- 3 hours ago
Escape to the Country - Season 26 Episode 17 -
Dorset
Dorset
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00But it comes with responsibilities.
00:02You need to make a good first impression.
00:04Oh my word.
00:06Good gracious!
00:08Isn't it gorgeous?
00:10And help keep the search on track.
00:12I am meant to be the head, but I find that I'm getting emotionally attached to the properties we see.
00:18But if you must veer off course...
00:20I'm not very good at listening, and how could I not show you this one?
00:24Make sure it's worth it.
00:26I take it back.
00:28Did I do the right thing not to listen?
00:32Oh my goodness!
00:34I do the right thing.
00:36I do the right thing.
00:38I do the right thing.
00:40I do the right thing.
00:42I do the right thing.
00:44You're welcome.
00:46Dorset, where dramatic clifthops give way to quiet country lanes.
01:00A place of picture-perfect villages and more than 50,000 thatch roofs.
01:11Relocating to the countryside could be compared to, again, chess.
01:15You need foresight, a strategy and, of course, an endgame.
01:20And if you're thinking of making the move to lovely Dorset,
01:23the undisputed king of the thatch,
01:25from where I'm standing, that looks like a checkmate move.
01:32Positioned on the southern coast and flanked by the English Channel
01:36is the county of Dorset.
01:38Once immortalised by the author Thomas Hardy,
01:41the county's evocative landscapes continue to inspire.
01:45More recently, as the backdrop to ITV's hit drama Broadchurch,
01:50filmed near the town of Bridport.
01:52I first came down in 2012 and was just blown away
01:55by the amount of artists locally that we have here.
01:59It's vibrant, full of life, full of great people.
02:03Best place to live.
02:04The fishing harbour of West Bay
02:08is known for having one of the best views of the Jurassic Coast,
02:12the only UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in England.
02:16What I love about living in Dorset is,
02:18first of all, the natural beauty that we're surrounded by.
02:22You've got the sea here, you've got the hills, the clifftops.
02:25There's also the little hidden gems that you come across.
02:28One not quite hidden gem is Colmer's Hill,
02:34whose striking silhouette rising 417 feet above the village of Simmonsbury
02:39is one of Dorset's most iconic sights.
02:43So, whether you're searching for inspiration for your next novel
02:46or you just want to enjoy some gorgeous scenery,
02:49Dorset is a place where every view could be the start of a new chapter.
02:53After spending her working life in the heart of the city,
02:58today's house hunter has come to us for help finding her new home
03:02here in the Dorset countryside.
03:08Hello, I'm Jane,
03:09and I'm looking forward to escaping to the country, to Dorset.
03:13This is where I lived, or rather, this is the park near my flat
03:19where I've lived for 18 years.
03:22Surrey-born Jane has spent over 40 years
03:25building her life and career in London.
03:27Now, with retirement approaching from her NHS management consultancy role,
03:32Jane has enlisted the help of big sister Jill
03:35to find a new property and start a new life outside of the city.
03:39Walked into the office today after a very busy commute.
03:45I'm not going to miss the crowds, the noise, queuing, standing on the tube or on buses.
03:52This is the last but one time I will have to go to work,
03:57and I'm looking forward to the peaceful countryside.
04:00It's taken me quite a while to land on Dorset.
04:04I have family in the south-east and London, and friends,
04:10and I have friends in the south-west,
04:13and I wanted somewhere that was beautiful, near the sea.
04:18And when it comes to big decisions like this,
04:23it's no surprise that everyone's got something to say.
04:26Originally, when Jane first mentioned that she wanted to move out of London,
04:31the family were genuinely worried about where she'd end up.
04:35So, when she mooted the idea of Dorset,
04:40that was absolutely brilliant, because it's accessible,
04:43it's a lovely county, there's lots to do down here,
04:47and I'm happy to go along with Jane and have a look and see what we find.
04:54For her budget of £425,000,
04:58Jane is chasing somewhere with three bedrooms, two bathrooms,
05:02a pretty outlook,
05:03and after nearly four decades of living in a flat,
05:06she's desperate for her very own garden.
05:09Ideally, she wants the same bright, modern feel she enjoys now,
05:13with chocolate box cottages a big no-no.
05:17In the land where period thatchies have found at every turn,
05:20wish me luck.
05:22I love house hunting in Dorset,
05:24because the seascapes are just as beautiful as the landscapes,
05:28and there are plenty of lovely homes too.
05:30The thing that struck me about this hunt, though,
05:33is how fast it's all happening for Jane,
05:36and I do hope she's ready to make this move.
05:39We're starting in the west of the county,
05:47ten miles inland, in the popular village of Corscombe.
05:51But before we talk houses,
05:53I want to get to know the sisters a little better.
05:56So, Jill and Jane, Dorset is looking and sounding quite wonderful at the moment, isn't it?
06:02It's glorious, glorious today.
06:04How long have you been wanting to make the move here?
06:07Well, I retired recently, so that was always the plan, retire and move.
06:13And when you say recently, how recently do we mean?
06:16Um, ten days ago.
06:18You really have, literally, I'm done.
06:21So, Jill, you're the big sister.
06:23I am, yes.
06:23I'm a big sister.
06:25It comes with responsibilities, doesn't it?
06:27It does, and a certain level of bossiness that's not always appreciated.
06:31Yes, that resonates with me as well.
06:34So, what is your role, then, over the next couple of days?
06:37Um, the second pair of eyes, actually,
06:40and trying not to impose my views too strongly on her,
06:44which is very difficult because we're a very opinionated family.
06:48But, um, I think I know my place, Ginny, is to support Jane, really.
06:54Are there certain things that you really want when it comes to the move,
06:58certain things that you're looking for?
07:00I'm looking for a much quieter life, but still an active life.
07:05So, I guess I'd like to be in a community, other people around,
07:10but with immediate access to glorious countryside and wildlife.
07:15I mean, just standing here on the village green with the brook and the birds,
07:20is this the kind of place you had in mind?
07:22Yes, I mean, this is, um, exactly the sort of place.
07:27I mean, gorgeous.
07:28Well, I'm really pleased you like this village, actually,
07:32with its little village pub over there and the babbling brook,
07:34because the first house I want to show you is actually within walking distance.
07:39Oh, wow.
07:39You could walk down there.
07:41Oh, that's perfect.
07:41You're absolutely perfect as a dream, being within walking distance of a pub.
07:46Well, you are raring to go.
07:48You retired only ten days ago.
07:49Should we go and take a look at some fantastic houses?
07:52That would be really easy.
07:53Come on, this way.
07:58Corscombe may look like a quiet village,
08:00but with its period properties and tranquil surroundings,
08:04there's a real buzz to life here.
08:05The village hall hosts a wide range of community events,
08:09while the local pub puts on Skittles nights,
08:12a book club and plenty of live music.
08:15Throw in a network of scenic footpaths leading out into the countryside
08:20and you've got the ideal setting for our first property tour.
08:23So, I think we'll settle just about here,
08:28because the house I want you to look at is right in front of us.
08:31Oh, it's pretty.
08:33It's gorgeous.
08:35And I love, I love the colours.
08:37It's just, and I just glimpsed through there,
08:39there might be a rather nice view.
08:42It looks lovely.
08:43It's really quaint.
08:45It looks nicely looked after.
08:48All depends what it looks like inside.
08:50Yeah.
08:51Should we go and explore it and find out?
08:53I'm wondering how low those ceilings are upstairs,
08:56but we'll soon find out.
08:57Well, come on, one of us might have to duck, I'm not sure.
08:59Oh, that'll be me then.
09:03The oldest part of this end of Terry's home dates back to the 1590s,
09:07when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne.
09:10Just three years ago, the current owners gave it a full refurbishment,
09:15lovingly restoring everything from the windows to the original stone flooring.
09:21So, come on in.
09:24Oh, my word.
09:25Good gracious.
09:27I mean, it's beautiful.
09:29Isn't it gorgeous?
09:30Look at that fireplace.
09:32It is so cosy.
09:34And the flagstone.
09:35And you can just see the history in this house, can't you?
09:37Oh, totally.
09:38Absolutely beautiful.
09:40And it's quite a big room.
09:41It is.
09:42It is big.
09:43I mean, look at this.
09:45Yes.
09:46Should we turn to this?
09:47Yes.
09:47This lovely panelling feature?
09:48Yes.
09:49Because this is a two-bedroom property.
09:51But actually, you have a third bed.
09:54Oh, no.
09:54Yes.
09:56It's a fantastically comfy double bed that folds down.
10:00It's sort of genius, isn't it?
10:02It's so good.
10:03You've got to admire the inventiveness.
10:07But now let's turn our attention to the kitchen, which, along with the downstairs bathroom, sits in the newest part of the property added around 15 years ago.
10:16Lots of space in here.
10:19It's well in a really different vibe.
10:23Totally.
10:24I love this.
10:25Haven't they done it nicely?
10:26Isn't this lovely?
10:28It's so unusual.
10:30Look at the stained glass on that cabinet.
10:33I know, I know.
10:35It is absolutely beautiful.
10:37This is a large space, and the way they've done it, it feels warm and cosy.
10:42I like it.
10:45Upstairs is just as warm and cosy, with two double bedrooms, as I mentioned earlier.
10:50The family bathroom is sleek and modern, letting the character of this period property shine through in the bedrooms instead.
11:00Nice size.
11:01This is a big bed, and I notice there's a cupboard out there.
11:07Ah, is that the wardrobe space?
11:10Because there isn't a wardrobe in here.
11:11Yeah, that is the main wardrobe space.
11:14So it is tighter upstairs.
11:16You're backing the whole part of the house, and you've got all the history here, the thick walls.
11:21But it's still a perfectly reasonable size, actually.
11:24Well, they've got two big chests here.
11:26Two big chests.
11:27Lovely deep windowsill.
11:29I know, that's gorgeous.
11:30Gorgeous.
11:30Yeah.
11:31Gorgeous.
11:33And let's not forget the outside space, which is surprisingly generous for a property of this size.
11:39There's a smart wooden deck overlooking the lawn, and framed by mature trees.
11:45You'll be buying a lawnmower.
11:47Plus a sizeable vegetable patch with its own summer house.
11:53Raised beds are such a good idea.
11:56They're good, aren't they?
11:57That's just easy.
11:59Oh, this is sweet.
12:01The path leads down to the stream we pass by when walking through the village.
12:06I could follow this course of this to the pub.
12:08Then another stretch of lawn with sweeping views across the surrounding farmland and to the neighbouring field of llamas.
12:16This is absolutely extraordinary.
12:20I don't think I'm speaking out of turn when I say this might be just a bit more space than Jane's used to in London.
12:29So, Jane, I know you're quite keen to do some volunteering.
12:31Does that extend to a spot of llama wrangling?
12:33Except that they don't appear terribly friendly.
12:37They're really smoothy, aren't they?
12:40So, how are you feeling?
12:44Well, I mean, for a first house, this is spectacular.
12:49So, I'm feeling very happy, thank you.
12:51Now, I'm sure you know what question I'm going to ask you now.
12:54How much do you think this property is on the market for?
12:57So, who's going to go first?
12:59I'm going to go first.
13:00It is a beautiful property with a large garden.
13:06I'm going to go towards the top of my budget, £400,000.
13:11OK.
13:13Well, I'll go higher.
13:14I'll say £410,000.
13:18So, £410,000.
13:19Yes.
13:20£400,000.
13:21And for the property that really gets you with a big punch in the gut and feels like home, you could go to £425,000.
13:29Yes, yes.
13:30And that's what this property is on the market for.
13:33I thought we were being optimistic.
13:35Yes, I understand your optimism.
13:37I'm fully down with it.
13:39Right at the top of Jane's budget, this extended period home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
13:49It's beautifully presented throughout with extensive gardens, lovely views and a vibrant village right on the doorstep.
13:56I particularly like the cosy front room with the log burner and then the contrast of the modern kitchen.
14:08But this is only property one so far.
14:10You've got to remember that this is the top of her budget.
14:14So, there's a natural caution, perhaps.
14:19It is in a beautiful village and it looks out onto beautiful countryside.
14:24And that was one of my criteria, to have a view and a vista.
14:28And it does.
14:29However, I think I need things to compare it with before fully opting for it.
14:38But it feels good sitting here.
14:39With the nine-to-five behind her, Jane's move from the capital is more than just a change of scenery.
14:59It's a shift in lifestyle.
15:00And while the Dorset countryside promises peace and quiet, she's also hoping to feel connected and make the most of what this beautiful county offers.
15:10So, we're sending Jane and Jill to the town of Berminster, located just seven miles from the coast in the heart of the Dorset National Landscape.
15:20It's home to a thriving market square and high street.
15:23We've got independent shops and people come out and use those shops every day.
15:27They come to the bakers, they come to the butchers, they come and get their veg off me.
15:31So, it's just a great town that people use.
15:34Berminster is also known for its annual Festival of Music and the Arts, which showcases both local and international artists.
15:43It's been going for 28 years and it really punches above its weight for such a little town.
15:49It runs for about eight days that people are coming and going all day long.
15:53And then they might be stopping in the restaurants to have dinner or lunch.
15:58So, there's a terrific buzz.
16:00The town has a strong sense of togetherness and nowhere is that spirit more evident than in the CB3 Community Bus Service,
16:09a volunteer-run Saturday service that runs between the villages and the local towns.
16:13We connect our communities and we have been going for seven years.
16:20And this is a service that people are proud of, I'm delighted to say.
16:24And it's still going, fortunately.
16:27Much like the volunteers who generously give their time to the local bus service,
16:33Jane is also keen to contribute to her new surroundings when she moves.
16:37So, the sisters are heading to the nearby village of Broad Windsor.
16:40There, residents rallied to save their village shop and, 13 years on, it's run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
16:50Hi, Jane. Welcome to Broad Windsor Community Stores.
16:53Thank you very much.
16:55When did it start, this shop?
16:57Our shop has been open since 2013.
17:00It's everything to the village.
