Scottish Borders

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0:00:01 > 0:00:04No prizes for guessing which country I'm in today!

0:00:04 > 0:00:07But if not for the Scot who lived in this house behind me,

0:00:07 > 0:00:11the wearing of tartan may have been consigned to the dustbin of history.

0:00:11 > 0:00:17Find out which Scottish county I'm in and what a Scotsman wears under his kilt in just a moment!

0:00:31 > 0:00:37Our couple today have won the lottery, but it's not a castle they're looking for.

0:00:37 > 0:00:39This move is all about keeping it real.

0:00:39 > 0:00:42I wouldn't change a thing out here.

0:00:42 > 0:00:45They certainly find out how the other half live!

0:00:45 > 0:00:48Where's my tea, Susan?

0:00:48 > 0:00:51But will they plump for a comfortable family home

0:00:51 > 0:00:53or a grand country manor?

0:00:53 > 0:00:58- It's what dreams are made of. It's lovely.- It doesn't show this on the internet.

0:01:02 > 0:01:07Today I'm in the Scottish Borders and this is Abbotsford, home to Sir Walter Scott,

0:01:07 > 0:01:10poet, novelist and nationalist.

0:01:10 > 0:01:12And it was Scott who saved the tartan.

0:01:12 > 0:01:16It had been outlawed to keep the unruly Highlanders at bay in the 1700s.

0:01:16 > 0:01:19In 1822, when George IV visited Edinburgh,

0:01:19 > 0:01:22Sir Walter persuaded the king to put on a kilt,

0:01:22 > 0:01:27thereby allowing the Scottish people to dig out their tartan and make it their national dress again.

0:01:27 > 0:01:31And as for what a Scottish man wears under his kilt...

0:01:31 > 0:01:33well, I'm English, so you'll never know!

0:01:37 > 0:01:40Covering nearly 2,000 square miles in the south of Scotland,

0:01:40 > 0:01:45the Scottish borders is an area of sweeping landscapes and dramatic history.

0:01:45 > 0:01:47Castle ruins and majestic abbeys

0:01:47 > 0:01:49punctuate distant horizons

0:01:49 > 0:01:52harking back to the Borders' tumultuous past.

0:01:52 > 0:01:57In between market towns such as Jedburgh with its sturdy stone-built cottages,

0:01:57 > 0:02:00the countryside is famously home to nearly 100 miles

0:02:00 > 0:02:02of the mighty River Tweed,

0:02:02 > 0:02:06"the most romantic, if not the most beautiful place in Scotland"

0:02:06 > 0:02:10was how Sir Walter Scott described the area that he made his home.

0:02:13 > 0:02:17Overall in Scotland, property prices are quite reasonable

0:02:17 > 0:02:20although of the country's 32 regional authorities,

0:02:20 > 0:02:24the Scottish Borders here is in the top ten most expensive.

0:02:24 > 0:02:27For example, it's 18% more expensive to buy a house here

0:02:27 > 0:02:30than in neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway.

0:02:30 > 0:02:33The reason for that is the Borders has good commutable links

0:02:33 > 0:02:36into the Scottish capital in Edinburgh.

0:02:36 > 0:02:41So, if you fancy a property north of the border, take a look at what's on offer.

0:02:41 > 0:02:43Starting near Berwick-upon-Tweed,

0:02:43 > 0:02:47this barn conversion is on the market for £260,000.

0:02:47 > 0:02:51The kitchen has plenty of storage, there's an inviting living room,

0:02:51 > 0:02:53and three well-proportioned bedrooms.

0:02:53 > 0:02:59For £335,000, this converted farm in Swinton Mill is all about space.

0:02:59 > 0:03:04The modern kitchen/diner leads through to a charming living room.

0:03:04 > 0:03:07There are three double bedrooms and a good-sized garden.

0:03:07 > 0:03:10At the top of the property ladder,

0:03:10 > 0:03:14this impressive stone-built family home in Gattonside

0:03:14 > 0:03:17is on the market for £570,000.

0:03:17 > 0:03:20The spacious kitchen/diner and the living room

0:03:20 > 0:03:23take in the stunning views across the Borders.

0:03:23 > 0:03:25There are four well-appointed bedrooms in all.

0:03:26 > 0:03:31The people who call the verdant Scottish Borders their home consider themselves lucky.

0:03:31 > 0:03:36Our couple today are no strangers to Lady Luck! Let's meet them.

0:03:37 > 0:03:40Yorkshire couple Michael and Susan have been married for 16 years

0:03:40 > 0:03:44and live in their semi-detached home with their two sons.

0:03:44 > 0:03:50However, two years ago, they had an unexpected but very welcome dramatic change of fortune.

0:03:50 > 0:03:54Me and my dad used to play the Lottery. Unfortunately, my dad died

0:03:54 > 0:03:57and I took his lottery numbers on.

0:03:57 > 0:04:03But on the anniversary of my dad's death, we actually won the Lottery on his numbers.

0:04:03 > 0:04:08So for us, we're living his dream as well, aren't we?

0:04:08 > 0:04:11- And he's making our dream come true. - Yeah.

0:04:11 > 0:04:17Unchanged by their million-pound windfall, they're about to renew their wedding vows.

0:04:17 > 0:04:20It's not just their lives that are about to be transformed.

0:04:20 > 0:04:24Susan's three siblings, Joanne, David and Beverley,

0:04:24 > 0:04:26are making the move too.

0:04:26 > 0:04:29I care for my two sisters and brother.

0:04:29 > 0:04:31Two have got learning difficulties

0:04:31 > 0:04:35and my sister is severely handicapped

0:04:35 > 0:04:37which restricts her in a lot of ways.

0:04:37 > 0:04:43So this family of seven is going to need one sizeable Scottish roof over their heads.

0:04:43 > 0:04:46Susan's disabled sister will need a ground-floor bedroom.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48So, what else is on the list?

0:04:49 > 0:04:52The house we want has to be five to six bedrooms.

0:04:52 > 0:04:58- Yeah.- An internal garage so we can convert that into a bedroom and a wet room for Joanne.

0:04:58 > 0:05:01That would be ideal.

0:05:01 > 0:05:03- A nice big kitchen. - A nice big kitchen.

0:05:03 > 0:05:06A couple of rooms downstairs for a bit of privacy for us all.

0:05:06 > 0:05:08A lovely big garden, if possible.

0:05:08 > 0:05:14Michael fell in love with the area around Jedburgh while working there a few years ago.

0:05:14 > 0:05:17So they decided on the Scottish Borders as a location.

0:05:17 > 0:05:22But what style of house will lure them out of suburbia and into the countryside?

0:05:22 > 0:05:25We like the thought of an old farmhouse or a barn,

0:05:25 > 0:05:29so long as inside it was done quite modern.

0:05:29 > 0:05:35- I'm hoping for a lovely bigger garden so that we can all sit out and spend family time.- Yeah.

0:05:35 > 0:05:41- But you love your wildlife. - I love wildlife. I'd love it to be somewhere really rural

0:05:41 > 0:05:46where the wildlife come into your garden and you can sit and watch them. It's amazing to see.

0:05:46 > 0:05:50So it's the rural good life with a modern twist.

0:05:50 > 0:05:52But what should we steer away from?

0:05:52 > 0:05:59I'd never consider buying a really old house that needed everything doing to it

0:05:59 > 0:06:02because I'm a full-time carer and we haven't got the time.

0:06:02 > 0:06:06Susan and Michael don't have to sell their current home

0:06:06 > 0:06:09so how much of the jackpot are they prepared to part with

0:06:09 > 0:06:11to make this dream a reality?

0:06:11 > 0:06:16The budget for our new property is £450,000.

0:06:17 > 0:06:24- If they found a house that was a bit more money, maybe we could go up to £500,000.- No more.

0:06:29 > 0:06:33Susan and Michael should win a prize for being the coolest Lottery winners!

0:06:33 > 0:06:39They're not interested in the glitzy high life. They want a home where all the family can live as one.

0:06:39 > 0:06:41How sweet is that!

0:06:41 > 0:06:45But it's quite a big family, seven of them, so we need at least six bedrooms,

0:06:45 > 0:06:49one of which will be on the ground floor with wheelchair access for Joanne.

0:06:49 > 0:06:52They have a healthy budget for the Scottish Borders

0:06:52 > 0:06:55so I hope we'll hit the property jackpot!

0:06:57 > 0:07:00Michael and Susan don't know Scotland that well,

0:07:00 > 0:07:04so it seems sensible to start with the one area Michael is familiar with,

0:07:04 > 0:07:06the market town of Jedburgh.

0:07:06 > 0:07:08We'll be viewing three homes

0:07:08 > 0:07:11but I won't tell them the price until after the tours.

0:07:11 > 0:07:18Then there's the mystery house that promises to put into question their idea of a dream country home.

0:07:19 > 0:07:26- Welcome to the Scottish Borders. - Hello.- You've not been here before? - I've never been to Scotland.

0:07:26 > 0:07:29- What do you think so far? - It's absolutely amazing.

0:07:29 > 0:07:32The views are breathtaking.

0:07:32 > 0:07:35- You have visited?- Yes, about 20 years ago when I was working here.

0:07:35 > 0:07:38I've always said I'd like to come and retire here.

0:07:38 > 0:07:41So hopefully this is it!

0:07:41 > 0:07:45Most people when they think of winning the lottery, they'd go and buy a castle.

0:07:45 > 0:07:48- But you've not done that.- No. - No, we're being very careful.

0:07:48 > 0:07:52We've invested the money, which has made us money.

0:07:52 > 0:07:57So we know that even with the budget we've got, we've still got plenty

0:07:57 > 0:08:00to look after us, it's a comfort blanket for us.

0:08:00 > 0:08:04What is your final budget? The figure's moved around a bit.

0:08:04 > 0:08:08- The final budget is up to 550. 550,000.- 550.

0:08:08 > 0:08:12So a few adaptations for Joanne. But are you up for a big project?

0:08:13 > 0:08:17We understand that we might have to do decorating and stuff,

0:08:17 > 0:08:21but we don't want to have start rebuilding a whole house.

0:08:21 > 0:08:23- A ruined castle?- No, not that!

0:08:24 > 0:08:28There are some lovely historical properties and lots of nice properties,

0:08:28 > 0:08:31especially for your budget. Let's go see them!

0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Great stuff.- Fine.

0:08:54 > 0:08:59It's two years now since you won. Has it all faded? Has it become normality for you?

0:08:59 > 0:09:05- Oh, no. We still wake up in the morning...- Still got that numb feeling.

0:09:05 > 0:09:11Look into each other's eyes as if to say, "Wow! This is amazing!"

0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Yeah.- I don't think we'll ever lose that feeling.- I don't, either.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19They're not taking their good fortune for granted.

0:09:19 > 0:09:23I really hope that Susan and Michael find our houses just as amazing.

0:09:23 > 0:09:26Our first offering is seven miles from the border town of Hawick.

0:09:27 > 0:09:30Once humming to the sound of 50 mills

0:09:30 > 0:09:32that lined the bank of the River Teviot,

0:09:32 > 0:09:36Hawick flourished during the 19th-century textile boom.

0:09:36 > 0:09:39Today it's at the start of the Borders' cashmere trail.

0:09:39 > 0:09:42There's a thriving high street with a 19th-century church

0:09:42 > 0:09:45and an impressive town hall built in 1884.

0:09:45 > 0:09:51The oldest building in the town is the Black Tower of Drumlanrig,

0:09:51 > 0:09:53once owned by the influential Buccleugh family,

0:09:53 > 0:09:56one of the largest private land-holders in Europe.

0:09:56 > 0:10:01And our first property was once home to the 9th Duke of Buccleugh's gamekeeper.

0:10:01 > 0:10:03Here we go.

0:10:03 > 0:10:06The first house on offer in the Borders.

0:10:06 > 0:10:08Oh, it's great, isn't it?

0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Amazing.- It is.

0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Not just the house. It's the garden with it.- It's lovely.

0:10:14 > 0:10:16You wanted views, Michael.

0:10:16 > 0:10:20- Incredible spot.- The views have done it for me!- What about the look of it?

0:10:20 > 0:10:25- It's lovely. Really lovely. - Breathtaking.- Picture postcard.

0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Lovely.- I want to see what you think of the inside.- Let's crack on.

0:10:31 > 0:10:34Michael wants rural views and wildlife on his doorstep.

0:10:34 > 0:10:38So I'm not surprised he's won over by the aspect.

0:10:38 > 0:10:42Let's hope the interior of this 19th-century lodge continues to impress.

0:10:46 > 0:10:47Come on in.

0:10:47 > 0:10:52- This is the sitting room, the main sitting room. - Wow, that's lovely.- It is.

0:10:52 > 0:10:58- Dead easy, we'd get sat down here no problem.- It's right cosy.- Yeah.

0:10:58 > 0:11:02Originally it would have been two rooms. See the beam there?

0:11:02 > 0:11:08It would have been two rooms in the original cottage, but it's been knocked through and made bigger.

0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Is it enough for all seven of you? - Yeah.- Definitely.

0:11:11 > 0:11:15I'll show you the dining room, also a good size. And the hall's big.

0:11:18 > 0:11:23- Nice big doorway to get a wheelchair in.- Yeah.

0:11:23 > 0:11:26- It's a nice room.- This is the dining room.- Yeah.- Yeah.

0:11:26 > 0:11:30It's interesting the floor here and in the hallway was all reclaimed

0:11:30 > 0:11:34from a former ballroom in a hotel in Hawick.

0:11:34 > 0:11:40- People have come round for dinner and said, "Oh, I used to dance on that floor!"- Oh!

0:11:40 > 0:11:43- It's got a bit of local history. - Oh, it's lovely.

0:11:43 > 0:11:47- It goes through here. Again a wide door.- Yeah.

0:11:49 > 0:11:51This is the kitchen.

0:11:53 > 0:11:56- That's nice.- It's nice and quaint, isn't it?- It is.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59I was wondering whether it's big enough for you.

0:11:59 > 0:12:02I was just going to say that it is a bit small.

0:12:02 > 0:12:06I expected... I think, in my head, I'm expecting a big kitchen.

0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Like a big family kitchen.- Yeah.

0:12:09 > 0:12:12Because you've got such a nice dining room in there,

0:12:12 > 0:12:16this actually could be made more into a bigger kitchen round here

0:12:16 > 0:12:19with more units cos you don't actually need that there.

0:12:19 > 0:12:21- It would be simple.- Yeah.

0:12:21 > 0:12:26Michael makes a good point. There's plenty of space in this property but it may take reconfiguring.

0:12:26 > 0:12:30Next to the kitchen, light streams into another reception room.

0:12:30 > 0:12:32And there's a downstairs bathroom.

0:12:32 > 0:12:37Heading upstairs, there are three bedrooms to choose from.

0:12:38 > 0:12:41This is the master bedroom.

0:12:41 > 0:12:46Compared to our master bedroom at home, it is a bit small.

0:12:46 > 0:12:51- But it's cosy.- We've got a big bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

0:12:51 > 0:12:53- This one has an en-suite.- Oh, right.

0:12:53 > 0:12:56It's the sweetest en-suite I've seen in a long time!

0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Look.- Ah!

0:12:59 > 0:13:01A tiny space.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Look.- That's cool! - A fold-out shower!

0:13:04 > 0:13:08- I've never seen one like that before.- She had it specially made.

0:13:08 > 0:13:10A very clever use of space.

0:13:10 > 0:13:12There are two more double bedrooms,

0:13:12 > 0:13:14perfect for their teenage boys.

0:13:14 > 0:13:17There's also a lovely family bathroom on this level.

0:13:17 > 0:13:21Back downstairs to the rear of the property,

0:13:21 > 0:13:23there's more space for the rest of the family.

0:13:23 > 0:13:30So we've gone through a series of rooms, utility room, and we come into the annexe.

0:13:30 > 0:13:32- This is almost like a separate house.- Yeah.

0:13:32 > 0:13:35- It's nice that, isn't it?- It is. - What's really good

0:13:35 > 0:13:39is that you've got two big bedrooms here and a bathroom.

0:13:39 > 0:13:41- And a big garage.- Right.

0:13:41 > 0:13:44And if it's got a downstairs bathroom,

0:13:44 > 0:13:47- we maybe could use that for my sister.- Yeah.

0:13:47 > 0:13:51This is definitely an area where you two could put your heads together

0:13:51 > 0:13:53and decide how to use it.

0:13:53 > 0:13:54- Let's go and look in the garden.- OK.

0:13:58 > 0:14:00Michael enjoys rural views and wildlife.

0:14:00 > 0:14:04So the five acres surrounding the property should fit the bill nicely!

0:14:06 > 0:14:11Come on through. Because this is all yours, too!

0:14:11 > 0:14:13- It's gorgeous, isn't it? - That is amazing.

0:14:13 > 0:14:15Right down to the very bottom?

0:14:15 > 0:14:18You have a three-acre paddock here, along where the hedge is.

0:14:18 > 0:14:21Then this fence is actually your boundary.

0:14:21 > 0:14:25There's a little burn here that takes you down to the River Teviot

0:14:25 > 0:14:26which runs at the bottom there.

0:14:26 > 0:14:29- All around is the Duke of Buccleugh's land.- Yeah.

0:14:29 > 0:14:33- The other side of the river is his. - God, that's massive!- It is!

0:14:33 > 0:14:37That's not all of it. There's another two-acre paddock on the other side!

0:14:37 > 0:14:40- What do you think about having five acres?- I can't believe it.

0:14:40 > 0:14:44Me, I'd be suited. I'd be absolutely suited, me.

0:14:44 > 0:14:49- I wouldn't change a thing out here. - No.- Let's walk along the river

0:14:49 > 0:14:51and see the back.

0:14:53 > 0:14:56I was worried that this amount of land would be overwhelming.

0:14:56 > 0:14:59But Michael in particular seems very happy.

0:14:59 > 0:15:01Quite a result!

0:15:03 > 0:15:08This brings us back into the very private back garden.

0:15:08 > 0:15:10Definitely. It is private, is this.

0:15:10 > 0:15:14- It's nice.- What are you feeling? You both look a bit shell-shocked!

0:15:14 > 0:15:16- I am. Very.- It is a shock.

0:15:16 > 0:15:21You say, yeah, you hoped one day you'd find a property like this

0:15:21 > 0:15:23and you look on the internet and do what you want,

0:15:23 > 0:15:26- but actually coming to see it... - It's amazing.

0:15:26 > 0:15:31- It's what dreams are made of. - It doesn't show you this on the internet.

0:15:31 > 0:15:35- It just doesn't.- The other thing you need to know is how much it costs.

0:15:35 > 0:15:40- Can you make a guess at how much? - I would say 550, me.

0:15:40 > 0:15:42Top of your budget. What do you think, Michael?

0:15:44 > 0:15:47- I'll go for 525, then.- 525.- 525.

0:15:47 > 0:15:48Right.

0:15:48 > 0:15:53This is on the market for offers around 475!

0:15:53 > 0:15:54- God.- Wow!

0:15:54 > 0:15:58- So it's actually £75,000 under your budget.- Yeah.

0:15:58 > 0:16:01- That's amazing, is that! - It's unbelievable.

0:16:01 > 0:16:05It is for the amount of land and the house that you get with it.

0:16:05 > 0:16:07Why don't you go back through into the annexe,

0:16:07 > 0:16:10have a think about what's happening in the annexe.

0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Then I'll meet you at the front and we can motor on.- OK.

0:16:16 > 0:16:19Well, it sounds like our first property has hit the mark.

0:16:19 > 0:16:22It's well under budget at £475,000.

0:16:29 > 0:16:35The integrated garage could be converted into a bedroom with an en-suite for Susan's sister.

0:16:35 > 0:16:39Put a door there. It takes you into that guest room round there.

0:16:39 > 0:16:42- It'll be perfect. - Absolutely perfect.

0:16:42 > 0:16:44Couldn't ask for a better room.

0:16:44 > 0:16:47To convert the garage, it's an absolute fantastic space.

0:16:47 > 0:16:51We could make it into a lovely bedroom for my sister.

0:16:51 > 0:16:55My first impression when I walked into the yard, it was absolutely amazing.

0:16:55 > 0:17:00The garden, beautiful. The house is astonishing,

0:17:00 > 0:17:03but me, personally, it's all about the garden and the land.

0:17:03 > 0:17:05That's what I want up here.

0:17:05 > 0:17:09- Hey.- Hi!- Are you sold on it? Do you like it?

0:17:09 > 0:17:12- It's lovely.- Amazing!- It's not the only one I'm showing you.

0:17:12 > 0:17:15So hold your horses!

0:17:24 > 0:17:27As the gateway between Scotland and England,

0:17:27 > 0:17:32the Borders have been the setting for many a bloody conflict through the centuries.

0:17:32 > 0:17:35Standing 12 miles from the English/Scottish border,

0:17:35 > 0:17:38Jedburgh is the largest market town in the region.

0:17:38 > 0:17:42It was on the front line when attacked by English raiding parties.

0:17:42 > 0:17:46To find out more about Jedburgh and its rather grisly past,

0:17:46 > 0:17:49we sent Susan and Michael to meet Joyce Crane at Jedburgh Abbey,

0:17:49 > 0:17:52one of the four great abbeys in Scotland.

0:17:54 > 0:17:58It was built in the 12th century by King David I of Scotland.

0:17:58 > 0:18:03King David was a very pious man and he wanted to show his authority in Scotland

0:18:03 > 0:18:06so he built four abbeys. Jedburgh is one of them.

0:18:06 > 0:18:08We're very, very proud of our abbey.

0:18:08 > 0:18:12During the centuries, it saw many battles and many skirmishes

0:18:12 > 0:18:17right up until the Reformation in the middle of the 16th century.

0:18:18 > 0:18:24Due to its size and grandeur, the abbey was a frequent target for English troops.

0:18:24 > 0:18:26But if the soldiers were caught by the Scots,

0:18:26 > 0:18:29they certainly didn't have much of a future.

0:18:29 > 0:18:34One sporting tradition in Jedburgh made use of an English body part,

0:18:34 > 0:18:38a game with gruesome origins that still exists today.

0:18:38 > 0:18:41One of our traditions is Jedburgh handball,

0:18:41 > 0:18:44which is a game that's played on the streets today.

0:18:44 > 0:18:48It's a leather ball that's thrown up into the air and they catch it

0:18:48 > 0:18:52and then smuggle it up and down the alleyways and get it over the boundaries.

0:18:52 > 0:18:58In medieval times, tradition had it that it was the severed heads of Englishmen that we used

0:18:58 > 0:19:02from our skirmishes in local battles that we had in this vicinity.

0:19:02 > 0:19:07That's what represents the ball. They don't, thankfully, do that today!

0:19:09 > 0:19:12It wasn't just the abbey that the English targeted.

0:19:12 > 0:19:18Today an impressive Victorian jail house sits on the site originally occupied by Jedburgh Castle.

0:19:18 > 0:19:21The castle was subject to so many attacks by the English

0:19:21 > 0:19:24that it was eventually destroyed in 1409.

0:19:24 > 0:19:29Curiously, it wasn't the English who finally razed it to the ground.

0:19:31 > 0:19:36After many skirmishes and raiding parties from our English cousins,

0:19:36 > 0:19:39the Jedburgh people decided to burn it down themselves.

0:19:39 > 0:19:44You can understand why they built it here because it's an amazing view.

0:19:44 > 0:19:50Exactly. That's one of the reasons why the original castle was in this position.

0:19:50 > 0:19:53It was used as a look-out tower, basically.

0:19:53 > 0:19:55It's amazing, isn't it? It's lovely.

0:19:55 > 0:20:01Strongholds, castles and tower houses played an important role during war time.

0:20:01 > 0:20:05But the mighty River Tweed has also been the setting for bloody battles,

0:20:05 > 0:20:11such as Malcolm II's victory over the Northumbrians at Carham in 1018.

0:20:11 > 0:20:16It was a battle that led to the river becoming the border of England and Scotland.

0:20:16 > 0:20:19These days, the river is not a stage for war

0:20:19 > 0:20:21but a sought-after holiday destination,

0:20:21 > 0:20:26attracting £90 million-worth of tourism to the Scottish Borders every year.

0:20:26 > 0:20:29The river boasts the longest fishing season in the country

0:20:29 > 0:20:33and Bill Drube is one of the sport anglers that fish salmon here every year.

0:20:35 > 0:20:40On the River Tweed on one bank, further south, is England. And on the north bank it's Scotland.

0:20:40 > 0:20:45Up here in Scotland, the river is one of the premier salmon rivers in Europe.

0:20:45 > 0:20:49About ten to 15,000 salmon caught on rod and line every year in this river.

0:20:49 > 0:20:51People come from across the world.

0:20:51 > 0:20:56Do the fish taste different from the Tweed than what you'd get in a supermarket?

0:20:56 > 0:21:03Absolutely. The normal supermarket, the salmon you get almost always comes from a fish farm.

0:21:03 > 0:21:05Wild salmon tastes completely different.

0:21:05 > 0:21:09They look different from anything you buy in a supermarket.

0:21:09 > 0:21:13It's truly organic. It's never seen a person - until you catch it!

0:21:13 > 0:21:17It's illegal to keep or sell salmon caught on the Tweed

0:21:17 > 0:21:21because conservation of wild stocks is of such importance.

0:21:21 > 0:21:27A great spot for Michael and Susan to experience nature when they do finally hook their dream property.

0:21:31 > 0:21:35Our second house is in the hillside village of Chirnside.

0:21:35 > 0:21:40The village boasts a magnificent church that dates back to the 12th century,

0:21:40 > 0:21:45surrounded by a host of stone-built terraces with views across the Tweed Valley.

0:21:45 > 0:21:48The charming village also has a local shop and a pub,

0:21:48 > 0:21:53so whether it's a pint of milk or real ale they're after, they'll be well serviced.

0:21:53 > 0:21:55Okey-dokey.

0:21:58 > 0:22:02This is the property I wanted to show you.

0:22:02 > 0:22:04This is a whole different kettle of fish.

0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Because we're now in the middle of a village.- Yeah.

0:22:08 > 0:22:13This was the grandest house in Chirnside. It's what they call the manse, or the vicarage.

0:22:13 > 0:22:18It belonged to the church. It's Grade II listed, or Grade B, as they call it in Scotland.

0:22:18 > 0:22:22- Yeah.- It dates back to about the 1750s, this part from 1757.

0:22:22 > 0:22:26This bit is a Victorian extension. What do you think?

0:22:26 > 0:22:28It's big.

0:22:28 > 0:22:30- It's big?- It's big.- Big. - It's big and it's grand.- Yes.

0:22:30 > 0:22:33I'm keen to show you inside.

0:22:33 > 0:22:35Ready? It's quite grand.

0:22:36 > 0:22:42The grandness continues on the inside. I know they wanted a modern interior,

0:22:42 > 0:22:45so I hope they can see past the period furniture.

0:22:48 > 0:22:51Come into this amazing hallway.

0:22:52 > 0:22:53Wow.

0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's got really high ceilings.

0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Yeah.- Yeah. All of this is the original stuff.

0:23:00 > 0:23:05The original coving, original roses, original skirting boards, door frames.

0:23:05 > 0:23:08What it is for us, although we want the beauty of the house,

0:23:08 > 0:23:10and the features in it,

0:23:10 > 0:23:12we need space.

0:23:12 > 0:23:14So space is what it's about for us.

0:23:14 > 0:23:17See if this is big enough.

0:23:17 > 0:23:20Is this large enough? Spacious enough?

0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Oh, yes, that's a massive room. - Definitely.

0:23:23 > 0:23:28Great, isn't it? These old Georgian properties with such high ceilings.

0:23:28 > 0:23:31- It's a nice space, isn't it? - It's a very big room.- Yeah.

0:23:31 > 0:23:36This is just one of two sitting rooms. This is the informal sitting room.

0:23:36 > 0:23:39The formal sitting room is through here.

0:23:43 > 0:23:45It's very formal!

0:23:45 > 0:23:48Equally big.

0:23:49 > 0:23:51- It is.- Nice big room.

0:23:51 > 0:23:53It's nice, but obviously...

0:23:53 > 0:23:57- The thing is, we've got really modern...- Furniture.- ..furniture.

0:23:57 > 0:24:00And it's just trying to figure out

0:24:00 > 0:24:04whether the change from older to modern

0:24:04 > 0:24:06would look right.

0:24:06 > 0:24:10But these sort of spaces, none of this will be here if you bought it.

0:24:10 > 0:24:15- Empty.- Beautiful wooden floors, big walls, big high ceilings.

0:24:15 > 0:24:20- On that sort of canvas, you can put anything and it would look great. - Yeah.

0:24:20 > 0:24:24But it is a magnificent property. Let's check out the dining room.

0:24:29 > 0:24:33So they've got this as the dining room.

0:24:33 > 0:24:38And they have asked Scottish Heritage, the people you talk to about altering things,

0:24:38 > 0:24:43if they could put in a French door here. Take that window down to the floor.

0:24:43 > 0:24:44They said that's fine.

0:24:44 > 0:24:50- So that could be an extra entrance and exit for Joanne.- Yeah.

0:24:50 > 0:24:53- If she wanted her own entrance. - And make this into a bedroom?

0:24:53 > 0:24:57Make it a bedroom. You haven't seen it all yet, though.

0:24:57 > 0:24:58Hold your hat on.

0:25:02 > 0:25:04The kitchen is bigger than the last one.

0:25:04 > 0:25:06Yes, it is big, isn't it?

0:25:06 > 0:25:09There's a larder through there, a pantry.

0:25:09 > 0:25:11It is a nice cosy place.

0:25:11 > 0:25:13This room is.

0:25:13 > 0:25:18To say the rest of the house is right regal, this is right cottagey.

0:25:18 > 0:25:22- Well, upstairs is regal again. - Right.- Let's have a look at that.

0:25:23 > 0:25:26Space is all-important for Susan and Michael.

0:25:26 > 0:25:30Regal or not, the dimensions of this house are perfect for their needs.

0:25:30 > 0:25:32Upstairs, the rooms don't disappoint.

0:25:37 > 0:25:41- You complained about the last room being a bit small.- Oh, wow!- Wow.

0:25:41 > 0:25:43That's a nice big room!

0:25:43 > 0:25:46- This is the master bedroom. - This is double the size.

0:25:46 > 0:25:50- This is nice. You've got a whole system of the original bells.- Yeah?

0:25:50 > 0:25:53- It rings in the kitchen. - That's ideal.- Oh, God.

0:25:53 > 0:25:56Where's my tea, Susan?

0:25:56 > 0:25:58My tea!

0:25:58 > 0:26:00Tea and toast in the morning!

0:26:02 > 0:26:06There are four more tastefully decorated bedrooms on this level.

0:26:06 > 0:26:10The smallest is currently used as a library.

0:26:10 > 0:26:11There's also a family bathroom

0:26:11 > 0:26:15and on the other side of the kitchen is more space ripe for development.

0:26:17 > 0:26:22- Come through into the Victorian wing!- Wow!

0:26:22 > 0:26:27This is historically the more modern wing, but it's in a bit of disrepair.

0:26:27 > 0:26:30- This would be a project.- Yeah.

0:26:30 > 0:26:32Above here, you've got two good-sized bedrooms.

0:26:32 > 0:26:35Let's go outside. I know that's important too.

0:26:35 > 0:26:37This is the back door.

0:26:38 > 0:26:41Apart from the grounds at the front of the property,

0:26:41 > 0:26:43there's a secluded garden to the rear.

0:26:45 > 0:26:48- So this is like the secret garden at the back.- Mmm.

0:26:48 > 0:26:51- It's nice. It's big. - It is nice, a nice space.

0:26:51 > 0:26:55- Yeah.- I get the impression you're ambivalent about this property.

0:26:55 > 0:26:59But to make a decision, you need to know the price. What do you think?

0:26:59 > 0:27:02For me, because I see it as the lord of the manor house,

0:27:02 > 0:27:06I would definitely say top of the range, so 550 definitely.

0:27:06 > 0:27:09I wouldn't. I'd go about 530.

0:27:09 > 0:27:12- Does that reflect the fact that you're not so keen on it?- Maybe.

0:27:12 > 0:27:16Cos you're right. It's actually top of your budget at 550.

0:27:16 > 0:27:19But have a walk around inside. See if it's at all workable.

0:27:19 > 0:27:22- We'll see where we go from there. - Yeah.- OK.

0:27:39 > 0:27:44But will the regal character of the property be a problem for Susan and Michael?

0:27:44 > 0:27:48This room could be made into a nice big enough bedroom.

0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Oh, yeah.- If that were a French door, we could get her out onto the garden.

0:27:52 > 0:27:55It isn't me, you know what I mean.

0:27:55 > 0:27:58The house, it is nice, it's a lovely property.

0:27:58 > 0:28:01I think this house is too grand for us.

0:28:01 > 0:28:07We wouldn't feel right. I wouldn't want people to think that we were showing off.

0:28:07 > 0:28:09Regal house, regal gates.

0:28:09 > 0:28:11I love that!

0:28:11 > 0:28:14You don't have to make any decisions. It's the end of our first day.

0:28:14 > 0:28:17- Let's go home and reconsider what we've seen.- Yeah.

0:28:17 > 0:28:21- We've always got the mystery house tomorrow.- Yeah.- Right.

0:28:30 > 0:28:32As twilight plays upon the midges,

0:28:32 > 0:28:34Susan and Michael have plenty to consider

0:28:34 > 0:28:37after their first day of house-hunting.

0:28:41 > 0:28:44So far, we've shown lottery winners Michael and Susan

0:28:44 > 0:28:47two fantastic properties in the Scottish Borders.

0:28:47 > 0:28:51- I wouldn't change a thing out here. - No.

0:28:51 > 0:28:53But next up, it's the mystery house

0:28:53 > 0:28:57and for a couple not keen on a project, the results are rather surprising.

0:28:57 > 0:28:59Wow!

0:28:59 > 0:29:02It's still enough of a big room to get my 60-inch TV in.

0:29:06 > 0:29:08The mist is clearing over the Scottish Borders

0:29:08 > 0:29:12on the second day of our property hunt for our lottery winners

0:29:12 > 0:29:16but yesterday I realised that Michael and Susan are not looking for a big showy house

0:29:16 > 0:29:21to reflect their wealth. They just want a home where the family can come together.

0:29:21 > 0:29:24And the mystery house gives them the space of the second house

0:29:24 > 0:29:26but with the views of the first.

0:29:26 > 0:29:32But they're going to have to do some work on it. Will they rise to that particular challenge?

0:29:35 > 0:29:38Today our mystery property lies east of Jedburgh

0:29:38 > 0:29:40in the village of Ettrickbridge.

0:29:40 > 0:29:47Originally named Kirkhope after the 16th-century tower house built by the marauder Walter Scott of Harden,

0:29:47 > 0:29:51its current name is derived from the village bridge over Ettrick Water.

0:29:51 > 0:29:56Today, this peaceful village sits like a picture under Kirkhope Hill.

0:29:56 > 0:30:01Yesterday, Susan and Michael were thrown by the daunting decor in our second property.

0:30:01 > 0:30:04Today, they won't have that problem.

0:30:05 > 0:30:06Here we are.

0:30:06 > 0:30:11This big chunk of Scottish property is the mystery house.

0:30:11 > 0:30:13- That's lovely.- That's nice.

0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Beautiful, isn't it? - It's big.- Really nice.

0:30:15 > 0:30:18It's massive. What do you think about the surroundings?

0:30:18 > 0:30:21- Absolutely wonderful. - The views are beautiful.

0:30:21 > 0:30:25- Absolutely lovely. You couldn't ask for anything better.- Right.

0:30:25 > 0:30:30- It's a classic 1880s stone farmhouse.- Yeah.

0:30:30 > 0:30:33- Very solidly built.- It is lovely.

0:30:33 > 0:30:35What do you think the mystery is?

0:30:35 > 0:30:37I've no idea.

0:30:37 > 0:30:39Do tell!

0:30:39 > 0:30:41The mystery begins with R.

0:30:43 > 0:30:45- Renovation.- Right.

0:30:45 > 0:30:47Here we go.

0:30:47 > 0:30:49Here we go, indeed!

0:30:49 > 0:30:53Michael and Susan said they were open to anything but a project!

0:30:57 > 0:30:59Come on in.

0:31:01 > 0:31:03As you can see, it's empty.

0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Yep.- Right.

0:31:05 > 0:31:09But that's kind of good in the sense that you can the proportions.

0:31:09 > 0:31:15- Yeah. You've not got somebody else's furniture distracting you. - That was a stumbler yesterday.

0:31:15 > 0:31:20- Hallway's big, isn't it? - It's lovely.- The front room.

0:31:20 > 0:31:22Wow!

0:31:22 > 0:31:24- I absolutely love these windows. - Yeah.

0:31:24 > 0:31:28- Absolutely great. - I'm glad you're saying wow!

0:31:28 > 0:31:30I thought it could be an "eugh" house!

0:31:30 > 0:31:33- It isn't.- No, actually, it's absolutely gorgeous.

0:31:33 > 0:31:35Cos it's empty, you see more of it.

0:31:35 > 0:31:40Our corner couches would go in here lovely. Absolutely lovely.

0:31:40 > 0:31:42Both of you are so gung-ho! I love it.

0:31:42 > 0:31:44- But it is gorgeous.- Visionaries.

0:31:44 > 0:31:47The other one's just as big.

0:31:49 > 0:31:53I really like this room. The same proportions, but with a different feel.

0:31:53 > 0:31:55Yeah. Same again with the big windows.

0:31:55 > 0:32:00It's enough of a big room to get my 60-inch TV in!

0:32:00 > 0:32:02Either that room or this room.

0:32:02 > 0:32:07On the left of the stairs is a study that could be a third reception room.

0:32:10 > 0:32:13This is where the renovations start to get a bit more obvious.

0:32:13 > 0:32:15- Yes.- Yeah.

0:32:15 > 0:32:18- Here's the kitchen.- Yep. It is a big kitchen, though.

0:32:18 > 0:32:20It is, yeah.

0:32:20 > 0:32:25I actually think, once you get over the shock of it not being a fitted kitchen,

0:32:25 > 0:32:30this could be a lovely, big, country, family kitchen.

0:32:30 > 0:32:33- Massive wooden table. - A big table in the middle.

0:32:33 > 0:32:37Loads of work surface and cupboards.

0:32:37 > 0:32:40Adjacent to the kitchen is a selection of rooms

0:32:40 > 0:32:45that could be converted into a bedroom and wet room for Susan's disabled sister.

0:32:46 > 0:32:50Upstairs, there are five bedrooms in this section of the house.

0:32:52 > 0:32:59I love this bedroom cos you get the other views of the mountainside, or hillside in a different light.

0:32:59 > 0:33:03- Nice windows again.- You seem to be giving a thumbs up to this house.

0:33:03 > 0:33:06- It feels a lot more homely.- It does,

0:33:06 > 0:33:11cos house two yesterday, the ceilings were right up there. And these are down here.

0:33:11 > 0:33:15- It makes you feel more at home. - The lower ceilings.- This feels cosy.

0:33:15 > 0:33:20There's also a dual aspect double and three further bedrooms to sleep the rest of the family.

0:33:20 > 0:33:26Other than that, there's a good-sized family bathroom on this side of the house.

0:33:26 > 0:33:29Above the kitchen wing, there are two more bedrooms.

0:33:29 > 0:33:33But we're heading outside, where the riverside garden opens up

0:33:33 > 0:33:37to a total of seven acres of woodland and paddocks.

0:33:37 > 0:33:40It's a handsome looking property.

0:33:40 > 0:33:44You've also got all the land down here, to the lovely dry stone wall.

0:33:44 > 0:33:45Oh, right.

0:33:45 > 0:33:48There's a courtyard garden at the back.

0:33:48 > 0:33:49So there's plenty of land.

0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Plenty of land.- Loads.- Loads.

0:33:51 > 0:33:56What do you think it's worth? What do you think it's on the market for?

0:33:56 > 0:33:58I'd still say 500,000.

0:33:58 > 0:34:02Because of how the house is built, and the land.

0:34:02 > 0:34:05I'd say about 570.

0:34:05 > 0:34:07570.

0:34:07 > 0:34:12This property is on the market for offers around £450,000.

0:34:12 > 0:34:15- Wow!- That's good. That is very good.

0:34:15 > 0:34:19- You would have £100,000 to do what you wanted to do.- That's great.

0:34:19 > 0:34:24Go and look round the grand house and see if it would work. I'll see you at the front.

0:34:26 > 0:34:31I'm cautiously enthusiastic about their positive reaction to the mystery house.

0:34:31 > 0:34:34It's well under budget at £450,000.

0:34:45 > 0:34:50The question is, will the wildlife win out over the work that needs to be done?

0:34:50 > 0:34:52Michael loves land.

0:34:52 > 0:34:55And Michael loves wildlife and everything.

0:34:55 > 0:34:58Which this has got because it leads down to the river.

0:34:58 > 0:35:02- Nicest thing about this is, we can have actually three living rooms.- Yeah.

0:35:02 > 0:35:06- The two big main rooms.- Yeah.

0:35:06 > 0:35:08- This is a spare living room.- Yeah.

0:35:08 > 0:35:10We're not all on top of each other then.

0:35:10 > 0:35:13We did say we didn't want to renovate.

0:35:13 > 0:35:15Obviously, we know there is a lot of work.

0:35:15 > 0:35:17But I really seriously think

0:35:17 > 0:35:23that Susan will like it and I honestly think she'll enjoy putting her finishing touches to it.

0:35:24 > 0:35:26I'll have to drag you out of the mystery house!

0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Just pull the door to, Michael. - Yeah.

0:35:30 > 0:35:32OK. Seen all three houses.

0:35:32 > 0:35:35Let's find somewhere to sit down and contemplate.

0:35:35 > 0:35:38- Yep.- See what happens next. - Definitely.

0:35:45 > 0:35:48No trip to the Borders would be complete

0:35:48 > 0:35:51without visiting the house of one of Scotland's favourite sons.

0:35:51 > 0:35:56There are few literary names more closely aligned with Scotland than Sir Walter Scott

0:35:56 > 0:36:02and his home, Abbotsford House, stands testament to this remarkable Scottish writer.

0:36:02 > 0:36:05After spending his childhood in the Borders,

0:36:05 > 0:36:09Scott came back in later life to build this house in 1824.

0:36:09 > 0:36:13Much like his writing, the house blends the modern with the historic

0:36:13 > 0:36:16and went on to influence the architecture of the time.

0:36:16 > 0:36:19To tell me more, I'm meeting Janette McWhinney,

0:36:19 > 0:36:21who came to work here for just two weeks

0:36:21 > 0:36:23and stayed for 30 years!

0:36:23 > 0:36:29It's a mish-mash of styles. Was this the style of building at that time?

0:36:29 > 0:36:34Not really. As I say, a slightly fairytale castle, a conundrum castle, as it's called.

0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Conundrum castle - is that its name? - Yes.

0:36:37 > 0:36:42But it's basically Scottish baronial style, some of it.

0:36:44 > 0:36:49Scottish baronial is part of the Gothic revival movement of the 19th century.

0:36:49 > 0:36:55Abbotsford House is widely cited as being one of the originals in this architectural style.

0:36:55 > 0:37:01Inside, the walls are adorned with artefacts that represent influences in Scott's life.

0:37:01 > 0:37:03This is Sir Walter's entrance hall

0:37:03 > 0:37:06with his collection of weapons and armour.

0:37:06 > 0:37:09And pieces from all over the world, basically.

0:37:09 > 0:37:13Was this a genuine passion of his or was it more a fashion thing?

0:37:13 > 0:37:16- It looks quite Gothic. - No, it was a passion of his.

0:37:16 > 0:37:19He wanted to be a soldier, but because of his illness

0:37:19 > 0:37:22he wasn't able to partake in a military career.

0:37:22 > 0:37:26After suffering childhood polio, he started writing

0:37:26 > 0:37:31and became internationally renowned for the Waverley Novels, including Rob Roy and Ivanhoe.

0:37:31 > 0:37:33But Scott was also a patriot.

0:37:33 > 0:37:37As such he was fundamental in preserving the Scottish pound,

0:37:37 > 0:37:39rejuvenating the kilt

0:37:39 > 0:37:44and rehabilitating interest in the traditions of Scottish Highland culture.

0:37:44 > 0:37:47Even Waverley, Edinburgh's main train station

0:37:47 > 0:37:49is named after one of his novels.

0:37:49 > 0:37:53And it was in his study that many of his later works were penned.

0:37:53 > 0:37:56This is Sir Walter Scott's study.

0:37:56 > 0:37:58So this is where he wrote?

0:37:58 > 0:38:01This is his writing desk here, yes.

0:38:01 > 0:38:05- This is where all the hard work was done.- He was a worker, wasn't he?

0:38:05 > 0:38:07- He was.- He shifted.- Yes, he did.

0:38:07 > 0:38:10He had to work very hard for the last six years of his life.

0:38:10 > 0:38:14'When the printing company that he part-owned collapsed,

0:38:14 > 0:38:18'he chose to write his way out of debt.

0:38:18 > 0:38:22'As a workaholic, even into his twilight years, Scott did just that.

0:38:22 > 0:38:25'The shelves in his study contain 2,000 books,

0:38:25 > 0:38:31'but it's next door in his library that his passion for the written word becomes clear,

0:38:31 > 0:38:33'with a further 7,000,

0:38:33 > 0:38:37'said to be the largest private collection in Scotland.'

0:38:37 > 0:38:39- It's an incredible selection of books.- It is.

0:38:39 > 0:38:42All languages. English, French, Latin,

0:38:42 > 0:38:44Italian, German, Spanish.

0:38:44 > 0:38:49Sir Walter could read all of these languages and said he could speak a little of most of them.

0:38:49 > 0:38:55Incredible. It's fascinating to me that he was such a literary figure in his time,

0:38:55 > 0:38:57so famous around the world,

0:38:57 > 0:38:59and yet now he's more of a national figure.

0:38:59 > 0:39:03He's more to do with being Scottish than being a writer.

0:39:03 > 0:39:09Yes, because he did so many other things for Scotland, other than his writing.

0:39:09 > 0:39:15And his writing did make Scotland, basically. He was Mr Scotland for tourism.

0:39:15 > 0:39:21It's been really fascinating. It's lovely to see the house because it sums him up beautifully.

0:39:21 > 0:39:26- It's a great...- It's a wonderful house. It's worth coming to visit the house to get the whole...

0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Definitely.- ..story. - It's a real treat.

0:39:29 > 0:39:31Thank you.

0:39:38 > 0:39:43It's difficult to stop anywhere in the Scottish borders without it looking so beautiful.

0:39:43 > 0:39:47We're off to see whether Michael and Susan were swayed by the mystery house

0:39:47 > 0:39:50or whether it's neck and neck with the first house. Let's see.

0:39:55 > 0:39:58This is a big, big move for you

0:39:58 > 0:39:59on all sorts of levels.

0:39:59 > 0:40:05It's been wonderful showing you round. You had strong opinions about the first one and the second

0:40:05 > 0:40:08and now the mystery house. Tell me what you felt about each one.

0:40:08 > 0:40:11Let's talk about the first house. That seemed like a winner.

0:40:11 > 0:40:14I absolutely loved the first house.

0:40:14 > 0:40:17There's nothing about it that I do not like.

0:40:17 > 0:40:21It was smallish. They were cottage rooms,

0:40:21 > 0:40:26but we could have been happy in there even though the rooms were a bit small.

0:40:26 > 0:40:28But I think we could have been happy.

0:40:28 > 0:40:31The second house had less land, but it was much grander.

0:40:31 > 0:40:35- It was grand, and it was too grand for me.- Yeah.

0:40:35 > 0:40:39Can you put your finger on what made the grandness difficult to live with?

0:40:39 > 0:40:43Even though they were huge, plenty of space, having such a big family,

0:40:43 > 0:40:47- the ceilings were so high you just felt...- Yeah.

0:40:47 > 0:40:49It just didn't feel like a room.

0:40:49 > 0:40:52- No.- A ballroom.- Yeah.

0:40:52 > 0:40:56The mystery house was also big. They were big rooms.

0:40:56 > 0:40:59Yeah, but back again to the ceilings, the ceilings were low.

0:40:59 > 0:41:01So they made it feel comfortable

0:41:01 > 0:41:03and made it feel homely.

0:41:03 > 0:41:07And, like you say, the house is as big as the second house

0:41:07 > 0:41:12- but I think it just looked more homely.- Yeah, it does.

0:41:12 > 0:41:18- It looks like a house.- Yeah. - When I said it needed renovation, I thought you were going to punch me!

0:41:18 > 0:41:22So I was wondering if you thought there was too much renovation?

0:41:22 > 0:41:26Um, there is a lot of renovation to do,

0:41:26 > 0:41:29but it's not knocking it down and rebuilding it.

0:41:29 > 0:41:32I think putting our finishing touches to that house

0:41:32 > 0:41:35it would be our house as a family then

0:41:35 > 0:41:39and I seriously think we would enjoy it more.

0:41:39 > 0:41:41It's down to us. We've done it.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43So the mystery house has edged ahead?

0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Yeah.- For me it has, and definitely...- What about you?

0:41:46 > 0:41:49My heart is telling me number one.

0:41:49 > 0:41:53But my head is saying the mystery house.

0:41:53 > 0:41:58Oh. So what happens next? How do you plan to proceed?

0:41:58 > 0:42:02- I think we need to bring Jamie and Josh.- Definitely bring the boys up.

0:42:02 > 0:42:06- Obviously they're a big part in it. - Just see what their take is on it

0:42:06 > 0:42:09before we actually make a final decision.

0:42:09 > 0:42:11Wonderful.

0:42:11 > 0:42:13I can't wait to hear your news.

0:42:13 > 0:42:16You're going to get remarried, which is wonderful.

0:42:16 > 0:42:20It's been a real joy showing you around because you're so positive

0:42:20 > 0:42:23and there's so much good vibes around the two of you.

0:42:23 > 0:42:26Wherever you live, it'll be a lovely home,

0:42:26 > 0:42:30but I really hope sincerely that you find one of these will fit the bill.

0:42:30 > 0:42:32- Thank you very much.- Thank you.

0:42:37 > 0:42:41Oh, who isn't going to be cheering from the sidelines

0:42:41 > 0:42:47as Michael and Susan renew their vows, then head back to the Scottish Borders with their extended family.

0:42:47 > 0:42:50I can't think of two more deserving lottery winners.

0:42:50 > 0:42:54If you'd like more heart-warming stories of rural relocation,

0:42:54 > 0:42:58make sure you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.

0:43:01 > 0:43:04Michael and Susan are happy to report

0:43:04 > 0:43:06they've renewed their wedding vows

0:43:06 > 0:43:10and are looking forward to taking the boys to view the first property.

0:43:10 > 0:43:13If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland, Wales,

0:43:13 > 0:43:15Scotland or England, and need our help,

0:43:15 > 0:43:17please apply online:

0:43:44 > 0:43:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd