0:00:02 > 0:00:05Once thought of as the tree of eternity, yews are steeped in myth and legend.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07This one behind me is no exception.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12It's the most ancient tree in the UK, that some claim to be the oldest living thing in Europe.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Find out where I am in just a moment when we Escape To The Country.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32On today's show, we're helping one young family
0:00:32 > 0:00:36ditch the biggest housing estate in Britain for a period country pile.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Wow. This is my kitchen.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Our properties have quite an effect. - This is nice, isn't it?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- Oh, wow, wow, wow.- Wow, wow? - It's a double wow, wow.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52And I have a proposal for today's mystery house that will be hard to turn down.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Shall we walk down the aisle? - Do you mind?- You can follow.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03This is the Fortingall Yew which has been standing here in Perthshire,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07the geographical heart of Scotland, for around 5,000 years.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Legend has it that Pontius Pilate was born here in Fortingall
0:01:11 > 0:01:12and so, as a child,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16may well have played under the branches of this tree.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Whether that's true or not, one thing is for certain,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22that over the centuries, kings, queens, poets and artists
0:01:22 > 0:01:24have all travelled through Perthshire,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29leaving behind them a rich legacy of castles, churches,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31battlefields and historic sites.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Situated in the very centre of Scotland, Perthshire is known as the big county,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41not only for its sheer geographical size, 2,000 square miles in all,
0:01:41 > 0:01:46but also for the diversity of its breathtaking landscape.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49From the Highlands in the north and west,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51a land of tall mountains and deep lochs,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54to the fertile valleys of the east and south.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58It's long been established as the stomping ground of Scotland's well-to-do country set.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03So, if you expect to get more bricks and mortar for your money in Perthshire, think again.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06It's one of Scotland's more expensive counties
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and the average house price here
0:02:08 > 0:02:12is nearly £24,000 above that of England and Wales.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16However, the good news is there's plenty of period housing stock to choose from,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20particularly if you're partial to Victorian architecture,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and the market has remained more buoyant than many parts of the UK.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Now, the rules of buying property here in Scotland
0:02:31 > 0:02:34differ from those of the rest of the UK.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37You can only put an offer on a property through a Scottish solicitor,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40once you have a mortgage in place or cash in the bank.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Then, if you're lucky enough to have your offer accepted,
0:02:44 > 0:02:45there's an unwritten rule
0:02:45 > 0:02:48that neither the buyer nor the vendor pulls out of the deal,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52which means those two dreaded house buying words of "chain" and "gazump"
0:02:52 > 0:02:55are virtually unheard of here in Scotland.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00With that in mind, let's take a look at what's on the market at the moment here in Perthshire.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Overlooking Loch Tay,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05this five-bedroom hunting lodge style house is not to be missed.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08There's plenty of space for your shooting party,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10with four reception rooms.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16With a 1.7 acre garden, plus 500 square metres of prime lochside land, complete with fishing rights,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18you'll be angling for the title Laird of the Manor.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It will set you back £1.1 million.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26If you want a big house without the huge price tag,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30check out this stunning modern family home on the outskirts of Kinross.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33You'll get six bedrooms and four reception rooms,
0:03:33 > 0:03:35but for offers over £760,000,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39you shouldn't need a lucky break to buy it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44For something more traditional, how about this original gate lodge in Auchterarder?
0:03:44 > 0:03:49Dating from the 1800s, it delivers cosy living accommodation with three bedrooms.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54To be king of this little castle will cost you £275,000.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58So a great selection there of some Perthshire properties,
0:03:58 > 0:04:04which makes it time now to give a big Highland fling to today's border-hopping buyers.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Born and bred Scotsman Ian, his wife, Lisa,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10and their four-year-old, Cameron,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13currently live in a four-bedroom detached property
0:04:13 > 0:04:16on one of Europe's largest housing estates in north-east England.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21But the call of the rural wilds has been beckoning for quite some time.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23We want to move to the country,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27because we both dreamt as children to live in the countryside.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31I want Cameron, also, to have a nice upbringing in the countryside,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33where it is safe.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36They've set their sights on Perthshire,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39but although this will be a return to Scotland for Ian,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43he's not actually going back to his roots, as he comes from just outside Glasgow.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45So do they have a location in mind?
0:04:45 > 0:04:49We're looking for a view more than anything.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I think because we've been living in an environment
0:04:53 > 0:04:56where we're really local to shopping centres,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59I don't want to be too far away from that.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I think it might be a bit of a culture shock to go too rural.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Giving up on amenities is tough with a four-year-old.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09But one thing they won't be sad to say goodbye to is the house itself.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14It's not home, it's a house. It just doesn't have the feel.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18We're quite emotional people, we're quite sentimental people
0:05:18 > 0:05:22and we believe firmly, if it doesn't feel like the home, then it's not the home.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26And to us, this just isn't the place for us.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28So what will have the right feel?
0:05:28 > 0:05:33The cherry on the cake would be, for me, character building,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37open fire, view...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- Have we said that already? - Several times.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42That would be the icing on the cake,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46would be this homely, farmhousey feel, maybe,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48with the view and the land.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- And the open fire for me.- Open fire.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55OK. I think I've got the picture - views are a must-have,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57but what else will make the perfect home?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I dream of the country kitchen,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02the big island in the middle of the kitchen,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06a big range cooker and the views out of your kitchen window.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10But it's not just the dream kitchen that we've got to find,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Cameron needs his own space too.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15He needs a den for him and his mates to play,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19that we can leave at the end of the night, when he's in bed, I don't have to tidy it up.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24While Ian works away from home a lot as an ultrasonic technician,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28ex-fitness instructor Lisa has business plans for the new house.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35If we do have outhouses, hopefully I could convert those into a studio and set up my own business,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38either personal training, but also teaching classes as well.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41And what do they want to do in their spare time?
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Our lifestyle in the country has to be relaxed.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50Also, just to have that Sunday feel, but every day.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Ian and Lisa already have a buyer for their house
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and the sale is going through.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58So what kind of figure do they have for the big move?
0:06:58 > 0:07:02We're looking to spend between £350,000 and £375,000
0:07:02 > 0:07:03for our next property.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10A move to the country has always been a childhood dream for Ian and Lisa.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12With the sale of their house about to go through,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15it looks like they could be a step closer to fulfilling it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19So let's just hope their budget of £375,000
0:07:19 > 0:07:22is enough to secure them a piece of Highland heaven
0:07:22 > 0:07:24here in Perthshire.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27To find the best properties on the market,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29we've cast the search net right across the county.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31As they don't want to be too remote,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35we're staying within striking distance of the larger villages and towns.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37We've lined up some choice period homes to view,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41but I won't be revealing the price tags until the end of the tours.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45And finally, there's a mystery house,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47which is nothing short of divine inspiration.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Morning guys. Welcome to Scotland - welcome to Perthshire.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- It's a bit like coming home, Ian? - Feeling the cold, yes, definitely coming home!
0:07:56 > 0:08:00You've given me a good budget of £375,000.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02I know you live in a substantial house as it is.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06Are you hoping to find a palace up here in Perthshire?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Looking at our criteria, I think we were!
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Well, there's sometimes compromises that need to be made.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Let's face it, look around, there's no big housing estates here.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20There's a lack of supply,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24which meant demand has stayed pretty strong for this part of the world.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Prices haven't tumbled like in the rest of the UK.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Are you prepared to make compromises?
0:08:30 > 0:08:33It pains me to say it, but yes.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35What would be the must-haves?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Mine is definitely the view.- Right.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43I initially would love a great amount of land,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- but maybe a bit smaller land, but land is a must for me.- OK.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Well, the perfect property hopefully is out there.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Sometimes you need to do a bit of work to make it perfect,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55certainly to make a house a home.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Are you prepared to do any work to this?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Work could be an option. I don't see it being a problem.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Um. Er...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07We're very open in what we're actually after.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Let's see what we can find.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Let's go to the first property
0:09:11 > 0:09:13and we'll have a learning curve, won't we?
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Shall we go and find your Scottish dream?- Please.- Please.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23For £375,000, Ian and Lisa's wish list is a sizeable one.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26They want a detached character home with a good plot of land
0:09:26 > 0:09:29within striking distance of a big village or town.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Must haves include stunning views, a big kitchen/diner
0:09:32 > 0:09:33and four bedrooms.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36However, there are plenty of would-likes too,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39including two reception rooms, so Cameron can have a playroom,
0:09:39 > 0:09:44open fires and a building for Lisa's fitness studio wouldn't go amiss.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Thankfully, they're open to both doing some work
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and more importantly, to compromise,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52because all of that on their budget is a fairly big ask.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- So, Lisa, where's Cameron today? - He's with his gran.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03I should say Nana Kathleen.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Cameron absolutely dotes on her.
0:10:05 > 0:10:11So she's going to miss Cameron when you move away, is she?
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Yes, this is a bit of a sticky point. But it's only a few hours.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20So... And we are hoping that one of the houses that you've found for us
0:10:20 > 0:10:22does have a bit of room for a Nana.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- We're looking for a Nana room. - A Nana room.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- OK, that's good to know. - Not in the outbuildings!
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Would I?!
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Let's hurry up before the wish list gets even longer!
0:10:35 > 0:10:40Our first offering is in the north of the county in the Victorian town of Pitlochry.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Known as the gateway to the Perthshire Highlands,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47it was put on the map as a tourist hot spot by Queen Victoria in 1842
0:10:47 > 0:10:50and it's just as popular today.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53For the people who live here, that has its pros and cons.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57On the negative side, it gets incredibly busy in the summer months.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01But the tourist pound is a major boost to the local economy,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04helping to maintain a well-off and thriving community all year round.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Our first property is on the outskirts of town
0:11:07 > 0:11:09and it occupies an elevated position,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13which means it's not lacking in one vital criterion.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17You asked for views, are they views?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Fantastic.- Pretty much.- Absolutely.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Yeah. It's just like a postcard. - Yeah.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Views. Location. House.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- What do we think of the house? - It's nice, it's lovely.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- It's got lots of character by the looks of it.- Bit haunty for me.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Really?- Yeah.- Well, hopefully that will change inside.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42It's quite a dominating house. It's Victorian, built around 1890.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- Shall we see what you think inside?- Yeah.- It won't be a ghost tour, I promise you!
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Well, fingers crossed I don't scare them off with this one.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55As well as Lisa's must-have views, it has plenty of space
0:11:55 > 0:11:59and there's lots of scope for them to put their own stamp on the place
0:11:59 > 0:12:01and really create their dream home.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07In you come. Now, entrance hall.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09What does it make you feel?
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- It's nice and spacious.- It is. I think you're going to be impressed by the size of all of the rooms.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17A bit of geography - downstairs loo there,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21but let's go to the sitting room, where you might spend more time.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27For me, the main feature of this sitting room...
0:12:27 > 0:12:28is the view.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- It is.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33I think that's what you get with being high up,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36thankfully, you get that wonderful view.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39This whole house really needs a little bit of TLC,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41maybe, to update it.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47It seems a dark room. Maybe that is through the colouring. I don't know.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51I like the style. I like the shape of the room, it's really nice.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56I was hoping maybe an open fire, which would be the feature that I would look for in a front room.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59That fire is a gas fire. We've got mains gas to this property,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02which I think is a real bonus.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03But if you want an open fire,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06let's see if we can find one somewhere else in the house.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Follow me.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13So try and see past the red. There's the fireplace we were talking about.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Behind that, we're told, there could be a working fire,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20but you'd need to take that boarding off to see what state it's in.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- It's lovely.- It is. Definitely.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It would be a feature that I would like in a dining room.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- The fire?- A lovely fire, yeah.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31I like the style. The bay window is beautiful.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34I think Lisa could be warming up to this place.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37I just hope the kitchen won't be a deal-breaker.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41I know she's hankering after a huge kitchen diner, but this one isn't.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'But there are options if they're willing to put a bit of work in.'
0:13:44 > 0:13:50- What do you think?- First coming in - small. It's a bit compact.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54That was my first impression as well, a bit small.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Let's have a look at that hatch. OK.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01What do you think about putting in an RSJ across most of that wall,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03and pushing a hole through
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and thereby having open-plan kitchen and diner.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09The wheels are going round here. I'm seeing it all just now.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Whilst the wheels are spinning, throw this into the equation.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Behind us we've got a larder, or a pantry,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17behind that, we've got a utility room.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21You're not losing too much cupboard space. A load of storage behind.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Get all the white goods out of here. You don't look fazed by this?
0:14:25 > 0:14:30No, not at all. I'm versed in to swinging a sledgehammer round, so this could be good fun.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- Be nice to have a go at a wall with a sledgehammer.- I'd take the units down first, I think.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Ian can see the possibilities down here
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and there's even a play room for Cameron next to the utility room.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42But that's it for downstairs.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46'Time to check out the sleeping arrangements, starting with the master bedroom.'
0:14:49 > 0:14:51We've still got views, haven't we?
0:14:51 > 0:14:52- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Now, you can wake up every morning to that view,
0:14:55 > 0:14:59but would you want to make any changes here, he asks knowingly?
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Yes, I can see one definite change
0:15:02 > 0:15:05and it's in the corner, the shower cubicle.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I've never seen that before in a bedroom.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11These old houses, they rented rooms out.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13You've got a vanity unit there as well.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15If you ignore all that furniture there
0:15:15 > 0:15:18and you've got your head of the bed there,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20what's the first thing you see when you wake up?
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Yeah, a nice view. Yeah, a very nice view.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28But you've got options here. We have four good-sized bedrooms.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Off the landing are two singles, a family bathroom
0:15:32 > 0:15:35and there's another big double.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- This is quirky.- Yeah, it's... Do you like it?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- This is quirky.- Oh, right! You've got a fireplace.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I like that. Yep, saw that straight away.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50So, let's look at the house, let's reflect as a whole.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53What are you thinking now you've had a good look around,
0:15:53 > 0:15:58bearing in mind your first thoughts outside were of a haunted nature.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Yeah, I can't get that out of my head either.- Still?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Because of the style of the house and the way it's decorated,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07it has that feel to it as well.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11I'm still finding it hard to see me in here, or to see us in here - at the moment.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14I need to maybe expand a little bit more.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Let's have a quick chat outside, shall we?
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'Well, these two are obviously very instinctive house buyers.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25'I thought the view would have Lisa sold, but it's clearly not the most important factor after all.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30'If the house isn't giving them the right vibes though, maybe the garden will.'
0:16:31 > 0:16:35So now we're outside, let me explain what we have here.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Over there, amazingly, you've got another piece of land.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Another garden, you can maybe even grow some veggies, have a veggie patch.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44If you look down,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47your boundary is right down there at that hedge.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51I know it's terraced, the whole plot is around a quarter of an acre.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53So you do have a bit of space here.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56How much do you think this is on the market for? Ladies first.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59I think £320,000.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02I think because of location,
0:17:02 > 0:17:08there's work needing done on it, I'm going to go a bit higher at 340.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Right, well, this may be a bit of a learning curve for you today then,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17because it's on the market
0:17:17 > 0:17:20for offers over £345,000.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- Really?- Yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24The price reflects what's here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29A big, imposing, family home in good condition,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32that needs, well, cosmetics done to it, really.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Why don't you use this time now to have another good look around it?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- OK?- OK.- OK.- Have a tour yourselves. I'll see you in a bit.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43Well, I think if nothing else, the price has spooked Lisa.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45With offers over £345,000,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48this Victorian house is well within their budget,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51leaving £30,000 for alterations.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54It's a substantial property with two reception rooms,
0:17:54 > 0:17:55a playroom and four bedrooms.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58There's potential to extend the kitchen,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and the garden comes in at around a quarter of an acre.
0:18:00 > 0:18:06The USP here, though, is the outlook, which I thought would make this house a strong contender,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10but I get the impression that views aren't everything after all.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15First impressions of the house was wow, very periodic, which we like.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17The view is spectacular.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's absolutely beautiful.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24You wouldn't even have to put the telly on. You could just sit and look out the window.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29I think this property, we couldn't see ourselves in it right now.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33The main let down for us being the garden.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37The house is beautiful... I don't have that feel.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I don't come in the door and think,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41"Yes, this is the home I want to live in."
0:18:43 > 0:18:45OK then, do you think we've seen enough?
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- I think so.- Good, let's go.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57As Perthshire is relatively unknown territory for Ian and Lisa,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01before taking the big step to relocate here, they're keen to explore.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Earlier in the week, they headed to Blairgowrie in Rattray,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07the county's second largest town.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Local historian Laurence Blair Oliphant was on hand to show them around.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Hello.- Hello, Lisa, hello Ian. - How are you doing?- I'm fine.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Welcome to a rather dreich day in Blairgowrie.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20This town of two halves straddles the River Ericht -
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Blairgowrie on the west bank and Rattray on the east.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Up until the 1700s it was little more than a farming community,
0:19:28 > 0:19:29with around 400 people.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34However, 200 years later the population had exploded to 4,000,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37thanks to the advent of the textile industry,
0:19:37 > 0:19:42with mills being built along the banks of the river to harness the water and power the looms.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Well, you get a good view of the Keathbank Mill from here.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Now, Keathbank Mill was the last of the jute mills
0:19:52 > 0:19:54to be built here in Blairgowrie.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57That was in 1870.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- What's jute?- Jute?
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Well, now, jute is the raw product, imported from Pakistan in those days,
0:20:03 > 0:20:08which was used to make products like hessian, sailcloth,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10canvas, ropes.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14At one time there were 12 working jute mills.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16As I say, Keathbank was the last of them,
0:20:16 > 0:20:20but now it's been converted into blocks of flats.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23The converted mill isn't the only interesting home in town.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Sitting on top of a cliff 214-feet above the River Ericht,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Craighall Castle has been home to the Clan Rattray since 1533.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35But if you're thinking the architecture doesn't look particularly 16th century,
0:20:35 > 0:20:36you'd be right.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39During the Civil War, Parliamentarian forces
0:20:39 > 0:20:43destroyed the castle and it was rebuilt, remodelled,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and extended during the 19th century to what stands here today.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Well, now, how about this for a view?
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- Oh, gosh. My goodness.- Oh, wow.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- We'll take it.- Yes, please.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03The original building here was like a defensive place
0:21:03 > 0:21:05and you can quite see why -
0:21:05 > 0:21:08it commanded a view of the area from up here.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10I've never seen anything like this, never.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Let's see if we can find them an equally appealing vista of their own.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22We're heading south-west to Perthshire's third largest town, Crieff.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Lying on the southern edge of the Scottish Highlands,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28it's been a busy commercial centre since the 13th century,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30when it was first awarded its market charter.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34From the 1600s to the 1700s, it was a renowned frontier town,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36as famed for its cattle market
0:21:36 > 0:21:39as for its public hangings of lawless Highlanders.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Lisa and Ian need not fear, though, the gallows are long gone.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45But Crieff is home to all the amenities they're used to
0:21:45 > 0:21:48south of the border, yet within a matter of minutes
0:21:48 > 0:21:51they could be exploring the best of Perthshire's countryside.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57So, right on the edge of town,
0:21:57 > 0:22:02we find a rather splendid Georgian house.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Gosh, it's big.- Wow.- It's lovely. - I didn't expect that.- You like it?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I like it.- This is what I pictured. - Is it?- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- This is around 200 years old. - And the double chimney, lovely.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Double chimneys suggest what?
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- More than one fire.- He's good, isn't he? He's very good!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- So this is a good start.- Very good.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Let's take a peek inside shall we?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Squeeze through the half door. It does open double.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Ian, squeeze through. - Can you get in?- There we go.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38Oh, isn't this nice?
0:22:40 > 0:22:43It's lovely and cosy. Gosh.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48It's like a grand staircase but in a nice country home.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52The owners of this house are two elderly ladies,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55so you can see lots of their knick-knacks everywhere.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58We have reception rooms galore in this house.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Let's start in this main room here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Oh, this is nice, isn't it? - Oh, wow, wow.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Wow, wow?- Double wow, wow. Look at the fireplace.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- That's solid fuel as well. - It's so snug.- Shutters.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Notice these, look.
0:23:14 > 0:23:20Every room, bar one, in the entire house has working shutters.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21- Really?- Yeah.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22There's a lot of things in here.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26If you take some of them out, we don't have this much stuff,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28it's a big room.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Great reactions, and there are a couple more reception rooms to go yet.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34First up, a small but perfectly-formed dining room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39The third reception room.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42It's like Pandora's box, isn't it? Just full.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I know what you mean.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46It's beautiful.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I just can't think of words to describe it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52I'm very happy with what I've seen so far.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57Two reception rooms in, what's the feel of the place?
0:23:57 > 0:24:00I keep saying wow, but I can't think of anything else to say. It's amazing.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Fantastic.- Beautiful.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Wow is just fine by me.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Fingers crossed the kitchen will get equally effusive responses.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10It could do with a contemporary refit,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12but hopefully the size will be spot on.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Just a little step down.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- This is pleasantly big.- Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21Isn't it? It works.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25I'd visions of this actually being a lot smaller.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31Lisa's really after a little island and I can see, actually, a little island working here.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33There's a lot of space, loads of potential.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34I think this is going well
0:24:34 > 0:24:39and I'm sure upstairs won't disappoint either.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Now then, come on in.- This is nice.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- The surprises just get better, don't they?- Yep.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- It's lovely.- Lovely?- Gorgeous.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Now, look, here we have on this floor three bedrooms.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54What do you think about that, Ian?
0:24:54 > 0:25:01Nice number. I was looking for four, but three is, I mean...three's OK.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Especially with the house. It's just fantastic.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Worry not, my friend. Upstairs, there's some attic space.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11It already has a staircase going up there, it's got a sky light,
0:25:11 > 0:25:12it just needs a bit of TLC up there.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16There's two rooms and half a room in the middle.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19So there's plenty of room up there for maybe, in time,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21a shower room and two bedrooms.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22That sounds good.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27That could be the perfect hideaway for a visiting Nana - her very own private quarters
0:25:27 > 0:25:30and there are still two further bedrooms on this floor -
0:25:30 > 0:25:32a spacious room for Cameron
0:25:32 > 0:25:35and another double for them.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40Oh, it's really fairytaley, how they've done it out and the colour scheme.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It's a girl's room.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46And space for wardrobes without losing your space as well.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Well, I thought it could be a master bedroom.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53You've got space for wardrobe and storage right round there.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58- There's a door that creeps right round there.- Oh, right. - That's a walk-in wardrobe.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Initially, I was wondering, walk-in wardrobe, could it be en suite?
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Then I thought, "No, let's look at the whole house."
0:26:04 > 0:26:07And then, walk that way,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and you've got not one, but two family bathrooms.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Really?- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- It gets better. - I'm working all this out.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17It's like a jigsaw missing a piece here.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Tell you what, let's get some fresh air. Out to the garden.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26It's clear this house has charmed the socks off these two.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Let's see if the garden has the same effect.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32There's three quarters of an acre in all and a brick-built garage
0:26:32 > 0:26:36which could be converted into a gym for Lisa.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Well, take a look around and pick a garden.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- There's a few, isn't there? - Yeah, just one or two or three.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51I wanted a garden and it's exceeded any expectations that I could ever have thought of.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- Really?- To be honest with you, it's got everything.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56But what's missing?
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- The view.- The view. I'm glad you said that.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I'm a lover of trees,
0:27:00 > 0:27:05but I do think we could just dispense with two or three.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Keep all these beautiful deciduous trees, changing colour throughout the seasons
0:27:09 > 0:27:12and maybe just take these conifers down.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Because, beyond, you've got beautiful river
0:27:15 > 0:27:20with a background of beautiful rolling hills.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- Gosh.- Yeah.- Worth it? - Oh, yeah. Definitely.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Let's talk price, then.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Ian, I'm going to start with you.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:27:31 > 0:27:38I think this one is on the market for 365,000.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39I would say 360.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Well, it's on the market...
0:27:42 > 0:27:46for offers around £395,000.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51So a bit more than you were expecting. Are you disappointed?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Yes, because I think it's a lovely home.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It's beautiful and it's everything we could wish for,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00but that would be pulling at our purse strings.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02How long has it been on the market for?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- It's been on the market for around a year.- Right.- Right.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08At the same price. The owners know what they want.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13They're not expecting 395, maybe somewhere approaching that.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- Food for thought isn't it? - Definitely, yeah.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Now, look, there's loads of this property you haven't seen.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Have a look round the gardens, check out that amazing view.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Maybe have a snoop round the attic. OK?- OK then.- See you in a bit.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31So although over budget at offers over £395,000,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34this Georgian cottage has been on the market for over a year
0:28:34 > 0:28:36and there could be room for negotiation.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41There's a lot of property to the pound, with three reception rooms and three bedrooms.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45With some DIY, the attic could have at least one big bedroom and an en suite
0:28:45 > 0:28:49and the icing on the cake is the three quarters of an acre garden.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50Take down a few trees
0:28:50 > 0:28:53and Lisa could have her all-important rural views too.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I think we may have hit the mark here.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00I absolutely love this house.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03It ticks every box.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Words... I found it hard to use words,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10walking through the whole house, the gardens, everything is perfect.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11It's a great space.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Yeah, definitely.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Loads of room for cooking comfortably and still entertaining.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19We spend most of our time in the kitchen
0:29:19 > 0:29:21and it's light which is ideal.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24There is some work that we've both said does need doing,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27but it's not immediate. You can live with it as it is.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28There's no great rush
0:29:28 > 0:29:32and I think over time, you could do it bit by bit.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I could see myself and my family in this house.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36How did it go?
0:29:36 > 0:29:38We don't want to leave.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41No, I didn't think you would. Shall I drag you out of here?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- I think I'll need to. Come on.- OK.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Now, when it comes to national icons,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Scotland has more than its fair share.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Kilts, haggis and bagpipes are all up there,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59but without a doubt, its most popular product has to be whisky.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03So I've come in search of a true taste of Scotland at the country's smallest distillery
0:30:03 > 0:30:06where the national tipple is being made today
0:30:06 > 0:30:10exactly as it would have been 185 years ago.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Managing director Andrew Symington has kindly offered to show me around.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- Hi, Andrew.- Hello.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Just checking through the ingredients, are you?- Yes.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22How do you make whisky? What are the main ingredients?
0:30:22 > 0:30:24For a single malt whisky, very simple.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Water, malted barley and yeast.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29OK, that sounds simple enough. How is it made?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32The malted barley is put into a mill here,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35it's ground down into what we call grist,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37almost like porridge oats.
0:30:37 > 0:30:43There it's added to hot water, 69 degrees centigrade, mixed together.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45The actual process is called mashing.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47It's taking place as we speak, I can show you.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Brilliant. Can we have a look?
0:30:49 > 0:30:54'Scotland produces a staggering one billion bottles of whisky a year,'
0:30:54 > 0:30:57that's around 32 bottles every second.
0:30:57 > 0:31:0090% of that is exported to 200 different foreign markets,
0:31:00 > 0:31:05earning a whopping £3 billion for the economy annually.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11This looks like one huge bowl of porridge.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12In a nutshell, yes, it is.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It's our mashed tun here, containing our mash,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18our grist, mixed with water at 69 degrees.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- It's now converting from starch into sugar.- OK.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23In fact, we can taste it here.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29A little bit like a sweet breakfast cereal.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31OK, so we've got this very sweet liquid.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Called wort.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Called wart? OK, what happens to the wort?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38This wort is pumped up to our wort cooler, which is upstairs there,
0:31:38 > 0:31:42where it's going over fins of water from our burn there.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45It's cooling it down to 18 degrees Celsius.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Then what happens?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49It's pumped into one of the two Oregon pine washbacks.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Where it becomes wash and we add yeast.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53And after that?
0:31:53 > 0:31:56It sits for 48 hours fermentation
0:31:56 > 0:31:58and after the 48 hours, it goes into the wash still
0:31:58 > 0:32:02which is the first still, it's boiled up, bubbles up,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04boils, condenses.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06At this point, it's 22% alcohol.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10It goes into the spirit still there, boiled again,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14boils right up, down there, condenses into the spirit safe.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17We can see it running through the actual safe here.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19At this point, it's 70% alcohol.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Wow. This 70% spirit,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23is this whisky? It looks quite clear.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Not technically, no.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27To become whisky, it must go into an oak cask
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- for a minimum of three years.- Right.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31We keep ours for a minimum of 10 years.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32- 10 years?- Yes, a long time.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Do you have any? - We have some in our top warehouse.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- Any chance of a quick taste? - I think we can arrange something.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42'There are around 5,000 varieties of Scotch whisky
0:32:42 > 0:32:44'and as well as the water used,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48the malt or grain and, of course, the skill of the people who make it,
0:32:48 > 0:32:52'a lot of the whisky's flavour comes from the oak barrel it's matured in. Why?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54'Because they're second-hand,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'having been used for sherry, wine or bourbon before.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01'That's how each whisky gets a distinct flavour.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04'I'm no connoisseur, but I'll have fun trying to become one.'
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- Cheers.- Last hand-made whisky in Scotland.- Slange.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Slange.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15With the day drawing to a close in Perthshire,
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Lisa and Ian have a chance to talk over the day's viewings.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22What did you think of the Victorian house with a view?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- First impressions, loved it. Liked the look of it. - I just didn't get the feel.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31As much as it was a lovely house, I didn't get the feel.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34The view was amazing, absolutely outstanding.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39My priority was a view, but I found what was more important to me was a garden.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44I agree. The garden has to be a safe play area for Cameron, especially at the front of the house.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48What did you think of the Georgian house with the Gone With The Wind staircase?
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Absolutely beautiful.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53I just instantly found that it was what we were looking for.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Even now, thinking about it, I've got a big grin on my face.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01I can't stop smiling. It just ticked every box. The land is perfect.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Security-wise for Cameron, it's perfect.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07I can't see anything beating it. Hopefully I'll get even more excited tomorrow.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Both Lisa and Ian have dreamt of moving to the country since they were kids
0:34:19 > 0:34:23and now they have a little boy, they've decided to head to Perthshire.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25We've already charmed them with one property,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28but can we find them the real McCoy?
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Oh, gosh!
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Gosh.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Oh, my word.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Or will the mystery house be something of an epiphany?
0:34:38 > 0:34:42It's food for thought. In fact, it's that much food I'm getting fat thinking about it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48I think we had a bit of a result yesterday and it could be a tough act to follow,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51but today's a new day, albeit a tad gloomy.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Let's see what it brings.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00We're kicking off proceedings on day two by heading back to Blairgowrie and Rattray.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04As well as the plentiful historic highlights already explored by Lisa and Ian,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07here's no shortage of amenities either.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10It has a reputation for good food and good shopping,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12and with the 60-mile Cateran Trail starting here,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16good Scotch countryside is right on the doorstep too.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20Our property is situated on the east bank of the River Ericht in Rattray,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23set well back from the road in a popular residential area.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28As usual, I want first impressions.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31What are you thinking right now, as soon as you come up those steps?
0:35:31 > 0:35:32Wow. beautiful.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- Yes. Beautiful condition.- Good. - Bay windows, lovely.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40OK. Prepare yourself. Follow me.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42'Well, if they think this 19th century lodge
0:35:42 > 0:35:47'has an impressive exterior, I can't wait till they get inside.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49'I'm expecting triple wows.'
0:35:51 > 0:35:52In you come.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Oh, gosh. My word.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- This is the size of our house, the hallway.- Big, isn't it?
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- This is a room, surely? - I don't get the feeling it's a home.
0:36:02 > 0:36:08You know when you expect... As if it's a hotel, you know, you come into a grand entrance.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I can't believe it's an actual home.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12'It is a home, and a big one at that,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14'so we'd better get a move on,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17'starting with the first of three reception rooms.'
0:36:20 > 0:36:25- Oh, lovely!- Yeah.- Isn't it?- Nice. - Nicely done out.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- It all fits so well, doesn't it? - It's lovely.- It is beautiful.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32You just can't fault it at all. There would be nothing that you would be hesitant on at all.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36It's beautiful. The windows are the main feature, really.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- They're beautiful.- Yeah.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Looking around, Ian, I can only apologise,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45because there's no DIY to be done here. Is that all right?
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- That's cool.- Yeah? - It's just not going to work.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52'Of course, no DIY means more time for R&R
0:36:52 > 0:36:54'and there's plenty of space to do it.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59'Another reception room across the hall, and just next door is a separate dining room.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01'When Lisa sees the size of the kitchen,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04'I don't think her mind will be on formal dining.'
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- Oh, wow.- Oh!
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- This is my kitchen. - Come right in.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13This would be my dream kitchen.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- Gosh, this is lovely. - It's definitely a family home.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Yes. That much it is.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22You've got a utility just next door,
0:37:22 > 0:37:26which I think really helps get all the white goods out of here.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Throughout this house, the entire house,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31there's nothing that is a half measure.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Everything has been done to perfection, as well as it could have been done.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37You can see that. It's evident.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41'This house obviously has all the right ingredients so far, and more importantly,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44'it feels like a home for them.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47'You know what? I can't see upstairs being a let-down either.'
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Oh, gosh!
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Gosh.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Oh, my word.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58It's not what you expect from an upstairs room, is it?
0:37:58 > 0:38:00We could rent this out.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- I'm absolutely gobsmacked. - I thought this was a room.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Well, it is now. I mean it's what you make it, isn't it?
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Yeah. It works.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10It's flawless.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Put a stair gate up here and Cameron has the perfect playroom,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17leaving the downstairs living room strictly for adults.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20And the space just goes on, with four bedrooms in all,
0:38:20 > 0:38:24including two singles, a family bathroom and a double guestroom.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- Master bedroom.- Oh, beautiful.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- Yeah, it's lovely. - Nice and bright.- Yeah.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38OK, let's play "What's behind the door?" What's behind these doors?
0:38:38 > 0:38:39Right.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- En suite.- Yeah, en suite there. - Obviously, dressing room.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46And a walk-in wardrobe, yeah.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48It works. Very well.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51By the sounds of it, it works for you guys.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- Am I right?- Yeah. - Not giving anything away.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Your face is doing that for you. Don't worry about that.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02We've seen a lot of the house. You can have a look at the other three bedrooms later.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Fancy an annexe? Cos it's got one.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11Oh, yes! Back along the hallway is a two-storey self-contained annexe,
0:39:11 > 0:39:15with a kitchen, a bedroom, a shower room and a living room.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18There's space enough for visiting relatives
0:39:18 > 0:39:20and it could even be a potential money-spinner.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22So, the annexe...
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Oh, gosh!
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Cameron has now about three playrooms.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- That means more toys. - I'm thinking Nana straight away.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Do you remember you jokingly said,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38when you first got upstairs, "We could let this place out?"
0:39:38 > 0:39:41You could let this place out because the previous owners have.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46- It generated £6,000 to £7,000 last year in rental income.- How much?
0:39:46 > 0:39:52- £6,000 to £7,000. - Wow, that is fab!- Yeah.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57Again, I'm speechless and I'm trying to explain that... You can't.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- You can't explain this. This is fantastic. - It gets bigger and bigger.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It looks a big house, but when you're inside and see the rooms.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08I'm expecting the Doctor Who music any second!
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Well, if the inside is TARDIS-like, guess what? So is the garden.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16It has plenty of different areas, including a huge deck terrace
0:40:16 > 0:40:18and there's an awful lot of lawn.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21So outside, shall I explain what we've got here?
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Cos we've got lots, we really have.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26We've got just over three quarters of an acre.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Behind you, you've got a veggie patch, even a polytunnel there.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37Beyond those trees, an outbuilding with separate vehicular access.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40That building's had planning consent on it previously to convert.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44That since has lapsed, but you've got a precedent there.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46You've got a beautiful garden here
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and pretty much a ready-made studio for you in the front garden.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54You can have your fitness base here, even fitness weekends or holidays.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56They could stay in the annexe.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Opportunities are endless, aren't they?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Ian would like 80 women staying over.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Can I come and stay?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07How much is this on the market for, Lisa?
0:41:07 > 0:41:13I would guess 385,000.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- I would guess at 405. - Not bad guesses.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19They clearly reflect the fact you're impressed by this.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24It's on the market for offers over £385,000.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28So neither of you are that far away. It's only just come on the market.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32It's what you would expect, it's worth every penny.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- Definitely.- Really?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36It's a fantastic house.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40You've seen probably half of the property, really, haven't you?
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Go and have a good look around - the bedrooms, the annexe.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- See what you think, all right?- OK. - I'll catch you in a bit.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51So, at offers over £385,000,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53this is at least £10,000 over budget,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57but with earning potential of 7,000 per annum on the annexe,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00it's an expenditure they could recoup in a few years.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02The house itself has three reception rooms,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Lisa's dream kitchen/diner,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07four bedrooms and the three quarters of an acre garden
0:42:07 > 0:42:11already includes a cabin, ideal for Lisa's fitness studio.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Unless I've read these two completely wrong,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I think we may well have just found their dream home.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- I'm thinking holiday lets.- Mmm-hmm.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22And for friends and family to stay.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Perfect. Great idea.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26I could see us moving into this house
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and living here as a family for a long time.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30It has the business side of it,
0:42:30 > 0:42:35so we don't have to then go out and look for another place to set up our business.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37It's all in one. It's brilliant.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41The kid's room, makes me think it's ideal for Cameron. What do you think?
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Definitely ideal. But there again the whole house is ideal.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49My overall impression of the house - amazing.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51It's what we're after.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52I don't know what Lisa will think,
0:42:52 > 0:42:57but I definitely can say this house would definitely suit our family.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00It wouldn't be a house, it would be a home. That's for sure.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Now, another part of Scotland's heritage are the Highland Games.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12As Lisa is a fitness instructor,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15we thought we'd give her a real challenge
0:43:15 > 0:43:17and send her and Ian to Blair Castle
0:43:17 > 0:43:20to get to grips with some true Scottish culture.
0:43:20 > 0:43:26They're meeting current Highland Games champ Gregor Edmunds.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30We're going to give you a little caber-tossing lesson today.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32So let's get to it.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35Although there are various athletic events,
0:43:35 > 0:43:39it's the caber toss that really symbolises the Games today.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42But you'd be wrong if you think it's all about how far you can lob the thing,
0:43:42 > 0:43:47it's actually scored on turning the caber 180 degrees end over end
0:43:47 > 0:43:53so it lands in a 12 o'clock position relative to the direction of the run.
0:43:53 > 0:43:5412 o'clock.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56So, who's first?
0:43:56 > 0:43:58Lisa.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01I'm not sure whether this is a battle of the sexes
0:44:01 > 0:44:04or a battle of the nations, England versus Scotland.
0:44:04 > 0:44:09I should say, the origins of the game aren't thought to be aggressive.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13In the 11th century, Malcolm III of Scotland summoned contestants to a foot race
0:44:13 > 0:44:17to find the fastest runner in the land to be his royal messenger.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19However, according to records,
0:44:19 > 0:44:22at least one event was linked to repelling unwanted invaders -
0:44:22 > 0:44:24the stone putt.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30In the archive it says that Robert the Bruce stopped an English Army at Glenntrool
0:44:30 > 0:44:33by simply pelting them with these.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- Let's give it a try.- Let's give them a pelt then and see how they go.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44I think I can safely say Gregor doesn't need to worry about his title just yet.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46Oh, just snapped my finger back.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50Let's just hope we hit the mark with the mystery house.
0:44:54 > 0:44:59I'm glad Ian says he's prepared to do some work to a property and get his hands dirty
0:44:59 > 0:45:04because the mystery house is going to call upon all his DIY skills and then some.
0:45:06 > 0:45:14So far, we've shown you houses that maybe didn't really push your imagination that far.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18How far do you think we can push you for this mystery house?
0:45:18 > 0:45:22Leaving no punches, I think you guys could push us here.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25I'm really glad to hear that.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28The mystery house will be a challenge-and-a-half.
0:45:28 > 0:45:34It's situated in the little town of Aberfeldy, a few miles south of beautiful Loch Tay.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39Back in 2002, Aberfeldy became Scotland's first official Fairtrade town.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42Its retailers and businesses are committed
0:45:42 > 0:45:45not only to selling Fairtrade produce from abroad,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48but also supporting local farmers and artisans.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51There's a country market the second Saturday of each month.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55The mystery property is just a short walk from all the action
0:45:55 > 0:45:57and this one is going to come as a total surprise.
0:45:59 > 0:46:03Keep them shut, keep them shut, keep them shut! On three, ready?
0:46:03 > 0:46:06One, two, three! Open your eyes.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- What?- That!- The church?
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- The church. - Now I'm thinking sledge hammer.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Now I'm thinking big sledge hammer.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24You know, I hear all this about "Where we move to in Perthshire,
0:46:24 > 0:46:26"I want every day to be like Sunday."
0:46:26 > 0:46:28Literally.
0:46:28 > 0:46:33It would be like Sunday. This is the mystery house, or should I say, the mystery church.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36It's definitely big.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37It is massive.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41Go with me, come on.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43'There's no doubt this Victorian church,
0:46:43 > 0:46:46'which has the equivalent of a Grade II listing,
0:46:46 > 0:46:49'is going to be a mammoth undertaking for them.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52'But if we can convert them to our way of thinking,
0:46:52 > 0:46:56'they could end up with a unique - not to mention gargantuan - family home,
0:46:56 > 0:46:58'or perhaps a business investment.'
0:47:01 > 0:47:03Ta-da!
0:47:03 > 0:47:06This room is...the...
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Reception hall.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13- Big hallway.- Gosh!
0:47:13 > 0:47:15I'm so shell-shocked.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18The mystery house is designed to sometimes
0:47:18 > 0:47:22push the boundaries a little bit.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- THEY LAUGH - There's definitely features, that's for sure.
0:47:26 > 0:47:27High ceilings.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29Yeah, now at present,
0:47:29 > 0:47:32this church has planning consent
0:47:32 > 0:47:36to be converted into four luxury apartments,
0:47:36 > 0:47:38which illustrates just how big it is.
0:47:38 > 0:47:43This could easily - more easily - be converted, into one huge family dwelling.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45I might have to get somebody to help me.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Just someone just to hold the tin of paint!
0:47:48 > 0:47:49Shall we walk down the aisle?
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- Do you mind?- You can follow.
0:47:53 > 0:47:59Let's see if we have any hope of marrying up these two with our church conversion.
0:48:00 > 0:48:01I do.
0:48:03 > 0:48:08This room, I think, demonstrates just how big the whole building is,
0:48:08 > 0:48:10but the fact there are already rooms in place.
0:48:10 > 0:48:17This would work with a kitchen, working kitchen, island, dining room table, utility.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21You do have plumbing in here. You've got a loo through there.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25You've got soil stacks, some essential plumbing to the property.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29But what you also have is complete flexibility.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34- I think it's got lots of scope. - One of my ideas is a home dwelling, a massive home dwelling.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38But the other one, obviously, is to maybe renovate ourselves
0:48:38 > 0:48:41into four luxury flats or apartments and sell on.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46'Ah, I can see Ian has his canny business head on. And why not?
0:48:46 > 0:48:49'This property is ripe for development.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52'The question is, could they make it work as their home?
0:48:52 > 0:48:55'I think they might need some help visualising.'
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Now, we're up here in the gallery,
0:49:00 > 0:49:03you can see just how tall this building is.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07If you look right over there, look at that large window in the gable.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10- There's three storeys of height here.- Easy.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14You only want two storeys in here, then you keep these amazing windows,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17but look at all that space in the roof.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21There's planning consent to have skylights in that roof.
0:49:21 > 0:49:26- So you've still got all the lights and these beautiful windows either end.- Yeah.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28- That would look fantastic. - It would.
0:49:28 > 0:49:34This is a very rare, probably a unique opportunity.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38You can see it as a single dwelling, but it's a big single dwelling.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41I've seen a number of these places converted.
0:49:41 > 0:49:46I've seen them converted pretty poorly and very well.
0:49:46 > 0:49:51My one piece of advice would be to get not just an architect,
0:49:51 > 0:49:56but a specialist architect with a track record for converting well these properties.
0:49:56 > 0:50:01We'd have to do that, cos I'm not seeing the three floors.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05I'm seeing it as a church and I can't really get my brain to go past that.
0:50:05 > 0:50:10It's a lot to take in. It throws you back to the mystery property thing.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13It's going to push all of our imaginations.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15But you can see why we wanted to show you this.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18- This is a mythical mystery project. - Yeah.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22'Just like the interior, the garden will take some creative thinking too.'
0:50:25 > 0:50:29- Not a bad-sized garden, is it? - Yeah.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32- Yeah, it's a lawn, a flat lawn. Flattish!- Yeah.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- But look around. What do you see? - Views.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39- Views that way. What do you see? - That.
0:50:39 > 0:50:44That is perhaps a negative that could be turned into a positive.
0:50:44 > 0:50:50At the moment it's a building site. When it's completed it's going to be an all-singing, all-dancing school.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52Ah, OK.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54So set in half an acre,
0:50:54 > 0:50:58how much do you think it's on the market for as it stands?
0:50:58 > 0:51:04I'm going to get laughed at here. I would say, because it's got the planning consent,
0:51:04 > 0:51:07and to keep within our budget,
0:51:07 > 0:51:09£200 and...
0:51:09 > 0:51:11- Look at me!- ..£250,000.
0:51:11 > 0:51:18- £250,000.- Yeah.- OK. Lisa? - I think about £350,000.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21- You two are way out.- Yeah?
0:51:21 > 0:51:24- £190,000.- No way.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28That's really promising. For me, that's really promising.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Yeah. It's food for thought.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34It's that much food I'm getting fat thinking about it!
0:51:34 > 0:51:37Look, go and walk it off then! Have a walk round the perimeter.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Go back inside if you like, before it gets dark,
0:51:40 > 0:51:44- and have a good think about this. - OK.- All right?- Yeah. - Catch you in a bit.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49It's an awful lot to take in. At offers over £190,000,
0:51:49 > 0:51:52this Victorian church will be a massive project,
0:51:52 > 0:51:55which will no doubt swallow up the rest of their budget.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58At the moment, plans are in place for four separate apartments,
0:51:58 > 0:52:03but the planning department suggests consent for a single dwelling is likely to be supported.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06So Lisa and Ian just need to decide what they'd want to do with it.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Opportunities like this don't come along that often,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12but is this going to be a project too far?
0:52:15 > 0:52:19I think I'm thinking with my heart and not my head at the moment.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22But the option's definitely there.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27Possibly more towards the four different luxury flats.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31It's a fantastic project. One that we've never tackled before.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33We have to put some serious thought into it.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40Whoa, here they are. Happy times?
0:52:40 > 0:52:43Erm...!
0:52:43 > 0:52:45I know there's loads to think about.
0:52:45 > 0:52:50Let's find somewhere for you to get your heads together. Yeah?
0:52:56 > 0:52:58Relocating is a huge step.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01However, I think both the county and our properties
0:53:01 > 0:53:03have won today's house-hunters over.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Now they have a lot to discuss before making any decisions.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12We've shown Ian and Lisa a great selection of properties
0:53:12 > 0:53:16of what I think is the best that Perthshire has to offer for their budget.
0:53:16 > 0:53:21Now, I've got a pretty good idea which one their favourite house is,
0:53:21 > 0:53:25but you can never be too sure, can you? Let's go and find out.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Well, I personally have had a great time here in Perthshire.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35- How's it been for you guys? - Fantastic. Like a dream.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Yeah, it's been an absolute ball.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40I'm glad. The first house was that Victorian property
0:53:40 > 0:53:42with those stunning views. What about it now?
0:53:42 > 0:53:45The lawn was the big let down for me, the garden,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48- that was the let down. - I would agree with that.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52Beautiful house, but not what we would have in mind as a family house.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56We took you to the house with the Gone With The Wind staircase, the Georgian house.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00- What do you think of that now? - Certainly fairytaley, it was lovely.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03You got caught up in the whole atmosphere of the house, which I loved.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07It had so much character and good feelings in there.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10I think a word I used a lot was 'wow'. I'll even use 'wow' now.
0:54:10 > 0:54:14There's three bedrooms, I know there was the attic.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18It would be a while before we could convert the attic into a bedroom.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21The majority of boxes were ticked, but not all of them.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25OK. Well, a new day brought new houses.
0:54:25 > 0:54:30The house we went to first was the completely finished article with an annexe.
0:54:30 > 0:54:35- What do we think of that? - It was everything. It was ideal, from the word go.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38As we went through the rest of the house, it got even better
0:54:38 > 0:54:40and boxes that were ticked were re-ticked.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44Just the attention to detail, you couldn't fault anything.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46They've thought of everything in that house.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49It seemed to be the house that you were after,
0:54:49 > 0:54:53but the mystery house, normally... It's a curve ball, isn't it?
0:54:53 > 0:54:57We went to the mystery house, or shall we call it the mystery church?!
0:54:57 > 0:54:59It was, erm... I don't know, shocked and stunned,
0:54:59 > 0:55:05to say the least at that. That was...scary.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- Yeah.- I couldn't work out what to do with it,
0:55:08 > 0:55:10before we even knew what you could do with it.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14I was trying to think, "What can you do with something of this size?"
0:55:14 > 0:55:16- Are you up to that job?- Eh...
0:55:16 > 0:55:18I don't think so!
0:55:18 > 0:55:20I think it's too much for one man.
0:55:20 > 0:55:26OK. So after all we've seen and done, what's the next step for you guys?
0:55:26 > 0:55:30I think next step is finalising the sale of our house
0:55:30 > 0:55:32as quick as possible, fingers crossed.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36Then it's a case of getting back in touch with the vendor
0:55:36 > 0:55:38of the house with the annexe.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41What about a second place - the house with the staircase?
0:55:41 > 0:55:46That was the next well-ticked boxes, the house with the staircase.
0:55:46 > 0:55:51That would definitely, if - fingers crossed it doesn't happen -
0:55:51 > 0:55:53the house with the annexe falls through,
0:55:53 > 0:55:55that would definitely be of interest.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58We've clearly got a first-choice house,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01but we also have a very close reserve, don't we?
0:56:01 > 0:56:04- That can't be bad, can it? - Pretty good.- It's pretty good going.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06Well, I wish you both the very best of luck
0:56:06 > 0:56:10and whatever happens, do please let us know. Best of luck and cheers.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12- Cheers.- Cheers.- Slange.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20It's been an absolute pleasure showing Ian and Lisa around Perthshire
0:56:20 > 0:56:25and fingers crossed, the completion of their current home goes through as planned,
0:56:25 > 0:56:27so they can come back here and have the choice
0:56:27 > 0:56:30of at least one of the two properties they fell in love with.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33You never know, they may even be spoilt for choice.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35See you next time.
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Back in England, Lisa and Ian are waiting to exchange.
0:56:39 > 0:56:44Fingers croseed, the house will still be on the market once they have the funds in the bank,
0:56:44 > 0:56:47as they're very keen to make an offer.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49If you want to escape to the country
0:56:49 > 0:56:52in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:56:52 > 0:56:56please apply online at -
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