0:00:02 > 0:00:03Oh, this is amazing.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07Families from across Britain are about to try home swapping.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- That's great. We can leave them with that.- Who's going to drive?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15They don't know each other and have no idea yet where they'll be
0:00:15 > 0:00:18calling home for the next three days.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- This looks a nice village, doesn't it?- Very quaint.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23It's a home away from home.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Oh, are we really on here?
0:00:26 > 0:00:30Each family will have to suggest local places for their home
0:00:30 > 0:00:34swappers to visit, as well as a favourite restaurant.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35This is divine.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- Cheers to the home swap. - Cheers to home swapping.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41And they'll be scoring each other on the location,
0:00:41 > 0:00:45day out and their temporary home.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Very good.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Only on their return will they get to see who has been
0:00:50 > 0:00:52living in their house.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54The wife's written that.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56"Girl's writing"!
0:00:56 > 0:01:01And find out who's provided the best home-swapping experience.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I just... I'm so happy.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today, we're starting in Tatterford Village in Norfolk...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16All right, let's go and have a boat ride.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19..with our first home swappers, husband and wife team,
0:01:19 > 0:01:20Henry and Oxana.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Oh, a seal. Look, seals!
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Norfolk-born Henry, met Russian-born Oxana,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33on home turf nine years ago and they have three children.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35So, where do they call home?
0:01:35 > 0:01:37You'd think it could still be an agricultural barn
0:01:37 > 0:01:40when you drive by and inside, you know, it's light
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and it's modern and actually could be a warehouse or a flat in London.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45I like that it's renovated,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48it's new-build but it blends in with nature,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52so I didn't like, too much, this is us, we're building here.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Nestled in the Norfolk countryside, they took an 18th century
0:01:58 > 0:02:02dilapidated barn and transformed it in to a luxurious
0:02:02 > 0:02:04spacious family home.
0:02:05 > 0:02:06So, this is our main room.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10We wanted just a nice large room where most of the family can spend
0:02:10 > 0:02:12time together, reading, eating, whatever it may be.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16If you look, all these books here, most of those are in Russian,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19so this is Oxana's corner cos I won't understand any of them.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- You would.- Some of them, cos she's teaching me Russian but...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Children ones, you could.- Yeah.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28With Oxana being a Russian tutor, he's in safe hands.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33As an ex-Marine and consultant, Henry's jobs have taken him
0:02:33 > 0:02:35around the world.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I think it does reflect who we are, especially for myself, because
0:02:38 > 0:02:42I travel a lot and I bring back all these bizarre items from abroad.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46This table's made from teak in South Sudan.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48I bought that in Pakistan and then it came up,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51and then I shipped it up through the Kyber Pass to Kabul.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53That's a wooden teapot I bought in, erm,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56in Afghanistan, made in Nuristan.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58This is another one of my favourites.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00It's a camel's saddle that I bought in Darfur.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03We've turned it into a little coffee table.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07The extended barn boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11a rotating wood burner and underfloor heating
0:03:11 > 0:03:14and tucked away is Oxana's special native touch.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18This is a sauna.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22It's good, it's really... I like it, especially in the winter here,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Norfolk, you need it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26In here, you have to wear these hats.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Yes, you have to wear these hats.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Funnily enough, a wool hat keeps you cool.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34In hot countries, you drink green tea, which is hot,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38and wear woollen hats, because they know how to keep the heat away.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40I'll take your word for it.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43For every ornament of Henry's inside,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Oxana has matched with her plants outside.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50This is one of Oxana's dreams, to have a kitchen garden.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53So strawberries are good because children always eat them.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Onions, garlic, there are some carrots there
0:03:56 > 0:03:58but marigolds have taken the space.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01It's called complementary planting, by the way.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- This is good, I give you one, as well.- Thank you. This is our catch.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Open-minded about where they stay,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11they have only one stipulation for their home swap.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16I don't like dark, stuffy rooms with a lot of collections.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17To me, it's a bit dated.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Well, you'll find out where you're heading shortly.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Our next home swapper is author and sci-fi project manager, John,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31who lives in Great Dunmow in Essex with his husband, Marcus.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37When Marcus and I travel, we're always keen to go self-catering
0:04:37 > 0:04:39so it forces you to go out
0:04:39 > 0:04:43and I think that this is a, sort of, natural progression.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Marcus has work commitments,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49so John's writer friend, Sarah, is joining him instead.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I was looking for a writing group to join
0:04:52 > 0:04:56and then I saw the one that John had literally just set up.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I sort of turned up on day one of the writing groups and erm...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Never left since. - Never left, yeah.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Not literally, but Sarah does visit often,
0:05:08 > 0:05:13so what kind of place does this creative call home?
0:05:13 > 0:05:1725 years ago, John bought this ordinary three-bedroomed
0:05:17 > 0:05:20ex-council house, and with the help of friends,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22transformed it into the extraordinary.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26As I was growing up, being a writer and being creative, I realised
0:05:26 > 0:05:31that I was going and visiting houses and I'd love to own those houses
0:05:31 > 0:05:33but I never could and then I thought, well,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35why can't I create that?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And his vision? Talliston House
0:05:38 > 0:05:40comprises 13 remarkable rooms
0:05:40 > 0:05:44inspired by buildings from all around the world
0:05:44 > 0:05:48set across more than 6,000 years of history.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51So, this room is the Watch Tower, it's the living room
0:05:51 > 0:05:53and dining room of the house and it's, erm,
0:05:53 > 0:05:5713th-century tower taken over by the Victorians.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I wish we could be here when we see the people actually walk
0:06:00 > 0:06:04through the door, because their faces are going to be a picture.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Hopefully, not like the one behind you.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13With meticulous detail, each room is dressed authentically to its time.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15This is my favourite room.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19The kitchen was inspired by 1954 New Orleans,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23having all of the 1950s gadgetry, as well.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26This is where we hide the microwave.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Let's see if they find that.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Filled with stories and secrets,
0:06:33 > 0:06:38this magical wonderland has a Norwegian boathouse bathroom,
0:06:38 > 0:06:43a 1920s Manhattan office, a Cambodian attic treehouse
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and something no house should be without.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50This is, erm, known as the haunted bedroom.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55It's an Edwardian room, it's 1911 and what isn't obvious,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58is, actually, it's a child's bedroom.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00The child's no longer with us.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03You write sort of creep stories and stuff.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06I mean, there's nothing more creepy than a dead child, is there?
0:07:06 > 0:07:07Exactly.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12These global travellers have clear thoughts
0:07:12 > 0:07:14on their ideal home swap destination.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Tacky seaside towns just don't do it for me.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22For me, I love history, so, anything ultra-modern, I think,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- will be terrible.- No, no.- No.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Well, you'll find out where you're heading soon enough.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33True to form, our home swappers have trusted us
0:07:33 > 0:07:35to decide where they're going.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Is the bathroom clean?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Of course it is, the entire house is clean.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44So, with a final flourish of flowers and a plump of the cushions,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47let's tell them where they're heading.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51First up, Henry and Oxana are going to Essex.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Essex.- Essex.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56OK, very good. It's a county we don't know particularly well.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- I don't know it well. - Well, there you go.- That's good.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06And best buds, John and Sarah, are going to Norfolk.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Norfolk?- Norfolk? - Do you know much about Norfolk?
0:08:09 > 0:08:11I do. It's very flat.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Both our households are keen to leave their guests with a clean
0:08:17 > 0:08:18and tidy home.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We hope you have an enjoyable lovely stay at our house.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- Don't mess it up. - No. We can't put that.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Doors locked, it's time to hand over their keys and hit the road.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Henry and Oxana are making their way 89 miles south to
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Great Dunmow in Essex.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44This varied county is a mix of expansive farmland,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47stunning coastal marshes and dramatic seascapes.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53It's surprisingly rural with green spaces such as the ancient
0:08:53 > 0:08:57woodland of Epping Forest holding back the sprawl of London.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02With the exception of its major commuter towns, Colchester
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and Chelmsford, this unexpected county is home to pretty
0:09:06 > 0:09:09market towns and villages.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11OK, so this must be it here.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Not quite what I expected, I must admit.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Arriving in Great Dunmow, Henry and Oxana set eyes
0:09:17 > 0:09:19on their home away from home.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- OK.- A semi.- Yeah.- Is it semi?
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It's smaller than I thought.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26The black on the windows, that would concern me a little bit.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Perhaps it's dark and sinister in there.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Do you think?- Ghosts!- Well.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Meanwhile, friends, John and Sarah, are heading 89 miles north
0:09:37 > 0:09:39to Tatterford in Norfolk.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44This county is home to many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with
0:09:44 > 0:09:49big skies, tranquil countryside, even the odd windmill.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54With an abundance of historic towns and villages, its capital,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Norwich, is famous for its 12th-century medieval cathedral.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03For those seeking to dip their toe in the North Sea, it's a county with
0:10:03 > 0:10:08a diverse coastline from sweeping shingle beaches to sandy dunes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15Inland, 30 miles north of Norwich, is the small village of Tatterford.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Oh, look at all this open space.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22In Norfolk, no-one can hear you scream.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Now, John and Sarah can set eyes on their hidden rural escape.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Oh.- This looks very nice.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Is it a barn or a...?
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Converted barn?
0:10:36 > 0:10:37Wow, look at that view.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- This is wonderful.- Wow.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- This is nice.- Is this all theirs?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Look at that view. Wow.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50You could sit here and look at it for hours.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54As John and Sarah take in their new location...
0:10:55 > 0:11:00..over in Essex, Henry and Oxana are bravely stepping over the threshold.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Crikey, this is going to be an unusual one, isn't it?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Listen to that creak!
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Crikey.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Look straight ahead.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Mama! I'm really nervous.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19It's so different.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22You wonder what the people are like that live here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- I don't know what they do, but they do something crazy.- Yeah.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33While Henry and Oxana absorb their eerie surroundings, in
0:11:33 > 0:11:38Norfolk, Sarah and John are keen to see what treasures are held indoors.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Oh, I do like those chairs.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44Oh, to our guests.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46The guide.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Both households have left a manual packed with all
0:11:49 > 0:11:51they need to know during their stay.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56"Dear home swappers, we hope you will love staying in our home in Norfolk.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- "Explore, enjoy."- "Endeavour." - Endeavour.- Endeavour.- Endeavour!
0:12:00 > 0:12:02I like that as a word.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05In a spirit of endeavour, manuals in hand,
0:12:05 > 0:12:09our swappers set out to explore their new dwellings.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Oh, my God. Oh, God, look at all that space.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16"Open-plan sitting and dining room, generous and comfortable,"
0:12:16 > 0:12:17it certainly is.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- And the zebra skin. I think they are going to get Talliston. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:26 > 0:12:30With a keen eye, John doesn't waste any time seeking out clues
0:12:30 > 0:12:32on their hosts' identities.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34They're definitely travellers, aren't they?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Because it says here, "matching armchairs which were
0:12:36 > 0:12:39"acquired in Afghanistan" and you've got Russian dolls.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Let's have a look at the books. Africa, Central Asia, Turkey.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And on the door, you've got the children, look.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52Boris, Vera, Sergei, Oxana and Henry.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Five, five children?
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Ten points for effort, John, but I don't know many kids that tall!
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Over in Essex, Henry and Oxana's nerves
0:13:02 > 0:13:05are being tested at every turn.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07So, this is the chapel, I guess.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10What's that in the corner? Is that a raven?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- He's watching us. - God, how many things are there?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Not quite what I expected.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Here we go the, "The voodoo altar,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27"upon this candle covered ledge are such items as messenger dolls,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30"hoodoo bottles and a black Madonna doll's head."
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Yeah, that's... that's slightly unusual.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36And it doesn't end there.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It's a library. No?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44There you go.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48So, do the spine-chilling surroundings offer any clues
0:13:48 > 0:13:50to their host's identity?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52There's a sorcerer living in here,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56there's a horror movie about butterflies everywhere.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Well, you're in it now.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Comforting words, Henry.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Back in Norfolk, Sarah and John
0:14:04 > 0:14:07are steadily making their way through the converted barn.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Are these all the bedrooms?
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Cos I'm just thinking, don't say they turned up at Talliston
0:14:13 > 0:14:14with five children.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Keen to see where they'll sleep tonight,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21they check out the many bedrooms.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Oh, more animal skins. Bunk beds.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Two kids. Going to go top or bottom?
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Is this our room? Look, artillery.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36Definite military links. Hairdryer, not quite military.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Not quite military issue, is it?
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Also on the search for sanctuary, over in Essex...
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Crikey, you wouldn't expect this in a semidetached, would you?- No.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Henry and Oxana brave the stairs.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53We're going into another world, aren't we? The haunted bedroom.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56DOOR CREAKS
0:14:56 > 0:14:57Oh, it squeaks.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00It would have to be a squeaking door, wouldn't it?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02It's not the only bedroom in the house, is it?
0:15:02 > 0:15:06And what story has John conjured up for his guests?
0:15:06 > 0:15:11"Jack, poor thing, always complained of noises, ah, in the night, but
0:15:11 > 0:15:16"it was only after the boy's death that the first true hauntings began.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21"If you're a naughty boy tonight, you sleeping here. Definitely."
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Back in the seemingly endless Norfolk barn,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31there's one door John and Sarah have yet to open.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35What's through this door? Well, it says a "sauna".
0:15:37 > 0:15:39It is a sauna.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Oh, what are these.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43They're sauna hats. Are you supposed to wear them in a sauna?
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I don't know.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Meanwhile, in Essex, Henry is dragging Oxana to new
0:15:50 > 0:15:52terrifying heights.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Go on, take another step and then a hand up here, now put a knee there.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59Well done, you're up.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01We're in a treehouse, can you believe?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Well, I feel as if I've travelled around the world
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- and not just around the world in time, as well.- Time travel.- Yep.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09How do we get downstairs?
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Now we can worry about that. That's it almost there.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Put your left hand there.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20While Henry navigates Oxana to safety.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- You OK?- No. I want to be OK when I'm on the floor.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Over in Norfolk, John and Sarah waste no time
0:16:27 > 0:16:30getting relaxed in their new temporary home.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33What a day.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Who'd have thought we'd end up in a sauna in Norfolk.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Indeed. And I think I've got an idea for another room at Talliston.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Not sure you should be drinking wine in a sauna, you two!
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Back in Essex, Henry and Oxana have returned to the relative safety
0:16:52 > 0:16:54of the kitchen.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- It's the most outrageous house. - It's not outrageous.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- I've ever visited. - It's a wonder box.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- It's overwhelming, isn't it? - I am scared, but I'm with you.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Well, here's to a good night's sleep.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13In Norfolk, refreshed from their first night's sleep,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Sarah and John are enjoying a taste of the good life
0:17:16 > 0:17:18in their host's kitchen garden.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21There's raspberries here.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26Meanwhile, in Essex, Oxana reflects on a spooky late-night visitor.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28You had a dream last night? What happened?
0:17:28 > 0:17:31In my dreams, there was a boy walking in the bedroom
0:17:31 > 0:17:33in white pyjamas, white Edwardian,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35I think it was lacey things.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- No.- As soon as I see freaky children wearing white, I'm done.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45But Norfolk isn't entirely safe from John's sinister imagination.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Hopefully, there's nothing poisonous.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49I'm sure it won't be.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Deadly nightshade.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Let's imagine, you're driving in Norfolk, 11 o'clock at night,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and there are two little girls in pristine white dresses
0:18:00 > 0:18:03standing by the road holding hands with each other.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06May have just come back from a fancy dress party and they're lost.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09At 11 o'clock at night? Well, I think you'll freak out.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- May do, but I would at least stop. - You'd never stop.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- No, I would stop. - No, you wouldn't!
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Keen to get to know their local areas,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21both sets of swappers head out to explore.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- Look at the bell tower there. - It's beautiful. It's nice.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27That is a very, very old wisteria.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Henry and Oxana are staying in the market town of Great Dunmow
0:18:34 > 0:18:35in North West Essex.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It's great to live in Dunmow.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40My family have been here for many years.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43It's really accessible to get into town, into London or Cambridge
0:18:43 > 0:18:45with the M11 and Stansted Airport
0:18:45 > 0:18:47is just round the corner, which is fab.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Just an hour's drive from the capital,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Great Dunmow is a mix of rural charm and medieval history,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57with superb transport links.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00From riverside to pond-side,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03within easy reach of the bustling high street,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07you can take your pick of some truly wonderful sightseeing spots.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Rich in heritage and local traditions, the town's close
0:19:13 > 0:19:16community is proud to welcome visitors from near and far.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Everyone seems to know each other, the restaurants are great,
0:19:21 > 0:19:22the hotels are lovely.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26If I was to say for somebody to come and visit,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28I would say come and see Dunmow.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Bring more people in.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Just off the high street, Henry and Oxana discover the Maltings Museum
0:19:36 > 0:19:42where owner Steve Scorer is keen to explain a famous local custom.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Have you heard we're known as the flitch town?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46I've read it, but I don't know what it means.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49We keep asking each other, what is it? What is it? It's a big secret.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Well, we have a 900 year old custom in the town,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56where couples that have been married for at least a year and a day
0:19:56 > 0:20:01and never had an argument, can apply for the flitch.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03In this four-yearly ritual,
0:20:03 > 0:20:08a jury of 12 local bachelors and maidens need to be convinced
0:20:08 > 0:20:12by the couple that they've never wished themselves unwed.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18Pat and I were fortunate that in the last flitch trials in 2012,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20we actually won the flitch.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23We have a photograph on the wall...
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- Ah...- ..where Pat and I are being carried.- Right.- Right.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29The victorious, happily married couple
0:20:29 > 0:20:31is paraded along the high street
0:20:31 > 0:20:35and receive a flitch, or side of bacon.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38And the couples that have failed it, how did they manage to fail?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41One chap couldn't remember their wedding date.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Oh!- And that was it.- Yes.- Right.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45That happens to somebody standing next to me.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47LAUGHTER
0:20:47 > 0:20:51While Henry fails the flitch at the first hurdle,
0:20:51 > 0:20:56John and Sarah are exploring the barn's surrounding area.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Here in Norfolk, nestled in open countryside and rolling fields
0:21:01 > 0:21:04is the small, picturesque village of Tatterford.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Mainly residential, with few nearby amenities,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12Tatterford's rural setting is its main attraction to locals,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16or those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21There's always something to do and, erm, when the weather's nice,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23you couldn't beat it, and I'm a Londoner.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28If you fancy exploring the coastline and waterways,
0:21:28 > 0:21:32you might consider taking a ride in a traditional Norfolk crab boat.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34If you're going to come to Norfolk,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37one of the places you simply must go is up to the coast.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38There are wonderful beaches
0:21:38 > 0:21:42and huge great salt marshes to wander around, brilliant wildlife.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Tatterford's nearest town is Fakenham,
0:21:47 > 0:21:48just five miles away,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51where artefact enthusiast John, and Sarah,
0:21:51 > 0:21:56are checking out a museum housed in its former gasworks.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59In this protected, ancient monument,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03gas was produced from heating coal for 120 years
0:22:03 > 0:22:07before its closure in 1965.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10They've got gas meters over here. I'm going to find it
0:22:10 > 0:22:13really difficult to get excited looking at gas meters.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- No. Gas, gas meters aren't doing it for me.- Really?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21THEY LAUGH
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Don't you want to create a new room for the gas meters? - To put the gas meters in. Yeah.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27This being the only surviving
0:22:27 > 0:22:30complete collection of gasworks in the UK,
0:22:30 > 0:22:35it doesn't take long to pique antique enthusiast John's interest.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39I do love the fact that even the most...
0:22:39 > 0:22:41ordinary things...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- All beautiful.- ..were all embellished and all beautiful.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- It's more like a piece of art... - Yeah.- ..rather than a fire
0:22:49 > 0:22:53and I think that's the thing that I really love about the past,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56is everything has a story and it has a beauty,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59like William Morris said about everything in your house
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- should be either beautiful or functional.- Mm.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Yeah, that's how I choose my friends, as well.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06JOHN LAUGHS
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Mm!- Now, what does that make me?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10THEY LAUGH
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Now, to add some fire to the proceedings,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18our home swappers are going to score each other's areas.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Has this morning in Great Dunmow
0:23:20 > 0:23:23been a marriage made in heaven for Henry and Oxana?
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I like the area, it's traditional,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27it's got some nice historical buildings,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30but most importantly, it's got this heart to it on the main road,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32it's got this soul because people come in,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35it's got the nice tea rooms, there's a pub, which is the hotel,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- so, I think it's great. - I really, really like it.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42So, I think for those reasons, we're going to give it an eight.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46And how do John and Sarah rate their time in Tatterford?
0:23:46 > 0:23:48'The gas museum,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51'that was unique and it was to the area.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54'And then, charming-looking town, but...
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- 'Once you've seen it...- Once you've seen it, you've seen it.- Yeah.'
0:23:57 > 0:23:59So, um, overall...
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- give it a seven.- Seven.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04So, Great Dunmow takes the lead.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08To help boost our swappers' experiences of what's on offer
0:24:08 > 0:24:12in each location, they're both given an afternoon activity to try.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18So, what's in store for John and Sarah in Norfolk?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21"We'd love you to say, tanks, tanks...
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- Tanks.- "..for the memory." Tanks. - Oh, tanks!
0:24:25 > 0:24:27"So, this afternoon, you'll be learning to drive
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- "an armoured vehicle...- Yes! - "..at a local military museum."
0:24:31 > 0:24:32- Oh, my God, you...- Brilliant.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- You in a tank?- Oh...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37My God. Look out, Norfolk!
0:24:39 > 0:24:43And what will Henry and Oxana be doing in Essex?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45"With an international airport on your doorstep,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48"the sky's the limit, so, today, it's chocks away,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51"as you take off on your own private flying lesson."
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- OXANA LAUGHS - That's fantastic, that's good.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- This is cool.- Yeah. - This is really cool.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58MUSIC: Millennium by Robbie Williams
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Just half an hour from the house,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Henry and Oxana are joining instructor Matt Chapel
0:25:03 > 0:25:06at an airfield in the heart of the Essex countryside.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12After a quick safety briefing, they're preparing for takeoff.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Ah, big ears. Do I look like an idiot?- You look like a pilot,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19a professional pilot, that's not going to make a mistake or crash.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21During this one-hour flight,
0:25:21 > 0:25:27pilot Matt will eventually let Oxana take control of the plane.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- Oxana's not involved in any of this, Matt, is she?- No, I'm...
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- No, no! - MATT LAUGHS
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Golf, Yankee, Kilo, ready for departure, runway 24.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- RADIO:- 'Golf, Yankee, Kilo, Roger.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37'So, between two, four, zero, one, zero.'
0:25:37 > 0:25:40OK, is everybody ready to go? Ready? OK.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46This light aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 feet...
0:25:47 > 0:25:51..giving an unbeatable view of the Essex landscape.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53It feels amazing.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55So much better than on a big plane,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- you're just suddenly up in the air straightaway.- That's it.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Oh...
0:26:00 > 0:26:02What a treat. So beautiful.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Fantastic.- I'm feeling a bit nervous when you take control.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- OK...- My hands are sweating. - Are they?- They are.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12They normally don't sweat, never.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18Over in Norfolk,
0:26:18 > 0:26:19John and Sarah
0:26:19 > 0:26:23are at the UK's largest privately owned military museum,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27where local enthusiasts Victor Farrow and Sir Michael Savoury
0:26:27 > 0:26:30are keen to show them the ropes.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31Very shortly, you'll be driving a...
0:26:31 > 0:26:34fighting vehicle 432 armoured personnel carrier.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- Oh, looking forward to this. - It requires a bit of muscle, but I'm sure you can cope.- Oh, yes.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And, er, before we get on to driving it...
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- Yes.- ..we've got to get you kitted up in uniform
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- and we'll go in and get you changed. Go straight in.- Thank you...
0:26:46 > 0:26:50The museum hosts an extensive collection of real uniforms
0:26:50 > 0:26:54and headwear from before World War I to the present day.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56There's bound to be one that fits.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Oh, that's very small.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- Oh, is it?- You've got a big head.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Thank you.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Don't tell him your name, Pike.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06THEY LAUGH
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Try that.- What, is it a bigger one?
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Yeah, he's got a big head.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I've got a really big head and it looks really silly.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- That's even smaller. - Oh, that's even smaller.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Oh, oh, look at that one.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19That's a serious helmet.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Is that on back to front?
0:27:21 > 0:27:23That all right?
0:27:23 > 0:27:24It looks too small for you.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- That's it.- That's got to be big enough.- Yeah.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- Yeah?- This will be yours.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- SARAH LAUGHS - Exactly!
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Back among the Essex clouds,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39control of the flight is soon to be placed in Oxana's hands.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42All right? Now, can you see where the horizon is in the windscreen?
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Where the sky meets the ground or the sea in this case?- Yeah.- OK?
0:27:46 > 0:27:49So, what you want to do is try and keep that picture out the window.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52If Oxana wishes, today's experience could be counted
0:27:52 > 0:27:56towards gaining her own private pilot's licence.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- OK.- I'm so nervous.- So, when I give the controls to you...- Oh, no.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03OK? Put your hands, put your hands on the control wheel.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- Ah! What am I doing?- So, you can see it's starting to go to the right.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Just put a little bit of the control column to the left.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- How does it feel, Oxana? - I feel so scared.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- I feel...- You are flying me now, are you?- Da.- Yes.- Yes.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19THEY LAUGH
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Now, guided by Matt, some aerobatic turns.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- See the nose going above the horizon?- Oh, yes.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28So, just push the control column forward just a little bit.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- OXANA GASPS - That's it.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- And then...- Oi!
0:28:32 > 0:28:33Oh...
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Oh, don't take...don't, look, please, don't do it.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Put this better way, please.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Just push me while I'm doing this. - I'm going to do a scoring system...
0:28:42 > 0:28:44What I'm doing now?!
0:28:44 > 0:28:46How long this torture is for?
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Are you OK in the back?- I'm OK.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49OXANA HYPERVENTILATES
0:28:49 > 0:28:51I'm forgetting what I'm doing.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53So, if you just steer to the right for me.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56I'll tell you when to level the wings.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- Oh...- That's it, right, level the wings there.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02That's it, get the wings nice and straight again.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03OK, I'm going to take control,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07but if you want to hold on to the control paddle, as well, you're welcome to, OK?
0:29:07 > 0:29:09So, you're back in control, Matt?
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- I'm back in control.- OK.- Oh, what a pressure. It was such pressure.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- INDISTINCT RADIO VOICE: - 'On runway, two, four.'
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- You should be very pleased with what you managed to do.- I'm very pleased.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Oh, I'm pleased to be up in the air.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Very smooth.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I've been practising.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26THEY LAUGH
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Back on the army camp in Norfolk,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35John's learning how to control a multi-tonne military tank.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38All you've got to worry about is your throttle on the right,
0:29:38 > 0:29:40and the two sticks in front,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42which are your brake and steering stick, all right?
0:29:42 > 0:29:46Guided by Victor Farrow, John makes a move.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48That's your driving position there, all right?
0:29:48 > 0:29:50ENGINE WHINES
0:29:50 > 0:29:53Going on the right when you can, slowly, all right?
0:29:53 > 0:29:57'It was very noisy and uncomfortable.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It really was tough to pull all those things
0:30:00 > 0:30:03'and try to remember and not to stall it and everything.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I used to have the reputation of being a really bad driver,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08'so I drove a Volkswagen Beetle'
0:30:08 > 0:30:10'and they used to call it the "Death Watch Beetle".'
0:30:10 > 0:30:12JOHN LAUGHS
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Clear the roads, Norfolk!
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Next, it's Sarah's turn at the controls.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21MUSIC: Tank by The Stranglers
0:30:23 > 0:30:26I really enjoyed it. Maybe I'm a tank person.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27I mean, on that stretch,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29you, all of sudden, you seemed to say, right,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I know what I'm doing and we went...vroom!
0:30:32 > 0:30:33- Yes. - INDISTINCT
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I prefer driving to being in the back.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40My inner control freak is coming out.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41THEY LAUGH
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- So...- Yes...- Finishing their activities, on the way back,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50both sets of swappers can't resist taking a little peak
0:30:50 > 0:30:55at how property prices here compare to those back at home.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58That's a beautiful house. I guess that would probably be...
0:30:58 > 0:30:59a million, two million?
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Houses are dearer here, isn't it?
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- I would've thought a bit more than Norfolk.- One hour from London.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- One hour from London, 20 minutes from Stansted.- Yeah.
0:31:07 > 0:31:13To buy in Essex, a classic terrace goes for around £177,000.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18You can buy a semi for around £218,000,
0:31:18 > 0:31:23but for a detached, you're looking at around £348,000.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Here in Norfolk, the average house price is lower.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32That looks like a very run down semidetached barn that needs...
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- £70,000, so... - Yeah, that needs a lot of work.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42In Norfolk, a classic terrace costs around £121,000.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45A semi goes for about £152,000,
0:31:45 > 0:31:51and for a detached property, you're looking at around £238,000.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56After an adrenaline-packed day,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59our swappers need to refuel.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Both our hosts have suggested
0:32:01 > 0:32:04a favourite restaurant for this evening.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05Sarah and John's hosts
0:32:05 > 0:32:10have recommended a charming pub just 15 minutes from the barn.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- The Dabbling Duck. - Oh, they are dabbling.- Yes, yes.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- There you go, they're dabbling. - I said that's how you dabble.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- THEY LAUGH - After you.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Reopened in 2006,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23this historic pub was resurrected by eight local farmers
0:32:23 > 0:32:25to prevent it being turned into housing.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28We've got a couple of bits on the special boards this evening.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34It's a local Cromer crab salad, with heritage potatoes and samphire.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35I'll go for the crab.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- And the crab.- And the samphire.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I'm going to have the chicken Caesar.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Are you not a crab person?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47No, not fond of shellfish.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- But it's when in Rome.- Hate to break it to you, we're in Norfolk.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54THEY LAUGH
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Henry and Oxana's hosts have also suggested a nearby pub,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03set in a Grade II listed building.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Looks inviting, doesn't it?- It does. I feel really hungry.- Come on, then.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11This family-run business has a focus on regional ingredients,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14direct-from-source, and their own dry-hung steaks.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17And if we went for the two of the 7oz fillet steaks,
0:33:17 > 0:33:18would that be a good choice?
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Good choice.- Guess you can't go wrong here, can you?- No, exactly.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24There we are, mushroom sauce, yeah.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- Thank you very much.- There we go.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27Looks nice.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Tell you what, I'm surprised the home swappers,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- they recommended this place. - I think it's a clue,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36because it's very different from their house, it's modern,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39it just goes in contrast with what their home is,
0:33:39 > 0:33:40which is a magical retreat.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- Another side to their character, perhaps.- Mm.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49With satisfied tummies,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53scoring is back on the agenda for both our swappers.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56I really enjoyed the day with the tanks.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Yeah, I think I got more out of it than you did, somehow.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Yes, I did, but the restaurant, for me,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03was the best thing out of the day.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05We'll score it an eight.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09And what about their guests in Great Dunmow?
0:34:09 > 0:34:14Flying a plane was the most amazing and best ever experience I had.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16And the food, I thought, was really good
0:34:16 > 0:34:18and what I particularly liked was that
0:34:18 > 0:34:21although we're in a fairly quiet town, the pub was really vibrant.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Oh, we'll definitely give 10 out of 10.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25It's the best day out I have ever had.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Exactly. 10 out of 10.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31With Great Dunmow in Essex taking the lead by three points,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33it's still all to play for.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39It's the final morning of the home-swap adventure
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and both households are enjoying their last moments
0:34:41 > 0:34:44in their temporary homes.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Right, let's get these open.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Whoa!
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Let the outside in.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- Wish we'd discovered this yesterday. - THEY LAUGH
0:34:54 > 0:34:57The view, being out, the birds,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59the space, it's been wonderful.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Really, really lovely.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Meanwhile, in Great Dunmow, Henry and Oxana are on a last-minute hunt
0:35:06 > 0:35:09for a final room mentioned in their host's manual.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- You know what one thing we haven't done?- No.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14I realised we haven't found that mouse hole yet.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I'd imagine it might be behind the curtain.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Oh, God.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- There's nothing there.- Oh.
0:35:24 > 0:35:25Ah!
0:35:25 > 0:35:27What?
0:35:27 > 0:35:28- Found it.- Is it?
0:35:28 > 0:35:31It's a proper door with a door knocker and a handle.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34There's a beautiful wooden bed...
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- That is nice. - ..there's a rocking chair.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Isn't that incredible? - It is incredible.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41That's a very nice touch, isn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44With the exchange now over,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47our couples pack up and hand back their keys.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Thank you for a magical stay
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- in your not-so-ordinary house. - Mm-hm.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- Time to go home.- Yes.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58If you're seeking a holiday that's gentle on the pocket,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02consider a home swap as a cheaper way to get away.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05A decent B&B in this part of Essex
0:36:05 > 0:36:08can cost about £150 for two nights,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10whereas in Norfolk, it's about £210.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Our swappers have reached their home sweet homes.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19Oh, good to be back.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21After you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Thank you very much. Ah, that means I'll have to take it in.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- Yes, you can carry the bag, that's great.- Thank you very much!
0:36:26 > 0:36:27THEY LAUGH
0:36:27 > 0:36:30And they can finally find out who's been staying
0:36:30 > 0:36:33and what they made of their home.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35First up, Henry and Oxana.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39- Shall we start? - Come on, then.- Oh, God.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40It's all right.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- Hi, I'm John.- And I'm Sarah.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47And I celebrated my half century earlier this year.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Sarah and I are great friends and we're both writers.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Ah, very good. Interesting.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55We really hope you've enjoyed your stay at Talliston
0:36:55 > 0:37:00as much as we've enjoyed being here and enjoying your wonderful view.
0:37:00 > 0:37:01That's fantastic.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- Wow.- Yeah, this is nice.- Is this all theirs?
0:37:04 > 0:37:07THEY LAUGH
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Look at that view. Wow.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13You could sit here and look at it for hours.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16It's fascinating seeing somebody else drive up your own drive
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and look at your house for the first time.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Oh, my God.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Oh, God, look at all that space.
0:37:22 > 0:37:27And on the door back here, you've got their children, look.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28Boris,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Vera, Sergei, Oxana
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- and Henry.- Henry. Five kids. - Five, five children.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- Five children! What a funny comment. - Yes.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Because we do measure ourselves,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42I'm a bit vain, and we like to measure ourselves to it!
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- Who'd have thought we'd end up in a sauna in Norfolk.- Indeed.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49I was pleased that they actually made their way to sauna,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52because I know it's not a very English thing,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54but, yeah, it's cool to see, I like that.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59Now, in Great Dunmow, it's John and Sarah's turn.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Hi, I'm Oxana, I'm 40 years old and this is my lovely husband.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Hi, my name is Henry, I'm 45 years old
0:38:05 > 0:38:09and I've been married to Oxana for just over seven years.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I'm a humanitarian and I love exploring the North Norfolk coast
0:38:12 > 0:38:14in my traditional wooden sailing boats.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16We would like to thank you
0:38:16 > 0:38:19for letting us stay in your fascinating home.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23I hope that you won't find our house too dull in contrast.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- Aw...- Oh, God, no!
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- Their house wasn't dull at all. - No, we had a wonderful time.- Yeah.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32The black on the windows, that would concern me a little bit.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Perhaps it's dark and sinister in there.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- OXANA GASPS - Do you think?- Ah, ghosts.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38And that's just looking from outside.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- SARAH LAUGHS - Crikey.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Look straight ahead.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Mama.
0:38:44 > 0:38:45'I'm really nervous.'
0:38:45 > 0:38:47You wonder what the people are like that live here.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52- I don't know what they do, but they do something crazy.- Yeah.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- That's true! - THEY LAUGH
0:38:56 > 0:38:58You've traumatised her.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00What's that in the corner? Is that a raven?
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- OXANA GASPS - It's watching us.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- OXANA:- How many things are there?
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- I bet they left the house in an ambulance.- Yeah!
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Taken away to a psychiatry ward!
0:39:11 > 0:39:12'The haunted bedroom.'
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- DOOR CREAKS - Oh, it squeaks!
0:39:16 > 0:39:18It would have to be a squeaking door, wouldn't it?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21It's not the only bedroom in the house, is it?
0:39:21 > 0:39:22THEY LAUGH
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- Oh, dear. Poor things. - Oh, my God, that door creak.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29And that is deliberate.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Oh, God, yeah. We sprayed, um,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35we sprayed salt water on that for weeks to get that creak!
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Having watched what their guests
0:39:38 > 0:39:40having a good nose around their homes,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43which house will be this week's winner?
0:39:43 > 0:39:48First up, how did John and Sarah rate the village of Tatterford in Norfolk?
0:39:49 > 0:39:50The gas museum,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52'that was unique.'
0:39:52 > 0:39:55And then, charming-looking town, but...
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Once you've seen... - Once you've seen it, you've seen it.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59So, um, overall...
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- ..give it a seven.- Seven.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I think that's, that's fair enough, isn't it?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06To give seven to Fakenham is good, yes.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And the score for their day out?
0:40:09 > 0:40:12'I really enjoyed the day with the tanks.'
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Yeah, I think I got more out of it than you did, somehow.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Yes, I did, but the restaurant, for me, was
0:40:18 > 0:40:20the best thing out of the day.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21We'll score it an eight.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24If we knew what sort of character was coming to stay,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26yes, you'd say go to Holkham Hall,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29go to Houghton Hall and if he saw those,
0:40:29 > 0:40:31I think he'd score it very differently, so, um, that's OK.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33But it's a good first score.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37And the ultimate score for the converted barn.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- We both love the house and our stay here.- Absolutely.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44We both said how much we'd like to spend more time here
0:40:44 > 0:40:45in order to write.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Write, definitely. It's a great place for writing.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50We will score the house an eight.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54I like that comment about, um, great place to write.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It's good to be in their place
0:40:56 > 0:41:00and come here to write, because it's a blank canvas.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05Henry and Oxana have scored a respectable 23 out of 30.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Now, it's the moment of truth for John and Sarah.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12How did their guests rate the town of Great Dunmow?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15I like the area, it's traditional,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17it's got some nice historical buildings,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20but most importantly, it's got this heart to it on the main road,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22it's got this soul because people come in,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24it's got the nice tea rooms.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25I really, really like it.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28So, I think for those reasons, we're going to give it an eight.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Mm.- Mm.- Oh, yeah.- That's good.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- I was a bit worried after... - JOHN LAUGHS
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- ..the initial comments on the house. - Yes. Yes.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40Yeah, the fact that down the road they're living in the psycho house!
0:41:40 > 0:41:43And now for their day out?
0:41:43 > 0:41:48Flying a plane was the most amazing and best ever experience I've had.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50And the food, I thought, was really good.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Oh, we'll definitely give 10 out of 10.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54It's the best day out I've ever had.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Exactly, 10 out of 10.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58So, we've both had action experiences.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Yes, yes, very much so.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Absolutely brilliant. I'm so glad they liked it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04John and Sarah
0:42:04 > 0:42:08have received a score of 18 for their area and day out,
0:42:08 > 0:42:12but will the final score for their spooky wonderland
0:42:12 > 0:42:15secure them the crown, or take them to Losersville?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18We love Talliston. We think it's a fascinating house.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21The one thing we would say though is that practically
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- I think it would be quite hard to live in.- Mm.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Um, it's quite dark, requires dusting on a regular basis,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29because there's so many things in the house.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33However, because of the intensity and the richness of the experience,
0:42:33 > 0:42:35I think it justly deserves a 10.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36THEY GASP
0:42:38 > 0:42:39A 10.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I was expecting, like, a one,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- after all that reaction. - Yes, after the first reaction.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48With a stunning score of 28 out of 30,
0:42:48 > 0:42:53they've pushed ahead of Henry and Oxana by five points.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55Which means that time- and globe-travelling house
0:42:55 > 0:43:01in Great Dunmow, Essex, is today's Home Away From Home winner.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03No, I'm totally stunned.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05Well, I think high-five.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06- Hey.- Yes! - SARAH LAUGHS
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- Job well done.- Yes.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11And would they home swap again?
0:43:11 > 0:43:12We thoroughly enjoyed home swapping.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16If we could do it again, any time, please, yes.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- I think both of us...- Oh, yeah. - ..had such a great time.- Yeah.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24MUSIC: The Addams Family by Vic Mizzy
0:43:33 > 0:43:35# They're creepy and they're kooky
0:43:35 > 0:43:37# Mysterious and spooky
0:43:37 > 0:43:39# They're all together ooky
0:43:39 > 0:43:40# The Addams family
0:43:40 > 0:43:43# Their house is a museum
0:43:43 > 0:43:45# When people come to see 'em
0:43:45 > 0:43:47# They really are a scream
0:43:47 > 0:43:49# The Addams family. #