0:00:02 > 0:00:03Even in Britain's grandest houses,
0:00:03 > 0:00:08belts are tightening as the deepest recession since the war bites.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Some are battling for survival as decay takes hold,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14threatening their future and our very history.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22Morgan inherited the estate just as the credit crunch hit.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28With heritage grants scarce, they're faced with a stark choice.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Break my heart to see those go.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35To preserve these precious places,
0:00:35 > 0:00:38will they sell the family silver to save their stately?
0:00:38 > 0:00:43I've no intention on my watch of seeing this building deteriorate.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45This is John Foster.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50He's had 20 years as a fine arts and antiques specialist.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52At the front row, all done at 15,000. All done.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56He's bringing his expertise to try to throw
0:00:56 > 0:00:58these treasured properties a lifeline.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Can he help this historic Scottish house and persuade the owners
0:01:02 > 0:01:06to take the difficult decisions necessary to save it?
0:01:06 > 0:01:08It's a bit like a bereavement.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11This house will fall down unless we make money
0:01:11 > 0:01:14to make sure it's maintained.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30This is The Haining,
0:01:30 > 0:01:3430 miles south of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38It was once the Palladian playground of a Scottish dandy,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40who even kept a cage menagerie of wolves and bears
0:01:40 > 0:01:44to entertain famous guests like Sir Walter Scott.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47But now, it's on the Buildings at Risk Register.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The last owner, Andrew Nimmo Smith,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56died three years ago without an heir.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58And in a move that shocked even his relatives,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01he left The Haining to the people of Selkirkshire and the wider public
0:02:01 > 0:02:06to use for architectural, cultural or historical benefit.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11The massive task of delivering his vision for The Haining
0:02:11 > 0:02:14was left to his close friend and lawyer, Susan Edington,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16who set up The Haining Trust.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It is just a constant money pit.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23We have to keep it wind and weather-tight, and it eats money.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26You can see the corrosion on the walls here.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31We were left money with the house. Mr Nimmo Smith was well aware
0:02:31 > 0:02:34that it wasn't enough for us to do what he wanted.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Susan shares this responsibility with Mr Nimmo Smith's cousin,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Miss Jean Pringle-Pattison.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46We were very close. I suppose we lived a bit in the past.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Miss Pringle-Pattison has very fond memories of The Haining.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54This is where you came if you wanted to see your uncles
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and your cousins and all the rest of them.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00This was a great kind of meeting place for everybody.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I have to make the commercial decisions that
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Miss Pringle-Pattison doesn't want to make.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12They've called John in to help them sell antiques to raise the cash
0:03:12 > 0:03:16they need to turn this historic house into a viable business.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21I'm fascinated by the story of The Haining.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23And now I'm actually going to see it.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25I can't wait now to get inside.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32And there it is.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Straightaway, you can see it's been pretty neglected.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The architect responsible for some of Scotland's finest castles,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Archibald Elliot,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48remodelled The Haining in 1821 as a Palladian villa.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Hello.- We spotted you coming.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- You must be Susan.- I am, yes.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Nice to meet you. And this is Miss Pringle-Pattison.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Hello, nice to meet you. John Foster. So, you're the ladies left in charge?
0:04:16 > 0:04:21Yes, we are finding it quite daunting, but quite a challenge.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22And how long have you known the house?
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It belonged to my grandparents.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I first came here when I was between four and five.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Fond memories?- Oh, yes.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35I mean, this is where we came every year, mostly in the summer,
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- and just spent our holidays here. - I can't wait to get started.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45That's a great room, isn't it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:53There's lots to look at, which is a good start. There really is.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- And who's the piano player? - My cousin, Andrew Nimmo Smith.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02He enjoyed music and he bought the piano to play,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06which he did until he got wounded in the Second World War and lost
0:05:06 > 0:05:10the use of his right hand - but that didn't stop him listening to music.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Obviously, musical and well read, judging by the books.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- Yes, he enjoyed his books.- I can see quite a run of Punch, there.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22And then the law books, up at the top, are his books from his office -
0:05:22 > 0:05:25he as a solicitor, so they're all there.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Andrew Nimmo Smith was descended from the Pringle clan.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Respected politicians, judges and army officers,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35they served their country
0:05:35 > 0:05:39for centuries and have lived on the Haining estate since 1701.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47I mean, it's really not the typical Scottish house I was expecting.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51It's so in the Palladian style. It's so full of light,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54with that ceiling light up there.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58The Palladian style is really worked out on a mathematical theory
0:05:58 > 0:06:01of everything being perfect and symmetrical.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05And these carved reliefs up here in marble of Roman emperors is just
0:06:05 > 0:06:10another detail, and such beautiful quality.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14There's a real mixture here of very ordinary furniture
0:06:14 > 0:06:19and actually some really quite high quality.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24I mean, this bust of Napoleon is about as fine as you get.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Can't see any signature on it.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29But whoever carved this really knew their stuff.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41That's Charles Oppenheimer. And he's a very good artist.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44Oppenheimer's work was used
0:06:44 > 0:06:47in the famous See Britain By Rail poster campaign.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51And Mr Nimmo Smith collected other well-known Scottish artists, too.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Tom Scott is really good news when it comes to Scottish artists,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01and I think Nimmo Smith must have been quite a fan,
0:07:01 > 0:07:06because there's been quite a few of them around the house.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Mr Nimmo Smith liked fine antiques,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14but he also bought large job lots at auction, which soon filled the house.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19This really is a mess.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The overflowing contents of The Haining were left
0:07:22 > 0:07:27to Miss Pringle-Pattison and her cousin in Mr Nimmo Smith's will.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30It's understood they have gifted it all to the trust.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34But first, Miss Pringle-Pattison wants to make sure that they save
0:07:34 > 0:07:36any really important family items.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43Goodness me. I think I knew he was a hoarder, but not to this extent.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You get the odd letter - well, there's a letter.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Actually, it's a letter to me. How funny.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51This is all about cats.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55He was very keen on cats. Mostly rescue cats.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58You always think you're going to come up with a treasure,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00but so far I haven't.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04But John might have found a treasure.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06You've got this lovely piece of
0:08:06 > 0:08:10late 18th, early 19th-century Italian marble.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15What I think has happened is that in the Victorian times,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19the owner of the house has gone to his local Scottish cabinet maker
0:08:19 > 0:08:24and said, "I need to make this hall table or this marble slab usable,"
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and they form these, which are very Victorian,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29and almost quite Scottish in style.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31And it actually works.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35This really is a good-looking clock.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39But one thing that worries me is when a clockmaker of the quality of
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Samuel Collier made a clock like this,
0:08:41 > 0:08:47the case would fit exactly to the movement, and this one doesn't.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Mr Nimmo Smith, like his father, was with the Royal Scots Regiment.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55He landed in France on the tenth day of the D-Day Landings
0:08:55 > 0:08:56in World War II.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02It's actually quite sad. You really get a feel for some of these houses,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and you can almost imagine when the last time that was put on there.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- How are you doing? - I've just found all these albums.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Can you take all those?- Yep.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18This looks like 1921-1925.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- Let's have a look at those. - They start with that one.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28This one is 1921. At The Haining.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- It's amazing to see the house, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It's great when you see these old photographs,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37it makes you want to go out and see exactly where
0:09:37 > 0:09:39that little boy sat there on the step.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42It seems a very social house in these photographs.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46We were very close. All the cousins were quite close to each other,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49because the previous lot had been very close.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- That's Andrew, isn't it?- Yes.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58Like me, he wasn't all that keen on people, but he loved this place,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02and we looked through all the photograph albums
0:10:02 > 0:10:04and went through them.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Yes, I suppose we lived a bit in the past.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09That must have been after the war - you can see the damage to his hand.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13What happened to his hand, then?
0:10:13 > 0:10:17A piece of shrapnel went straight through there,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and straight into the next man, and killed that man.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Wow.- So, in a way, he was terribly, terribly lucky.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Miss Pringle-Pattison and Andrew Nimmo Smith were close
0:10:28 > 0:10:31since childhood, and his decision to leave the house
0:10:31 > 0:10:35in trust to the community really upset her.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37I think, actually, I cried.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Was it just the realisation that it was all over, or...?
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I suppose I didn't think that it would be the same,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49it would be so changed, we'd have all these people poking around
0:10:49 > 0:10:53and nosing around, that kind of thing.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54So you wanted it still kept private?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Yes, I still do, but it can't be.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01But you've got to come to terms with this.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05It's still, as for myself and my cousins,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08it's my grandparents' house.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I wished he could have talked about it before.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17I don't know when he got the idea.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22As painful as it is for Miss Pringle-Pattison, Susan must now
0:11:22 > 0:11:26make business decisions to try to protect the house for the future.
0:11:29 > 0:11:35The cost of running this property is probably in the region of
0:11:35 > 0:11:36about 80,000 a year.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40But we've also had drainage problems.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43And I found out this week it's going to be £10,000 to fix it.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47And whilst we're at it, we need to bring in a water main.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50What we're looking at is being totally unable
0:11:50 > 0:11:54to run this house for the future.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Susan thinks she can begin to save her old friend's house
0:12:00 > 0:12:02by hiring it out for events.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04But that will require investment.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10This is the room that we're hoping to make into the catering kitchen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14At the moment, any event we have doesn't work as far as
0:12:14 > 0:12:17the finances are concerned, because we're having to hire in kitchens.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22And if you're spending over £1,000 to get in the necessary equipment,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25you're really having to charge over the odds.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28What you're saying is you want to maximise the profits
0:12:28 > 0:12:32by re-doing this room to a commercial standard?
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- Yes.- Have you started getting quotes and things?
0:12:37 > 0:12:42Yes, we have. To get a brand-new kitchen without the ventilation -
0:12:42 > 0:12:46so that's not dealing with any kind of fabric work -
0:12:46 > 0:12:48is going to be in excess of £25,000.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52So, fingers crossed we can raise the money somehow to do it.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Because really, if we don't,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I don't know how we're going to make this house wash its face.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04The catering kitchen is just a start.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09The refurbishment required to upgrade the reception spaces
0:13:09 > 0:13:11to pass muster for high-end functions takes
0:13:11 > 0:13:13the total funds needed to £100,000.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20I think best way forward with a house as grand as this is to have
0:13:20 > 0:13:25an auction where it's devoted purely to the contents of the house.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Because not only does this place have a natural beauty -
0:13:28 > 0:13:32it has an incredible history, and people really want a slice of this.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35So, I need to go away and find an auction house which is capable
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and enthusiastic to do the job,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41because at the auction, we need to maximise every penny.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46John needs to get the ball rolling.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50He has decided to take the Napoleon bust to London...
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Oh, he's heavier than he looks.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54..because he thinks he can find a private buyer for it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Susan has more than just the house to worry about.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Mr Nimmo Smith left some money to turn
0:14:03 > 0:14:07this architecturally-important stable block into studios
0:14:07 > 0:14:08for local craftspeople.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Although Susan has raised extra grant funding,
0:14:12 > 0:14:13the money is running out.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Until the job is finished, the scheme can't generate income.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20This project should bring us in about 17,000 a year,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24which will allow us to keep the house wind and weather-tight,
0:14:24 > 0:14:25keep the estate running.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29There's also a cottage and five flats,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32two of which are holiday lets.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36They could all bring in cash if they were renovated.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38The roof on it has been done badly in the past,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42and therefore it's going to require a lot of money spent on it.
0:14:42 > 0:14:48The windows look fantastic, but nearly all of them let in rain.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53So, we really have had to spend money just maintaining,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55and this is constant. It's constant.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Again, not only do we have the house draining funds -
0:14:58 > 0:15:01this drains funds too.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10John has brought the bust to London.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12But before he shows Napoleon to potential clients,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15he wants to give him a bit of a facelift.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20How are you doing?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Hello, John.- Oh, dear.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It is a beauty.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26- It's great, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Wagner Sangeli and his team have carried out restoration work
0:15:29 > 0:15:34for Buckingham Palace, so Napoleon should be pretty straightforward.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37So, what do you want us to do?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I wanted your advice. We want to clean it,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43but whether we take it full clean, or museum quality, or...
0:15:45 > 0:15:47What I think, you don't want to clean too much
0:15:47 > 0:15:51an item like this, because otherwise it would look new.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55And one of the wonderful things about items like this is that
0:15:55 > 0:15:56they show their age.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00So, we'll do a gentle clean, we're going to lift the dirt
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and then wax it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- I'm so excited to see how it looks. - Let's have a look.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10What I have here is a mild soap solution.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15Start always on the back, and just clean.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- As you do that, you start working. - Wow, you can really see...
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Circular movements. - You see the dirt popping out of it.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Yes, you can, yes, you can.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Here you can see where the craftsman has been.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34You can see the chisel marks, you can see the rasp working away.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36And that is a wonderful thing to see.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40We're only here for a very short time,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43compared to the life of an item like this.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- So really, we're only the carers. - He really does come up, doesn't he?
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- You can see, look. It's glowing. - The difference is staggering.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54John needs to find a buyer for Napoleon,
0:16:54 > 0:16:59so he will leave Wagner to finish the facial.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Hello.- Very nice to meet you. Well!
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Come in and see what we have.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13John has arranged for Glasgow-based auction house McTear's to visit
0:17:13 > 0:17:16The Haining and appraise the contents of the house for auction.
0:17:19 > 0:17:25I think he's probably one of ours as well. And the bowler hat.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Oh, that's shame, I wanted to sell that!
0:17:27 > 0:17:32I remember Mr Nimmo Smith wearing it, so I would quite like to keep it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37It doesn't take Brian long to appreciate just how varied
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Mr Nimmo Smith's collection is.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45You've got some quite obviously beautiful antique pieces in here,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47you've got some fine art,
0:17:47 > 0:17:53combined with 19th-century oak cupboards full of car batteries.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Mr Nimmo Smith's taste was certainly eclectic.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58Then you get to the top of the stairway
0:17:58 > 0:18:02and you've got a beautiful George III mahogany longcase clock.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Such a fantastic mix.
0:18:05 > 0:18:06As far as auctioning them,
0:18:06 > 0:18:11most of them items in here are going to sell themselves, as we say.
0:18:12 > 0:18:18But before Brian sells anything, John and Susan need to hear his valuation of the contents,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and hammer out a deal on the all-important commission rate.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25What do you think, sort of bottom line,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28if you had to give an estimate for the contents?
0:18:28 > 0:18:29Rough calculation -
0:18:29 > 0:18:32and it is rough, as you'll appreciate at this moment in time -
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I think we could be looking anywhere from 60 to £70,000,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40to touching 90 to £100,000.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Can we not hold you to that, no?!
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- Well, I would love to guarantee it, but an auction is an auction.- Yes.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51I valued it a bit less. And I'm generally known to be mean,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53so I'm quite encouraged by the fact.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57I put it somewhere 50 to £70,000 as a bottom estimate for the sale.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59We've got...
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I like his one better!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- I do now!- I like his one better!
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Your commission rate is 15% - would you do any less
0:19:09 > 0:19:12because of the total volume you've got here
0:19:12 > 0:19:14and the quality of the items on that commission?
0:19:14 > 0:19:19I think, given the volume of quality items and the value,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23our trade rates of 10%, I think, could be on the table.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28You've done very well there. I do like this chap!
0:19:31 > 0:19:35And I do like the offer. That sounds a lot more reasonable, in fact.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41With a deal done and an auctioneer on board, John wants Susan
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and Miss Pringle-Pattison to focus on which precious family items
0:19:45 > 0:19:47they can afford to keep.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51They're keen to show John one item in particular.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55The World War I diary of Andrew Nimmo Smith's father
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and Miss Pringle-Pattison's uncle, Francis Nimmo Smith.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04This is the most poignant book I think I've ever come across.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08Some of it is absolutely wonderful.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10He says,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13"It's curious how war affects some people
0:20:13 > 0:20:14"and seems to drive them out of their minds.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17"I've seen it, too.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21"At Ypres one day we were badly shelled. One bit of trench got it
0:20:21 > 0:20:24"especially badly, several men being literally blown to pieces.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27"The whole earth shakes with the explosion.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31"They'd not been specially weak, but just average, hardy men.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34"The explosion had torn the clothes off some of them."
0:20:34 > 0:20:37It's just lovely.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39With war diaries, they're not that uncommon
0:20:39 > 0:20:42that people wrote down their experiences.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45What is uncommon is to have them in this kind of depth.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I think because it's a kind of personal...
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Whereas a lot of the diaries are just diaries.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53But he brings in his own comments about it.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57You would have to really wrestle me to the ground to get those to sell.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59They're not having those!
0:20:59 > 0:21:01We really will be in trouble if we have to do that.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04No, if we had to do that, I think we would have to say
0:21:04 > 0:21:09the catering kitchen has to go, because I'm not going to sell.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12John thinks that Susan could make some money from the diary
0:21:12 > 0:21:13without having to part with it.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17But he wants to do some research before sharing his idea.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Susan urgently needs The Haining to earn its keep as a venue for events.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31To showcase its potential, she has decided to risk spending £6,000
0:21:31 > 0:21:34that she can ill-afford to lose on an event
0:21:34 > 0:21:36to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40So, there'd be 12 of them and they're £30 each?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I think we'll do it.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48She needs to sell over 800 tickets to make a profit,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51but a fairly crucial detail has been omitted.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56The advert that was in one of the newspapers missed out a section
0:21:56 > 0:21:59that was meant to be in it, which was quite important - it was the date.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Without their own kitchen, Susan has had to pre-order
0:22:03 > 0:22:10luxury picnics from a hotel, at a cost of up to £40 per head.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15People haven't ordered picnics that we had hoped would be ordered by now.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21She previously staged a successful Easter event that attracted 1,000 people.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24They were all given a leaflet to tell them about this event.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Susan hopes that some of them will share her passion for the 1950s.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36The guys that are doing the bar are all coming dressed in 1950s,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39to throw cocktail shakers about the place, et cetera.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42And down at the bottom, we have another marquee,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46and that is for the hair and make-up,
0:22:46 > 0:22:51to make you look like Marilyn Monroe, or somebody of that nature.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Some 1950s diva.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Susan's hard work will all have been worth it
0:22:56 > 0:22:58if the turnout is good tomorrow.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05If it doesn't happen tomorrow, we are going to have egg on our face.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Not we - me.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The Imperial War Museum has one of the biggest collections
0:23:14 > 0:23:17of wartime diaries and letters in the world.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25John is meeting World War I historian Richard Van Emden
0:23:25 > 0:23:28to check if the diary from The Haining has the potential
0:23:28 > 0:23:29to earn them some money.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Richard, I found this diary fascinating.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36I know you've read hundreds of diaries.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- Did you find them interesting? - I really didn't know what to expect.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43When I first got them, I thought they may or may not be interesting -
0:23:43 > 0:23:45diaries vary very much in quality.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47This is an excellent diary.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51There's material in here which, to a historian like myself, is
0:23:51 > 0:23:52absolutely fascinating.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Brilliant. What was it you liked about them?
0:23:55 > 0:23:57It's the detail, you know?
0:23:57 > 0:23:59He talks about incidents where other people...
0:23:59 > 0:24:02For example, the explosion of the German shell,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04he talks about how men were blown apart.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08I knew about that, but what I didn't realise was that it was this kind of suction.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10He talks about men being sucked down into the shell hole.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12He talks about how others were drawn down.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15"Drawn down into the holes by a sort of suction."
0:24:15 > 0:24:17That's never been written about before,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19and he does that time and time again.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21You just see little vignettes, little details,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24you think, gosh, that's really expanded my knowledge of the Great War.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Francis Nimmo Smith's diary is made up of the letters
0:24:29 > 0:24:32he wrote to his fiance, Eleanor Pringle-Pattison,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35who was waiting for him at The Haining.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37There are parts of this which are so graphic,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40it makes me wonder what was going on in his mind.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Why would they write these diaries?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Whether his relationship is such he feels he can write that,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48or maybe he's become dislocated from his home life...
0:24:48 > 0:24:51For example, they talk about attacking German with saws
0:24:51 > 0:24:55and axes and shovels. I mean, it's horrific stuff,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and I just don't know what her reaction would have been to that.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02Sharing these vivid accounts must have brought them closer,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06because Francis proposed as soon as he returned from the trenches.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Clearly, you think this isn't a run-of-the-mill diary.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Where do we go from here? What would you do with it?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15If I could, I'd take it home with me right now!
0:25:15 > 0:25:17There is material in here
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I certainly would like to use in my books,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21as I know other historians would, too.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24I think The Haining could publish this, I think it would sell a lot of copies.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27It's just a great read.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29I can't believe that something found in a drawer
0:25:29 > 0:25:31a couple of months ago has turned out to be
0:25:31 > 0:25:34an historically-important document
0:25:34 > 0:25:37which could end up here at the Imperial War Museum.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41And not only that, it could actually make money for The Haining.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43All in all, such an exciting find.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51The Haining is on the edge of the picturesque town of Selkirk,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55home of the bannock cake and 5,500 people.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59The locals are getting into the Jubilee spirit.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02But will they come along to support Susan's event today at The Haining?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06She hopes so.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Having invested £6,000 in it, ticket sales need to top the 800 mark.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15But before the crowds arrive,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Susan takes advantage of the make-up artist she has hired.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20I feel a bit like Minnie Mouse.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25The cocktail bar is stocked in anticipation
0:26:25 > 0:26:27of hundreds of thirsty guests.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32The gates opened at 2pm to attract families and people with picnics.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37It is 3:20pm. It's very slow at the moment,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39but I haven't quite lost heart yet.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Tickets are available at the gate, but they haven't had many takers.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I would say 20 to 30.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53So it's been fairly steady, but fairly quiet.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03It's very cold here today. It's only about nine degrees.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07So, people are finding it too cold to think about picnics
0:27:07 > 0:27:10or outdoor marquees, et cetera.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13But Susan's parents have come, with her husband, to see the event.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23As the food is served,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Susan resorts to portable heaters to warm the marquee up.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31The botched advertisement, the weather
0:27:31 > 0:27:34and a host of competing Jubilee events have made for
0:27:34 > 0:27:36a very disappointing result for Susan,
0:27:36 > 0:27:41and the loss of £6,000 that she desperately needs.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48I wish there were more people here. I wish it had worked.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52We've done everything we think we could to have made it work,
0:27:52 > 0:27:57and if people won't support something like this, we've learnt something.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04SWING MUSIC PLAYS
0:28:10 > 0:28:14John is back from London with news about the Napoleon bust
0:28:14 > 0:28:16that should cheer Susan up.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20There's a club in London which also has a branch in Paris,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22and they're really interested in it.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25And the figure we're looking at is 5,000.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- That would be good, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31And you would get more than if it went in to auction.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Would you advise that we do that, then?
0:28:33 > 0:28:36It's what I would do, absolutely, otherwise I wouldn't have...
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I like the idea of him going somewhere nice.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40- It is nice, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43I think he'd have a jolly time there.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46The good news doesn't end there.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Also, I went to the Imperial War Museum with the diaries
0:28:49 > 0:28:54that you found, and they were really excited by it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57And also, a publisher,
0:28:57 > 0:29:01very interested in actually publishing the book.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03You know, and have a steady stream of income coming in.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- Wouldn't that be wonderful?- That would be great. It really would.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Some much-needed money is starting to come in at last,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15but Susan still has to deal with the fallout from the Jubilee event.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19She sits down with the volunteers who help out at The Haining.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25We really do need to discuss how we go forward from the Jubilee event,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29which, as we all know, was a disaster.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32The Jubilee wasn't advertised nearly in time, was it?
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- It was a week to go. - I think local publicity...
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Wasn't good enough. I think that's right.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44The residents of Selkirk seem to agree.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Well, I'm not sure that they've got it quite right.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52It sounds like they might be rushing on without thinking it through.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55The publicity, the advertising is poor, and everything seems to be done
0:29:55 > 0:29:59last minute when they want to do an event, and I do believe
0:29:59 > 0:30:02that as the building and grounds were effectively left to the people
0:30:02 > 0:30:04of Selkirk, I'm just not sure
0:30:04 > 0:30:07it's a good thing to be charging, effectively, the owners
0:30:07 > 0:30:09to be entering the grounds and property.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11I just find that very strange.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14I think we have to take all the negatives from that weekend
0:30:14 > 0:30:17and turn them into positives.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21I know the house was left to Selkirkshire
0:30:21 > 0:30:24and the wider public, but I feel we have to get
0:30:24 > 0:30:27the people of Selkirk involved first and then spread our wings
0:30:27 > 0:30:30throughout the whole of the Borders, and further afield.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32I think that's what we have to start with.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39In London, Johnny's hoping that his powers of persuasion will
0:30:39 > 0:30:42work on the client he has lined up to see the bust, and who is bound
0:30:42 > 0:30:45to be impressed by the fresh-faced Napoleon that Wagner has created.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52I'm at the exclusive Eight Club in London.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55This club has French connections, and I'm here to meet George,
0:30:55 > 0:31:01who wants to buy the bust for one of his smart interiors.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05Second-guessing what a client might be tempted by is the key to selling privately.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08John is anxious, because he has spent money on the cleaning,
0:31:08 > 0:31:09and really wants George to like the bust.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Come and see what you think, George. I've been dying to show it to you.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Wow!- Pretty impressive, eh?
0:31:19 > 0:31:20It's really impressive, yeah.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23We had it cleaned, because I know how fussy you are.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25We had it cleaned to museum standard,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27and it's come up way better than I thought.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32You have done a fantastic job. It's really fantastic, it's really striking. I really like it.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35I'm not surprised you like it, cos it's come up brilliantly.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37It's perfect.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40And you think it will be here rather than the club in Paris?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44I think, yes, let's go for it here. Let's leave it here in all its glory.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I'm really pleased, John. Thank you. Well done.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Great, good stuff.- Thanks a lot.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55I'm delighted that the club has agreed to buy the bust for £5,000.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Obviously, it's minus the cleaning costs,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00but this is a really good kick-start to our fund, and I know
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Susan and Miss Pringle-Pattison will be really pleased.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Back at The Haining, urgent window repairs are being carried out.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18Susan is still finding it hard to leave the disappointing legacy
0:32:18 > 0:32:20of the Jubilee event behind.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26We've had a bit of a nasty reaction
0:32:26 > 0:32:32to the business of the Jubilee.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35It says that The Haining House could go down the tubes.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39The article says that, "Millionaire lawyer Andrew Nimmo-Smith shocked
0:32:39 > 0:32:42"community leaders by bequeathing his Haining House
0:32:42 > 0:32:46"in Selkirk to the people of the town following his death."
0:32:46 > 0:32:48The house wasn't left to the people of Selkirk.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Much as we want the locals to be involved,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54it was left to the wider public, as well as the people
0:32:54 > 0:32:58of Selkirkshire, which is a large historic area
0:32:58 > 0:33:00that's always referred to by lawyers,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02and Mr Nimmo-Smith was a lawyer.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05But we do want the people of Selkirk involved, and they have been
0:33:05 > 0:33:11involved since we started, and we've had a lot of volunteers.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14That's why this is... It feels like a personal attack.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Despite the lack of local support,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Susan must find a way to make the house work as a business,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23and the money that an auction could raise
0:33:23 > 0:33:25towards the commercial kitchen
0:33:25 > 0:33:28and facelift of the interior feels more important than ever.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- Hello.- Susan, good morning.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42The auction house have come back to catalogue the contents of the house.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45OK, guys, do you want to go and start off upstairs
0:33:45 > 0:33:48and I'll catch up with you quite soon?
0:33:48 > 0:33:49OK. See you there.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53John is also keen to highlight items that will attract bidders.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00That's quite nice. NS for Nimmo-Smith.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02That's actually silver, which is good.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06The way to tell is you've got the lion mark,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08which you only get on silver.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11The plated mark on the spoon, which looks very similar,
0:34:11 > 0:34:12but there's no lion.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20That's actually quite fun, that.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24When you're having your Sunday roast, you would have the leg of lamb,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26the bone stuck in there, and what better way could you have
0:34:26 > 0:34:29for carving your piece of Sunday roast?
0:34:35 > 0:34:36The problem with this table is that,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38although it's a great-sized table,
0:34:38 > 0:34:42one, it's too big for a lot of modern houses,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45and two, there's probably seven, £800 worth of repolishing.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50This is called a tantalus, and as the name suggests, it was actually made
0:34:50 > 0:34:55to tantalise, because whoever had the key to this basically controlled
0:34:55 > 0:34:56how much alcohol you could drink,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00and once it was locked in place, that was it, no more.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07The whisky will remain under lock and key until there's something to celebrate after the sale.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13John has also called in pictures expert Rupert Maas
0:35:13 > 0:35:15to get his opinion on the paintings.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16Rupert is immediately drawn to
0:35:16 > 0:35:19the slightly battered portraits in the hall.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22So, that's about 1830.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24They're quite good, actually, they really are.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27I don't think they're of the first rank, but they're certainly
0:35:27 > 0:35:29good enough to have been by a name,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32and I suppose if we worked hard enough, we might find a Scot -
0:35:32 > 0:35:36it must be a Scot, I suppose - what could have done 'em.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47But will the other paintings that Mr Nimmo-Smith collected
0:35:47 > 0:35:49float Rupert's boat?
0:35:54 > 0:35:58There are nearly a dozen pictures in the house by Tom Scott.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00He was a late 19th,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03early 20th-century British landscape painter,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06and he lived all his life in Selkirk.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09His pictures are terribly pretty.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13All of those, they're all of a quality,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16they're going to add up to maybe as much as £10,000.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24So, what on earth has happened here?
0:36:24 > 0:36:30Well, this is Andrew Nimmo-Smith's grandmother,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32but he wasn't that keen on his grandmother.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- I wonder why.- She was rather a stern old lady, I'm told.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40He loved his grandfather, however, so all the paintings of Grandfather
0:36:40 > 0:36:43have been restored, but this one has a problem.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- Poor thing, she's being eaten alive! - I know, poor woman!
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Well, I think it's extraordinary,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52but one thing I am sure of, before you call the restorers in,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54I think you'd better ask Porton Down for an opinion!
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Yes, I think so too, it does look a bit...!
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Rupert has also spotted the painting that John singled out.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04There's a picture over here which I think is really cool.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08And not just because it's a snow scene. I really like this.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Yeah, I like this one.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13It's by Charles Oppenheimer. He was from Kirkcudbright -
0:37:13 > 0:37:17that's a place he rarely left, and he loved painting it,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21especially the backs of the houses. And here we have a classic Charles Oppenheimer, therefore.
0:37:22 > 0:37:27It's nicely observed, very nicely observed, and full of light, really,
0:37:27 > 0:37:28for a dreich day.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32I've sold one Oppenheimer which was the back of buildings before.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33Is that what he did?
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Yes, that's what he did, that's his shtick, if you like.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- Would that have a good value at auction?- A cracking value, yes.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Really?- Yes, I think so, yes.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Even if they put it in at, say, 10 to 15,000...
0:37:46 > 0:37:52Gosh, as much as that? That's tremendous, that's really good news.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Even if they put it in at 10 to 15,000,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56it wouldn't surprise me to see it doing better.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- That is great news. - That's wonderful news.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05The auctioneers can now start the task of packing up the fragile paintings,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08which will be transported separately from the heavier items
0:38:08 > 0:38:09to avoid damage.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Does it feel weird, seeing it go?
0:38:20 > 0:38:25Yes, in a way, because Andrew loved that one. It's just a blank wall.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26It looks very odd.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30There's going to be quite a few blank walls. It's usually quite a shock.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32People sometimes find it quite a shock,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35and until they actually see it starting to go,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38they don't realise how empty it suddenly looks.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- It's the start of the beginning of it, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44The contents of the house will now be sold
0:38:44 > 0:38:47to support The Haining for the future.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I just want it to get really going.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58But one painting that might not be going is the portrait in the hall.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02Rupert's appraisal has made John curious about the sitter.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It's a good-looking painting, isn't it? do you know who it is?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08It's one of the family,
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Miss Pringle-Pattison doesn't know which one.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- If he's linked, then that's good. - He's the Pringle.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18But nothing on the front. Hopefully, there'll be something on the back,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20sometimes a name. Shall we take it down?
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Sometimes there'll be a name. Or even a regiment would help.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Can you tell sometimes from the regiment?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Well, I can tell that it's had a lot of damp.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36Someone obviously didn't like him, cos they've stabbed him through the chest at some point.
0:39:36 > 0:39:43- Oh, dear.- But, I mean, John Pringle, son of Mark Pringle, it looks like.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46That doesn't mean anything to me, but maybe we could check and find out.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48He might be the Pringle that built it.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51If he is the Pringle that built it, that changes it completely,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- but if he's a lesser Pringle, this goes for sale!- Hmm.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- Absolutely, yes.- But really, he just needs to go to a restorer.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04I think, unfortunately, the whole house needs to go to a restorer.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07But, you know, he's great.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16John has come to the local archive
0:40:16 > 0:40:19to see if he can find out who John Pringle was.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30John Pringle succeeded his father Mark as a minor in 1812.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Now, apparently, he inherited the house aged just 16,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36and, as you do, he went and studied at Oxford
0:40:36 > 0:40:37and then joined the military.
0:40:37 > 0:40:44After a brief stint, he returned back to The Haining,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46still in his early 20s, full of life,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49to really stamp his mark on the house.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55I've found out that John Pringle probably did build the house,
0:40:55 > 0:41:01and even more interesting is that these are representations
0:41:01 > 0:41:04of the house that he planned to build.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Right, but not quite how it looks, is it?- No, it's not.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12He only ever built the middle section.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17John Pringle also kept a menagerie of wild animals,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19including wolves and bears.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22His flamboyant dress sense and wild parties caused tongues to wag.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I understand he was talked about and written about by no less than
0:41:28 > 0:41:33Sir Walter Scott, who referred to him as the disconsolate dandy.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- Wow, Walter Scott of Ivanhoe fame? That's pretty impressive.- Absolutely.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40He had his court house in Selkirk.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45Sir Walter Scott is from this area, and he knew John Pringle.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47It seems clear that
0:41:47 > 0:41:50the portrait of John Pringle should stay at The Haining.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Susan has now decided to use his nickname in the title of
0:41:53 > 0:41:57her next foray into the world of events - a pop-up restaurant.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Isn't that super!
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Look at the bottles.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Disconsolate Dandy. Isn't that wonderful!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11We will make Granny smile yet, I think.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Granny grimaced her way though the disastrous Jubilee event,
0:42:16 > 0:42:17so there's a lot riding on
0:42:17 > 0:42:20a successful outcome for Susan this time.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25This is all about developing the interest in the place
0:42:25 > 0:42:28and developing it as somewhere that people think,
0:42:28 > 0:42:30"I need to have a conference,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33"I need to have a dinner party, I need to have a wedding."
0:42:35 > 0:42:38The lack of catering facilities at the house means that
0:42:38 > 0:42:39Susan has had to hire in everything
0:42:39 > 0:42:42for the company doing the pop-up restaurant.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44And it's a very expensive thing to do,
0:42:44 > 0:42:50we're speaking about five or £600 just to bring in four bits of kit,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53so it will be wonderful once we've got our own kitchen here
0:42:53 > 0:42:57and not having to spend that kind of money.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02The event company seems sceptical that Susan can pull this off.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06I think anyone who does events would understand that
0:43:06 > 0:43:08taking on an event like this
0:43:08 > 0:43:14in a place where there's essentially no functioning kitchen is madness.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16They need a kitchen.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22At the auction house,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25the Haining sale catalogues are back from the printers.
0:43:25 > 0:43:291,500 will be sent out three weeks before the sale
0:43:29 > 0:43:30to generate maximum interest.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39The pop-up restaurant team have been battling in the kitchen.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42The Disconsolate Dandy is now in pride of place in the dining room
0:43:42 > 0:43:47to oversee proceedings, and the guests are due to arrive any minute.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Here we go, we have guests!
0:43:52 > 0:43:55Drinks on the veranda seem to be going down well, but will
0:43:55 > 0:44:00the Haining experience be worth the £86 per head that they have all paid?
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- I heard the term "faded grandeur". - It certainly applies.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- But no, a lot of character so far, definitely.- Hmm.
0:44:07 > 0:44:08Really enjoying it.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15The chefs have come up with the goods using the hired equipment.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19And the guests are enjoying the menu.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21But the surroundings could be better.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24The house is beautiful.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28It's good. It's obviously in need of some love,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31so hopefully it will get that now.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37But has this event raised any money for the refurbishment?
0:44:37 > 0:44:39This one isn't going to make money this time.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43We will make a small loss, very small loss on this one.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46We're speaking about very much less than £1,000.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50But we're trying all these events to see what's going to work.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Tonight's event has demonstrated The Haining's potential,
0:44:55 > 0:44:57and the happy customers are driven back to Edinburgh.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07John is back at The Haining to check that plans are going smoothly
0:45:07 > 0:45:08for the imminent sale.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13But unfortunately, Susan and Miss Pringle-Pattison have just had
0:45:13 > 0:45:16some bad news that could undermine all of their plans.
0:45:19 > 0:45:26The position was that the whole of the house was left to the Trust,
0:45:26 > 0:45:32but the contents was not, but it was understood that
0:45:32 > 0:45:36the people who'd been left it had both agreed
0:45:36 > 0:45:38that it would pass to the Trust,
0:45:38 > 0:45:42and that was certainly our understanding.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44Well, that's what I understood.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47It has come to light that, in a surprise development,
0:45:47 > 0:45:49Miss Pringle-Pattison's cousin wishes to claim her share
0:45:49 > 0:45:52of the value of the contents when they're sold at auction.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54But you're saying there's a half share not coming?
0:45:54 > 0:45:58Unfortunately... I'm saying we're only getting half the money.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- That is a major blow.- It is.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03You must have been crushed when you found out.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07It has been a very difficult week for the Trust.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11I think we've all felt very deflated
0:46:11 > 0:46:15and very upset by this at the 11th hour.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- Yes.- For Miss Pringle-Pattison, it's particularly difficult.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22It was an awful shock, I really am surprised about it.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27I thought neither of us wanted anything and that was it,
0:46:27 > 0:46:28so this is so unexpected.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32I mean, this is the whole object of the exercise,
0:46:32 > 0:46:33- to get the thing going.- Hmm.
0:46:40 > 0:46:45Despite this considerable setback, Brian has come as planned
0:46:45 > 0:46:48to start clearing the house in preparation for the sale in Glasgow.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52The Haining is beginning its transformation, and Mr Nimmo-Smith's
0:46:52 > 0:46:56prized collection of antiques is carefully packed and removed.
0:46:59 > 0:47:04It really does just dawn on you that what you're doing is taking away
0:47:04 > 0:47:06a past from the house.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08I don't know if I'm doing the right thing -
0:47:08 > 0:47:12I could be doing something that's going to completely ruin things.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16I don't know. I'm doing what I think is right.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22Feels a bit strange to see them going away.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25We just have to hope that we get the money that we need.
0:47:26 > 0:47:27It's the end of an era.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46The contents of the Haining have been unpacked in Glasgow, and interest in the sale is building.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48The room is now starting to get busy
0:47:48 > 0:47:51with people viewing things and taking things down.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53It's exactly what you want to see.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56As an auctioneer, it just settles your nerves before the sale.
0:47:56 > 0:47:57But it's in good order,
0:47:57 > 0:48:00it hasn't been exposed to major sunlight or anything.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04The auction is attracting interest from as far afield as New Zealand and Japan.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09Ten, 20 years ago, you had to come to an auction to view the items.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12Now, you don't have to. You can see everything online,
0:48:12 > 0:48:15you can bid online, you can ring up and get a condition report,
0:48:15 > 0:48:17where the auctioneer will tell you
0:48:17 > 0:48:19all of the problems that the item has.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22This has opened up the world, literally,
0:48:22 > 0:48:25for people being able to buy, sitting in an armchair,
0:48:25 > 0:48:26they can view what's on the screen,
0:48:26 > 0:48:29they can bid away, and they could be in Australia.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Susan has arrived, and is anxious for a good turnout.
0:48:33 > 0:48:34Are there lots of people?
0:48:34 > 0:48:37Yes, lots of people, it's been busy, they're rowing it out.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41The sale is about to get under way, and as John hoped,
0:48:41 > 0:48:44the Haining connection has attracted crowds.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48With the news of the relative's claim on half the proceeds,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51John hopes that they can reach at least £50,000 to give Susan
0:48:51 > 0:48:54the 25,000 she needs for the catering kitchen.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59OK, a very good afternoon, ladies and gents,
0:48:59 > 0:49:02and welcome to the Haining auction.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04So, if you're all ready, we'll start the auction
0:49:04 > 0:49:07with a collection of 11 waterline model cruise liners there.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10- There's much interest in these. - I need these to do well.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12John has set the reserve low, at £50,
0:49:12 > 0:49:15in the hope on attracting bidders.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17£130, we'll open the bidding on the lot, there.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20140 bid, then.
0:49:20 > 0:49:21Any advance at 140?
0:49:21 > 0:49:23150?
0:49:23 > 0:49:24- 160?- That's a good start.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26190. 200. 240.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28280. 300. 400.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Two people quite literally fighting it out on the phones,
0:49:31 > 0:49:33and an internet bid.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36- 500 bid. 600. 700. 800. - Come on, bid more.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39900, if you wish. 1,000. 1,100.
0:49:39 > 0:49:431,200. Are you all finished at £1,200?
0:49:43 > 0:49:47- 1,200. Sold at 1,200. - Are you pleased with that?
0:49:47 > 0:49:51- Look, do you think I got my estimate wrong, 50 to 80?!- I think so!
0:49:51 > 0:49:52You can't always get it right!
0:49:52 > 0:49:55I think I can safely say I got that one wrong!
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Yes, you got that one a wee bit wrong!
0:49:57 > 0:49:58Now we have the 19th-century
0:49:58 > 0:50:00rosewood and floral marquetry table, there.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02650? 750?
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Come on, £1,000.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07- 1,000, sir.- That's very good.
0:50:07 > 0:50:091,100 bid. 1,200? No, you're out now.
0:50:09 > 0:50:131,100 here. Are you all done now? Last chance again. 1,100.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17- That's super. Another internet.- Yes.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20A promising start to the sale,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22but there are still over 200 lots to get through.
0:50:22 > 0:50:23Sold here.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28Miss Pringle-Paterson didn't want to attend the sale.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30She has come to The Haining for the first time
0:50:30 > 0:50:32since her cousin's belongings were taken away.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Gosh, it's very empty.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46I don't think there are any ghosts, though.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Oh, dear, this looks very sad.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00Oh, at least Grandmother's still there.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05Yes, I don't like this room very much now.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11But Mr Nimmo-Smith's antiques could prove to be
0:51:11 > 0:51:14the salvation of the house that he loved so much.
0:51:14 > 0:51:19His taste definitely seems to appeal to the bidders at the auction.
0:51:21 > 0:51:25OK, the early 19th-century console table, £800.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28850? 900?
0:51:28 > 0:51:32- 1,000.- It's such a good slab
0:51:32 > 0:51:35- of marble.- 1,500? 2,000? 2,200?
0:51:35 > 0:51:38Yes, please.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42- Any more? £2,000 on the telephone, 2,200 online.- Brilliant.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44£2,600 in the room.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46Let's keep going. 3,000.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48- 3,600.- Keep going.
0:51:48 > 0:51:513,800. 4,000 bid.
0:51:51 > 0:51:524,200. 4,600.
0:51:52 > 0:51:53Now, this is it.
0:51:53 > 0:51:566,000. 6,800?
0:51:56 > 0:51:58Nice surprise of the day!
0:51:58 > 0:52:02£7,400, all finished. That's 7,400.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05I must hurry you, 7,600 is bid now.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09- The phone went dead!- £7,600 is bid.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13OK, £7,800 with you, then.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17In the room at £7,800. All done?
0:52:17 > 0:52:20- 7,800.- Good man! Go and shake his hand!
0:52:24 > 0:52:28But will the Tom Scott pictures appeal as much to the bidders?
0:52:28 > 0:52:30OK, the first of ten Tom Scotts we have today.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34The Son of Selkirk, I believe he's known as.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37- Phone bid straight in.- 550. 600. 750.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39- Excellent, keep going.- 800.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42- 850.- 900, excellent, yes.
0:52:42 > 0:52:451,100.
0:52:45 > 0:52:46HAMMER BANGS
0:52:46 > 0:52:48Tom Scott again. Once again at £500.
0:52:48 > 0:52:49HAMMER BANGS
0:52:49 > 0:52:53Border landscape by Tom Scott. 550? 600.
0:52:53 > 0:52:54Two new bidders, three new bidders.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56Are you all done at 1,300?
0:52:57 > 0:53:01A total of just under £10,000 is raised from the Tom Scott pictures,
0:53:01 > 0:53:04a great help towards The Haining's new life.
0:53:08 > 0:53:09It's strange, really.
0:53:09 > 0:53:14I'm dying to see it all cleared and painted and in use again.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19Galleries, or just being used and having people around it.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25Yes, it would be nice to have it occupied again.
0:53:29 > 0:53:35We've had so many obstacles that now I'm all for it to go ahead.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40I think that was good for me to have all that battling away with people,
0:53:40 > 0:53:44because it's got to go ahead, and I'm determined it will.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48So, yes, it's going to work, it will work,
0:53:48 > 0:53:50and I think it will be a great place to come to.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54OK, let's go out on a high.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57Lot number 171 from the Haining dining room is
0:53:57 > 0:54:00by Charles Oppenheimer.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03John hopes that the Oppenheimer will achieve Rupert's estimate
0:54:03 > 0:54:04of 10 to £15,000.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09This is a painting of Oppenheimer's own garden
0:54:09 > 0:54:12at 14, The High Street in Kirkcudbright.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14And as Kirkcudbright seasons go,
0:54:14 > 0:54:16they don't get much better than this.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19- I've got a good feeling about it. - So, come in at £10,000.
0:54:19 > 0:54:21£8,000, where are you?
0:54:23 > 0:54:25They're all hanging back.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27It's alright, let's stay calm.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29OK, we're starting at £5,000.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32- 5,000 is not a good start. - Not a good start.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35It's 5,500, who'll make it £6,000?
0:54:35 > 0:54:386,500. £7,000, will you?
0:54:38 > 0:54:40It's all online at the moment.
0:54:40 > 0:54:46- £9,000 is bid. 9,500.- Phew, OK. We'll get the bottom estimate.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Do we see £11,000? We do.
0:54:49 > 0:54:53£12,000 is bid. £13,000. 14,000, will you?
0:54:53 > 0:54:55Yes, 14,000.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59£15,000. 15,500, will you? 15,500.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02I thought you had that glint in your eye!
0:55:02 > 0:55:04We're looking for £16,000.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07- Yes, 16,000, come on.- No?
0:55:07 > 0:55:12The glint has dulled. OK, at £16,000, are we all done?
0:55:12 > 0:55:15- Sold, at £16,000.- Yes.
0:55:17 > 0:55:21- That's great, and Rupert was bang on. - He was bang on.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23- We certainly did well. - That's great news.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26Means we've got a bit of adding up to do.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29The butterflies were there right till the very end.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33But it was good that we saw such a lot go for good money.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35Hmm. All in all, a good day.
0:55:35 > 0:55:39Yes, absolutely. So, home for a bottle of something, I think.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42I certainly think we've earned it.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46- Are you not going to ask me?- How much did we make?! I don't want to ask!
0:55:46 > 0:55:48I can see it in your eyes. You're thinking...
0:55:48 > 0:55:52I know, I need to know, but... Well, have you got the figure?
0:55:52 > 0:55:57- 86,000.- Oh, well done.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00It's good, isn't it? And it's credit to you, as you put in the hard work,
0:56:00 > 0:56:04and Miss Primrose-Pattison, so I'm really pleased with that.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06I'm so thrilled, cos it just means
0:56:06 > 0:56:08our catering kitchen's all within grasp,
0:56:08 > 0:56:10I can see the stainless steel now,
0:56:10 > 0:56:12and I also think we can do some of the repairs.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15- It's unbelievable, isn't it?- It is.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21We've actually now got the funds to get started.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25I'm just going back to The Haining for one last look.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Wow! It's pretty empty.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40But this is the blank canvas that they need.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45Susan and Miss Pringle-Pattison can now start to deliver
0:56:45 > 0:56:48Mr Nimmo-Smith's vision for The Haining, by turning it
0:56:48 > 0:56:52into a desirable arts events space for the public.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56- Lovely to see you. - And to see you.- It's been a while.
0:56:56 > 0:57:00And so what are your plans, what's the next step?
0:57:00 > 0:57:02Well, the kitchen, and from there,
0:57:02 > 0:57:07exhibitions and anyone who wants to show their arty things.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09And then weddings.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11We've already had some enquiries
0:57:11 > 0:57:14about weddings for the summer, in fact.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16It's really going to have a new lease of life.
0:57:16 > 0:57:20Oh, yes, I think it could be very busy. I hope it will be very busy.
0:57:20 > 0:57:21I'm sure it will be.
0:57:21 > 0:57:25I hear the locals and even the press are a bit more on your side now?
0:57:25 > 0:57:29Yes, we are starring on the front page of the Advertiser,
0:57:29 > 0:57:33our volunteers, and Haining Open House next month,
0:57:33 > 0:57:38and that will give the Suitors, as they call the Selkirk people,
0:57:38 > 0:57:40the opportunity to get involved.
0:57:40 > 0:57:43Well, I must say, actually, I've thoroughly enjoyed it,
0:57:43 > 0:57:47- it's been a real pleasure. - Your help has been invaluable.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50And does this mean I get an invitation to your first event?
0:57:50 > 0:57:54- Absolutely, and you will also be a friend of The Haining.- Hmm!
0:57:54 > 0:57:58It's just being developed, and you will be number one.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03Being given the reins of responsibility
0:58:03 > 0:58:06for such a massive house has been tough for these people,
0:58:06 > 0:58:10and its an inheritance I don't think they'd ever planned for.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14I just hope that they can achieve Andrew Nimmo-Smith's vision
0:58:14 > 0:58:17for this house, and I wish them all the luck here at The Haining.
0:58:17 > 0:58:21Next week, a 700-year-old family house is in crisis.
0:58:21 > 0:58:26This needs money now, not at some notional period in the future.
0:58:26 > 0:58:30Will the owners part with precious heirlooms to save it?
0:58:30 > 0:58:31- We've got to raise the money. - We have.
0:58:57 > 0:59:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd