0:00:02 > 0:00:03Fantastic!
0:00:03 > 0:00:08Families from across Britain are about to try home swapping.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I've got my make-up and I've got some clean knickers.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13So, that's what matters.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14They don't know each other,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18and have no idea yet where they'll be calling home for the next three days.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Oh, wow!
0:00:21 > 0:00:24We're going to live on a ship!
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Each family will have to suggest local places
0:00:26 > 0:00:28for their home swappers to visit,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31as well as a favourite restaurant.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33I am absolutely speechless!
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- I think this is the easy bit.- OK.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39And there'll be scoring each other on the location,
0:00:39 > 0:00:40the day out,
0:00:40 > 0:00:41and their temporary homes.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Cheers!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44THEY CHEER
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Only on their return will they get to see who
0:00:47 > 0:00:49has been living in their house.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- The mystery... - BOTH: is about to be revealed!
0:00:53 > 0:00:57And find out who has provided the best home swapping experience.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10We're in the heart of the West Country today,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13in the Somerset county town of Taunton.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Our first home swappers are South African born Malcolm
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and his partner, Rob, who is an amateur artist and yoga fanatic.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Malcolm is an architect,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and has designed and built their current home himself.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32From the outside, it looks like a modest chalet style bungalow.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34But all is not as it seems.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37When people come in from outside, they literally go,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39"Wow, this is incredible."
0:01:39 > 0:01:41And I think it is a fantastic space, I love it.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Their uber contemporary home has four bedrooms
0:01:47 > 0:01:49spread over three floors...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53..a large, open-plan living, dining area and kitchen...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56..all around a central glass atrium.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Just introducing this void into the middle,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05it means that it can get light down right into the basement rooms.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07The gents adore their modern pad.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09But there's just one little flaw.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14It's not quite finished yet.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20I think our guests may do a double-take when they arrive here.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Run the gauntlet to the front door.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Cos it's not actually that obvious from outside.- No, there isn't.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27It isn't obvious that there's a front door yet.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28Nothing minor, then(!)
0:02:29 > 0:02:32With decorating still in progress,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35a garden that's more mud bath than oasis
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and a car port currently doubling up as a builder's yard,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41their guests will need some vision.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43I hope they would see that it could be amazing.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45But, yeah, they probably will be quite shocked.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46But the warmth of the house
0:02:46 > 0:02:50and the relaxed feeling of the house should come through.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55It may not be quite finished yet, but Malcolm is putting a lot of time
0:02:55 > 0:02:58and care into creating a perfect, minimalist haven.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04The style of the house is crisp and clean and simple.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Lots of light, which at this time of year does mean it does get
0:03:07 > 0:03:10quite warm if you don't have windows and doors open.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14But for most of the year, it's really wonderful.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16The gents have never home swapped before,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19but are hoping their guests will be a fresh pair of eyes.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23They will need a little bit of vision and imagination,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25because it is still a work in progress.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27I think they'll like it.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29And if they don't, there'll be trouble.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30THEY LAUGH
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Luckily for them, their fellow swappers are old hands
0:03:36 > 0:03:38when it comes to dust sheets and DIY.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Deborah and Les bought this period cottage in the Peak District
0:03:43 > 0:03:46village of Bradwell two years ago,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and have recently finished a full-scale renovation.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54We moved in in December 2013.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57We had no kitchen whatsoever.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Our son, David, and Mary live in America,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03and they actually came with our daughter, Catherine,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05five days after we'd moved in.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07It was Christmas.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12And they stayed here and they just basically thought we were crackers!
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Their traditionally styled cottage now has four bedrooms,
0:04:16 > 0:04:21three spacious reception rooms and a modern kitchen.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24And the space is important, as the couple also run their own
0:04:24 > 0:04:26recruitment business from home.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Spending so much time together might not work for some couples,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32but these two are perfectly in sync.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Well, usually.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37There's not a lot we disagree with.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Well, we have been married 40 years, so...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- 35.- We disagree on that!- Oh, 35.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44We've known each other for 40, yes.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Yeah, we've known each other for 40 years.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Their home dates back to the 18th century,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54and is packed with period features.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57None of the beams were exposed when we moved into the house.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01We took the ceilings down, the builder showed us what was there.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05He said, do you want me to put the ceilings back? And we said, no way.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07No way put the ceilings back!
0:05:07 > 0:05:10That was a very big surprise,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13but, we feel, makes the property.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17And if you thought those beams were good, check out the master bedroom.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23So, this was the last ceiling that we took down in the house.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25And we were hoping that again it had got beams.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29And then we were astounded by the fact that it had,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32it had got a king post, which is quite impressive now.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36But if their guests decide to stay in one of the spare bedrooms,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38they might need to pack their earplugs.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43CHURCH BELL RINGS As there's a church just behind the house.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48The clock actually chimes from 5:15 in the morning right through
0:05:48 > 0:05:49till 11 o'clock at night.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52We have got used to the church bells.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56It did take some time and you do think at one point,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58"I'm not going to be able to live here forever."
0:05:58 > 0:06:01But in some respects it's good,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04because it does make sure you get up early.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05THEY LAUGH
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Let's hope their guests enjoy the wake-up call.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Of course, most home swappers get to choose where they go.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19But our two couples are on our magical mystery tour.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21I really hope that we're going to be by the sea, actually.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Well, I'm taking swimming trunks, just in case.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24Oh, God, did I pack them?
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Have you got yours?- I'm fairly sure I did. Let me just see.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31They've left the destinations up to us.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I've got my walking boots downstairs, so...
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Best put them in.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38It might be wallowing with pigs!
0:06:38 > 0:06:42So, with the essentials packed, it's time for the big reveal.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I'd love to know where we're going. Where are we going?!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49For Rob and Malcolm, a trip to the Peak District.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Oh!- Oh, wow.- Wow.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I have only ever been through the Peak District.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- I've only driven around, so, yeah.- Wow.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- Well, that's got mountains... Well, sort of mountains. Peaks.- Peaks.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Water.- Water. Lots of nature, I hope.- Yeah!
0:07:03 > 0:07:06And what will Deborah and Les make of Taunton?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- Oh, Taunton!- Somerset.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- We have friends that moved down there, didn't we?- Cider country.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Yeah. Sounds good.- Sounds good.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Right, you got the keys? - I've got the key.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18So, with a few hours' drive ahead of them,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21out swapping adventurers say goodbye to their homes and hit the road.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Peak District, here we come!
0:07:29 > 0:07:34Les and Deborah are heading 200 miles south to the bustling town of Taunton
0:07:34 > 0:07:36in the heart of Somerset.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40This West Country county is packed with historic towns and cities,
0:07:40 > 0:07:45including the beautiful Bath, home to Britain's only natural thermal spa,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and Wells, with its 12th-century Gothic cathedral.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54The county also boasts more than 500 ancient monuments,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57including Glastonbury Tor.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Looking out over the Somerset Levels, it shares its name with
0:08:00 > 0:08:05the world-famous music festival which draws 135,000 revellers every year.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11If you prefer walking to dancing, then head for the peaceful scenery
0:08:11 > 0:08:14of the Quantock Hills, which run for 15 miles inland
0:08:14 > 0:08:19from the Somerset coast, ending just a couple of miles north of Taunton,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23where Deborah and Les are about to get their first glimpse
0:08:23 > 0:08:24of the project house.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- SHE LAUGHS - You are joking.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- We've come from one renovation to another!- Wow.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35SHE CHUCKLES
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Yeah, we know what this is like.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Well, they're smiling so far.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Pretty impressive front on it, though, when it's finished.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Is it finished? - It might be finished!
0:08:47 > 0:08:49At least it's not a tent, which is a bonus.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- It's not a houseboat.- No, that's a bonus.- It's not a caravan.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54It looks a fairly substantial house,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57but I'm just intrigued to see what's inside it now.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00While they hunt down the front door,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03up north, Rob and Malcolm are winging their way to Bradwell
0:09:03 > 0:09:06in north-west Derbyshire.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09This landlocked county is in the heart of the East Midlands.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11And what it lacks in coastline,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15it more than makes up for with the rugged beauty of the Peak District.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18The UK's first national park,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22the Peaks draw more than 8 million visitors every year,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26lured by historic market towns such as Ashbourne and Bakewell,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and beautiful rolling pastures,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31which have been farmed for more than 4,000 years.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The park also boasts jaw-dropping moorland
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and more than 2,000 miles of pathways,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42making it a haven for climbers, cyclists and walkers.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47The mining town of Bradwell is right in the heart of the park,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49just 15 miles west of Sheffield.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52It has a population of 1,500,
0:09:52 > 0:09:56and now Rob and Malcolm are joining the ranks for a couple of days.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02And what did you say about work in progress, Malcolm?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Oh, yes! Good, good. - HE LAUGHS
0:10:04 > 0:10:07They've got more slates than we have. What is that?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10No, those are artificial concrete roof tiles.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12It's much more civilised, though.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15And they've actually got plants. We haven't even got that far.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Er, excuse me! I've got a little garden out the back.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20First impressions are good.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23But Rob's not quite feeling warm and fuzzy yet.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26It's so much colder up here than it is down south!
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Jackets are necessary.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- These are jackets we wear in winter in Somerset.- I'm slightly shivering.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Such a southern lily.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I've got my flat cap, so I can look... It's too small!
0:10:36 > 0:10:40I hope that doesn't change your accent!
0:10:40 > 0:10:41- DERBYSHIRE ACCENT:- What d'you mean?
0:10:41 > 0:10:42What you talking about?!
0:10:42 > 0:10:44No, Rob, don't. You can't do that.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46You'll alienate lots of people.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48While they go native,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52down in Somerset, Deborah and Les have found their way into the void.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Oh, very different to ours.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Not what I expected from the outside.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00That's good for the light.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I would not like to have to clean that glass.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I'm not sure about the doors.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07They look a bit...
0:11:07 > 0:11:09as though you're walking into an office.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Maybe it is an office?
