Nottingham & Wiltshire Home Away from Home

Oh!

Families from across Britain are about to try home swapping.

That's great. We can leave them with that. Who's going to drive?

They don't know each other

and have no idea yet where they'll be calling home for the next three days.

Honey, honey, honey, honey, look at that.

It's a home away from home.

-Perhaps it's dark and sinister in there.

-SHE GASPS

Each family will have to suggest local places for their home swappers

to visit, as well as a favourite restaurant.

-BOTH:

-Cheers!

Oh!

And they'll be scoring each other on the location, the day out

and their temporary home.

Oh, ba-na!

Only on their return will they get to see who has been

living in their house...

Oh-ho-ho!

It is!

..and find out who has provided the best home swapping experience.

They gave me a ten!

THEY LAUGH

Today we start in the village of Box in Wiltshire.

Our first home swappers are mother and daughter Emma and Lili.

So, this is my studio. This is where I do all of my creative work.

I started off doing my mosaics and then, a few years ago,

I discovered yarns and teaching crochet so I do this kind of thing.

-You don't really come in here much, do you, Lils?

-Not at all.

-No.

SHE LAUGHS

They moved into this three-bedroom Victorian semidetached house

16 years ago and it became both the family home and a blank canvas.

Go on, Lil, how would you describe this house?

In terms of style?

Don't look so confused!

It's colourful. Is that a style?

It is, isn't it?

Bohemian, maybe?

That's true.

It's the truth!

This is the kitchen. It's definitely the heart of the home.

It's where we spend most of the time.

The Aga's the central point of everything in this home

and a lot of people aren't familiar with them,

but they stay hot throughout the year.

I go through little phases of cooking

and then it is a performance art.

You are quite chaotic.

-I wouldn't say you were very neat in how you work.

-No.

That's quite...normal for artists?

Yes?

As this is her home and workplace,

Emma has poured her creativity into making every room

a feast for the eyes.

You're allowed the bedroom, your bedroom,

I get the rest of the house to play with.

That's generous of you!

So, has 16-year-old Lili taken inspiration from her mother's style?

This is my room. Very me.

No, over to you.

-I don't think there's a theme, as such, just...

-Typical teenager.

It is quite typical.

So, what kind of bedroom will this creative mum have chosen for herself?

This room is a big departure from the rest of the house,

in that I deliberately wanted it to be calming,

so I hope that our guests, if they find the colour of downstairs

a bit too much, then they can come upstairs and gain some sanity.

As open-minded, arty types,

they have only one stipulation for their home swap.

I think we both know what our worst nightmare would be. No internet!

That it's. No internet. Oh, we want to know where we're going!

Patience, patience!

We'll reveal all shortly.

Our next home swappers are Nigel and his Aussie wife, Pixie,

who are currently based in Nottingham.

Both of us have what's called itchy feet, so we're not really good

at staying in one place for more than a few days.

They've been married for 27 years and met while travelling the world.

So where would these adventure seekers live?

-Have you got it in gear?

-Yes.

-Did you put it in gear?

-No.

We have only had this boat now for ten days.

And it's deceptive. From the outside, she's quite plain.

But when you come inside, it's like a floating little luxury apartment.

The galley, as you can see, is pretty modern.

We've got granite bench tops and stainless steel appliances.

-And dirty teacups.

-And dirty teacups.

Don't look at the dirty teacups.

Pixie worked for an energy company

and Nigel the Royal Navy, before retiring nearly 30 years ago.

After holidaying on boats, they exchanged land for sea, permanently.

The nice thing about it is that you have your home with you.

You can stop where you like.

If there's a barking dog in the neighbourhood,

you can just move a bit.

All plain sailing so far, but living off-grid does carry its limitations.

We've got three big solar panels, extra large,

going to batteries, and we're quite conservative with our use.

Most boats like these have a 12-volt electricity supply,

similar to what powers a car radio.

Our experience with ladies from England is that every one of them

travels with at least one hairdryer, and it's not an option.

But we could suggest that maybe they visit my hairdresser,

and they wouldn't have to worry about a hairdryer!

On the move, and with limited supplies,

every routine task requires special planning.

This is our luxury bathroom.

