0:00:00 > 0:00:05This baronial castle was the favourite getaway of one of Britain's greatest monarchs.
0:00:05 > 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 > 0:00:42- 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 > 0:01:03As well as being the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl,
0:01:03 > 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 > 0:01:22I'll be finding out more about that regiment's colourful history
0:01:22 > 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.
0:01:30 > 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 > 0:01:38and is situated in the very heart of Scotland.
0:01:38 > 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 > 0:01:55In the west of the county,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Loch Tay is flanked on either side by striking mountains
0:01:59 > 0:02:01including the snow-capped Ben Lawers.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Rising to just over 1,200 metres,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07it's the county's highest peak.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10One of Perthshire's prettiest villages is Kenmore,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14with its attractive whitewashed and stone cottages,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17reputedly home to the oldest hotel in Scotland.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21With 2,000 square miles of diverse landscape,
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Perthshire's unique character holds great appeal for those looking for rural drama
0:02:26 > 0:02:27in their surroundings.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35All this natural splendour has a knock-on effect
0:02:35 > 0:02:37on property prices in Perthshire.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Because the average detached house in the county
0:02:40 > 0:02:42costs just under £250,000,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44which is £20,000 more
0:02:44 > 0:02:47than the national figure for Scotland.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52This is largely to do with exclusive homes within range of famous golf courses
0:02:52 > 0:02:54near Auchterarder or Gleneagles.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58But if you go further north into the Highlands or closer to Perth,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01then you get a lot more for your money.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07Let's find out who it is that's chosen to come and live in this beautiful part of the country.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09For the past four years,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Laurence and Maria have lived in this four-bed semi-detached Victorian property
0:03:13 > 0:03:15on the outskirts of Glasgow.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19But the location's convenience also has its drawbacks.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21This area we're living in at the moment is called Dumbreck.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23It's on the south side of Glasgow
0:03:23 > 0:03:25just south of the River Clyde.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27The house is located between two busy motorways,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29the M8 and the M74.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32So there is a noise issue.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34It's not just the traffic encouraging them to move.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37The arrival of twins, Holly and Adam, a year and a half ago
0:03:37 > 0:03:41has spurred them on to seek a better quality of life for the whole family.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45There aren't many amenities close by
0:03:45 > 0:03:47because we live in a very suburban area.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51There are no local shops. The nearest things we have here
0:03:51 > 0:03:55are a park, which I like to take the children to.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56It's quite a nice wooded area
0:03:56 > 0:04:02and that's the sort of environment I'm looking for for the children when we move out of Glasgow.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Maria is a town planner by trade,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07but has put the job on hold to look after the twins.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12Laurence works for a bank in Edinburgh and still intends to commute from their new home.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17We're looking to move to Perthshire. It's not far from Glasgow.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It's only about 70 miles
0:04:19 > 0:04:23but they call it the gateway to the Highlands.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29It's a beautiful area. There are loads of lovely towns and villages
0:04:29 > 0:04:32surrounded by beautiful countryside.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37Despite the twins being toddlers, Laurence and Maria are planning for the future.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40We think an education is important for our children.
0:04:40 > 0:04:47Schools outside of Glasgow are generally smaller class sizes.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52It would be nice for the children if we're in a village to be able to walk to school.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56The move will also allow the couple to indulge their leisure interests.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58And it's not just tennis.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I play a bit of golf and do a bit of fishing
0:05:00 > 0:05:05so the area in Perth and Kinross has lots of golf courses
0:05:05 > 0:05:09and a few rivers and lochs to go fishing.
0:05:09 > 0:05:15- So I'm looking forward to that.- And you want to teach Holly and Adam to fish.- Absolutely.- And play golf!
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Not at the same time, obviously!- No.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But not all of Laurence's hobbies are as peaceful!
0:05:20 > 0:05:24'Away from work and looking after the children, I play the bagpipes.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25'I've played them for many years.'
0:05:25 > 0:05:31The neighbours, I'm sure, will testify to the fact that I tend to play them either in the house
0:05:31 > 0:05:32or in the garden.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35So, from a neighbours' point of view, I suspect,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39playing them in the countryside will be far more palatable
0:05:39 > 0:05:40than a built-up area like this!
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- A lot of the neighbours do enjoy your bagpipes, though.- They do.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46They say they do. I'm not sure they're telling the truth!
0:05:46 > 0:05:50All that remains is to find out how much they've got to invest
0:05:50 > 0:05:51in their Scottish rural move.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56The budget for the move is £450,000.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02So that Laurence can continue to commute to Edinburgh,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06we've concentrated our search in the south, around Crieff and Perth,
0:06:06 > 0:06:11both of which have excellent road links to the Scottish capital.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15And it's in the hills overlooking Crieff where I meet them to finalise the details of the move.
0:06:16 > 0:06:23Welcome to Perthshire. What is it you're looking for in this property around Crieff?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25It's a four-bedroomed detached property,
0:06:25 > 0:06:31ideally with a lovely good-sized garden for the children.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36Period property would be ideal. That's the sort of property we like.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39What about the neighbourhood? Are you fussed about whether you're out in the sticks
0:06:39 > 0:06:41or the middle of a village?
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Again, we're quite easy on that.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47It would be perfect if we were within walking distance of the town,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50particularly schools, so we can take the children to school.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Are you looking for this house to be a long-term house, for the kids to grow up in?
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Yeah.- Yes.- Yeah.- Yes. At least to get them through primary school.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02You actually have quite reasonably modest requirements.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05This is quite a price-intense area
0:07:05 > 0:07:09because, like you, lots of people like to commute from this beautiful landscape
0:07:09 > 0:07:11down into Glasgow or Edinburgh.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- So what's your budget? - Budget is £450,000.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18If we have to go to 500,000
0:07:18 > 0:07:21then, for the right house, we'd be prepared to do that, absolutely.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Spoken like a canny banker, yes?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- So 450 up to 500.- Yeah.
0:07:26 > 0:07:32We've got three lovely properties and it would be interesting to see what you think of them.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- So let's get in the car.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39For a maximum budget of £500,000,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Laurence and Maria want a decent-sized detached family home
0:07:43 > 0:07:46with character and ideally period features.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48It has to include four bedrooms,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51a large enough garden for the twins to run around in,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54and within striking distance of a village,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57so the children can walk to a primary school.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05At each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09The last is our mystery house, designed to challenge,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and which could be a step too far for a couple with young children.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20What are you going to be doing in the Highlands, Maria?
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- A golf widow?- I'm going to go walking. I love walking.
0:08:24 > 0:08:31So if Laurence hasn't taken the children out golfing, they'll be with me on a long country walk.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Our first property is in the hamlet of Highlandman,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42two miles outside the small market town of Crieff.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Crieff itself has a good selection of shops, supermarkets and restaurants.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It's been a popular hub for tourists visiting the Highlands
0:08:49 > 0:08:51since Victorian times
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and this heritage is reflected in its architecture.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58But just a five-minute drive away, you're well into the countryside
0:08:58 > 0:09:01and that's where our first house is.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- You can see Crieff over there, just across the fields.- Yes.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Very close. Lovely mountain views.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10But this is the house I want to show you.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12It's beautiful. Very nice.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Nice traditional property. - It looks good, yeah.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19What do you think of the style? You wanted a period property.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21It looks ideal. Looks beautiful.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Probably the same as we have at the moment, actually,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- so that's good. - Same sort of age, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29And the location? Obviously, you're near Crieff,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31but you're out in the countryside.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Yes, it's nice. We can take the car off the road.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes.- Super.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41'This Edwardian property built just over 100 years ago
0:09:41 > 0:09:45'makes a good first impression on Laurence and Maria.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'And I'm confident the period features inside
0:09:48 > 0:09:50'will also go down well with our buyers.'
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Come into the sitting room, first.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- A lovely room.- Mm.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Nice fireplace.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- The cornicing is very nice. - The cornicing is beautiful.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06So they've knocked through into what would have been the back room
0:10:06 > 0:10:08and built a conservatory at the back.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14So it's a long set of rooms which have light. The garden is south-facing. This is north-facing.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16So you get light through the day.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17- Yeah, it's lovely.- Very nice.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- It has a kind of classic Scottish feel to it.- Yes, you're right.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25It's restrained but tasteful.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Up to snuff?- Definitely.- Yes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31'The ground floor also features a similar-sized dining room
0:10:31 > 0:10:33'with another open fireplace
0:10:33 > 0:10:36'and a bay window looking out towards Crieff.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38'But our next stop is the kitchen.'
