilot can't believe it!

0:31:31 > 0:31:33It's so primitive as far as they're concerned,

0:31:33 > 0:31:37because the planes they're flying nowadays are just nothing like this.

0:31:47 > 0:31:51When visiting a new area, most of us can't resist having a quick peek

0:31:51 > 0:31:55in the local estate agent's window. And our couples are just the same.

0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Here's an estate agent.- Let's see what it costs to live around here.

0:31:58 > 0:32:01I think it's a little bit cheaper.

0:32:01 > 0:32:04Where David and Linda are staying, around West Cheshire and Chester,

0:32:04 > 0:32:08a typical detached home is around £240,000,

0:32:08 > 0:32:12a semi would cost you about £130,000,

0:32:12 > 0:32:16and a terrace would be towards £100,000.

0:32:16 > 0:32:21This one's a bit more our price range. Those prices are very good.

0:32:21 > 0:32:23- That's nice 1.25 million.- Yeah.

0:32:23 > 0:32:26I'm pleasantly surprised, actually.

0:32:26 > 0:32:28I'm surprised by the prices.

0:32:28 > 0:32:31- Some of them are quite expensive for what they are.- Yeah.

0:32:31 > 0:32:33In Coventry and the surrounding area,

0:32:33 > 0:32:37the average detached house price is about £260,000,

0:32:37 > 0:32:41a semi will set you back about £140,000

0:32:41 > 0:32:44and a terrace around £100,000.

0:32:44 > 0:32:48Oh, look there's a little bungalow there that I could retire into.

0:32:48 > 0:32:52It looks like an old people's bungalow. We could afford it.

0:32:52 > 0:32:56- Well, we live in a long, thin bungalow that moves.- I suppose so.

0:32:59 > 0:33:02Back in their cottage, David and Linda are about to discover

0:33:02 > 0:33:06where they'll be heading for their next day out in the local area.

0:33:06 > 0:33:08But not before that clue.

0:33:08 > 0:33:10"Hot to trot."

0:33:10 > 0:33:14The first thing that pops into my head for trot is horses.

0:33:14 > 0:33:17Say it quick, it sounds different. "Hot-to-trot", "hot-to-trot".

0:33:17 > 0:33:20It could be a rare African tribe.

0:33:20 > 0:33:21The Hot-to-trots.

0:33:21 > 0:33:24Go on, David, just open it. Put me out of my misery.

0:33:26 > 0:33:28- Oh, wow.- "Today you will be getting up close

0:33:28 > 0:33:31"to some of Cheshire's prize-winning Shire horses..."

0:33:31 > 0:33:33- I was right - horses.- Excellent!

0:33:33 > 0:33:35"Broad of back and don't move very fast..."

0:33:35 > 0:33:37- That'll about do me. - Sounds like my son.

0:33:40 > 0:33:42- Bring it on.- Bring it on.

0:33:44 > 0:33:48Set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside,

0:33:48 > 0:33:51Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Countryside Park

0:33:51 > 0:33:53offers everything for the perfect day out.

0:33:55 > 0:33:59It's home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire horse stud

0:33:59 > 0:34:01and this farm has been breeding

0:34:01 > 0:34:04prize-winning Shires for over 40 years.

0:34:04 > 0:34:06Alistair King is owner of the centre

0:34:06 > 0:34:11and is going to introduce David and Linda to their main attraction.

0:34:11 > 0:34:12This is Moorfield Edward.

0:34:12 > 0:34:17He's our senior stallion and Edward is 22 years old.

0:34:17 > 0:34:19That is a massive age for a Shire horse,

0:34:19 > 0:34:22there isn't many live much past 20.

0:34:22 > 0:34:25He's a little bit on the slim side at the moment

0:34:25 > 0:34:28but that's because we're right at the end

0:34:28 > 0:34:33- of the breeding season for horses now.- And he's worn out.- He's tired.

0:34:33 > 0:34:35Well, he has had a lot of girlfriends.

0:34:35 > 0:34:37He frequently has up to three a day,

0:34:37 > 0:34:42which is not bad for somebody who is the equivalent of 85 years of age.

0:34:42 > 0:34:45- There's hope for us all, love. - Probably what keeps him going.

