0:00:02 > 0:00:03- Wow!- We're going to live on a ship!
0:00:03 > 0:00:07Families from across Britain are about to try home-swapping.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10We'll leave that on the dining room table.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Who's driving?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15They don't know each other and have no idea yet
0:00:15 > 0:00:19where they will be calling home for the next three days.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- God, it looks lovely. - Oh, this is amazing! Ha-ha-ha!
0:00:24 > 0:00:26At least it's not a tent.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30Each family will have to suggest local places
0:00:30 > 0:00:34for their home-swappers to visit, as well as a favourite restaurant.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- Cheers.- Cheers! - I'm absolutely speechless.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42And they will be scoring each other on the location, the day out
0:00:42 > 0:00:44and their temporary home.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I'd say eight out of ten is fair.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Only on their return, will they get to see who has
0:00:50 > 0:00:51been living in their house...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Are you feeling a bit outraged? - I'm... Yeah.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56The hackles are rising.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00..and find out who has provided the best home-swapping experience.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Argh!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- Oh, wow!- Oh! Ha-ha!
0:01:11 > 0:01:14We are starting off by the river today, in the village of Shepperton
0:01:14 > 0:01:16in Surrey.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Our first home-swappers are Lisa and Michael.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21They have been together for three years and are trying to have
0:01:21 > 0:01:26a slice of The Good Life, growing veg and even sharing their garden
0:01:26 > 0:01:28with some feathered friends.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Here are our wonderful chickens! - Here they are.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- They have all got names. - Speckles, Monty,
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- Bluebell, John and Keith. - We do get foxes in our garden here,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44so that is why we have it looking a bit like Stalag Luft 44.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48So, where do our amateur farmers call home sweet home?
0:01:48 > 0:01:52A cosy smallholding or a rustic farmhouse, perhaps?
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It's a classical, three-storey,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Georgian detached home. It was originally built
0:01:59 > 0:02:01back in Tudor times.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04It has got Georgian additions.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05Yes, you heard right.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10They bought this modest little six-bedroom manor house in Shepperton
0:02:10 > 0:02:14a year and a half ago and have painstakingly restored it
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- to its former glory. - I think the style of the house
0:02:18 > 0:02:21is country-classic, with a modern twist.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25It may have luxuries, like a pool,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28but the house also has period features at every turn,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32steeped in history. It is even said to have been a love-nest
0:02:32 > 0:02:34for Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Our modern lovebirds have their favourite corners.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44All my mates up in Yorkshire, they really do take the mickey out of me,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47cos they have got sheds that they call their man-cave
0:02:47 > 0:02:50and I have got a library, which is very unusual, obviously,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53for anybody, let alone a boy from Barnsley.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59Yorkshiremen are like, erm, the British version of a Texan, OK?!
0:02:59 > 0:03:04So, we are bigger, better, brasher, louder. We eat more, we drink more.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07So, I am very proud of my Yorkshire roots.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10And while businessman Michael is in his man-cave,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16professional musician Lisa has her very own space to perform.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It's like a mini Albert Hall.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23But this historic Georgian pad
0:03:23 > 0:03:25also has a dark side.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- We had several apparitions.- Yeah.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31We had poltergeists moving things about.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37We got a proper exorcist in and he came and he got rid of them.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39So, we have still got, now,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42a crucifix above this door.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Nothing has happened since... - No.- ..we're delighted to say.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52Spooky! Let's hope their guests don't have any unwanted visitors.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Lisa and Michael have never home-swapped before,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59but having travelled around the world with their careers,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02they are keen to explore some new places in Britain.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Any guesses? Erm...a windmill in Norfolk.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I'm thinking
0:04:08 > 0:04:11uber-contemporary, very white,
0:04:11 > 0:04:12Kent coast?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Are you going to tell us? Please? I'm dying to know.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Patience, patience!
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Our next home-swappers are Mark and Yvonne,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25who live in a thatched cottage in the pretty canal-side village
0:04:25 > 0:04:27of Crick in Northamptonshire.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32Both now retired, they have been married for nearly 35 years
0:04:32 > 0:04:35and have spent 20 of those living in this Grade II listed home.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41Well, the quirks of this house are low ceilings and low walkways.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43This one has caught many people over the years,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46with its low beams. We are OK with it now,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49but most people have cracked their head on this many, many times,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53especially after an evening's entertaining, shall we say!
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Yvonne is a keen seamstress
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and Mark used to work in the construction industry,
0:04:58 > 0:05:03so they both had a very hands-on role in creating this family home.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07We love our home. It is a bit quirky, it is a bit different,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09which is what we like. We like character properties.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12It is all different levels. No wall is straight. You start to paint
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and the plaster falls off, but that is the way it is, isn't it?
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- It is unique. - Apart from the one next door.- Yes!
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Yes, we'll gloss over that one.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24When it comes to the decor, the couple has tried to keep it
0:05:24 > 0:05:28light and bright, rather than chintzy or fussy.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32This is one of our guest bedrooms. It is done out in...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- What would you call it, Yvonne? - Eau de nil.- Eau de nil.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39But it is a nice comfortable bright room. Again, we have tried
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- to keep it bright and airy, haven't we?- Yeah.- Light. Cobweb?
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- That's it.- Don't worry, Yvonne. No-one noticed.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51The house also has plenty of outside space.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54And what is no country cottage garden complete without?
0:05:58 > 0:05:59A hot tub.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- On a day like today, wonderful. - Beautiful.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06You didn't want it, but I have to say, after you play tennis,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- you think it's fantastic.- It is. You can sit on a very clear night
0:06:09 > 0:06:13and watch the stars and feel very cocooned, don't you? So, it's nice.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18Our hot-tubbers have never swapped homes before, but friends of theirs
0:06:18 > 0:06:20are big fans, so they are keen to give it a try.
0:06:20 > 0:06:26I'd like to go somewhere we could experience something different.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31So, maybe, a castle or something, where you can dress up in armour
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- or what have you and do a bit of jousting. That would be fun.- Yes!
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Well, all will soon be revealed.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- What about these jeans?- They'll do.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Now, of course, most home-swappers would know where they were going
0:06:42 > 0:06:45before they set off, but our very trusting couples
0:06:45 > 0:06:47have left that up to us,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50which makes for a magical mystery tour.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Quite difficult, especially for a lady. Don't know what to pack.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Now, if you are a pet owner, one of the benefits of home-swapping
0:06:57 > 0:07:01can be having your furry or feathered friends cared for
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- in their own home. - Roxy's food and Roxy's water.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Just make sure you OK it with your guests first.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11OK, now it's time to spill the beans.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12Ooh-ooh-ooh!
0:07:12 > 0:07:13For Mark and Yvonne,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15it's a trip to sunny Surrey.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- Oh!- Great. Surrey. Fantastic.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18Yeah, that's great.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- The River Thames runs through Surrey, as well, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22Ah, the river!
0:07:22 > 0:07:25That will be interesting to see if we are anywhere near the river.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Now it is Lisa and Michael's turn.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Actually, you know what, I am quite excited.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33And they are off to Northamptonshire.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Oh.- Oh!
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- There are some lovely places in Northamptonshire.- I was going
0:07:39 > 0:07:42to say, there are a lot of historic buildings in Northamptonshire.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47So, with their destinations revealed, our eager swappers
0:07:47 > 0:07:50hand over their homes and hit the road.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Michael and Lisa are heading 98 miles north,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01to the pretty village of Crick, in west Northamptonshire.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It is set in the rolling countryside, offering a quiet, rural life,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08but with great transport links, being just a stone's throw from the M1.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13The county of Northamptonshire is in the heart of England.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Home to many historic churches and stately homes,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20it is often known as "the county of spires and squires".
0:08:22 > 0:08:26It has a rich heritage for boot and shoe making,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28with more than 900 years in the industry.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32And the county is also home to the famous Silverstone race circuit,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36which has more than one million visitors a year.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39So, if you are a petrolhead, be sure to pay it a visit.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44If life in the slow lane is more your thing, then there are plenty
0:08:44 > 0:08:46of pretty villages to explore,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49filled with stone cottages and thatched roofs. The village of Crick
0:08:49 > 0:08:53has a population of just 2,000 and now, Lisa and Michael
0:08:53 > 0:08:58are about to get their first glimpse of their rural retreat.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Gosh, what a beautiful garden! Wow!
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Oh, honey, honey, honey, honey. Look at that.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Oh!- God, it's fantastic. It's lovely stone, isn't it?
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- It's beautiful.- My expectations were set at a caravan in Scunthorpe.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Yes!- So, this is a really good result.- Amazing.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29100 miles south, Mark and Yvonne are winging their way to their new pad
0:09:29 > 0:09:31in Shepperton, in the northern tip of Surrey.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34This county lies to the southwest of London,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37but its pretty villages, bustling market towns
0:09:37 > 0:09:42and rolling countryside mean it feels a world away from city living.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46It is home to the magnificent Hampton Court Palace,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50historic gardens, at Kew and Wisley, and the lovely Surrey Hills,
0:09:50 > 0:09:56officially one of England's 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00With a population of around 10,000, Shepperton is surrounded
0:10:00 > 0:10:02by reservoirs and locks.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07The world-famous Royal River Thames powers through the very heart
0:10:07 > 0:10:09of the village, where Mark and Yvonne
0:10:09 > 0:10:12are about to arrive at their home away from home.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Wow!- This looks good, doesn't it? - Wow.- Look at that.- Look at this!
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- This looks...- Fantastic.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Looks nice, doesn't it? - It really does.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Nice colour of brickwork, as well. - I wonder how old it is.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Georgian, I would guess. - Yes, it looks like it probably is.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Some lovely rooms, as well, by the looks of it.- Is it?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Ooh, let me have a look.- Very smart.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- It's fabulous. - Well, don't dally. Get inside!
0:10:41 > 0:10:42Look at that!
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- It is fabulous, isn't it? - Useful, yep.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And where best to start their tour than the kitchen -
0:10:48 > 0:10:50the heart of the home?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53This is stunningly beautiful, isn't it? It's amazing.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- Look at that. A swimming pool, as well. Fantastic.- Look at that!
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Imagine when you open these doors overlooking the swimming pool, Mark.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- That's nice.- Oh, look. "Welcome. We wish you a wonderful stay
0:11:06 > 0:11:10"in our home. Champagne in the fridge door is for you."
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- How wonderful.- Very nice. That's very generous of them.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14Thank you very much.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Oh, look, here, as well. Here is the home-swappers' manual.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Both our sets of home-owners have written a manual,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23to help their guests find their way around the house.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It is an important part of home-swapping,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28as it explains the quirks that most houses have,
0:11:28 > 0:11:33as well as tips and recommendations on the local area.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37"Hello, and we wish you a warm welcome to our home.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39"Our house is brimming with history.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43"Built in 1650, it has had some VIP guests over the centuries."
0:11:43 > 0:11:45That's interesting. We'll have to find out who.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48"We hope you have a lovely and comfortable stay here."
0:11:48 > 0:11:49I think we will.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54So, manual in hand, our couple sets off to explore the house.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Let's just hope they are not easily spooked.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01"The house was haunted."
0:12:01 > 0:12:02DRAMATIC MUSIC
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Ooh.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07"We saw apparitions and heard noises.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12"We had to have the house exorcised three times, but we are pretty sure
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- "it's not haunted any more." - Let's hope not.- Eugh!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Three times, though! By Jove, that's a lot.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- It is our favourite film, as well, Ghostbusters, so...- Yours!
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I have just noticed, look, there is a cross above the door, there.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Yes, I did notice that, actually, on the way in.- Did you?- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- Do you think it feels colder because it was haunted here?- No.- OK.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Up in Northamptonshire, Lisa and Michael
0:12:34 > 0:12:38are entering their rural village house for the first time.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Oh, it's SO beautiful! - Oh, look at this!
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Oh, it's gorgeous!
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Darling, there is a bottle of wine.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Oh, right, what's this?- What's this?
0:12:49 > 0:12:52"The Home-Swappers' Manual, Crick, Northamptonshire.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55"Hello and welcome to our home.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57"This is a Grade II listed..."
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- Oh, yeah.- "..17th-century thatched cottage, which we understand
0:13:02 > 0:13:05"might have once been the cattle shed or maybe even the pig sty..."
0:13:05 > 0:13:07SHE LAUGHS
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- "..to the main farmhouse next door." - Lucky pigs, eh?!
0:13:10 > 0:13:12"Beware, there are low doorways.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15"We hope you don't bang your head too often,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19"especially if you have enjoyed a glass of our home-made damson gin"!
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I can imagine myself settling in here with a glass of wine
0:13:24 > 0:13:26and a book
0:13:26 > 0:13:27in about...half an hour.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Well, this is sounding good.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35In Shepperton, Mark and Yvonne are keen to see where
0:13:35 > 0:13:38they will be sleeping tonight.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Wow!- Stunning, isn't it? - It looks fabulous.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Another reference to a violin. - Definitely a musician. Somebody is.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Oh, they are good, these two.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Also looking for clues about their hosts,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Lisa and Michael are leaving no door unopened in Crick.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Oh! You can tell a lot about a man by his toilet.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Look at this. This is the original old wall, look.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Oh, it's gorgeous. - This is the original house wall.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Look at that.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I think Mark and Yvonne really,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- really care about historic buildings.- Yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- So, I think that we're kind of cut from the same cloth, really.- Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19It's fantastic.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- Yeah. - Darling, come out of the toilet.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Yes, there's plenty more to see than the downstairs loo.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30In Shepperton, Mark and Yvonne are checking out the grounds.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Wow, it's a big pool, isn't it?
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- It is a big pool.- It's huge.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Shall we go and find the chickens, shall we?- Yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- There they are.- Oh, there they are.- See what we need to do.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Have we got some instructions? - We've got instructions.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44"At night-time, ensure chicken hut door is closed
0:14:44 > 0:14:47"and locked, and put the electric current on."
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Here, chicky, chicky!
0:14:50 > 0:14:52COCKEREL CROWS
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Come on, chicky. In you go.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Feels like something out of The Good Life, here.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00I told her to go in when they were all in.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Come on, in you go. That's it. All in now?
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- Yeah, they're all here now. - COCKEREL CROWS
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Now, be good.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11And now, to arm the coop against foxes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14"Simply clip on the red clip from the black battery."
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Clip it on there.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's got to be that, is it?
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Yeah, there we go.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Up in Northamptonshire, Lisa and Michael have spotted the hot tub.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Well, it's plugged in.- Yeah.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- That's it.- Oh, yes, in there later.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Can't wait for that.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Oh, they've got a TV in here.- Oh.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40This is obviously his man-cave.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44I think the lady of the house takes great pride,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47just from a little, tiny bit I've seen, it looks,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50it looks really loved and well cared for.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54House tours over, our guests can make themselves at home.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Right, let's get unpacked.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Whoa!- Thank you.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02It's bubbles on the terrace in Shepperton.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Salute.- Salute.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08And a different type of bubbles in Crick.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Next morning, the sun's shining,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21and our swappers are waking up in their homes away from home.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Lisa and Michael are in the rural Northamptonshire cottage,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28while for Mark and Yvonne, it's the Georgian manor house in Surrey,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32but it seems they're struggling with life in the suburbs.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34We do get traffic past our property,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37but I think this was just a bit earlier than we normally hear it
0:16:37 > 0:16:40in Crick, which is probably one of the reasons
0:16:40 > 0:16:42why I woke a bit earlier.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45The noise was quite loud, wasn't it?
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Like now, you can hear it going past.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49But the big question is,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53whether they had any unexpected visitors in the night.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56There were no poltergeists or apparitions, or...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59They're probably a little bit tired after a long day themselves.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02It would have been nice to have heard a clunk or something,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- wouldn't it? But... - What are you trying to say?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09We've not heard a clunk in the night for a long time, I tell you.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Moving swiftly on...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Up in Northamptonshire,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Lisa and Michael have been enjoying the peace and quiet.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- We slept brilliantly, didn't we? - Yeah.- It was lovely. No noise.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24A very comfortable bed, so very cosy.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28My head's slightly flatter than it was this time yesterday.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31The doorways are quite low,
0:17:31 > 0:17:36so that's where my point of impact has been, quite frankly.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Home swapping is a great way to suss out a new holiday spot,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42or even test-drive a place to live.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Our hosts have each left their guests some special local info
0:17:46 > 0:17:47to help them find their feet.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51So, armed with their insider know-how,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53our two sets of swappers head out to explore.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00For Mark and Yvonne, it's the pretty village of Shepperton,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03just 15 miles southwest of London.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07It's right on the River Thames, and surrounded by water,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09so a great place to visit if you fancy
0:18:09 > 0:18:14trying your hand at sailing, windsurfing, or even lake swimming.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17The locals are very proud of their area.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20There's quite a lot of nice walks around by the canals,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22and the rivers as well,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25so that's a nice attraction for people to come to. It's very pretty.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27There's lots of greenery. Even though you are in London,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29you don't really feel like you're in London.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31It's like a little village, really.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34It's not all ducks and dinghies, though,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36as Shepperton is also home to the famous film studios.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40The village itself is jam-packed with historic buildings.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44There's a bustling high street, and strong local spirit.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47The community feel in Shepperton, I think, pure and simple,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49is down to the way that people are around here.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52They seem to be willing to help one another and get on with one another.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54There's a lot of local businesses still.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58There's still a few butchers in the area. There's no huge supermarkets.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Lots of little shops and convenience stores,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03so I think it does have a more of a together feeling.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07And one of those local shops is an award-winning family butcher's.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12They champion local produce, so Mark and Yvonne are keen to take a look.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Morning.- Morning.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- We're looking for something for lunch.- Lunch?
0:19:16 > 0:19:17What can you recommend?
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I've got some sausage rolls that I can get a sample for you.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Sausage rolls, your favourite. - Sausage rolls.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- How did he know that? - Oh, look at that!
0:19:26 > 0:19:27- There you go.- This looks fantastic.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Thank you. Wow.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- The pastry's fantastic. - Mmm, lovely, crispy pastry, yeah.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Half a dozen of them.- Half a dozen?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- Have you got friends coming round? - That's right.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41If we're looking for somewhere for a picnic, where would be nice to go?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44If you head down to the river, so you can sit on the riverside.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- That'd be nice. Thanks for that. Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- You got everything there?- Well, enjoy your afternoon in the sun.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- That's fantastic. Nice to meet you. - Lovely to meet you.- We will.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Take care. Bye.- Bye-bye.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59While Mark and Yvonne head off in search of a perfect picnic spot,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Michael and Lisa are heading out and about in Crick.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07This pretty village is 14 miles northwest of Northampton,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and is right by some of our most famous canals.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal are
0:20:13 > 0:20:15down at the bottom of the village.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18There's a lovely pub there that you can go and have a meal,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20and it's just delightful.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24There are plenty of riverside walks and cycle paths to explore,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28and Crick even has its own marina, which plays host to an annual
0:20:28 > 0:20:33boat show and festival, drawing in thousands of visitors every year.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37With monthly markets, the village has a thriving local community
0:20:37 > 0:20:41which is passionate about this little corner of England.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46Crick has a lot of local history. We are mentioned in the Domesday Book.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49The local community - they're very friendly.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53I mean, we take people as they come.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54It's paradise.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57St Margaret's Church in the heart of the village
0:20:57 > 0:20:59dates back to the 12th century.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Reverend David Lake is always happy to show it off to visitors,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06so it's the perfect place for Lisa and Michael to kick off
0:21:06 > 0:21:09their tour of Northamptonshire's spires and squires.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17We are in the oldest part of the church. This font here is Norman.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Wow, it's fantastic, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21I'll tell you something about the Normans,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23they were terrible plumbers.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24- Does it leak?- It leaks.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Sounds like English plumbers.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28And what's this thing behind you there?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31That is the Victorian pedestal.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Oh, it goes on top. - That looks very...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- That simply goes on top. - Oh, it's wood. Gosh, it looks metal.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- It's a statement. Yeah. - Like a crown on it - it's fabulous.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- And is this your organ, there? - It is. It's a royal organ.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46It was built in 1819.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47- Does it work?- It does.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Do you want to come and see it? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Covered in real gold leaf,
0:21:52 > 0:21:57the organ started life at the Royal Chapel in St James's Palace,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and has been here for over 150 years.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Recent restoration cost around £200,000,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and of course, our musician can't resist having a go.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I'm looking for the on button.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14How 21st century!
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- You can almost feel the bass in it, can't you?- You can.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24That's a very, very rich sound.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Very good.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Amazing! Amazing!
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I played a church organ. Yes! Yes!
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Well, the area is certainly hitting all the right notes
0:22:35 > 0:22:38for Lisa and Michael so far.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Down in Shepperton, Mark and Yvonne are on the hunt for a perfect
0:22:41 > 0:22:44picnic spot to eat their sausage rolls.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Just a short stroll from the house is a river ferry that makes
0:22:50 > 0:22:53the journey across the Thames to Weybridge every day,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56summoned by the ring of a bell.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Six. Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- This is nice, darling. - Beautiful, isn't it?
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- It's a lovely sound, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06When you're on the river. It's lovely.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Thank you. Thanks a lot. - Thanks. Take care.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Bye.- Nice to meet you.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12And now, it's picnic o'clock.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16It is lovely, isn't it, down here?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19I could see us living here, you know?
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Yeah?- I could. I could see us here, boat on the river,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25whiling away the weekends.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30So, having had a morning exploring,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33what will Mark and Yvonne give the area out of ten?
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- The high street was nice.- Yeah. - Lots of nice shops.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Being so close to the river, that is fantastic.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Yeah, but there's one thing that we can't give it a ten for.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- We've not been to a local pub.- Pub!
0:23:45 > 0:23:47This is sounding good.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49We are giving the area...
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- nine out of ten. - Nine out of ten, yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55So, Shepperton's really floating their boat so far.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Lisa and Michael have spent the morning having a nose around Crick,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00so how do they rate the area?
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- It's quintessentially English. - Absolutely.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Wonderful villages, tremendously interesting architecture.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- And we've had a great day so far.- Yeah.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12And the only reason I don't give it a 10
0:24:12 > 0:24:15is because I haven't seen any water yet.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Oh, how many points will they knock off?
0:24:18 > 0:24:22We feel quite landlocked, so for that reason and that reason alone,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25it's a 9/10.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28That makes it even-stevens so far.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32To help give our swappers a real experience of what's on offer
0:24:32 > 0:24:36in the local area, they're both given an afternoon activity to try.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Having visited one of the county's spires,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42guess where Lisa and Michael are heading next?
0:24:42 > 0:24:46"Today, you'll be visiting one of Northamptonshire's famous
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- "stately homes."- Oh, fantastic. - "To focus..."- Wow.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54OK, underlined, which obviously means zooming in and out.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56"..on some of its feathered residents,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- "as you experience the art of photographing birds of prey."- Wow!
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Very good.- Have you ever done photography?- Yeah, yeah,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- when I was younger.- But, honey, all your pictures are blurred.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07HE LAUGHS
0:25:07 > 0:25:10A lesson sounds perfect then!
0:25:10 > 0:25:15But what local Shepperton treats are in store for Mark and Yvonne?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- Right, so, where are we going? - Come on, let's have a look.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20What are we going to do? Let's see.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23"Day out. Shepperton is surrounded by water,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25"so this afternoon you'll be hoisting a sail
0:25:25 > 0:25:26"on the local reservoir."
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- Sail!- Great, looking forward to it, it'll be fun.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35So, Lisa and Michael are travelling just nine miles from Crick
0:25:35 > 0:25:37to the historic Holdenby Hall.
0:25:37 > 0:25:43Built in 1583, it was the largest private house in Elizabethan England.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It's believed they've been practising falconry here
0:25:46 > 0:25:48for more than 400 years.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50And Lisa and Michael are not only going to meet
0:25:50 > 0:25:52some of the 40 birds of prey,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54but have a lesson in capturing them on camera
0:25:54 > 0:25:57with wildlife photographer Bob Brind-Surch.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Right, I'll take you through here
0:26:01 > 0:26:03and introduce you to the first bird we'll work with today.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Wow! Look at that! - Which is a European eagle owl.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09All right, now, what you want to do is frame him.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- You see he's looking across to the right at the moment?- Yeah.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16So frame it so he's slightly off to the left of your picture,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20but keep that red dot on him. All right? That's it.
0:26:20 > 0:26:21OK, and then press it. Does that make sense?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23So you're getting the focus on him
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and then composing the picture so that he's looking right.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28CAMERAS CLICK
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I took a picture of an owl!
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- That's so cool, isn't it? - Look, baby!
0:26:36 > 0:26:38It's like the clutch of a car, it takes a bit of learning...
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- But I drive an automatic. - Oh, well, OK. All right!
0:26:43 > 0:26:46While Lisa and Michael practise their shutter skills,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50down in Surrey, Mark and Yvonne are preparing to get on the water.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Just 10 minutes outside Shepperton is the Queen Mary reservoir,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58which has more than 700 acres of water,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02making it the largest in the South East of England.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05You can take lessons in windsurfing and sailing here,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07and instructor Izzy Mitchell
0:27:07 > 0:27:10is ready to put our couple through their paces.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- This is our lovely boat.- OK.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16So, when you're sailing along, you'll be holding two things.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20The rope, in your front hand, and the tiller in your back hand.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23For you guys up the front, you're going to be controlling the jib.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Where do we lock ourselves in to stop ourselves falling off?
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Hopefully you won't be jumping out of the boat any time soon.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Before they hit the water, there is a lesson in dinghy steering skills.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- OK, ready to tack.- Ready!
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Watch out, back foot.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44YVONNE LAUGHS
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- It's hard, isn't it?- Just go for it.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Well, that wasn't the most successful lesson.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02And it seems Mark isn't sure of his sea legs.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03We'll give it a go.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05As long as we don't fall out, that's the key thing.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Fingers crossed! They prepare to set sail.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Cast away.- Look, we're sailing!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Fantastic.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21They're looking like sailing pros already.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Up in Crick, Lisa and Michael have mastered snapping stationary birds,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and are about to take on the challenge of
0:28:35 > 0:28:37a fast-moving Harris hawk.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Here he comes, here he comes, here he comes, here he comes.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- I can't even see him. - He's coming towards you now.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47Oh, God, he's low.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52After a few outtakes, they hit the jackpot.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- Oh!- That's fantastic. Yeah, I got him.- Did you get that, darling?
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Yeah, they won't be very good, but I got him.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06They've taken to this like ducks to water.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08And now they're about to see
0:29:08 > 0:29:11if all that sitting on the ground has been worth it.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- Hey, look at that!- I like that.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- Look at that, that is smashing. Isn't that special?- Look at that.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Well done, Lisa. Look at that!
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Aww! That's incredible. - Look at that. Look at that.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- Wow.- Can you imagine that at home?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Thank you so much.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Have a great rest of your weekend. - Will do. Cheers.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33This place was fantastic.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37Bob, the birds, the photography, the house.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39We would never in a million years
0:29:39 > 0:29:41have thought of doing something like this.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- It's very, very special, isn't it? - It's amazing.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49So falconry was a big hit. But what of our Surrey sailors?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Things are going swimmingly.
0:29:53 > 0:29:54But after a tricky tack...
0:29:57 > 0:29:59..they end up in the drink!
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- You all right?- Yeah, go on.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05But Izzy is on hand to save the day.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Three, two, one, kick, like a fish. Brilliant.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- And soon they're back on deck. - There you go.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Thank goodness for life jackets!
0:30:17 > 0:30:22They bid a hasty retreat to dry land, and after a warm shower,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24reflect on what went wrong with the tacking.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- On dry land, it didn't work particularly well.- No!
0:30:29 > 0:30:33So on the water, it was a complete disaster. Primarily due to me.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36The fact that Izzy was so calm was great,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38and then she righted it and we got back in.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39That was fine, wasn't it?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41What we should've done is shout, "Iceberg!"
0:30:41 > 0:30:42just as it was going over.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It's a dinghy, not the Titanic!
0:30:47 > 0:30:51But it's good to see them feeling philosophical.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53With their afternoon's activities over,
0:30:53 > 0:30:56both our sets of swappers head home.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00But on the way, they can't resist a look at the local estate agent's.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Well, who doesn't like to check out property prices
0:31:02 > 0:31:04when they're in a new area?
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Oh, I like that, look at that one.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Oh, that's beautiful. And it's Grade II.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Grade II listed, Georgian.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- Oh, it's beautiful. - Five double bedrooms.- Perfect.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20595. That's not bad, is it?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23If you fancy relocating to Northamptonshire,
0:31:23 > 0:31:29you could bag yourself a terraced home for just over £108,000.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32But that goes up to £136,000 for a semi
0:31:32 > 0:31:36or a quarter of a million or more for a detached property.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Down in Surrey, you'll need a bigger wallet.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44Three to four bedrooms, modern bathroom. Ooh, look at the garden.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47It's 500,000, I thought it would be more expensive than that.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Here, you're looking at around £232,000 for a flat,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55£344,000 for a semi,
0:31:55 > 0:32:02and a whopping £658,000 or more for a detached house.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Now to round off the day and score some extra points,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11our swappers have each pointed their guests in the direction
0:32:11 > 0:32:13of a favourite place to eat.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Both couples are passionate about their little corners of the country,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20and are keen to show off what the areas have to offer.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Mark and Yvonne have come just a couple of minutes down the road
0:32:24 > 0:32:27to one of the oldest riverside pubs in Shepperton.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- Cheers, chin-chin.- Chin-chin.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Nice to be out and enjoying ourselves, having a nice meal.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37And they're wondering how things are going at home.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- Hopefully they're enjoying Crick. - I mean, I like to think so.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44It is different, and that's the whole point of this,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46you don't go into it to be the same.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Up in Crick, Michael and Lisa have come
0:32:49 > 0:32:51just half a mile from the cottage
0:32:51 > 0:32:56to the canalside restaurant specially recommended by their hosts.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58And it seems first impressions are good.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Oh, wow, look at that!
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Oh! I love it! The light bulbs.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Happy to be back beside the water,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Lisa and Michael are in a celebratory mood.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Here's to Crick and Northamptonshire.- Brilliant.- Cheers.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15And they're keen to try the local produce.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18What is local on this menu, then?
0:33:18 > 0:33:21The steak's local, the belly pork's local, the asparagus is local,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23the eggs are from Yelvertoft
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- which is the next village down. - Oh, fabulous.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- They are free-range eggs.- We were thinking about the paella.- Paella?
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- Yeah, it's a good choice.- Perfect. - Good man.- I'll take those for you.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Thank you so much.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Ah, paella. The famous Northamptonshire dish(!)
0:33:40 > 0:33:44In Shepperton, Mark and Yvonne have been dining on steak and sea trout
0:33:44 > 0:33:47and grab the chance to get to know the locals.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's got a really nice feel, you know, a local feel.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- It's got a very village-y feel, here.- It has, yeah.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Have you been down into the old town?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Shepperton Square, which is gorgeous.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58The Victorians used to come to Shepperton,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02when the train line was put in, this was an escape from London.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- It's a nice place to live, isn't it?- Yeah, it is.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10With the meals over, our couples turn their minds to scoring again.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Having already scored the local area, and both given 9/10,
0:34:14 > 0:34:16this time they're rating their day out
0:34:16 > 0:34:19including the afternoon activity and the restaurant.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- The evening out, 10 out of 10, for me.- Yeah.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26Fantastic food, great location, lovely staff, good wine,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- what more can you ask for?- OK.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33The sailing day, capsizing and being underwater in the 70 foot reservoir,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35probably puts the score down a bit.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Oh, I've got that sinking feeling.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40So overall, 8/10.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Probably wouldn't go quite as high as you,
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- but if you want to push it to eight, I'll go with it.- 8/10 it is, then.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49That's not bad, considering the dunking.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52What about their guests in Crick?
0:34:52 > 0:34:57We have had an amazing, amazing day out.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Photographing those wild birds was incredible.- It was brilliant.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06We've now come to this wonderful restaurant, incredible food.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09We found the water, yay!
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- So we rate this day out as a 10.- 10.
0:35:11 > 0:35:17So as day two draws to a close, Crick takes the lead by two points.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29It's morning on the third and final day of our home-swappers' trips.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32And as both our couples soak up the morning sun
0:35:32 > 0:35:33in their borrowed gardens,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Yvonne's got kitchen envy.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39If I'm taking one thing away from here, it's having a look
0:35:39 > 0:35:42at that kitchen and seeing if we can do anything like it.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Kitchen room like that going into the garden
0:35:44 > 0:35:46would be a fantastic room to entertain.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50And Lisa is missing her Georgian ceilings.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Oh, dear! I can't play my violin in this house.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Well, she needn't worry, as this home swap is short and sweet.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05And having spent a couple of days away,
0:36:05 > 0:36:10our couples need to fly home to roost in their own home sweet homes.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- Perfect.- Done. Ready to go. - Let's go.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Home-swapping is not only a uniquely personal way
0:36:16 > 0:36:18to get to know a new area,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20but it also saves you money.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24A good-quality B&B could set you back around £185
0:36:24 > 0:36:27for two nights in Shepperton in Surrey
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and £140 in Crick in Northamptonshire.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32If you're planning a swap,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35there are thousands of homes online in the UK and abroad.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Make sure you draw up a contract to agree what's included
0:36:39 > 0:36:44when it comes to utilities, cars or bicycles, and basic kitchen supplies.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Clear guidelines make for happy swappers.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Home, sweet home. Here we are.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Our two couples are back on home turf.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Oh, lovely to be home.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58And now they finally see their guests and hear their verdict.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00First up, Mark and Yvonne.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02It will be quite interesting to see who's been here.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- It will be very interesting. - See what they say.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Hello, my name is Lisa and I'm 46.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Hello, I'm Mike, I'm 49.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14I'm a professional violinist.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16And I'm a director of one of the world's largest
0:37:16 > 0:37:18talent management organisations.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- Spot on.- We were bang on on the lady!- Absolutely.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Maybe we'd make detectives!
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34We'd never in a million years dream of coming to Northamptonshire,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- but we've loved every minute of it. - Very nice indeed, actually.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I feel quite choked up about that. Yes, very nice.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Oh, honey, honey, look at that!
0:37:42 > 0:37:44God, it's fantastic.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46It's great to hear his enthusiasm.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49This is really, really, super comfortable.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52I can imagine myself settling in here
0:37:52 > 0:37:55with a glass of wine and a book.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- In about half an hour! - THEY LAUGH
0:38:00 > 0:38:01He's definitely a Yorkshireman.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Oh! You can tell a lot about a man by his toilet.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- They both seem real fun, don't they?- Yeah.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Mark and Yvonne really, really care about historic buildings.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19So I think that we're kind of cut from the same cloth, really.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21They've really appreciated what we've done here,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23and that's lovely to hear, isn't it?
0:38:23 > 0:38:26It is. Makes all this effort worthwhile.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Down in Shepperton, it's the moment of truth for Lisa and Michael.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- Let's do it.- OK, let's press it, let's see who these people are.
0:38:35 > 0:38:41Hi, I'm Yvonne, and I'm 58 years old and this is my gorgeous husband...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Mark, and I'm also 58 years old.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48- I'm retired now.- I'm also retired.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50We've really enjoyed being in your wonderful home.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- We figured they were retired. - Yeah, we did.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Oh! Look at that! Very nice.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59It is fabulous, isn't it? Beautiful, yeah.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00It's actually fascinating.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- Yeah, it is.- Watching them go round the house and pick things out.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09The house was haunted... when they moved in.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- Our favourite film as well, Ghostbusters.- Yours!
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Come on, chicky! In you go.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Come on, Mark!
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Feel like something out of The Good Life, here.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- I feel like that every day. - I know! We do, don't we, Margot?
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Simply clip on the red clip from the black battery.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28It's got to be that, has it?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- No, no!- No, don't do that, you'll get electrocuted!
0:39:31 > 0:39:35How terrible! I think I missed off, "To the green wire."
0:39:36 > 0:39:38There we go.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40God, I'm surprised we've got any chickens left!
0:39:40 > 0:39:44I'm surprised... I'm surprised we've got any guests left!
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Don't worry, Mark, they're all alive.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Yes, no chickens were harmed in the making of this house swap.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52COCKEREL CROWS
0:39:52 > 0:39:56So, having seen their guests having a good poke around the house,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59they're keen to see how they scored the whole experience.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02And which swap comes out on top.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04First up, Lisa and Michael's verdict on Crick.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I would rate this area a 9/10.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11And the only reason I don't give it a 10
0:40:11 > 0:40:14is because I haven't seen any water yet.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17They can walk from their home to the Thames.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19It's beautiful there, I can understand why they would miss it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22And now for their thoughts on the day out.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26We have had an amazing, amazing day out.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29We found the water, yay!
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- So we rate this day out as a 10.- 10.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Wow!
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Again, that's lovely to hear, isn't it?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40But what about the all-important score for the house?
0:40:40 > 0:40:45It's got a wonderful feel about it, fabulous space.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47But we did bang our heads a few times.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51And for that reason, we're going to score your house a 9.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52- Yeah.- Yeah!
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I'm glad they banged their head, that's part of living in this house.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Hope they didn't hurt themselves, of course!
0:40:57 > 0:41:01So, that's 28/30 for Crick.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Now for Mark and Yvonne's scores on Shepperton.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06The high street was nice.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Yeah.- Lots of nice shops.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11There's one thing that we can't give it a 10 for,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- we've not been to a local pub.- Pub!
0:41:13 > 0:41:18- We're giving the area a 9/10.- Yeah.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23We rated them a 9/10 because we hadn't seen any water.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25So, very similar.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27And their day out?
0:41:27 > 0:41:31The sailing day, up until we capsized.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Oh, no!
0:41:33 > 0:41:38Eight, 9/10. The evening out, 10/10, for me.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40So overall, 8/10.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Thank you so much to our local pub who saved the day, clearly.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Well done.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48So, with Crick in the lead on the area and day out,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50it all comes down to the score for the house.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It's a stunning house.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- Great location. You're very lucky people.- However...
0:41:57 > 0:42:02We marked it down slightly on the basis that you can hear
0:42:02 > 0:42:04the aircraft noise quite regularly.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07So the overall score for the house is a 9+.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- I think that's fair. - Yeah, they loved the house.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13I'm staggered they even mentioned aircraft noise,
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- because we don't hear any.- But when you're in Crick, you hear nothing.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20And there's two cars every half an hour.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23So that's a total of 26 for Shepperton.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Which means, with just two points in it,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29today's Home Away From Home winner is Crick.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Oh, I think it's tremendous. I'm absolutely made up.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I'm thrilled for them, but also, in a way, for us.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- Watching their reaction to our home...- Yeah.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40It's actually quite emotional,
0:42:40 > 0:42:45because I think it's a massive tick in the box for what we've done.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46- Seriously...- Hear hear.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Aww, honey!
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Having made it through their first ever home swaps,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59how do our couples feel about the whole experience?
0:42:59 > 0:43:02You know what was very sweet and quite endearing,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05was that Mark said, "You're very lucky people."
0:43:05 > 0:43:07About us living here.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Home swapping is great fun, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- I'd definitely do it again. - I would definitely do it again.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- # Who you going to call? - Ghostbusters!
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- # Think you better call - Ghostbusters!
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- # Think you better call - Ghostbusters!
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- # Who you going to call? - Ghostbusters!
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- # Think you better call - Ghostbusters!
0:43:36 > 0:43:38- # Who you going to call? - Ghostbusters! #