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Not sure that's quite what Malcolm was going for.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I don't particularly like the stairs being off at that angle,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22but I like the openness, I like the height.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Er, so, that's... - I mean, the wow for me is the glass.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Well, Rob did say the void had wow factor.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Both couples have left their guests a home swap manual packed with
0:11:36 > 0:11:39local info and tips to help them find their way around their homes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44"OK, you've made it past the building site. Congratulations and thank you.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45"Enjoy your house as much as we love it,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48"even though it's still being completed." Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Good, I'm glad it's not finished yet.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53"We designed the house ourselves." Interesting.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55"For the most part it runs itself."
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Ah, right. So, it's an eco-friendly one.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Armed with the building site bible,
0:12:02 > 0:12:06they head upstairs to the open-plan living-dining-kitchen area.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Oh, this is a nice room.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Oh, yeah.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17I like the floor. It's lovely. Yeah, and the kitchen.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19All the way through.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Ah, that's a better reaction.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I think... I feel as though they might be younger than us.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27I don't know why I get that feeling.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32Not just because it's more modern than ours, but is it a bit stark?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35There's something just a bit too clinical.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36I can't put my finger on it.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38I think it's possibly the work surfaces and the white...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Maybe it's the...the units.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42And the kitchen top.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Hmm. It doesn't sound like the house has won them over just yet.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Up in Derbyshire, the gents are heading inside to warm up.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Right.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Oh, wow! Nice floor. - That's good.- It's nice.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Oh, God, I thought that was a real dog!
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Down, boy(!)
0:13:01 > 0:13:05I was dreading it being cold, cold out here. This is amazing.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07It is the summer, after all.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11And having braved taking their coats off, they spot the manual.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14"Hello and welcome to our cottage, which has been our home for 18 months."
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- OK, so they have done a renovation. - Similar time.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18"When we brought the property in 2013,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21"it had fallen into disrepair and we stripped it back to the
0:13:21 > 0:13:23"original stone shell and renovated it throughout.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25"The renovation inside is almost complete."
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Well, so is ours. Almost!
0:13:27 > 0:13:29The renovation looks pretty complete to me.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Yes, this looks more complete than ours.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35They head off to give the renovated cottage the once over.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- I'm going to try this out.- I saw this.- This looks... Oh, my God.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Whoa! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Oops-a-daisy!
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Oh, jeepers.- You're such an old man, aren't you?- Oh, yes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Bring me my slippers and my pipe.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51While they make themselves at home,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Les and Deborah are on the hunt for cosiness in the bedrooms.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Sparse.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59I can't decide in certain rooms
0:13:59 > 0:14:02whether it is finished or it's not finished.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Oh, dear.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11You can't really get a feel for what they're like as people.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Maybe that's how they like it?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19I think the look they were going for is "minimalist".
0:14:19 > 0:14:21I don't think it's very welcoming.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I feel as though it's very serviceable.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Well, this is going swimmingly. Ahem!
0:14:27 > 0:14:31What will the masters of minimalism make of Debs and Les's bedroom?
0:14:33 > 0:14:34- Oh, my God.- Oh, brilliant.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36That's the king post that they were talking about.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Do you feel like we've been very derelict in our preparation?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Yes, this is like a hotel in a house.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44This is hotel-like in comparison.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46But it seems Rob's feeling a chill again.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49This time, it's the soft furnishings.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I'm slightly unnerved by the...
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Looks like an eye looking out at us.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Hello-o-o!- No!
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Get away from me!
0:14:58 > 0:15:00While the boys pillow fight in Bradwell...
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Let's have a drink, shall we?
0:15:02 > 0:15:05..down in Somerset, Deb and Les have resorted to wine.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07That was an interesting tour.
0:15:08 > 0:15:14Yeah, from one finished renovation to one part done.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I never thought we'd see that time again.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Here's to Taunton.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24It'll all seem better after a good night's sleep.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25Up in the Peaks,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29their guests are feeling warm and cosy by the wood burner.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Now we've got his and his chairs.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Ah, yes. Chin-chin.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Welcome to our new home from home.- Yeah.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44Next morning,
0:15:44 > 0:15:49the sun's shining as our swappers get ready for a day's exploring.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51In their cottage in the Peak District,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Malcolm and Rob are getting acquainted with the local alarm clock.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Oh, I haven't seen the house from this angle. - BELLS CHIME
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Oh, wow. It's lovely. The chiming of the church.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02The chimes are lovely, yes. Did you hear it in the night?
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I started hearing it at six in the morning.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06I didn't hear it at all!
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It seems the early start has given Malcolm time
0:16:10 > 0:16:13to do a little detective work.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- They're the original floor plans. - Oh, OK.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18So there's a picture of what it used to look like.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21So, the front door was a window. This was this room.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Wow!- That's this room.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27He's hopeful they might be sympathetic to his ongoing project.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31They've obviously seen the potential in this property
0:16:31 > 0:16:35and so hopefully they will see the potential in my home.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36Down in Taunton,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40Deborah and Les have spotted one area that's ripe for improvement.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- I'd have fun getting to grips with this garden.- You'd love that, yes.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- Big plot.- Yeah. A lot of work as well, people don't always realise.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- It's nice to...- Could be really creative with it.- Yeah.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58And they've also spotted some clues about the host.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I've seen a big copier which I've seen in some companies
0:17:01 > 0:17:05that is for copying plans or drawings or stuff.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08And they did say they designed the house themselves, so...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Maybe something...- Could be something to do with building, then.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Yeah. Building, consulting engineer, architect. Something like that.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Oh, she's good!
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Each couple has left their guests some top tips
0:17:21 > 0:17:23on things to see in the local area.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Right, let's go for a walk about the village.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29A sort of virtual guided tour, if you will.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33So, they all leave their borrowed homes behind and head out to explore.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39For Rob and Malcolm, it's the village of Bradwell,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43nestled in the pretty Hope Valley area of the Peak District.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The village has a heritage of lead mining.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48But these days it's a peaceful spot,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53popular with walkers who come to enjoy the spectacular scenery
0:17:53 > 0:17:55that surrounds the village in every direction.
0:17:56 > 0:18:02I would describe Bradwell as a very friendly and pleasant village.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05People, once they've arrived here and enjoyed it,
0:18:05 > 0:18:06they don't like to leave.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10And it's not quite as busy as the other villages in the area.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13It's just a little bit off the beaten track.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17The winding, narrow lanes are packed with traditional stone houses
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and old miners' cottages.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23And the pretty Bradwell Brook flows through the centre of the village.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25There's a cafe, there's a few shops.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28There's plenty of walking, there's hand gliding and paragliding
0:18:28 > 0:18:30up on the top of the hills.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33So, there's plenty of choice, plenty of things.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36A jewel of the area really, that's part of the Hope Valley
0:18:36 > 0:18:37and the Peak District.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39What more can you want?
0:18:39 > 0:18:44As well as the rather noisy St Barnabas Church, built in 1865,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47the village also boasts four pubs.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51So, plenty of choice if you fancy a pint after a hard day's hill walking.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Residents are also very proud of Bradwell's historic ice cream shop,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00which is first stop on Rob and Malcolm's tour.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- In you go, go on.- Aha!
0:19:04 > 0:19:07This family business has been selling home-made ice cream here
0:19:07 > 0:19:08for the last 100 years.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I suppose, considering we're in the Peak District, there's Cherry Bakewell.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Ay-ay-ay!
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I am definitely going to have one scoop of salted caramel.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Yep, that's the latest one, actually.- Oh!
0:19:20 > 0:19:23That's the brand-new one.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- Very nice to meet you. - Thank you, thank you, thank you.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32If you feel like sitting somewhere picturesque,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- if you go across the road and sit by the river.- Yes.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- And watch it trickling underneath the bridges.- Thank you, thank you.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- Mine is delicious.- Thank you, bye.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43So, while the gents tuck in to their cornets...
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Can I taste a bit?- Yeah, yeah.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51..down in Somerset, Les and Deborah are out and about in Taunton.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54This thriving town has something for everyone,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57with the North Somerset coast just 15 miles away
0:19:57 > 0:20:00and the beautiful Blackdown and Quantock Hills either side.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I like living in Taunton because of the diversity.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07There's lots of parks where my son loves to play.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10We've got the canal, we've got the rivers, lots of walking,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12lots of healthy activities, really.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Just a few miles outside the town
0:20:14 > 0:20:17is the West Somerset Heritage Railway,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20where steam trains make their way up to the coast,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23taking in glorious sights like Dunster Castle.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27And Taunton itself has plenty to offer visitors,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31with the pretty River Tone sweeping grandly through the centre.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33The area's really nice, actually.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Especially when the sun's out like this.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37One of the great things about Taunton is they've got
0:20:37 > 0:20:38lots of independent retailers,
0:20:38 > 0:20:43which all offer an individual offering, which is really good.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46The town also has award-winning green spaces,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49including Vivary Park,
0:20:49 > 0:20:53on the site of the medieval fish farm which supplied Taunton Castle.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57These days, the castle is home to the Museum of Somerset,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00and Les and Deborah are keen to take a look.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06We're in the great hall of the old castle,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08so if you'd like to start through those doors...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- I hope you enjoy it. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Open all year round, the museum is totally free
0:21:15 > 0:21:19and takes visitors on a voyage through the county's past,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23all within the Grade I listed castle, which was built in the 12th century.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Up in Bradwell, Rob and Malcolm have finished their ice creams
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and are turning their thoughts to scoring
0:21:32 > 0:21:34as they rate the area out of ten.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I think the area's absolutely stunning.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39We drove in and it's just that sort of, you know,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42the beauty of the hills and the trees, very green.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- 8/10 would be my first instinct. - Overall for the area?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48Not bad at all.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54And has a morning exploring Taunton cheered up Deborah and Les?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58I think the area's a nice, restful place to walk round.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Open spaces, lots of greenery, nice trees and flowers.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04People were friendly.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Nice architecture.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07Yeah, nice castle area.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I think we should give it a score of seven.- Yeah.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Well, that's a turn up for the books.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17And with just a point between them, Bradwell's out in front.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20To help our couples really get to see what the local areas have
0:22:20 > 0:22:24to offer, they've both been given a special afternoon activity to try.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28With a national park on the doorstep,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30it's no surprise where the gents are heading.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33"I hope you have a head for heights, cos today you'll be making the
0:22:33 > 0:22:37"most of the stunning Peak District views by learning to rock climb."
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Oh!- Fantastic. - Oh, yes. That is great.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45And for Les and Deborah, a proper West Country craft.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47OK, Taunton day out.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51"We have a great activity in store for you as today you're going to
0:22:51 > 0:22:54"be learning the art of cheesemaking right here in Cheddar County."
0:22:54 > 0:22:57LES CHUCKLES
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Which is good that I don't like cheese, but I like making it.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02I'll make it, you eat it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04OK, fine, I'll eat it.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Well, there's a plan.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Malcolm and Rob are travelling just six miles from Bradwell
0:23:10 > 0:23:12to the impressive Stanage Edge.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17This gritstone crag stretches for 3.5 miles across the Peak District
0:23:17 > 0:23:21and is one of the country's most popular spots for rock climbing,
0:23:21 > 0:23:25offering a vertical rock face of up to 20 metres in places.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Local climbing instructor Neil Warren has been scaling
0:23:30 > 0:23:32these rocks for 14 years.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So what we're talking about is stepping up onto the rock
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- until I can then stuff a foot into that crack...- Brilliant.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41..and stand up on it.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44But, yes, absolutely, it's all about balance, being balanced.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- I thought we were going up on ropes and...- No, no, no.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49The rope is purely for safety.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Oh, OK. I think the cream tea sounds a much better option.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53I'll just watch.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59But Rob gets his pre-climb jitters under control
0:23:59 > 0:24:02and sets off up the rock face.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Well done. Excellent job.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Come across to your left now. - This way, yeah?
0:24:06 > 0:24:09He's got up there. He's going very quickly. He's good.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12And despite one wrong move...
0:24:12 > 0:24:13Ah!
0:24:13 > 0:24:15My God.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Well done. Good effort.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Thank God for the rope.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23..he soon finds his climbing feet.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27That's it. Good man. Spot on. You've got it.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29This is actually terrifying.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Now it's Malcolm's turn,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39and he clambers up the rock like a mountain goat.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Well done.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Very smooth.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Brilliant.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48A brief rest before a little couple of moves
0:24:48 > 0:24:50to get you out over the top.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Yeah!- Well done.- Yes!
0:24:53 > 0:24:54- Hey-hey!- Hero.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00While they catch their breath,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03200 miles south, Les and Deborah are heading
0:25:03 > 0:25:06half an hour outside Taunton to Nether Stowey
0:25:06 > 0:25:09at the foot of the Quantock Hills.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Somerset is famous world over for being
0:25:11 > 0:25:15the birthplace of our nation's favourite cheese, Cheddar.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19This local farm has been making award-winning cheddars
0:25:19 > 0:25:20for nearly 70 years,
0:25:20 > 0:25:25currently under the watchful eye of the general manager Peter Derbyshire.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Hi, Deborah. Pleased to meet you.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30This is our milk reception.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32We have a fleet of four tankers
0:25:32 > 0:25:38and we collect milk from 30 farms in a 50-mile radius of Cricketer,
0:25:38 > 0:25:39in Devon and Somerset.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Visitors to the farm can try cheeses in the cafe and shop
0:25:43 > 0:25:47but our couple is getting a look behind the scenes,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49once they're suited up, of course.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I'm afraid you're going to have to put one of these on. It's a mob cap.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55If you can make sure your hair is fully tucked in.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- That'll not be difficult for you. - LAUGHTER
0:25:57 > 0:25:59There was no need for that, was there?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Glamorous!
0:26:01 > 0:26:04First up, the tanks.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07So these are our cheese vats. We've got four.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10They hold 20,000 litres of milk.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14So we put the rennet into this tank
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and pump it into the vat, stir it in
0:26:17 > 0:26:21and then we let it set for 40 minutes.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And when we cut it... This is called a junket,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27and when we cut it, we get the curds and whey.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Master cheesemaker Richard Villis
0:26:31 > 0:26:35reveals the mysterious cheddaring process.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39What we're doing now is we're just trying to get the excess whey off.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42So what these guys will do now is they'll start turning the curd over.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- How heavy is it? It looks heavy. - Yeah, they're about 10-12kg apiece.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50If you want to have a go at it, it's lovely and warm.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- And then what we do... - I can't!- Yes, we can.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Then we turn over like that.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56So what they'll do now is they'll cut down through the middle
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and then they'll place on top, so what the curd is doing then,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01it's squeezing down on top of each other
0:27:01 > 0:27:04so you're getting more and more whey out.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06The curds are then broken up,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10salted and formed into blocks, ready to mature.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14So here we see one perfectly pressed 20kg block of cheese.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19At this stage, the cheese is still green, it's still very curdy
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and it's going to take three months for a mild,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24about four or five months for a medium
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and six months plus for a mature.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31While our two amateur cheesemakers continue their tour,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33in the Peak District, Rob and Malcolm
0:27:33 > 0:27:36are discovering that what goes up must come down.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38What we're now going to do...
0:27:38 > 0:27:39I'm just going to jump, aren't I?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Step yourself down and lean yourself down and out.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- OK, there's another ledge there. - There's another ledge.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It's all right! There's a ledge, look. Hello.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- I'm a lot more of a wimp than I thought.- I've got you.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Push yourself, all your weight onto the rope. That's it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54And remember to walk down.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58Keep nice, wide feet. Going quick enough there?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Faster if you want.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Malcolm's turning out to be a bit of a pro.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05That was absolutely fantastic.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Brilliant fun.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The same can't quite be said for Rob, though.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12ROB WHIMPERS
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- It's happy days again.- Oh!
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Oh, God.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17- I can't find it.- That's it.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19You need to get your hands on the edge is better.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Imagine you're slowly easing yourself into a swimming pool.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27OK? That's it. Brilliant. That's it in there.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- That's the one. - Well done.- Well done.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30That was terrifying.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32OK, terrifying on the way up,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35terrifying on the way down.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Of course, he makes it safely back down to the ground.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Wow. This is incredible.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- That was fun.- It was, eventually.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45Excellent, Rob. Well done.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Thank you.- Pleasure.- Well done.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52All limbs are intact, but the nerves are shot to pieces.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54See the hand?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57When Neil said, "Just step over the edge," I was kind of like,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00"You must be kidding! I'm not stepping over the edge."
0:29:00 > 0:29:02That second where you just go, "OK, whoa,"
0:29:02 > 0:29:04then it became really enjoyable.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07THEY LAUGH
0:29:07 > 0:29:09While they head back to the cottage to recover,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Deborah and Les are learning the fine art of cheese tasting.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18This is a traditional Cheddar so it's Cheddar cheese
0:29:18 > 0:29:20but it's bound in cloth...
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- Right. - ..and the cloth is sealed with lard,
0:29:24 > 0:29:25so it's quite distinctive.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29I've got to be honest, that's my favourite.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32That definitely needs a red wine to go with it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34It certainly does, yeah.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It's a cheese farm, not a vineyard, Les.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40That's the end of their adventure into the world of cheese
0:29:40 > 0:29:45and both couples are heading home from their afternoon activities.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48On the way, they stop off at a local estate agents
0:29:48 > 0:29:51to see how prices compare to home.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52- That one is incredible. - Yes, it is. It is...
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- That one, there.- ..remarkable.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Look at the view they've got from their house.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Church cottage and holiday let. But look at the price tag.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- Ah!- Yeah, I know.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04If you are thinking of moving to Derbyshire,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08a terraced property could cost around £84,000,
0:30:08 > 0:30:12with prices rising to the region of £108,000 for a semi
0:30:12 > 0:30:17or upwards of £210,000 if you're looking for a detached house.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21In Somerset, you'll need slightly deeper pockets.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25That looks nice.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26700,000.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30What? These are plots. That's a barn.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36So 600,000 for a Grade II listed detached barn conversion.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41In Somerset, a terraced house costs around £130,000,
0:30:41 > 0:30:46a semidetached is in the region of £159,000
0:30:46 > 0:30:51and a detached pad could cost you around £279,000.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Now to round off the day
0:30:54 > 0:30:57and hopefully bag themselves some extra points in the scoring,
0:30:57 > 0:31:02each couple has recommended a local restaurant for their guests to try.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Rob and Malcolm have popped just half a mile down the road to
0:31:05 > 0:31:09an award-winning country pub on the edge of Bradwell.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12It's named after Samuel Fox,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14the man credited with inventing the umbrella,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17who was born in the village 200 years ago.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Table for two?- Yeah, of course.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21We've got one just over there for you.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25And, over a glass of bubbly, the boys wonder about their guests.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- I hope they have a good night's sleep. It'll be warm.- Yes.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- It will be warm.- I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I hope they have.- Yeah.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Even though it's a building site!
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Well, they'll have got used to that now.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- They probably won't even be noticing the building site now.- Yeah.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41Well, you never know.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43They've sent Deborah and Les
0:31:43 > 0:31:46to a restaurant with a continental flair in the heart of Taunton.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- This one here for you. Take a seat, please.- Thanks.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54- Where are you sitting? Here? - I don't mind.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57And their starters come with some unusual decoration.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00That's mine, thanks.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- And the scallops.- Thank you. That's very good.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- What's that?- It's a flower. It's a viola, same as yours.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13We grow them in our hanging baskets if you want any at home.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Want to try some?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18I don't like scallops. We've only been married 35 years!
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Well, I forget these things from time to time.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Keep up, Les.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Up in the Peak District, Rob and Malcolm's mains
0:32:27 > 0:32:29have also come with a floral twist.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- There you are. - That looks glorious.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34They are locally sourced flowers.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36And the lamb.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Is that good? - It's amazingly good.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Yours looks pretty good as well. - Yeah, it's cooked the way I like it.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Beautifully presented. - Absolutely stunning.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47I'm starting to make a mess of it already.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Talking of mess, check out Les and Deborah's dessert.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Here's your dessert. Lovely raspberry Eton mess.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- Wow.- This looks good.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- Ooh!- Wow.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Oh, it's like an episode of MasterChef.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06Now our swappers must turn their thoughts to scoring again.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Having already rated the local area out of ten,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10now they're scoring their day out,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13including the afternoon activity and evening meal.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17The rock climbing, loved every minute of it.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Could have done it right from six o'clock in the morning
0:33:20 > 0:33:23till six o'clock at night. How do you feel about that?
0:33:23 > 0:33:24I enjoyed the climbing, yeah.
0:33:24 > 0:33:30Definitely an adrenaline buzz, so worth the panic at the start.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32The food was absolutely delicious.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Overall, I think I would give the day out a nine.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- I would as well.- Yeah.- Quite easily.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39It's nearly full marks in Bradwell.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42What about their guests in Taunton?
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I really enjoyed today.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48I never realised how physical handcrafted cheesemaking is.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51The cheddaring experience was really, really good
0:33:51 > 0:33:55and we had a really good night tonight.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Yeah, I really enjoyed my food tonight
0:33:57 > 0:34:00so I think, in all, we'd like to give the day out a ten.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Bingo! Full marks for the cheese and wine.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08And that means, at the end of day two, it's neck and neck.
0:34:11 > 0:34:17It's morning on the third and final day of our home swappers' trips,
0:34:17 > 0:34:22and both couples are getting ready to say goodbye to their borrowed homes.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27In Bradwell, Rob and Malcolm are feeling inspired by the garden.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28We could easily, you know,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32buy a job lot of beautiful herbs and flowers and arrange them.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I actually like this. I think it's cottage garden planting, isn't it?
0:34:35 > 0:34:40Down in Somerset, Deborah and Les are feeling hot under the collar.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45Do you think the other people will find that our house is too cold
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- compared to this very hot house? - They may do.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51I did leave a fire ready to be lit if they were cold.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Now our swappers must say their goodbyes
0:34:56 > 0:34:58and hand back their borrowed homes.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01So after a few finishing touches...
0:35:01 > 0:35:04What did we call them before? Dear mystery swappers?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- Guests.- Well, they're not our guests.- No, hosts.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10..they're on the road.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- This has been good.- It has, yeah.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Home swapping is a great way to get to know a new area
0:35:18 > 0:35:20but it also saves you money.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26A good quality B&B could set you back around £160 for two nights
0:35:26 > 0:35:27in the Peak District
0:35:27 > 0:35:30or £130 in Taunton, Somerset.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Our swappers are back to the sights and sounds of home.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38BELLS PEAL
0:35:38 > 0:35:42And now they finally get to see their mystery guests
0:35:42 > 0:35:46and hear what they honestly thought of their houses.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48This could be interesting.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Prepare yourselves, Malcolm and Rob.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- OK, the moment of truth. - Whether they liked the house.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- OK.- Right, ready?- Press that button.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04'Hi, I'm Deborah. I'm 56 years old. This is my husband.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06'Hi, I'm Les. I'm 59 years old.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08'Deborah and I have been married for 36 years.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- A man and a woman. We got that right.- We got that right.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12'You are joking.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16'We've come from one renovation to another.'
0:36:16 > 0:36:18At least they have a sense of humour.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- 'Is it finished? - It might be finished.'
0:36:21 > 0:36:23They're brilliant, actually. Really brilliant.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- And laughter rather than tears. - Nervous laughter.- At the beginning.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31'I would not like to have to clean that glass.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32'I'm not sure about the doors.'
0:36:32 > 0:36:36I must admit, I do sort of know what he means about the doors.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- I like them.- They're nice. - I really like the grain.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42They're not typical for a house, though, are they? Are they?
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- No, but I find the vast majority of doors in houses absolutely vile.- OK.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50'I don't particularly like the stairs being off at that angle.'
0:36:50 > 0:36:52There's no accounting for taste.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I think the staircase is absolutely stunning.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Theirs is an off-the-shelf staircase.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- Are you feeling a bit outraged? - Yeah.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- The hackles are rising a little bit.- OK.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07'Oh, this is a nice room. Is it a bit stark for you?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10'There's something just a bit too clinical.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- 'I can't put my finger on it. - The work surfaces.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16'Maybe it's the units.'
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Well, Northerners tell it like it is.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- It doesn't...- Fair enough. Call a spade a spade.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- 'Sparse. - Just a spare room with a bed.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30'Yeah. I don't think it's very welcoming. It's very serviceable.'
0:37:31 > 0:37:34I enjoy the cleanliness, the simplicity, the...
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- ..starkness, I suppose. - They don't feel at home and,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40actually, having seen their house, I completely understand why.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43It's kind of like chalk and cheese, really, isn't it? Day and night.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Fair enough. We enjoyed that and we enjoy this, too.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Well, that went well...I think.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Now it's Deborah and Les's turn.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- How do you feel about watching this? - Intrigued.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Yes. Shall we play it? - Do you want to?
0:38:02 > 0:38:07'Hi, I'm Malcolm. I'm 53 years old. I'm an architect and I've been
0:38:07 > 0:38:11'living in Somerset for the last 24-odd years. And this is Rob.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15'I'm 49. I'm an actor/artist and massage therapist.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19'We've been together for nearly two years, actually.'
0:38:19 > 0:38:23I said I didn't feel as though there was a woman in the picture anywhere.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Well, you said there might be but you didn't think it was
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- the main owner of the house.- Yeah.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'It's so much colder up here than it is down south.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- 'My flat cap is too small.- I hope that doesn't change your accent.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- 'ATTEMPTS NORTHERN ACCENT: - What do you mean?'
0:38:37 > 0:38:40It's a good job they didn't come in January.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- 'Carpets. That's nice.- I haven't walked on a carpet for, oh, weeks.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- 'This looks... Oh, my God.- Whoa!
0:38:48 > 0:38:49THEY LAUGH
0:38:49 > 0:38:51'Oops-a-daisy.'
0:38:51 > 0:38:53LES LAUGHS
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- Funny.- Hilarious.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56- 'Oh, my God.- Brilliant.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00'That's the king post that they're talking about.'
0:39:00 > 0:39:03People can't stop looking at it at first.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- 'Oh, I haven't seen the house from this angle. - BELLS PEAL
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- 'Oh, wow.- It's wonderful. - Did you hear it in the night?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10'I started hearing it at six in the morning.'
0:39:10 > 0:39:12It doesn't surprise me that it woke them up.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- BELLS PEAL - There we go.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- That's the quarter of an hour one. - Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Now each couple has seen their guests having a look around their homes,
0:39:23 > 0:39:25they're keen to hear how they each scored,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28and which swap will come out on top.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31First up, Les and Deborah's score for Taunton.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36'Open spaces, lots of greenery, nice trees and flowers.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38'I think we should give it a score of seven.'
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- Wow.- Quite generous. - That's very generous.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43And now the day out.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45'Really enjoyed today.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49'I never realised how physical handcrafted cheesemaking is.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52'Yeah, I really enjoyed my food tonight.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55'I think in all, we'd like to give the day out a ten.'
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Whoa. Baby.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59It's nice to see them happy.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Really...- It's really nice that the restaurant came up trumps.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04- Yes.- Phew.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06But here's the big one.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08How did they score the house?
0:40:08 > 0:40:10'The house is clearly a work in progress.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15'We do think it has potential. There are things we like about it.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18'It's very bright, a lot of natural light.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22'We found the house is far too hot for us.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26'There was actually too much dust around as well.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29'So for that reason we're going to score the house a four.'
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- Which is what I was expecting.- OK. - Yeah. There is dust.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34It is a building site.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Every time we have guests, they go,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38"Where does all this dust come from?"
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- You were ready for a four. - I was ready for a four.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I was petrified it might have been a two.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46My! They took that well.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50And that's 21/30 for Taunton.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Now for Rob and Malcolm's scores on Bradwell.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58'I think the area is absolutely stunning.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01'Yeah, we drove in and it's just that sort of, you know,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04'the beauty of the hills and the trees, it's very green.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05'I would go for an eight.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- '8/10 would be my first instinct. - Overall for the area.- Yeah.'
0:41:09 > 0:41:13I think that's a fair score, from what they've seen.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15And now for the day out.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18'The day out was absolutely fantastic.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20'The rock climbing, loved every minute of it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22'I enjoyed the climbing, yeah.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27'Definitely an adrenaline buzz, so worth the panic at the start.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29'The food was absolutely delicious.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32'Overall, I think I would give day out a nine.'
0:41:32 > 0:41:38I can understand Rob's initial panic, but good for him that he
0:41:38 > 0:41:41got over that and hopefully it was worth it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Last, but certainly not least, the cottage.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46'So, scoring the house.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49'Interior - amazing, really comfortable, definitely to my taste.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54'Exterior - not keen on pebble dash. Apart from that, no complaints.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55'I really loved the inside.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58'The only thing I would do is put under-floor heating under
0:41:58 > 0:42:01'the hard surfaces on the ground floor.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03'I would push the house to a nine.'
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- Nice to hear.- A good feeling. A pretty good feeling.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10So that's a grand total of 26,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12which means the undisputed winner
0:42:12 > 0:42:15of today's Home Away From Home crown
0:42:15 > 0:42:16is Bradwell.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21I think unless you have done a renovation, you don't
0:42:21 > 0:42:24appreciate how challenging it is.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26It's tough and it gets you down.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Maybe they've had a nice break from their renovation.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33It's not a huge discrepancy and it is about fair, because
0:42:33 > 0:42:40they walked into a new house that is still going on so, yeah, that's OK.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43And after that emotional rollercoaster,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47how do our first-time swappers feel about the whole experience?
0:42:49 > 0:42:54I feel warm about the fact that someone really liked what
0:42:54 > 0:43:00we've done and what we've tried to do for us to have a nice home.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- Would you do a house swap again? - With a finished house, yes.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Once this place is finished, yes.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10MUSIC: Brick House by Rick James