0:34:45 > 0:34:47ALL LAUGH

0:34:47 > 0:34:50I'll say! Well, the Shire horse is the largest breed in the world

0:34:50 > 0:34:53and plays a major part in our history.

0:34:53 > 0:34:56Not only were they used to pull narrow boats and carts,

0:34:56 > 0:34:57but during World War I,

0:34:57 > 0:35:01a million Shires went off to the battlefields to haul large guns

0:35:01 > 0:35:03and ammunition wagons.

0:35:03 > 0:35:07Sadly, less than 70,000 of them returned safely.

0:35:07 > 0:35:10Nowadays, Shire horses are mainly just for show,

0:35:10 > 0:35:13meaning they have to look their best at all times.

0:35:13 > 0:35:15If you slide down here past me...

0:35:17 > 0:35:20- This is where we get friendly, Dave. - Don't look worried, lovey.

0:35:20 > 0:35:22No, it's me that's looking worried.

0:35:22 > 0:35:25Put your hand underneath and trap it with your thumb.

0:35:25 > 0:35:26Keep this out of the way.

0:35:26 > 0:35:29You want a lock of hair from here...

0:35:29 > 0:35:32She knows there's a stranger doing it.

0:35:32 > 0:35:35She knows there's an incompetent doing it!

0:35:35 > 0:35:38Put it over there and lock it with your thumb.

0:35:38 > 0:35:40That's the one, well done.

0:35:40 > 0:35:42Lock of hair out...

0:35:42 > 0:35:44Trap it with your...with that thumb.

0:35:44 > 0:35:46That's it and bring the yellow one over.

0:35:46 > 0:35:48There you go! You're away.

0:35:48 > 0:35:50You've got to come down here a bit.

0:35:50 > 0:35:53There you go, you're on your own now.

0:35:53 > 0:35:55Where are you going for your holidays this year?

0:35:55 > 0:35:57ALL LAUGH

0:35:57 > 0:36:00Alistair then demonstrates how to stand out from the crowd.

0:36:02 > 0:36:07Oh, wow! You can almost feel the ground shake, can't you?

0:36:07 > 0:36:10EDWARD WHINNIES

0:36:15 > 0:36:18Back in Coventry, the day is drawing to a close

0:36:18 > 0:36:20and after bobbing around for a while,

0:36:20 > 0:36:23has the water allowed Pete and Phil to work out

0:36:23 > 0:36:26who might live on a boat like this?

0:36:26 > 0:36:31I would think they are around about the mid-to-late 50s.

0:36:31 > 0:36:33If they are working, I would've said

0:36:33 > 0:36:37they were doing maybe charity work or helping people.

0:36:37 > 0:36:39We think they travel quite a bit. There's a big map in there.

0:36:39 > 0:36:44A huge atlas map. I think they like sort of spicyish food.

0:36:44 > 0:36:48There's a fridge magnet with a Jamaican man on.

0:36:48 > 0:36:50So, I bet you they like...

0:36:50 > 0:36:53Some of the cookbooks are on the chilli side.

0:36:53 > 0:36:56I reckon the people that live here are...

0:36:56 > 0:36:58Late 30s and early 40s.

0:36:58 > 0:37:00They've got to be something to do with interior design

0:37:00 > 0:37:04- or design something...- Oh, I don't know...- I don't know.

0:37:04 > 0:37:07There's a lot of books on interior design

0:37:07 > 0:37:11- so they're good amateurs, I think. - No, I think they're professionals.

0:37:12 > 0:37:16I've come to the conclusion that there's no lady lives in this house.

0:37:16 > 0:37:17No dressing table in the bedroom,

0:37:17 > 0:37:20there is no cotton balls, there's no hair grips.

0:37:20 > 0:37:24I think they're gentle souls, but I think they're two men.

0:37:24 > 0:37:26Well done, Sherlock.

0:37:26 > 0:37:28It's their last evening in the cottage,

0:37:28 > 0:37:31and while David makes the most of the garden...

0:37:31 > 0:37:32I could feel quite at home here.

0:37:32 > 0:37:34..Linda has a treat.

0:37:34 > 0:37:37This is a stunning bath.

0:37:37 > 0:37:39Just stretch out in a nice, big bath.

0:37:42 > 0:37:45All I need now is Johnny Depp! SHE GIGGLES

0:37:51 > 0:37:53The final day of the home swap.

0:37:53 > 0:37:56In Cheshire, David and Linda are savouring

0:37:56 > 0:37:58their remaining hours in the cottage.

0:37:58 > 0:38:01It's been brilliant. It's been very nice. We really enjoyed it.

0:38:01 > 0:38:04- We really pampered ourselves but... - ..there's no place like home.

0:38:04 > 0:38:09- There's no place like home. - We're a long way from Kansas.

0:38:09 > 0:38:10Bye, big bed.

0:38:10 > 0:38:12Goodbye, big bed.

0:38:13 > 0:38:16Meanwhile, in Coventry, it's raining.

0:38:17 > 0:38:20This is the reason we hated a canal boat holiday, the rain.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24Yeah, it's interesting. It makes the place feel much smaller,

0:38:24 > 0:38:26because you know you're confined.

0:38:26 > 0:38:30You're stuck inside and it's quite a depressing thought, isn't it?

0:38:30 > 0:38:33I don't know how people live like this.

0:38:34 > 0:38:39It's like being in a wooden prison cell with a few mod cons.

0:38:39 > 0:38:41As well as giving you a change of scenery,

0:38:41 > 0:38:44home swapping also saves money.

0:38:44 > 0:38:47In the Higher Whitley area of Cheshire,

0:38:47 > 0:38:52a good quality B&B would cost you around £250 for a three-night stay.

0:38:52 > 0:38:54While in the Coventry area of Warwickshire,

0:38:54 > 0:39:00a similar experience in a local B&B would set you back around £240.

0:39:04 > 0:39:06If you handed over the keys of your house to someone

0:39:06 > 0:39:08that you had never ever met,

0:39:08 > 0:39:10wouldn't you want to know what they thought of it?

0:39:10 > 0:39:13Of course you would, you wouldn't be human otherwise.

0:39:13 > 0:39:16Well, we're giving our swappers a chance to find out.

0:39:16 > 0:39:19But will they like everything they hear?

0:39:19 > 0:39:22First up, David and Linda meet Pete and Phil.

0:39:22 > 0:39:25Hi, I'm Pete, I'm 44, and this is my partner.

0:39:25 > 0:39:27I'm Philip, I'm 47.

0:39:27 > 0:39:30We got the ages right.

0:39:30 > 0:39:32We do property rental,

0:39:32 > 0:39:35we also do property development

0:39:35 > 0:39:39and we are into interior design, also.

0:39:39 > 0:39:41- I got that. I got the interior design.- You got all that.

0:39:41 > 0:39:45OK, please tell me it's not a canal barge.

0:39:45 > 0:39:47SHE LAUGHS

0:39:47 > 0:39:51We guessed there was no women living in the house within the first evening.

0:39:51 > 0:39:53There was a lack of a feminine touch, there was a lack of...

0:39:53 > 0:39:56There wasn't a lack of a feminine touch, lovey,

0:39:56 > 0:39:57there was a lack of female toiletries,

0:39:57 > 0:39:59there was lots of feminine touches.

0:39:59 > 0:40:02It might be a lock keeper's cottage just around the corner.

0:40:02 > 0:40:04Keep your fingers crossed now quick.

0:40:04 > 0:40:05- Oh, dear.- Oh, God.

0:40:07 > 0:40:10OK, it's a canal barge.

0:40:10 > 0:40:12Oh!

0:40:12 > 0:40:14I'm feeling awful.

0:40:14 > 0:40:18Right, Coventry, and a canal barge! Lovely!

0:40:18 > 0:40:20Right, we'll prepare for the unexpected, then,

0:40:20 > 0:40:22- I think that's the best thing.- Yes.

0:40:22 > 0:40:26I don't mind as long as they don't look down on our way of life.

0:40:26 > 0:40:29It's not pristine, is it? It's a little bit unkept.

0:40:29 > 0:40:31That's a little bit disappointing.

0:40:31 > 0:40:33It's not a massive garden to look after.

0:40:33 > 0:40:35This could be so much better.

0:40:35 > 0:40:40I'm really disappointed and a bit upset, really. It's very negative.

0:40:40 > 0:40:42It's not poky. It's not poky at all.

0:40:42 > 0:40:43It's actually quite a nice size.

0:40:43 > 0:40:46I'm six foot two and I can stand up nicely without banging my head.

0:40:46 > 0:40:49They're being a bit more positive now.

0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Right, should we explore the kitchen?- Yes, let's go see.

0:40:52 > 0:40:54I think the kitchen is quite workable

0:40:54 > 0:40:57and you could have quite a nice experience in this kitchen.

0:40:57 > 0:41:00You know they're beginning to realise

0:41:00 > 0:41:02there's limitations to living on a boat.

0:41:02 > 0:41:06It's nice. This is quite a comfy bed by the feel of it.

0:41:06 > 0:41:10- Ah, less wood! Painted ceiling! Much better.- Yeah, much nicer.

0:41:10 > 0:41:13I don't know how both of them are going to fit in that bed!

0:41:13 > 0:41:16SHE LAUGHS

0:41:16 > 0:41:18Back in Cheshire,

0:41:18 > 0:41:21Peter and Phil are about to meet their fellow home-swappers.

0:41:21 > 0:41:24- Hello, my name is Dave. - Hi, I'm Linda.

0:41:24 > 0:41:28I'm 64 years of age and an engineer.

0:41:28 > 0:41:30I'm 53.

0:41:30 > 0:41:34We said mid-50s, didn't we? So, he's a little bit older.

0:41:34 > 0:41:37It's a nice house. It's a bit jigsaw-puzzle.

0:41:37 > 0:41:40- Yeah, you mean chocolate-box... - Chocolate-box? Is that it?

0:41:40 > 0:41:43Jigsaw-puzzle, chocolate-box - different.

0:41:43 > 0:41:45Well, it's certainly different to our boat.

0:41:45 > 0:41:48I hope they enjoy our boat as much as I think we will enjoy this.

0:41:48 > 0:41:52I think they will if they like all this sort of Eastern...

0:41:52 > 0:41:55It's all about whatchamacallit, yin and yang, and all that.

0:41:55 > 0:41:59Aw-w, he seems a little bit stumped by it, in a way.

0:41:59 > 0:42:01He's not sure what to say.

0:42:01 > 0:42:03The lady seems a lot more vocal and pleased with it.

0:42:03 > 0:42:06- This is your room, Linda.- Wow! Wow!

0:42:06 > 0:42:10This is the sort of kitchen you've always wanted.

0:42:10 > 0:42:11Oh! Look at this!

0:42:11 > 0:42:13All this work space

0:42:13 > 0:42:16cupboards, proper drain...dishwasher!

0:42:16 > 0:42:19And that's the biggest contrast, isn't it?

0:42:19 > 0:42:21Have you seen the size of that fridge?

0:42:22 > 0:42:26Yeah, our fridge is bigger than their kitchen.

0:42:26 > 0:42:30If I'd say anything, how can I put it, it doesn't look lived in.

0:42:30 > 0:42:33- That's a good point. - I think it does.

0:42:33 > 0:42:34I think it does feel lived in.

0:42:34 > 0:42:37We want to make it look as good as possible for their arrival

0:42:37 > 0:42:40so we did spend a bit of time on it.

0:42:40 > 0:42:43- It's beautiful.- It's beautiful. - Somebody's obviously got style.

0:42:43 > 0:42:46- It has been an experience! - It has been.

0:42:46 > 0:42:49And they've got the better experience, but that is fine.

0:42:49 > 0:42:51So, what have the couples made of their journey

0:42:51 > 0:42:53into the world of home-swapping?

0:42:53 > 0:42:55We don't really worry about

0:42:55 > 0:42:59what people think about our lifestyle, and we're happy,

0:42:59 > 0:43:03- and that's all that matters. - Mostly happy, aren't we?- We are.

0:43:04 > 0:43:06And what about Pete and Phil?

0:43:07 > 0:43:09We would absolutely do a home swap again.

0:43:09 > 0:43:13The whole concept and idea of it is a fantastic one.

0:43:13 > 0:43:15I think it's a really good opportunity

0:43:15 > 0:43:18to experience other properties in your own country.

0:43:18 > 0:43:20So, there's lots and lots of pluses.