Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 17 heads to the picturesque county of Dorset, where Ginny Buckley helps a London buyer prepare for retirement with a move to the countryside. With a £425,000 budget, the search includes charming villages, character-filled homes, and a beautiful mystery house so delightful it feels gift-wrapped.
As part of the journey, Ginny also meets a family who left city life behind to build a thriving upmarket fish-canning business on the coast, showcasing the opportunities and lifestyle Dorset offers. Discover why Dorset continues to attract buyers seeking peaceful surroundings, coastal beauty, and a fresh start in the countryside.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Dorset #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
As part of the journey, Ginny also meets a family who left city life behind to build a thriving upmarket fish-canning business on the coast, showcasing the opportunities and lifestyle Dorset offers. Discover why Dorset continues to attract buyers seeking peaceful surroundings, coastal beauty, and a fresh start in the countryside.
#EscapeToTheCountry #Dorset #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
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00:01Finding someone a new home is an immense privilege,
00:04but it comes with responsibilities.
00:06You need to make a good first impression.
00:09Oh, my word.
00:11Good gracious. Isn't it gorgeous?
00:14And help keep the search on track.
00:16I am meant to be the head,
00:18but I find that I'm getting emotionally attached
00:20to the properties we see.
00:23But if you must veer off course...
00:25I'm not very good at listening,
00:27and how could I not show you this one?
00:28Make sure it's worth it.
00:31I take it back.
00:34Did I do the right thing not to listen?
00:59Dorset, where dramatic clifthops give way to quiet country lanes.
01:05A place of picture-perfect villages,
01:08and more than 50,000 thatched roofs.
01:16Relocating to the countryside could be compared to a game chess.
01:19You need foresight, a strategy, and of course an end game.
01:24And if you're thinking of making the move to lovely Dorset,
01:28the undisputed king of the thatch,
01:30from where I'm standing, that looks like a checkmate move.
01:37Positioned on the southern coast, and flanked by the English Channel,
01:41is the county of Dorset.
01:43Once immortalised by the author Thomas Hardy,
01:46the county's evocative landscapes continue to inspire.
01:50More recently is the backdrop to ITV's hit drama Broadchurch,
01:54filmed near the town of Bridport.
01:57I first came down in 2012,
01:59and was just blown away by the amount of artists locally that we have here.
02:04It's vibrant, full of life, full of great people.
02:08Best place to live.
02:10The fishing harbour of West Bay
02:13is known for having one of the best views of the Jurassic Coast,
02:16the only UNESCO natural world heritage site in England.
02:21What I love about living in Dorset is, first of all,
02:24the natural beauty that we're surrounded by.
02:27You've got the sea here, you've got the hills, the clifftops.
02:30There's also the little hidden gems that you come across.
02:35One not quite hidden gem is Colmers Hill,
02:38whose striking silhouette,
02:40rising 417 feet above the village of Simmonsbury,
02:44is one of Dorset's most iconic sights.
02:47So, whether you're searching for inspiration for your next novel,
02:51or you just want to enjoy some gorgeous scenery,
02:54Dorset is a place where every view could be the start of a new chapter.
03:00After spending her working life in the heart of the city,
03:03today's house hunter has come to us for help finding her new home,
03:07here in the Dorset countryside.
03:13Hello, I'm Jane, and I'm looking forward to escaping to the country to Dorset.
03:18This is where I lived, or rather, this is the park near my flat,
03:23where I've lived for 18 years.
03:27Surrey-born Jane has spent over 40 years building her life and career in London.
03:32Now, with retirement approaching from her NHS management consultancy role,
03:37Jane has enlisted the help of big sister, Jill,
03:40to find a new property and start a new life outside of the city.
03:44Walked into the office today after a very busy commute.
03:49I'm not going to miss the crowds, the noise, queuing, standing on the tube or on buses.
03:57This is the last but one time I will have to go to work,
04:02and I'm looking forward to the peaceful countryside.
04:06It's taken me quite a while to land on Dorset.
04:09I have family in the south-east and London, and friends,
04:15and I have friends in the south-west,
04:18and I wanted somewhere that was beautiful, near the sea.
04:24And when it comes to big decisions like this,
04:27it's no surprise that everyone's got something to say.
04:31Originally, when Jane first mentioned that she wanted to move out
04:35of London, the family were genuinely worried about where she'd end up.
04:40So, when she mooted the idea of Dorset,
04:44that was absolutely brilliant because it's accessible,
04:48it's a lovely county, there's lots to do down here,
04:52and I'm happy to go along with Jane and have a look and see what we find.
04:59For her budget of £425,000,
05:02Jane is chasing somewhere with three bedrooms,
05:06two bathrooms, a pretty outlook,
05:08and after nearly four decades of living in a flat,
05:11she's desperate for her very own garden.
