0:00:00 > 0:00:02- ECHOEY VOICE:- I'm standing in a place that lays claim
0:00:02 > 0:00:06to having one of the longest echoes of any building in Britain.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08ECHOES
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Where am I? Find out in a few moments' time.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47'On today's show, I'll be helping a couple get back to their rural Scottish routes
0:00:47 > 0:00:50'and it's a real step back in time at one of our properties.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- How about that for an Iron Age fort? - Wow!
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- On your doorstep! - That's fairly impressive.- It is.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01'And the surprises just keep coming.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:04I thought the first one yesterday was a fabulous size.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06But this is better still.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Today I'm in Lanarkshire
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and this imposing structure is the Hamilton Mausoleum,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18built in 1858 as a final resting place
0:01:18 > 0:01:21for the 10th Duke of Hamilton and his family.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26Mirroring the classical design of the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30the dimensions inside this huge 36-metre-high dome and crypt
0:01:30 > 0:01:34mean that if I should slam shut those wooden doors behind me,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37it would take at least 18 seconds for the sound to die down.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Because of this record-breaking reverberation,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43would-be buyers have tried to purchase this building
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and take it overseas.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48But that would alter its unique acoustics for ever
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and happily, its resting place remains here in Scotland.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Covering over 850 square miles,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58land-locked Lanarkshire lies in southern Scotland
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and is one of the country's smaller counties.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05But despite this, it's actually the most-densely populated
0:02:05 > 0:02:08as it includes the busy city of Glasgow
0:02:08 > 0:02:11which is situated towards its northern border.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14However, beyond the bustling conurbation,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Lanarkshire unfolds to reveal an array of tranquil villages,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21such as the attractive historic market town of Strathaven,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25which was granted a royal charter back in 1450
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and still retains much of its ancient medieval character.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33The county also boasts many wild and beautiful backdrops.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Particularly rousing are Lanarkshire's stunning waterfalls
0:02:36 > 0:02:39which take pride of place in the River Clyde valley
0:02:39 > 0:02:42at the very heart of the Scottish lowlands.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47When it comes to the housing market,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50the average price for a detached property in Lanarkshire
0:02:50 > 0:02:53is just over £233,000.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57That's £5,000 more than Scotland's national average figure.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03South Lanarkshire's mix of countryside and good access routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh
0:03:03 > 0:03:05does keep prices up.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09This is the case in sought-after towns such as Hamilton and Strathaven.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Now, happily, in north Lanarkshire,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15properties around Motherwell and Kilsyth are far cheaper,
0:03:15 > 0:03:20typically 15% below the more expensive areas in the south of the county.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23But wherever you're looking, one thing's for certain.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29This expansive county offers up a vast array of eye-catching property styles.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34I hope we can find the perfect country home for our buyers. So let's meet them.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Graham, a tax inspector, and his partner, Clare, who works in HR,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41found love at the office three years ago.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46And when they're not travelling a round trip of 116 miles to work each day,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50they call this three-bedroomed house in Hampshire home.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52At the moment, we both work in London,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56which means that we have about a five-hour commute every day,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59which takes so much of our spare time, really.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- SCOTTISH ACCENT:- As you can probably tell, I originate from East Kilbride in Scotland
0:04:03 > 0:04:07but I haven't been in Scotland for almost 30 years now.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10But my work is now moving me from London to Glasgow
0:04:10 > 0:04:15so really, we're looking for something that would enable us to have the benefits of the countryside
0:04:15 > 0:04:19but enable us also to get to Glasgow, because we'll both be working in central Glasgow.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23They've chosen Lanarkshire for its beautiful countryside
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and great transport links into the city of Glasgow.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28And when the working day is done,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32they aren't short of ideas of how they'd like to spend their new-found freedom.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We both enjoy walking,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38so we'd like to be somewhere where we can have easy access to walks.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42We also like historical houses and gardens,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45so being able to go and visit those would be good as well.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Overall, I think we're looking to have a complete change of lifestyle.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Not just in what we do, but also we'd like to be part of a community.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55With a long commute, you don't tend to feel that.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00So they're after some rural harmony in which to practise their...harmonies!
0:05:00 > 0:05:03At the moment, we're both in Rock Choir,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05which is one of our main hobbies.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09And we hope to be able to carry that on in Scotland.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11And when it comes to their new house,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14they certainly seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet!
0:05:14 > 0:05:18What we're looking for in the new property is somewhere that's got some character.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21I think we'd both prefer an older property.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23One of my main interests is military history.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I have a lot of books, probably around 1,500.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29It's very important that we have space in the house
0:05:29 > 0:05:32where I can store these and use them properly.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34We don't particularly like barn conversions
0:05:34 > 0:05:36and neither of us really like open plan.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Our buyers plan to rent out Clare's house in Southampton
0:05:40 > 0:05:42so, with no property to sell
0:05:42 > 0:05:44and alternative finances available,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47they're ready and raring to get started
0:05:47 > 0:05:48on their Scottish relocation.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Our budget for the move is around £400,000.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54We might be able to go a little bit above that,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57but that gives a good feel for where we're looking.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Accessibility to Glasgow for work is essential for Graham and Clare.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11But they also want to be within easy reach of family and friends
0:06:11 > 0:06:12back in England.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18So we'll be concentrating our house search on the beautiful rural villages of southern Lanarkshire,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20all with good links for the motorway.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24I'm meeting up with our buyers in the glorious countryside
0:06:24 > 0:06:27to find out more about their prospective move.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Graham and Clare, lovely to meet you both.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Here we are in beautiful Lanarkshire, Scotland,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35looking for a property for you.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38You've got to make this move up here fairly quickly, haven't you?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Yes, we're moving up from Southampton to Glasgow
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and I start work here next month.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45So what, ideally, are you after?
0:06:45 > 0:06:46An older house.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Something with some character.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I'd like a nice big kitchen and Graham would like somewhere for all his books.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56So a good sized property, but doesn't sound like you want anything too big?
0:06:56 > 0:06:59No. Big enough for family and friends to come and stay,
0:06:59 > 0:07:00so three bedrooms would be nice.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- But no, other than that, not too picky.- Good!
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Lovely, music to my ears!
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- You hear that now, but... - Yes, wait till the end of the three properties and we'll reconvene!
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- So I'm feeling very confident. Shall we get going?- Great. Thank you.- Come on, then.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'With a budget of £400,000,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Graham and Clare want a detached three-bedroomed character home.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Clare has her heart set on a large kitchen for cooking and entertaining.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34While Graham wants a room for his military history library
0:07:34 > 0:07:36of some 1,500 books.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Finally, work-wise, the property needs to have good transport links
0:07:40 > 0:07:41for commuting.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Socially, they'd like an area with a strong community.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49We've got some superb country homes to tempt our buyers,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52although I'll be keeping my lips sealed as to the price tag
0:07:52 > 0:07:54until the end of each house tour.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57As ever, our final choice is the mystery property.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02But will our buyers fancy a shot at being king and queen of the castle?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Seeing as time really is of the essence,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09let's get straight to our first property
0:08:09 > 0:08:12which is in an area called Sandilands.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14It's in the rural outskirts of Lanark
0:08:14 > 0:08:17but just 20 minutes from the motorway.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21The historic medieval town of Biggar is the nearest place for basic essentials
0:08:21 > 0:08:24and it's where we're taking a quick pit-stop.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28So, en-route, I wanted to stop off here at Biggar
0:08:28 > 0:08:32which is a really good town with plenty of independent shops.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Sweet shops, fish and chip shops, plenty of pubs.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39You want to be in the country, but you also want a community not that far away.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Yes.- I can't promise you a rock choir,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43but there's plenty going on in this town.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- That's exactly what we're looking for.- Good.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- We haven't got too far to go to our house, so shall we keep going? - Yes, great.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55'Our first property is just 20 minutes' drive away
0:08:55 > 0:08:58'in the beautiful Clyde Valley countryside.'
0:09:00 > 0:09:04So, here is our first property in Lanarkshire.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08It's 150 years old, a former blacksmith's.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09What do you think?
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- It's beautiful.- Very nice indeed. - Lovely.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16It's easy access to the motorway, the M74.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19So you're looking at a 40-minute commute to Glasgow.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Good.- That's good.- Because commuting is such a big part of your lives at the moment,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26we tried to keep it as close to Glasgow as possible
0:09:26 > 0:09:30but also giving you those stunning views.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Shall we step inside? It's a little bit nippy, isn't it?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35A little bit!
0:09:37 > 0:09:41'This deceptively large character property is made from local sandstone.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44'It originally started life as a farmhouse.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46'However, as they'll soon see,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49'it's been considerably extended and modernised throughout.'
0:09:51 > 0:09:52Come straight through
0:09:52 > 0:09:55into this magnificent kitchen.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Mm.- So as you walk into the property,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02you notice there's a dining room, literally as you walk in.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04There's three or four doors you can use with this house,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07but that's the one the owners currently use.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10You've also got a utility room and a downstairs cloakroom.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- That's good. What we wanted. - But I wanted to bring you straight into this kitchen.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Mm.- It's very nice.- Lovely.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- It is lovely.- And it is open plan. However,
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- there are other rooms which I'll show you in a while.- OK.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30It doesn't feel too open, because this part - it could have been a bigger open room.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33And then, taking our attention away from the kitchen,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35you've got a living space there.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Again, if you had friends and just wanted to have a drink,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- that would be perfect.- Yes.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Let me take you through to the next room. That's a bit more cosy.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- Great.- Right.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54So here, you have another good size reception room.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Yeah, this is nice. Very nice.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Is the fire a real fire? - Yes, it's a real fire. Real fire.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- The open fire is a big point.- A big plus for us.- A big draw.- Yes, it is.
0:11:05 > 0:11:12And therefore I think the open plan aspect there I can cope with more easily
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- knowing there is something a bit snugger and cosier here.- Yes.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Now, you might be thinking, "Where do my books go?"
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Yes.- "Where's my study, where's my library?"
0:11:22 > 0:11:24We have a few options with this property.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- So let's continue through here. - Great.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31So, in this part of the property,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and I've been clever because I've stood myself beside the multi-fuel burner,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36pumping out plenty of heat,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38you've got two bedrooms.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43You've got a large single and a very large double with an en-suite shower room.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48Because we have more bedrooms upstairs, which I'll show you shortly,
0:11:48 > 0:11:54you could convert one or both of those rooms into a study/library.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Yes. It would be nice to have a downstairs room.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Graham will be relieved to know that this is a spacious house
0:12:01 > 0:12:03with no less than five bedrooms,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07so plenty of room for any overspill from his library.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09The other three bedrooms are upstairs
0:12:09 > 0:12:12and they all have an en-suite.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14There's also a useful study.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18But we'll take a peek at the room which could be theirs.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21So here is the master bedroom.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- This is very nice.- Very impressed.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Fitted wardrobes, got its own en-suite.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28And being five bedrooms,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- we can certainly devote one to being a library and study.- Yes.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- It's very light. And you've got three aspects to it, really.- Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- I think it's beautiful views out. All in all, it's a really nice room. - It's beautiful.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49'I think it's safe to say that Graham and Clare are in a pretty upbeat mood about this property.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'And it's no surprise, as this is a beautifully maintained home.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56'I'm just hoping the background noise of the nearby road
0:12:56 > 0:12:58'doesn't put them off.'
0:12:58 > 0:13:02The front of the property, you've got a garden laid to lawn.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04It's got flowers and shrubs and everything.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08The back, as you see, you've got a huge driveway.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10A little bit of lawn behind us.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Your closest neighbours are a farm, just across the way!
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Total plot is about an acre.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Right.- But the more formal garden is at the front.- Yes.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25All of the work, inside and outside, has been done really well.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- So it's a really, really attractive property.- It is.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30'OK, time to step into the warmth
0:13:30 > 0:13:36'and hazard a guess as to what this lovely character home with a modern twist is worth.'
0:13:36 > 0:13:38So this is where it gets serious.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Most people take this bit seriously. I like that.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46How much do you think this house, this former blacksmith's, is on the market for?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I think it's probably just a bit above our budget.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51So I'm going to go for 410.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52OK.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55I think that, perhaps because of the proximity to the road,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I would put it just a bit under that at 395.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03Current asking price is below both of you.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- Oh.- Right.- Offers over £375,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- Right.- That's surprising.- Yes.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- That's...- Pleasing!- Yes!
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- So do you want to have another wander around?- That would be nice.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Start off with the property, then have a walk around outside.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- I'll catch up with you when you're ready.- OK, great.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Yes.- Be my guest.- Thank you.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29So, a pleasant surprise on the asking price
0:14:29 > 0:14:32because it is a fantastic house. It's absolutely huge.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35That main road has slightly put them off.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39But at that price, could they live with it? We'll have to wait and see.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44On the market for offers over £375,000,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46our first house is well within budget
0:14:46 > 0:14:49and gives them many of the elements on their wish list.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14My first thoughts, when I saw the outside of the property, it was really attractive.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18I liked the windows. There were nice long windows at the top.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I like the colour of the stone. I like the kitchen. Nice and open and bright.
0:15:21 > 0:15:27Although it's open plan, I didn't mind that because it's in three separate sections.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So yes, very nice, very modern, well done and lots of space.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Overall, it was a really nice house.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36It looks nice. It's traditional outside, modern inside.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41My only concern is around the road noise. Apart from that, there's an awful lot of pluses.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46How are we doing, guys? Have you seen enough of our first property?
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Yes, thank you.- Yes.- Very nice.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- A good start?- Very good start, I think. Very nice.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52Come on. Let's go.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05When Graham and Clare make the move up to Lanarkshire,
0:16:05 > 0:16:09they are keen to explore the county's architectural treasures.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12So, during the week, we couldn't pass up the chance
0:16:12 > 0:16:18to send them to the beautifully restored 18th-century cotton mill village of New Lanark,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21which has been awarded World Heritage Status.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24With four mills powered by the mighty Clyde Falls,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28New Lanark was once the largest cotton manufacturing area in the country.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32But it was under the management of a Welshman, called Robert Owen
0:16:32 > 0:16:35that the village was to become a pioneering model
0:16:35 > 0:16:38for both economic and social success.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Our buyers met up with tour guide Christine Bonner
0:16:41 > 0:16:44to learn more about Owen's revolutionary vision.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47The mills were originally built by David Dale,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49in 1784.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53They were taken over by his son-in-law in 1800
0:16:53 > 0:16:54and that was Robert Owen.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57So why, exactly, is it a World Heritage Site?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00First of all, it's because of Robert Owen's ideas.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04He was going to put into practice educating the poor
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and improving the conditions for the workers.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10When Robert Owen came to New Lanark,
0:17:10 > 0:17:15he inherited around 2,000 employees including 500 children,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19all living and working in squalid and hazardous conditions.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22But Owen believed that better welfare and education
0:17:22 > 0:17:25could lead to a more motivated workforce.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28So he set about improving the conditions for his workers,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31even establishing a free school.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35The children were here up to the age of ten.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37But previous to that,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40if they were up to five, they were in the creche.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44He said they weren't to be annoyed with books till they were five years of age.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46What sort of subjects would they have been taught?
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Right. They actually did the basics - English, writing and arithmetic.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54But they also had history, geography.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56They had music and dancing.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Nature study.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02So the children were encouraged - if they'd done so much in the classroom,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04they could go out on a nature walk.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09During his lifetime, Owen's system of childcare and education
0:18:09 > 0:18:12attracted much opposition and celebration.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15But it wasn't until some 70 years later
0:18:15 > 0:18:19that compulsory schooling was finally introduced into Britain.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23In other places, most children would be working from the age of two.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Whereas here, they only started work at the age of ten,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28once Robert Owen took over.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30So life was much better here.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Outside of the classroom,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36villagers were provided with decent homes, free healthcare
0:18:36 > 0:18:37and affordable food.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42And inside the mills, child labour and corporal punishment were abolished.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45The working day was reduced to ten-and-a-half hours,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48proving that commercial success could be achieved
0:18:48 > 0:18:50without exploitation.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53What were the conditions like, working here?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56They were very loud, very noisy.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Because all the machines were here.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02The whole floor space would be covered with spinning machines.
0:19:02 > 0:19:10Obviously, the people learned to communicate either through signing or through lip-reading.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Cotton was manufactured at New Lanark up until 1968.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Today, business is still thriving,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19with the introduction of wool spinning.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22But for now, it's time to see what's "looming" on the horizon
0:19:22 > 0:19:25as we head off to our second property.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30'For our next stop of the day,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33'we're travelling slightly further south
0:19:33 > 0:19:35'into the quiet countryside of Roberton,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38'which is still only a 45-minute drive to Glasgow.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'Roberton is a picturesque rural hamlet
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'full of charming stone-built cottages and farmhouses.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48'The River Clyde runs gently past the village,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'cutting through the surrounding fields and moorland.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55'And our second house is perfectly placed to take advantage
0:19:55 > 0:19:57'of the glorious views.'
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Now, you like, Graham, don't you, military manoeuvres?
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Yes.- History.- Yes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- How about that for an Iron Age fort? - Wow!- On your doorstep.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- That's fairly impressive.- It is.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11So let's go back to our property.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13We can't neglect the house, can we?
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Is that the sort of property you had in mind when you thought about making the move?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- It is, yeah.- Very much so. - Absolutely.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21And it's just full of character.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24It dates back to the late 1800s.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- It's not listed.- Right.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Shall we step inside and take a look around?- Yes.- Yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36'Well, the exterior character and the views have gone down well with our buyers.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40'And this 19th-century farmhouse really delivers on original features.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44'Something that was high on Graham and Clare's list of priorities.'
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- So, here we have a proper farmhouse kitchen.- Wow.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Some of the units are fitted, some are free-standing.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57Smaller, certainly, than this morning's kitchen.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- But what a lot of character to it. - Yes. I like it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03I like the brickwork being exposed as well.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Yes. And a beautiful view.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Yes.- Yeah.- Perfect. - It's a lovely room.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- It feels like... It feels like a homely kitchen.- It does.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14Yes, it does.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Let's keep going through here.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I want to show you next door.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- So, across the hallway from the kitchen...- An open fire.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- An open fire.- Yes.- And a rather lovely sitting room.- It is.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Beautiful views. You can imagine on a cold winter's evening,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36being very cosy in here with a fire going
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- and being able to look out at the hills.- Yes.- Fantastic.- Lovely room.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'The style of his house has clearly struck a chord with our buyers so far.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48'The eclectic finish continues upstairs.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Here is your master bedroom.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Now, it doesn't have an en-suite.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- But the family bathroom is literally just next door.- Right.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02And you tell me. What about the size of this room?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05It's definitely smaller than the previous one.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I think, bearing in mind wardrobe space, et cetera,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- it may be more of an issue here than it was in the previous property. - Right.- Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- Well, you do have a single bedroom next door.- Right.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19And at the end of the corridor there's a large double.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24So you've got three bedrooms in total and they all share the family bathroom.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- Right.- Right.- So you could potentially sacrifice the small room
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- and have that as a dressing room, perhaps.- Yes.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32How do you feel about this property?
0:22:32 > 0:22:35I think I preferred the size of the last one.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40It wasn't necessarily what we asked for, but having seen it, I can see the attractions.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42But I love the character in this one.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47We like to give you a balance. Is it fair to say you feel slightly short-changed here?
0:22:48 > 0:22:53Well, I suppose I expected it to be bigger when we saw the outside, I suppose.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- That would be true.- We keep getting a glimpse of something else.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59You'd both be right!
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Follow me back down these stairs!
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- This house keeps giving!- Good!
0:23:05 > 0:23:08'Well, I can't keep it secret any more,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12'as it's time to reveal this house actually has two halves.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'Sitting at the back of the property is a two-storey extension
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'which practically doubles the footprint of the whole building.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23'This extended wing is accessed back down on the ground floor
0:23:23 > 0:23:25'through the kitchen
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'and is linked to the original farmhouse by a large utility room
0:23:28 > 0:23:31'which leads straight into a formal dining area.'
0:23:31 > 0:23:33So I was rather cruel!
0:23:35 > 0:23:38This probably was an out-building/barn
0:23:38 > 0:23:41and about 100 years ago, it was converted.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43So you've got a huge modern family bathroom,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45you can see there's a staircase there.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47And that's an overspill bedroom.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- But it could make a fantastic study/library.- Right.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55So you've got a good space here. Through the doorway
0:23:55 > 0:23:58you've got another sitting room
0:23:58 > 0:24:00and then there's another staircase
0:24:00 > 0:24:03taking you to your fifth bedroom
0:24:03 > 0:24:05if you include that as a bedroom as well.
0:24:05 > 0:24:06- Right?- Right!
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- So there's a little bit more to it than...- Lots more to it!
0:24:10 > 0:24:13You've got the exposed timbers, the exposed stone wall.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Does this lend itself to your type of lifestyles?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Yes.- Yeah. Yes, it does.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21'And that lifestyle could be further enhanced
0:24:21 > 0:24:23'by the pretty cottage garden
0:24:23 > 0:24:26'which is conveniently divided into patios and lawns
0:24:26 > 0:24:29'and has plenty of mature trees and shrubs.'
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Clare, you love your gardening, don't you?- I do.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38I don't have a lot of time to do it at the moment, and I don't want a large garden. This is lovely.
0:24:38 > 0:24:44So how much is this stunning farmhouse with this amazing view behind us?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46How much is it on the market for?
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- You first, this time.- I have to go first. Right. Um...
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I would say 410.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54I'm going to go 395.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The asking price for this old farmhouse...
0:24:58 > 0:25:01£295,000!
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Offers over £295,000.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Right. Hmm.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Well, so much for my guesswork!
0:25:09 > 0:25:14So, now I've told you that bombshell of a price, do you fancy having another wander round?
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- Yes.- Desperately.- Go on, then.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Please take your time. Have a good look. There's a lot to explore with this property.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- I'll catch up with you when you're ready.- OK.- Thank you.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Well, what an amazing reaction. But it is a fantastic price
0:25:28 > 0:25:31for this slice of the most beautiful countryside.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Hugely under-budget,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40this property is on the market for offers over £295,000.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It has a lot of flexibility and character.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52It's all set in a beautiful rural location,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55still less than an hour away from the city.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59The house is quirky. It's an unusual shape, a sort of L-shape.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01But both Clare and I quite like that.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04We're not keen on square box-like houses.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09So this one, it's an advantage to have it slightly unusual.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12But the price was amazingly good.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15For what is actually on offer here
0:26:15 > 0:26:18it gives us the scope to do any work that we wanted to do
0:26:18 > 0:26:21to make it exactly the sort of house we're looking for.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Looking round the downstairs rooms to start with,
0:26:24 > 0:26:30I thought they were small and there were only the two, the kitchen and the front reception room.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31So I was a bit concerned!
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Obviously a very nice surprise when we came through to see the other rooms.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37So more than enough space for what we want.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39I like the house very much from the outside.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43It looked like just the sort of house that we wanted.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46But probably most struck by the surroundings
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and the countryside.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Right, you two. Happy? - Yes, thank you.- Very much so.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Fabulous property.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58It is the most amazing setting. But it's time now to drag you away.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59If you must!
0:27:14 > 0:27:18As the sun sets over the beautiful Scottish countryside,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21the first day of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31'With an imminent job relocation to Glasgow on the cards,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Graham and Clare are looking for a Scottish country retreat
0:27:35 > 0:27:38to escape the hectic working day of the city.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41So far, we've shown them two great homes
0:27:41 > 0:27:44which have certainly provided much more than they bargained for.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49But, coming up, they'll need real vision in the mystery property.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53We'll have to use our imagination to work out how we'd want to have it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57And I'll be brushing up on my Scottish grooming skills.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Moving from Southampton to Lanarkshire is hard enough.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07But for Graham and Clare, add to the mix
0:28:07 > 0:28:10that Graham starts a new job here in Glasgow in just over a month's time
0:28:10 > 0:28:13and they still haven't found anywhere to live.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15The pressure is certainly on.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Yesterday, we showed them two period properties.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21The second one certainly caught their imagination,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23especially at that price.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25They say a man's home is his castle.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29So how close can we get today with our mystery property?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34So we're on our way to the mystery property.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Any thoughts of where we might be taking you?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39I would like to think it might be somewhere very old.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42But equally I think it could be a conversion.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- A school, or a chapel, something like that.- Mm.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47But it's definitely a mystery!
0:28:49 > 0:28:51'For our third and final stop,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53'we're heading towards the north of Lanarkshire,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55'close to the large town of Motherwell,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59'which is some 20 minutes from Glasgow city centre.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02'However, despite such proximity to the city,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04'our mystery destination is, in fact,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06'a historic landscaped park.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10'And within this peaceful enchanted forest
0:29:10 > 0:29:11'is our mystery property.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- It's like walking into a fairytale, isn't it?- It is.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Because this is your mystery property!
0:29:18 > 0:29:20It's amazing!
0:29:20 > 0:29:23You do have a good budget for this part of the world.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Not enough to buy your own castle,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- but a slice, perhaps, of it.- Yes.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30You've got the main house to our left.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33That was built around 1430 by the Dalyell family.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Later passed into the Hamiltons'.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38They had it about 500 years.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41In the '80s, after being empty for a little while,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43it was converted into 18 separate apartments.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Each one is different. Every single one.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Any idea which one yours might be?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I've no idea. I wouldn't mind being attached to the clock tower, though!
0:29:52 > 0:29:54That's particularly attractive.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Well, you'd be in luck, because that is the mews cottage.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00That is your mystery property.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Well, no doubt it's... - Amazing.- Yes.- Wonderful.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06So shall we take a step inside?
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- Yes.- Please.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16The mystery house forms part of one of the finest mansions in the Scottish lowlands.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18This was originally a baronial castle,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21retaining its external period styles
0:30:21 > 0:30:24from the 15th, 17th and 19th centuries.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26The mews cottage itself
0:30:26 > 0:30:30reflects a thoroughly contemporary 21st century internal design.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35But the twist is the outside space is shared with all the other residents.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41We'll start the tour of the cottage in the kitchen.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48Well, I thought the first one yesterday was a fabulous size.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50But this is better still.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52It's deceiving from the outside, as well.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55You don't think the proportions are going to be this big.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- No.- No, not at all. - A huge eating area as well.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00I could easily see you working out here. Cooking out here.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- Yes, that's working! - I mean eating out here!- Yeah.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- That's a great start! - Fantastic start.- We'll continue.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09I feel like a tour guide!
0:31:11 > 0:31:15So here is your sitting room, or drawing room.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Right.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19It wasn't what I was expecting, really.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23It's quite a modern, contemporary style that the current owners have.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25That might not be what we were looking for,
0:31:25 > 0:31:31but we'd have to use our imagination to work out how we would have it.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36You've got to think of your colour schemes, your furnishings, how you would put your touch to it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- Yes.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40It's a lovely big space. I like the big windows.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Lots of light coming in. It's a lovely courtyard.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45That's a big plus.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48The stairs from the sitting room lead up to the first floor,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52where there's a family bathroom in-between two double bedrooms.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55These could be ideal for visiting friends and family.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57But in total there are four bedrooms
0:31:57 > 0:31:59and back down on the ground floor
0:31:59 > 0:32:03is the smallest, ideally placed to be used as a library.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06And to the far end of the property
0:32:06 > 0:32:08is the bedroom that could be theirs.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13This, at the moment, is being used as the master
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- because it's got an en-suite.- Right.
0:32:16 > 0:32:23- Yes.- I don't know how you feel about potentially your bedroom being on the ground floor?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26My first choice wouldn't be to have the bedroom downstairs.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30But it's hardly - it's not something we've really thought of.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33No. And there are only two of us.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- So we don't have to use it as a bedroom.- Yes. True.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38We could use it as a guest room.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- In fact, you could use this for your books.- Hmm.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43You've also got a dressing room next door.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46But again, if you had personal or expensive books,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- something like that, that you wanted to keep away...- More book space!
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- They could go there.- Don't encourage him!- Additional space. I said the wrong thing, didn't I?
0:32:54 > 0:32:57You can keep that as your dressing room!
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Well, I'm not having to encourage either of them that much.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05From the sitting room, our buyers could look through
0:33:05 > 0:33:07the impressive arch picture windows
0:33:07 > 0:33:09over a lovely cobbled courtyard
0:33:09 > 0:33:13with an area for the mews cottage which is enclosed by raised beds.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15And the entire property is set
0:33:15 > 0:33:20in an idyllic mature woodland featuring beautiful formal topiary gardens.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28The mystery property is surrounded by acres and acres of woodland and parkland.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It's a beautiful surrounding, isn't it?
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- Amazing.- All I can hear is birdsong and the waterfall.- So...
0:33:34 > 0:33:37how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40It's me to go first, this time.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Um... 400,000.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- OK. Which is your budget. - Which is our budget, yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51I'm going to go... After my success last time, I'm wary,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54I'm going to go slightly under that at 380.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56380,000.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00I think you're both going to be quite surprised with the asking price.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01Right.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Like we were yesterday!
0:34:03 > 0:34:06£310,000.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10- Yes.- Yes!
0:34:10 > 0:34:13I think we haven't quite acclimatised in terms of price!
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- We're still in Hampshire prices, really.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18What we have discovered, here in Lanarkshire,
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- is you can get fantastic properties...- Yes.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23..within and below your budget.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- And that is one of them.- You're giving us lots to think about.- Yeah.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29We like that. We like to make you work!
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- Yeah.- You know it's not a holiday and I've got to find you a home! - I know.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- Not only find you a home, but the first home you've bought together. - It is.- Yes.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40The question is, have we got close? Go and have a think about it again.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- OK.- We'll have a talk in a little while.- OK.- Thank you.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Well, the mystery house certainly has got them thinking.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52And again, a fantastic price for what you get
0:34:52 > 0:34:54in the most remarkable setting.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55Unique.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Again under budget to the tune of some £90,000,
0:34:59 > 0:35:04this mews house offers a very distinctive take on Scottish living,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06set inside a beautiful historic castle.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13A total of four bedrooms, two of which are on the ground floor,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16providing Graham with excellent options for the library.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20The whole package sits in a pocket of peaceful paradise
0:35:20 > 0:35:22but with all the benefits of the city at hand.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26And to top it off, this home offers the community they wanted
0:35:26 > 0:35:28right on the doorstep.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30When we first arrived,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I was really astonished by the building and the location.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Inside, I loved the kitchen.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38It's definitely my favourite room.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41It's nice and airy and large, just what I wanted.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I want to be part of the community and get to know people,
0:35:43 > 0:35:48but I don't know if I want to be this close to other people.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52In the long run, there are other features of it
0:35:52 > 0:35:54in terms of not having any garden space
0:35:54 > 0:36:00and I'm not a gardener, but it's nice having somewhere that's private that you can have.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03And the absence of that is an issue.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08But on the plus side, being only 20 minutes away from Glasgow would be a really big plus.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14On a glorious day like today, this courtyard is a real sun-trap.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15Let's see how they got on.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Have you seen enough of our mystery property?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20- Yes, thank you.- Yeah? - Yeah, very interesting.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25Very unlike anything we'd have looked at on our own account, so very interesting indeed.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Good. Well, you've seen all three properties now.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30So you have some thinking to do.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Hopefully some good decisions to be made, as well.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Come on.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Scotland's vast and diverse countryside
0:36:46 > 0:36:49provides a wonderful habitat for many native animals.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53One characterful example is the Hebridean pony,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56from the Isle of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00For many years, the remote location of the Outer Hebrides
0:37:00 > 0:37:03helped ensure the Eriskay pony's pedigree bloodline.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05But during the 19th century,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08increased cross-breeding in other areas of Scotland
0:37:08 > 0:37:10led to a decline in numbers
0:37:10 > 0:37:12and by the 1970s,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14the breed had become critically endangered.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19The Rare Breeds Survival Trust has developed an active programme
0:37:19 > 0:37:21to protect and increase the population.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I've come to a country park in north Lanarkshire
0:37:24 > 0:37:26to meet Shelagh Mackintosh
0:37:26 > 0:37:28to find out more about this precious breed.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Who do we have here? Who's this young lady?
0:37:31 > 0:37:35This is Brea. In Gallic, "beautiful".
0:37:35 > 0:37:37She is beautiful. How old is she?
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Six years old.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42The Eriskay ponies are obviously a very rare breed.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- One of Scotland's oldest breeds. - Yes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Why did their numbers dwindle? How bad did it get?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51It got down on the island of Eriskay to 20.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53How many do we have now in total?
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Probably about 40, including the entire males.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- So in 30 years...- We're getting foals bred all the time now.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- That's a real success story. - Yes, it is.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07What do you think it means? We talk about being Scotland's oldest breed.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10What does it mean to keep it alive?
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Any country should look after its heritage.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14This is part of Scotland's heritage.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18'Eriskay ponies are a compact breed,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20'but immensely strong and hardy for their size.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23'Before the onset of mechanisation,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25'they were prized family possessions,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29'used by crofters for agricultural work and transportation.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34'Senior stockman Lucy Gillie is responsible for all the ponies
0:38:34 > 0:38:36'and the other animals living in the park.'
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Now, Lucy, who's this?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- This is Carl.- Carl. And he's an Eriskay pony as well?
0:38:42 > 0:38:43He's an Eriskay stallion.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Has he sired any ponies recently? Any foals?
0:38:46 > 0:38:50We've got a foal due any day now to Brea, who you met before.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54It's due any day and we're hopeful everything goes well with them.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- Fantastic! So Carl's going to be a daddy!- Yeah!
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- How old is Carl?- Carl's 23 years old.
0:39:00 > 0:39:0423?! And he's still producing foals.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Congratulations. Is he in good condition?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08He is. He is in good condition.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12'Eriskay foals are born black or bay
0:39:12 > 0:39:14'and usually turn grey as they mature into adulthood.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18'It's their dense waterproof coat which gives them their hardy reputation,
0:39:18 > 0:39:22'enabling them to live out in the harshest conditions
0:39:22 > 0:39:23'through all weathers.'
0:39:23 > 0:39:26So how often do you have to groom them?
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Not very often. But they still like a good groom every so often.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- Do they make good pets? - They do make good pets.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38A lot of people use them now for children to be able to ride them.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Could an adult, a small adult, ride one of these ponies?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Yes, a small adult would be able to go on one of these ponies.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Have you been on her? - Yes, I've been on her.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- Is she a good ride?- Yes, she's good.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- She doesn't mind?- No, not at all.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Lucy, thank you very much. I'll just give her a few more finishing touches
0:39:54 > 0:39:56and she's ready to go back into the field.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00'From these handsome ponies of the Highlands,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02'it's high time we get back to our houses.'
0:40:07 > 0:40:10What a great success story for that rare breed of pony.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Weren't they adorable?
0:40:12 > 0:40:16We've shown Graham and Clare our three properties here in Lanarkshire.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18But will one of them become their new home?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Let's find out.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Graham and Clare, we've had a great few days here in Scotland.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Starting off with the first property we showed you.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35It was an old blacksmith's. 150 years old.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38What did you think about that house?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40My first reaction was very positive.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42I liked it. It looked like an old property.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Clearly had been brought up to date,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48but that was in keeping with the old nature of the stone property.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- Really liked it.- Fell in love with that kitchen, didn't you, Clare?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- I did!- The kitchen hit the spot.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- And the en-suite bathrooms, I have to say.- Yes.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01So we then took you to see our second home.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Before we talk about the home, we should talk about the amazing countryside that surrounded it
0:41:06 > 0:41:08and the old Iron Age fort, just for you, Graham,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10right on your doorstep.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Yes, I couldn't have asked for much more, could I?
0:41:13 > 0:41:18The view of the hills and the fort were absolutely superb.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21And a beautiful hamlet that the property's in, as well.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27I guess the only drawback was the size of the kitchen. That was smaller than the other two.
0:41:27 > 0:41:33But once we heard the price, that opened up the options for dealing with the kitchen.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35So, yes, really liked that property.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38So our third and final property was our mystery house.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Just outside Motherwell, but surrounded by beautiful countryside.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I'd said I wanted something old with a bit of history.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I couldn't have got anything more than you gave us on that.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- It was a superb location.- It was.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Inside was very nice. For me, it was the best of the three kitchens.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I really liked that.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03I think the one issue with that house is that it's part of a bigger community
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and whilst we've said that's what we want,
0:42:06 > 0:42:11I think being part of a community and living very close to a lot of people
0:42:11 > 0:42:13are two very different things.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16So that would probably stop us pursuing property three.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Looking at suitable properties for you in this area, in Lanarkshire,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22because your wish list isn't that big,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25there are houses out there that you can buy.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Question is, did we get close with any of our three?
0:42:28 > 0:42:33We certainly would like to have another look at property two.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37We'd like to give it some thought about the commuting distance.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39We're going to go away and have a further think about that one.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42I really hope it works out for you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- Let's hope that second property is for you.- Thank you.- Keep in touch.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- It's helped a lot. Been really useful.- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Well, that all sounds very promising.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Graham and Clare are leaving behind the south coast of England
0:43:01 > 0:43:04for a slice of Lanarkshire's countryside.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09And hopefully, our home in the hamlet will be their new Scottish rural retreat.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11We'll just have to wait and see.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Until next time, bye-bye!
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0:43:17 > 0:43:21in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
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