0:00:02 > 0:00:06This baronial castle was the favourite getaway of one of Britain's greatest monarchs.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09It's also home to Europe's last surviving private army.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33'On today's show, we're helping a couple with young twins
0:00:33 > 0:00:36'find a family home in rural Scotland.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'They begin with their cards close to their chest.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- I think it's nice.- Sounds like you're being very diplomatic!
0:00:43 > 0:00:46'But another house unlocks their emotions.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:48This is gorgeous!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- Wow.- Absolutely gorgeous.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Today we're in the historic county of Perthshire,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands,
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and this is Blair Castle.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02As well as being the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl,
0:01:02 > 0:01:08it was here in 1844 that Queen Victoria's love affair with Scotland began.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10And also where, almost accidentally,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14she led to the formation of the Atholl Highlanders,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18which survives to this day as Europe's only private army.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21I'll be finding out more about that regiment's colourful history
0:01:21 > 0:01:23and the Queen's visits later in the show.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28But first take a look at some of the beauties this county has to offer.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31The historic county of Perthshire
0:01:31 > 0:01:35is now part of the larger council area of Perth and Kinross
0:01:35 > 0:01:37and is situated in the very heart of Scotland.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Its neighbours include Highland and Aberdeenshire in the north
0:01:42 > 0:01:45and Stirling and Fife in the south.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49With scenery ranging from peaceful glens to ancient woodland,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Perthshire boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54In the west of the county,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Loch Tay is flanked on either side by striking mountains
0:01:58 > 0:02:02including the snow-capped Ben Lawers.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05With 2,000 square miles of diverse landscape,
0:02:05 > 0:02:10Perthshire's unique character holds great appeal for those looking for rural drama
0:02:10 > 0:02:12in their surroundings.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18Let's find out who it is that's chosen to come and live in this beautiful part of the country.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20For the past four years,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Laurence and Maria have lived in this four-bed semidetached Victorian property
0:02:24 > 0:02:26on the outskirts of Glasgow.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29But the location's convenience also has its drawbacks.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32This area we're living in at the moment is called Dumbreck.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It's on the south side of Glasgow
0:02:34 > 0:02:35just south of the River Clyde.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38The house is located between two busy motorways,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40the M8 and the M74.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43So there is a noise issue.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45It's not just the traffic encouraging them to move.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The arrival of twins, Holly and Adam, a year and a half ago,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52has spurred them on to seek a better quality of life for the whole family.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56There aren't many amenities close by
0:02:56 > 0:02:58because we live in a very suburban area.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02There are no local shops. The nearest things we have here
0:03:02 > 0:03:06are a park, which I like to take the children to.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07It's quite a nice wooded area
0:03:07 > 0:03:13and that's the sort of environment I'm looking for for the children when we move out of Glasgow.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Maria is a town planner by trade,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18but has put the job on hold to look after the twins.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23Laurence works for a bank in Edinburgh and still intends to commute from their new home.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28We're looking to move to Perthshire. It's not far from Glasgow.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30It's only about 70 miles
0:03:30 > 0:03:34but they call it the gateway to the Highlands.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40It's a beautiful area. There are loads of lovely towns and villages
0:03:40 > 0:03:43surrounded by beautiful countryside.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48Despite the twins being toddlers, Laurence and Maria are planning for the future.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51We think an education is important for our children.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57Schools outside of Glasgow are generally smaller class sizes.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02It would be nice for the children if we're in a village to be able to walk to school.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07The move will also allow the couple to indulge their leisure interests.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09And it's not just tennis.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11I play a bit of golf and do a bit of fishing
0:04:11 > 0:04:16so the area in Perth and Kinross has lots of golf courses
0:04:16 > 0:04:19and a few rivers and lochs to go fishing.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20So I'm looking forward to that.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24But not all of Laurence's hobbies are as peaceful!
0:04:24 > 0:04:27'Away from work and looking after the children, I play the bagpipes.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29'I've played them for many years.'
0:04:29 > 0:04:34The neighbours, I'm sure, will testify to the fact that I tend to play them either in the house
0:04:34 > 0:04:36or in the garden.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38So, from a neighbours' point of view, I suspect,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42playing them in the countryside will be far more palatable
0:04:42 > 0:04:44than a built-up area like this!
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- A lot of the neighbours do enjoy your bagpipes, though.- They do.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50They say they do. I'm not sure they're telling the truth!
0:04:50 > 0:04:53All that remains is to find out how much they've got to invest
0:04:53 > 0:04:55in their Scottish rural move.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59The budget for the move is £450,000.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05So that Laurence can continue to commute to Edinburgh,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09we've concentrated our search in the south, around Crieff and Perth,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13both of which have excellent road links to the Scottish capital.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16And it's in the hills overlooking Crieff
0:05:16 > 0:05:19where I meet them to finalise the details of the move.
0:05:19 > 0:05:26Welcome to Perthshire. What is it you're looking for in this property around Crieff?
0:05:26 > 0:05:29It's a four-bedroomed detached property,
0:05:29 > 0:05:34ideally with a lovely good-sized garden for the children.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39Period property would be ideal. That's the sort of property we like.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42What about the neighbourhood? Are you fussed about whether you're out in the sticks
0:05:42 > 0:05:44or the middle of a village?
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Again, we're quite easy on that.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50It would be perfect if we were within walking distance of the town,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53particularly schools, so we can take the children to school.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57You actually have quite reasonably modest requirements.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00This is quite a price-intense area
0:06:00 > 0:06:04because, like you, lots of people like to commute from this beautiful landscape
0:06:04 > 0:06:05down into Glasgow or Edinburgh.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11- So what's your budget? - Budget is £450,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13If we have to go to 500,000
0:06:13 > 0:06:16then, for the right house, we'd be prepared to do that, absolutely.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Spoken like a canny banker, yes?
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- So 450 up to 500.- Yeah.
0:06:21 > 0:06:27We've got three lovely properties and it would be interesting to see what you think of them.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- So let's get in the car.- Yeah.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34For a maximum budget of £500,000,
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Laurence and Maria want a decent-sized detached family home
0:06:38 > 0:06:40with character and ideally period features.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43It has to include four bedrooms,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46a large enough garden for the twins to run around in,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49and be within striking distance of a village,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52so the children can walk to a primary school.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59At each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03The last is our mystery house, designed to challenge,
0:07:03 > 0:07:08and which could be a STEP too far for a couple with young children.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Our first property is in the hamlet of Highlandman,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17two miles outside the small market town of Crieff.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Crieff itself has a good selection
0:07:19 > 0:07:22of shops, supermarkets and restaurants.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25It's been a popular hub for tourists visiting the Highlands
0:07:25 > 0:07:27since Victorian times
0:07:27 > 0:07:30and this heritage is reflected in its architecture.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34But just a five-minute drive away, you're well into the countryside
0:07:34 > 0:07:37and that's where our first house is.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- You can see Crieff over there, just across the fields.- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45What do you think of the style? You wanted a period property.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47It looks ideal. Looks beautiful.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes.- Super.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53'This Edwardian property, built just over 100 years ago,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56'makes a good first impression on Laurence and Maria.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59'And I'm confident the period features inside
0:07:59 > 0:08:02'will also go down well with our buyers.'
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Come into the sitting room, first.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- A lovely room.- Mm.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13So they've knocked through into what would have been the back room
0:08:13 > 0:08:15and built a conservatory at the back.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20So it's a long set of rooms which have light. The garden is south-facing. This is north-facing.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23So you get light through the day.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Yeah, it's lovely.- Very nice.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- It has a kind of classic Scottish feel to it.- Yes, you're right.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32It's restrained but tasteful.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Up to snuff?- Definitely.- Yes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38'The ground floor also features a similar-sized dining room
0:08:38 > 0:08:40'with another open fireplace
0:08:40 > 0:08:42'and a bay window looking out towards Crieff.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44'But our next stop is the kitchen.'
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Round the back of the house is the kitchen. Come on in.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Nice range cooker.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- It's smaller than...- Bit smaller than we're used to.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- The utility's through there.- OK.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00So all your white goods are in there.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03But you do have this lovely feature of the big red sandstone lintel
0:09:03 > 0:09:05over the range cooker.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07And upstairs, you've got five bedrooms.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11'Although the size of the kitchen is a slight concern,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14'I'm hoping the accommodation upstairs will compensate.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18'This includes four double bedrooms and one single,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21'all serviced by a good-sized family bathroom.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24'One of the doubles lies at the front of the house,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27'with another at the back, overlooking the garden.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'One of the larger bedrooms is being used as a study,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'and there's a further single which could be turned into an en-suite for the master,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36'which is where we're heading.'
0:09:36 > 0:09:39As I mentioned, there are five bedrooms. This is the master
0:09:39 > 0:09:42simply by the fact that it's got all this storage in it.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Beautiful fireplace.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- And the view, as well. I think this is the master because of the view.- I know.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50That's beautiful.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I think the house has a lovely feel to it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57One of those houses when you come in and think it feels very restful.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00That's everything indoors. I'll let you wander around later on.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02But let's look at the garden.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04'The interior tour seems to have gone down well
0:10:04 > 0:10:08'and we've given Laurence and Maria more bedrooms than they asked for.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12'But there's still the all-important garden to see.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15The south-facing grounds include a patio area,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19a pond, which might need fencing off for the children,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22a garden shed, a greenhouse and a veggie patch.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27This is a nice spot where you see the back of the house
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and the formal garden.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Through the archway is a back garden.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- It seems to be well laid out.- Yes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38So what do you think the house is on the market for?
0:10:38 > 0:10:39440, perhaps?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Maybe a little bit less. Say 435. 430, 435.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- So this is obviously the Scottish custom "offers over"...- Yes.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55But this is on the market for offers over 375.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- 375?!- Really?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Wow!- Goodness me!
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- That's a surprise. - That's a big surprise.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Our first house comes in well under budget.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07It's a traditional detached Edwardian property
0:11:07 > 0:11:08built of local stone
0:11:08 > 0:11:12with five bedrooms, four of which are doubles.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Done?- Yes.- Had a good nose around? - Yep. Very nice.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Good. Then let's have a look at house number two.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42With all this breathtaking scenery,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45it's no surprise that the Perthshire Highlands have long been
0:11:45 > 0:11:49a favoured holiday destination for those who love the outdoors.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52One of its biggest fans was Queen Victoria
0:11:52 > 0:11:54who came here to Blair Castle,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Atholl,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59in 1844.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04During her visits, she was protected by the Duke's personal bodyguard,
0:12:04 > 0:12:05the Atholl Highlanders,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and was so impressed, she gave them the right to bear arms.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13I've come to meet the castle's chief historian, Jane Anderson,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15to find out more about the Queen's visit
0:12:15 > 0:12:18and the castle's unique private army.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Ah, this is a very Victorian room.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Yes.- Is this where she slept?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26The actual room isn't. She slept in the Derby Room, along the passage.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29But everything that was in that room is now in here.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32So when they knew Victoria was coming,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35they went out and bought a whole new suite of furniture.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37What was different about this stay?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40She often went to stay in castles, one imagines.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Yes. But usually, she would descend on people for a day or two
0:12:44 > 0:12:47and expect a full state reception.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49But Albert asked particularly here
0:12:49 > 0:12:52that they put the castle at her disposal.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56And the family moved out, she moved in,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58and so she had a very long stay,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02which was very relaxing without all the trappings of state.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- A holiday, in a way.- Yes. The informality, the lack of intrusion.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10That was preserved by the men of Atholl guarding her.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12They camped outside in tents.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16They were there to make sure that no-one disturbed this idyll.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21'One of the things the Queen was able to enjoy during her stay at Blair Castle
0:13:21 > 0:13:25'was to explore the surrounding countryside on a pony.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'And that's what I'm doing with guide Debbie McLoughlin.'
0:13:28 > 0:13:32So is this where the Queen would have ridden, Debbie?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Yes. Queen Victoria rode here.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37She first rode on Atholl estates in 1844.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39She went up through the hills
0:13:39 > 0:13:42while Albert was out stalking on the estate.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'The Queen was so struck by her visit,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47'a few years later she and Prince Albert
0:13:47 > 0:13:49'bought the neighbouring estate, Balmoral,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52'still used by the Royal Family today as a holiday home.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56'And being neighbours meant Victoria could still drop in for a visit.'
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Jane was saying she would ride over the hills to visit the Duchess?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03She rode over the hills. It's doable.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06It would take them a few days and they would stop for picnics.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09In Glen Tilt there's a well
0:14:09 > 0:14:11that's known as Queen Victoria's well
0:14:11 > 0:14:16where she stopped for refreshment of fresh hill water.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'When they weren't carrying royalty,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22'the Atholl ponies were used during the stalking season
0:14:22 > 0:14:24'to transport deer off the mountains,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26'a role they still perform today.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29'But as I head off to catch up with our buyers,
0:14:29 > 0:14:35'it's easy to see how Queen Victoria fell in love with this remote Scottish beauty spot.'
0:14:48 > 0:14:51'We are venturing to the far eastern side of the county
0:14:51 > 0:14:54'for our second property, which is in the hamlet of Murrayshall,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57'about two miles from the village of Scone.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02'We pass through the town of New Scone, which offers
0:15:02 > 0:15:07'a number of amenities close by, including shops and a post office.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10'A short drive away is the hamlet of Murrayshall
0:15:10 > 0:15:12'and our second property.'
0:15:12 > 0:15:14House number two is a very different offering
0:15:14 > 0:15:18because it is this long, low-slung building.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Ah.- OK.- We thought this might be one for you, Laurence,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26because it is jammed between not one, but two golf courses.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29One up here and another one just down there.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32More importantly perhaps, we've shaved 20 minutes off your commute.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36It looks interesting. It is a bungalow or does it...double height?
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- It is all on one level.- All one level, right.- Eager to get inside.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Good.- Yes.- Enthusiasm. Let's go.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46'This modern single-level stone property looks much older
0:15:46 > 0:15:48'than its eight years.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51'And having the accommodation all on one level could be handy with
0:15:51 > 0:15:52'the twins in mind.'
0:15:52 > 0:15:55I'll take you straight into the kitchen.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- Get a flavour of the house.- It's a lovely kitchen.- Gosh.- Very nice.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- A bit bigger?- A bit bigger, yes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Space for a nice big table, a sort of eight-seater here.- Yep.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- And you've got the island in the middle.- Yeah, always useful.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12'It's hard to get a sense of how Laurence
0:16:12 > 0:16:14'and Maria really feel about this house.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17'A look at the heart of the home might provoke a reaction.'
0:16:17 > 0:16:21So this is the sitting room, the main sort of reception room in the
0:16:21 > 0:16:24house, with these incredible windows that look out over the golf course.
0:16:24 > 0:16:31- Fantastic.- Great view.- Yeah.- A nice big, square room.- Very high ceilings.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- Gosh, yes.- And a proper stone surround with a gas-effect fire.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- And the view's nice.- Sounds like you're being very diplomatic.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43You don't have to buy every house I show you!
0:16:43 > 0:16:46You do have some free will.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- It's not floating your boat?- Um...
0:16:50 > 0:16:54It's probably not what I would choose myself.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57'As we head back past the kitchen, we pass a generously sized
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'dining room which could also be used as a bedroom.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03'Further down the corridor are two more double bedrooms,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06'one of which is being used as a guest room
0:17:06 > 0:17:10'and the other as a study, which offers another large window.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13'Completing the accommodation on this, the only level,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15'is a utility room with sink area,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20'a stylish family bathroom and there is underfloor heating throughout.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23'But let's not forget where Laurence and Maria might sleep.'
0:17:23 > 0:17:25This is the master bedroom.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- It has its own en-suite, with a shower and toilet.- It's a nice room.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Nice size.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Lots of storage space.- It's another option, different offering.- Yes.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37And then of course there's outside.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40'Laurence and Maria are still being very tactful
0:17:40 > 0:17:42'but I'm not sure this house is really grabbing them.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44'We have one last chance to find out what
0:17:44 > 0:17:47'they really think with the outside space.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50'And this includes a terraced patio, overlooking
0:17:50 > 0:17:53'the back of the property, and around the side of the house
0:17:53 > 0:17:55'a west-facing garden, which is mainly lawned,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57'with another patio area for entertaining.'
0:17:57 > 0:17:59What do you think?
0:18:00 > 0:18:06Er, smaller garden than I would have...than I would like.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08But it's nice to have a seating area.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12My initial concern would be about the amount of hard landscape around.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- The patio.- For the twins, of course. - The twins, yes.- What about pricing?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Hmm.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Maria, I think you have to go first this time.- Oh, dear.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- I would say...410?- Mm-hm?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29OK, I think maybe a wee bit more.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I think 430, perhaps.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- Well, actually, this is on the market for offers over 450.- Gosh!
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Right, OK.- Wow.- Way off the mark. - Yes.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- I think it may be the golf being so close.- Of course, yes.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- And also being that bit closer to Edinburgh.- Yes.- Yes.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52'This hi-tech modern home is £50,000 under Laurence
0:18:52 > 0:18:54'and Maria's maximum budget.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56'All the accommodation sits on one level
0:18:56 > 0:19:00'and, with a little reordering inside, it could be turned into a
0:19:00 > 0:19:03'four-bedroom property with a kitchen/diner
0:19:03 > 0:19:04'and a large reception room.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06'It also comes with a lawn
0:19:06 > 0:19:10'and patio with stunning views over the Perthshire countryside.'
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Are you all done inside? - I think we are, yes.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Well, that's our lot for the day. Time to maybe just have a rest and see the twins?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Sounds good.- OK.- Come with me.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Today's mystery house is a corker.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39It's a beautiful property and much closer to Edinburgh
0:19:39 > 0:19:41and within budget.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44But this morning I woke up a little bit anxious because Maria and
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Laurence's reaction to the second house yesterday made me worried
0:19:47 > 0:19:51that the mystery house might be not quite toddler-friendly enough.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57'For the mystery house, we're
0:19:57 > 0:20:01'travelling 20 miles south of Perth to the hamlet of Cleish.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04'On the plus side, it will cut Laurence's commute time even more,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08'but we're venturing further from where they originally wanted to be.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12'Surrounded by agricultural land,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15'but a stone's throw from transport connections
0:20:15 > 0:20:19'to Edinburgh, it's a good location for a countryside commuter.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20'As well as the location,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22'the other mystery element to our third property
0:20:22 > 0:20:24'is that it's semidetached,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27'which isn't what Laurence and Maria wanted.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30'And what's more, there are some potential hazards to contend with.'
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- So, the mystery house!- Wow! - Wasn't what you were expecting?
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- No, not at all. Not at all.- So, it's a bundle of contradictions.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40It's not what you asked for,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- but that's always the case with the mystery house.- I like it a lot.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45It looks nice. It's interesting.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48One of our concerns about showing you this, particularly after
0:20:48 > 0:20:52yesterday, was for the next six months, with the twins,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- it will be a bit steptastic. - Yes!- True.- Yes.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- A lot of steps to get to the front door.- Yeah.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03And this is a little sort of new area with some properties
0:21:03 > 0:21:06which will probably have young families in it.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Could be quite nice to have a little community.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- To be part of that.- Yes.- Definitely.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12I grew up in a small village like this.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's almost like coming home, I guess.- That's what we like to hear.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- Shall we have a look inside?- Yes. - Yes, please.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24'Our mystery house is one half of a former mill.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'The fact that it's semidetached hasn't put Maria
0:21:27 > 0:21:29'and Laurence off so far.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31'I hope the unconventional layout inside,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34'spread over three floors, won't either.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36'We're entering the property on the middle floor, which is where
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'you'll find the main reception room.'
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Let's come into the kitchen first, because this is a work of art.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Look at this!- Goodness me!
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- This is gorgeous.- Well... - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- I like the maple, or whatever that wood is.- This is actually elm.- Elm?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Yes, it's a local woodworker who made this bespoke for the kitchen.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01There is also a fireplace made of it as well.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Very rare to get that bit of elm. - Yes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Yes.- Gosh.- And there's lots of it.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10All of these cabinets are bespoke, to an incredibly high quality.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15And this beautiful moulded work surface. So there are no edges.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18I suppose the question is, can you imagine you - yourselves
0:22:18 > 0:22:19and the twins - living here?
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- I could! Definitely. Definitely! - Yeah.- So thumbs up for this room?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- Definitely.- Fantastic. - It's slightly unusual.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33Because it's on three levels. The house is unusually structured because opposite,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- we've got a big bedroom and en-suite, which could be your master.- OK.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45They use this as their guest bedroom.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- But it's very grand.- Lovely room.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55And then the spectacular en-suite.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56- Goodness me!- Wow!
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- That is beautiful.- Then it goes upstairs and downstairs.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04We're heading upstairs to the top floor,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06but downstairs, there are two further bedrooms,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08both en-suite,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11which the present owners are using as separate offices.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15The ground floor also features a large utility room with
0:23:15 > 0:23:17lots of extra space for storage.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19A fourth bedroom, also en-suite,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23is currently being used as the master and is on the top floor.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26And just across the corridor from that, our next stop.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29So, at the top of the stairs, you have this beautiful room.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Which they have turned into a sitting room.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37- It's great. Lovely views. - Look at the view, yes! Very nice.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Well, I'll let you explore downstairs in your own time, because
0:23:40 > 0:23:43there are things to think about about how you want to configure it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- But let's go outside and talk about price.- OK.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47'Our mystery house,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'combining the fabric of the original mill with modern design,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54'has clearly lifted the spirits. But there's still the garden to see.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56'And it's back to where we started, outside.'
0:23:56 > 0:24:00So back to the garden. You can see it's on many levels.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02There's a sort of raised bit here,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- where they've got their veggie beds and their greenhouse.- Yes.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08And then this bit, which I guess is more of a sort of eating area.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Down the steps there, there's a sort of sunken garden, which
0:24:11 > 0:24:13actually has the doors to the bottom floor,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15which you haven't visited yet.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18What do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20I think it's right at the top end of our budget. Wouldn't you say?
0:24:20 > 0:24:25I would say something like...
0:24:25 > 0:24:27485?
0:24:27 > 0:24:32I think it's above our 450. I think probably nearer 490.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Well, this property is on the market for offers over
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- 395.- Well!
0:24:40 > 0:24:45We were slightly out, Laurence. That's amazing. 395.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- Goodness me. - We were way out, but, wow!
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'Our mystery house is a renovated 19th-century mill.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58'The accommodation is arranged over three storeys
0:24:58 > 0:25:02'and includes four bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06'a designer kitchen-diner and a top-floor living room with
0:25:06 > 0:25:08'extensive views across the countryside.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13'The property is located in a popular village with a good primary school.'
0:25:19 > 0:25:22OK. So, mystery house done. Houses one and two done.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- That's all the property. Let's go and catch our breath.- OK.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37I've brought you down to the shores of Loch Leven
0:25:37 > 0:25:40just to have a think about what next?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42What your plans are, having seen the three properties.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Which ones are contenders?
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Property one, yesterday, the detached property,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51was a beautiful property.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I think we both liked that.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- Yep.- And today's mystery house was a real surprise,
0:25:58 > 0:25:59a bit of an eye-opener.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Yes. They are quite contrasting properties.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06What is it about the first house and the mystery house that you like?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The first house, for me, was probably the setting.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13It was a beautiful house and the views from the house,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17looking over towards Crieff, were stunning.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19It had a lovely garden, a well-laid-out garden.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Laurence, what about the mystery house?
0:26:21 > 0:26:24The mystery house, I thought, had a nice feel to it.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28It threw a lot of switches we hadn't considered before.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29But it really blew us away.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It blew me away, if I'm honest.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- I don't know. I'm torn between the two of them.- That's good.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- It's good that you're torn.- I know!
0:26:37 > 0:26:41So I'd like to go back and see property number one again.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- And maybe...- I would like to go back and see the mystery house again.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- Yeah, both of them.- I liked them both for different reasons.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54And in terms of because you're aware that quite a lot of people are interested in the mystery house,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57how fast do you think you'd like to act?
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Probably within about a week.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Good. I wish you all the best. I hope that you do find a house for you and the twins.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- I think so.- All the best.- Thank you.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Thank you.- Thanks for your help. - Not at all.- We enjoyed it.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17It seems like my worries about the mystery house were unfounded.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19It really struck a chord with Maria and Laurence.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24Though I do wonder whether, compared to the classic Scottish grandeur of the first house,
0:27:24 > 0:27:31the quirky individualism of the mystery house might be a step too far! See what I did there?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34But I hope they move soon because there are lots of people interested in the mystery house.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38So the sooner they get to this beautiful part of the world, the better.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I hope you've enjoyed our trip through Scotland.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Do join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Shortly after returning home,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Maria was offered a new job in Glasgow.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52For now, they've decided to postpone their move to Perthshire.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Let's hope they don't leave it too long.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55If you'd like to escape to the country
0:27:55 > 0:27:58in Wales, Northern Ireland, England or Scotland
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and need our help, why not apply online?