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Round the back of the house is the kitchen. Come on in.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Nice range cooker.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- It's smaller than...- Bit smaller than we're used to.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- The utility's through there.- OK.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53So all your white goods are in there.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56But you do have this lovely feature of the big red sandstone lintel
0:10:56 > 0:10:58over the range cooker.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00And upstairs, you've got five bedrooms.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05'Although the size of the kitchen is a slight concern,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07'I'm hoping the accommodation upstairs will compensate.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11'This includes four double bedrooms and one single,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14'all serviced by a good-sized family bathroom.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17'One of the doubles lies at the front of the house,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21'with another at the back, overlooking the garden.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23'One of the larger bedrooms is being used as a study,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27'and there's a further single which could be turned into an en-suite for the master,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29'which is where we're heading.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:32As I mentioned, there are five bedrooms. This is the master
0:11:32 > 0:11:35simply by the fact that it's got all this storage in it.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Beautiful fireplace.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- Yes, it's almost Mackintosh, isn't it, the design.- I love those tiles.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- Lovely.- And the view, as well. I think this is the master because of the view.- I know.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49That's beautiful.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I think the house has a lovely feel to it.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56One of those houses when you come in and think it feels very restful.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59That's everything indoors. I'll let you wander around later on.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00But let's look at the garden.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03'The interior tour seems to have gone down well
0:12:03 > 0:12:07'and we've given Laurence and Maria more bedrooms than they asked for.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10'But there's still the all-important garden to see.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14The south-facing grounds include a patio area,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18a pond, which might need fencing off for the children,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22a garden shed, a greenhouse and a veggie patch.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28This is a nice spot where you see the back of the house and the formal garden.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Through the archway is a back garden.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34They've got flowers, but you could easily make that a veggie patch.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- It seems to be well laid-out.- Yes.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Nice to have the different areas of the garden.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41So what do you think the house is on the market for?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44440, perhaps?
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Maybe a little bit less. Say 435. 430, 435.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- So this is obviously the Scottish custom "offers over"...- Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59But this is on the market for offers over 375.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- 375?!- Really?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- Wow!- Goodness me!
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- That's a surprise. - That's a big surprise.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Armed with that good news,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12maybe go back inside and look at the rooms and see what you could do.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- We will.- Head back in and I'll see you at the front.- Thanks.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Priced at offers over £375,000,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24our first house comes in well under budget.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28It's a traditional detached Edwardian property built of local stone
0:13:28 > 0:13:31with five bedrooms, four of which are doubles.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44You could possibly take those cupboards out, if you wanted, open up the room a bit.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Whether you need that storage space. - Keep the storage space.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Good for toys!
0:13:50 > 0:13:51And your shoes!
0:13:53 > 0:13:57First impressions walking up to the property were very positive.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Lovely looking house from the outside. Very homely, comfortable.
0:14:00 > 0:14:06I like it a lot. The only thing I would change is the small bedroom.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09We'd look to make that into an en-suite.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12This feels like it could be a really nice family home.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16It's a good size, and there's a nice flow through the house.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18The children would love the garden.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21The view from the property, the upstairs windows,
0:14:21 > 0:14:25looking across towards Crieff is stunning.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Great price.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30We were both surprised it was on the market for offers over 375.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33It gives us a lot of potential
0:14:33 > 0:14:37to maybe think about a slight remodel to the kitchen,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40or extending the kitchen. There's lots of scope there
0:14:40 > 0:14:42with that sort of budget.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Laurence's Scottish reserve makes him quite hard to read,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47but I think they're quite enthusiastic.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Done?- Yes.- Had a good nose around? - Yep. Very nice.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Good. Then let's have a look at house number two.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Laurence and Maria have spent many weekends visiting Perthshire countryside with the twins
0:15:06 > 0:15:10and they can't get enough of the scenery that surrounds you here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12They may think that they've seen it all,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15but we're sending them to an off-road adventure company
0:15:15 > 0:15:18run by nature enthusiast Donald Ridell.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23It's designed to reveal parts of Perthshire that are otherwise inaccessible.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Shortly, we're going to head up into the mountains.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27We use private hill tracks
0:15:27 > 0:15:29that we rent access from,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31so we usually take our Land Rovers up there.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35What we're hoping to see is some of our Highland wildlife,
0:15:35 > 0:15:40and we're going to see some tremendous scenery as well.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42To minimise environmental impact,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Donald has an agreement with local agencies
0:15:45 > 0:15:48that allows him to drive along private forest tracks.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52His tour covers the area of Perthshire around Aberfeldy
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and it's here amongst the Caledonian pine forests
0:15:54 > 0:15:56that you might see red deer
0:15:56 > 0:15:59as well as rarer species including the red squirrel
0:15:59 > 0:16:01and a type of grouse called the capercaillie.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04This particular area is Forestry Commission
0:16:04 > 0:16:06and they're doing a lot of conservation
0:16:06 > 0:16:08with barn owls, tawny owls.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10They're putting up nest boxes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:17There's quite a lot of capercaillie research going on as well, at the moment.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22The capercaillie numbers have dropped so much
0:16:22 > 0:16:25that they're researching why this is happening
0:16:25 > 0:16:29and also trying to do things to encourage them to nest.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32But whether the wildlife makes a show or not,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35the views of the striking scenery are what it's all about.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Here we are at 2,500 feet
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and we've got Schiehallion up there,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43and then further west we've got Glen Lyon
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and then right round there we've got Ben Lawers
0:16:46 > 0:16:50which is the highest mountain in Perthshire, at 4,000 feet.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- It's stunning. - Stunning scenery, isn't it?
0:16:52 > 0:16:56And next, there's an opportunity for Maria to take the wheel
0:16:56 > 0:16:59and learn the techniques of off-road driving.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05First gear. Then you can accelerate on into it a bit
0:17:05 > 0:17:09and then remember to take your foot off the gas when we get on it
0:17:09 > 0:17:12because we will be going at 40 degrees
0:17:12 > 0:17:18and we've only got five degrees of leeway, all right, before we tip over.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- So take your foot off the gas now. - Yep.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- Foot off the gas?- Foot off the gas.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- Am I OK?- You're doing just fine. Look at that.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28- Oh, my goodness!- Oh, my goodness!
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- Feel that.- Oh, my goodness!
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Aghh!
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Am I high enough?- I think you're OK!
0:17:34 > 0:17:36There we go. Good job.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38We'll just carry on down a wee bit
0:17:38 > 0:17:40onto the level bit of road here.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Great stuff.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44Magic.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48With off-roading skills to add to their list of outdoor interests,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52it's time to make tracks and return to the house hunt.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08We're venturing to the far eastern side of the county
0:18:08 > 0:18:12for our second property, in the hamlet of Murrayshall
0:18:12 > 0:18:14about two miles from the village of Scone.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18And Scone is where we're making a pit-stop.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Not only the setting for one of Scotland's most impressive historic palaces,
0:18:22 > 0:18:27it also features a piece of history that should stir the emotions in any Scot,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29although this one's a replica.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34Me, as an Englishman, telling you this is the Stone of Scone!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Yes.- Stone of Destiny.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38So the Stone of Destiny, as I'm sure you know,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42was where all the Scottish kings were crowned.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- Well, the lovely Palace of Scone, this would be your nearest stately home.- Yes.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Do you think the twins would enjoy historical houses?
0:18:49 > 0:18:53They would. We love going around historical houses
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and the grounds here are beautiful.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- So lots of space.- There's Old Scone, the palace, and then New Scone
0:18:58 > 0:19:02which is a little town just on the other side of Perth.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04That's just down the road.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07As is our second property. Shall we go and see it?
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- Yes.- Follow me.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13'As we continue our journey, we pass through the town of New Scone
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'which offers amenities close by,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18'including shops and a post office.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21'A short drive away is the hamlet of Murrayshall
0:19:21 > 0:19:23'and our second property.'
0:19:23 > 0:19:26House number two is a very different offering.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30It's this long, low-slung building.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Ah!- OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34We thought this might be one for you, Laurence,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37because it is jammed between not one but two golf courses.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40One up here and another one just down there.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44More importantly, perhaps, is we've shaved 20 minutes off your commute,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48cos it's a few minutes' drive onto the motorway and then straight down.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53It's interesting. Looks interesting. Is it a bungalow or is it double height?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- It is all one level.- All one level, all right.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- Eager to get inside. - Good. Enthusiasm. Let's go.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05'This modern, single-level stone property looks much older than its eight years.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08'And having the accommodation all on one level
0:20:08 > 0:20:10'could be handy with the twins in mind.'
0:20:10 > 0:20:14I'll take you straight into the kitchen, to get a flavour of the house.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Mm.- Lovely kitchen.- Gosh.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Very nice.- A bit bigger? - Bigger, yes.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Place for a nice big table, a nice eight-seater here.- Yep.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- You've got the island in the middle. - Always useful.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- And all the mod cons. It's a very modern building.- Yes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33It's a nice-sized kitchen.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Behind you is another selling point of the house, particularly for you, maybe, Laurence.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I don't know who's the tech head in your family,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42but the whole house is wired for sound.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- Every single room.- OK.- So you can have music wherever you go.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49If you push through, we'll go into the sitting room.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53It's hard to get a sense of how Laurence and Maria really feel about this house.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56A look at the heart of the home might provoke a reaction.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00So this is the sitting room, the main reception room of the house,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04with these incredible windows that look out over the golf course.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Fantastic.- Great view.- Yeah.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09A nice, big square room.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- Very high ceilings.- Gosh, yes.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- Yes.- And a proper stone surround with a gas effect fire.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Mm.- And the view's nice.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Sounds like you're being very diplomatic!
0:21:20 > 0:21:22You don't have to buy every house I show you!
0:21:22 > 0:21:25You do have some free will!
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Is this not floating your boat?
0:21:27 > 0:21:32It's probably not what I would choose myself.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'As we head back past the kitchen,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38'we pass a generously-sized dining room
0:21:38 > 0:21:39'which could also be used as a bedroom.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43'Further down the corridor are two more double bedrooms,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45'one of which is being used as a guest room
0:21:45 > 0:21:47'and the other as a study
0:21:47 > 0:21:49'which offers another large window.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52'Completing the accommodation on this, the only level,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54'is a utility room with sink area,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57'a stylish family bathroom,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59'and there's under-floor heating throughout.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02'But let's not forget where Laurence and Maria might sleep.'
0:22:02 > 0:22:05As I say, this is the master bedroom.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07It's got an en-suite with a shower and toilet.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- That's a nice room.- Nice size, yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11Lots of storage space.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Think of it as another option.- Yes. - A different offering.- Yes.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17And then, of course, there's outside.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22'Laurence and Maria are still being very tactful, but I'm not sure this house is really grabbing them.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25'We have one last chance to find out what they really think
0:22:25 > 0:22:27'with the outside space.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31'This includes a terraced patio overlooking the back of the property.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34'And round the side of the house, a west-facing garden,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37'which is mainly lawn with another patio area for entertaining.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:39What do you think?
0:22:41 > 0:22:44A smaller garden than I would have liked.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47But it's nice to have a seating area.
0:22:47 > 0:22:54My initial concern would really be about the amount of hard landscape round the back, for the twins.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56What about pricing?
0:22:56 > 0:22:57Hmm.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- Maria, you have to go first this time.- Oh, dear!
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I would say...410?
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Mm-hm.- OK.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Um, I think maybe a wee bit more.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I think 430, perhaps.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Well, actually, this is on the market
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- for offers over 450.- Gosh!
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Wow!
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- Way off the mark!- OK.- I think it may be the golf bonus.- Of course, yes.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- And also it's that bit closer to Edinburgh.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30We rushed round it inside. Have a look at those other bedrooms
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and see if you can maybe think about reconfiguring those.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Then I'll see you out the front. - OK.- Good.- Thank you.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43This high-tech modern home
0:23:43 > 0:23:47is £50,000 under Laurence and Maria's maximum budget.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49All the accommodation sits on one level,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51and with a little re-ordering inside,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54it could be turned into a four-bedroomed property.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59It also comes with a lawn and patio
0:23:59 > 0:24:02with stunning views over the Perthshire countryside.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05An interesting house, I guess,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08obviously all on one level.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Not something we'd really given much consideration to.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Coming into the house, the public areas are quite a good size.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Perhaps, with the exception of the main bedroom
0:24:19 > 0:24:20the others are a wee bit on the small side
0:24:20 > 0:24:22but not a huge problem, per se.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27One concern I have is the number of steps outside and the hard landscape
0:24:27 > 0:24:30in the patio area in particular.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33It's something we have in our existing house
0:24:33 > 0:24:35and we're quite keen to get away from that
0:24:35 > 0:24:37and get into a more child-friendly garden,
0:24:37 > 0:24:42where there's less opportunity for the children to fall and hurt themselves.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43An interesting property.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47It's not something I would look at first hand.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I wouldn't typically go for a modern property.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54So it was interesting to come inside and have a look around.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56It's probably not the ideal house that I would go for
0:24:56 > 0:24:59if I was looking to push our budget to its upper limit.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Hello!- Hi!- I was enjoying the sun. It's a lovely sun trap here.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- All done inside?- We are.- Yes.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- That's our lot for the day. Time to maybe have a little rest and see the twins.- OK. Good.- Come with me.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It's day two of our property search.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28With a maximum budget of £500,000,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31we're helping Laurence, Maria and their twins
0:25:31 > 0:25:37escape the bustle of Glasgow for the peace of rural Perthshire.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Coming up, we step back in time with our mystery house.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I grew up in a small village like this,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- so it's almost like coming home, I guess.- That's what we like to hear!
0:25:46 > 0:25:50And I follow in the tracks of one of Britain's greatest monarchs.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Today's mystery house is a corker.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59It's a beautiful property, much closer to Edinburgh, and within budget.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02But this morning, I woke up a little bit anxious
0:26:02 > 0:26:05because Maria and Laurence's reaction to the second house yesterday
0:26:05 > 0:26:09made me worried that the mystery house might be not quite toddler-friendly enough.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13But I also have a theory when someone doesn't like a property,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16they'll grasp at lots of reasons to justify that dislike.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19And when they see another house with the same things, that they love,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21all those reasons drop away.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24That's what I'm hoping is going to happen.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34How are you feeling this morning?
0:26:34 > 0:26:39Quite excited about today and seeing the mystery house.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41What do you think the mystery house might be?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Very good question.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48I'm wondering whether it might be something like a barn conversion, perhaps?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Or...- A property that you do up, maybe.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- Possibly a fixer-upper.- Yeah.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And what are you afraid it might be?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00A newly-built modern house!
0:27:08 > 0:27:11For the mystery house, we're travelling 20 miles south of Perth
0:27:11 > 0:27:13to the hamlet of Cleish.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16On the plus side, it will cut Laurence's commute time even more,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20but we're venturing further from where they originally wanted to be.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24A past winner of Best Kept Hamlet,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Cleish has a vibrant community feel, with local amenities more typical of a village,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32including a primary school and a 19th-century church,
0:27:32 > 0:27:37the tower of which was built to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Surrounded by agricultural land
0:27:41 > 0:27:44but a stone's throw from transport connections to Edinburgh,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47it's a good location for a countryside commuter.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51As well as the location, the other mystery element to our third property
0:27:51 > 0:27:53is that it's semi-detached,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55which isn't what Laurence and Maria wanted.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59What's more, there are some potential hazards to contend with.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01So, the mystery house.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Wow!
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Wasn't what you were expecting?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- No, not at all!- No, gosh!
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's a bundle of contradictions, this house. It's not what you asked for.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Always the case with the mystery house.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It is, as you can see, half a house.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- Yes.- It's period in the sense that it's originally an 1840s mill,
0:28:19 > 0:28:24but it has been completely remodelled quite recently.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I like the look of it. I like it a lot.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28It looks nice. It's interesting.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31One of our concerns about showing you this, particularly after yesterday,
0:28:31 > 0:28:36was that the next six months with the twins is going to be a bit "steptastic"!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- Hmm.- Yes!
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Yes, a lot of steps to get to the front door.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- Yeah.- And the house itself is on three levels.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Can't really see it. There's obviously stairs inside.- Right.
0:28:47 > 0:28:54And this is little sort of new area with some properties that will probably have young families.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- It would be quite nice to have a little community.- Yes.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Definitely. I grew up in a small village like this
0:28:59 > 0:29:03and it's almost like coming home, I guess, for me.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05That's what we like to hear.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes.- Yes, please.- We'd like to.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12'Our mystery house is one half of a former mill.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14The fact that it's semi-detached
0:29:14 > 0:29:16hasn't put Maria and Laurence off, so far.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21I hope the unconventional layout inside, spread over three floors, won't either.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24We're entering the property on the middle floor
0:29:24 > 0:29:27which is where you find the main reception room.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Come into the kitchen first.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- This is a work of art. - Oh, look at this!- Goodness me!
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- This is gorgeous.- Wow. - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I like the maple, or whatever that is.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42This is actually elm.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47It's a local woodworker who made this bespoke for the kitchen.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49There's also a fireplace made of it, as well.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Obviously very rare to get that bit of elm.- Yes.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- Gosh.- There's lots of it. All these cabinets are bespoke
0:29:56 > 0:29:59to an incredibly high quality.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04And this beautiful moulded work surface, so there's no edges.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07I suppose the question is, can you imagine you, yourselves and the twins living here?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- Definitely.- I could, definitely.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Definitely, yes.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14It's a lovely feel to the room.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It's a lovely family kitchen.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- So thumbs up for this room? - Absolutely.- Definitely.- Fantastic.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22It's slightly unusual. Because it's on three levels,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26the house is unusually structured.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Opposite, we've got a big bedroom and en-suite,
0:30:29 > 0:30:31which could be your master.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38They use this as their guest bedroom.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42But it's very grand!
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Ooh, gosh.- Lovely.- Yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47And then the spectacular en-suite.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Goodness me!- Wow.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51That's beautiful.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53Then it goes upstairs and downstairs.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57'We're heading upstairs to the top floor,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01'but downstairs, there are two further bedrooms, both en-suite,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04'which the present owners are using as separate offices.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08'The ground floor also features a large utility room
0:31:08 > 0:31:10'with lots of space for storage.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12'The fourth bedroom, also en-suite,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16'is currently being used as the master and is on the top floor.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19'And just across the corridor from that, our next stop.'
0:31:19 > 0:31:22At the top of the stairs, you have this beautiful room,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25which they've turned into a sitting room.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- Great. Lovely views. - Gosh, look at the view, yes.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Very nice.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- It's got a really lovely feel to it. - It has.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35I'll let you explore downstairs in your own time.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38There's things to think about, about how you would configure it.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- But let's go outside and talk about price.- OK.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45'Our mystery house, combining the fabric of the original mill with modern design,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47'has clearly lifted the spirits.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49'But there's still the garden to see,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52'and it's back to where we started, outside.'
0:31:52 > 0:31:54So, back to the garden.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56You can see it's on many levels.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59There's a raised bit here where they've got their veggie beds and greenhouse.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03And this bit, which is more of an eating area.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09Down the steps there is a sunken garden which has the doors to the bottom floor
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- which you haven't visited yet. - Right.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15And that's a real suntrap because it's completely sheltered from the wind.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- Apparently, it gets Mediterranean heat during the summer.- Fantastic. - Get a good tan!
0:32:19 > 0:32:21What do you think it's on the market for?
0:32:21 > 0:32:23I think it's right at the top end of our budget.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Would you say? I'd say...
0:32:25 > 0:32:30something like...485?
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I think it's above our 450.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Probably nearer 490.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Well, this property in on the market
0:32:37 > 0:32:40for offers over 395!
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Wow!
0:32:43 > 0:32:45We're slightly out, Laurence!
0:32:45 > 0:32:47That's amazing.
0:32:47 > 0:32:493-9-5!
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Goodness me!
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Well, we're way out, but wow!
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Why don't you look downstairs. That's a slightly quirky layout.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- Look downstairs and see if that will work with the kids.- Yes.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- I'll see you back here. - OK. Thank you.- Excellent.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It's always a good barometer of how much people like a property
0:33:06 > 0:33:09by how much they over-guess the price!
0:33:09 > 0:33:11So I'm thinking they quite like it!
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Way under budget at £395,000,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20our mystery house is a renovated 19th-century mill.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24The accommodation is arranged over three storeys
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and includes four bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29a designer kitchen diner
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and a top floor living room with extensive views across the countryside.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37The property is located in a popular village with a good primary school.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42This is a nice-sized room.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44A lovely room, as well, isn't it?
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- This would be ideal for one of the kids.- It would.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50When I first saw the mystery house, I thought it looked amazing.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Just all the different levels of the garden,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57looking up towards the front door, it looked stunning.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It is a beautiful property.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It's lovely. I love this room in particular.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I think it's a real family room.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09I could imagine myself cooking here, quite easily!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Internally, I think the property is stunning.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15I particularly like exposed beams
0:34:15 > 0:34:18and the exposed stonework in the kitchen.
0:34:18 > 0:34:24I can't say there's anything I would want to change about the property at all.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28A few tweaks round the edges, perhaps, in terms of safety
0:34:28 > 0:34:30for the children, the stairs in particular.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33But other than that, I wouldn't change anything, I don't think.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40OK. Mystery house done, houses one and two done.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- That's all the property. Let's go and catch our breath.- OK.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56And that marks the end of our property search for Laurence and Maria.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01But if you, too, have got your heart set on a rural Perthshire bolt-hole,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03there is plenty of property to choose from,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05with a wide price range.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07If contemporary living is your style,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10this four-bed modern property in the village of Muthill
0:35:10 > 0:35:15is on the market for offers in excess of £540,000.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19The accommodation includes a large open plan kitchen diner
0:35:19 > 0:35:23which leads on to an additional living area with a log burner.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26The bedrooms upstairs include this spacious master suite.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31And at the other end of the price and age scale,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33a three-bed traditional stone cottage
0:35:33 > 0:35:37in St Fillans has been reduced to encourage a quick sale.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40At offers in excess of £200,000,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42it offers good value.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49With all this breath-taking scenery,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53it's no surprise that the Perthshire Highlands have long been a favoured holiday destination
0:35:53 > 0:35:55for those who love the outdoors.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59One of its biggest fans was Queen Victoria
0:35:59 > 0:36:04who came here to Blair Castle, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Atholl,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06in 1844.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10During her visits, she was protected by the Duke's personal bodyguard,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12the Atholl Highlanders,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15and was so impressed, she gave them the right to bear arms.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20I've come to meet the castle's chief historian, Jane Anderson,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22to find out more about the Queen's visit
0:36:22 > 0:36:24and the castle's unique private army.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Ah, this is a very Victorian room.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30- Yes.- Is this where she slept?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33The actual room isn't. She slept in the Derby Room, along the passage.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37But everything that was in that room is now in here.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39So when they knew Victoria was coming,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42they went out and bought a whole new suite of furniture.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44- As you do when the Queen comes! - As you would!
0:36:44 > 0:36:47What was different about this stay?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49She often went to stay in castles, one imagines.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Yes. But usually, she would descend on people for a day or two
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and expect a full state reception.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01But Albert asked particularly here that they put the castle at her disposal.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04And the family moved out, she moved in,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07and so she had a very long stay,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11which was very relaxing without all the trappings of state.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- A holiday, in a way.- Yes. The informality, the lack of intrusion.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19That was preserved by the men of Atholl guarding her.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21They camped outside in tents.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25They were there to make sure that no-one disturbed this idyll.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29The Highlanders still have a presence at the castle,
0:37:29 > 0:37:32more than 150 years after the Queen's visit.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35I'm meeting one of them, George Faran.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40George, you look resplendent. How long does it take to get into all this?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43About 25 minutes to get the main part on,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46but then you haven't put your plaid on.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49This plaid has to be wrapped around you and pinned on.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52What's your job description? What do you actually do?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54I'm the caretakers in the castle.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Ah. So are most of the regiment also people who work on the estate?
0:37:58 > 0:38:01A large majority work on the estate or have worked on the estate.
0:38:01 > 0:38:08And anybody further afield will still come back for any events we have on.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- Jane, was that always the case? Was it always...- Yes.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14It was always the Duke's men,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18either tenants on the estate or employees on the estate.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21They were invited personally by the Duke to join.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27'One of the things the Queen was able to enjoy during her stay at Blair Castle
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'was to explore the surrounding countryside on a pony.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33'And that's what I'm doing with guide Debbie McLoughlin.'
0:38:33 > 0:38:37So is this where the Queen would have ridden, Debbie?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Yes. Queen Victoria rode here.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42She first rode on Atholl estates in 1844.
0:38:42 > 0:38:48She went up through the hills while Albert was out stalking on the estate.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Ah. So she was a pony rider?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Yes, she rode the Highland ponies on the estate. She was very keen.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56'The Queen was so struck by her visit,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58'a few years later she and Prince Albert
0:38:58 > 0:39:00'bought the neighbouring estate, Balmoral,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'still used by the Royal Family today as a holiday home.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07'And being neighbours meant Victoria could still drop in for a visit.'
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Jane was saying she would ride over the hills to visit the Duchess?
0:39:11 > 0:39:14She rode over the hills. It's do-able.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17It would take them a few days and they would stop for picnics.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20In Glen Tilt there's a well
0:39:20 > 0:39:22that's known as Queen Victoria's well
0:39:22 > 0:39:27where she stopped for refreshment of fresh hill water.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30'When they weren't carrying royalty,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33'the Atholl ponies were used during the stalking season
0:39:33 > 0:39:35'to transport deer off the mountains,
0:39:35 > 0:39:37'a role they still perform today.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41'But as I head off to catch up with our buyers,
0:39:41 > 0:39:45'it's easy to see how Queen Victoria fell in love with this remote Scottish beauty spot.'
0:39:56 > 0:40:01Time to find out what Laurence and Maria think about all three properties we've shown them.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06My hunch is that the second property by the golf course is too modern for Maria's tastes.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And she might win the day.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11However, the first house, the classic Scottish beauty
0:40:11 > 0:40:13and the third house, the mystery house,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16really are both contenders.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Let's find out which one might win.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I've brought you down to the shores of Loch Leven
0:40:27 > 0:40:31just to have a think about what next?
0:40:31 > 0:40:34What your plans are, having seen the three properties.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Which ones are contenders?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Property one, yesterday, the detached property,
0:40:40 > 0:40:42was a beautiful property.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I think we both liked that.
0:40:45 > 0:40:51- Yep.- And today's mystery house was a real surprise, a bit of an eye-opener.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Yes. They are quite contrasting properties.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57What is it about the first house and the mystery house that you like?
0:40:57 > 0:41:00The first house, for me, was probably the setting.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04It was a beautiful house and the views from the house,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08looking over towards Crieff, were stunning.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10It had a lovely garden, a well laid-out garden.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Laurence, what about the mystery house?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15The mystery house, I thought, had a nice feel to it.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19It threw a lot of switches we hadn't considered before.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21But it really blew us away
0:41:21 > 0:41:23as soon as we saw it.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- I don't know. I'm torn between the two of them.- That's good.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- It's good that you're torn.- I know!
0:41:28 > 0:41:33So I'd like to go back and see property number one again.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- And maybe...- I would like to go back and see the mystery house again.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- Yeah, both of them.- I liked them both for different reasons.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46And in terms of because you're aware that quite a lot of people are interested in the mystery house,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48how fast do you think you'd like to act?
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Probably within about a week.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Good. I wish you all the best. I hope that you do find a house for you and the twins.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Thank you.- It's such a lovely area,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01I think you'll be happy in either of those two houses.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- I think so.- All the best.- Thank you.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05- Thank you.- Thanks for your help. - Not at all.- We enjoyed it.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11It seems like my worries about the mystery house were unfounded.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It really struck a chord with Maria and Laurence.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19Though I do wonder whether, compared to the classic Scottish grandeur of the first house,
0:42:19 > 0:42:24the quirky individualism of the mystery house might be a step too far! See what I did there?
0:42:24 > 0:42:29But I hope they move soon because there are lots of people interested in the mystery house.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32So the sooner they get to this beautiful part of the world, the better.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35I hope you've enjoyed our trip through Scotland.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Do join us next time for more Escape to the Country.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Shortly after returning home,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Maria was offered a new job in Glasgow.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47For now, they've decided to postpone their move to Perthshire.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Let's hope they don't leave it too long.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:51 > 0:42:55in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57please apply online:
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd