Kent & Dorset Home Away from Home

-Oh, that's beautiful!

-These houses are HUGE!

Families from across Britain are about to try home swapping.

-Come on! We're going on a holiday, mate!

-You all right? OK?

They don't know each other

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

Wow, how quaint!

Wow, there's the bar!

Hey, mine's a double!

Each family will have to suggest local places

for their home swappers to visit,

as well as a favourite restaurant.

-Oh!

-Ooh!

Look at you're now, touching it! Look at you!

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

and their temporary home.

-Ah, cheers.

-Cheers, darling.

Only on their return will they get to see

who has been living in their house...

-What's the thing you don't like?

-Open plan.

-BOTH:

-She doesn't like open plan!

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

It's got to be ten out of ten. For me, it was the best day ever.

Today, we're with our first home swappers

in the south of England in Pymore, Dorset.

-One extra... Ah!

-No!

Meet retired interior designer Marie-Louise, also known as M.

Joining her is Paul, who owns a telecommunications company

and has a hobby breeding Aberdeen Angus cows.

I don't like you!

They started dating 12 months ago.

Your children set us up.

-Yeah, I no longer talk to them, do I?

-I do.

They love me and I love them.

It's M's home that will be swapped today.

Five years ago, she decided to renovate an apartment

within this historic former ropemaker's mill by the river.

The apartment is certainly not what you'd expect

so when you come through the door, it's a surprise.

It's like the fossils on Chesil Beach - they're ugly on the outside,

but quite nice on the inside if you take care to open them up.

Using her interior designer's eye,

M's painstakingly created a truly unique look for her home.

I would describe my home as eclectic.

-There's not one thing the same, is there?

-No.

We love this staircase because it's half-French,

half-Victorian in design.

It has modesty panels

so that you can't see up gentlemen's trousers or ladies' skirts.

I think things should be useful or beautiful -

a bit like him!

Yeah, just like me.

M's taste for the finer things in life is played out

throughout her house - from a top-spec, modern open-plan kitchen

to her Venetian-inspired master bedroom.

This is the guest room.

It's the most comfortable bed in the house, I have to say.

I always feel like a princess sleeping in it.

This is a window from an old Indian palace in Jaipur, actually.

Beautiful, isn't it? Why have I got it? I fell in love with it.

Outside, through a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard,

M's elevated her humble garden shed to new heights.

This is my garden shed.

I have underfloor heating and I have my little dishwasher,

-my sink, my cooker.

-I have a lot of sheds.

-They're nice, but you couldn't eat in them, no.

-Or cook in them.

You could keep a car in one.

But the piece de resistance for M is her home's unique location.

Look at this.

-It's beautiful. This really is real Dorset, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Isn't it?

-Very quiet.

-It is.

Both Paul and M have a strong sense of adventure

and clear ideas of what would make a perfect home swap destination.

My ideal property would be something like a small cottage near a canal.

I want a penthouse apartment in Shoreditch.

Maybe we should go to different places, maybe.

I think whatever it is will be a wonderful experience, anyway.

Well, you'll find out where you're heading shortly.

Our next home swappers live in the south-east in Yorkletts in Kent.

-We met up online.

-Yep, a single with kids website.

Meet musician and music teacher Mel and her fiance, Dane,

a landscape gardener.

With three kids between them, dating online wasn't easy.

-It took a few conversations.

-Yeah.

-And I kept turning you down.

And then she said, "Oh, OK, we'll meet up, then," so we met up.

And we were both wearing stripy tops.

It must have been fate, then.

Two years ago, they took the plunge and combined homes

and kids to make this 1930s detached property their family pad.

-It's an extended bungalow.

-It's bigger than it looks.

Well, when I first moved here, anyway, I used to get lost.

I'd go out of one room and I'd think, "Where's the kitchen?"

Yes, this is no run-of-the-mill bungalow.

Boasting three bedrooms, a swimming pool, an extensive garden

and two sitting rooms, there's plenty of space for this couple,

their kids and cats to fill.

It's kind of not really any particular style -

modern with a bit of traditional thrown in.

Different things we've picked up.

"This is nice, we'll stick this in," really.

Yeah, and just trying to make it comfortable.

You want to come home and relax, don't you?

With young children and busy jobs,

they've put careful thought into making it family friendly.

Well, I got into the habit of having

too many "sit down on the sofa" meals.

It's nice having a table that's big enough

and we can get more into eating together and stuff.

Then there's a few silly things and then old things, like that clock

used to be in my mother's kitchen so it's stuck at half past ten forever.

But there's one room that is a child-free zone.

I have a band so the band practises in here so everyone turns up.

So it's kind of a music room now as well.

During rehearsals and stuff, I'll sit in the other room,

shut the doors and turn the telly up.

It's nice. I listen to some of it, it's quite nice.

I believe you, Dane. Thousands wouldn't.

They're happy for their guests to make some music of their own.

If they want to have a go on the piano, that's fine.

-Play the guitars, too?

-Maybe not.

I'm going to put my saxophone away so probably not play the saxophone.

Outside, they hope their guests will be brave enough to try the pool.

It's really refreshing, great to jump in and just enjoy the pool.

It's pretty cold most of the time cos it's not heated.

But they have a top tip to help.

Just go for it.

Just jump straight in with all your clothes on,

you'll save having a bath as well, then.

Let's see if your guests will be tempted.

Well travelled, our couple are hoping a home swap will give them

the chance to stay somewhere completely different.

Maybe a nice apartment or something.

I wouldn't mind something swanky and new. Or something like a farm.

Well, your destination will be revealed soon enough.

Trusting us with the decision making,

our couples have no idea where they're heading.

Oh, actually, you've got jumpers. I haven't got any jumpers.

Maybe I'd better go and find a jumper.

Now they're ready, let's tell them where they're going.

First up, M and Paul are going to Kent.

-BOTH:

-Kent?

-What?!

-They've got cherries in Kent.

-They have.

-I hope they're not over.

-Jam.

-How do you get there? Do we get a postcode?

And Mel and Dane are going to...

..Dorset!

-Dorset.

-Yeah! Well, Dorset's nice. That's good.

I wonder if we're going to be by the seaside.

When preparing for a home swap,

it's thoughtful to leave your guests a little something as a welcome.

A bottle of fizz or an insect-free pool is a great way to start.

Prepped and ready, our swappers hand over their keys and get on their way.

-Actually, I'm excited now.

-I'm terrified!

-Off to Dorset.

-Bye-bye, house!

M and Paul are heading 200 miles east

to the village of Yorkletts in the county of Kent.

The county has endless vistas of unspoilt English countryside,

which has given Kent the title Garden of England since the Tudor times.

It's a reputation that endures with countless fruit orchards

and allotments dotting the landscape.

At its heart is the cathedral city of Canterbury.

Steeped in history and tradition,

it's also home to a vibrant, modern high street,

offering the complete experience of city life.

An easy day trip from London,

the east of Kent boasts 350 miles of glorious coastline

with its famous chalky cliffs and appealing seaside towns.

One such is Whitstable, where, two miles south,

you'll find the area of Yorkletts.

-DORSET ACCENT:

-No white lines in the road down 'ere!

This is where M and Paul arrive for their home away from home.

-It's my worst nightmare.

-Yeah?

-A bungalow. I don't want to go in.

Don't be stupid!

My worst nightmare is to be somewhere dark and dingy

and it looks dark to me.

-Come on, trust me.

-I actually don't want to go in.

What have I done?

Well, it's too late now.

Meanwhile, Mel and Dane are making their way west

to Pymore in the county of Dorset.

A quintessentially English county of rolling hills and chalk downs,

Dorset is famous for its Jurassic Cliffs,

but the rugged coastline

also boasts many spectacular land forms, such as Durdle Door.

Inland, there are breathtaking views with stunning vistas

and charming market towns packed with the thatched cottages

which the area is renowned for.

Including Bridport,

where just one mile north is the pretty riverside village of Pymore.

But after a very long drive,

Mel and Dane finally arrive at their rural retreat.

Oh, you can smell it, it's country air.

Wow, it looks like an old sort of mill.

Flour mill? Tin, tin mining?

And that's a nice street lamp, isn't it? A bit Dickensy.

Looks like an old-style townhouse.

Something converted, something quite old with a bit of history.

It's quite nice, isn't it?

Wasting no time, they step inside.

It looks like it is a flat.

I thought it might have been the whole house.

OK, this is it, home sweet home. Ooh!

Oh, wow, this is nice, isn't it?

A good little spiral staircase.

Outside their home swap in Kent...

-Come on.

-HE LAUGHS

..M and Paul are working up the courage to go indoors.

-Be brave, my dear. Forward.

-Oh!

-We're in. Stand by...

-Oh, it's light. I like that.

-Very musical.

-Oh, wow!

-Yes.

-Oh, wow!

I like this room and I'm really pleasantly surprised.

-Do you take it all back now?

-I do.

-Engage brain before opening mouth.

Thanks. Thanks!

Every home has its individual quirks

so both our households have left each other a manual.

Yorkletts Home Swappers Manual.

It's packed with information to help them with their stay.

"So, welcome to our little pad..."

Manuals in hand, our swappers set out to explore their new surroundings.

"Living room - we have stripped back all the plasterboard

"and exposed all the original stone."

I would have done that, I think.

That black cast iron pole, it supports the floor,

but it does look like you could do some dancing on it. Go on, then.

Oh, are you going to do it?

But you can't dance without music.

That's an instrument, I don't know if we're allowed to play it or not.

You go like that.

And some masks.

They've probably done a bit of travelling, definitely.

All right, then, they must be into art

cos they've got a few arty books here.

And it doesn't take them long to spot their hosts' taste

for the finer things in life.

And they like champagne cos there's quite a lot of boxes with champagne.

And a "save water, drink champagne" sign.

They head upstairs to explore.

Oh, my goodness! Look at that.

Looks like a four-poster.

In Kent, M and Paul are playing detective.

So, piano, drums, guitar - it's almost like a whole band is here.

-And something for cakes.

-Made out of records!

-That would appeal to me.

-He plays in a rock band.

-That's what you would always want.

-My dream!

You're not going to meet him, he's gone down to your place.

Hopefully, he's tearing it to pieces.

M's now in search of some humble pie.

-Oh, I like it.

-Yeah.

-Oh, wow, now we're talking.

This, to me, is fun

and I bet you each chair has a story as to why it's here.

I feel so BAD for saying what I did.

As M and Paul continue admiring the kitchen...

The floor - I want to take the floor home with me...

..Mel and Dane have found where they'll be sleeping tonight.

Gosh, that's a nice bed, isn't it?

One of their hosts' more unique pieces catches their attention.

Do you reckon that's a dartboard, there?

I don't think it is a dartboard, it's probably a mirror. No, it's...

It's nothing, a sort of torture device behind bars.

A torture device?

It's probably like the original window.

That's a much better guess, Dane, well done.

In Kent, M and Paul are drawn to the spacious garden.

It's great. Nice trees.

Oh, look, there's a pool!

I didn't expect this here. I want to feel the temperature in a minute.

Go on, then. Go on.

I'm not going in.

I'm not going in!

After an enlightening tour so far, there's just one more room to see.

-This must be where we're staying.

-OK, let's have a look.

"You will stay in the goldfish room downstairs..."

The rest of the house with all the mixtures of colours,

I'm surprised that this room has just been left.

I've loved all the rooms we've seen.

I'm just a bit disappointed with this.

House tours over, our swappers make themselves at home.

It's not what I thought it would be and, actually,

I think it's going to be fun for a couple of days.

-Yeah.

-BOTH:

-Cheers!

In Dorset, Mel and Dane indulge in their hosts' generous gift.

Whoo! Chin-chin!

Thanks for the prosecco, have a good night.

It's the first morning of the home swap.

-Breakfast is ready!

-OK.

M and Paul's thoughts are firmly on their guests in Dorset.

How do you think our guests are getting on in Bridport?

I hope the weather is amazing

and that they are having breakfast in the courtyard garden and kitchen.

As the last area they've yet to explore,

that's exactly where Mel and Dane are heading.

Ooh, this is nice, isn't it?

Through the Mediterranean courtyard, there's one final door to open.

This is the shed, the garden shed. Doesn't look like a shed, does it?

It's about the size of my first house.

And there are more clues about their hosts.

Look, "grandchildren spoilt here".

They've got the little rocking horse.

Some chairs on the wall,

that's where she puts the children when they're being naughty.

Similarly in Kent...

Definitely children, definitely.

-I don't think they're grandchildren, actually.

-No, I don't.

Whoever lives here is much younger than us.

But no decent shed is complete without...

"Enjoy"!

We could have a buck's fizz for breakfast.

Now they're more accustomed to their temporary homes,

our swappers are keen to get out and explore their wider local areas.

It's very period drama, isn't it?

Off we go!

M and Paul are staying in the small residential town of Yorkletts

but, with few amenities of its own,

locals head two miles down the road to the seaside town of Whitstable.

Living in Whitstable is an absolute delight.

The walks are to die for,

the sunsets are fabulous.

It really is amazing.

Whitstable has a bohemian charm

with a high street full of independent shops,

galleries and cafes and there's a popular weekly market.

Situated on the edge of the bustling town is the harbour.

It's a hive of seafaring activities with plenty of restaurants

and street stalls where you can sample the catch of the day.

Whitstable's especially famous for its delicious native oysters.

You could get them all over the place

but I'd recommend finding an independent trader

on the beachfront and having some oysters

with a little glass of prosecco while the sun goes down.

So, what are M and Paul looking for

as they arrive at Whitstable's fish market?

I think I'd prefer the cockles. Do you like cockles?

-No, you have cockles.

-I'll have cockles.

While Paul opts for cockles,

fishmonger Kieran Hammond shows M the oysters on offer.

We've got two oysters.

We've got the Pacific oyster here, a rock oyster

and we've got the Whitstable natives.

This is what Whitstable's famous for and these are the British oysters.

-I have to have one of those.

-One of those?

-Yes, please.

-Down the hatch in one.

-Taste of the sea.

-Yeah.

Oh, it's gorgeous!

Mmm!

But if oysters don't float your boat,

there's plenty of other shellfish to try, as M and Paul find out.

-Really, really nice, very fresh.

-Are they good?

-Very good.

-What about yours?

-Delicious.

They must be delicious.

You must be enjoying them because I've never heard you so quiet.

While M and Paul take in the fresh sea air and views,

Mel and Dane are exploring the area of Pymore in the south of Dorset.

Pymore is a tiny village,

once dominated by the area's ropemaking trade.

Its 17th century former factory stands dominant on the River Brit,

now redeveloped into luxury homes.

With few local amenities,

the village's close-knit residents work and play in nearby Bridport,

a coastal town just a mile away from the village.

The area is absolutely amazing.

It's been voted the friendliest town in the whole of the UK

and, believe me, it is. They are all wonderful here.

Bridport's three main streets

are among the widest in the west of England,

a long ago necessity when ropes and nets

would be strung across the streets.

Nowadays, the town's better known for its bustling art scene and shops.

If you're visiting the area,

you've got to visit the Art and Vintage Quarter for a start.

It's full of studios, artists, eclectic shops, antiques

and everything else like that.

Past the main shopping area, Mel and Dane stop by a family-run business

helping to keep the town's net-making heritage alive and kicking.

-Pleased to meet you, Mel.

-I'm Dane.

-Hello, Dane.

Father and son Rod and James Barr are happy to share their net know-how.

-You're making a net?

-Yeah, I am.

I'm making a fishing net for a customer of ours in Brixham.

-Brixton?

-Brixham in Devon.

-Oh, Brixham, yeah.

Not Brixton, London, I don't know if they have trawlers.

-By hand you make them?

-Yeah, we finish them off by hand.

We're like tailors.

During World War I, Bridport produced more than 50,000 nets a week

to go to the front line.

Now, it supplies the local fishing and sporting industries.

So, do you do like football nets and tennis nets?

We do. We make football nets.

We make sort of lots of golf nets, golf practice nets, badminton nets.

Tennis courts, rugby pitches - there's 1,001 uses for nets.

Do you do fishnets, like stockings?

Well, we might look into it.

Oh, Mel, you saucy thing.

Now for some friendly competition,

our swappers are rating each other's areas.

First up, has this morning in Yorkletts in Kent

caught M and Paul hook, line and sinker?

It's so quintessentially English.

I've been pleasantly surprised.

What about the score?

I would give it eight out of ten.

I think it might be a bit mean.

-I would give it nine.

-Would you?

-Yeah.

-OK.

-We'll agree on nine, then.

-OK. Nine.

It's a long journey home.

And for Mel and Dane, has Pymore in Dorset netted their hearts?

The area around here is quite nice and peaceful.

The high street was very quaint.

Lots of independent shops and everything.

And the stunning coastline. It's really beautiful.

That's really made the area.

Therefore, we are going to give it an eight.

With only one point difference, Kent has taken the lead so far.

Next, to give our couples a greater experience of what

is on offer in each area,

both are given an afternoon activity to try.

What will Mel and Dane be doing in sunny Dorset?

Oh. "With the glorious Jurassic coastline on your doorstep,

"today's activity is built on sand, literally, as you visit

"a popular beach to try sand sculpting."

-Woo.

-Great stuff.

-That sounds good. We're going to get sandy.

-Yeah.

After a morning of fresh sea air,

what will M and Paul be getting up to next?

"The best things often come in small packages

"and today you will be visiting a local British wildlife trust

"to meet some unique small and furry residents."

-You mean we've driven...

-From Bridport.

-..six and a half hours

to look at a...

A dormouse.

Trust us. It will be worthwhile.

Just ten minutes away in Herne Bay,

M and Paul arrive at a uniquely British wildlife park.

Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland,

Wildwood runs conservation programmes for many native

species like the endangered otter, beaver and the crane,

extinct in the wild here since the 17th century.

Keeper Judy Dunn reveals which animal's first on the list

for a nose-to-nose introduction.

We've got quite a favourite little animal,

which I'm sure you are going to be bowled over by.

It's a hazel dormouse.

Yes, you heard right. A dormouse.

Hazel dormice are usually nocturnal creatures

and hard to see in the wild.

-Oh, isn't she beautiful?

-Here she is.

And she is quite a good size and weight.

Hand-reared, this dormouse proves particularly enchanting.

Oh, isn't she sweet?

Seems quite relaxed with you, M.

Hazel dormice thrive in hedgerows and woodland throughout the UK,

though rarely going far from their nests.

They hibernate in winter.

Isn't she lovely?

They've got a fantastic hearing.

Their ears rotate independently as they are listening.

She doesn't seem to travel on my hand,

like she does with you.

Look at her ears moving.

-She knows somebody different is holding her.

-Do you think so?

-I do, apart from you.

-Maybe she can listen to your voice.

-Yeah.

You're very beautiful.

While the mouse whisperer bonds with her new furry friend,

Mel and Dane have travelled along the Dorset coast to Weymouth

to learn about the extraordinary art of sand sculpting.

Oh, wow. Harry Potter.

This is a step up from building sand castles.

Here, some of the world's most talented sand masters

have spent days crafting their towering creations.

Hello. Welcome to Sand World. My name is Mark.

World-class sand sculptor Mark Anderson

has 25 years of experience.

So, we are going to do a little sofa here, so you two will be

sat on the sofa and we're going to do a little television here.

So, we need to shovel up a nice big mound of sand.

With 2,000 tonnes of Weymouth beach sand on site,

they begin a process called the pound up.

I have to say, I wasn't expecting this as an activity.

The ratio of sand, water

and compaction are critical to a strong structure.

If you would like to start shaping the sofa.

All you need to do is pack it into place.

See the way I am just moving it into place?

If I wanted to add any more I can just smooth it off.

Are you happy doing that while we carry on with the TV?

A thumbs up from Mel as she is given sofa duty.

That looks good. A bit like a Simpsons sofa.

I wonder what the person in Whitstable is doing, Dane?

I don't think they will be sand sculpting on a pebble beach.

While Mel and Dane finish the TV and sofa,

back at the wildlife park in Kent,

M and Paul have joined conservation worker Clare Stalford

to meet to some extremely rare water voles.

-It's your turn.

-You get a slightly messier job.

Yeah, and it bites.

Yes, water voles do bite.

The voles are expert at hiding,

so Paul is mucking out

to see if he can spot the residents.

Oh, there's one there, look. Hello.

He's having a look.

Paul, this gives me great pleasure.

I was thinking that.

Time for a health check.

