0:00:02 > 0:00:03Ah! Wow.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07Families from across Britain are about to try home swapping.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10I don't mind the odd mansion, you know!
0:00:10 > 0:00:14They don't know each other and have no idea yet where they'll be
0:00:14 > 0:00:16calling home for the next three days.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Honey, honey, honey, honey, look at that.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21God, it's fantastic.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26Each family will have to suggest local places for their home swappers
0:00:26 > 0:00:29to visit, as well as a favourite restaurant.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Oh, perfect.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36And they'll be scoring each other on the location, the day out
0:00:36 > 0:00:38and their temporary home.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41This is my life being changed irrevocably!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Only on their return will they get to see who has been
0:00:45 > 0:00:46living in their house...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48We will score her ten.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Oh, Jill, that's fantastic!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55..and find out who has provided the best home-swapping experience.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- And, I think, here's to house swapping.- Here's to house swapping.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Our first home swappers live in the South West
0:01:08 > 0:01:11in the small village of Bisley in Gloucestershire.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Meet artists Andrew and his 26-year-old daughter Camilla.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Well, the only thing really to finish off in the house
0:01:18 > 0:01:21is the ceiling of the bathroom, which I was going to paint.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Yes, we'll have to do a fresco each.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Andrew is an art historian and painter,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30while Camilla makes sculptures,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34and their home has become an exhibition space for both of them.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38We didn't need this room and it was more like something that
0:01:38 > 0:01:40was in my head that I wanted to create.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43I started off with having these five columns
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and everything kind of fell around that.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Do you think loads of people will think this is vulgar?
0:01:50 > 0:01:51Yes.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52SHE LAUGHS
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Andrew bought this five-bedroom historic mill eight years ago
0:01:57 > 0:01:58with his late wife.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05My wife, as she came down the hill for the first time and saw it,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09she burst into tears, because it was tears of joy.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13It was just love at first sight, and then I fell in love with it too.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18They painstakingly restored the mill to its former glory,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21with some unique twists.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25In my dotage, in my death bed, I will receive guests there, which is
0:02:25 > 0:02:28the old thing that they used to do in the 18th and 17th century.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32You would receive people in bed, and I look forward to the day.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35But you use it now for when you've eaten too much.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Oh, yeah, maybe... Do I?
0:02:40 > 0:02:44As an art historian and painter, there's nothing in this property
0:02:44 > 0:02:48that hasn't been placed without a great deal of thought.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I think Dad's style is full of castings and antiques and...
0:02:51 > 0:02:55like the apple tables and strange objects.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I think really beautiful as well.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Maybe that's why I do sculpture.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03I've been brought up in that kind of strange place.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07This wonderful piece of history boasts a vast, modern kitchen/diner,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11main reception room, five bedrooms,
0:03:11 > 0:03:12a garden with a stream
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and plenty of staircases.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I think they could get a bit lost.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Cos there are so many different staircases.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25But I think once you learn all the staircases you get used to it.
0:03:25 > 0:03:26And it's quite easy and fun
0:03:26 > 0:03:29that you can choose which way you want to walk to a room.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31It's a variety!
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Well, you could call it that.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38So which parts are most treasured by this arty father-and-daughter duo?
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- This is Mum's living room, I think. - Yeah.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Cos she designed this and did all the decor for this one.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Yeah.- Got all her, like, things that she...- Yeah.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52..liked in it, so that's why we call it, like, her little sitting room.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54And what is Andrew's favourite piece?
0:03:54 > 0:03:57A beautiful statue, perhaps, or a rare painting.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01This door, when I got it, was... this back was really rotten.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04These are old 17th-century floorboards
0:04:04 > 0:04:06that I, er, restored it with.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08It was literally falling off its hinges,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12and then, going outside... Shall we open the door?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15And this is like...it's a bit like the jewellery for the house,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19extraordinary piece of work with a seraph in there and a green man.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23This dad certainly knows his door knockers.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27These creatives have clear designs on their ideal home swap.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I think it will be fun to go somewhere modern,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33somewhere that is quite different to here.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37And on a day like today it would be lovely to go to the seaside.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40You'll find out your destination shortly.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Our next swapper is retired teacher Christine,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49who lives in a village called Gwaelod-y-Garth in South Wales.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52This actually used to be the shop
0:04:52 > 0:04:57and people used to come in over there, that used to be a front door.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00And they'd come in here, it was absolutely full, counter was full,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03so this room was very much cut off from the rest of the house.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06And I use it... As you can see, light comes in here,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08it's a wonderful place to work in.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11And I can also be nosey without being obvious too.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Amateur artist Christine bought this 1850s post office
0:05:17 > 0:05:19ten years ago with her late husband.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22They lovingly restored it to its current glory.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29I would say it's eclectic, it reflects...my oddities.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Things that I'm interested in.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34The artwork... are done by people from my family,
0:05:34 > 0:05:35I have a very artistic family.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This one over here is actually by my youngest son.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41But I try and put things up that I like
0:05:41 > 0:05:44rather than things that might be worth masses of money.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Nestled in the Welsh Valleys,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50this former post office has been transformed into
0:05:50 > 0:05:54a three-bedroom property with a beautifully maintained garden.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58My house is full of flowers, I love flowers.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01You go in the garden, you'll see the garden's full of flowers.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04But I'm not very good on house plants.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Every room that you will go into will have lots and lots of plants
0:06:07 > 0:06:10but none of them are real, they're all artificial flowers.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13They remind me of summer, that's why I do it, even in the winter.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15There you are.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19And to allow her to enjoy her garden plants, come rain or shine,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21she has the ultimate installation.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Erm, in here is the conservatory, which is many respects is
0:06:25 > 0:06:28the thing that brings the house to life.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30It's a real sort of crowning glory, it allows you
0:06:30 > 0:06:33even in the middle of winter to have a look at the garden,
0:06:33 > 0:06:34and I use the telescope,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37something I never thought I would do when I was younger,
0:06:37 > 0:06:42I have to admit - wouldn't have been cool - to sit and watch the birds.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43It's brilliant.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Joining Christine on her house-swapping adventure is
0:06:48 > 0:06:51a specially invited guest, best friend Andre.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Do you know what these are called?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54Red roses.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56SHE LAUGHS
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I don't know!
0:06:58 > 0:06:59I'm sure they've got a name.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I'm sure they have, but I don't know!
0:07:02 > 0:07:05You know I don't garden like that. Cor...
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Well, we've actually known each other for 50 years this year,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10and I was 16 when I met Christine and she was 12
0:07:10 > 0:07:12and the age difference seemed enormous then
0:07:12 > 0:07:16but now she feels a bit older than I do, really, don't you?
0:07:17 > 0:07:21These two best friends have clear aspirations for their home swap.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24You can be a different person for a while, and that's always exciting.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Yeah. What would be great would be something just modern.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33It's totally different, because I've not done, really, modern.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Well, we'll see if we can deliver.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39You'll find out where you're heading soon enough.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Uh-oh, I think I'm full.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Yeah, do you want a hand? - Yeah.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47True to form, our home swappers have bravely trusted us
0:07:47 > 0:07:49to decide their destinations.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54So, with a final dust and sweep of the floors, let's tell them
0:07:54 > 0:07:55where they're heading.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57First up, Andrew and Camilla...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00are going to South Wales.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Oh, good, yes.- That's where I was hoping for...- Yeah. Yeah, you were.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- ..to go to South Wales. - Yeah, that's a pleasure.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I always think it would look like Lord Of The Rings, but I don't know.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10It is a bit, isn't it? Yeah.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14And best buds Christine and Andre...
0:08:14 > 0:08:16are going to Gloucestershire.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- We're going to Gloucestershire, fantastic.- Actually, that's lovely,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- I lo... Gloucestershire is beautiful, that's really good.- Yes.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Leaving your guests a tidy house and a thoughtful welcome
0:08:27 > 0:08:31is a wonderful way to help them feel instantly at ease in your home.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Bolted and locked, it's time to hand over their keys
0:08:36 > 0:08:37and get on their way.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Andrew and Camilla are making their way 65 miles southwest
0:08:43 > 0:08:46to Gwaelod-y-Garth in South Glamorgan.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Here in this county there's an enchanting multi-layered marriage
0:08:51 > 0:08:56of lush countryside, dramatic coastline and scenic valleys.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02But if bustling cities are more your thing it's also home to Cardiff,
0:09:02 > 0:09:03the capital city of Wales.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08As one of 13 historic counties,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11it's known for its abundance of medieval castles
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and rugged peaks, enticing visitors from near and far.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Popular with walkers is Garth Hill...
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Gwaelod-y-Garth.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25..where nestled at its foot
0:09:25 > 0:09:28sits Andrew and Camilla's home away from home.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Ah, this is cute!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Ooh, Dad, they've got stained glass, look.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Yes, and there is actually still an old postbox on the building.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Do you reckon...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- No longer in use. - ..we can access that...
0:09:42 > 0:09:44from inside?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Oh, Dad, we've got the same cushion.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47Really?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Yeah, look. It's a home away from home.- Oh, yes, yes.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Meanwhile, friends Christine and Andre
0:09:56 > 0:09:59are heading east across to Bisley in Gloucestershire.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04With rich, fertile meadows fed by the River Severn
0:10:04 > 0:10:08and the entire ancient Forest of Dean finding its roots here,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12it's unsurprising that more than half of this county is
0:10:12 > 0:10:15designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20The striking Cotswold hills supply its villages with
0:10:20 > 0:10:24a wealth of limestone dating back from the Jurassic period,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27creating its distinctive architecture.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31With historic sights, breathtaking scenery
0:10:31 > 0:10:35and secluded rural retreats, the Cotswolds have famously
0:10:35 > 0:10:39inspired generations of writers like Jane Austin and Laurie Lee.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Right. To the left, down here.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Here in Bisley, Christine and Andre set eyes on their hidden,
0:10:48 > 0:10:5118th-century rural escape.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- This is really rustic, isn't it? - Oh, ponies. Oh, this is amazing.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Ooh, what an adventure.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Oh, yeah, this I like!
0:11:00 > 0:11:01Wow.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04This is going to be good.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06It does actually look lovely.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Oh, Chris, look at the roof and the stonework.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- That is amazing, isn't it? - And the stream.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Looks very old.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15I mean, I'm sure they must have done some work but it is so,
0:11:15 > 0:11:16so beautiful.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22As Christine and Andre stand in awe of the great mill,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24over in South Wales
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Camilla and Andrew have finished window browsing and are heading in.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Oh, nice stairs. Look, they're all old and wooden.- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Ahh, we didn't leave them a note. - Oh.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38"Dear guest, hope you enjoy the house, make yourself at home."
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Christine...- Christine and Andre.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44We'll have to start calling you Andre, Andrew!
0:11:44 > 0:11:47So they're from France... do you think?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Christine is French as well.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54While Camilla wrongly identifies Andre as a man,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58in Gloucestershire Christine and her very female friend
0:11:58 > 0:12:00are keen to see beyond the medieval doors.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02OK, here we go.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07That's it, give it some welly, Christine.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Oh, wow.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Look at that, isn't it amazing?
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Really, really, really lovely.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17I can't believe it. And the beams, aren't they gorgeous?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19The whole thing. Very different to your house.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Totally different.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Both sets of swappers have left a manual for their guests,
0:12:24 > 0:12:29crammed full of tips to help them find their feet during their stay.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31"A bit about our home.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35"After receiving an inheritance, I knew that this old ruin of a mill
0:12:35 > 0:12:38"was exactly what we wanted. It was love at first sight."
0:12:38 > 0:12:44Manuals in hand, our swappers set out to explore their new dwellings.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Across the border in Wales,
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Camilla and Andrew are drawn to the heart of the old post office.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Ooh, this is her, erm...workshop.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54It's her studio, isn't it?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56I keep thinking it's Christine that makes this
0:12:56 > 0:12:57but it could be Andre, couldn't it?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Although it looks quite...girly. - No, it's definitely Christine.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Look, so does she melt down those beads?
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- It's really nice.- There's her glass everywhere, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09I wonder what he does, if he does something as well.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11That he is a she.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14While Camilla seeks inspiration for her sculptures,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Andrew's eye is drawn to something ancient.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Oh, I like the safe from the old post office, isn't that lovely?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Do you think we can crack it open? - THEY LAUGH
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Go for it. - I don't want to break it.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Oh, it's all her jewels.- Yeah, yeah.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Her gems.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32It's a marvellous lock.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34So, amongst the antique treasure,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37are there any clues to their host's identity?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Well, she's won awards for teaching.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Oh, for what? Teaching what?
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Regional Winner London, and then up here there's a teaching award
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- with a sort of Art Deco thing. - Oh, wow, yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Good work, Detective Andrew.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52Back in Gloucestershire,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Christine and Andre are making their way
0:13:55 > 0:13:57through the labyrinth of the mill.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Amazing kitchen.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- That really is lovely. - Very roomy.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Looks very, very grand in here, doesn't it?
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Get the feeling perhaps there are kids here.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Just lots of little bits and pieces, little...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Things like the blown eggs you do with children, don't you?
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Yes, that's right.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Keen to see where they'll sleep tonight,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Christine and Andre climb the grand stairs.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Oh, my goodness.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21Oh, oh, oh.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24That's so super, isn't it? En-suite bathroom.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26En-suite... No, I actually like the bath there
0:14:26 > 0:14:30because you get a fantastic view out and nobody's going to see you.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32I really like this,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35this is somebody's house that they have just put themselves into.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Also on the search upstairs,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41over in South Wales
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Camilla's keen to find where she'll be sleeping tonight.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I like this room.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47Yeah, that's lovely.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- I could have this. - And a view out onto the garden.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53And I think they've got a sewing machine,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56so she must make all the quilts.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I'd like to think it's him that does all this, though!
0:15:00 > 0:15:04And you're still totally off radar.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Next, the piece de resistance.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Wow!- Yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Garden is stunning, isn't it? - Oh, gosh.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14They've got their telescope like yours, Dad.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Yeah, though this is much superior.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Hmm. Oh!
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's... It's angled on, erm, a bird feeder and there's a bird on it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- Oh, I see.- Look, come quick! So maybe they're bird-watchers as well.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- Yes, definitely. - These guys do a lot of things.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Back in Gloucestershire, Christine and Andre are admiring the garden.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Oh, look.- I like that. Look at that little tunnel.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43Oh, is that... Oh, with the stream. And look at that over there.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- That is wonderful. - Absolutely amazing.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48A lovely place to sit here, it's like a little fairy dell, isn't it?
0:15:48 > 0:15:49It is.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54In this mythical warren, there's one room they're yet to discover.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Look at that door.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59But it looks as though it's fitted there, doesn't it?
0:15:59 > 0:16:03That is wonderful, actually, that really is a wonderful door.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Oh-ho-ho!- Oh, my goodness!
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- Oh, my goodness!- That is not what I had expected!
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I didn't expect this at all!
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Oh, good heavens.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Totally amazing.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22And...look, look, look. Look up there.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- That, yes. - What an amazing...
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I think that's quite to die for, really, a bed like that.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Look at that.- With the lion and the unicorn.- Yeah, it's just brilliant.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31The Henry VIII business, yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34So would you fancy sleeping in that, under the canopy?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Oh, I could sleep in here, yes!
0:16:36 > 0:16:39We might fight each other over this room, I think.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41We'll leave them to battle it out.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Like kindred spirits, both swappers have chosen to
0:16:46 > 0:16:47take in the day's last light.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51This is good, I need this.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I wonder how they're going to manage the house.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Very different, I think. I hope they're going to be all right.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- It's quite different. - Cheers.- Cheers.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Over in Wales, Andrew and Camilla are keen to
0:17:04 > 0:17:07spend their evening getting to grips with the local lingo.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Do you think you can pronounce this, Milla? The Welsh?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- What, the name of the... - The village.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Is this the name of the valley? - Gwaelod-y-Garth. Gwaelod-y-Garth?
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Gwaelod-y-Garth.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Gwaelod-y-Garth...Garth.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Hmm.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Refreshed from their first night's sleep...
0:17:31 > 0:17:32Oh, wow.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36..our home swappers are adjusting to their new surroundings.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Did you get lost last night walking round the house?
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Because I certainly did!
0:17:41 > 0:17:43I'd sort of go up some stairs
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and think, "Where have I got to now," y'know?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Kept discovering new rooms and then opening some doors
0:17:49 > 0:17:53and realising it's not a room, it's a cupboard, so close that one...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Their thoughts turn to the overcast skies.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- I hope it will clear up...- Mm. - ..later,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03cos it looks quite damp.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Yeah. Well, this is Wales.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Oh, what a fantastic setting, I mean, y'know,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12running stream, that beautiful building next to us...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16We could be in the Mediterranean or somewhere like that, couldn't we?
0:18:18 > 0:18:21With the weather holding out, both sets of swappers are keen to
0:18:21 > 0:18:23get out and explore.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26SHE LAUGHS
0:18:26 > 0:18:30As you go past you can really smell the lavender, that's lovely.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Andrew and Camilla are staying in a quaint village
0:18:34 > 0:18:36hidden in the South Wales Valleys.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Everybody gets the Gwaelod-y-Garth wrong.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42It's called Gwaelod...y...Garth.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Yeah, it's not an easy one but, erm, yeah, it's fab.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50In Welsh, Gwaelod-y-Garth means "Foot of the Garth",
0:18:50 > 0:18:53as it's overlooked by the impressive Garth Hill,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56hidden in the scenic Taff Valley.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Just seven miles north of Cardiff
0:18:58 > 0:19:01and with the motorway a stone's throw away,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05there's plenty to do in one of Wales' best-kept secrets.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Nearby the Taff River flows to greet gorgeous Welsh countryside,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11making it perfect for leisurely walks.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Once occupied by a booming coal-mining industry,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18it's jam-packed with historical architecture
0:19:18 > 0:19:23from stony miners' houses to Gothic castles.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24Well, I'd describe the local area
0:19:24 > 0:19:27as a little bit of the countryside in the heart of Cardiff.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29You can actually see the Millennium Stadium
0:19:29 > 0:19:31if you just walk down the road.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It's not that far away but you get all the benefit of country living,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and I think that's the very attractive thing about this place.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Along the Taff Valley, Andrew and Camilla discover
0:19:41 > 0:19:44a truly unique part of Wales' natural history.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Ah, right, look, Taff's Well, home of Wales' only thermal spring.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53So shall we look over here and see?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57A popular hot spot for visitors since Roman times, the well's water
0:19:57 > 0:20:02was believed to be a magic tonic with healing properties.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03Wow.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Ooh.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- RECORDED MESSAGE: - Welcome to Taff's Well,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11or, "Croeso i Ffynnon Taf," as we say in Wales.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16Before you is one of our most unusual natural wonders.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Gather round as I tell you about this wondrous place.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23The spring emerges from the eastern side of the River Taff
0:20:23 > 0:20:28and it's said to be rainfall from more than 5,000 years ago.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33It surfaces from deep underground at around 21 degrees centigrade.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- Goodbye. Da bo- chi. Da bo chi. - THEY LAUGH
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Yeah, that was fun.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Good Welsh accent, I love it.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44It could do with a new lick of paint, couldn't it?
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Perhaps you'd come and paint a fresco for them. - SHE LAUGHS
0:20:49 > 0:20:52While Andrew and Camilla mull over a colour scheme,
0:20:52 > 0:20:57Christine and Andre are exploring the mill's local area on foot.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Here in Gloucestershire, overlooking the valley of Stroudwater,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03is the hilltop village of Bisley.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Just four miles east of Stroud,
0:21:06 > 0:21:11it's rich in striking Cotswold-stone buildings set amidst lush farmland.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Living in Gloucestershire is absolutely great, isn't it, Mum?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Yes, it is. - Yes, there's so many things to do.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19We've got the Royals in Gloucestershire,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23you don't have to go far to be out in the middle of the countryside.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25It's fantastic, come and try it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Many of the village's winding lanes
0:21:27 > 0:21:31lead directly into this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:21:31 > 0:21:35and around every corner lie nuggets of history to enthral,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38from the towering 14th-century church
0:21:38 > 0:21:41to inns that have survived several centuries.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46The village itself hosts a small, close-knit community, residing
0:21:46 > 0:21:50in a range of characterful large properties to beautiful cottages.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I've been living here 29, 30 years now.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Had a family here, they've all moved to London
0:21:57 > 0:21:58and they all want to come back.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Christine and Andre pop into a family-run farm shop
0:22:03 > 0:22:06renowned for their unique range of local honey.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Something that gives beekeeper Andre a particular buzz.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11But you have actually got to say...
0:22:11 > 0:22:14So I would have thought that that actually would...
0:22:14 > 0:22:18If it's heather honey it has to... I think there's a certain percentage.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20And that's stickier... You can see, isn't it,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22it's a lot stickier than that, which is quite runny.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Excuse me, is it possible to have a taste of the honey?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Yes, certainly. - Oh, that's good.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- As you can see, different colours. - Yeah.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33A lot depends on where the bees work the honey.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36So it's different plants that they go to?
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- Yeah, different plants.- OK.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Let me put that on there. - Oh, wow.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41So you want to try a bit?
0:22:42 > 0:22:43Well, it's lovely.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49The Dickenson family has produced honey for about 50 years
0:22:49 > 0:22:53and it's all collected from beehives kept within a 15-mile
0:22:53 > 0:22:55radius of their shop.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Resident farmer Keith Dickenson
0:22:58 > 0:23:00is only too happy to share his knowledge.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01When you look at your hive
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and the bees have been going through the different plants,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07do you actually see that there's... that the honey's a different colour?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- You can do.- You can?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11When you get dandelion honey, and up here you get quite
0:23:11 > 0:23:15a bit of that cos of the grass, and that's very, very orangey.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17I've had ragwort honey.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20When the bees are working that you walk in the apiary
0:23:20 > 0:23:25and you can just smell ragwort, and it's really...sickly orange, almost.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Well, thank you. I've learnt a lot.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Interesting, yeah. Thank you very much indeed.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34To add some flavour, our home swappers are going to score
0:23:34 > 0:23:36each other's areas.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Has this morning in Gwaelod-y-Garth been just the right tonic
0:23:40 > 0:23:41for Camilla and Andrew?
0:23:41 > 0:23:45The beauty of the countryside and the walk by the River Taff
0:23:45 > 0:23:48and seeing the thermal spring, it's a wonderful area.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51But in the background there is the noise of the motorway,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54which brings it down a little bit.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56So I would say seven and a half out of ten.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Yes, seven and a half I think's a fair score.- OK?
0:23:59 > 0:24:04And how do Christine and Andre rate their taster of Bisley's delights?
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Because the area is so beautiful,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08both the landscape and in the villages,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11we're going to give it a really high score, I think.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14We're going to give it a score...nine.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19So Bisley takes the lead by one and a half points.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Now, to help give our swappers an enhanced experience of
0:24:22 > 0:24:26what's on offer, they're both given an afternoon activity to try.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29What's in store for Andrew and Camilla in South Wales?
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Today we'd like you to sing in a local choir.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42I'll tell you what, my wife will be absolutely splitting her sides
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- from beyond the grave, because... - She would love it, though, she loves...
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- She had the most amazing voice. - And we could never get you to sing.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52And I am an absolute loser when it comes to singing.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56And what will Christine and Andre be doing in Gloucestershire?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57Right.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59"It's time to roll up your sleeves
0:24:59 > 0:25:03"because you'll be learning the ancient craft...
0:25:03 > 0:25:04"of yurt making."
0:25:04 > 0:25:06That is going to be good!
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I thought it might have been yoghurt!
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I thought it was yoghurt for a moment too!
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Just a mile from the mill, Christine and Andre are joining
0:25:17 > 0:25:21a Gloucester-based master yurt maker, Hal Wynne-Jones,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24whose passion for yurts was ignited
0:25:24 > 0:25:28by seeing a picture of one 30 years ago.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Wasting no time, Hal gets them preparing the wood.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33And you don't actually use too much effort by...
0:25:33 > 0:25:36You don't use... No, cos it's quite nice soft green wood
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and it's a very sharp tool, so...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Oh, my goodness!
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- It's like butter, isn't it? - It is.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Yurt means dwelling and is a nomadic shelter
0:25:46 > 0:25:51lived in for thousands of years by tribes in East and Central Asia.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53You look as though you were a yurt maker in a former life.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54Oh, definitely.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- Do you want a job? - WOMEN LAUGH
0:25:57 > 0:26:00After preparing the sides of the yurt, it's on to the roof ring.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Put a fair bit of force behind it and you'll feel it starting
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- to sink in...- Oh, yes. - Yes, yeah?- Yeah, it's...
0:26:05 > 0:26:08You don't want to wobble it because then you'll alter the angle...
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- Oh, sorry. Oh, of course I will, yeah.- ..so you just plunge it in.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13Nice.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Oh, yes, very nice.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17So you can feel that sinking in, yeah?
0:26:17 > 0:26:18Yeah, you could.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Looks like Christine has the job in the bag!
0:26:21 > 0:26:24OK, so you've seen some of the basic techniques
0:26:24 > 0:26:25for putting together a yurt,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29so let's now go and put that one up like I said that I prepared earlier.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- OK!- OK, right.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38CHOIR SINGS
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Over in South Wales,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Andrew and Camilla are joining resident Ted Tidman
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and the locally run Llantrisant Male and Ladies Choirs.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51The choir's history traces back more than a century
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and this community group is keen to keep their heritage alive.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00It was really beautiful.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Good. And I'm sure you're going to add to that, both.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07- Yeah, I don't know if we can sing, but...- It's daunting.- Daunting! - LAUGHTER
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Singing is one thing. Singing in Welsh is another.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14They'll be learning the words of the Calon Lan,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17a 19th-century Welsh hymn often sung at rugby matches.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Nid wy'n gofyn.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20Nid wy'n gofyn.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Brilliant! Aur y byd.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Aur y byd.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28She's got a better ear than I've got, I must say.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29Roddi i mi.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- Roddi i mi. - Galon lan.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Galon lan.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Excellent.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I wonder if your father can follow that.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43A nervous Andrew has a go.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Nid wy'n gofyn.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Nid wy'n gofyn.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Bywyd moethus.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Bywyd moethus.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Gywyd moethus.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Tecach yw na'r lili dlos.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Tecach yw na'r la...lili...los?
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Canu'r dydd.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03Canu'r thee.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Canu'r dydd. - Oh, canu'r dydd.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- A chanu'r nos. - A chanu'r nos.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Let's start again.- OK, then.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Let's have another go at it.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15While Andrew and Camilla work on their Welsh,
0:28:15 > 0:28:16back in Gloucestershire,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Christine and Andre's yurt is about to take shape.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22It's sort of like in a magician show.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25LAUGHTER
0:28:25 > 0:28:29The first step in making a yurt is creating a circular lattice wall,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32held in place by a tent band.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35The pattern goes onto... on the inside, facing inwards.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37No, that's like that. That's right.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Topped with a conical roof,
0:28:40 > 0:28:44this is the spine of a portable shield against the elements.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46And up it goes.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47Wow.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50This is a...fiddly bit.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- It's really feeling like a house, isn't it?- It is.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Next, a covering of canvas.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Brilliant!
0:28:58 > 0:29:01So there's a little bit at the back which is still open
0:29:01 > 0:29:05and what we got here is... Central Asian air conditioning.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07LAUGHTER
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- That's great.- It's brilliant. - You get the principle anyway, yeah.
0:29:11 > 0:29:17A final flourish of traditional felt and rugs and the yurt is complete.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- So you now know a bit more about yurts...- I do, yes.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- ..than you did when you first arrived.- A lot more.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26And you know what? We've got to take it down in a minute!
0:29:26 > 0:29:28THEY SING
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Back with the Welsh choir, Andrew and Camilla are getting warmed up.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38This is the ultimate performance, right?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40OK, the one that'll get us to the Royal Albert Hall.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43MAN LAUGHS
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Led by conductor Matthew Nash,
0:29:45 > 0:29:50Andrew and Camilla embrace the celebrated words of the Calon Lan.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53THEY SING IN WELSH
0:30:05 > 0:30:08My wife in...from her heavenly position will...
0:30:08 > 0:30:11would be thinking, "Well done!"
0:30:11 > 0:30:13You know, getting me to sing.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Or laughing!
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I was terrified but I enjoyed myself.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42The sound of the Welsh choir is beautiful.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44It pulls your heart open, so I love it.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51On their way home, both sets of swappers can't resist a sneaky peek
0:30:51 > 0:30:55to see how the local property prices compare to their own.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57I think the prices...
0:30:57 > 0:31:01They're not bad, but...they're a bit expensive, I think.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07To buy in Gloucestershire, a classic terrace goes for around £145,000.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13You can buy a semi for around £175,000,
0:31:13 > 0:31:19but for a detached you're looking at around £316,000.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23Here in South Wales, the average house price is a little lower.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- This one's really nice, actually. - This is a bit like a face.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27There's a lot of blue sky in the photos,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29which is quite rare in Wales.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- SHE LAUGHS - You can't say that!
0:31:32 > 0:31:37In Glamorgan, a classic terrace costs around £117,000.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42A semi goes for about £157,000
0:31:42 > 0:31:47and for a detached property you're looking at around £276,000.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54After a busy day, our swappers need to refuel.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Both our hosts have suggested a favourite eatery for this evening.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Christine and Andre's hosts have recommended
0:32:01 > 0:32:05a charming Cotswolds hideaway just 15 minutes from the mill.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08Oh, look how lovely that is.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- This looks as if it's going to be very good.- It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16The menu offered here highlights a close connection with local farmers
0:32:16 > 0:32:18and classic British dishes.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- For the main, could I do the stone bass?- Yeah, the stone bass.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- And can I have a spring salad? - And for yourself?
0:32:25 > 0:32:27And could I have the beetroot?
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Looks very nice. And that's got the goat's cheese in it,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33which is lovely. And may I have the sea bream with samphire?
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- And the sea bream. - Thank you.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- Is that crayfish, I think?- Mm. - Is it nice?
0:32:44 > 0:32:45- That's very nice.- Ooh, look at this.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Crayfish is really nice.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53Andrew and Camilla's hosts have recommended their local inn,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55just a short stroll from the house.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57There's the restaurant up there.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00It's really local. It's the same street!
0:33:00 > 0:33:03This family-run restaurant offers locally reared meat
0:33:03 > 0:33:05and an on-site brewery.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09What's Welsh black beef?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Er, Welsh black beef is a breed of cattle that is
0:33:12 > 0:33:15farmed on top of the mountain here, that's where we get it from.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- So if you go for a walk tomorrow, you can...- Oh, really?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19..you can see it wandering around!
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Could I get the Welsh black-beef lasagne?
0:33:24 > 0:33:26And yourself, sir?
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- The, erm... The duck, please.- OK.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32This is really good, though.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33Yeah, amazing.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- Cheers.- Cheers to the home...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Cheers to home swapping.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43Fed and watered, our swappers focus their minds on scoring again.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I think the making of the yurt was really informative and enjoyable.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Well, in fact it was a totally new experience for both of us,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- and such fun.- Yeah, it was.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57And to have ended the day here at this pub with a superb meal...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Oh, for that reason, I think we need to give it a jolly good high score,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- I think a nine.- Yeah, I agree with that.- Well worth it, yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Definitely.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08And what about their guests in Gwaelod-y-Garth?
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- This afternoon, we were given our... - Activity.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17..activity event. We were taken to see this Welsh choir.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20They were wonderful. They're such warm-hearted, friendly people
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and the restaurant was lovely, beautiful food.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26For our day out we are giving a score of eight and a half.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30So Bisley in Gloucestershire is leading by two points so far.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32It's still anybody's game.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38On their last morning, both households are taking full advantage
0:34:38 > 0:34:40of their final time on the swap.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Oh, wow! We can do this.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47I think I'm a bit low down here.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48Yeah, I know you are!
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Oh, I think we're taking on water, Chris!
0:34:53 > 0:34:54In Gwaelod-y-Garth,
0:34:54 > 0:34:59Andrew and Camilla are enjoying a more leisurely start to their day.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02The real jewel in the crown of this place is the garden. You can't...
0:35:02 > 0:35:03You know, it's absolutely lovely.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06I think the whole house feels really peaceful,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- which is exactly what you want on holiday.- Yeah.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14With the exchange now over, both our couples pack up
0:35:14 > 0:35:16and head back to their home-sweet-homes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20There we are, a little angel.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Perfect. Shall we leave that there?
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- Oh, I've had such a lovely time. - Oh, it's... Yep, good fun.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29If you're craving an adventure,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33consider a home swap as a low-cost way to travel.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39A decent B&B in South Wales can cost about £190 for two nights,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42whereas in Gloucestershire it's about £210.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44A home swap costs nothing.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Our swappers have arrived safely on home turf.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- Oh, it's good to be back, isn't it? - It certainly is.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59You've forgotten which way round it goes.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03I know! Haven't been back in so long.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04And that's definitely them!
0:36:07 > 0:36:10And they can finally set eyes on their mystery guests
0:36:10 > 0:36:13and find out what they made of their home.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15First up, Christine and Andre.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20'My name's Andy and I'm 66 years old.
0:36:20 > 0:36:26'Er, I'm an artist and art historian and this is my daughter, Camilla.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30'And I'm 26 and I make, erm, mainly sculptures.'
0:36:30 > 0:36:32We were quite close in some bits
0:36:32 > 0:36:35because I thought it was somebody who was interested in history,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37and I thought might even be a...a lecturer.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41As to the sort of dynamics within the family,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44we hadn't guessed that - we hadn't guessed father and daughter.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'We really have so enjoyed your beautiful house
0:36:47 > 0:36:51'and we loved the conservatory and your magnificent colourful garden.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53'Your house was really great to stay in
0:36:53 > 0:36:56'and we hope you've had as much fun as we have in our house.'
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- Wow!- We definitely have. Oh, aren't they lovely?- That was nice.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03'There is actually still an old postbox on the building.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04- 'Do you reckon... - No longer in use.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07'..we can access that from inside?'
0:37:07 > 0:37:09THEY LAUGH
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Spiders in there, I think!
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- 'Oh, Dad, we've got the same cushion!- Really?'
0:37:14 > 0:37:16The same cushion!
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- 'Yeah, look! It's a home away from home.- Oh, yes, yes.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Oh, brilliant!
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- 'Ahh, we didn't leave them a note.' - Christine.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25'Christine and...Andre!
0:37:25 > 0:37:29'We'll have to start calling you Andre, Andrew.'
0:37:29 > 0:37:31CHRISTINE LAUGHS
0:37:31 > 0:37:33'Thinking it's Christine that makes this,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35'but it could be Andre, couldn't it?
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- 'Although it looks quite...girly. - No, it's definitely Christine.'
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Wonder where he gets Christine.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41It looks like...quite girly.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43They still think I'm a boy.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46'Oh, I like the safe from the old post office. Isn't that lovely?
0:37:46 > 0:37:48'Think we can crack it open?'
0:37:50 > 0:37:51She's good!
0:37:51 > 0:37:53'Go for it!
0:37:53 > 0:37:55'Oh, it's all her jewels!
0:37:57 > 0:37:58'It's a marvellous lock.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Very, very, rewarding, I would say, making me feel good.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Now, in Bisley, it's Andrew and Camilla's turn.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Finally we get to see who's been staying in our house.
0:38:10 > 0:38:11Shall I turn this on?
0:38:11 > 0:38:14'Hello, my name's Andre and I'm 65 years old.'
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- What a surprise!- Oh, wow!
0:38:16 > 0:38:19'Hi, I'm Christine, I'm 62 years old
0:38:19 > 0:38:22'and we've been close friends for nearly 50 years.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25'I'm a retired secondary-school teacher.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27'I'm also a retired teacher
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'and I enjoy making things out of glass and working in the garden.'
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- I had no inkling... - Yeah.- ..at all that they were...
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- I thought Andre was a man's name. - Yeah.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38'Just like to say thank you very much
0:38:38 > 0:38:39'for letting us stay in your home,
0:38:39 > 0:38:43'we've really enjoyed it, and I hope you feel the same about mine.'
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Ahh, that's sweet. Yeah, we definitely have.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Very nice. Yeah, it was lovely.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50'It looks very old. I mean, I'm sure they must have done some work,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52'but it is so, so beautiful.'
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- Ahh.- They're such lovely people, aren't they?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56They're really sweet, yeah.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58'Amazing kitchen!
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- 'Oh, it really is lovely. - Yeah, very roomy.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'Looks very, very grand in here, doesn't it?'
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Ahh, they're so sweet,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- it would be fun to be in the kitchen greeting them.- Yeah.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08'I really like this.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12'This is somebody's house that they have just put themselves into.'
0:39:12 > 0:39:14It's Dad's style.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17You've definitely put yourself in this house.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- 'Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! - Oh, my goodness!
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- 'Oh, my goodness! - That is not what I had expected.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25'I didn't expect this at all.'
0:39:25 > 0:39:27They had the right reaction there!
0:39:27 > 0:39:29That was the reaction I wanted when I built it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- 'Look, look, look up there. - Yes, I know!- That... Yes.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- 'What an amazing...- I think that's quite to die for, really,
0:39:35 > 0:39:36'a bed like that!'
0:39:36 > 0:39:38But then they don't understand that that bedroom
0:39:38 > 0:39:41is now the bed that everyone passes out in.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42THEY LAUGH
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Your friends, you mean.- Yeah!
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Having watched their guests nosing around their homes,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51which house will be today's winner?
0:39:52 > 0:39:55First up, how did Camilla and Andrew
0:39:55 > 0:39:57rate the village of Gwaelod-y-Garth?
0:39:57 > 0:40:01'The beauty of the countryside and the walk by the River Taff
0:40:01 > 0:40:03'and seeing the thermal spring...
0:40:03 > 0:40:05'It's a wonderful area,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'but in the background there is the noise of the motorway,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11'so I would say seven and a half out of ten.'
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Those are very fair comments. I think when I first came here
0:40:13 > 0:40:17one of the things that I found quite hard to get used to...
0:40:17 > 0:40:22But like everything, after a while, you just get acclimatised to it.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24And the score for their day out?
0:40:24 > 0:40:28'We were taken to see this Welsh choir. They were wonderful,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31'they're such warm-hearted, friendly people,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33'and the restaurant was lovely, beautiful food.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36'For our day out we are giving a score of eight and a half.'
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- That's excellent! - I'm so pleased, yeah.- So am I.
0:40:39 > 0:40:40Cos we were worried, yes.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46And the ultimate score for the picturesque former post office?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48OK, here we go, drum rolls.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50'We loved spending time in the house.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53'I think we'll give it a high score because the feeling
0:40:53 > 0:40:57'of the house was so nice with all the creativity around.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01'And so we thought a score of eight and a half out of ten.'
0:41:01 > 0:41:02That's really nice.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05I'm so pleased that they see what I see in it
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and that you've tried to make, so well done, Chrissy!
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Christine and Andre have scored a highly respectable
0:41:12 > 0:41:1424 and a half out of 30.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Now it's the moment of truth for Camilla and Andrew.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22How did their guests rate the village of Bisley?
0:41:24 > 0:41:25'Because the area is so beautiful,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27'both in landscape and in the villages,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30'we're going to give it a really high score, I think.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32'We're going to give it a score...nine.'
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- Ahh, that's nice. - Yeah, very nice.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37And now their day out.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42'I think the making of the yurt was really informative and enjoyable
0:41:42 > 0:41:47'and to have ended the day here at this pub with a superb meal...
0:41:47 > 0:41:49'Oh, for that reason, I think we need to give it
0:41:49 > 0:41:51'a jolly good high score, I think a nine.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53- 'Yeah, I agree with that. - Well worth it, yeah.'
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Yeah, so very generous and very kind.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- That's really nice they had such a good day out as well. - Yeah, yeah, lovely.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Andrew and Camilla have received a score of 18
0:42:02 > 0:42:04for their area and day out
0:42:04 > 0:42:09but will the final score for the historic mill secure them a victory?
0:42:09 > 0:42:11'We really enjoyed staying in the house.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14'The house is beautiful and the setting is stunning.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18'It's very unique and very, very welcoming.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21'So we're going to give the house a score of nine.'
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Ahh, that's really nice. - There you are. Yeah, lovely.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Well, there were nines everywhere, it was a 999 visit.
0:42:27 > 0:42:32With a score of 27 out of 30, they've beaten Christine and Andre
0:42:32 > 0:42:37by two and a half points, which means the magical mill in Bisley,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Gloucestershire, is crowned today's Home Away From Home winner.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44We're having a party next weekend
0:42:44 > 0:42:46and we've already decided we're going to invite them.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- That's if they want to come back. - Yeah!
0:42:49 > 0:42:52They might think, "God, I'm not going there again!"
0:42:53 > 0:42:57So what will they both take away from this home-swapping experience?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Very interesting.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Not just what we saw but some of the activities that we did
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- and people we met. Very informative. - We've met such nice people.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Yeah, we did. Yeah, it was well worth doing.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12It is a...a strongly culturally different experience
0:43:12 > 0:43:13going into someone else's space.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- I think we'll definitely house-swap again.- Yes, definitely.