0:00:02 > 0:00:04200 years ago, this remote farm was home to a poet whose words
0:00:04 > 0:00:07ring around the world every New Year's Eve.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Find out who he was, and where I am, in just a moment.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28On today's show,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31I'm looking to help one couple escape the rat-race and head
0:00:31 > 0:00:36north over the border for the quiet surrounds of the Celtic countryside.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37They feel right at home.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- Really cosy.- Cosy. That's what I was thinking.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44I can imagine being curled up on the sofa in the winter here.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46And they find it all overwhelming.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- Oh, wow!- Yes, it's very nice.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Today we're in Dumfries and Galloway, and it was to this
0:00:58 > 0:01:01farm in 1788 that the poet Robert Burns
0:01:01 > 0:01:03brought his young family.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06And it's been known ever since as the poet's choice because
0:01:06 > 0:01:09he wrote some of his most famous lyrics here,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11including Auld Lang Syne.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13The idyll didn't last very long, however, because he got
0:01:13 > 0:01:17a job in Dumfries, because of money worries, three years later.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21But he remembered the place with great fondness, and when you see
0:01:21 > 0:01:25the beautiful landscape this county has to offer, you'll understand why.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Historically known as Dumfriesshire,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Dumfries and Galloway is bordered by five regions, including
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Cumbria in England, South Lanarkshire to the north,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39and Scottish Borders to the east.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45To the south lies the Nith Estuary, designated a National Scenic Area.
0:01:45 > 0:01:46And within it is found
0:01:46 > 0:01:48the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51which stretches for ten miles along the Solway coastline.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56The River Nith flows through the town of Dumfries,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58known as the Queen of the South,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and it was here in 1306 that Robert the Bruce
0:02:00 > 0:02:05dispatched his rival, Red Comyn, to take the throne
0:02:05 > 0:02:07as the King of the Scots.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09To the north, the River Annan leads towards
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the town of Moffat, gateway to the Moffat Hills.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16The Southern Upland Way runs past the town
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and forms Britain's first coast-to-coast walk,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22running 212 miles from the Irish to the North Sea.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28If you're after dramatic views, then head for the Devil's Beef Tub,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32a refuge once used by rustlers to hide their stolen cattle
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and a spectacle not to be missed.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Whatever you're looking for, this region has something for everyone.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43If the words "rural" and "affordable"
0:02:43 > 0:02:45are at the top of your property shopping list,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49then Dumfries and Galloway could be the place for you,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53because the average price of a detached house here is £184,000,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57which is £68,000 less than the national figure for Scotland.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00There are some expensive little pockets, for example,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03the lovely village of Rockliffe on the coast,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06or the foodie capital, Castle Douglas.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10But if you go westward to the villages like Glentrool or Glenluce,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14then you get a lot more bricks and mortar for your money.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Now, our couple today want to travel 400 miles to get
0:03:18 > 0:03:19a slice of all this Scottish beauty.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21So, let's meet them.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Elaine and Ian have spent the past nine years in Herne, Kent,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30but feel that with Ian on the cusp of retirement, the time
0:03:30 > 0:03:34is right for a change of pace, to pack up their bags for Scotland.
0:03:35 > 0:03:42When we first moved here, it was very much a village atmosphere.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45But it's got busier and busier.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48We live on a busy main road, which is noisy,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52especially in the summertime when you're sitting in the garden,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55you can hear the traffic noise.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It's time for life to slow down in pace.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04And a family connection lies behind their distant relocation.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07It's always been one of my ambitions to,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10when I do retire, to move up to Scotland.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12My father was from Scotland.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14I've got cousins that live up in Jedburgh,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18and I've got a stepfamily that live in Annan.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21The area they're looking at, played host to a major
0:04:21 > 0:04:23event in their lives.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25So, we decided to get married at Gretna Green,
0:04:25 > 0:04:30in Scotland, Dumfriesshire, mainly because of Ian's family.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35And we had a ceilidh band, people sat on straw bales with
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Highland checked blankets, it was lovely. Really good fun.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44The English met the Scottish... dancing. It was great.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- It was good.- It was really... Would love to do it all over again.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Following the wedding, little beknown to us,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56Elaine's parents moved back up on holiday to Carlisle a week
0:04:56 > 0:04:59later and have now settled up there as well.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03So, what are they looking for in their Scottish homestead?
0:05:03 > 0:05:08The ideal property would be detached, on the edge of a village,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12and whilst we're looking for most of the accommodation on the ground
0:05:12 > 0:05:16floor, I do like a chalet bungalow, having a bedroom,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19maybe a bathroom, upstairs.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Three bedrooms, four would be nice.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24A reasonable-sized garden with some sheds and possibly a greenhouse.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26I'm going to be retired,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30so, I'll probably be more in the potting shed, hopefully.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33It would be nice to have a stream running through the garden,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37but there again, you know, you can't have everything.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39The most important feature for me is the kitchen,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42because one of my passions in life is cooking,
0:05:42 > 0:05:48so to have somewhere that I can cook in and people can sit at the table
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and talk to me and have a glass of wine or two...
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Or three.- ..would be lovely.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57And Elaine's love affair with the kitchen isn't restricted to
0:05:57 > 0:05:59dinner parties.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I love baking because it brings out the creative side in me
0:06:03 > 0:06:10and if I've had a really hard week, it's a good way to de-stress.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16When it comes to entertaining, Elaine and Ian don't always
0:06:16 > 0:06:20follow convention, finding a novel use for their garden shed.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24We've actually converted it into quite a little cosy pub.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27The boys can get up there and watch the football
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and be out the way of the house. Keeping the nest nice and tidy.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35All that remains to be ironed out are the financial
0:06:35 > 0:06:37details for their move north of the border.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41The budget for the planned move is approximately £300,000.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47Elaine and Ian would like us
0:06:47 > 0:06:51to concentrate our search to the south, around Dumfries,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54and within reasonable distance of Elaine's parents in Carlisle.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59I met up with them on local soil to find out more about what
0:06:59 > 0:07:01they're after in the property.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Welcome to Scotland, you two.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Thank you!- Thank you.- You know this area quite well.- We do.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09We've been coming up here for many years now to visit family
0:07:09 > 0:07:10and parents.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15What about decor and decoration? Are you keen builders?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Yes. I just love that.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21I love wallpapering, painting, and mixing colours.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Elaine has a very good eye for colour, I must admit.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27And the majority of the paint in our house is commonly known as,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29"Yes, dear."
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I shall bear that in mind as we walk round the houses.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Which areas are you looking in particularly?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38The area that we've specifically looked at at the moment is sort of
0:07:38 > 0:07:42somewhere between Moffat, Dumfries and Carlisle, that sort of triangle.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- How much is your budget? - The budget is £300,000.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- OK. But you are also quite keen on doing some work, is that right?- Yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52We would be happy to look at something that was less money,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56say 240,000, that had some scope to be improved.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Well, we've got three lovely properties
0:07:57 > 0:08:00and I think they are going to give you lots of food for thought.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02So, no time like the present, let's go.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07For a budget of £300,000,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Elaine and Ian are looking for a property on one level or possibly...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31We have three properties to show them, and at each one I'll be
0:08:31 > 0:08:35asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38The final one will be a mystery house that sets them a challenge.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47But before that, we're heading to the house that's first on our list.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Did you get married in a kilt, Ian?
0:08:49 > 0:08:53I did, yes. In the family kilt.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- What clan are you?- Clan Ranald, which is a sept of the MacDonalds.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Right.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03So, you really are in the thick of it, the whole Scottish...
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- Yes, I mean, I love Scottish music...- The tradition.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- The tradition of Scotland. - Celebration and tradition.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- So, everything is moving north? - Absolutely!
0:09:18 > 0:09:22We begin our property search close to the village of Waterbeck,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26around 40 minutes east of Dumfries and 20 miles from Carlisle.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Surrounded by a pleasing rural landscape is the nearby
0:09:31 > 0:09:34village of Eaglesfield, founded in the 19th century, which
0:09:34 > 0:09:38provides the basic necessities, with a Post Office and general store.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42A short distance away is our first property,
0:09:42 > 0:09:47a sandstone country cottage set in splendid countryside.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- What are your first impressions? - Very nice.
0:09:50 > 0:09:56- Love the stone, and the location.- Do you like the location?- I do. Yes.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02Out in the country, open up the curtains, seeing the hills, perfect.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04No traffic. Lovely.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06The interesting thing about this property
0:10:06 > 0:10:09is that it is actually an old property.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12The front part was a byre,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14sort of an agricultural outhouse,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16from probably the end of the 19th century.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21And this part, straight in front of me, is less than seven years old.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- It's blended in well.- It has. - Amazingly well done, isn't it?
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes, please.- Let's go.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30We're off to a great start with a positive reaction to the setting,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33and I'm hoping the interior can match that
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and deliver the space they need, as this is a property with potential.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41This is the kitchen, obviously. Is this what you were looking for?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45It's lovely. It's not cramped, the dining area.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47You have an eating area in the kitchen.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- That's what you've always wanted. - It's nice and light. Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And you've got quite a nice-sized utility room there with
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- the white goods, and a door out into the back garden.- Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00And then onto the drive, so you can bring your shopping straight in.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- That's really handy. Yeah. - Well, after the kitchen...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and then into this room,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09which I think is a really lovely room in this property.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12This is lovely. I love the fire.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It was on our list, our wish list, so, yeah, that's really nice.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Beautiful views.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20I think this is really the killer thing about this house.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Such a lovely, warm feeling here. - Yes.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Cosy. Really cosy.- That's what I was thinking, comfortable.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30I can imagine being curled up on the sofa in the winter here.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So, that's your living space, the sitting room, the kitchen.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36You have, well, effectively, two-and-a-half bedrooms.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37OK...
0:11:42 > 0:11:44This one's being used as the master
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- because it has this en-suite toilet and washbasin.- That's pretty.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- Very nice.- They're not colossal, the rooms.- No, no.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I'm thinking about storage. They have one wardrobe.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Realistically, how much storage do you need?
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Probably more than certainly is in this room at the moment.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Perhaps Elaine's got it right with the chalet bit.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Perhaps we do need to go up as well.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Well, these are things, I mean,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I'll let you walk around and get the lay of the land.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15But talking of land, let's look outside.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22There is another generous bedroom, and a smaller room, currently
0:12:22 > 0:12:26a study, which could be used as a small, single, third bedroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29All are served by a good-sized family bathroom.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Lovely kind of 360 view, from here.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Well, this land around us doesn't belong to the property,
0:12:38 > 0:12:43but the farmer, who is just across the way, is a canny chap
0:12:43 > 0:12:47and realising that it was up for sale, has offered it up for sale.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- So, you would enjoy having that bit more land.- Yes, I think we would.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Yes. It wouldn't go to waste.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58Possibly, then also, that gives other opportunities with the house.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- You were thinking of maybe pushing out on one end.- Yes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- That sort of work requires money. - Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05And we haven't talked about money.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07So, what do you think this is on the market for?
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- Difficult one. Without the land... - Without the land.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- 225,000?- I was going to say 260.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- Well, in this instance, Ian, you were right on the money.- Oh!- 225.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23They've just lowered it to that price, so they probably
0:13:23 > 0:13:27wouldn't go any lower, but that would give you a substantial chunk.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- It would, very much so.- OK, well,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32why don't you have a look around in the garden on the other side, check
0:13:32 > 0:13:35out the bedroom, see if there's any scope for moving things around.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36Thank you.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44This single level cottage comes in well under budget at £225,000
0:13:44 > 0:13:47and offers them three bedrooms, a kitchen-diner,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51a large living room, the possibility to extend the property,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55all in a rural location surrounded by stunning scenery.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59We could have a conservatory.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Either from there or from over on this side.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05We could really extend the garden right out. The setting is fabulous.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11- The land has completely changed... - Changed the view.- Absolutely.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15I like the style. It's a mix of old and new, which suits me,
0:14:15 > 0:14:20it's got some character features, it's not just a square property.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23The kitchen, for me, is a good size.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's a very usable space and a sociable area. So, yeah,
0:14:26 > 0:14:32I'd be very comfortable here. The issue for us is the bedrooms.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36I really would like a third bedroom.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39If we were to sort of be able to extend
0:14:39 > 0:14:41and put another bedroom on,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44then we'd obviously be eating into the garden.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48But the potential of the extra piece of land, if we could gain that,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52that would be absolutely perfect, because we could extend the garden.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I've always wanted to have a pond and be able to have
0:14:54 > 0:14:58ducks on a pond and that would be absolutely ideal.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00So, yeah, we could take this fence down...
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Are you admiring your kingdom?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Yes, very much so.- Absolutely. - Yes, it would be very nice.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06So, you still think it's a little on the small side?
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Slightly on the small side, but we'd like to investigate further as to
0:15:11 > 0:15:14whether we could extend it to a third bedroom.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Or you could go and look at another property.- OK!- We could.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- That's what I'm offering. Come with me.- Thank you.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29From acres of lush, green forest to sandy shores,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32much of the countryside in Dumfries and Galloway
0:15:32 > 0:15:36falls within Scotland's protected National Scenic Areas.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39It also encompasses some of the country's largest
0:15:39 > 0:15:40and most historic estates.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44A fine example is the Caerlaverock Estate,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47just south of Dumfries, on the Nith Estuary,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49which covers 21 square miles
0:15:49 > 0:15:52and includes a unique triangular medieval castle.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58The Nith Estuary was once home to 18th-century shipyards
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and before that, Viking settlers.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Mindful of Elaine and Ian's desire to immerse
0:16:03 > 0:16:05themselves in Scottish life and culture,
0:16:05 > 0:16:09we've arranged for them to meet the estate gamekeeper, Robbie Cowan, who
0:16:09 > 0:16:14practises an ancient Viking fishing technique still used to this day.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- How long have you worked here for? - I've worked here for 13 years now.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21My father was working on the Caerlaverock Estate for 40 years.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24And my great-grandfather was here 55 years before him,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- so, very much a family job. - Goodness. Yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30I've got a variety of roles, everything from habitat enhancement
0:16:30 > 0:16:33to keeping the vermin down, obviously,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35normal gamekeeping roles.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37But then there's unique forms of fishing like the half-netting,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39which we're about to try.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42The half-netting dates back to the Vikings, believe it or not,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44so it's been here for over 1,000 years.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46It's actually not changed a great deal
0:16:46 > 0:16:48in terms of the technology that's used.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52We use modern string nets as opposed to... The Vikings used flax, a plant
0:16:52 > 0:16:56that they rolled up into a twine and dipped into tar to preserve it.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57But that would only last a few weeks
0:16:57 > 0:16:59and they would have to make a new one.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02We do wear neoprene waders now, which makes it a bit more pleasant,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06especially in the water temperatures that we have today.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Shall we go and get some waders on and we'll get the river and see
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- if we can catch a salmon? - Love to!- Love to!- OK.- Thank you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Half-netting is a unique method of fishing,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17using large, 18-foot framed nets.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Fishermen wade into rivers holding the nets in place,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23a technique that demands great strength and patience
0:17:23 > 0:17:27for keeping it steady as they wait for fish to swim into the net.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28But it's a dying art.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34In the 1960s, the Nith Estuary held 200 half-net licences,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38but only 55 are issued now, due to low salmon prices,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42low fish numbers, and exceptionally wet summers.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Just watch your feet when you're coming in with the net. That's you.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Perfect. One hand there, one there.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Keep it level and straight. That's you.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Are you sure you've not done this before?- Well...
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Yeah. Aye, you're a natural. You're doing fine.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Elaine and Ian seem to have taken to the Scottish waters rather well,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04but with nothing to show for their labours on this occasion,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07it's time to put down the nets and continue with the property hunt.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13We're travelling west towards Dumfries for our next
0:18:13 > 0:18:16property offering, which lies in the hamlet of Shieldhill,
0:18:16 > 0:18:21close to the town of Lochmaben, and about 33 miles from Carlisle.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Lochmaben is the nearest town, serving the local community,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26with a variety of shops, cafes and pubs.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The town also offers an array of activities including tennis
0:18:31 > 0:18:34and bowls. And sitting close to three lochs,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38it also provides fishing and sailing opportunities.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Around four miles out of town is Shieldhill,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44the setting of our second property,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46a four-bedroom, chalet-style bungalow
0:18:46 > 0:18:49surrounded by rural countryside.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55All right! House number two, this is our offering.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58I'm liking what I'm seeing at the moment.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Tell me what you're seeing, what's jumping out at you.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06I like the high-pitched roof, it's obviously got character.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07How old do you think the property is?
0:19:07 > 0:19:11I would say it's probably not as old as it probably looks.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Nine years old.- Is it really?- Yes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17It's a very modern property, very idiosyncratic,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20and I think this is something that you might want to put your mark on.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21- OK.- That sounds good.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- Shall we look inside? - Let's get in.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30We're off to a flying start, and I'm confident the interior will deliver
0:19:30 > 0:19:34on space, but whether it offers the wow factor remains to be seen.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- Aha!- Ah!- This is nice. Yes. - That's intriguing.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39It's surprising, isn't it?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Yeah.- That's really nice.- Yeah. - I like that.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's a much bigger property, even than it looks from the outside.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Is it your taste? - Definitely, absolutely.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- We do like oak staircases.- Yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54It's interesting, these pine floorboards, yellow pine,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- are actually salvaged from Glasgow tenements.- Oh, right!
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Shall we look in the kitchen?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Let's do.- Mm, yes, please, my domain.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04So far, so good.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Now for the most important room in the house.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08Are you ready for this?
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- We're ready.- Come on in.- Oh... - Oh! Right, yes.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Oh, wow...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19It's very nice. Oh!
0:20:19 > 0:20:26- Are you all right?- It's... Are you welling up?- She is.- Wow!
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Oh, Elaine, tell us what is it that's getting to you.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36It just feels really... It's got a really good feeling.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Yeah, I mean, I can visualise all my bits in here and... Mm.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43It's lovely, a really family...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- ..family room. - It's got a lot of what you wanted.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- It's got a lovely kind of gas range. - Yeah, definitely.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Very nice wood, when you see the original wooden
0:20:53 > 0:20:56island that's built in there.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59And all those lovely workspaces for when you do your baking.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Well, that was quite a response to the kitchen.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05But let's continue through to the sitting room. Hankies to the ready.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07OK.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Here's your sitting room. - Nice and big.- A beautiful size.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16It's a nice space.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- It feels...- Any reservations?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23It's something about the fireplace, it's incredibly dominant.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- I think it might be the stones that I'm not too sure about.- Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The thing about this house is I think it needs a bit of TLC.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35And on this floor, we've also, there's also a small study.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38And actually, on the other wing, because you have another wing,
0:21:38 > 0:21:43there are two very-nice-sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Right.- OK.- Which you can explore.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- But this is actually a four-bedroom house.- OK.- OK
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Though, I think you'll find when you see the size of the bedrooms
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- upstairs, you might think of it as an eight bedroom house.- OK.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00With such an emotional response to the ground floor,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03let's hope upstairs can match that reaction.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Oh, my goodness!- It's big.
0:22:05 > 0:22:11- Very big.- Yeah. That's great! What a size. That's amazing.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12And colossally bright.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14I mean, the room is, it's a huge room, but it so well lit,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16it's like a ballroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Fantastic.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- What would you do with all this space?- Keep my shoes here!
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Wardrobes!
0:22:24 > 0:22:26So, this would be your walk-in wardrobe.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28THEY CHUCKLE
0:22:28 > 0:22:31There is another bedroom up on this floor,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I'll let you explore that at your own leisure.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37But let's nip outside and let's think land and think price.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- OK.- OK.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42As we head outside, it seems that in terms of space,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45the interior has well and truly delivered.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Along with a few unexpected tears.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52The garden here is south-facing and over these fields, which
0:22:52 > 0:22:54are not yours, but are just being used
0:22:54 > 0:22:56for ponies and some Highland cattle.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59There's a sort of ambivalence about the two of you.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00I can't say whether you love it
0:23:00 > 0:23:02and are keeping it under your hat, or...
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I love it.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09I think, for me, there's a lot of work in there. That doesn't faze me
0:23:09 > 0:23:13because the structure is there, it's cosmetic.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It's going to need some imagination
0:23:15 > 0:23:17in using that very large bedroom,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and how we would use that, and seeing how that could be developed.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23So, you're saying it's too big?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Well, I must admit, it took me by surprise when I went in,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28I never imagined having a room that size.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31And then thinking, "Well, what can we do this?"
0:23:31 > 0:23:33So, a very different offering from the house this morning.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36What do you think it is in terms of price?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- I'm going to say 305.- Ian?
0:23:39 > 0:23:44I would probably go with, say, 245.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Well, it's not far off Ian's guess.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49It's actually on the market for 250.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55That's... very surprising. Very pleasing.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Well, why don't you go in and have a look because there's some rooms...
0:23:59 > 0:24:01some rooms that you haven't seen which I think you might be
0:24:01 > 0:24:03quite interested in.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04- OK. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09On the market for £250,000,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12this nine-year-old cottage offers them the space they are
0:24:12 > 0:24:16looking for, including four large bedrooms, two bathrooms,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20a tear-inducing kitchen-diner for entertaining,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22a large living room,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26perfectly placed in the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway countryside.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Oh, no!
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Nice!
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I think I'll have this as my bedroom.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41This is a much larger property than the last one.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44More bedrooms, the extra bedrooms that we were looking for.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47There's obviously some work to do both inside and out,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49but that won't faze us at all.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Something, in fact, that we'd be quite keen to take on.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55The kitchen is just the wow factor for me.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58The size, the colouring, the style.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02If I were to describe the kitchen that I want, this is it.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03I was speechless.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06The size of the bedroom upstairs, it's absolutely huge.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08I'm not quite sure what we'd do with it,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11how we'd fill it with furniture, but it's lovely.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18The hills are really beautiful at this time of the evening.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- And really peaceful.- It is peaceful, isn't it?- Beautiful.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23Well, we're done for today,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26so time to rest and digest what you've seen.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27- We will do.- On we go.- Thank you.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It's the second day of our house hunt in Dumfries and Galloway
0:25:45 > 0:25:47with Elaine and Ian from Kent.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51They have £300,000 to spend on a Scottish retreat.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Coming up, the mystery house gives them something to think about.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59This is the selling point of the house, isn't it? Without any doubt.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03And I find someone to fetch my slippers. Go back!
0:26:07 > 0:26:10My reading of yesterday is that we slightly baffled Elaine
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and Ian by giving them so much in property number two.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Elaine reduced to tears by the beauty of the kitchen
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and Ian, I think, slightly overwhelmed or puzzled
0:26:19 > 0:26:22by the amount of space inside the property.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24So, for the mystery house, we're going to go back to the bungalow,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27giving them something that I know that they want which is
0:26:27 > 0:26:30location, but also throwing in another scary challenge.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32This one about extensive remodelling.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39In terms of the mystery house, where do you think we're going to go?
0:26:39 > 0:26:42I think the two houses already have been a bit of a mystery,
0:26:42 > 0:26:46so, the mystery house, really not sure at all.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47It could be anywhere.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55I'm wondering if it is across the border into Cumbria.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I don't know. Surprise us.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06For our mystery house, we're staying on Scottish soil,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10heading around six miles south to the outskirts of Dumfries
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and 45 minutes from Carlisle.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16The market town of Dumfries, set on the banks of the River Nith,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20has been a Royal burgh since 1186.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22The town is the regional capital
0:27:22 > 0:27:26and also the final resting place of celebrated poet, Robert Burns.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31His former home, now a museum honouring his work.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Our mystery house is a four bedroomed bungalow
0:27:33 > 0:27:37in a peaceful setting, well-placed for the amenities of the town
0:27:37 > 0:27:42and can test their appetite for taking on a refurbishment project.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45So, you know you mentioned in your wildest dreams how
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- you'd like a stream running through your house?- We did.- We did.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49You have found us one.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53So, we have been scouring Scotland to find you
0:27:53 > 0:27:56a property in your budget that has a brook.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- It feels as though you're completely in the middle of a wood here.- Yeah.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01It's beautiful.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04And the house, I think, well, originally from the '70s,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08it was a holiday home and has been run as a holiday home ever since.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- But I do think you'll probably want to do a bit inside.- Not a problem.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Don't mind at all.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Probably could be the house of our dreams, I don't know.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- This is music to my ears.- Yes.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Let's hope the music continues as we step inside. Follow me.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26The setting of the house more than delivers, however it's time
0:28:26 > 0:28:30to cross our fingers and hope that they are a couple with the vision
0:28:30 > 0:28:31for a project.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Come on in to the sitting room,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- which is at the front of the bungalow.- OK.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43That's a reasonable size.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I think it's smaller than others that we've looked at.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- Certainly smaller than yesterday afternoon.- Certainly.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53But it depends what else there is, doesn't it?
0:28:53 > 0:28:58I like the fact that it's got a chimney breast and a fire.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59That's good.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03I think the thing to think about this house, is really,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05if you can, just to think of it as a shell
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- and, really, the ground plan you can re-jig as you like.- Yes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13I think you'd want to think about this in terms
0:29:13 > 0:29:14of maybe the kitchen/living room,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- because this flows on into the kitchen.- OK.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22So, I imagine you'll have a view about the kitchen.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27Yes, it's not the biggest kitchen in the world, but I've had smaller.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30But knowing what I know of you
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- and how you responded to the kitchen yesterday...- Yeah.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36I was thinking that you'd probably want to sit down
0:29:36 > 0:29:38and either reconfigure the whole house,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41move the kitchen at the other end of the house or something,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44or open up this space to make it a bigger...
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Yeah. Yeah.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48The footprint of the house is certainly bigger than
0:29:48 > 0:29:50the first house that we saw,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53but it's constellated for a holiday let.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Alongside this is a series of bedrooms which are all stud walls,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00so you can move things around, you can knock this wall out
0:30:00 > 0:30:02and make it one big square.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- It's a project.- Yeah. But that's... That's fine.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Let's take a look at one of the bedrooms.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13With the kitchen, bathroom
0:30:13 > 0:30:16and two of the bedrooms separated by stud walls,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Elaine and Ian have a variety of options available
0:30:19 > 0:30:24for reconfiguring the property EXACTLY how they'd like it.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- We've got four bedrooms.- Uh-huh, OK. - Two of them are good sizes.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35There's this one and the one next door, which could be the master.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37And then you've got two littler ones on the other side,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40one of which could be a study, and a bathroom.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43But I think the high point of the house for you guys
0:30:43 > 0:30:44is probably this next room.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48The scale of the project is becoming clear
0:30:48 > 0:30:50but, so far, they don't seem fazed.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52This...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57..I think is going to be one of your key rooms.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59This is nice.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- This is really nice.- This could be nice as a lounge.- Yeah.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05And I like the idea of it's not a conservatory
0:31:05 > 0:31:07with a glass...plastic roof.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Yeah, this is lovely.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12This is the addition, this is what they put on.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This is the selling point of the house, isn't it, without any doubt?
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Doors open, sun coming down, stream dribbling past.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24I can imagine the nice light oak doors that,
0:31:24 > 0:31:28sort of, pull completely back and open it up.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31That's... That's, um... That's expensive.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Which brings us onto the question of price
0:31:36 > 0:31:39because I can see that you've been, as you've been walking round,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- you've been knocking down walls... - We've been spending it!
0:31:42 > 0:31:44..reconfiguring things.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47As I suggested, this is a complete remodelling, perhaps.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51So, how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53I'm going to say 199.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Ian?
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- I think probably on the market for probably 275.- 275?
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Wow, you've completely swapped now.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05You've gone high, you've gone low.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Well, actually, it's somewhere in the middle.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- It's actually on the market for 225.- OK.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13But the vendors have made it clear that they're open to negotiation,
0:32:13 > 0:32:14so you might get it for less.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Ah...
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- That does leave scope... - To do the work.- To do quite a bit.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Through there, there's a kind of garage conversion,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24a small room that's been converted.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26A downstairs loo, and there's lots of little rooms,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- which I probably think you'd probably want to...- Open up a bit.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32..or reconfigure. So, why don't you go back down there
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- and have a rummage?- OK.- Thank you. - And I'll see you out the front.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40See, that's why the mystery house is such a success
0:32:40 > 0:32:42because it turns everything on its head.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46And, in many ways, frees up lots of potential for new ideas.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Our mystery house falls well within their budget
0:32:49 > 0:32:52at £225,000,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54giving them plenty of cash for improvements.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56And includes:
0:33:08 > 0:33:14- Ah, the games room. - The garage, converted. I see.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17You could probably turn this into the pub, into the Nag Shed.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18SHE LAUGHS
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Really good idea.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Love the location here. It's absolutely beautiful
0:33:25 > 0:33:27with the stream running through the garden
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and the woods in the background.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32We've always said it would be lovely to open the curtains up
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and just look out onto a view like that. It'd be fabulous.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40I think the mystery house has really given us somewhere
0:33:40 > 0:33:46which challenges us in terms of renovating a property completely,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49not just a cosmetic change.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58Yeah, this is lovely.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00Beautiful having a stream at the end of the garden.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Are you admiring your bluebell woods?- We are.- Absolutely.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06It's a lovely stream. It needs damming, though, doesn't it?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09It needs small children to come and play in it.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Childhood dreams!
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Good, OK, time to go and think about all the properties I've shown you.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- OK.- Come with me.- Great.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18We've shown Elaine and Ian three properties
0:34:18 > 0:34:21that have certainly got their minds thinking.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23And if you, too, feel the call of the stunning wilds
0:34:23 > 0:34:27of Dumfries and Galloway, then there's plenty of property on offer.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28For those on an average budget,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31you won't have to forego character in this area.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36This detached, two-bedroom cottage renovation in Kirkpatrick Fleming
0:34:36 > 0:34:39has a mix of period features and contemporary decor
0:34:39 > 0:34:42and is on the market for offers over £240,000.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45If you're looking for something a little different,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48this rural area has its share of barn conversions.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52This four-bedroom example in Kirtlebridge, with plenty of space
0:34:52 > 0:34:56and rustic charm, is on sale for £339,000.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00And if it's the immersive countryside experience you're after,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04then this seven bedroom traditional country house in Moffat
0:35:04 > 0:35:06could be the ticket. Restored to its former glory,
0:35:06 > 0:35:12complete with equestrian facilities, it's priced at the £500,000 mark.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Through the centuries, Scotland's beautiful and stirring landscape
0:35:23 > 0:35:27has been the backdrop for clans, battles, and titled families,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30all of which have shaped the country's vibrant history.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Around 20 miles north of Dumfries,
0:35:33 > 0:35:38overlooking the magnificent Nith Valley, is Drumlanrig Castle,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42an impressive example of 17th-century Renaissance-style
0:35:42 > 0:35:45architecture, built on the site of an ancient stronghold.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Home to the Dukes of Buccleuch
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and Queensberry for the last 500 years, it played host to
0:35:50 > 0:35:55Bonnie Prince Charlie on his retreat north in 1745.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58I'm here to meet castle guide Ian Sutherland to discover
0:35:58 > 0:36:02the story of this glorious pink sandstone palace.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- Who's this handsome chap? - It's Chad.- Chad, he's gorgeous.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- He certainly is, isn't he?- So, tell me briefly about Drumlanrig.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Drumlanrig is the very last castle to be built in Scotland.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20You're in the valley of the River Nith. And, in the old days,
0:36:20 > 0:36:25it was used as an invasion route from the south right into Scotland.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29So, in the past, we've had Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33- Even the English have tried to invade this part.- Heaven forfend!
0:36:33 > 0:36:37And what the castle is doing is guarding the only good crossing
0:36:37 > 0:36:39across the River Nith.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42In fact, Drumlanrig is a bit like a cork in a bottle -
0:36:42 > 0:36:48it tries to stop any army from getting further up the valley.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53So, this is one of the best places you could possibly have a castle.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Even in the old days, the Romans, they had a fort.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58We've got the fort in the grounds.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00That is wonderful Scottish history.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02But I am partly enchanted by this chap here.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05So, what's his role in the proceedings?
0:37:05 > 0:37:09The family is one of the first families to introduce these
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- black Labradors into Britain.- Wow.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Since that time, they've been used as gundogs.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- So, we have the Buccleuchs to thank for the Labradors?- Yes, I think so.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21How wonderful.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Ever since the fifth Duke of Buccleuch introduced
0:37:24 > 0:37:28black Labradors from Newfoundland in the 1830s,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31working dogs have been an important part of the Buccleuch Estates.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34David Lisett, trainer at Buccleuch Gundogs,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38has agreed to give me some tips on working with these handsome beasts.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43What we'll do is, we'll start at the very beginning,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45the recall whistle and the stop whistle.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49The recall whistle would be "toot-toot-toot-toot-toot",
0:37:49 > 0:37:50and, hopefully, he'll come charging in.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53And then the break whistle would be one blow.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54WHISTLES ONCE
0:37:55 > 0:37:57WHISTLES REPEATEDLY
0:37:57 > 0:37:58WHISTLES ONCE
0:38:01 > 0:38:02WHISTLES REPEATEDLY
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Good boy. Good boy.- Oh, so cute!
0:38:05 > 0:38:08So, the next stage, we'll start stretching him a wee bit now.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10David is setting Chad a memory task.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12He'll launch a dummy bird across the lawn
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and I have to tell Chad to remember its position.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Is there any whistle-blowing? Do I need to?
0:38:17 > 0:38:19No, the only time is when he's gone
0:38:19 > 0:38:21three-quarters of the way across there, just give him a...
0:38:21 > 0:38:22WHISTLES ONCE
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Just practise.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25WHISTLES WEAKLY
0:38:25 > 0:38:28No, you need to do it as if somebody's nicking your wallet.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29WHISTLES ENERGETICALLY
0:38:29 > 0:38:30Just enough.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- Right, here we go. That's it.- Mark.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33GUNSHOT
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Before he retrieves it,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40I send him off to look for a second dummy, already hidden in the bushes.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Go back.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43ALISTAIR LAUGHS APPRECIATIVELY
0:38:45 > 0:38:46Put the brakes on now.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48WHISTLES ONCE
0:38:50 > 0:38:52And then push him back. "Go back."
0:38:52 > 0:38:53Go back!
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- Lovely.- Look at that, amazing! - Absolutely lovely.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- Just the hand gesture did it. - Just the hand gesture and your tone.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Here we go.- Should I do the "toot-toot-toot?"- If you don't mind.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07WHISTLES REPEATEDLY
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Oh, superstar!
0:39:10 > 0:39:15Look at that! Good boy, Chad.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Good dog.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Just line him up and pick the other ones now.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20- So do I...- Do the same again,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23just put your hand down and point to where you want him to go,
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- and say, "Go back."- Sit. Good boy.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27'OK, now, to retrieve the first bird.'
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Go back.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- He's off like a rocket, isn't he? - It's amazing! It's like a "doing".
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- Like an arrow.- Just because he loves doing it.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Do I need to do any of the things?
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Once he's picked it up, just a wee recall whistle.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40WHISTLES REPEATEDLY
0:39:40 > 0:39:43That's what they're bred for all these years.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Good boy. Good boy.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- Well done, you.- You're an absolute natural, Alistair.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53I think HE'S an absolute natural. It's been a joy. Thank you so much.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55It was a lovely experience working with Chad,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59and I'm sure these beautiful dogs will be working alongside
0:39:59 > 0:40:01future Dukes for years to come.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03But now it's time to go back to our buyers.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Having spent a couple of days with them,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12I've come to appreciate Ian's poker property face.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Although I think he rather put his cards on the table
0:40:15 > 0:40:17when he guesstimated the price of the mystery house
0:40:17 > 0:40:19so high above the market value.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22When it comes to Elaine, however, I put my money on house number two,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25largely because of her tears in the kitchen.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30But let's find out which, if any, of the houses, are still contenders.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39We began our little Scottish odyssey by a fire,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41and we're ending it by a fire.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- I hope you've had fun. - Definitely. Yeah.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48It's been an absolute eye-opener for me.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I get the impression, and correct me if I'm wrong,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53that number one is not so much of a contender.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It's all down to property number two and the mystery house.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00But I'm very in the dark which of the two you prefer.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Number two or number three?
0:41:02 > 0:41:07Number two is my favourite, in terms of the property.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11But number three, it has to be the location.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12What has to happen next
0:41:12 > 0:41:15for you to make a decision, one way or the other?
0:41:15 > 0:41:19I think, for me, I want to go back and see property number two
0:41:19 > 0:41:21before we leave Scotland.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27And I think I need to understand how property three can work for us.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It was a challenge, property three, in terms of what you'd have to do.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Absolutely.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I think probably an ideal would be if we could take property two
0:41:35 > 0:41:37and put it into the setting of property three.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40That would be amazing. And there you have the conundrum.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- Have you been surprised at what we've shown you?- Very much so.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48I really didn't think that we would get the amount of property
0:41:48 > 0:41:53- that we've seen at those prices. - It's been lovely showing you around
0:41:53 > 0:41:55and I hope that you find your place up here.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56It's really lovely to see you
0:41:56 > 0:41:59coming to look back in your homeland, as it were,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and that one of the properties we've shown you comes up trumps.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- Thank you, Alistair. - Thank you very much.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Looks like house number two
0:42:11 > 0:42:14and the mystery house both still strong contenders.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17And I have to say, I thought we did very well in Scotland
0:42:17 > 0:42:20because we kept well under budget and offered Ian and Elaine
0:42:20 > 0:42:24a lot more than they'd hoped for. A lot of space in house number two,
0:42:24 > 0:42:26and super potential in the mystery house.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30And with all this amazing landscape, you can understand
0:42:30 > 0:42:31why they'd want to move here.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I hope you've enjoyed our jaunt through Bonnie Scotland.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Do join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Having mulled over the properties we served up, Elaine and Ian have
0:42:42 > 0:42:46since had a change of direction, discarding any notion of taking on
0:42:46 > 0:42:50a project and opting instead for a new-build that's ready to move into.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54And I'm happy to say they've had an offer excepted on a house
0:42:54 > 0:42:56in Eaglesfield.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Wales, England or Scotland,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04and need our help, please apply online:
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