17:01I'm sure it is.
17:03And what's the qualification for volunteering?
17:07A sense of humour.
17:09Goodwill.
17:09Goodwill to people, mucking in.
17:13Anybody can volunteer.
17:15I think it's fantastic.
17:16I really do.
17:17And if you're new to the area, it'd hopefully be a way of getting to know people.
17:23This shop tries to be, as much as we can, all things to all people.
17:27We have elderly who come in who maybe don't drive.
17:30Students that come in who have been volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
17:35It's just a really good community hub.
17:38We'd be lost without it.
17:39It sounds fantastic.
17:40Bedminster and its surrounding villages seem like an area where people come together to build a supportive, welcoming place to live.
17:49Whether it's live music, a Saturday bus ride or picking up a pint of milk, everyone feels at home.
17:55Now we just need to find an actual bricks and mortar home for Jane.
17:59Our next stop on this Dorset property tour is on the outskirts of the village of Milburn St. Andrew.
18:10Located midway between the towns of Dorchester and Blumford Forum, in the centre of the county, Milburn St. Andrew is home to around 1,000 residents.
18:19Amenities here include a pub, a doctor's surgery and a local shop.
18:26The village hall also hosts events for a Dorset-based charity that brings live performances to rural communities.
18:33So once Jane's had her fill of theatre or even a bit of opera, it would be just a short, ten-minute walk home to our second property.
18:40So if the last house was all about sort of period charm and a cottage, this is all about space.
18:51I can see it. It looks huge.
18:53It is, it is. It does look huge.
18:54It looks very big.
18:55The views from the house are absolutely beautiful.
18:58Yes, it's very open all the way round, isn't it?
19:01Lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
19:03So am I.
19:04Shall we go inside? Take a look?
19:06Yes.
19:06Come on.
19:07Yes.
19:10Built in the 1920s by Ernest Debenham, yes, him of the department store fame,
19:17these cottages would once have housed local dairy workers.
19:20But from those modest beginnings, this one has grown into a spacious family home
19:25that makes the very best of its beautiful rural setting.
19:31So come on in to the living room and just take a look through that window.
19:38Oh, no.
19:39Yes. I mean, that's glorious, isn't it?
19:43Yeah, it is.
19:44Lovely view.
19:46So how do you feel about open plan living? Because that's what you've got here.
19:51I'm fine with open plan living, actually.
19:54My last place was open plan.
19:56This is a big space.
19:58It is. It couldn't be more different.
20:00No.
20:00To the cottage.
20:00Totally. It's totally different.
20:02No. It's still got the nice fire.
20:05No, this is a decent-sized room, actually.
20:08You could do a lot with this.
20:10Indeed, you could.
20:12There's also a choice of two dining options here.
20:15There's one in the main living area and another beyond the galley kitchen.
20:20What a nice spot to sit there with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning and take a look at your little woods.
20:28Yes, lovely.
20:29Very pretty, isn't it?
20:31It's very pretty.
20:32It's totally a good size.
20:34And it's mostly grass, which suits me at the moment.
20:36Until I learn a bit more.
20:38So you get your fingers green.
20:40Exactly.
20:42I'm leaving Jane and Jill to explore upstairs by themselves.
20:46They'll find four bedrooms in total, meaning loads of room for hosting family and friends.
20:52The first of these bedrooms can be found on the first floor.
20:56That's a fireplace.
20:58It's quirky.
20:59Slightly odd angle.
21:01Yes.
21:01But certainly a feature of that room.
21:03Yes.
21:04Oh, this must be the main bathroom.
21:08It's a big bathroom.
21:10Oh, look, it looks big up here.
21:13Lovely window.
21:15Yeah, that is nice.
21:16That's a feature, isn't it?
21:19Jane's former home in London was just under 1,000 square feet.
21:24But here, there's over 50% more space, with the three remaining bedrooms found on the second floor.
21:31Oh, look, Jane, there's a lovely large landing.
21:33Yes, I like landings.
21:36This looks like the master, because it's got an en suite.
21:39Oh, look at that view.
21:41I mean, honestly, that's just panoramic.
21:45It literally is.
21:46You can see for miles, can't you?
21:48Yes.
21:48An en suite, yep.
21:50It's a nice-sized room.
21:52Two smaller bedrooms here.
21:54Oh, now, this looks like they're using it as a dressing room, but it's actually quite a big bedroom.
22:02Another reasonable-sized bedroom, enough for two singles.
22:05The rear garden is 60 metres long, with a gate at the end opening into a small private woodland that Jane would have access to.
22:17On the lawn, there's space for a veg patch and a separate annex, which is currently used as a gym.
22:23Sadly, there are no llamas for neighbours here, just far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.
22:28Well, if you thought the last garden was big, I present to you the garden with woods at the end.
22:39So, in terms of size, I know it's big, but it does seem fairly manageable to me.
22:43I agree. I mean, a lawnmower, definitely. I'm going to ask you both to guess what this property is on the market for.
22:51I'm going to take a punt on this and say £385,000.
22:56OK. I think I'm going to go a bit higher. I'm going to say £395,000.
23:01OK. OK.
23:02It's on the market for £415,000.
23:05Oh, we're way out of the end.
23:06We're so hopeless at this, honestly.
23:08We're hopeless, and I think we're being over-optimistic as well.
23:11Yeah, I'm all right.
23:14This former dairy workers' cottage comes in £10,000 under budget
23:18and offers modern living with lots of space to spare.
23:22There's an open-plan living area downstairs, four bedrooms and a generous garden,
23:28all set on the edge of a popular village.
23:32Seeing this house has shifted my priorities a little.
23:35It's got the most wonderful panoramic views,
23:39and yet it hasn't sort of grabbed me.
23:43The downstairs, in proportion to the upstairs, is a bit small,
23:49and the upstairs is too big.
23:51There's a lack of balance, which I think the first one this morning had.
23:56I agree with Jane.
23:57I think this is too big for her, actually.
24:00I think most of the time she'd be rattling round here.
24:04So this hasn't grabbed you, has it?
24:06It hasn't grabbed me, despite the views,
24:10which have grabbed me, actually.
24:13They're spectacular.
24:14At the end of our first day of house hunting,
24:22I'm taking Jill and Keen Walker Jane to Thorncombe Woods
24:26to wind down and catch the brief beauty of bluebell season.
24:31It's quite a different end of the day
24:34to how you'd be ending your day in London here.
24:36Yes.
24:37Such a big contrast to where you are.
24:39Do you think you could get used to this?
24:40I can get used to this.
24:42I mean, even when I was in London,
24:44I used to take myself off to the country
24:46and have a long walk on a Sunday.
24:49So I do love this.
24:51I love the piece.
24:54Jill, can you imagine your sister here?
24:56Yes, I can.
24:57I've been very impressed by this feeling of community
25:00and the villages we've been to,
25:02the friendliness of the people,
25:04the fact there's so many activities.
25:06Totally.
25:07And the contrast between the two houses today
25:11was, you know, was huge.
25:13And that was, it really helped me
25:16to begin to hone down.
25:19No, I don't want four bedrooms.
25:21I don't want a huge house.
25:22I don't need a huge house.
25:24So, yes, I'm really excited about tomorrow.
25:28Well, who knows what it will bring.
25:31I do, but I'm not going to tell you until tomorrow.
25:33If, like Jane, you want to embrace a new life in Dorset,
25:53here's what you need to know about its property market.
25:57Detached homes here come at a premium,
25:59averaging just over £528,000.
26:02which is around 20% higher
26:05than the national figure of £438,000.
26:09But compared to Hampshire, just to the north,
26:12and better place for London,
26:14Dorset is noticeably more affordable.
26:16So, it's a question of direction
26:18towards the capital's call
26:20or the quiet charm of the south-west.
26:22If you're at the stage of wanting to get to know Dorset a little better
26:29before committing to a move here,
26:31you could consider a back-to-nature retreat
26:34in this luxurious shepherd's hut.
26:36It's situated on a private lake not far from Berminster,
26:41with prices starting at £149 a night for two people.
26:48Budding homeowners might like this semi-detached cottage,
26:51which is full of character features,
26:53plus two bedrooms and a cute raised deck at the rear.
26:57Located in a small village,
26:59surrounded by countryside,
27:01it's available for £295,000.
27:05Or if you've got big countryside dreams
27:08and a budget to match,
27:10this former farmhouse in the village of Mosterton
27:12is beautifully presented throughout.
27:14With four bedrooms, a conservatory
27:17and even a separate one-bedroom cottage on site,
27:20it could be yours for £800,000.
27:27After experiencing some community spirit
27:30and two very different properties yesterday,
27:32I do get a sense that Jane is really starting
27:34to be able to picture
27:36what life here in Dorset could be like for her.
27:39And there is still so much to see and do,
27:41including a very special mystery house.
27:44in a very special place.
27:50Our last stop is in the village of Milton Abbas.
27:54Sitting in a pretty wooded valley,
27:57this neat collection of whitewashed,
27:59carbon thatched cottages
28:00must be one of the most picture-perfect villages in Dorset.
28:04With scenery this beautiful,
28:06you'll wish you had your camera handy,
28:08but honestly, a leisurely stroll through the village
28:11is more than enough.
28:12Welcome to Milton Abbas.
28:16I've never seen...
28:17I suppose it's a village quite like this.
28:20It's extraordinary, isn't it?
28:21And it has a really interesting history.
28:23It was built in the 1770s.
28:25The first Earl of Dorchester had a village
28:27that was blocking his view, which he didn't like.
28:29So he enlisted the help of architects,
28:31of Capability Brown, the famous gardener,
28:33to plan a village, to re-home the villagers too.
28:37And this is the result, Milton Abbas.
28:39Well, I mean, I hope the villagers were pleased
28:42because, I mean, it's fantastic.
28:45It's extraordinary, isn't it?
28:46Yes.
28:46When you think it's been here all that time.
28:48Yes.
28:49Look, I'm going to let you just have a wander
28:51and take it in.
28:52There's so much to see.
28:54And I'm going to go and get the mystery house ready.
28:55See you soon.
28:56Lovely.
28:56See you soon.
29:00So far on this property search,
29:02we've focused on showing Jane homes
29:04that gave her the most space for the budget.
29:07When it came to the houses,
29:08big didn't always mean better.
29:12I'm bringing the focus back to Jane with this property,
29:15which I think could absolutely capture her heart.
29:19Yes, it is small, but it is absolutely charming.
29:22The outside area, however, is a different matter.
29:31Now, gardens have been a bit of a theme this week
29:33with Jane's search, haven't they?
29:35And they are definitely getting larger.
29:37I think she might need a bit of help to mow this one.
29:40But how could I have not shown it to her?
29:42I mean, you just can't get more escape to the country
29:44than this, can you?
29:46I think I've found my happy place.
29:47Their village walk complete,
29:53the moment has come to reveal
29:54this perfectly proportioned home to Jane and Jill.
29:59Hello.
29:59Hello.
29:59Hello.
30:00Now, I know, Jane, that you were quite adamant
30:02that you didn't want a chocolate box cottage.
30:04I'm not very good at listening,
30:05and how could I not show you this one?
30:08No, it's beautiful.
30:09That's absolutely gorgeous.
30:11Now, some of the houses are now single dwellings,
30:13but this one is, as it would have been originally,
30:15it would have been built to house two families.
30:17They don't use the front door anymore, though.
30:19Each has its own separate entrance at the side.
30:21You would never guess it was two houses from the front.
30:25But, yes, I'm looking forward to having a look.
30:28Shall we go inside?
30:29Lovely.
30:34This Grade II-listed semi-detached cottage
30:37on the main street of the village
30:39has only just hit the market.
30:41It shares access to the front door
30:43with the neighbouring property,
30:44but the current owners of this half of the house
30:47prefer to use the entrance at the side.
30:52So, come on in.
30:54And I think the phrase I would use for this property
30:57is small but perfectly formed.
31:00Well, the kitchen certainly is, isn't it?
31:02Isn't it?
31:02It's delightful.
31:04Beautifully, beautifully done up.
31:06Yes, yes.
31:07Lovely range again.
31:10Nice new work surfaces.
31:12I think this is a really pretty kitchen.
31:15Is it big enough for you?
31:16Oh, yes.
31:17I mean, definitely.
31:18And it's actually quite a social kitchen as well.
31:21It's got a charm about it, hasn't it?
31:22Oh, no, it's very charming.
31:23It's sweet.
31:24I take it back.
31:26So far.
31:27Did I do the right thing not to listen?
31:29There's a first time for everything.
31:33But now we're stepping into the original part of the property,
31:37a classic example of a modest two-up, two-down home
31:41typical of its time.
31:43So you've got this super cute living space.
31:46I love it in here.
31:47I think it's really, really pretty.
31:48Yes, no, it is.
31:49And it's got a lovely flow into a cosy living room,
31:54but look at this.
31:55How is this for my place?
31:56It's spectacular, and what a wood burner.
32:00What a sweet room.
32:01And look at that.
32:02It would have been a little bread oven.
32:05Sweet.
32:06It's stunning.
32:07What I really love about this is the high ceiling.
32:11Yes.
32:11It just makes things feel airy and lighter,
32:16and I really like that.
32:18I think it's charming.
32:20You're meant to be the head here now, Jill.
32:22So what's the head saying?
32:24No, well, it's interesting in that I am meant to be the head,
32:27but I find that I'm getting emotionally attached
32:29to the properties we see.
32:33If Jane doesn't go for it, it sounds like Jill certainly will.
32:37In this property, the bathroom is located downstairs,
32:40while upstairs there are two double bedrooms.
32:44And do you think this is the main bedroom?
32:46I think so.
32:48Oh, look, another fireplace.
32:49It's a nice-sized double.
32:52Lovely view.
32:53Yes.
32:54And do you know, the ceiling's high enough.
32:56Have you ducked on the door?
32:57No.
32:58I don't think you have.
32:59No, I'm not that tall, Jane, but...
33:01Every now and again, houses come along on this show
33:05that I can picture myself living in,
33:07and this is definitely one of them.
33:09But the question is, can Jane...
33:11Oh, this is...
33:14This is sweet.
33:16What a good use of space.
33:18This is quite a big bedroom.
33:19It is.
33:20I could have big wardrobes here if you wanted to.
33:23Actually, you could do.
33:26Outside, it is a garden of many parts,
33:29with a large elevated lawn cleverly landscaped
33:32into a series of practical, usable tiers.
33:34I thought I'd meet you here,
33:37cos I think if this was my house,
33:38this is where I'd spend lots of time.
33:39Oh, definitely.
33:41Oh, what a brilliant deck.
33:43It's got an outside kitchen, Jane.
33:45And it's going to keep your visitors very fit,
33:48cos come on, follow me.
33:49I want to show you something.
33:54Jane was hoping for three bedrooms,
33:57and while there are only two inside the main house,
33:59if you're happy to take a short walk uphill,
34:02there's a third room waiting,
34:04with the best view of all.
34:06So the last few stairs, I know,
34:08lead to this, your very own woodland hideaway.
34:12Good gracious.
34:14Extraordinary.
34:15Can we look?
34:16Of course.
34:17Go and have a peep inside, both of you.
34:19Oh.
34:21Look at this.
34:23And somebody's got an office here as well.
34:25There's heating.
34:27It's sweet.
34:28Lovely.
34:30It's a gem of a hideaway,
34:32but what does it all cost?
34:34OK, well, we've seen the garden, all of it,
34:37and, of course, we've seen the house,
34:38so I need you two to put your thinking caps on
34:40and give me a price for what you think this one
34:43is on the market for.
34:44I am going to go top of the budget of £425,000.
34:48£425,000.
34:50OK, and what about you, Jill?
34:51I'm going to say £430,000 and cross my fingers.
34:56Well, I might have some good news for you both
35:00because it's actually under your budget, Jane.
35:02It's on the market for £375,000.
35:05I'm astounded.
35:09It's absolutely stunning.
35:11This captivating grade-two listed cottage
35:15comes with two bedrooms
35:16plus an additional room tucked away
35:19in the hidden summer house.
35:20It's comfortably within budget,
35:22with standout features including the spacious tiered garden
35:26and the property's idyllic village setting.
35:28Oh, the mystery house is probably exactly
35:34what I didn't particularly want,
35:35and yet again, it has proved how mistaken I was.
35:40It's small but perfectly formed.
35:43With one or two alterations to parts of the house,
35:47I think it could do.
35:49I think it's beautiful.
35:51Being close to the sea is something
35:59that loads of us dream of,
36:01whether that's for adventure, discovery
36:03or just an escape.
36:05Or in the case of Charlotte and Angus, all three.
36:11Hi, I'm Charlotte and this is my partner Angus
36:14and we moved from London in 2022
36:18to this beautiful part of Dorset on the Jurassic Coast.
36:22We made the move from London down to Dorset
36:24because we'd started a business
36:26and that was a craft fish cannery.
36:29We produce a range of ethically sourced British tinned fish.
36:34Inspired by European-style conservas,
36:37the couple's business is the first of its kind in the UK.
36:41Now stocked in over 200 shops,
36:43Sea Sisters is thriving,
36:44just like their family life,
36:46with the couple raising two daughters
36:48who inspired the company's name.
36:51I think it's the best place for us to be as a small family.
36:54We can literally walk out of our door
36:56and we are a few moments walk away
36:58from one of the most beautiful hills in Dorset.
37:01And that is amazing.
37:02Yeah.
37:02It's very special.
37:04They cast their net from East London to Dorset
37:07and I'm here to discover
37:08if they've landed the life they're looking for.
37:11The family live in Bredport
37:16but run a craft cannery out of the nearby village of Solway Ash
37:20where I'm visiting them today.
37:23Good morning.
37:24Hello.
37:24Hi.
37:25So nice to meet you both.
37:26How are you?
37:26It's a hive of activity in here.
37:29What's going on?
37:29What are you up to?
37:31So we're producing our cake
37:33with garlic and rosemary-infused oil and capers today.
37:37Why was this area in particular
37:39so important for you to come to to start this business?
37:42I mean, we launched our business in Hackney in London
37:45and we knew really quickly
37:47that we were having fish sent up from the southwest coast.
37:51We just thought it would be really important for us
37:53to move closer to the fishes that we were working with.
37:56Because it's a really...
37:57I think it's something we really need to think about much more, isn't it?
37:59The food miles that go into, you know, how our food gets to us.
38:04Yeah.
38:04We know that the fish is, you know, particularly the hake,
38:07is being landed in Cornwall
38:08and it's only a couple of hours up the road
38:12and it's coming to us
38:13as opposed to those extra three, four hours into London.
38:1890% of the fish and seafood that we consume here in the UK
38:22is actually imported.
38:23Wow.
38:24So we're not eating any of the incredible fish and seafood
38:27that the British waters have to offer
38:29and we're an island
38:30so it's really important for us to shout about local fishes
38:33and connect to them more in the community.
38:36I haven't tried this kind of range of fish in a can before.
38:40I'd love to try some, if that's OK.
38:42Let's go and try some.
38:43OK, fantastic.
38:48In line with their commitment to sustainability,
38:50the product packaging is 100% recyclable
38:53with zero plastics used in the production process too.
38:57The couple is continuously experimenting with new recipes
39:01with former chef Angus taking the lead in the kitchen.
39:05So what's on the menu?
39:07This looks great.
39:08So we are going to do something with our Cornish hake
39:11that we were just producing in the cannery
39:13and we're going to today put it with some focaccia,
39:18some aioli, peculo peppers
39:19and then we're going to grill some asparagus courgette to go with it.
39:23What's the food scene like down here, Angus?
39:25Because Hackney, of course, where you guys came from in London,
39:28it's got such a vibrant food scene.
39:30Yeah, I mean, it's a different food scene.
39:32There are things that I miss about Hackney
39:34but here there's a nice marriage between local growers
39:39and the restaurants who are using their produce.
39:43So no regrets then?
39:44I mean, what regrets can you have sitting here
39:46and trying to buy cherry blossoms?
39:48Yeah, exactly.
39:48Absolutely.
39:49And all of our friends come down in the summer
39:50and we go camping in the area
39:53and they get to, yeah, experience sorset life as well,
39:57which is great.
39:58This looks good.
40:00Yum.
40:02It's really delicious.
40:03It's so good.
40:06That's amazing.
40:08And it's so nice to think
40:09that the fish literally came
40:12a few miles away from the scene.
40:14Yeah.
40:15It's been great meeting you.
40:17Thank you for feeding me
40:18and I know where to send Jane when she makes the move.
40:21That would be great.
40:22We'll have a new friend.
40:23Well, we've seen everything that Dorset has to offer
40:37and now it's time to find out what Jill and Jane made of it.
40:40Well, as if we needed another reminder
40:45of why you're moving to Dorset.
40:47I mean, it's lovely, isn't it?
40:48I know.
40:49It is a gorgeous spot.
40:50Shall we have some tea?
40:51Yes, please.
40:52I think we need a cup of tea after that.
40:53Yes.
40:54What a whirlwind it's been for you, Jane.
40:55How are you feeling right now?
40:57I'm very optimistic, actually.
40:58Oh, great.
40:59That's so nice to hear.
41:01It has been such a breakneck speed, this move.
41:03I have pushed you out of your comfort zone.
41:06Has anything resonated with you?
41:09Well, I think you've probably guessed which one.
41:12It was the mystery house, of course.
41:13Of course.
41:14The mystery house was delightful
41:16and a lot of options there, I think.
41:20OK.
41:21So are there any next steps?
41:22Definitely.
41:23I've definitely got to go and see it again.
41:24OK.
41:25I don't 100% know whether it is the one
41:29but I think it's really worth investigating the possibilities.
41:32That property deserves a second look.
41:35I agree.
41:36Three weeks ago, you had a busy, hectic full-time job.
41:39Two weeks ago, you still owned a place in central London.
41:43And now, in the third week, we're here in this incredible countryside,
41:47maybe having found you a home.
41:48A remarkably quick journey that you've been on.
41:51Yes.
41:51Well, I hope it continues to be quick.
41:54Well, we wish you all the best, absolutely.
41:57Ginny, thank you so much for everything.
41:59It's been absolutely brilliant.
42:00And thank you for taking the time to...
42:02It's been a really lovely experience.
42:10Well, our property search in Dorset is over
42:13and wouldn't you know it,
42:14it's the mystery house that has won out once again.
42:17It just goes to show that when it comes to making your move,
42:21it pays to keep an open mind.
42:23We wish Jane all the best with her whirlwind move to Dorset.
42:27Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
42:31After much consideration,
42:33Jane decided the steep garden at the mystery house
42:36wasn't a perfect long-term fit.
42:38But her time with us helped narrow her search
42:41to the beautiful Bemminster and Bridport area,
42:44not far from her first house,
42:46where she's still actively looking for her dream home.
42:49If you would like to escape to the country
42:53in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
42:55and need our help,
42:57why not apply online at bbc.co.uk
42:59forward slash take part.
43:01We'll see you next time on Escape to the Country.
43:31that�로 J.
43:36The Country
43:36is the most part of the country
43:38and that song will be the most part of the country
43:40on Escape to the Country.
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