0:00:02 > 0:00:06Built during the mid-15th century, this magnificent castle behind me
0:00:06 > 0:00:09was once the stronghold of the powerful Campbell clan.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13With its strategic position on Loch Awe, it was a symbol
0:00:13 > 0:00:14of the clan's growing supremacy
0:00:14 > 0:00:19and a base from which to wage a blood-soaked quest for more land.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Where am I? Find out, as we escape to the country.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40'On today's show, I'll be helping a couple realise their grand vision
0:00:40 > 0:00:44'of finding a Scottish retreat. They're quite daunted at first.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:46It's so massive!
0:00:46 > 0:00:47I don't know if I can take it in!
0:00:47 > 0:00:50But living like lord and lady seems to grow on them.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53It's gone from an "interesting" to a "woo-hoo!"
0:00:53 > 0:00:58And then there's our mystery house, which will certainly require some blue-sky thinking.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05I'm in Scotland, in the region of Argyll and Bute, and behind me,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08the remains of Kilchurn Castle. Thirsty for power,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11the Campbells formed a strong allegiance with Scottish kings
0:01:11 > 0:01:17and began a 400-year-long feud with their neighbours, the MacDonald and the MacGregor clans.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Well, with royalty on their side, they stripped away enemy land
0:01:20 > 0:01:23and, through bloodshed, expanded their own empire.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28So these ruins behind me not only act as a reminder of the area's rich history, they're also
0:01:28 > 0:01:34a perfect place from which to start our own house hunt, with hopefully a little less bloodshed.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Characterised by its sea lochs, mountains and scattering of islands,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Argyll serves up a remote, yet dramatic landscape
0:01:43 > 0:01:47on which centuries of civil unrest have been played out,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50including wars of independence in the 14th century.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54It was this victory that secured the fortunes of the Campbell family,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57who were ennobled as the Dukes of Argyll,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00and to this day are major landowners in the region.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04As the third least populated county in Scotland, well over
0:02:04 > 0:02:07three-quarters of its residents live within easy reach of its coastal
0:02:07 > 0:02:12villages and towns, such as the pretty Georgian town of Inveraray
0:02:12 > 0:02:14on the shores of Loch Fyne,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and, as we'll see, these glorious loch-side locations
0:02:17 > 0:02:19will be a recurring theme in today's house search.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Anyone interested in becoming lord of the manor here in Scotland
0:02:27 > 0:02:30should be aware that there is a different buying procedure.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35For instance, all offers have to go through a solicitor, which moves the process along quicker.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40It also means that gazumping is virtually impossible, as contracts are binding.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Another thing to remember is that properties are advertised at the minimum asking price,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49which means you've got to offer more than that if you're going to acquire your dream home here.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52But just look at that, it's worth it, isn't it?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54It's a big budget,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58but for £895,000 this seven-bedroom Edwardian
0:02:58 > 0:03:02country house near Benderloch does give you a lot for your money.
0:03:02 > 0:03:09Its four stylishly decorated reception rooms have coastal views over your very own private beach.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16Or there's this 1850s Victorian Villa in Blairmore for £675,000,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20with impressive high ceilings and bay windows in its living areas,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23along with stunning views over the Clyde estuary.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27This charming three-bedroom cottage in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute
0:03:27 > 0:03:31could be yours for £320,000.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36There's a cosy sitting room, and outside the patio overlooks open countryside.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40There are some stunning properties out here in Argyll,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43and if it's space you're after, you're in the right place,
0:03:43 > 0:03:49but will the peace and tranquillity be enough to tempt this week's high-flying couple?
0:03:49 > 0:03:54Leah, a senior air stewardess, and Raymond, a former businessman,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57have lived in their four-bedroom property on the outskirts of Glasgow
0:03:57 > 0:04:00with Leah's daughter Molly for 12 years, but Raymond's recent hobby
0:04:00 > 0:04:05has turned into an all-consuming obsession, which is a driving factor
0:04:05 > 0:04:07in their move to the country.
0:04:07 > 0:04:13What triggered this was Leah buying me a set of oil paints back in 2002.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19That gave me the opportunity to pick up this hobby of painting,
0:04:19 > 0:04:20and I took it with a passion.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24I really want to try and push this dream of having an artist's retreat.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30You have the business expertise, and I have the front-of-house.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Customer care.- So hopefully that will work well together.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38But the dream team seem to disagree on the perfect location.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43I would like to be closer to a village,
0:04:43 > 0:04:48because of Molly, one, and, two, I'm a very sociable person, and I don't
0:04:48 > 0:04:52want to be too isolated, where, Raymond, I think you'd rather...
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I've always dreamed of something far more remote than what Leah would settle for.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Ideally, we would love somewhere with a mountain view,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03with maybe a loch or a glen.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07But they hold the same vision for their perfect property.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11We're very flexible, because we know what we're looking for
0:05:11 > 0:05:17isn't out there as we envisage it. We need a starting block that we can
0:05:17 > 0:05:21then create the dream that we have,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26and we know we have to build that.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29They're flexible about the business, which is good news,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32but what are they looking for in their dream home?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Three bedroom, minimum, detached, a couple of acres,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40nice tranquil location, not too rural.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Studio space and outbuildings with development potential.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48And there are two rooms that will need special attention.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Here we are in my studio, but it's not just big enough.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56It's not got the capacity that I need. The light's not very good.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Hopefully, we're going to find somewhere that has got
0:05:59 > 0:06:03a far bigger studio space that can accommodate maybe 12 artists.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05So this is our kitchen.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08As you can see, it's not the biggest of kitchens.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Myself and Raymond both love to cook,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and we just end up getting in each other's way.
0:06:13 > 0:06:19Storage isn't great in this kitchen, so ideally a big dining kitchen
0:06:19 > 0:06:23that we could all sit around and socialise would be great.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28With their current property valued at £370,000 and on the market,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30they're in a strong financial position,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33so what's the budget for their next move?
0:06:33 > 0:06:39Our budget for this property is £500,000 with a further 150,000
0:06:39 > 0:06:42towards developing the business.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Raymond and Leah have a huge wish-list for their family and business needs,
0:06:50 > 0:06:55but house prices in Argyll do work in our favour,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59so they'll get more for their money here than in neighbouring counties.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02And they seem happy to cast their net wide, so we'll draw a fairly big
0:07:02 > 0:07:05circle around the town of Inveraray,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08keeping lochside locations firmly in mind.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I'll be showing them some prize properties in the area but, as ever,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15I won't be revealing the price until they've had a guess first.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Last, but not least,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20there's the ultimate challenge in the form of the mystery house.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Hey, Leah.- Hi. - Raymond, good to see you.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Good to see you.- How are you?- Good.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- You've brought the fine weather with you.- We have, it's beautiful.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Long may it continue, that's what I say.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Are you ready to make this gargantuan leap, then, from Glasgow to Argyll?
0:07:37 > 0:07:38- Yes.- Ready and willing.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I make a joke of it, it's only about an hour and a half or something in the car, isn't it?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- It's actually not too bad at all. - But it's a different way of life.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Completely.- You're going to give up the high life.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49- Maybe.- Maybe.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- It depends on what you find us. - She's quite cagey, isn't she?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- She is.- She keeps her cards close to her chest, this one.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58It's a big ask for you, you see the world in your job.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02I know, but I think it's time for me to wind down a little bit,
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- and what better place than Argyll? - Let's talk about the budget,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09still 500 grand?
0:08:09 > 0:08:15£500,000, and we've got about 150, thereabouts, to develop the idea
0:08:15 > 0:08:19further if we don't find it within the £500,000 mark,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22so that's the kind of ballpark figure.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23Any rush or anything like that?
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- Well, yeah.- OK!
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Put it this way, we've been looking for three years.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- Right, so you're picky. - No...but we know what we want.- OK.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38We just haven't been able to find it. That's why we need your help.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Shall we get on with it, then? Come on, let's go.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47For their £500,000 budget, Raymond and air stewardess Leah
0:08:47 > 0:08:50are looking for a period property with business potential
0:08:50 > 0:08:54that will give them a large family kitchen-diner,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58an artists' studio for Raymond, three bedrooms for the family
0:08:58 > 0:09:01and separate accommodation for up to 12 guests,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05along with a couple of acres, all wrapped up in a stunning setting
0:09:05 > 0:09:09that will deliver their vision for the artists' retreat.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12We're kicking off your property search in Garelochhead,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15which gained a reputation back in the 1820s
0:09:15 > 0:09:20as a summer holiday retreat with its beautiful setting looking out over the Gareloch.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24And Leah should like the sense of community here, too.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Along with a few shops, there is a local primary school for Molly.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Just on the edge of the village, our first property was in fact
0:09:30 > 0:09:34a wealthy tea merchant's holiday home, built back in 1865,
0:09:34 > 0:09:40and over the past seven years it's been restored to its former glory.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- The stone is lovely, isn't it? - Oh, it's fantastic.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Not a bad view, either, eh? - It's very unique, this position.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48No, this is very interesting, indeed.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51And I've grown up by the sea, and it's always something
0:09:51 > 0:09:54I've wanted to move back to.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Do you know what I love about you? You're saying all the right things already.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Big enough for you? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- You can't wait to get in there. - Take me in.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I can do that, follow me.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08From the outside, this property certainly has loads of historic
0:10:08 > 0:10:12appeal, and the inside, well, it's just as impressive.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17Come on in, don't be shy.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20It is what you call a very big hallway.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Yes. The wood is...is really nice.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- It's lovely, isn't it? - Very deceptive.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Look at the staircase. - What do you make of it?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33This is fantastic. So far, it's positive, positive, positive.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36What I love about both of you, you're both backing off.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39"It's so massive! I don't know if I can take it in!"
0:10:39 > 0:10:42It'll be fine. It could be yours, you know!
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- It could be.- Well, if they're overwhelmed by the hallway,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49the other living spaces will definitely knock their socks off.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53It's fantastic. The views!
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Brilliant light, fantastic light in here with all the windows.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58There speaks an artist.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01At the moment it's a living room, but it could be a studio.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Look at the fireplace. There's so much to take in.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10Just off the living room is a lovely conservatory with terrific views of the loch,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13but there's much more in store.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Oh!
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Now, there's a shock!
0:11:19 > 0:11:24Welcome to your very own consecrated Masonic lodge, believe it or not.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- I'm speechless.- This is very William Wallace, 20th century, eh?- Yes, yeah.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Unbelievable.- You've got the original Victorian windows in the top, letting in so much light.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- This is actually perfect conditions to use as a studio.- Really?- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41This is better.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42You have literally become speechless.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- No, I have become speechless! - Do you not like it?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50No, I do like it, it's just...
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- It's just so out there.- You don't expect it when you walk in.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55It's not what I expected at all.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Erm...
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Honestly!
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Honestly, this is amazing.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05They're completely blown away by this room as a possible studio
0:12:05 > 0:12:07and yet more surprises.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12There's a bar next door, where their guests could enjoy a wee dram after a hard day's painting.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Back through the conservatory is a cosy inviting living room,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19which could be a great family hangout for them and Molly.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22However, for such a large-proportioned house,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24the kitchen may come as a bit of a shock.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Uh-oh. Oh, check out that face!
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Come on, spill the beans.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35Just, for me personally, too small...as a kitchen.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- I would agree.- I wanted family.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40I mean, it's a nice-sized kitchen.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44It's fine, but just for what I had in mind...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47I was thinking family-sized kitchen, all sitting around.
0:12:47 > 0:12:55Behind the kitchen is a huge downstairs annexe with spacious kitchen-diner and a utility room.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00There's also a comfortable lounge and a decent-sized bathroom, so there's lots of space for Leah
0:13:00 > 0:13:04to extend to create her vision for their family kitchen.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08So with the downstairs rooms covered, we'll head up the impressive staircase.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- I don't think I'd ever get tired of walking up and down these stairs. - No, you wouldn't, would you?
0:13:13 > 0:13:14So majestic!
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Again, everywhere you go, there's that light pouring in.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Yeah.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21You could even do some painting here.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- Well...- Or am I pushing it?- Yeah, I think you're pushing it.- OK.
0:13:25 > 0:13:32With seven bedrooms, they can take their three for the family and put the rest aside for the business.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35The five in the main house include a spacious double
0:13:35 > 0:13:38with a bright spruce bathroom next door.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Also leading off the landing is a small double room with its own
0:13:41 > 0:13:47roll-top en-suite bathroom and a large double with an impressive bay window.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49The fourth room is currently set up as a twin.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Let's turn our attention to where they would sleep.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- So currently this is the master bedroom.- OK.
0:13:57 > 0:14:03I don't know if you'd keep this as a master or, you know, use one of the others.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Yeah, it depends... but it's a good size.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Dual aspect as well, so plenty of light coming in.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14And next door the family bathroom certainly measures up.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16This is rather impressive.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Oh, yeah.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21This is big! This is really big.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26I love that old wood effect, the old-style wood panelling. Lovely.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28It's good enough for artists, isn't it?
0:14:28 > 0:14:30What are they used to, these artists?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33They're used to living in squalor for their art!
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- This is practically perfect for them.- Brilliant.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41The other two bedrooms are tucked away in the annexe part,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45so there are lots of options where they could put their paying guests.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48This enormous property certainly offers Leah and Raymond a fine
0:14:48 > 0:14:53family home and huge scope to develop their business.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Let's go down by the water's edge
0:14:56 > 0:15:00and survey the one acre grounds and scenery that could be theirs.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Oh, I'm getting so bored of that view, I really am.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Imagine waking up in the morning and looking at that!- You couldn't get bored of it, could you?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10It's beautiful, isn't it? Absolutely beautiful.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11All this could be yours.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14I think, on the whole, you have been impressed with it, haven't you?
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Yeah, very.- And what about the outside space in itself?
0:15:17 > 0:15:23Well, I think when you have the ocean as your garden, an extended garden,
0:15:23 > 0:15:28that the actual ground itself, it doesn't bother me, anyway, does it?
0:15:28 > 0:15:29Does it bother you?
0:15:29 > 0:15:34You're right on a sea loch here, you've got the ocean right on your doorstep,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and it's a lovely view, you've got a fantastic view.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41You can imagine the way the light changes there throughout the day.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- All right, then, let's talk money. - Who is going first?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- It's up to you.- You go first.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Do you want me to give the bad news?
0:15:48 > 0:15:53I think you're well over budget, excess of 550.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- A lot of money, isn't it? - It is, it is.
0:15:58 > 0:16:04Offers in the region of...525.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06£525,000. OK.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Oh, you want to know, do you?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Oh, sorry! I was taking in the surroundings then. It's lovely here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15All I can tell you is that it could
0:16:15 > 0:16:21most definitely be yours, offers over £460,000.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- 460?- Yeah.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- 460.- No way! That's a lot for 460.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33It is a lot, but there's a lot to be done.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- But you've got the money to do it. - But we would potentially have the money to do it!
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Don't make up your mind, go and have a look around, and I'll come and catch you.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45£40,000 under budget, this listed Victorian house
0:16:45 > 0:16:48is on the market at £460,000,
0:16:48 > 0:16:53leaving them a substantial pot of funds to develop the business.
0:16:53 > 0:17:00It gives them a whole host of reception areas for family living and for guests to relax in,
0:17:00 > 0:17:06its own Masonic hall, which could be transformed into a great artists' studio, seven bedrooms, including
0:17:06 > 0:17:08two in the self-contained annexe,
0:17:08 > 0:17:13and an acre of garden leading down to the shores of the Gareloch.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18So has the property and its fantastic location inspired their vision?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20This is the biggest of the bedrooms, I think.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Yep.- I mean, look at the view!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- It's perfect, isn't it? - That's fantastic.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28I think it's been a surprise.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33I think as we've came in and explored, it's opened up a different way of thinking for me.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39Without doubt, this is the place where you would use as a studio.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42That's great, that's a bigger-sized room,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45but look at the light in there, compared to there.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Yeah, perfect. I think the house is fantastic.
0:17:48 > 0:17:54There's a lot to be done, but it has the aspect that we've been looking for.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Hey, you whipped around there pretty quickly!
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- And you're still smiling, what a bonus.- Yes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- Come on, plenty more to see, follow me.- OK!
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Argyll's vast landscape may dwarf the towns and villages,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17but their heritage is deeply rooted in this area's fascinating history.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Perched on the edge of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is renowned as
0:18:20 > 0:18:22the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25The old town was originally where the castle stands,
0:18:25 > 0:18:31but in the 18th century the Duke had radical plans for the town's redevelopment.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36Earlier in the week, Leah and Raymond met local resident Colin Stephenson to find out more.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41The man who started rebuilding the town and moving it over here, the second Duke of Argyll,
0:18:41 > 0:18:47was a member of the Campbell family, who have lived in this area for not only centuries,
0:18:47 > 0:18:52but a couple of thousand years, basically, going right back into their Celtic background.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55They were the guardians of the western approaches at the bottom of Loch Awe
0:18:55 > 0:18:58against Viking pirates and other people,
0:18:58 > 0:19:03and for their services to the crown, they were promoted to being Earls of Argyll in the early 1400s.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06The old town was moved because the dukes wanted a bit more space.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12They wanted to build policies, gardens, round their castle, and the old town was in the way.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16It wasn't exactly falling apart, but it was very cramped for accommodation.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20The circuit judges came here, and there was virtually no room for them.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23So all in all, it was one of these periods in history were things were
0:19:23 > 0:19:27due for a change and a tidy up, and that's what was done.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31Repositioning the town meant the second duke could set about rebuilding his castle,
0:19:31 > 0:19:37which incorporates a range of styles from its French-inspired turrets to its gothic windows.
0:19:37 > 0:19:43First by sketched by Vanbrugh in 1720, it was finally completed in 1789 by Robert Adam,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47three generations later, ready for the fifth duke to move into.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50It remains the family home today and, unsurprisingly,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54has seen some illustrious figures cross its threshold.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Going back to the early days, you had Benjamin Franklin, the famous American politician.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02He and his son stayed here before American independence.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06And Queen Victoria was probably one of the more famous for two reasons.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09She was here as a visitor, first of all,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12but she latterly became not only the monarch, she became
0:20:12 > 0:20:18the mother-in-law, as her daughter Louise married the ninth Duke of Argyll.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22When the Campbells moved the family seat to Inveraray in the mid-1400s,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26they clearly had their sights set on the perfect location.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30They have a fairly important part to play in the development of the town.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32First of all, the original reason for the Campbells
0:20:32 > 0:20:35moving from Loch Awe to Inveraray was strategy in the old days.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38There was literally no road transport, and the loch there
0:20:38 > 0:20:45was your road to the outside world, to Europe, to middle Scotland, to England and across to Ireland.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47It's directly positioned for that.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50And over the years, it also became important for trade.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54The prevailing winds brought boats from France in a direct line,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58bringing liquid refreshment and other things from France. Seriously!
0:20:58 > 0:21:00All the way up here.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05We then had the growth of the herring industry, which lasted up until about the First World War.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10I can see why the Campbells moved to enjoy the spoils of this remarkable setting.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14And our second property has a strong historical link to the family.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Located three miles outside the coastal village of Ardrishaig, with a convenient primary school
0:21:18 > 0:21:24for Molly, its location on the edge of Loch Fyne would provide Raymond and his guests
0:21:24 > 0:21:28with more artistic inspiration than they could shake a brush at.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32As would this Victorian country residence, built by the Campbells.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Will this do you?
0:21:34 > 0:21:38If you hold on here a second, take it all in.
0:21:38 > 0:21:44- It's like a little mini castle. - It is a mini castle, exactly that. What do you think?
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- It's...- Interesting.- ..pretty unique.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- It is unique, isn't it?- I've never seen anything quite like it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54What did you expect when you were driving up the drive? It's quite a long way.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56It is quite a long way, and it's also the walls,
0:21:56 > 0:22:01a big turreted wall at the entrance, which is really quite intriguing.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Do you fancy having your own walled garden, do you?
0:22:04 > 0:22:05No!
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Two-acre walled garden.- No way.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10It used to be the finest fruit-growing garden
0:22:10 > 0:22:14in the whole of Scotland. Did you also notice a little ice house?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Yes, I was just asking Raymond.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21That's where they preserved the fruit so it would last longer. This is a house with masses of history.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25If you can block out the '50s bit, which isn't too bad, maybe you can do something with that,
0:22:25 > 0:22:30what you've got here is a massive slice of Scottish history, you really do.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33The turrets, basically, the farmers used to live in the turrets,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38so you've got three rooms in one turret, which you would have to redo, and two rooms in the other.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42So imagine your guests living in those turrets looking out over a walled garden.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- And that would be ours! - Well, it could be.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Don't jump the gun.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52You're smiling now. It's gone from an "interesting" to a "woo-hoo!" and a little jig.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57Let's get in. That sounds like a good idea, the best one you've come up with all day.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Despite much of the original house being demolished in the 1950s,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03with modern living in mind, apparently,
0:23:03 > 0:23:08this property thankfully retains much of its original character, as we'll see inside.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Come on in.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Very impressive, isn't it?- Who's he?
0:23:15 > 0:23:20He's our friend, the guardian of the house, and if you don't like it, he sorts you out.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23As you can tell, at the moment he's not a-moose-d.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Come on through.- Oh, yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28First impressions, guys?
0:23:28 > 0:23:34This is...fantastic, it has a really...traditional feel about it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Yeah, it's got that kind of castle feel.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39It's not a huge entrance, but it's impressive.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43I think this has definitely got the flavour of Scotland all over it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45It sure has, Raymond.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48And I'm sure that the living room will measure up.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Good size.- Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Oh, yeah.- Dual aspect, but a great window there.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Fantastic window.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Again, having the two windows in either wall brings in a lot of light.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Would you use this as a studio?
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Yeah, you could do, I mean it's big enough.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- You're quite liking it as a living room.- Oh, yeah.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Yeah, I think we could find your studio somewhere else.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Uh-oh!
0:24:14 > 0:24:17This will be interesting, who wins this battle?
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Well, Raymond has thrown down the gauntlet early on,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25but if he holds out till the end, I might just have the answer.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28The dining room also has those dual-aspect windows.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33Next door, the kitchen may be smaller than Leah would like, but there is scope to extend,
0:24:33 > 0:24:38and it leads through into a conservatory, which gives them extra space to play with.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Well, now downstairs is covered, we'll explore the first floor,
0:24:41 > 0:24:46where there's a lovely family bathroom with great views
0:24:46 > 0:24:52and two of the five bedrooms, both potentially good-sized doubles.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Here's one of the bedrooms anyway.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56OK, that's a nice size.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00And there again, you have the view.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It is a lovely view. Well, it's the same view as the bathroom.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Again, you've got the high ceilings, though.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- It gives that fantastic element of space, doesn't it? - These are big rooms.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Well, they are.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Let me take you up now. How are you with heights?
0:25:15 > 0:25:16- Good.- Oh, excellent.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Upstairs again on the second floor are three other bedrooms.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Another very bright room. Good size?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- Yeah.- It's very pleasant, isn't it? - It is, it's fine.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35If I was an artist, I really would enjoy waking up in the morning and seeing the view of the loch.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- It is just spectacular, it really is.- Stunning.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Along with converting those turrets, the remaining two bedrooms
0:25:42 > 0:25:45are spacious and could both serve as great doubles.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50So let's go downstairs again and head outside, where there's
0:25:50 > 0:25:55a stone stable block, which would be a fantastic conversion project,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59as it's got planning permission to be developed sympathetically into a dwelling.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04Or Raymond could look at converting it into an enormous studio space.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07The grounds certainly leave room for them to spread out.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11The two-acre walled garden is just part of the staggering seven acres
0:26:11 > 0:26:14that comes with this property.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19- You could just let the guests loose into the grounds.- Yeah, you could.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Oh it's fantastic, it really is amazing.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25You don't have to take them out on location, it is on location!
0:26:25 > 0:26:29The way we're seeing the garden now is as natural as it gets.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It's up to you how much work you want to put in.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- I think we're talking nearer £600,000.- OK.
0:26:40 > 0:26:46I would say we are up sort of high 500,000, up end of that...for all this.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49OK, £600,000. OK. How about you?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51595.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52OK, 600, 595.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Offers above £475,000.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59See you!
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Bye!
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- We're moving in! You've given us a lot to think about.- Good.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I won't be in the garden, because you will never find me.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I'll be by the front door, is that all right?- We're off.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Well...how exciting was that?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21You should see them, they're dancing for joy, they really are.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25There's a big difference between £600,000 and £475,000.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28I can really imagine them both here.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I think that they would have the time of their lives, I really would.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35I'm not going to say any more, because really I am being bitten to shreds.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40Under budget at £475,000, Leah and Raymond would be
0:27:40 > 0:27:46buying a historic landmark, which has scope to be developed into their perfect property.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50It offers them two large reception areas with period features,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54five bedrooms, a barn which has potential to be Raymond's studio
0:27:54 > 0:27:58and turrets to renovate for their holiday guests,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02all set in seven acres of grounds looking out over Loch Fyne.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05It sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07The question is, do they think so?
0:28:07 > 0:28:12This house is just...jaw-dropping.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Erm...
0:28:14 > 0:28:19It is everything I ever dreamt about when we have been talking about our
0:28:19 > 0:28:24venture and what we were looking for and what we wanted from a property.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28I think this house is very characterful.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32It has so many aspects to it that I'm really interested in.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33But it does need a little bit of work.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40Can you tell?
0:28:40 > 0:28:44I'm half the man I was, I've been eaten alive, I really have.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- You like?- I love it, I love it.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48I think it's fantastic.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I think it's got a real good feel about it.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Well, I want you to go and have some you time, have a chat about it all,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57because you've seen two very different properties, and I'll catch up with you later.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Come on, let's go.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08As the day draws to a close over the Scottish Highlands,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19Armed with a £500,000 budget, Leah and Raymond want to quit the Glasgow
0:29:19 > 0:29:24suburbs and get creative by setting up an artists' retreat in Argyll.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28They've been stunned by the two properties I have shown them so far.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Erm...
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Honestly! Honestly, this is amazing.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38But could the mystery property be their field of dreams or a project too far?
0:29:41 > 0:29:45It's a new day, and our search continues to find artist Raymond
0:29:45 > 0:29:49and his lovely wife Leah a dream property here in Argyll.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Yesterday, it's fair to say that we opened their eyes to the potential
0:29:52 > 0:29:55of what's available here for their budget.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59My legs are killing me, walking around those massive properties,
0:29:59 > 0:30:05and it was good to see that they're willing to compromise. Their ideal wish list isn't set in stone.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08It's a great house-hunting word, that, isn't it, compromise?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10But can they be pushed too far?
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Let the mystery property be the judge of that.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20Our mystery property is in the small West Highland village of Kilchrenan,
0:30:20 > 0:30:25with a primary school for Molly and a pub within walking distance from where we're heading.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28With spectacular panoramic views over Loch Awe,
0:30:28 > 0:30:33this tiny village is in a stunning but very remote location, which I hope will inspire them.
0:30:33 > 0:30:39What I love about you two is neither of you have really asked me why I've brought you to a field.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Well, actually, we were just about to. We wondered.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45I might not have asked you, but I'm thinking it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49OK. Well, this is a two-acre plot of land.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52In front of me, you can see two cottages.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57Currently, two three-bedroomed cottages with living room, kitchen, bathroom.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00And you've got a little forest area there.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02So the potential here is massive.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05You can knock that property down if you wanted a bigger one,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- and you could actually build double the size.- Yeah.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11OK. And where would we live?
0:31:11 > 0:31:17Well, you'd live there as well, and then you would develop that into your artists' retreat.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20That...sounds good.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Is it too much to take on?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26I think we're a bit far out here
0:31:26 > 0:31:29to develop what we would want here. To demolish that, to rebuild it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:33I don't know if it's too big a project.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38I love the area, I'm just thinking about the size of a project.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- It is a massive project to take on. - Yeah.- It is, but...
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- could we do it? - I'm not sure, because it's not
0:31:44 > 0:31:49something that I've thought about before, so you have me thinking now.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51So you are willing to do a little bit of work, then?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53No, I'm willing to do a lot of work,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57but this is from the ground up.
0:31:57 > 0:32:03Right, yeah. I reckon, if you took on this project, she'd go from being standby to being full-time again.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05THEY LAUGH
0:32:05 > 0:32:08"How are you getting on, darling? Is the first floor finished?"
0:32:08 > 0:32:12"Oh, yeah, I'm just by the pool in Miami. Oh, weather's terrible.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- "Anyway, you carry on. Lovely." - "It's turned into a ten-day trip."
0:32:16 > 0:32:17"Love you."
0:32:19 > 0:32:25- I'll tell you what, I think you should go and have a look around, and I'll come and find you.- OK.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Keep smiling.- I am!
0:32:28 > 0:32:30This should be interesting.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34As they stand, the two cottages are perfectly serviceable, offering up
0:32:34 > 0:32:40very similar living spaces and could be run as a holiday-let business
0:32:40 > 0:32:43with sitting rooms that look out over the surrounding mountains.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47There's also a kitchen in each, a bathroom,
0:32:47 > 0:32:53- and three bedrooms, two large enough to be double rooms, and a single room.- What do you think?
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Yeah, look at the views. I'm just looking out the windows, really.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02It's a great spot, it's a fantastic spot, absolutely idyllic.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04It's a blank canvas, you know?
0:33:04 > 0:33:09You've got to think if you completely stripped this and just went up the way.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14- I think developing out there may be a huge task.- Yeah.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Now they've had a chance to consider their options, let's rendezvous with the chickens
0:33:18 > 0:33:23in the woods and see if it's a development opportunity too far.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24This is fantastic, look at this.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- You wanted to look after chickens. - Yeah, I did.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29YOU wanted to look after chickens.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Myself and Molly want to look after chickens. This is great, look at them.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- Something you've got to do in the country, isn't it? - They're fantastic.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- I think this little forest area is lovely as well.- Yeah, beautiful.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44It's nice shading, isn't it?
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Is it too big a project for you, do you think?
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- No.- I think it may well be for you. I don't see you...
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- I just said no, did you see my lips saying no?- You said no.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56I wouldn't write it off.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- OK.- I think it's something that we haven't thought about,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02so we'd need to, really...
0:34:02 > 0:34:07It would all hinge on whether you could get planning permission and where we could go from there.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10And also you have the design element to take in as well, that's exciting.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- You could create whatever you wanted.- Yeah.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- We haven't talked money, of course. - No.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18We've been so bad at this.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- You have been pretty bad, I have to say.- Yeah.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Well, be good now.
0:34:23 > 0:34:30I'm going to say offers in the region of 160.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- I think it's more, I think it's about 350 for the whole thing.- OK.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37You're closer to the mark. It's 340.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41- There you go.- OK.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- You seem really surprised.- Yeah.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47I think we're going to have to really think about this one.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52I mean, at that kind of money,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54this location and the potential...
0:34:54 > 0:34:58I mean, as it stands, we would need to do an awful lot here.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Don't say no straight away. Don't chicken out of the project.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04I'm here all day!
0:35:04 > 0:35:08What I think you should do is go away, have a long conversation, not
0:35:08 > 0:35:12just about this property, but how do the others compare now as well.
0:35:12 > 0:35:17You've got three very, very different properties to think about, and I think we should
0:35:17 > 0:35:20sit down over a drink later on, somewhere nice, nice with a view.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- OK.- Sounds good.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26I can promise you that. Come on, let's go.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32Priced at £340,000, that's a whopping £160,000 under budget.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Our mystery proposition gives them the chance to be real free-thinkers
0:35:35 > 0:35:41with their business venture, offering them two existing three-bedroom cottages,
0:35:41 > 0:35:46which they could rebuild and in doing so double the footprint.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49All in all, an outstandingly beautiful location by the shores
0:35:49 > 0:35:53of Loch Awe, so an idyllic holiday bolthole for their potential guests.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Now our house tours are over, there's a lot for Raymond and Leah to think about.
0:36:05 > 0:36:11I'm in Knapdale Forest, and back in the 16th century this was home to the European beaver.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14It's been extinct around here for over 400 years,
0:36:14 > 0:36:20but I'm on my way to meet a man, Simon Milne, whose mission it is to bring the beaver back to Argyll.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I really hope I get to see one.
0:36:23 > 0:36:2627 other countries have reintroduced beavers, and although
0:36:26 > 0:36:30it's sparked some controversy here, the Government has granted a licence
0:36:30 > 0:36:36for the Scottish Wildlife Trust to carry out a five-year trial introduction of the beaver.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Ecologically, we need to restore processes back into the environment.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44Nature can't work in a box, we're missing various key species, and the beaver is one of those.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49Although there's perhaps a moral obligation to bring back species that are being wiped out,
0:36:49 > 0:36:56we also need to look at those animals which have a profound impact on maintaining
0:36:56 > 0:36:59wildlife and the habitats as we would like them, and the beavers
0:36:59 > 0:37:03are essentially natural habitat creators and maintainers.
0:37:03 > 0:37:09They create wetlands, they create coppiced woods and make sure that that variety of the countryside
0:37:09 > 0:37:14that's so important for different animals and different species, it's there for them to live and thrive.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17So it's to the benefit of a lot of other wildlife, not just the beavers.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20In medieval times, beavers were hunted for their fur, meat
0:37:20 > 0:37:24and for medicinal purposes, producing a secretion
0:37:24 > 0:37:30rich in salicylic acid from their diet of willow, which is now known as a forerunner of aspirin.
0:37:30 > 0:37:37Simon is taking me to a site in the forest where these industrious creatures have clearly been at work.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40And this is the dam.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43What, this is a dam they have created?
0:37:43 > 0:37:50Probably the first beaver dam to be created in the wild in the United Kingdom for 400 years.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55- How long would it have taken a family of beavers to create that? - They've been working on that
0:37:55 > 0:37:59for the best part of nine months, I suppose, but the bulk of that work
0:37:59 > 0:38:01has been done in the space of three or four months.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Beavers build dams primarily for security,
0:38:05 > 0:38:12because the entrances to the lodges are underwater, and they like to maintain a steady depth of water,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and they don't like water which goes up and down in depths,
0:38:15 > 0:38:19because it exposes them or indeed could flood their lodges.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23So what we believe triggers dam building is the sound of running water.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Beavers don't like running water. Because it's moist and quite warm here,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28the regeneration happens very quickly.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32We're seeing where they've cut trees, the growth is coming back up again,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36and that's what we want, we want trees at different stages of maturity.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- Could we go to an area where you think they're living?- We can certainly go and have a look.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44I wouldn't put any money on seeing one, who knows, but we'll certainly have a go.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Since releasing three beaver families a year ago, Simon and his team
0:38:48 > 0:38:54are successfully monitoring the activity of two of them, although they tend to be rather elusive.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57(What is the longest time you have ever waited to see one?)
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- (Three or four hours and then still not seen one.- Really?)
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- (So it's not definite that we'll see one.- It's not, you can be lucky.)
0:39:04 > 0:39:10Well, all that waiting was not in vain, as eventually we struck gold and got a brief sighting.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14If all goes to plan and the beavers here successfully breed,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18the hope is that colonies can be reintroduced elsewhere in Scotland.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26Leah and Raymond are positive people, which always makes it an easier house hunt.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30They've seen the potential in three very different properties.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33We now need to find out how much effort they're willing to put in.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38Do they really want a blank canvas to work with? Let's find out.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Well, I have to say, it doesn't get much more idyllic than this, does it?
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- No, it doesn't.- This is perfect.- I can see why you want to live here.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Let's start with the property down by the loch.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54Out of all the properties we've seen, I think that had the most potential in terms of the layout.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59It was almost ready-made, wasn't it, for our requirements?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I liked the internal, I liked the view down the loch.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I think for the venture, I think for the business plan,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08I think we might have struggled to attract people to come to there.
0:40:08 > 0:40:14Although it was stunning and it was a lovely house, I don't think it had that kind of rural appeal.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- OK. Well, let's move on, then.- OK.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19How do you fancy owning a castle?
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- That was stunning. That really was. - That was a wow.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27Yeah, that was a real surprise. The walled gardens,
0:40:27 > 0:40:31just the whole set up there, it was just totally unexpected.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It's what you would dream of owning,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39but thinking that you would never be able to afford something like that.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42That's what you were like, the both of you, when you were walking round.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47Again, what that place had, that needed a bit more work to it, but you could see it.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53A lot more work to be done, but your imagination could really run wild.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57I think that property, there's something very special about it.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59You're talking as if you want to own it.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Yeah, well, I do. It's convincing Raymond.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05What's panicking you, the work that needs to be done?
0:41:05 > 0:41:10I think the kitchen area and living area for us as a family to work in,
0:41:10 > 0:41:15that was a bit small, so we'd really need to look at building out from the side,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and maybe the barn, converting that into a studio space.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I think that's really what we were talking about.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Dare I ask, then, if that's too much work for you, then obviously
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- the mystery property is going to be a no-no.- Well, I wouldn't say that.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I think there's a lot of homework to be done on the mystery property.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36It was completely...thrown at us.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38I don't think we were prepared for that.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42No. Well, I mean, as I said before, what it did do was really...
0:41:42 > 0:41:51open up our minds to the fact that maybe we should consider looking at plots and building.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Location-wise, I thought it was perfect.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Oh, beautiful location. Is there one property that you
0:41:56 > 0:41:59think you'd be willing to put an offer in on, or...?
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I think the castle. We'd definitely like to go back and have another look.
0:42:02 > 0:42:08The third mystery house I would like to look into further. We'd need to check out the planning.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Purely because of the location.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17But the castle, definitely, and do you know what you have done for us?
0:42:17 > 0:42:20We've discovered a part of Argyll that we didn't know before.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- It's amazing, isn't it? - It's incredible.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Well, good luck being shown around the castle. It will be like this a little bit.
0:42:27 > 0:42:28I think so.
0:42:28 > 0:42:34Well, I really hope that you do find what you're looking for here, because if any couple deserved it,
0:42:34 > 0:42:36you do, and it's been really good fun as well.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Well, we've loved every minute of it. Thank you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Leah and Raymond's sunny outlook on life will, I'm sure, stand them in
0:42:45 > 0:42:51good stead when they're looking for their ideal home, and they really have chosen the right area.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Argyll is a beautiful region,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56it has everything you could want from country living.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58It has the great mountain ranges,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02the stunning loch views and spectacular houses.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Tell you what, if I was an artist, I'd like to retreat here.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07Until next time, goodbye.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11Well if you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
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