0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today I'm in a region which has gained a worldwide sporting reputation
0:00:05 > 0:00:08thanks to the tiny island behind me.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12So where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47On today's show, we'll be following our animal instincts
0:00:47 > 0:00:51as we help an artistic couple find a new home for them and their many pets.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54But there's an unexpected response in one kitchen.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- Do either of you cook? - Not really.- No, we're terrible.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04And a surprise revelation means they could be moving in sooner rather than later.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- This is... - I'm declaring squatters' rights!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Definitely.
0:01:11 > 0:01:17Today I'm in the West of Scotland and this island is Ailsa Craig.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Now, the extremely hard blue hone granite, which is unique to this island,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26has been used to make curling stones since the early 1700s,
0:01:26 > 0:01:32and even today carries such a high pedigree that only stones sourced from this island
0:01:32 > 0:01:35are deemed good enough to use in the Olympics.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40Now, the origins of curling here in Scotland can be traced back to 1511,
0:01:40 > 0:01:45but it's now become so popular overseas, it's played in around 45 countries.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50I'm going to be find out more about this historic game later in the programme,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54but first let's find out what else this area is famous for.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Situated on the western coast of Scotland, the counties of Renfrewshire and Ayrshire
0:02:02 > 0:02:05provide some of the country's most dramatic and historic backdrops.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09To the north, the rural areas of Renfrewshire unfold
0:02:09 > 0:02:12with rolling countryside and atmospheric moorland.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Then, further south, into Ayrshire, the village of Alloway is celebrated
0:02:16 > 0:02:20as the birthplace of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Ayrshire's western coastline is fringed by craggy headlands that descend to meet the rocky shores,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29looking out over the Firth of Clyde.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34And the sparse ruins of Turnberry Castle, once home to Robert the Bruce,
0:02:34 > 0:02:39have, like him, been defiantly resisting defeat for over 700 years.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43The sheltered quiet waters present an ideal starting point
0:02:43 > 0:02:47to explore the county's rich coastal geography by boat,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and, for landlubbers, the 100-mile-long Ayrshire Coastal Path
0:02:51 > 0:02:56features magnificent views across to the Isle of Arran every step of the way.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09The average price of a detached home in Scotland is just under £228,000,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14and if you're particularly keen on the West of Scotland, you could be on to a winner.
0:03:14 > 0:03:20For example, a typical home in Argyll is around £17,000 below the national figure.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23However, it's not all plain sailing.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27If you fancy moving further south to Renfrewshire or South Ayrshire,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31the price of a detached home there is the highest in the region.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34In fact, you could pay more than the national average.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38But whatever your property desires, one thing's for certain...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42the West of Scotland offers a wealth of different property styles
0:03:42 > 0:03:45that reflects its rich architectural heritage.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51Dating back to the 1800s, single-storey stone-built farm workers' cottages
0:03:51 > 0:03:53are peppered throughout the region,
0:03:53 > 0:03:59with prices starting around the £150,000 mark for a three-bedroom home.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04On the coast, there are a number of resorts which sprang up in the Georgian and Victorian eras,
0:04:04 > 0:04:11and a four-bedroom period villa with a sea view in Ayr could cost you upwards of £400,000.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17However, if you'd like to realise that fairytale dream of owning a renovated castle
0:04:17 > 0:04:18with acres of land,
0:04:18 > 0:04:23then don't be surprised if you're quoted prices in the region of £2 million.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30There's certainly a varied mix of property styles in this beautiful part of Scotland.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33But what are our buyers after? Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Civil partners Jackie and Fiona met 20 years ago
0:04:38 > 0:04:42when they were both training to be occupational therapists at university.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46They currently live in a very crowded home in a busy Hampshire town
0:04:46 > 0:04:48down on the English South Coast.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53We live in a four-bedroom house in the centre of Lymington
0:04:53 > 0:05:00and, at the moment, we share our house with my mum who, sadly, has Alzheimer's disease.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We also share our house with many pets.
0:05:03 > 0:05:10Well, we've got six cats, a squirrel, four rabbits, two hedgehogs...
0:05:11 > 0:05:13..and Jackie!
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Well, Jackie aside, they've certainly got their hands full!
0:05:17 > 0:05:22But with retirement on the cards, they're hoping they can use their new-found freedom
0:05:22 > 0:05:25to fulfil their dream of running an animal sanctuary.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We're actually running out of space here for our animals.
0:05:28 > 0:05:34We would like to develop the wildlife-rescue side of things
0:05:34 > 0:05:36and our garden just isn't big enough.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40They've decided to start up their new venture on Scottish soil,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44and it's a place with which Fiona has long-held ties.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Well, we'd like to live in Argyll, Inverclyde or Ayrshire.
0:05:48 > 0:05:54It's where I used to live and was brought up.
0:05:54 > 0:06:01Despite moving many miles, their key requirements for this relocation are small but perfectly formed.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06I think the three essential things for our new property would be...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10the land for our rescue...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13ground-floor facilities for my mother
0:06:13 > 0:06:19- and, for us, I think it would be important to have an art room or a studio.- Yeah.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24We've concentrated on our artwork, I think, for about the last ten years or so.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31I enjoy doing painting and Fiona also paints.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- And I like to paint people. And you like to paint animals.- Yeah.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40So I paint a lot of animals, wildlife and cats. No surprises there!
0:06:41 > 0:06:46Their current house is on the market so they've got a clear idea of their budget.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49However, their funds will have to cover more than just their own needs.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56The budget for our property is a maximum of £350,000,
0:06:56 > 0:07:02basically because we'd like to have a little bit of money left over so that we can renovate a property,
0:07:02 > 0:07:10and also build some of the cages and pens that may be required for the animal sanctuary.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15Upping sticks by some 450 miles is a massive change,
0:07:15 > 0:07:20but for our buyers it's a transition that will improve their lives for many years to come.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24It will give us a lot more time to focus on our animals
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- and also, I think, it will make us feel a lot more relaxed...- Yeah.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- ..And sort of happy as people.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41For their move to Scotland, our buyers want a location close to Fiona's extended family in Greenock,
0:07:41 > 0:07:46so our house hunt will stay within an hour's travelling time of her relatives there.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Time for me to meet up with them to finalise the details of their cross-border relocation.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Well, girls, here we are on the West of Scotland. Looking forward to the next few days?
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Yes.- Yes, I can't wait.- But what is it about this part of Scotland that so appeals to you both?
0:08:01 > 0:08:06Well, I think the scenery is lovely, and we're both painters.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12The colours are amazing. If you just look, you know, you get lots of purples
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and very strong colours for painting.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- So it's not just land, it's the artistic side of it as well.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21So, the property up here, what's on your wish list?
0:08:21 > 0:08:26It's got to be detached, ideally, with some land to it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:33It's got to lend itself to have an annex and also we'd like something to do our artwork, so...
0:08:33 > 0:08:38a studio or a room... a loft room that would lend itself to that sort of thing.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Any bedrooms, kitchen-diner? - Bedrooms would be helpful.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48Three bedrooms probably or more. We're not great cooks, so we don't really worry about the kitchen,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51but as long as it's got a kitchen of some sort.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Something quirky and unusual. - Well, Fiona and Jackie,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58we've got three fantastic properties lined up for you to see,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02one, of course, being our mystery property that I think might test you a little bit.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- We'll see how you get on. So shall we get started? - That's great. Lovely.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32We've got some wonderful properties for our buyers
0:09:32 > 0:09:36and I'll be asking them to guess the price of each one before I reveal it.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39As ever, our final option is the mystery house
0:09:39 > 0:09:44which today could really see Fiona and Jackie opening up new horizons.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53So you both currently work as occupational therapists,
0:09:53 > 0:09:57but in a way you want to give up looking after people to look after animals.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01We primarily want to look after animals now because that's just our love
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and that's what we want to do.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07We're starting our house search in Renfrewshire
0:10:07 > 0:10:10and we're heading for the rural outskirts of Lochwinnoch
0:10:10 > 0:10:12which is about 25 miles from Greenock.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Lochwinnoch is a medium-sized village
0:10:15 > 0:10:17with a range of essential amenities.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20It's believed its name means loch of the birds,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24rather fitting as there's a bird sanctuary and nature reserve on the wetlands
0:10:24 > 0:10:29where our animal-loving buyers would be welcome as volunteers.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35Our first property is a short drive out of the village and set amongst glorious unspoilt countryside.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41Well, ladies, welcome to Renfrewshire and your first property.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Wow! That looks fabulous. - Yes, very nice.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- It's beautifully kept up.- Yes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- It does actually date back to the 17th century.- Wow!- Does it?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Yeah. Original farmer's cottage, stone and slate.- Yes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59About ten years ago, extended quite extensively, actually, to the side.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- But the main property itself, it is listed, category B.- Right.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10- So a lot of history there.- That's nice.- Yeah.- A good first impression? - Yeah, it's lovely.- Looks quirky.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Shall start the tour?- Yeah. Lovely.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19This L-shaped cottage is mostly laid out on one level but does have some quirky features
0:11:19 > 0:11:23that I hope will appeal to our buyers' artistic flair.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28We're starting the tour in the heart of the house which is situated in the original part of the property.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34- Wow! What a lovely kitchen.- Isn't it? - Lovely windows.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Really spacious, isn't it? - Yeah, big kitchen, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Do either of you cook? - Not really.- No, we're terrible.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- So this space is going to be wasted? - Yeah.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47As long as it's got the fridge for the bottle of wine!
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- A toaster and that's it.- No, it's perfect.- It's a lovely kitchen.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Perfect.- Good. Shall we continue? - Yes.- OK.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Let's go through.- I like the doors. - The doors are lovely.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06So these steps lead down to the original cottage.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Come on in.- Ooh!
0:12:08 > 0:12:12So this is the oldest part, over 300 years old.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18- The kitchen was the cattle shed before it was all converted.- Right. - Oh, I see.- Yeah.
0:12:18 > 0:12:25- The low ceilings and the staircase going up makes it feel really cosy. - Yeah. It's lovely.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30This side of the property also houses two double bedrooms.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34There's one directly off the sitting room that could be used as an art studio,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37or, as an alternative, they could transform the larger double
0:12:37 > 0:12:40which also has a brand-new en-suite bathroom.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Located on the mezzanine level is another bedroom
0:12:44 > 0:12:47which is accessed from the staircase in the sitting room.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52It's an unusual configuration, but Fiona and Jackie want something a bit leftfield,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55so I'm hoping they'll especially appreciate this feature.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00There are three further bedrooms in the extended wing, all with their own en-suite.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05One is a small single, but next to that is a good-sized double, perfect for guests.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10Finally, there's the largest bedroom which is what we're checking out next.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- This is the final one, this makes five.- What a fabulous room. - It's big, isn't it?
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Potentially this could be right, we're thinking, for Mum.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- Yeah, it would make a great bed-sitting room, cos that's what she's got at the moment.- Yeah.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28We have an impressive amount of cupboard space here,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- but again it's not what it seems. - No?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Ladies, just poke your head in there.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Wow!- That's amazing, isn't it?
0:13:38 > 0:13:44- There's the en-suite.- Wow! That's amazing.- A secret en-suite!
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- So you've got the en-suite, you've got all this space...- Yeah.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53Is this the type of thing that you had in mind for Mum? Because I know it's important to get it right.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- Yes.- Yeah. It's perfect. - It's perfect.- It's perfect. It's got lots of space.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04Yeah, and very well cared for, and the floors are lovely as well. It's lovely.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07My goodness! And it's only the first property that we're showing you.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13We've had great responses so far, and I'm getting the sense that this house is a real contender.
0:14:13 > 0:14:19All that's left now is to find space for the animals, so let's see what's in store for them outside.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23So, looking at the land, I mean, it does need a little bit of work,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25as you can see, because where the building work's gone on in the house,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29perhaps it needs to be laid back to grass again.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- But you do have three acres.- Uh-huh.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36And you do still feel like you're in the country because you're surrounded by trees,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40it's not all on one flat level. What were you thinking of?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43You know, you said, you wanted a little bit of land for the animals. Is this enough?
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- Yes.- Yes, it's about the size we would envisage, isn't it? Yeah. - Yeah, it's great.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- It's manageable.- Manageable, yeah.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- All good?- All good, yeah.- All good. - Yeah, lovely.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59I'm looking at you both to try and gauge reactions, but you're not giving too much away.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- No, it's brilliant. Just trying to sort of work out... - Just working out money in my head.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10You've cued that up beautifully for me, Fiona. How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:15:10 > 0:15:17- Well, I'd say about 340, because of the land which needs a lot of work on it.- OK.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20And I would think about 335.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23You're both under...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Oh!- Oh!
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Now, I know we're looking at £350,000 as our budget.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- It's slightly over.- Right.- £360,000. - Right.- Right.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39And it has come down quite considerably in the last few months.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- Right.- They're very keen to sell. But it is 10,000 over your budget.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- A good start, thought? - Yeah, brilliant. Beautiful. - It's been fantastic.- Good.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Well, have a think, have another wander around,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54start off with the property and then I'll let you look around the grounds.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- And then I'll catch up with you two when you're ready. - Thank you very much.- See you.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Although it's £10,000 over budget,
0:16:03 > 0:16:08our first house does a very good job of delivering what Fiona and Jackie are looking for.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11The unconventional layout offers...
0:16:11 > 0:16:13all with en-suite bathrooms.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Lovely wooden staircase. - It is, isn't it?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- This is a good room, isn't it? - This is a nice room.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I mean, this would have to maybe be the art studio.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43I really like the look of the property. It's our sort of style, it's cottagey,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and quirky as well.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Inside it's beautifully kept and it needs nothing doing to it at all.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53So, again, very impressed.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56It's lovely that you get more than what you asked for.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02All the bedrooms are lovely and they've all got en-suite, and they're all done up beautifully.
0:17:02 > 0:17:08So that was nice surprise. The house is perfect, lovely and quirky,
0:17:08 > 0:17:13and, yeah, it would just be putting the money into the land, really.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- Right, ladies, have you seen enough? - Yes, yes, that was absolutely fabulous, that house.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27- A good start, then?- A really good start. It's going to be difficult to compare, really.- Yeah.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Let's see how we get on. Come on!
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Standing proudly some nine miles offshore in the Firth of Clyde
0:17:42 > 0:17:45is the iconic Scottish landmark of Ailsa Craig.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The rock covers over 200 acres
0:17:48 > 0:17:54and geologists believe it was formed from an extinct volcano over 500 million years ago.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Today, Ailsa Craig is principally a seabird colony,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01home to the third-largest population of gannets in Britain.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04With Fiona and Jackie's passion for animals,
0:18:04 > 0:18:10earlier in the week, we sent our wildlife enthusiasts to the old fishing port of Girvan
0:18:10 > 0:18:13to meet Paul Tarling from the RSPB
0:18:13 > 0:18:16who monitors the colourful varieties of breeds on the island.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22And by far the best way to appreciate the spectacular sight and sounds of the seabirds
0:18:22 > 0:18:24is to take to the water.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28This is the north side of Ailsa Craig
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and this is where the main colony of birds are.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38There's 20,000 or more gannets up on the cliffs.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44All the gannets have got a six-foot wingspan. They really are quite amazing.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Ailsa Craig supports over 70,000 breeding seabirds
0:18:49 > 0:18:53and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58Species include guillemots, razorbills, puffins and peregrines.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02So what attracts so many of these birds to the island?
0:19:02 > 0:19:08It's where the Gulf Stream or North Atlantic Drift comes up
0:19:08 > 0:19:14from out of the Gulf of Mexico. That drift that comes up
0:19:14 > 0:19:21is bringing nutrient-rich waters up here and it's great for fish in this area.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24And this close-up experience provides a wonderful opportunity
0:19:24 > 0:19:31for Fiona and Jackie to exploit their artistic talents with some challenging new subject matter.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33There are puffins in the water over here.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Aw, lovely.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- They're very pretty, aren't they? - Yeah.- Gorgeous, aren't they?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43When they finally make their move up here,
0:19:43 > 0:19:48our buyers will certainly be hoping to take advantage of Scotland's many burgeoning natural habitats,
0:19:48 > 0:19:54but for now it's time to return to dry land as we continue our house hunt.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Our next stop takes us to the village of Kilbarchan
0:20:00 > 0:20:04which is within a half-hour car journey of Fiona's family in Greenock.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The most prominent landmark gracing the centre of the village
0:20:07 > 0:20:12is a towering steeple, and there's a range of useful shops and businesses.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18Our second property is a colourful character home which started life as a humble farmhouse.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19So what do you think?
0:20:19 > 0:20:25- It's lovely, isn't it? It's a very traditional cottage. - It dates back to 1688.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Right.- Well, that's when either it was built or the couple that moved in got married,
0:20:30 > 0:20:35because it's written just above the door and they're not sure, it's either one of the other.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- Oh, right.- Lots of history. - Very old. Lots of history.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44It's awful weather. Shall we just step inside and I'll tell you more as we do the tour?
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- Come on!- Thank you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Well, our buyers seem really taken with this property's heritage,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54so let's see what they make of the accommodation which is all on the ground floor.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59It's so cold out there! Bring you into a nice, warm country kitchen.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- It's lovely.- Yes.- Lovely feel to it. - A nice square room.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- Very nice.- Lots of space. - Nice ceiling height.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Really high ceilings. - It's pretty nice, isn't it?
0:21:10 > 0:21:12A lot of light coming through.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18- It's nice, especially if you can have a table in the kitchen as well. - Yeah.- To your taste?- Yes.- Good.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23There's a door through there and at the moment it's a TV room, but it could be a good hobby room.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28Probably not good enough for easels and paints and everything, but a nice snug for you.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29Let's continue through.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31OK.
0:21:36 > 0:21:43- So here is your rather grand drawing room.- Wow! This is lovely, isn't it? - Oh, yes, it is.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Very nice.- Yeah, and I like all the windows.- I like the space. Yeah, the windows are lovely.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52When your family invades, there'll be plenty of seats for all.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54They'll be so pleased to have you on their doorstep, won't they, when you make the move.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58And there really is plenty of space for all of them.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01This home has a total of four bedrooms.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04One is currently being used as a dining room,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08while another is a lovely bright twin, perfect for sharing.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11There's also the master bedroom with an en-suite shower,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15but perhaps most important is the potential bedroom for Jackie's mother.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Come on in, girls. - It's big, isn't it?- It is big.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- That's a fantastic size, isn't it? - Uh-huh.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- And it's got its own en-suite. - Oh, so it'll be good for Mum.- Yeah.
0:22:27 > 0:22:34So, yes, in a way, the best bedroom will perhaps be suitable for Mum,
0:22:34 > 0:22:39cos not only does it have the en-suite, but also through there, there's another room...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- Is there?- ..Yeah, which has a sink, and it could be a sitting room,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- and there's access outside as well. - That's good.- Right.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- So it's like a little annex almost, isn't it..?- Yeah. - ..With its own door.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- That's lovely.- I'll let you explore this house on your own in a little bit,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00because I know you're keen to see outside and what land is available.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Are you ready to face the elements one more time?- Yes. - Jackie, after you.- Thank you.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13Outside the majority of the land is given over to stone-chip courtyards,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16one to the front, creating a large driveway,
0:23:16 > 0:23:21and another at the back of the property which could be grassed to make a more traditional garden.
0:23:23 > 0:23:30- This is it. If you wanted additional acres...- Right.- ..You'd need to try and find a local farmer,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- because this is the land that comes with the property.- Right.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39That's actually a shame, because I do think we would need a bit more land than this.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42For the safety of the animals, we would need the land close to the property,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45rather than sort of rented down the road.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Well, you've seen everything now,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51and you realise this is the total amount of land you're going to get with the property,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54which does bring us on to guess the price.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Right...- Who wants to go first?
0:23:57 > 0:24:03- Er...- I'll say about 325,000.- OK.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- And I think about 275. - Shall we go in the middle?
0:24:08 > 0:24:10The asking price is...
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- £295,000, and offers over.- Right. - Right.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- That's the starting point, but as we're in Scotland they say offers over.- Yeah.
0:24:19 > 0:24:26So we wanted to show you a property that did have a lot of space inside for you.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29It does have sort of minimal land for your requirements,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33but it gives you quite a lot of money to play with.
0:24:33 > 0:24:39- The first property was over, this is quite a bit under your budget. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Just so that it gave you something also to think about.- Yes.- Yes.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Well, go and have another look around the property anyway.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49- It's so cold and damp! You loved the house itself?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- And I'll catch up with you in a little while.- OK, thanks, Nicki.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57On the market for offers over £295,000,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02this property is more than £50,000 under Fiona and Jackie's top budget.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22This is a great space, isn't it? I think this would work well for Mum.
0:25:22 > 0:25:30- Yes, it's fine.- And that room is such a nice big room, it could turn into a bed-sitting room for her.- Yes.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- With the en-suite bathroom. I think it works really well.- Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40The dining room would have been really good for an art room. Just the right size and the right light.
0:25:40 > 0:25:47So that would be perfect, but of course the land which is the whole reason for moving,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51or part of the reason for moving, there just wasn't enough land.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55I felt it was a lovely-looking property, very traditional,
0:25:55 > 0:26:03and it actually offered us, I felt, all that we wanted in terms of sort of annex potential for my mother,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and art room and studio...
0:26:06 > 0:26:13but the sad thing was that it really doesn't have enough land.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20- Right, girls, that's it for today. - It's freezing out here!- It is cold.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- I think it's time for a hot toddy. - Oh, yes.- That sounds great.- We deserve it, don't we?- Yes.- Come on.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43As the sun sets on the horizon, turning the sky crimson,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46the first day of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:26:51 > 0:26:59With a budget of £350,000, Fiona and Jackie from Lymington in Hampshire are seeking a Scottish sanctuary
0:26:59 > 0:27:03for themselves, Jackie's mother and, of course, their menagerie of pets.
0:27:03 > 0:27:10So far we've shown them two lovely period properties, but each time the amount of land has fallen short.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14However, have we hit the jackpot at the mystery house?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- No way!- You're kidding?
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- You're kidding?- No way!
0:27:19 > 0:27:22And I get cold feet playing an Olympic Scottish sport.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Well, yesterday we got some very positive comments about both the houses,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31but I can't help feeling we didn't quite deliver on the land,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34something that's so important to Jackie and Fiona.
0:27:34 > 0:27:40But today with the mystery house, well, land is something the girls certainly won't be short of.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43I just hope they're not all at sea with the journey to get there.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51Our final stop of this wonderful West Scotland house search takes us even further west.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54The mystery property destination is Glenstriven,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and not only is it cross-county into Argyll,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00but to get there you also have to go across the water.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05The ferry departs from the port of Gourock and takes us across to Dunoon in Argyll.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10- Oh, great! We're going on the ferry. Look!- We certainly are!
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Got your sea legs?- Yeah!
0:28:13 > 0:28:20Bulk tickets purchased in advance start at just under £20 return for a car plus driver,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23and there are at least two sailings every hour throughout the day.
0:28:23 > 0:28:29This short ferry crossing offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the breathtaking views
0:28:29 > 0:28:31and discover what our buyers think.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34So how well do you know Argyll?
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Not very well at all.- Jackie?- No. Not at all.- That makes three of us.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42We're going to explore it together.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49The mystery property in Glenstriven is reached by a 40-minute coastal drive
0:28:49 > 0:28:54and our buyers have certainly had a lot of time to let their imaginations run riot.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02So, ladies, I hope the journey's been worth it, because two steps forward...
0:29:02 > 0:29:05we can now reveal your mystery house.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07You can look up now.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- Wow! How fabulous is that?- Ah!
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- That is a dream!- And then...- Look!
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Look at that as a view!
0:29:17 > 0:29:19What a beautiful place, isn't it?
0:29:20 > 0:29:23It's like heaven, isn't it? It's like heaven.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26That's Loch Striven and we're actually in Glenstriven here.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30So, Dunoon, which is where the ferry landed,
0:29:30 > 0:29:37is about 12 miles away, so that would have two supermarkets, it's got a hospital, all your shops.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- This is your rural retreat. - It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- Absolutely beautiful. - Just like heaven.
0:29:45 > 0:29:51I think it's safe to say that the location has really captured their hearts, and it's no wonder.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53The setting would be hard to beat.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58The mystery house is very special too as it's a unique timber-framed home
0:29:58 > 0:30:01that takes the idea of woodland living to new heights.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06So, taking your eyes away from that amazing view for just a few minutes,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08what do you think about the property itself?
0:30:08 > 0:30:14- It's...it's nice...isn't it?- Yes. - It's very different. - It's very, very different.
0:30:14 > 0:30:20It is unusual. So you've got a dining area here, obviously, your seated area here.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24You can see stairs going up and down which we'll explore in a minute.
0:30:24 > 0:30:31- Again the house has been designed really with those views in mind. - Yes.- Yeah.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- Just dumbstruck!- I don't think houses like this come up for sale very often, do you?- No!
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- OK.- It's fantastic. - OK. All right, let's continue.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43So, a fair size.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- Yeah, it's great. It's fine for us. - Yeah, it is.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- We don't do an awful lot of cooking. - No.- You're such a refreshing change, you two!
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- It's got a cooker and fridge and sink and that's all we need, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59And next door there's a large double bedroom
0:30:59 > 0:31:03which you could use as a double bedroom or perhaps as a hobby room for art.
0:31:03 > 0:31:09This property has three floors. On the top level is the family bathroom
0:31:09 > 0:31:11which sits between two double bedrooms.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16But I have a clever idea which could help our buyers realise a much better vision.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18So...
0:31:19 > 0:31:25- ..here we have...- Oh, my! - ..A very impressive master bedroom.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29But, ladies, just go and stand by the window
0:31:29 > 0:31:36- and tell me would this not make a fantastic art studio?- Yes!
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Gosh, yes!
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Oh, gosh! I'd never come out of here.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44So who needs an amazing bedroom when you've got a view like that?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47It doesn't matter about the bedroom.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- This is... - I'm declaring squatters' rights!
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Definitely.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55I would want to stay in here all the time.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- So this could be the perfect art studio for you?- Mm-hm.- Yes.- Great.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03Well, we've certainly set their artistic flames alight
0:32:03 > 0:32:06with a stunning view that almost leaps into the room.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12That just leaves Jackie's mum, so we're going to head down two flights of stairs to the ground floor
0:32:12 > 0:32:14to see the last of the four bedrooms.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21And in a way Mum has her own separate living quarters down here.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25- That's lovely.- This is lovely, isn't it?- But what about the stairs?
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- There's patio doors just through there.- Oh, uh-huh.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33You could actually build... There is a semi path outside from where the cars are parked,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35and you could just make that a little bit more sturdy,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37and then she could actually come that way,
0:32:37 > 0:32:42and if she's ever in a wheelchair or anything like that, you could have access that way for her.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47- She's got her own en-suite.- Yes. - Yes, she'd love that.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- And she can also sit outside. - Oh, yeah, she'd like that. - That's a bonus, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55That wraps up the accommodation in here,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59but I know they're desperate to get a feel for the outside land
0:32:59 > 0:33:04and where better to take it all in than the huge first-floor balcony off the sitting room?
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- And look at that! The Scottish sun has come out for us as we look at the land.- Yes.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Guess how many acres you think this property comes with.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Er...about an acre maybe...?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19A little bit more.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- A little bit more?- A little bit more. - One and a half?
0:33:22 > 0:33:23Just under eight.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- Eight?- Just under eight acres, but quite a lot of it is woodland,
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- which means low maintenance. There's just under eight acres in total.- My goodness!
0:33:32 > 0:33:35That...that's more than enough.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39So, for your little bit of paradise here in Glenstriven,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42how much do you think this mystery house is on the market for?
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Ooh...- I'd say about 550.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50And I think maybe about 425.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Your budget is 350... Are you ready for this, girls?
0:33:57 > 0:33:58The asking price
0:33:58 > 0:34:05- is £265,000.- No way!- You're kidding? You're kidding?- No way!
0:34:05 > 0:34:10I wonder whether you two want a second tour on your own this time?
0:34:10 > 0:34:15- Yeah, that would be great.- Yes, please.- OK.- Thank you.- Thank you. - See you in a little while.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22What can I say? What a fantastic reaction to the most amazing property...
0:34:22 > 0:34:25with views like that on your doorstep.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Significantly under budget at...
0:34:57 > 0:35:00I've never been over here from Greenock.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- I never thought about looking over this side, but it's absolutely magnificent, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- You've got the real beauty of Scotland, haven't you, here. - That's right...
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- It would be just beautiful to paint here.- Mm-hm.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I thought it was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't believe it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:24The inside of the house had a nice sort of cosy feel to it, all the natural wood...
0:35:24 > 0:35:30I couldn't believe the price, I thought it was virtually going to be double what the asking price is,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32because of the location.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Well, I just couldn't believe it. I thought I was dreaming.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39It looks like a cabin in Switzerland or somewhere like that.
0:35:39 > 0:35:45And I'd never thought about that kind of house before to look at.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47It's a bit of heaven here.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Couldn't dream of anything more, really.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Right, girls? All finished. So that's it.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- You've seen all three properties. - Mm-hm.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Have you enjoyed it?- Yeah.- Great. - It's been wonderful. - It's been a great experience.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- Have we got you thinking?- Yes.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Well, we're going to need to find somewhere quiet where we can sit down and have a chat
0:36:08 > 0:36:13and you can tell me whether you're going to be making that 450-mile journey
0:36:13 > 0:36:15from the South Coast of England to live here in Scotland.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Right, come on.
0:36:28 > 0:36:34The island of Ailsa Craig of the West Coast of Scotland is not just a sanctuary for seabirds.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39It also quite literally forms the bedrock for one of Scotland's national sports.
0:36:39 > 0:36:45It's the granite from this small island that's used to make over 70% of the world's curling stones.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50But there's just one company, established way back in 1851,
0:36:50 > 0:36:55that has the exclusive rights to manufacture Ailsa curling stones.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00So during the week I visited the Ayrshire factory to meet director Donald Macrae
0:37:00 > 0:37:03and find out more about the island's precious commodity.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08So, Donald, Ailsa Craig produces the perfect granite to make curling stones,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12but what's so unique about this granite?
0:37:12 > 0:37:17Well, it may surprise you but there's actually two types of granite used in making the curling stone.
0:37:17 > 0:37:23One, common green, which is for the outer cheese or body of the stone,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26and that's found in the south of the island,
0:37:26 > 0:37:31and the other is Ailsa Craig blue hone which is used for the running edge of the stone,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33and that's found at the north end of the island.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36I can see we've got two huge slabs of granite behind us.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40How many stones can you get out of a size this big?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43It's hard to answer that question.
0:37:43 > 0:37:49Maybe if I say we took of 1,800 tons of granite over ten years ago,
0:37:49 > 0:37:56and we use a yield factor of five-and-a-half completed stones each ton.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Only loose rocks can be harvested from the island as quarrying is no longer permitted.
0:38:01 > 0:38:07And once the rocks are transported to the factory, diamond cutters bore through to create each stone
0:38:07 > 0:38:11which is then shaped, polished and fitted with a handle.
0:38:11 > 0:38:17The whole process is highly specialised with each completed stone weighing exactly 40lbs.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22So, now I've done with the theory, let's see how good I am in practice,
0:38:22 > 0:38:27under the guidance of Sarah Reid who once held the title of Junior World Curling Champion.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32- So we're going to just push forward slightly, now you're going to bring your hips up.- Yeah.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Back slightly and then just push off.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43After a demonstration from Sarah, it's time for me to have a go.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48In Scotland, the sport of curling dates as far back as the early 1500s.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52It's a game of skill and strategy, rather than speed and strength,
0:38:52 > 0:38:54so it can be played by all ages,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58and involves two teams sliding their stones towards a target
0:38:58 > 0:39:01whilst trying to knock their opponents' stones out of the way.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Looking good. You're going to take that one out.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I'm going to knock your stone out.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Well done!
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- I've knocked you into the middle. - Really good shot.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- Oh, I'm pleased with that one. - That's good.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17With origins dating back to medieval Scotland,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20curling is now enjoyed throughout the world
0:39:20 > 0:39:24and is officially recognised as a Winter Olympic sport,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26and I can really see the attraction.
0:39:29 > 0:39:35Well, I gave it my best shot, but I don't think I'm going to make the national curling squad soon, do you?
0:39:35 > 0:39:39So that's it. Our tour of the West of Scotland is over,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43but what did Fiona and Jackie think of the three properties we showed them?
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Let's find out.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53So we've finished our tour of the West of Scotland by the coast,
0:39:53 > 0:39:59the beautiful Isle of Bute behind us. Well, shall we start with the very first property we showed you?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01It was inland from here, in Renfrewshire.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- It was the old cottage.- Mm-hm.- It was quite quirky, it was very cosy.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10It offered good accommodation for my mother,
0:40:10 > 0:40:16- and for ourselves there was a question mark over the sort of studio/art room.- Mmm.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21The land... it had a small sort of area of land,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23I think it was about an acre or so,
0:40:23 > 0:40:27- and I guess that was the bit we were slightly disappointed with.- Yeah.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- But a good start.- Oh, yes.- A good start. It was a really quirky house.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Beautifully presented, wasn't it? - It was.- Lovely part of the world. - Yeah.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40So we decided to not take you too far to our next cottage which was just down the road, wasn't it?
0:40:40 > 0:40:43It was five minutes away, still in the same shire,
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- and again it was another farmer's cottage, dating back to what... 1688 or something?- Mm-hm.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Give me your thoughts on that one.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- Well, it was a lot lighter which was good.- Yes.- Wasn't it?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58And it was quirky as well.
0:40:58 > 0:41:07And it had plenty of space for Mum and a lovely art studio of course... if you made the dining room into it.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11But, of course, the disappointing thing was that there wasn't any land
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- which is why we're moving up. - It's that balance, isn't it?
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Trying to find the property with the land for your budget as well.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Well, we came even further west and our mystery house...
0:41:22 > 0:41:28- well, it was planes, trains and automobiles practically to get here, but worth the journey...- Yes.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32..For that stunning property. Well, that's what I thought. You tell me what you thought.
0:41:32 > 0:41:39It was absolutely stunning, wasn't it? It was set in, what, eight acres of land
0:41:39 > 0:41:41which was ideal for us.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Plenty of light in the property, very sort of cosy feel to it...
0:41:45 > 0:41:49We really did love it, superb, it was dream house.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54And this huge move from the South of England to Scotland is for retirement,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57being close to your family, Fiona, spending time together, painting...
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- and looking after your menagerie of animals.- That's right.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And do you think the mystery house could satisfy all of that?
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Yes, I think it could.- Yeah, yeah.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Yeah. It was so beautiful.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11What's going to be your next step?
0:42:11 > 0:42:17- We'll definitely be back to look at the mystery house again.- Really? - A second viewing.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- So we might have hit the jackpot, girls.- Yes. - I think you have, definitely.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Let us know how you get on, won't you?- Will do.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Thank you. It's been fantastic. I've enjoyed it so much.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- We have as well.- We have as well. - Have you?- Yeah, it's been great. - Yeah.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- Delighted. And even the weather hasn't put you off?- No!
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Result!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Those views make up for it, don't they?- They do, they do.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- Well, girls, thank you very much indeed.- Thank you.- Thank you, Nicki.
0:42:44 > 0:42:51Well, I have to say it's been a real pleasure showing Jackie and Fiona this beautiful part of Scotland.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55And it seemed when they opened their eyes, the mystery house captured their hearts
0:42:55 > 0:42:59and the location? Well, it sealed the deal.
0:42:59 > 0:43:05I really hope it works out for them and their new home is that amazing rural retreat.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Until next time, bye-bye.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16After careful consideration, Jackie and Fiona decided that the mystery house was too remote,
0:43:16 > 0:43:19but they're still set on making the move up to Scotland,
0:43:19 > 0:43:23so we wish them all the best with their continued house search.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:25 > 0:43:29in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31please apply online at...
0:43:37 > 0:43:41Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd