0:00:02 > 0:00:05This fruity piece of architecture behind me is the only one of its kind in Britain
0:00:05 > 0:00:08to feature a pineapple on such a large scale.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10But where is it and where am I?
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Keep watching, because all will be revealed in just a moment.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45In today's show,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48I'll be bringing together a creative couple
0:00:48 > 0:00:49who currently live 400 miles apart
0:00:49 > 0:00:52but want to find their forever home in the country.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58They start off being rather polite about our houses.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59Very nice.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is nice, isn't it? Nice and bright.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04But then the smiles just keep on coming.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- Windows in three directions. That's fabulous.- Great views.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Today, we're in central Scotland
0:01:13 > 0:01:18and this is the Pineapple House in Dunmore Park near Stirling.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Originally built as a summer pavilion in 1761,
0:01:21 > 0:01:26the 45-foot pineapple dome was added in the late 1770s
0:01:26 > 0:01:28by John Murray, the fourth Earl of Dunmore,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30after his return from America
0:01:30 > 0:01:32where he'd been serving as a governor of Virginia.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Virginia itself was a state where pineapples were traditionally seen
0:01:36 > 0:01:39as a symbol of wealth and hospitality.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42I can certainly say I'm feeling very welcome in these surroundings,
0:01:42 > 0:01:43which is no surprise
0:01:43 > 0:01:47when you consider the beautiful scenery on offer.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Today, we're in central Scotland and an area known as the Forth Valley,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55which takes in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59In the late 13th century,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Stirling was strategically important as the gateway to the Highlands
0:02:02 > 0:02:06with its navigable crossing over the Forth River.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The region surrounding the city and one-time Scottish capital,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13is lush and green with magnificent countryside.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16One of the highlights is the stunning area of Loch Lomond
0:02:16 > 0:02:18which along with the Trossachs,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21became Scotland's first national park in 2002.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30The Forth Valley is a great location for those wanting a rural bolt hole
0:02:30 > 0:02:33within commuting distance of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36But house prices in the area vary significantly.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Take Clackmannanshire, a detached house here would set you back
0:02:39 > 0:02:45some £29,000 less than the Scottish average of £226,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50Head to Stirling and closer to the desired landscapes of the Highlands
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and the same house will be £13,000 more than the national average.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56So, with that in mind,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59let's take a look at what's currently on the market.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02For just under £250,000,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06you could buy a large slice of this barn conversion development,
0:03:06 > 0:03:07close to Drymen village.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12It has a high-spec modern kitchen and a spacious sitting room,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15which features a wood burner for those winter nights.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19The three bedrooms are light with plenty of room for storage.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25This three-bedroom country home in the upper Bridge of Allan
0:03:25 > 0:03:28could be yours for offers over £415,000.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The interior provides a harmonious mix of styles,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34from the rustic kitchen-diner with a range,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36to the modern extension with a feature window
0:03:36 > 0:03:38offering fantastic views.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41For top budgets,
0:03:41 > 0:03:46this four-bedroom 1820s house in Larbert has been much extended.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50On the market for offers over £735,000,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53it has a large sitting room with feature fireplace,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57a welcoming entrance hall and there's even a dedicated games room.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Some delightful houses there, but time now to meet today's buyers
0:04:01 > 0:04:05who are ready to call this beautiful part of Scotland "home".
0:04:05 > 0:04:09After 11 years of living and working in Moscow,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13our house-buyers have returned to the UK and are in the process
0:04:13 > 0:04:17of putting their master plan of moving to Scotland into practice.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Unfortunately, that means they have to live apart.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25Cora's in Bristol, tying up the sale of their four-bedroom family home,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29while Ian, a GP, is already working in the Stirling area
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and is currently staying at his mother's.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Although there's 400 miles between them,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35they're very much in tune
0:04:35 > 0:04:38with why they want a new lifestyle in the country.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42I think it'll be a much happier,
0:04:42 > 0:04:43more relaxed lifestyle for both of us.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49The main advantages for moving are really for my husband.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55He longs for the countryside, for peace and for views.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56He's quite a creative person
0:04:56 > 0:05:02and he thinks in terms of expressing himself through music.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05You have these wonderful open spaces, you have the mountains
0:05:05 > 0:05:11and the forests and the rivers and the lochs and it's just wonderful.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14To be able to go out and walk in that environment
0:05:14 > 0:05:17and be attuned to nature,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21it makes all the difference for creativity
0:05:21 > 0:05:26and thinking up musical tunes or thinking of poetry or literature,
0:05:26 > 0:05:27whatever it might be.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Ian may yearn for that rural openness,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33but Cora also wants community to be close by.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35As far as location is concerned,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I don't want to be completely isolated.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Village life or just outside a village
0:05:40 > 0:05:42or one of these farmhouse steadings where they have
0:05:42 > 0:05:46three or four families sharing original farmhouse buildings
0:05:46 > 0:05:49that have been converted, would be perfect for us.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52They've viewed around ten properties
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and it seems the Scandinavian style of their Bristol home
0:05:55 > 0:05:58with its large rooms has clearly influenced the wish list
0:05:58 > 0:06:00for their next property.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04What I would really like, I think, is a big entrance space
0:06:04 > 0:06:08so you get plenty of light and the feeling of spaciousness.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Another thing that we'd like to have is space in the kitchen
0:06:12 > 0:06:15where the family can gather round a table.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19We've enjoyed having a big lounge and we'd like that again.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Ian is toying with the idea of getting a grand piano.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26We'd love to have a good garden again and we love to eat outside.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30In fact, when possible, we have all three meals out in the garden.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33They also want space for their creative pastimes.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Cora does a lot of reading talking books, narration,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40that sort of thing, so she's keen to do that
0:06:40 > 0:06:44and we'd like to have enough space to make a little studio for her.
0:06:44 > 0:06:50I like to dabble in music and writing music and making music.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52With the sale of their home about to go through,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55they're able to make an immediate offer
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and they have a very tidy sum with which to purchase their new home.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Our maximum budget would be £400,000, but ideally,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05if we could get something we liked for less,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09then we'd have money to spend on a piano or a new car
0:07:09 > 0:07:13or various things... new furniture for the house.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18So, yes, £400,000 would be our ceiling.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24So, after 11 years living in Russia,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Ian and Cora have spent the last year back in the UK,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30but the last month living some 400 miles apart.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33That's something we're going to have to remedy and very quickly,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36because they've already got a buyer for their house in Bristol.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38So, we'd better get cracking.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Our house hunt takes into account
0:07:41 > 0:07:45that Ian works across the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area,
0:07:45 > 0:07:49so we'll be trying to minimise his commuting time as much as possible.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52I'll be showing them a crop of three superb country homes
0:07:52 > 0:07:56which answer their brief, but I won't reveal the price of each
0:07:56 > 0:07:58until they've had a guess first.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The last of these is, of course, our mystery house,
0:08:01 > 0:08:02designed to challenge them
0:08:02 > 0:08:05and make them reassess what they think they really want.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Here we are in a windy Scotland. You certainly get the weather here. - Sorry about that.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Very blustery today. - Don't apologise.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16It's the place to come. We've got this wonderful scenery.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18It's what you expect when you make it this far.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21It always looks so much better in the sunshine and good weather.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23You have to take it as it comes in Scotland.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27What have we got to find that's going to make it the one for you?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Well, the practical question is, of course, location.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I've got to be somewhere within striking distance of work,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37but at the same time we'd like it to have the sense of country
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and the sense of open space and all that Scotland has to offer.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Views of the hills.- Views of the hills, is that it for you, Cora?
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Oh, it's really Ian's baby. - That's my particular plan.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51What about you? What are you looking for in a home?
0:08:51 > 0:08:56I think more of living in the house. I'd like a big, sociable kitchen.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57What's our budget?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Well, we think probably 400,000 would be about our ceiling.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- Our comfortable ceiling.- How are we doing with your property sale?
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- We complete next week.- Fantastic. - Find us something quick, please!
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Not very long. In that case, what are we doing standing out here?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- We'd better get on with it.- Let's go and look for some houses.- OK.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49We're getting our property search under way
0:09:49 > 0:09:53just under 20 miles from Stirling, close to the village of Avonbridge,
0:09:53 > 0:09:58where, in the 19th century, coal mining dominated local industry.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03Nowadays, it's home to 700 residents and holds onto its post office.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Lying outside the village in complete rural seclusion
0:10:07 > 0:10:10is our first property,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13a barn conversion known in Scotland as a steading.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Importantly, it's a style of home Cora said she liked.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19This property does come with the views that you've asked for.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22What do you think of this property?
0:10:22 > 0:10:26My first reaction is the rendering catches my eye
0:10:26 > 0:10:30and doesn't immediately endear me to it, to be honest.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- The stonework is lovely. - Beautiful stonework.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35This property was developed over the last couple of years.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39You're looking at an original farmhouse, a couple of barns.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I think, once this weather's really got hold of that rendering,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44it might start to blend in a little bit more.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Yes.- For now, shall we get out of this weather
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- and have a closer look inside? - That's a good idea.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Ian will hopefully start to sweep those first impressions away
0:10:55 > 0:10:58as we head into the property via the side entrance.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I've got to say, first things first about this property.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07There are four others and they've all been sold in this development
0:11:07 > 0:11:08and this was the show home.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I think that'll be obvious from the decor.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15What I think you've got to do here is imagine it as your own
0:11:15 > 0:11:17and what you'd do to make it feel homely.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I do think you're going to get a lot of house.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24I'm quite impressed with the idea of coming in through a utility area.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28For Scotland, you're always out walking in the fields, muddy boots.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32The first thing you can do is take off your boots
0:11:32 > 0:11:34and put them by the sink.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38It strikes me as a small, neat kitchen, but certainly adequate.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40You could have a family table here.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42You could do something bigger than that.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Would you prefer to have a family table here
0:11:44 > 0:11:46rather than using this space?
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I see, there's another space here.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54That's a little bit detached from the working area of the kitchen.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I like the idea of working and entertaining at the same time.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01This property does provide lots of living space
0:12:01 > 0:12:03as they'll see in a moment.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08Leading off the main entrance hall is a downstairs cloakroom
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and a study which might make a good recording studio for Cora.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's the main sitting room which could really appeal.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- Wow! Look at that. Windows on three sides.- Yes.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23That's fantastic to have that amount of natural light, isn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:29This view through the main window is pretty good, isn't it?
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- Pretty impressive. - As an entertaining space...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37When you've finished the meal, to come through here would be great
0:12:37 > 0:12:41and in good weather, those doors could be open.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Cora's keeping very quiet
0:12:44 > 0:12:47but hopefully she'll perk up when she sees upstairs
0:12:47 > 0:12:51which, with four bedrooms, gives them plenty of accommodation
0:12:51 > 0:12:53for visiting family.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Up here, I think you can again appreciate how much room you get
0:12:58 > 0:13:00with this property.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Four good-sized doubles and this very spacious
0:13:03 > 0:13:06and generous corridor space running the length.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Great for grandchildren to run up and down.- Run up and down and play.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The three bedrooms they would use for guests
0:13:12 > 0:13:15are all of a good size and immaculately decorated.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16They could all make use
0:13:16 > 0:13:20of the equally well furnished family bathroom.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23At the end of the landing is where they would sleep.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29So, this bedroom would lend itself to be the master
0:13:29 > 0:13:32because it's the only one with an en suite.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- These are wardrobes on the way in? - That's right.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- A bit like a dressing room.- Yes.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41That's good use of that corridor space.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- You seem to like this room. - It's certainly big enough.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Like the downstairs room, it's light from three sides.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You've got the views.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Their spirits seem to have been lifted by the layout and space
0:13:54 > 0:13:55that upstairs delivers,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57but I sense Cora is having trouble
0:13:57 > 0:14:00with how she can add that homely feel,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02although it is in immaculate order
0:14:02 > 0:14:04and ready for them to move straight into.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07We'll nip outside to face the full force of the elements
0:14:07 > 0:14:10and see what land they could have.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13From out here, you can see your garden space.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- All of this.- It's big.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- A completely blank canvas. - It is, just like the property.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21You'd make it your own. But you don't just get this space.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Over there, you also get some paddock,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25so all in all, you're looking at 0.6 of an acre.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- We'll get into sheep farming or something.- There you go.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Sheep, a little pony, perhaps, or something.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37On top of that, they also get a purpose-built double garage.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42Time to head back inside for shelter and get their view on the price.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44This is better, isn't it? Out of the wind.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46It's come to that crucial moment where we have to work out
0:14:46 > 0:14:49how much you think this property is on the market for.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52You've had plenty of time to think, so Cora?
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- I think it'll probably be on the market for £320,000.- OK.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01I was going to say something around 335,000.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06Well done, you were spot-on. It's on the market at £335,000.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09I have to say, Cora, you were pretty close as well.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11I'm impressed at how well you know the market around here.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14That is quite a way under your budget
0:15:14 > 0:15:16and you do get quite a lot of property.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Yes, absolutely. - There are lots of pros.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Much to be encouraged about from this property.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- Why don't you've another look around?- Thank you.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30They seem to know the market very well, but I've got to say,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I don't think they were overawed with this property.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Maybe it felt a bit too new.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36The thing they have to consider is
0:15:36 > 0:15:39what they can get within their budget.
0:15:39 > 0:15:45Priced at £335,000, our first property leaves them a sizeable pot
0:15:45 > 0:15:49to add the features they want to make this a character home.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It provides them with...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07What's more, it falls within their search area.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12The stone walls are beautiful. Upstairs is perfect.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Lots of space, lovely light, four lovely rooms.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19The kitchen was a disappointment.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23It's not how I imagined my kitchen to be.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25If the utility room hadn't been in the middle,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28if it could be moved, as Ian suggested,
0:16:28 > 0:16:29that might solve it.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32But really, I don't think I want to move into a house
0:16:32 > 0:16:36and start pulling it around, especially when it's newly done.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37It just seems crazy.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40My first reaction as we came up the drive here
0:16:40 > 0:16:43was I know we were trying to escape to the country
0:16:43 > 0:16:45but this is a escaping to the back of beyond.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47As we began to walk around,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50I did see that there was a lot to commend this place.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53It's got big rooms, lots of light.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Having said all that,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58it wouldn't be near the top of my list of houses
0:16:58 > 0:17:00that we've seen or come across,
0:17:00 > 0:17:05so I think we're looking with interest at the next house
0:17:05 > 0:17:07that you have in store for us.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Can you believe, I think it's got windier!- It's impossible.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17We have to get back out here because we've more houses to see.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18Fantastic.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Set against a mountainous backdrop
0:17:30 > 0:17:32and flanking the banks of the River Forth,
0:17:32 > 0:17:37the town of Stirling sits where the Highlands meets the Lowlands.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39It's here where pivotal events in Scotland's history
0:17:39 > 0:17:41have been played out.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Notably William Wallace's victory over the English
0:17:43 > 0:17:46at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52His iconic image in the form of a monument built in the 1860s,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56stands at Abbey Craig, the site where his small army set up camp.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59As Ian and Cora are returning to Scottish soil,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02earlier in the week, we arranged for them to find out more
0:18:02 > 0:18:05about Stirling's important place in history
0:18:05 > 0:18:07from local guide, William Blackburn.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13It is said that he who holds Stirling holds Scotland.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Based on that, it was very essential for Wallace's guerrilla army
0:18:16 > 0:18:19to displace the English garrison from Stirling Castle.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21That was very important.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The whole point of the Battle of Stirling Bridge,
0:18:24 > 0:18:29was it was a question of tactics and a knowledge of the lay of the land.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33He knew perfectly well that the only road was the Causeway,
0:18:33 > 0:18:34that either side was treacherous,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37especially if you sent cavalry across.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41As it was a relatively ragtag army of locals,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44was he able to overcome this most powerful army in Europe
0:18:44 > 0:18:46because of their local knowledge?
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Yes, they were very well trained.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49They were guerrilla fighters,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52a guerrilla army taking on a professional army.
0:18:52 > 0:18:5517 years after Wallace's victory,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Robert the Bruce won the Battle of Bannockburn nearby
0:18:58 > 0:19:02and secured the release of Stirling Castle from Edward II.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05During the 15th and 16th centuries, it flourished,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09as both a military fortress and a Scottish royal residence.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13So, William, what famous kings and queens lived here?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Most of the Stuart monarchs, the early Stuart monarchs, lived here,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18so James IV and James V.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Mary Queen of Scots was actually put here
0:19:20 > 0:19:22for the first six years of her life
0:19:22 > 0:19:24because it was considered a stronghold
0:19:24 > 0:19:27against the machinations and the intentions
0:19:27 > 0:19:30of her great uncle, Henry VIII of England,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32whose firm intention was to grab Scotland
0:19:32 > 0:19:35by marrying his infant son, the future Edward VI,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38to the infant, Mary.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40That means that he'd become King of Scots
0:19:40 > 0:19:44and therefore the whole of the British mainland
0:19:44 > 0:19:47would become under the domination from London.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Stirling's strategic position at that time
0:19:49 > 0:19:53represents a significant chapter in Scotland's enduring heritage.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56But for now, it's time to get back to the house search
0:19:56 > 0:20:01and see if we can find a fantastic Scottish home for Ian and Cora.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Our house search continues close to the town of Culross,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10which has an array of historic buildings
0:20:10 > 0:20:12that are a reminder
0:20:12 > 0:20:16of the town's prosperity, from exporting coal to the production of salt.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Less than a five-minute drive away on the outskirts of Saline village,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24our second property is in a prime spot to take in
0:20:24 > 0:20:27the surrounding views of the Ochil Hills.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28Although it's a little windswept,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31I think it could be just what they're after.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Dating back to the early 1920s,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36this former schoolhouse makes a grand impression,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39although they'll find that inside also has
0:20:39 > 0:20:43that comfortable homely feel they wanted.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Right, first reception room.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Very nice.- It's nice, isn't it?
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Nice and bright.- Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Big furniture, but it doesn't feel too big in this room at all.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56The room's spacious enough to cope with it.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00A gas fire here. However, there is a chimney and you could open it up
0:21:00 > 0:21:02and have a real fire if you wanted to.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06It's a very nice, unpretentious room. Simple room.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- You could feel right at home.- Yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Across the hallway,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13the second reception room could be music to Ian's ears.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Look at this. Obviously a musician's room.- Very fitting.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Yes, an array of guitars.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23This is obviously a room that's suitable for a musician.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It might be rather nice to be able to close the door on you.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Thank you very much! - Just once in a while.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- Yes, keep out the racket.- Well, to have separate rooms, that's amazing.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Having a separate room, a music room, could work well? - With the door, yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42You're liking the door, aren't you, Cora? "Yes, with the door..."
0:21:42 > 0:21:46When you do want to come together, you've also got the space here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48You can open it out and you've got a conservatory.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51You can imagine when it's sunny and summery,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54you've got space out there, but even on a windy day like today.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55That's a lovely thing.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Along with rooms to spread out in, the kitchen gives them
0:21:59 > 0:22:02the chance to bring the family together.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Ah, look.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Plenty of space to gather the family around the table.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Yes, you could get a big table in there.- Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13It's well integrated with the kitchen, isn't it?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Lovely utility space through there
0:22:16 > 0:22:19and a downstairs cloakroom and shower room.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- That's useful, isn't it? - Sounds great.- Yes.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24That's what I like to hear.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30Downstairs has Cora beaming, and the smiles should continue upstairs.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34First stop is where they would sleep. This one is the master.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- My goodness.- That's why! - Yes, you can tell why.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- Wow!- Isn't that great? Right up the hillside there.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45This house is surrounded by green belt
0:22:45 > 0:22:49so you shouldn't have anything being built up around it.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- This room's big, isn't it?- Lovely.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55These mirrored wardrobes keep it very bright and light.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Bright, light and clean. It doesn't have to be cluttered.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03The main bedroom also comes with a modern elegant en suite.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06There are three other doubles which give their visitors
0:23:06 > 0:23:10a lovely selection of light, bright bedrooms to stay in.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13These can all make use of the high-spec shower room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17The large, light rooms and homely feel of our second property
0:23:17 > 0:23:21seem to be hitting the right notes, so hopefully the gardens can build on that.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Out here, there's a large garage block built on two storeys
0:23:25 > 0:23:26which has two rooms upstairs,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31offering the potential to be a music space for him or a studio for her.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Still windy, but the sun's come out.- It has!
0:23:34 > 0:23:36We're moving through the seasons very quickly today.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39That's what you'd expect in Scotland, isn't it,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and where better to take it all in than out here?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Yeah, this is lovely.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46That view out over the Ochil Hills
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and the farmland between here and there.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51You say farmland. In fact, as well as this area of garden here
0:23:51 > 0:23:55which I think is pretty substantial, you could do quite a bit with it,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58your land continues down to that line of trees there.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- You're sitting on an acre plot with this property.- Really?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Really, it's quite sizable, isn't it?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Quite sizable, but it comes at a price.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08What do you think that price is?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12You did very well last time, Ian, so I'm going to start with you.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Well, you know, there's a lot to this,
0:24:16 > 0:24:21so I would aim much higher than the last time.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Perhaps I'll say 395.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- OK. Cora?- I'm going to say 380.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30380? This property is on the market at £420,000.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Yes, it is over your top budget of 400.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37However, we wouldn't do that to you. It's been on the market for a year
0:24:37 > 0:24:39and the owner's interested in sensible offers.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I can see you're starting to think about this one already.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48- Yeah.- Lots to consider.- Yes, a lot of attractions about this house.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- The wind's dropped, sun's out, enjoy the outdoors! - It makes it look good.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Have a look at that garage, there's plenty to see in there.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Yes, we'd like to.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Although this property is over their budget at £420,000,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Ian and Cora could make an offer
0:25:05 > 0:25:09that reflects their strong position to move quickly.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12It's a beautifully presented home that gives them...
0:25:25 > 0:25:28You can't help but enjoy being in this house as soon as you come in.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31All the wonderful artwork, and look at these guitars on the walls.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34But, of course, it reflects something of the interests
0:25:34 > 0:25:38of the present occupants of the house and in a sense,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41that perhaps almost over-attracts me to it.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44There's many other things about this that commend itself.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50I suppose the views and the location.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Easy access to walking countryside, a great big garden.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59All in all, I think this is a really positive contender, I would say.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03There are lots of things about this house that I really like.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05The downstairs is super.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08The two lounges I really like, where we can be separate
0:26:08 > 0:26:11and do separate activities to relax.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16The kitchen's great. The kitchen's really what I had in mind.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Something still missing. I'm not sure what.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Hey there. I thought I'd lost you.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25That was great, there was so much to look at.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28So much to see and lots to think about.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- Let's go find somewhere to sit down. - Great.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47As evening falls over the Scottish skyline,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50it marks the end of the first day of our property search.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Having returned from living in Moscow for 11 years,
0:26:59 > 0:27:06Ian and Cora are spending their time living 400 miles apart in Bristol and Stirling
0:27:06 > 0:27:09until they can finally unite under one roof in central Scotland.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Of the two properties we've shown them so far for their £400,000 budget,
0:27:12 > 0:27:18Ian seemed to particularly warm to our refurbished 1920s house,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21although Cora wasn't completely sold.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25But coming up, our mystery property throws down the gauntlet
0:27:25 > 0:27:28of 21st-century living in the country.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- It's a brand-spanking-new build. - But it's a nice new build.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- It's characterful, attractive.- Yes.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- That's exactly it. - It's very impressive.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42And I go up in the world thanks to the ancient laws of physics
0:27:42 > 0:27:46and the wonders of modern Scottish engineering.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49We got off to a mixed start yesterday
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and sometimes to find your dream home,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54you have to start from scratch,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57so with our mystery house, we've nearly done just that.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- What are you expecting from our mystery property?- I don't know.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Oh, my goodness.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Maybe it'll be some kind of timber A-framed,
0:28:10 > 0:28:16like a pioneer-frontier cottage or a ranch or something like that.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- That would be good. - That would be good, would it?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Anything would be good. - What would not be good?
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Wouldn't be too keen on just a little crofter's bothy.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- With a mud floor. - In the mud or something.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Well, Ian was surprisingly close with his first idea.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Our mystery house is near to the village of Kippen,
0:28:40 > 0:28:44which has a range of amenities including a local shop.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47The setting of our mystery property is idyllic
0:28:47 > 0:28:51but whether they warm to its modern design is still up for debate.
0:28:54 > 0:29:00This wonderful property is our mystery house.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02The reason it's our mystery
0:29:02 > 0:29:05is because it was only completed about three weeks ago.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- This is a brand-spanking-new build. - But it's a nice new build.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- It's characterful.- That's exactly it.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15It's very impressive. It's wonderful.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20I think it's a very good choice for a mystery property.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22We're keen to see inside.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26Their first reaction is really encouraging.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Our mystery house has been nominated in this year's Scottish Home Awards
0:29:30 > 0:29:33and hopefully its high design spec will knock them off their feet.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- There we go. Nice and warm. - Come in out of the rain!
0:29:37 > 0:29:38And very welcoming.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45- It's got some character, hasn't it? Lovely.- I like it very much.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It's actually what we've talked about these last few days.
0:29:49 > 0:29:55- Big table, island in the kitchen. Lovely. That's very good.- Good.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Tucked around there, you also have a good utility room and a door out to the garden.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Another way to come in and clean off your muddy boots.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Not only is it bright and modern but it's got that soft, homely feel.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10This is lovely. This is perfect.
0:30:11 > 0:30:12With a very open layout,
0:30:12 > 0:30:17the reception hall flows through to the main sitting room.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19How would this work for you? Is this enough space as a living room?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Do you like it being open-plan or do you prefer rooms...
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I like it open-plan, but if we did want a big piano,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27there wouldn't be room for very much else.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31That's probably the only place you could put a large piano.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It's the only place in this room. However, there's another room.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Do you want to have a look at that?- Good!- Great.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I thought this would be a good room for the piano
0:30:43 > 0:30:48because positioned here, you're looking right out at Ben Ledi.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- Wonderful. That would be inspiring, wouldn't it?- There you go.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55And, Cora, for you, you can shut the door. It's all tucked away.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58You wouldn't want to shut the door, would you?
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- Most of the time, I wouldn't. - Every now and then, if you want to.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Otherwise it's open-plan through there.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- What do you think of this space? - It's not huge.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11It's not huge, but it's certainly, in addition to the other one,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13it's great.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Downstairs seems to be striking a chord with them.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Next door, there's a fantastic light bathroom
0:31:19 > 0:31:23also fitted with an eye on quality, which as they will see,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25is a running theme upstairs.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28The feeling of space continues up here and again,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31they've really designed this house well.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Lots of windows, lots of light pouring in.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38This is what I want to show you first - a fantastic bathroom.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42A lot of space in this bathroom, but my favourite feature
0:31:42 > 0:31:47is taking a seat right there and having a look out of that window.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Great view of Ben Ledi. - Ben Ledi from the bathroom.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53From the bathroom or from the bath if you were lying in there.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54A very nice bathroom.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57You might just want to spend the whole day lying in there.
0:31:57 > 0:31:58And why not?
0:31:58 > 0:32:04The master is an equally fabulous room to relax in.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Again, you get the views all the way round.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Lots of light.- Windows in three directions, that's fabulous.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- Great views.- A big, big, big room.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- An en-suite bathroom with a shower. - Wonderful.- Very stylish too.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I think it's very nicely done and I can see us living in it.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25It's a lovely home.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28It's a style that they are clearly at home with
0:32:28 > 0:32:30and the other two large double bedrooms
0:32:30 > 0:32:34have light flooding in from the generous number of windows.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37With our mystery house covered on the inside,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40we'll get the measure of the outside.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Here you are, this is the garden.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47It's a cute space, I think, but it does have some lovely features.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Number one, you're looking at the farmland there
0:32:50 > 0:32:52and you've got the sheep to keep you company.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- You really know you're rural. - This lovely little stream.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57The stream just running through.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- How much do you think this property will set you back?- Oh, my goodness.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I'm going to go for 415,000.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- 15?- 415.- OK.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I'm going to say 395.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Oh!- Because I don't want to pay too much.- Is that hopeful?- Yes!
0:33:12 > 0:33:15You're both wrong this time, but you're close.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19It is over budget at £425,000
0:33:19 > 0:33:22but the owners would accept a lower offer.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24That's tempting, isn't it?
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Currently priced at £425,000 but open to offers,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33the unique design spec of our mystery house
0:33:33 > 0:33:35certainly seemed to impress them.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Along with two reception rooms,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Cora thought the open-plan kitchen-diner was spot-on.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51This is wonderful.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55It's a great surprise and a delight for us to see such a nice place.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Lovely designer features.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01There are one or two things that perhaps aren't quite so positive.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03It's a little bit far for my work.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08I'd have to commute for an hour each way to some of the places I go to work.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12We'll have to think a little bit about this to balance up
0:34:12 > 0:34:15these pros and cons before we can really make up our minds,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19but undoubtedly a hot contender, this house.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23I love the light and the airiness of it all.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25I think it's beautifully designed
0:34:25 > 0:34:30and I like the simple lines of the bathroom and the kitchen cabinets.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I think I'm disappointed with the garden.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38It's quite small and it's limited by a few slopes
0:34:38 > 0:34:41but the house is perfect, the house is lovely.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45- Hello.- The sun's shining.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50The sun's back out, the rain's over and so is our property search.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52That's it, all three properties seen.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Time for you to have a little think. - Yeah.- Come on.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Scotland is famous for its feats of engineering
0:35:10 > 0:35:15and it's a reputation that continues to this day.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Earlier in the week, I visited Falkirk, home to the Falkirk Wheel,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23the world's first and only rotating boat lift.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26This phenomenal piece of architecture was part of
0:35:26 > 0:35:31an £84.5 million project that aimed to re-link two main canals
0:35:31 > 0:35:34that stretch between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I met with Alasdair Smart, the Scottish Waterways manager,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40to find out more about this remarkable structure.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42What is it, why is it here?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44This is the Falkirk Wheel.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It's the world's only rotating boat lift and it's here, basically,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50to connect the Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52That's it, really. It's connecting people,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54it's connecting Glasgow, Edinburgh,
0:35:54 > 0:35:58but it's something that happened a long time ago and it fell away, didn't it?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01The canals, basically, the two main Lowland canals,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05closed in the 1960s, and one of the problems was that the two canals,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08to connect them and to connect Edinburgh and Glasgow,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10there used to be a flight of 11 locks
0:36:10 > 0:36:13and it wasn't possible to recreate those 11 locks
0:36:13 > 0:36:15because in the intervening years they had been built upon.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18British Waterways, working with some others, came up
0:36:18 > 0:36:21with this fantastic design to put a boat lift in place
0:36:21 > 0:36:25which would link the two canals which are 35 metres apart.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29In the past, it would have taken half a day to go through
0:36:29 > 0:36:31the canals' 11 locks.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34We can float up in just 10 to 15 minutes,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38thanks to Archimedes' principle of displacement.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40How does it work?
0:36:40 > 0:36:44How is it such a gentle move when you've got tonnes of steel operating?
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Basically, there's two gondolas, one at the top and one at the bottom,
0:36:47 > 0:36:49each of them full of water.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Basically, one of the boats goes in the bottom and very simply,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56the wheel rotates and it moves up to the top.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58You're moving in, the right amount of water moves out
0:36:58 > 0:37:01and that pushes the boats round?
0:37:01 > 0:37:03To try and keep it as energy efficient as possible
0:37:03 > 0:37:06and keep the engines small, basically you need to have
0:37:06 > 0:37:09both of the gondolas roughly the same kind of weight.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11What happens with Archimedes' principle is that
0:37:11 > 0:37:14as the boat moves in, the weight of the boat displaces
0:37:14 > 0:37:17the same amount of water, so no matter how many boats you have in,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19you always have roughly the same amount of weight
0:37:19 > 0:37:22between the two gondolas, so it makes it very efficient.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25'In fact, ten fitted hydraulic motors
0:37:25 > 0:37:29'generate the 1.5 kilowatts of electricity needed for each rotation,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33'which is only the equivalent of boiling eight household kettles
0:37:33 > 0:37:37'and standing 35 metres up on the banks of the aqueduct,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'you get a real sense of that linkage
0:37:40 > 0:37:44'between Scotland's two biggest cities.'
0:37:44 > 0:37:47It's beautiful, because this really does connect Edinburgh and Glasgow.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49It's centrally across Scotland
0:37:49 > 0:37:51and it's a real bringing together of the community.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Has it achieved what you expected it to?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57I think it's surpassed what we expected.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00It's been a tremendous achievement for Scotland.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03It's reinvigorated the canals, brought them back into life.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07There's six million people use the Lowland canals each year
0:38:07 > 0:38:10for the towpaths and getting out and encouraging
0:38:10 > 0:38:15healthy living and just enjoying the wonderful scenery we've got here.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Since opening ten years ago,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21the Falkirk Wheel attracts around 500,000 visitors a year
0:38:21 > 0:38:24and is proof that this iconic landmark
0:38:24 > 0:38:26has put these historic waterways back on the map.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31Time to see if we've engineered a house for today's buyers.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Three very different properties with increasingly striking views
0:38:38 > 0:38:41but were any of our houses dramatic enough
0:38:41 > 0:38:43to convince Ian and Cora to make them their home?
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Let's find out.
0:38:52 > 0:38:5411 years in Russia and the last month,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57you've been so far apart, haven't you?
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Now here we are, finding you a home in Scotland.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It's been nice looking with you, but there's urgency, isn't there?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Yes.- You've got a week.- We're going to be homeless in a few days' time.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Exactly. Three properties you've seen with us.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Had a bit of time to think about them.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14We started with the steading
0:39:14 > 0:39:16and that's something that was on your wish list.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17- Yes.- Rewind yourself back.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20How did you feel when you approached the property?
0:39:20 > 0:39:25We liked the idea of a steading because it gives you the chance
0:39:25 > 0:39:29to be in the countryside and have a little bit of a community.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34We were a little bit disappointed as we approached that.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37It's hard to say, you know, the weather was awful.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- Uncharacteristically awful.- Yeah.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42But something about the design and the finish.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47It was the large plain gable end that was rendered.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50The first thing you see is a grey rendered gable end.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53There was nice stonework to the right of that
0:39:53 > 0:39:57but the main thing was a plain gable end.
0:39:57 > 0:40:04From the inside, it was fine. A nice, cheerful show house.
0:40:04 > 0:40:10Perhaps a little bit ordinary as far as the finish was concerned.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14- It didn't have a lot of character to it.- It was adequate, it was fine.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16It just wasn't inspiring.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19But one of the key features of that property and one of the reasons
0:40:19 > 0:40:21we showed it to you, because of the price,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24you would have had some money left over with that property.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Yes, we could have gone on a world cruise
0:40:26 > 0:40:28or taken early retirement or something.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32So, for the second property, we took you further north,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35closer to Dollar, Clackmannanshire.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- What did you think of that one, the white house?- Attractive front.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- Quite a gracious setting in its grounds.- That long drive up to it.
0:40:44 > 0:40:50A fun house, the work that had already been done.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55- It was nicely done, nice bathrooms.- We liked that.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57It felt homely, it felt lived in.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59There was also a nice conservatory in the front,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03a south-facing conservatory, which could be lovely in the summer.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06And the kitchen, how did that work for you in that property?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08It was fine, it was nice.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10I preferred the kitchen in the third property.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12The third, the mystery house.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15That was a mystery because it was only three weeks old
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and after your comments about the first property seeming new,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I wasn't sure how you'd take to the mystery house.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- It had a lot more character. - Yes.- It was wonderful.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29It was beautifully designed, very nicely decorated.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Lovely feel to it. Light and airy, very, very nice.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Finished to a very high quality, a high standard.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41A spectacular setting with views out towards Flanders Moss
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and northwards towards Ben Ledi.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48The small garden is a problem, the small, north-facing garden
0:41:48 > 0:41:52is a little bit of a disappointment, isn't it?
0:41:52 > 0:41:58- It detracts somewhat from the otherwise wonderful...- Lovely house.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02What is the plan, what will you do next over the next few days?
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Well, I need to go home and pack up our home in Bristol.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- You have to go back to work.- Mm-hm.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12We may have to put our things into storage
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and rent somewhere for a little while
0:42:14 > 0:42:17until we can find something that's just right to move on.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19We don't want to move again.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22If we can find the right property that will do us now
0:42:22 > 0:42:25on into retirement, that would be perfect.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27I hope you do find somewhere very soon,
0:42:27 > 0:42:28sooner than you being homeless,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32and when you throw one of these infamous parties, can I come along?
0:42:32 > 0:42:37- What impression have we given? - You'll be very welcome.- Thank you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46We really have braved the elements this week in our quest
0:42:46 > 0:42:49to find the perfect property for Ian and Cora.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52It has been somewhat of a battle to find a house that meets
0:42:52 > 0:42:57their needs for both practicality and inspiration all in one.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I think that we came close, but their search continues.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03They'd better get their skates on as they've only got a week
0:43:03 > 0:43:05before their house is sold.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:11 > 0:43:15in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17please apply online at...
0:43:43 > 0:43:46Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd