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.