05:14Ideally, she wants the same bright modern feel she enjoys now,
05:18with chocolate box cottages a big no-no.
05:21In the land where period thatchies have found at every turn,
05:25wish me luck.
05:27I love house hunting in Dorset,
05:29because the seascapes are just as beautiful as the landscapes,
05:33and there are plenty of lovely homes too.
05:36The thing that struck me about this hunt, though,
05:38is how fast it's all happening for Jane,
05:41and I do hope she's ready to make this move.
05:50We're starting in the west of the county,
05:52ten miles inland in the popular village of Corscombe.
05:56But before we talk houses,
05:57I want to get to know the sisters a little better.
06:01So, Jill and Jane, Dorset is looking and sounding quite wonderful at the moment, isn't it?
06:07Glorious, glorious today.
06:09How long have you been wanting to make the move here?
06:12Well, I retired recently, so that was always the plan, retire and move.
06:18And when you say recently, how recently do we mean?
06:21Um, ten days ago.
06:23You really have, literally.
06:25I'm done.
06:26So, Jill, you're the big sister.
06:28I am, yes.
06:28I'm a big sister.
06:30It comes with responsibilities, doesn't it?
06:32It does, and a certain level of bossiness that's not always appreciated.
06:36Yes, that resonates with me as well.
06:38So, what is your role, then, over the next couple of days?
06:42Um, the second pair of eyes, actually,
06:45and trying not to impose my views too strongly on her,
06:49which is very difficult because we're a very opinionated family.
06:53But, um, I think I know my place, Ginny, is to support Jane, really.
06:59Are there certain things that you really want when it comes to the move,
07:03certain things that you're looking for?
07:05I'm looking for a much quieter life, but still an active life.
07:09So, I guess I'd like to be in a community, other people around,
07:15but with immediate access to glorious countryside and wildlife.
07:20I mean, just standing here on the village green with the brook and the birds,
07:24is this the kind of place you had in mind?
07:27Yes, I mean, this is, um, exactly the sort of place.
07:32I mean, gorgeous.
07:33Well, I'm really pleased you like this village, actually,
07:36with its little village pub over there and the babbling brook,
07:39because the first house I want to show you is actually within walking distance.
07:44Oh, wow.
07:44You could walk down there.
07:45Oh, that's perfect.
07:47Absolute perfect.
07:48It's a dream, being within walking distance of a pub.
07:51So, well, you are raring to go.
07:53You retired only ten days ago.
07:54Shall we go and take a look at some fantastic houses?
07:57That would be brilliant.
07:58Come on, this way.
08:03Corscombe may look like a quiet village,
08:05but with its period properties and tranquil surroundings,
08:08there's a real buzz to life here.
08:11The village hall hosts a wide range of community events,
08:14while the local pub puts on Skittles nights, a book club and plenty of live music.
08:19Throw in a network of scenic footpaths leading out into the countryside
08:24and you've got the ideal setting for our first property tour.
08:29So, I think we'll settle just about here,
08:33because the house I want you to look at is right in front of us.
08:36Oh.
08:37It's pretty.
08:38It's gorgeous.
08:39And I love, I love the colours.
08:42It's just, and I just glimps through there,
08:44there might be a rather nice view.
08:47It looks lovely.
08:48It's really quaint.
08:50It looks nicely looked after.
08:53All depends what it looks like inside.
08:55Yeah.
08:56Shall we go and explore it and find out?
08:58I'm wondering how low those ceilings are upstairs,
09:01but we'll soon find out.
09:02Well, come on, one of us might have to duck, I'm not sure.
09:04Oh, that'll be me then.
09:08The oldest part of this end of Terry's home dates back to the 1590s,
09:12when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne.
09:15Just three years ago, the current owners gave it a full refurbishment,
09:20lovingly restoring everything from the windows to the original stone flooring.
09:26So come on in.
09:28Oh, my word.
09:30Good gracious.
09:32I mean, it's beautiful.
09:34Isn't it gorgeous?
09:35Look at that fireplace.
09:37It is so cosy.
09:38And the flagstone.
09:40And you can just see the history in this house, can't you?
09:42Oh, totally.
09:43Absolutely beautiful.
09:45And it's quite a big room.
09:46It is.
09:47It is big.
09:48I mean, look at this.
09:50Yes.
09:51Shall we turn to this?
09:52Yes.
09:52This lovely panelling feature?
09:53Yes.
09:54Because this is a two-bedroom property.
09:56But actually, you have a third bed.
09:58Oh, no!
09:59Yes!
10:01It's a fantastically comfy double bed that folds down.
10:05It's sort of genius, isn't it?
10:07It's so good!
10:09You've got to admire the inventiveness.
10:12But now let's turn our attention to the kitchen,
10:15which, along with the downstairs bathroom,
10:17sits in the newest part of the property added around 15 years ago.
10:22Lots of spacing here.
10:24It's well in a really different vibe.
10:28Totally.
10:29I love this.
10:30Haven't they done it nicely?
10:31Isn't this lovely?
10:33It's so unusual.
10:34Look at the stained glass on that cabinet.
10:38I know.
10:38I know.
10:39It is absolutely beautiful.
10:41This is a large space, and the way they've done it,
10:45it feels warm and cosy.
10:47I like it.
10:50Upstairs is just as warm and cosy,
10:52with two double bedrooms, as I mentioned earlier.
10:55The family bathroom is sleek and modern,
10:58letting the character of this period property shine through
11:01in the bedrooms instead.
11:05Nice size.
11:06This is a big bed, and I noticed there's a cupboard out there.
11:11It's...
11:12Ah, is that the wardrobe space?
11:14Because there isn't a wardrobe in here.
11:16Yeah, there is.
11:17That is the main wardrobe space.
11:19So, it is tighter upstairs.
11:20Yes.
11:21You're backing the whole part of the house,
11:23and you've got all the history here, the thick walls.
11:26But it's still a perfectly reasonable size, actually.
11:29Well, they've got two big chests here.
11:32Lovely deep windowsill.
11:34I know, that's gorgeous.
11:35Yeah.
11:36Gorgeous.
11:38And let's not forget the outside space,
11:40which is surprisingly generous for a property of this size.
11:44There's a smart wooden deck overlooking the lawn,
11:47and framed by mature trees.
11:50You'll be buying a lawn mower.
11:54Plus a sizeable vegetable patch with its own summer house.
11:58Raised beds are such a good idea.
12:01They're good, aren't they?
12:02That's just easy.
12:04Oh, this is sweet.
12:05The path leads down to the stream we pass by
12:09when walking through the village.
12:11I could follow this course of this to the pub.
12:14Then another stretch of lawn,
12:16with sweeping views across the surrounding farmland
12:19and to the neighbouring field of llamas.
12:22This is absolutely extraordinary.
12:26I don't think I'm speaking out of turn
12:28when I say this might be just a bit more space
12:31than Jane's used to in London.
12:33So, Jane, I know you're quite keen to do some volunteering.
12:35Does that extend to a spot of llama wrangling?
12:39Except that they don't appear terribly friendly.
12:42They're really snooty, aren't they?
12:46So, how are you feeling?
12:49Well, I mean, for a first house, this is spectacular.
12:54So, I'm feeling very happy, thank you.
12:56Now, I'm sure you know what question I'm going to ask you now.
12:59How much do you think this property is on the market for?
13:02So, who's going to go first?
13:03I'm going to go first.
13:05It is a beautiful property with a large garden.
13:10I'm going to go towards the top of my budget, £400,000.
13:16OK.
13:17Well, I'll go higher.
13:19I'll say £410,000.
13:22So, £410,000.
13:25£400,000.
13:26Yes.
13:26And for the property that really gets you with a big punch in the gut and feels like home,
13:32you could go to £425,000.
13:34Yes.
13:35Yes.
13:35And that's what this property is on the market for.
13:38Yes.
13:39I thought we were being optimistic.
13:41I understand your optimism though.
13:42I'm fully down with it.
13:44Yes.
13:48Right at the top of Jane's budget, this extended period home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
13:53It's beautifully presented throughout with extensive gardens, lovely views and a vibrant village right on the doorstep.
14:04I particularly like the cosy front room with the log burner and then the contrast of the modern kitchen.
14:12But this is only property one so far.
14:15You've got to remember that this is the top of her budget.
14:19So, there's a natural caution perhaps.
14:23It is in a beautiful village and it looks out onto beautiful countryside.
14:29And that was one of my criteria to have a view and a vista and it does.
14:34However, I think I need things to compare it with before fully opting for it.
14:42But it feels good sitting here.
14:58With the nine to five behind her, Jane's move from the capital is more than just a change of scenery.
15:04It's a shift in lifestyle.
15:05And while the Dorset countryside promises peace and quiet, she's also hoping to feel connected and make the most of
15:13what this beautiful county offers.
15:15So, we're sending Jane and Jill to the town of Berminster, located just seven miles from the coast in the
15:22heart of the Dorset national landscape.
15:24It's home to a thriving market square and high street.
15:28We've got independent shops and people come out and use those shops every day.
15:32They come to the bakers, they come to the butchers, they come and get their veg off me.
15:36So, it's just a great town that people use.
15:39Berminster is also known for its annual Festival of Music and the Arts, which showcases both local and international artists.
15:48It's been going for 28 years and it really punches above its weight for such a little town.
15:54It runs for about eight days, but people are coming and going all day long.
15:58And then they might be stopping in the restaurants to have dinner or lunch.
16:02So, there's a terrific buzz.
16:05The town has a strong sense of togetherness and nowhere is that spirit more evident than in the CB3 Community
16:13Bus Service,
16:14a volunteer-run Saturday service that runs between the villages and the local towns.
16:19We connect our communities and we have been going for seven years.
16:24And this is a service that people are proud of, I'm delighted to say, and it's still going, fortunately.
16:32Much like the volunteers who generously give their time to the local bus service,
16:38Jane is also keen to contribute to her new surroundings when she moves.
16:42So, the sisters are heading to the nearby village of Broad Windsor.
16:46There, residents rallied to save their village shop and 13 years on, it's run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
16:55Hi Jane, welcome to Broad Windsor Community Stores.
16:58Thank you very much.
17:00When did it start, this shop?
17:02Our shop has been open since 2013. It's everything to the village.
17:06I'm sure it is. And what's the qualification for volunteering?
17:11A sense of humour.
17:13Goodwill.
17:14Goodwill to people, mucking in. Anybody can volunteer.
17:19I think it's fantastic. I really do.
17:22And if you're new to the area, it'd hopefully be a way of getting to know people.
17:28This shop tries to be, as much as we can, all things to all people.
17:32We have elderly who come in who maybe don't drive.
17:35Students that come in who have been volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
17:40It's just a really good community hub. We'd be lost without it.
17:44It sounds fantastic.
17:46Beminster and its surrounding villages seem like an area where people come together to build a supportive, welcoming place to
17:54live.
17:54Whether it's live music, a Saturday bus ride or picking up a pint of milk, everyone feels at home.
18:00Now we just need to find an actual bricks and mortar home for Jane.
18:09Our next stop on this Dorset property tour is on the outskirts of the village of Milburn St Andrew.
18:15Located midway between the towns of Dorchester and Blunford Forum,
18:19in the centre of the county, Milburn St Andrew is home to around 1,000 residents.
18:25Amenities here include a pub, a doctor's surgery and a local shop.
18:30The village hall also hosts events for a Dorset based charity that brings live performances to rural communities.
18:38So once Jane's had her fill of theatre or even a bit of opera,
18:42it would be just a short ten minute walk home to our second property.
18:48So if the last house was all about sort of period charm and a cottage, this is all about space.
18:56I can see it looks huge.
18:58It is, it is.
18:59It does look huge.
18:59It looks very big.
19:00The views from the house are absolutely beautiful.
19:03Yes, it's very open all the way round, isn't it?
19:06Lovely.
19:06I'm looking forward to seeing it.
19:08So am I.
19:09Shall we go inside, take a look?
19:11Yes.
19:11Come on.
19:12Yes.
19:16Built in the 1920s by Ernest Debenham, yes, him of the department store fame,
19:22these cottages would once have housed local dairy workers.
19:25But from those modest beginnings, this one has grown into a spacious family home
19:30that makes the very best of its beautiful rural setting.
19:36So come on in to the living room and just take a look through that window.
19:44Yes.
19:46I mean, that's glorious, isn't it?
19:48Yeah, it is.
19:49Lovely view.
19:50So how do you feel about open plan living?
19:53Because that's what you've got here.
19:55Yeah.
19:56I'm fine with open plan living, actually.
19:58Yeah.
19:59My last place was open plan.
20:00Yes.
20:00And this is a big space.
20:02It is.
20:03It couldn't be more different to the cottage.
20:06No.
20:06It's totally different.
20:07No.
20:07No.
20:07It's still got the nice fire.
20:10No, this is a decent sized room, actually.
20:12You could do a lot with this.
20:15Indeed, you could.
20:17There's also a choice of two dining options here.
20:20There's one in the main living area and another beyond the galley kitchen.
20:25What a nice spot to sit there with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning
20:30and take a look at your little woods.
20:33Yes.
20:33Lovely.
20:34Very pretty, isn't it?
20:35It's very pretty.
20:37It's totally a good size and it's mostly grass, which suits me at the moment.
20:41Yes.
20:42Until I learn a bit more.
20:43Until you get your fingers green.
20:44Exactly.
20:47I'm leaving Jane and Jill to explore upstairs by themselves.
20:51They'll find four bedrooms in total, meaning loads of room for hosting family and friends.
20:57The first of these bedrooms can be found on the first floor.
21:01That's a fireplace.
21:03It's quirky.
21:04That's a slightly odd angle.
21:06Yes.
21:06But certainly a feature of that room.
21:08Yes.
21:09Oh, this must be the main bathroom.
21:13It's a big bathroom.
21:15Oh, look, it looks big up here.
21:18Lovely window.
21:20Yeah, that is nice.
21:21That's a feature, isn't it?
21:24Jane's former home in London was just under 1,000 square feet.
21:28But here, there's over 50% more space, with the three remaining bedrooms found on the second floor.
21:36Oh, look, Jane.
21:37There's a lovely large landing.
21:38Yes, I like, I like landings.
21:41This looks like the master, because it's got an en suite.
21:44It's not a bad step.
21:45Oh, look at that view.
21:46I mean, honestly, that's just panoramic.
21:50It literally is.
21:51You can see for miles, can't you?
21:53Yes.
21:53An en suite, yep.
21:55It's a nice-sized room.
21:57Two smaller bedrooms here.
21:59Oh, now, this looks like they're using it as a dressing room, but it's actually quite a big bedroom.
22:07Another reasonable-sized bedroom, enough for two singles.
22:13The rear garden is 60 metres long, with a gate at the end opening into a small private woodland that
22:20Jane would have access to.
22:22On the lawn, there's space for a veg patch and a separate annex, which is currently used as a gym.
22:28Sadly, there are no llamas for neighbours here, just far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.
22:37Well, if you thought the last garden was big, I present to you the garden with woods at the end.
22:43So, in terms of size, I know it's big, but it just seemed fairly manageable to me.
22:48I agree.
22:49I mean, a lawnmower, definitely.
22:52I'm going to ask you both to guess what this property is on the market for.
22:55I'm going to take a punt on this and say 385,000.
23:01OK.
23:01I think I'm going to go a bit higher.
23:04I'm going to say 395,000.
23:06OK.
23:06OK.
23:07It's on the market for £415,000.
23:10Oh, we're way out.
23:11We're so hopeless at this, honestly.
23:13We're hopeless, and I think we're being over-optimistic as well.
23:16Yeah, I'm all right.
23:19This former dairy workers' cottage comes in £10,000 under budget and offers modern living with lots of space to
23:26spare.
23:27There's an open-plan living area downstairs, four bedrooms and a generous garden, all set on the edge of a
23:34popular village.
23:37Seeing this house has shifted my priorities a little.
23:41It's got the most wonderful panoramic views, and yet it hasn't sort of grabbed me.
23:47The downstairs in proportion to the upstairs is a bit small, and the upstairs is too big.
23:56There's a lack of balance, which I think the first one this morning had.
24:00I agree with Jane.
24:02I think this is too big for her, actually.
24:05I think most of the time she'd be rattling round here.
24:09So this hasn't grabbed you, has it?
24:11It hasn't grabbed me, despite the views, which have grabbed me, actually.
24:18They're spectacular.
24:24At the end of our first day of house hunting, I'm taking Jill and Keen Walker Jane to Thorncombe Woods
24:31to wind down and catch the brief beauty of bluebell season.
24:36So quite a different end of the day to how you'd be ending your day in London here.
24:41Yes.
24:42Such a big contrast to where you are.
24:44Do you think you could get used to this?
24:46I can get used to this.
24:47I mean, even when I was in London, I used to take myself off to the country
24:51and have a long walk on a Sunday.
24:54So I do love this.
24:56I love the peace.
24:58Jill, can you imagine your sister here?
25:01Yes, I can.
25:02I've been very impressed by this feeling of community in the villages we've been to,
25:07the friendliness of the people, the fact there's so many activities.
25:11Totally.
25:12And the contrast between the two houses today was, you know, was huge.
25:17And that was, it really helped me to begin to hone down.
25:23No, I don't want four bedrooms.
25:25I don't want a huge house.
25:27I don't need a huge house.
25:29So, yes, I'm really excited about tomorrow.
25:33Well, who knows what it will bring?
25:35I do, but I'm not going to tell you until tomorrow.
25:54If, like Jane, you want to embrace a new life in Dorset,
25:58here's what you need to know about its property market.
26:02Detached homes here come at a premium, averaging just over £528,000,
26:08which is around 20% higher than the national figure of £438,000.
26:14But compared to Hampshire, just to the north, and better place for London,
26:18Dorset is noticeably more affordable.
26:21So it's a question of direction towards the capital's call
26:25or the quiet charm of the south-west.
26:31If you're at the stage of wanting to get to know Dorset a little better
26:34before committing to a move here,
26:36you could consider a back-to-nature retreat in this luxurious shepherd's hut.
26:42It's situated on a private lake not far from Bemminster,
26:46with prices starting at £149 a night for two people.
26:53Budding homeowners might like this semi-detached cottage,
26:56which is full of character features,
26:58plus two bedrooms and a cute raised deck at the rear.
27:02Located in a small village, surrounded by countryside,
27:06it's available for £295,000.
27:10Or if you've got big countryside dreams and a budget to match,
27:15this former farmhouse in the village of Mosterton
27:17is beautifully presented throughout.
27:19With four bedrooms, a conservatory and even a separate one-bedroom cottage on site,
27:25it could be yours for £800,000.
27:32After experiencing some community spirit and two very different properties yesterday,
27:37I do get a sense that Jane is really starting to be able to picture
27:40what life here in Dorset could be like for her.
27:43And there is still so much to see and do,
27:46including a very special mystery house in a very special place.
27:55Our last stop is in the village of Milton Abbas.
27:59Sitting in a pretty wooded valley,
28:02this neat collection of whitewashed cob and thatched cottages
28:05must be one of the most picture-perfect villages in Dorset.
28:09With scenery this beautiful, you'll wish you had your camera handy,
28:13but honestly, a leisurely stroll through the village is more than enough.
28:19Welcome to Milton Abbas.
28:21I've never seen... I suppose it's a village quite like this.
28:25It's extraordinary, isn't it? And it has a really interesting history.
28:28It was built in the 1770s.
28:31The First Earl of Dorchester had a village that was blocking his view,
28:34which he didn't like, so he enlisted the help of architects
28:37of Capability Brown, the famous gardener,
28:39to plan a village, to re-home the villages too.
28:43And this is the result, Milton Abbas.
28:45Well, I mean, I hope the villagers were pleased
28:47because, I mean, it's fantastic.
28:50It's extraordinary, isn't it? Yes.
28:51When you think it's been here all that time. Yes.
28:54Look, I'm going to let you just have a wander and take it in.
28:57There's so much to see.
28:58And I'm going to go and get the mystery house ready.
29:00See you soon. Thank you.
29:01Lovely. See you soon. Thank you.
29:05So far on this property search,
29:07we focused on showing Jane homes
29:09that gave her the most space for the budget.
29:12When it came to the houses,
29:13big didn't always mean better.
29:17I'm bringing the focus back to Jane with this property,
29:20which I think could absolutely capture her heart.
29:24Yes, it is small, but it is absolutely charming.
29:31The outside area, however, is a different matter.
29:36Now, gardens have been a bit of a theme this week
29:38with Jane's search, haven't they?
29:40And they are definitely getting larger.
29:42I think she might need a bit of help to mow this one.
29:44But how could I have not shown it to her?
29:47I mean, you just can't get more escape to the country than this, can you?
29:51I think I've found my happy place.
29:56Their village walk complete,
29:58the moment has come to reveal
29:59this perfectly proportioned home to Jane and Jill.
30:03Hello. Hello.
30:04Hello.
30:05Now, I know, Jane, that you were quite adamant
30:07that you didn't want a chocolate box cottage.
30:09I'm not very good at listening,
30:10and how could I not show you this one?
30:12No, it's beautiful.
30:14That's absolutely gorgeous.
30:15Now, some of the houses are now single dwellings,
30:18but this one is, as it would have been originally,
30:20it would have been built to house two families.
30:22They don't use the front door anymore, though.
30:24Each has its own separate entrance at the side.
30:26You would never guess it was two houses from the front.
30:30But, yes, I'm looking forward to having a look.
30:33Shall we go inside?
30:34Lovely. Thank you.
30:39This Grade II listed semi-detached cottage
30:42on the main street of the village
30:44has only just hit the market.
30:46It shares access to the front door
30:48with the neighbouring property,
30:49but the current owners of this half of the house
30:52prefer to use the entrance at the side.
30:57So, come on in.
30:59And I think the phrase I would use for this property
31:01is small but perfectly small.
31:04Well, the kitchen certainly is, isn't it?
31:07Isn't it? It's delightful.
31:09Beautifully, beautifully done up.
31:11Yes, yes.
31:13Lovely range again.
31:15Nice new work surfaces.
31:17I think this is a really pretty kitchen.
31:20Is it big enough for you?
31:21Oh, yes, I mean, definitely.
31:23And it's actually quite a social kitchen as well.
31:26It's got a charm about it, hasn't it?
31:27Oh, no, it's very charming.
31:28It's sweet.
31:29I take it back so far.
31:31Did I do the right thing not to listen?
31:36There's a first time for everything.
31:38But now we're stepping into the original part of the property,
31:42a classic example of a modest two-up, two-down home
31:46typical of its time.
31:47So you've got this super cute living space.
31:51I love it in here.
31:52I think it's really, really pretty.
31:53Yes, no, it is.
31:54And it's got a lovely flow into a cosy living room.
31:59But look at this.
32:00How is this for my place?
32:01Spectacular.
32:02And what a wood burner.
32:05What a sweet room.
32:06And look at that.
32:06Was that...?
32:07It would have been a little bread oven.
32:10Sweet.
32:10It's stunning.
32:12What I really love about this is the high ceiling.
32:15Yes.
32:16That I say.
32:16It just makes things feel airy and lighter.
32:21And I really like that.
32:23I think it's charming.
32:25You're meant to be the head here now, Jill.
32:27So what's the head saying?
32:29No, well, it's interesting in that I am meant to be the head,
32:32but I find that I'm getting emotionally attached to the properties we see.
32:38If Jane doesn't go for it, it sounds like Jill certainly will.
32:41In this property, the bathroom is located downstairs,
32:45while upstairs there are two double bedrooms.
32:49And do you think this is the main bedroom?
32:51I think so.
32:52Oh, look, another fireplace.
32:55It's a nice-sized double.
32:57Lovely view.
32:58Yes.
32:59And do you know the ceiling's high enough?
33:01Have you ducked on the door?
33:02No.
33:03I don't think you have.
33:04No, I'm not that tall, Jane, but...
33:07Every now and again, houses come along on this show
33:09that I can picture myself living in,
33:12and this is definitely one of them.
33:14But the question is...
33:15Can Jane...?
33:18Oh, this is...
33:19This is sweet.
33:21What a good use of space.
33:23This is quite a big bedroom, isn't it?
33:24It is.
33:25You could have big wardrobes here if you wanted to.
33:28Actually, you could do.
33:31Outside, it is a garden of many parts,
33:34with a large, elevated lawn cleverly landscaped
33:37into a series of practical, usable tiers.
33:40I thought I'd meet you here,
33:42because I think if this was my house,
33:43this is where I'd spend lots of time.
33:44Oh, definitely.
33:46Oh, what a brilliant deck.
33:48It's got an outside kitchen, Jane.
33:50And it's going to keep your visitors very fit,
33:53because, come on, follow me.
33:54Yes.
33:54I'll show you something.
33:55Oh, my goodness.
33:59Jane was hoping for three bedrooms,
34:02and while there are only two inside the main house,
34:05if you're happy to take a short walk uphill,
34:07there's a third room waiting, with the best view of all.
34:10So, the last few stairs lead to this, your very own woodland hideaway.
34:17Good gracious.
34:19Extraordinary.
34:20Can we look?
34:21Of course.
34:22Go and have a peep inside, both of you.
34:24Oh.
34:25Look at this.
34:27And somebody's got an office here as well.
34:30There's heating.
34:31It's...
34:32It's sweet.
34:33Lovely.
34:35It's a gem of a hideaway.
34:37But what does it all cost?
34:39OK, well, we've seen the garden, all of it.
34:42And, of course, we've seen the house.
34:43So, I need you two to put your thinking caps on
34:46and give me a price for what you think this one is on the market for.
34:50I am going to go top of the budget of £425,000.
34:54£425,000.
34:55OK, what about you, Jill?
34:56I'm going to say £430,000 and cross my fingers.
35:01Well, I might have some good news for you both
35:05because it's actually under your budget, Jane.
35:07It's on the market for £375,000.
35:12I'm astounded.
35:13It's absolutely stunning.
35:17This captivating Grade II listed cottage
35:19comes with two bedrooms
35:21plus an additional room tucked away in the hidden summer house.
35:25It's comfortably within budget
35:27with standout features including the spacious tiered garden
35:31and the property's idyllic village setting.
35:35Oh, the mystery house is probably exactly what I didn't particularly want.
35:40And yet again, it has proved how mistaken I was.
35:45It's small but perfectly formed.
35:47With one or two alterations to parts of the house,
35:52I think it could do.
35:54I think it's beautiful.
36:02Being close to the sea is something that loads of us dream of,
36:06whether that's for adventure, discovery or just an escape.
36:10Or in the case of Charlotte and Angus, all three.
36:16Hi, I'm Charlotte and this is my partner, Angus.
36:19And we moved from London in 2022
36:23to this beautiful part of Dorset on the Jurassic Coast.
36:27We made the move from London down to Dorset
36:29because we'd started a business
36:31and that was a craft fish cannery.
36:34We produce a range of ethically sourced British tinned fish.
36:39Inspired by European-style conservas,
36:42the couple's business is the first of its kind in the UK.
36:45Now stocked in over 200 shops,
36:48Sea Sisters is thriving, just like their family life,
36:51with the couple raising two daughters
36:53who inspired the company's name.
36:56I think it's the best place for us to be as a small family.
36:59We can literally walk out of our door
37:01and we are a few moments walk away
37:03from one of the most beautiful hills in Dorset.
37:06And that is amazing, very special.
37:08They cast their net from East London to Dorset
37:12and I'm here to discover if they've landed the life they're looking for.
37:19The family live in Bridport
37:21but run a craft cannery out of the nearby village of Solway.
37:25Ash, where I'm visiting them today.
37:28Good morning.
37:29Hello.
37:29So nice to meet you both.
37:31How are you?
37:31It's a hive of activity in here.
37:33What's going on?
37:34What are you up to?
37:35So we're producing our cake with garlic and rosemary-infused oil
37:40and capers today.
37:42Why was this area in particular so important for you to come to
37:45to start this business?
37:46I mean we launched our business in Hackney in London.
37:51And we knew really quickly that we were having fish sent up from the southwest coast.
37:56We just thought it would be really important for us to move closer to the fishes that we were working
38:00with.
38:01Because it's something we really need to think about much more, isn't it?
38:04The food miles that go into, you know, how our food gets to us.
38:09Yeah.
38:09We know that the fish is, you know, particularly the Hake, is being landed in Cornwall
38:13and it's only a couple of hours up the road and it's coming to us
38:19as opposed to those extra three, four hours into London.
38:2390% of the fish and seafood that we consume here in the UK is actually imported.
38:29Wow.
38:29So we're not eating any of the incredible fish and seafood that the British waters have to offer.
38:34And we're an island so it's really important for us to shout about local fishes
38:38and connect them more in the community.
38:41I haven't tried this kind of range of fish in a can before.
38:45I'd love to try some, if that's okay.
38:47Let's go and try some.
38:48Okay, fantastic.
38:52In line with their commitment to sustainability,
38:55the product packaging is 100% recyclable
38:58with zero plastics used in the production process too.
39:02The couple is continuously experimenting with new recipes
39:06with former chef Angus taking the lead in the kitchen.
39:10So what's on the menu? This looks great.
39:13So we are going to do something with our Cornish Hake
39:16that we were just producing in the cannery.
39:18And we're going to today put it with some focaccia, some aioli,
39:24paquillo peppers, and then we're going to grill some asparagus.
39:27Lovely.
39:27To go with it.
39:28What's the food scene like down here Angus?
39:30Because Hackney, of course, where you guys came from in London, it's got such a vibrant food scene.
39:35Yeah, I mean, it's a different food scene.
39:37There are things that I miss about Hackney, but here there's a nice marriage between local growers
39:45and the restaurants who are using their produce.
39:48So no regrets then?
39:49I mean, what regrets can you have sitting here and trying to buy cherry blossoms?
39:53Yeah, exactly.
39:53Absolutely.
39:54And all of our friends come down in the summer and we go camping in the area
39:58and they get to, yeah, experience Sorset life as well, which is great.
40:03This looks good.
40:05Yum.
40:07It's really delicious.
40:09Mmm.
40:10It's so good.
40:11Mmm.
40:11That's amazing.
40:12And it's so nice to think that the fish literally came a few miles away from the scene.
40:19Yeah.
40:20It's been great meeting you.
40:21Thank you for feeding me.
40:23And I know where to send Jane when she makes the move.
40:26Mmm.
40:26That would be great.
40:27Another new friend.
40:28Mmm.
40:39Well, we've seen everything that Dorset has to offer and now it's time to find out what Jill and Jane
40:44made of it.
40:48Well, as if we needed another reminder of why you're moving to Dorset.
40:51I mean, it's lovely, isn't it?
40:53I know.
40:54It is a gorgeous spot.
40:55Shall we have some tea?
40:56Yes, please.
40:56I think we need a cup of tea after that.
40:58Yes, thank you.
40:58What a whirlwind it's been for you, Jane.
41:00How are you feeling right now?
41:01Um, very optimistic, actually.
41:03Oh, great.
41:04That's so nice to hear.
41:05It has been such a breakneck speed, this move.
41:08Mm-hmm.
41:09I have pushed you out of your comfort zone.
41:11Has anything resonated with you?
41:14Well, I think you've probably guessed which one.
41:16It was the Mystery House, of course.
41:18Of course.
41:19The Mystery House was delightful and a lot of options there, I think.
41:25Okay.
41:26So, are there any next steps?
41:27Definitely.
41:27I've definitely got to go and see it again.
41:29Okay.
41:30I don't 100% know whether it is the one, but I think it's really worth investigating
41:36the possibilities.
41:37Mm-hmm.
41:38That property deserves a second look.
41:40I agree.
41:41Three weeks ago, you had a busy, hectic, full-time job.
41:44Two weeks ago, you still owned a place in central London.
41:47And now, in the third week, we're here in this incredible countryside, maybe having found
41:52you a home.
41:53A remarkably quick journey that you've been on.
41:55Yes.
41:56Well, I hope it continues to be quick.
41:59Well, we wish you all the best.
42:01Absolutely.
42:02Ginny, thank you so much for everything.
42:03It's been absolutely brilliant.
42:05Yes, thank you.
42:05And thank you for taking the time to...
42:07It's been a really lovely experience.
42:10No.
42:15Well, our property search in Dorset is over, and wouldn't you know it.
42:19It's the mystery house that has won out once again.
42:22It just goes to show that when it comes to making your move, it pays to keep an open mind.
42:28We wish Jane all the best with her whirlwind move to Dorset.
42:32Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
42:36After much consideration, Jane decided the steep garden at the mystery house wasn't a
42:41perfect long-term fit.
42:43But her time with us helped narrow her search to the beautiful Beminster and Bridport area,
42:49not far from our first house, where she's still actively looking for her dream home.
42:55If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:00and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
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