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Downsize to Dorset

A downsizing widow must part with an incredible collection of art and antiques. Can Izzie rehome two bulls? And will JJ find a way of stopping servants from stealing the booze?

Living in a house filled with memories and heartbreak, Eira has been forced to consider the next chapter of her life. Just six months since the death of her husband, this widow has the loving support of her sons as she plans the move from Bolton to Dorset.

A 40-year passion for collecting, something Eira shared with her husband, has meant her home is packed with exquisite antiques. Furniture, paintings, and statues fill every room. She’s also discovering her late husband made several secret antique purchases and hid his buys around their house! Her son Lee wants his mum to enjoy retirement and spend less time polishing her brassware. Queen Elizabeth II commended Eira for her selfless dedication to a charitable cause, but Lee wants his mum to start prioritising herself.

Navigating her way to saleable items, auctioneer Izzie Balmer finds a brass compass that’s in need of TLC before sale day, and she’s worried about two fighting bulls finding a new home when they go under her gavel. Izzie’s toughest task of all is helping Eira understand the current market value of some antiques. The Bolton drizzle doesn’t stop restorer JJ Chalmers, but a washstand poses a problem during the repair process – its value will plummet with one wrong move of a damp cloth. JJ also unlocks the problem with one antique needing urgent attention, but can he stop servants from stealing the booze?

A canal-side auction day puts the pressure on Izzie as she mounts her rostrum near the towpath. Can the auctioneers help Eira make a start on her downsize to Dorset?

2 months left to watch

43 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Izzie Balmer
Presenter JJ Chalmers
Series Producer Julie Grant
Executive Producer John Redshaw
Production Company STV Productions

Broadcasts