These water voles are fast on their feet.

-Oops.

-There he is. Oops.

Come on. That's the plan.

-Oh, you've got one.

-Got one.

The inspiration behind Ratty in The Wind In The Willows,

the water vole is Britain's fastest declining mammal

and in need of conservation like this.

Have a little look at his teeth,

make sure they are nice and straight.

He looks nice and healthy.

He looks good.

He looks like a skinny chipmunk, doesn't he?

Yeah, I guess they do have that sort of look about them.

The vole was very nice. It was good.

I loved holding the little dormouse.

I never thought I would.

It was very good. We enjoyed it.

Back with our sand sculptors in Dorset,

Mel and Dane are putting the finishing touches

to their sandy creation.

For a remote control...

You see that?

Nice and wet but it's still staying together

so if we just pop that onto the sand there, Dane.

You see that?

All you need to do to that is just carve it into whatever shape

and add the buttons.

And it's Mel's turn to have a go.

Great. You've done it. Brilliant.

And then just lift it.

Yeah, and you are compacting it now

and then pop it on to the dry.

Oh, that wasn't a pop.

-Careful.

-I'm just ruining everything now.

You did, didn't you?

Mel is inspired to create something else typically found in a lounge.

Actually, that looks more like a beer pint, doesn't it?

Mark shows her how to shape the sand.

And go.

Gently, and hold it in place.

Hold it in place and then just blend it in.

When compacted like this, the water around each sand grain creates

a super strong bond, allowing structures like this to be

able to withstand a force seven wind.

Look at each other. That's it, yeah,

because profiles are much easier, I hope.

A final arty flourish and they are done.

Those people look familiar on the screen.

Look at that.

-Yeah, very nice.

-Who's going to get the remote?

-You can have it for a change, Dane.

-There you go. Look at that.

When it said sand sculpting I was a little bit underwhelmed, I guess.

But I get here and it's been quite good fun, actually.

After a busy afternoon, our swappers are keen to see how costly

it would be if they made their home swap a more permanent lifestyle swap.

Paul, an apartment is 380.

-Three bedrooms.

-Gosh.

-It looks quite nice, though.

-It all looks beautiful.

That's for you, look. A beach hut.

-36,000.

-Gosh, look at the price of them.

-I know.

I think we'll stick to Bridport, do you think?

A classic terrace here in Kent costs around £170,000.

A semi is about 220,000

and to buy a detached house you'll have to fork out around £380,000.

In Dorset, average house prices are the same or a little lower.

If I had to live in any of them it would be this one over here.

And that's not too bad, price-wise.

What you save in house prices you're going to spend in travelling.

Travelling where?

Anywhere with some life.

In Dorset, a classic terrace is around £180,000.

A semi-costs about 220,00

and for a detached you are looking at around £350,000.

After an eventful day, next on the agenda is dining out

and each host has suggested a restaurant for tonight.

In a nearby Bridport,

Mel and Dane have arrived at a 16th century former coaching inn.

I think this is it.

Here the restaurant aims for laid-back,

rustic dining using local ingredients.

Are you both ready to order or shall I give you some more time?

Yeah, I'll have both things off the menu board, the specials, please.

-Actually, I wouldn't mind the hake as well.

-OK. Great.

Staying true to its coastal location,

the menu offers a catch of the day.

Well, that's a very well-cooked fish.

Meanwhile, M and Paul have returned to nearby Whitstable

to visit their hosts' recommendation.

Actually, Paul, look. Paul, Paul.

-Oh, that looks nice. Yeah.

-Shall we?

-Yeah, I'm hungry. Let's go.

Come on, come on.

This intimate restaurant has a selective seasonal menu

using local ingredients.

Were both going to have the plaice, actually.

-The plaice?

-Yes. Thank you.

M and Paul can't resist a last bite from the Kentish waters.

Oh, wow. Thank you.

It smells of the sea.

I think yours might be bigger than mine.

Cheers.

-I've never had fish like this.

-No, it is very nice.

What a beautiful restaurant. I think we are quite blessed.

-Let's drink to that.

-Yeah.

With contented tummies,

both our couples turn their minds to scoring their day out.

First, in Pymore, Dorset.

When I found out about doing the sound sculpting today,

I think I was a little bit underwhelmed.

I think it turned out pretty decent in the end.

-Yet, actually, it was pretty amazing. I really enjoyed it.

-Yeah.

And we came down to the restaurant here.

The food was, like, top quality, I reckon.

-What do you reckon we are going to score it?

-We thought an eight.

Yeah, eight is great.

What about their guests in Yorkletts, Kent?

Today, I loved handling the wildlife and the dormouse.

Doris the dormouse. I loved it.

And the dinner was unbelievable.

The food was fantastic.

I don't think we could give it any less than ten out of ten.

I totally agree.

Gold star to Yorkletts for the day out.

Leading by three points, it is still all to play for.

It's the final morning and our home swappers are making

the most of their time left before heading home.

Over in Kent...

It's like a secret garden.

It is nice.

..M and Paul are feeling a little bouncy.

Go on. Have a go.

Do you want a hand? Oh, that's good.

-Higher.

-No, I can't.

-Come on. Higher.

-I can't.

It's good. Firemen's lift. Whoa.

In contrast, in Dorset, Mel and Dane have opted for a calm game of chess,

where they carefully position their final thoughts

on their hosts' identities.

I reckon it's going to be an older lady who lives here.

-Somebody who has got grandchildren.

-Probably alone.

She might have a partner.

Checkmate.

With the exchange now over,

our swappers tidy up and get back on the road.

-Bye-bye, house.

-Great.

Swapping houses is not only a cheaper way to get away

but who knows what adventures could unfold by visiting somewhere new.

I'm sorry we're going.

A decent B&B in Bridport, Dorset,

would set you back about £180 for two nights.

Whereas, in Whitstable, Kent,

it can cost about £170.

Our swappers have safely returned to their home sweet homes.

Ah, nice to be back.

But it was fun.

And they can finally find out who's been here to stay

and what they made of it.

First to view their guests are M and Paul in Pymore.

-It's exciting.

-I hope they liked us.

Hi, I'm Dane. I'm 41 and I own my own landscape gardening company

and this is my fiancee.

Hi, I'm Mel. I'm a musician and a teacher.

-We knew it was music, didn't we?

-Pretty close, yeah.

We've really enjoyed our stay down here.

And we hope that you've enjoyed your stay down at ours.

-They're a really nice couple, I want to meet them now.

-Yeah.

THEY CHUCKLE

Oh, wow, it looks like an old sort of mill, eh?

Flour mill, tin mining?

It looks like an old-style townhouse. Something converted,

something quite old with a bit of history is quite nice, isn't it?

I think it looked great in the dark.

-In the dark!

-Yeah.

Yeah, it is a bit plain.

And they thought, "Oh, it's the whole house,"

so they're going to be so disappointed!

OK, this is it, home sweet home.

Ooh!

Oh, wow!

This is nice, isn't it?

That black, cast iron pole, it supports the floor

but it does look like you could do some dancing around there.

-Dancing around it.

-Go on, then.

I don't think... Oh, are you going to do it?

Ow!

THEY LAUGH

Oh, they're sweet.

Yeah, that was good.

That's an instrument, I don't know

if we're allowed to play it, or not. You go like that.

Of course you are.

And they like champagne, there's quite a lot

of boxes with champagne...

And a "save water, drink champagne" sign.

-THEY LAUGH

-I do!

We like champagne.

Yeah, I told you you were showing off.

CORK POPS

-MEL:

-Whoo!

Well done.

Chin-chin to the person who lives here.

Thanks for the prosecco, have a good night.

-I hope YOU did.

-Yeah.

Now in Yorkletts, it's Mel and Dane's turn.

I'm Paul. I'm 69 years old

and this is my little, blonde package.

I'm Marie-Louise, people call me M

and I'm 64 years old.

I am a retired interior designer.

We should have guessed it from

all those interior design magazines that were just everywhere.

Thank you very much for letting us stay in your home,

which has certainly grown on us and we really, really

have enjoyed being here

and we both hope that you've enjoyed being in our pad.

-Well, we did, didn't we?

-Yeah.

A definite "yes" for that.

They both seem really lovely.

Track 'em down.

We know where they live!

I don't want to go in.

-Oh, my goodness.

-THEY CHUCKLE

My worst nightmare is to be somewhere dark and dingy

and it looks dark to me.

What have I done?!

They're being quite critical, aren't they, when they've just turned up?

-Oh, wow!

-Yes.

Oh, wow!

-I like this room.

-Yeah.

'I'm really pleasantly surprised.

-'You take it all back now?

-I do.'

Engage brain before opening mouth.

THEY LAUGH

Thanks!

That was nice, actually, after their first reaction

to go from that.

-I like it.

-Yeah.

Oh, wow, now we're talking.

-Yay!

-Mmm.

This to me is fun.

I bet you each chair has a story as to why it's here.

There is a story behind the chairs.

Yeah. Some are mine and some are yours.

This must be where we're staying.

The rest of the house, with all the mixture and colours,

that I'm surprised that this room has just been left.

I've loved all the rooms we've seen.

I'm just a bit disappointed with this.

Hopefully she'll just have her eyes shut most of the time.

I mean, she's in there.

After watching their guests snooping around their homes,

it's time to reveal which swap has come out on top.

First up, how did M and Paul's guests rate the village

of Pymore in Dorset?

The area around here is quite nice and peaceful.

The high street was very quaint

with lots of independent shops and everything.

The stunning coastline is really beautiful

and that's really made the area.

Therefore, we are going to give it an eight.

-I'm happy that they fell in love with the area.

-Yeah, yeah.

And now for their day out.

When I found out about doing sand sculpting today,

I was a little bit underwhelmed.

I think it turned out pretty decent in the end.

Yeah, actually, it was pretty amazing. I've really enjoyed it.

We came down to the restaurant here,

the food was like top-quality, I reckon.

-We thought an eight.

-Eight's great.

-Yeah, a really good eight.

-That sounds like they had the same reaction...

-To sand sculpting.

..to "you're going to see a mouse".

Thank you.

"We're going to see a sand sculpture. What?"

Make one.

And the ultimate score, for M's stylish riverside pad.

Although it's a flat,

it would be quite nice if it had its own entrance

but once you get inside, it more than makes up for it.

The courtyard outside makes it really special.

That's a lovely space out there.

So we like to give your house a nine out of ten.

Thank you!

How lovely is that?

M and Paul have received

a decent score of 25 out of 30.

Now it's Mel and Dane's turn.

Did Yorkletts in Kent win over their guests?

It's so quintessentially English.

I've been pleasantly surprised.

So what about the score?

I would give it eight out of ten.

-I think you might be a bit mean, I'd give it nine.

-OK.

We'll agree on nine, then.

-It's good, isn't it?

-It's good.

-Yeah.

It shows how other people enjoy it as much as we do, really.

What about their day out?

Today I loved handling the wildlife and the dormouse!

Doris the dormouse! I loved it.

And the dinner was unbelievable.

The food was fantastic.

I don't think we could give it any less than ten out of ten.

I totally agree.

My gosh!

Mel and Dane have been given 19 points so far

for their area and day out

but will the final score for the Tardis-like bungalow

be enough to bag the top spot?

Thank you so much for allowing us into your lovely home.

We had a fabulous couple of nights' sleep in the guest room

but we didn't feel it reflected your lovely personality

which we see all around the house.

On that basis, we're going to give you a score of...

nine out of ten.

-That's good isn't it?

-It's great.

Nine out of ten. Nine out of ten.

A fantastic score of 28 out of 30

puts them in the lead

by three points,

which means the extended family friendly bungalow in Yorkletts

is today's Home Away From Home winner!

-Well that's pretty good from an interior designer.

-Yeah.

We better go and celebrate.

I'm well pleased with that.

And is it something they'd all do again?

Not knowing where we were going was the best part of it.

That's the answer, then.

We can do a house swap again,

I just won't tell you where we're going!

Yeah, I'd go for it again, I think.

It was great being surrounded

with all those things and you don't get that sort of thing

-in a hotel, do you?

-No, definitely not.

# I've got the music I've got the lights

# You've got the figure full of delights

# Let's get together the two of us

# Over a glass of champagne

# I've been waiting much too long

# For this moment to come along

# Oh, yeah!

# Oh, yeah!

# Oh, yeah! #