And it's the same as the kitchen. It's got granite bench tops

and an electric toilet which takes a little bit of getting used to using.

You press these buttons and things. And when it's full, it's full.

It's not only the toilet that's not connected.

Because of the limit on water, if we were having a shower, then we would

wet ourselves, turn the water off, soap ourselves, and then rinse off.

A lot of people would think this tiresome, but, to us,

it's not, because the objective for us is travel.

And what a way to travel.

12 foot by 60 foot, this houseboat has plenty of space

and a luxury bedroom which opens onto a patio area.

As experienced travellers,

Nigel and Pixie know what they'd like for a home swap.

I think, most definitely, we would prefer to be on land.

A change of scenery, to find

-ourselves in the middle of mountains or a desert.

-Ah!

Well, this is Britain, not the Sahara, Pixie.

Your destination will be revealed shortly.

We're back in Wiltshire.

I take wool everywhere.

But I can't just have one little bit. And I know it looks a bit mental..

You're right.

As per usual,

our home swappers have daringly left their destinations in our hands.

Whenever we travel, we really like to take our own cups with us,

even if we're staying at the Dorchester.

We take our cups with us.

You haven't stayed at the Dorchester!

-No, but if I was going to, I'd still take my cups.

-Yes!

So, wool and china cups packed, let's tell them where they're heading.

First up are Nigel and Pixie, and they are going to Wiltshire.

-Wiltshire?

-Sausages?

It's actually destined to be really wet and rainy

in the south-west on Monday.

Perhaps they've got a really gorgeous home and a log fire.

I'm looking for that indoor heated swimming pool!

That's got to be the answer to rain.

And for Emma and Lili, they're going to Nottingham.

Nottingham? We're going to Nottingham.

I've never been to Nottingham. Is it up or down? Or is it sideways?

Where's Nottingham? Is there Wi-Fi?

Oh, I think I know vaguely where it is.

Oh, no, that's Northampton!

Oh, no, where's Nottingham, please?

Don't worry. We'll give you the postcode.

Home swappers usually can't be there to greet the guests,

-but each couple says "welcome" in their own thoughtful way.

-Brilliant.

Houses and boats prepared,

it's time to hand over their keys and hit the road.

Emma and Lili are heading 150 miles north-east

to Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands.

This diverse county is full of myths and legends about men in tights.

Famously linked with Robin Hood,

at the heart of Nottinghamshire is the enchanting Sherwood Forest,

which has one of the highest concentrations of ancient trees

in northern Europe.

Rich in history and rural landscapes, alongside bustling cities

and towns, there's much to explore in this wondrous county.

The River Trent has shaped much of this landscape.

It runs through Newark-on-Trent and the rural Trent Valley,

making its way to Nottingham, where Emma and Lili

are about to see their unique cottage on the river.

This is so nice.

Oh, my God.

No way!

Are we on here?

Oh, my God, your dream come true.

Oh, are we really on here?!

-Are we on this boat?

-She wants to live on a canal boat.

-Oh, my God!

Oh, my God!

-You're crying? What's wrong with you?

-I might actually cry!

I have been talking about plan B always being "live on a boat".

I'm intrigued. I've never been on a canal boat.

This is living the dream. Hang on a minute, I've had a worrying moment.

-Wi-Fi!

-It'll be fine.

Nigel and Pixie are travelling 150 miles south-west to

the idyllic village of Box, situated on the south-east edge

of the Cotswolds in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire's chalky, rural terrain

is especially known for its ancient sites

including the iconic monument of Stonehenge,

an extraordinary prehistoric legacy.

Jam-packed with breathtaking scenery,

almost half of the county is recognised as

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

At its heart is Salisbury Plain, a vast, 300-square-mile stretch

of wild grassland, perfect for long walks.

In the steep-sided Bybrook Valley sits the village of Box,

where Nigel and Pixie discover their rural retreat.

Well, that's it.

Look, it's full of fairy lights.

And frilling. And all the things around the doors.

I have a feeling the people who live in this house are artistic people.

We might get some ideas for decorating our boat. What do you think?

I'm not sure their decorations

are going to be my style.

In Nottinghamshire, Emma and Lili

are diving on board their water cottage.

(Oh, my God!)

EMMA LAUGHS

-Oh, I love this.

-It's weird, because it's so NOT you.

I know, it's the opposite of me, and I absolutely love it.

Whoever lives here, they are classy, tasteful.

It's got to be someone with money. I'm a bit worried about them.

-Be fine.

-But, you mustn't touch those. Look at all the buttons!

Don't touch the buttons.

Meanwhile, in Wiltshire,

Nigel and Pixie are crossing the colourful threshold.

What lies behind the green door? Wow?! Oh, my gosh!

SHE LAUGHS

Oooh!

This is unusual.

And they start at the hub of Emma's artistry.

Oh, gosh! Ha-ha!

This is colourful! It's like a lollipop house or something in here.

It is so coloured.

It's interesting but it's not what I would feel to be a homely room.

Our swappers have left each other a manual...

Go on, Lils, you can do this. Come on, Mrs Techno.

..to help them become accustomed to each other's unique homes.

-Home swappers' manuals.

-Home swappers' manuals.

The boat is just three weeks old.

Do you know something? This is quite an honour, really,

to be in someone's brand-new boat, isn't it, really?

Let's not use anything!

Deal.

Manual in hand, Nigel and Pixie are quickly discovering

the treasures onshore.

This is the kitchen, the heart of the house.

Well, it's nice and warm in here, isn't it?

Mmm. That's why it's warm. The Aga is going.

We are not familiar with this, with these...

-Formal cooking.

-..things in the kitchen.

Teapots. We love cups of tea. Look, one, two, three, four teapots.

So we won't go short of a cup of tea.

Meanwhile, Emma and Lili are on their own voyage of discovery.

OK, the galley is the boat's kitchen.

I don't think this has even been used.

I don't think anything's happened on there. I'm actually going like that.

"So far, the oven has not been used,

"so we cannot tell you how it functions!

"The 240-volt microwave is not connected

"and does not operate on 12-volt."

It's a bit like a camper van with the 12-volt thing.

I think we're eating out tonight, darling.

And next, the smallest room that carries the most instructions.

It's nicer than ours.

Oh, my good Lord.

This is amazing!

"There's a white switch just outside the shower door

"on the panel above the WC." There.

"Turn this on, down position, whilst you are showering

"and turn off when finished running water.

"This operates a pump which drains the water out of the shower.

"Without it operating, the bathroom will flood."

-Do you know...?

-Scared!

While Emma and Lili learn the ropes,

Nigel and Pixie walk the plank, sorry, stairs!

Do you think this is a child's room?

Not by the black dress, I wouldn't have thought. It's very...

Flirty child. And it's for someone who's got their own personality.

Whoever, Mum or Auntie or Nana may have said,

"I'm going to decorate this in Indian fashion,"

and they said, "No, I'm going to do what I want to do in here."

And they did.

With their posters!

Back on the boat, Emma and Lili are keen to see where

they'll sleep tonight.

Look at it, look at it!

"A double bed with access on both sides

"beside bedside cupboards for that delicious first cuppa

"in the morning, delivered daily by the master and commander

"in a fine bone china cup to she who lives below and must be obeyed!"

-I like this person.

-I love this. I love these people!

Well, this is altogether different from the rest of the house

-that we've been in so far.

-This is so restful.

-It is.

I find it interesting that whoever sleeps in here

hasn't brought all the decorations in here.

When home swapping, the good way to help your guests feel at home

is to provide them with clear storage space for their own essentials.

So, these guys live on a boat, and they have provided us with more

facilities, amenities and space than we have in a three-bedroomed house.

Yeah, we gave two drawers.

Oh, do you know, I'm feeling like such a failure?!

Emma and Lili's voyage of discovery takes them,

finally, to the hub of the boat.

The hot water is heated by running the boat engine. Oh, my God.

-The boat won't move, will it?

-I don't know.

-Can you imagine?

We don't need to do it tonight, do we?

We've got enough to be contented with! I just...I'm so happy.

Deciding to sleep on it, our other home swappers in Wiltshire

are also keen to settle in for the night.

It's a beautiful day for a home swap.

-Morning!

-SHE LAUGHS

And both our households are testing out their new facilities.

Ah!

I think this was specially purchased for us.

And it's white death. Mm-hm!

-Oh, look at that!

-Well, it's nicely toasting. I suppose it is.

I'm quite impressed with it, but really don't like the idea

that we're putting all that energy into that thing 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile, staying connected isn't a concern for Emma and Lili.

Charged everything?

Yes. Thank God.

-I charged it and found the internet.

-I know.

I opened my iPad this morning - it was a kind of "love you"!

Nigel and Pixie are wondering how the first-time sailors are coping

with the quirks of living afloat.

The operating of the toilet, oh-ho-ho!

-Did they press the right buttons in the right order?

-It's pretty simple.

You think they went in, taking the instruction sheet with them?

Toilets are good as well.

Well, actually, to be fair, that has taken me a little...

I've been pressing too many buttons.

Yeah, you just press all of them and hope!

-She doesn't get it.

-I do now.

-You don't.

-It took me time.

But what about that hot water?

-Right, ready?

-First, ignition.

-OK.

Yeah? Quick, quick, quick.

Put the key to the start position and the engine should start.

-Ooh!

-The start position.

ENGINE RUMBLES

Hey!

Well, I feel self-sufficient!

Champion!

-Ha-ha! High-five me, baby! We are showering tonight!

-I don't think so.

I like this. Are you ready? I like this. Whoo-hoo!

Landlocked and adrift,

both our sets of swappers are keen to explore their new surroundings.

Britain's canals and rivers are home to more than 35,000 boats.

Emma and Lili's houseboat is moored in Nottingham,

where its popular 2.5-mile canal runs through the heart of the city.

The canals are very busy.

I walk my dog down here most days

because it's got such a nice atmosphere. It's a good lifestyle.

It's a nice place.

Nicknamed the Queen City of the Midlands, Nottingham is

famous for its rich history and heritage,

providing a feast of sights,

including Nottingham Castle and the Galleries of Justice.

There's plenty to do. Offers everything for all sorts of people.

It's a great place for sport.

The whole town's full of superb parks to go into.

It's got a lot to offer.

In a city where old meets new,

it doesn't take long for Emma and Lili to come across

a unique place to rest their legs.

Oh, Lili, Lili, Lili, Lili. Lili!

Oh, babies! Ha-ha!

Oh, we're going in here!

Hi, guys, are you OK? Ready to come over to your table?

This cafe acts as a re-homing and care facility for cats

and kittens from a range of backgrounds.

-So, this is your table, just here.

-Thank you!

All of the menus are just in here.

Oh, my God! Hello! You're speaking but I'm not hearing anything!

-Whose idea is this?

-It's mine.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-It's absolutely genius.

-Thank you.

-Do you mind if I do this...

-THEY LAUGH

-This is my life being changed irrevocably.

-There you go.

Owner Kate Charles-Richards set it up three months ago and it's

unique, as it's the only cat cafe in the UK with cats you can adopt.

-Oh, look!

-SHE LAUGHS

Can I get you guys anything else at all?

Yeah, three kittens, two tomcats and a big fluffy great cat!

Thank you. And the adoption papers.

CAT MEOWS

Over in Wiltshire,

Pixie and Nigel are exploring the quaint village of Box,

a hidden historic gem within

the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There's an awful lot of things to do around here, a lot of

music, a lot of eating, lots of walking, lots of things to do round here.

Much of the village is a conservation area known for its fine stone

which was also used to build the beautiful Georgian buildings

in nearby Bath.

But its history extends back to Roman times.

Today, Box is best known for its Brunel-designed railway tunnel,

perfect for trainspotters.

With just 3,500 inhabitants, its community is close-knit

and welcoming.

I work in a local pub.

When people come in, I say, "Welcome to the centre of the universe!", because it's so lovely.

And there's such a great community spirit here, and we don't want to leave.

-I know that sounds a bit local.

-SHE LAUGHS

But we love it.

Keen to mingle with the locals,

Nigel and Pixie are heading to the one place they know they'll flock to.

This is the Queens Head.

It says "boules". Boules!

Here, regular Chris Garrett is only too keen to invite them

to join a popular pastime in Box, French boules.

You can see the basic idea is very simple,

to get your ball closer to the jack than the other team.

-Yeah, it looks pretty simple, doesn't it?

-It does.

THEY LAUGH

Local French hospitality workers are said to have introduced

the game to this area many years ago.

And it's taken this small village by storm,

with around 100 committed players.

Nigel's eager to get involved.

And now it's Pixie's turn.

Oh, a beauty.

Ooh la-la! Pixie's a natural.

-That's the perfect shot.

-What a player.

I think I'll come down here and join the club.

Oh, this is bordering on brilliance.

So, Pixie, you scored two points for that end. Nigel scores nothing.

-Nothing.

-Only one player will score.

-I'm sorry.

-SHE LAUGHS

No!

Poor Nigel. You'd better stick with boats.

Now, to add a little spice to proceedings,

our home swappers are rating each other's area.

So has this morning in Nottingham purred its way to Emma and Lili's hearts?

-Well, we've been along the canal, haven't we?

-We have.

-And we've seen the cafe with the cats.

-Best bit.

It was lovely, wasn't it?

The city centre is beautiful.

So, based on what we've seen, I think we'd give the area a seven?

-Yeah...

-A seven.

Nigel and Pixie have spent the morning exploring Box.

So what do they make of the village?

Well, I really do like this area.

For me, it's quintessential England and the houses are just excellent.

I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with Nigel.

But there is that busy road running through the main street.

I think we'd be really happy to score it an eight.

Yeah, I agree, an eight.

So that's only one-point difference so far, with Box taking the lead.

To add some sparkle,

both sets of guests have been given an afternoon activity to try.

Having enjoyed life onshore in Nottingham, what will Emma and Lili

be doing next?

"We hope this afternoon will float your boat..."

Pun intended. I like it.

"..as you'll be learning to steer a narrow boat through the canal locks."

EMMA LAUGHS

-Is it theirs? Because...

-No, it's not theirs, it won't be theirs.

Fantastic, let's go and steer a narrow boat!

Let's crash a narrow boat.

And what's in store for Nigel and Pixie in Wiltshire?

-"Today, you'll 'knead'..."

-SHE LAUGHS

-Can you see that?

-No.

-K-N-E-A-D.

"..to roll up your sleeves, as you'll be learning to make

"one of Wiltshire's most traditional tea breads, the lardy cake."

-Oh, right.

-What's a lardy cake?

It's, um... It's sort of like a Danish,

but it's a larger affair.

'Just 20 minutes north of Box, Pixie and Nigel are joining local cook

'Karen Cooper to learn how to make Wiltshire's historic treat.'

-Lardy Dah!

-Lardy Dah!

-THEY LAUGH

Lardy Dah.

Beginning with a basic white bread dough,

making the cake takes several lengthy steps.

Go on, Nigel, show me your technique.

Yeah, show us your technique, Nigel.

So, when you've kneaded that for about ten minutes...

-LAUGHTER

-Ten minutes?

We're going to put it in a warm place

and leave it to rise for about an hour.

Being a major pig farming region,

these cakes became famous as an unexpected use of excess lard.

It's like putting cream on a baby's bottom or something.

-That's right!

-Isn't it pretty? Look at the yellows.

-Do I put my buttery hands in here?

-Yes! Yes, just sprinkle it all around.

-It's all going to end up in there anyway.

-It's all going to go in!

Finally, currants, spices and sugar

are added in layers for extra stickiness.

That's it, yes.

It's probably very nice for your skin, isn't it?

-Just rub it in.

-It's not bad, yeah.

-When do I get to spread it out?

-It's stuck all over you.

-Oh, well.

-PIXIE LAUGHS

No, don't lick your fingers!

Done and dusted, Nigel and Pixie

learn that all good things come to those who wait.

All right, so shall we go and have some tea while we're waiting?

-What a delightful idea.

-Yes.

A short walk down Nottingham's canal, Emma and Lili

are meeting skipper Deborah Porter for a hands-on waterways experience.

OK, can you undo it?

With expert guidance,

eager captain Emma grabs the chance to steer a narrow boat first.

-So, now it's going that way.

-Oh, look, I'm...

-Must stop myself.

-Control yourself.

-Thank you.

Control.

If you look just to the side where the throttle is, there,

-there's a big black button there, look.

-Ooh, is that a hooter?

-Yeah.

GENTLE HOOTING EMMA LAUGHS

-Whoo!

-Move forward.

The waterways aren't all plain sailing.

This canal is a bypass for a partially impassible

stretch of the River Trent.

But some parts of it still require careful navigation.

Going round a corner now.

I'd put a bit of power on... Down.

Go on.

-We should ride over, ride over.

-Whoo!

Probably doing about 3mph. It's the most fun you can have.

Oh, now we're going too far.

We're going to crash! We're going to crash! We're going to crash!

-Who's steering?

-It's your boat!

-THEY LAUGH

As they approach Nottingham's oldest canal bridge, it becomes a tighter squeeze.

If you do it too quick, you see, the back end's going to go over

-and hit there.

-I see what you mean.

So you have to... You're all right, you're all right.

-I don't want to do that...

-You're not going to.

-Oh, my God! We are!

You're not!

Phew! That was close.

-Don't leave!

-Oh, my God, I'm going to crash it.

While Emma and Lili try not to capsize, back in Wiltshire,

Nigel and Pixie are waiting for the fruits of their labour.

Oh, look at that. Ah!

-Mmm!

-There you are, you can see all the layers in there,

-where it's folded.

-Folded...

That's the whole reason that the lard has to be kept in the folds,

so that it goes through the whole of the cake.

-There we go.

-Thank you.

-OK.

Mmm. That's really lovely.

That's really quite a mouthful of lardy cake.

THEY LAUGH

What is "la-di-da" all about?

A little bit of a comment on somebody being rather elegant

-or sophisticated...

-Yes.

-You'd say "la-di-da".

So, what's the association with the lardy cake?

-Well, the Queen having them at Buckingham Palace!

-Oh, right.

-You couldn't get any more...

-It's a really "la-di-da" thing to do!

-Yes, exactly!

-You can't get any more posher or more "la-di-da" than that.

I mean, the royal garden parties, they are terribly "la-di-da".

-"La-di-da!"

-La-di-da!

Back afloat Nottingham's canal,

Lili is taking over the reins from Mum to navigate the lock.

-Hey, Lils. Has this put you off it forever?

-Yeah.

EMMA LAUGHS

Oh, yeah, Lil lives the dream!

But a bit of drizzle isn't enough to rain on Emma's parade.

-It's a bit cold and wet now, isn't it?

-A bit, yeah.

-Yeah.

I'm still sitting with the idea of doing this one day.

After drying off and pushing away crumbs, our swappers are keen

to compare how affordable their home swap lifestyles are.

£40,000 gets you...a really decent boat.

But 60,000 is the most expensive. It seems quite reasonable to me.

If we were on a boat together and you had your own space

-like you do in the house and you have your own room...

-No, seriously, no.

-Just another "if"!

-No.

-Spaces are really tight!

-Yeah.

Back off.

To buy, narrow boats can start from as little as £12,500

or around £70,000 for a wide-beam boat.

But if you'd prefer to be landlubbers,

a typical terrace in Nottinghamshire goes for around £75,000.

You can buy a semi for over 100,000, but for a detached,

you're looking at nearly double,

at around £200,000.

Here in Wiltshire, the average house price is higher.

Here's a pretty one.

I like the one that looks more like a cottage than that modern house.

Three of our boats would fit in there.

-I'll have this one.

-Oh, yeah.

-Yeah, it's got my name written all over it.

-Ten wide-beam boats!

-Ten wide-beam boats!

-Ten wide-beam boats!

Exactly. Oh, well. I don't think real estate is for us.

We'll just have to stick to our floating cottage.

In Wiltshire, a classic terrace is around £155,000.

A semi goes for 185,000,

and for detached, it's around £325,000.

After a fun-packed day, our swappers are keen to relax.

Our hosts want to ensure every part of their stay is perfect,

so each has suggested a favourite restaurant to visit.

Emma and Lili have taken a stroll to a South Indian restaurant.

Here we are!

Close to the canal on vibrant Broad Street,

this restaurant has a tasty menu containing dishes

traditional to the backwaters of Kerala in southern India.

If I choose the fish curry, what are you having?

The...dumplings.

I'm looking forward to it, I really am!

-I will make sure you'll enjoy it.

-Thank you!

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

So, tell me about yourself.

Do you come here often?

Oh, this is a good choice. Oh, I love them. I love their food.

I love their boat.

This is divine.

-Fish curry.

-Amazing.

Rice dumplings and chicken.

Thank you.

-Ooh!

-"Ooh!"

-Mmm. Mmm-mmm.

Meanwhile, Nigel and Pixie are visiting an historic pub

just a mile down the road from their house,

situated next to an ancient quarry.

Oh, look. That's really quite lovely, isn't it?

Let's go in, I'm starving.

It looks like a good place.

This family-run pub specialises in traditional and modern British fare,

prepared using quality local produce.

Oh, venison. Oh, doesn't that look...? What beautiful presentation.

-This is five-star dining in here.

-Oh, lovely.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much.

-It's really nice.

-This venison...is delicious.

With their tummies full, our swappers focus their minds on scoring again.

We've had a fabulous day out. The canal trip was amazing.

Despite the rain.

I know, the rain was a bit of a disappointment, but...

What can you do?

South Indian restaurant. The best food I've had in years,

-without a doubt. I'd say an eight.

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

A good, solid eight.

And what about their swappers in Wiltshire?

The lardy-cake making and the super result was just fantastic.

And dinner was unbelievably delicious,

considering we were in this funny little English pub.

-Today's day out was...

-BOTH: A nine!

Solid scores all round.

But Wiltshire is leading by just two points.

It's all still to play for.

It's the last day of our home swappers' stays.

And in Nottingham, Emma and Lili are enjoying

their final moments aboard the floating cottage.

-The front bit, the pointy bit, and the back bit.

-Yeah...

I still don't know which is which, in terms of what it's called.

Bit rubbish!

Meanwhile, in Box, Pixie's wondering if their guests

have enjoyed being "offshore".

The time has gone really quickly.

I'm dying to know what the people thought of our boat.

It's such a change from here.

So their adventure is over.

A single-storey boat

is easier for this.

And our couples are going to check

their dwellings are still in one piece.

This has been a great experience,

but there's no place like home.

You can arrange a home swap for a quick weekend getaway,

a two-week break or even longer.

By choosing to exchange, you and your guests can both save money.

A good-quality B&B costs around £200 for two nights in Box in Wiltshire

and in Nottingham around £150.

Our swappers are back on familiar territory.

We are home!

-Oh, look!

-Home, sweet home! Oh, hello, Lilly Pilly.

God, it's tidy!

And there's nothing red or pink to be seen anywhere.

And finally, they can find out who their guests are

and what they made of their home.

Not sure if I want to...

hear what they have to say!

-It'll be fine.

-A bit nervous.

Hello, my name is Pixie and I'm 67 years of age

and this is my husband.

Nigel, and I'm 69 years of age.

I used to work in the energy industry,

but now I'm retired and I spend my life boating.

And I was in the Royal Navy. I'm also retired

and spend my life boating and sailing.

I do love that they've been boating for years.

-I love that.

-Yeah, that's cool.

We've enjoyed staying in your house

and we hope that you also had a good time in our floating cottage

and that perhaps it wasn't too uncolourful for you.

It was.

Oh, interesting.

I have a feeling the people who live in this house are artistic people.

We might get some ideas for decorating our boat.

He looks concerned!

Not sure their decoration's going to be my style.

Oh, God, they couldn't be more right!

The look on his face!

It's interesting, but it's not...

what I would feel to be a homely room.

I like how honest he is. He's like, "Pff, don't like it,"

and he'll tell you.

It's someone who's got their own personality.

Whoever, Mum or Auntie or Nana or someone, may have said,

"I'm going to decorate this in Indian fashion,"

they said, "No, I'm going to do what I want to do in here."

You've got your own personality, Lils. Who'd have thought it?

Who are you, my auntie?

Nana, I'm your nana.

Well, this is altogether different from the rest of the house

that we've been in so far.

This is so restful.

Good, I'm pleased he may feel that he has an escape.

He'll just stay in there!

Now, in Nottingham, it's the moment of truth for Nigel and Pixie.

OK.

Hello, I'm Emma. I'm 46 and this is my daughter Lili.

16, and I'm a student and I just finished my GCSEs.

I am a mosaic artist and as you may have seen from the house,

I work a lot with yarn as well.

I teach it to people that come to my studio to learn.

Actually, we know this.

We've loved staying on your boat.

It's been a fantastic experience and thank you so much.

It's brand-new, so that's a really generous heart you have

to let us do this and I hope you've enjoyed our house.

It's so nice of them to thank us for our generosity of heart.

-That was really a nice thing to say.

-Very sweet.

-Yep.

-Nice people.

Are we on here?!

EMMA GASPS

-GASPING:

-Are we really on here?

Are we on this boat?!

Oh, my God, Lili!

LILI: Are you crying? What is wrong with you?

I think it demonstrates a lack of self-control

and, um...

and actually, it is quite gratifying.

EMMA CHORTLES EXCITEDLY

-Oh, I love this!

-LILI: Cos it's so not you?

I know, it's the opposite of me and I absolutely love it.

The daughter hit the nail right on the head -

"The opposite of you, Mum."

The boat is just three weeks old!

Let's not use anything.

I think they just sit on the floor!

"This operates a pump which drains the water out of the shower.

"Without it operating, the bathroom will flood."

-Do you know...?

-I'm scared!

They're not going to have a wash!

"The hot water is heated by running the boat engine." Oh, my God!

-Look at the look on her face!

-The boat won't move, will it?

-I don't know.

-Can you imagine?

Oh, the look on her face was priceless!

So having watched their guests having a nose around their homes,

they're waiting to see which swap will be victorious.

First up, Emma and Lili's verdict on the floating cottage in Nottingham.

Well, we've been along the canal, haven't we?

-We have.

-And we've seen the cafe with the cats.

-The best bit.

-It was lovely, wasn't it?

Based on what we've seen,

I think we'd give the area a seven?

-Yeah.

-A seven.

-A score of seven was pretty fair.

On the other hand, without the cat cafe,

the score could possibly just have been five.

And what did they score the day out?

-The canal strip was amazing.

-LILI: What about the rain?

I know, the rain was a bit of a disappointment,

-but...

-What can you do?

Oh, no!

South Indian restaurant.

The best food I've had in years without a doubt.

I'd say a good, solid eight.

What a shame about the weather. Oh!

But they were still quite enthusiastic about doing it.

-Yeah, and even Lili said that she loved it.

-Yes.

And the ultimate score for their home on the water?

I think if this boat was more lived in, for us,

then we would have felt slightly more relaxed,

so for that reason, we're giving our experience of your boat

-a seven.

-In a way, I'm sad that that's kind of affected

the pleasure of what they did.

I can see where the seven's coming from.

Pixie and Nigel have scored

a total of 22 out of 30.

So how will Emma and Lili fare with their guests' verdicts

on their colourful home in Wiltshire?

For me, it's quintessential England and the houses are just excellent.

I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with Nigel,

but there is that busy road running through the main street.

I think we'd be really happy to score it an eight.

Oh, well done, Box!

Well done, Box!

I love you!

And now, the day out.

The lardy cake making and the super result

was just fantastic.

And dinner was unbelievably delicious

considering we were in only a little English pub.

Today's day out was...

BOTH: ..a nine!

Wow, a nine!

Emma and Lili have received a score of 17 for their area and day out,

so it all comes down to the ultimate scores given to their home.

The house was, erm, a bit quirky for us

and not really our taste,

but we have enjoyed our stay here.

And the location was excellent,

so we've given the house a score of six.

If they were being truthful, it would be a one,

-purely for shelter and electricity.

-The garden, they don't have a garden.

-They have a boat.

-They've got the whole world!

That's a total of 23 out of 30

for Box in Wiltshire,

so by a whisker,

they are today's

Home Away From Home winner.

Do you know what, though?

I think Box came up trumps here.

Yeah, that's true.

Well done, Box. Well done.

Has this experience made them want to do it again?

I am sure we'll home swap again,

-without a doubt.

-I concur.

You concur? Oh, right, we are in agreement.

-I would rather a hotel, I think.

-Would you?

-Yeah.

I would definitely house swap again. I've really enjoyed it.

I like being in someone else's space.

# I see your true colours

# And that's why I love you

# So don't be afraid

# To let them show

# Your true colours

# True colours

# Are beautiful

# Like a rainbow. #