0:00:00 > 0:00:05Welcome to a blustery and chilly Escape to the Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09We're starting within the walls of one of the most impressive examples
0:00:09 > 0:00:13of 18th-century military architecture anywhere in the UK.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16But, as ever, the question is, where are we?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Join me in a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41On today's show, we're helping a couple leave behind the daily grind
0:00:41 > 0:00:44for somewhere more stimulating to their senses.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Smell the newness!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'There are strange sights.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:49It's an unusual shape!
0:00:51 > 0:00:52'And the right sort of sounds.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- You've cheered me up, actually, with that price ticket.- Good.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Well, today, I'm in the Highlands of Scotland
0:00:59 > 0:01:03and this is Fort George, just outside Inverness.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07This impressive fortress, surrounded by up to a mile of perimeter walls,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10was once home to 2,000 men
0:01:10 > 0:01:12and defended by 40 cannon.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15It was built back in 1746
0:01:15 > 0:01:18following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21The idea was to try and quell future Scottish unrest.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26The good news is that since then, the Highlands have remained relatively peaceful
0:01:26 > 0:01:29and it's that now famous peace and tranquillity
0:01:29 > 0:01:33that make this area such a popular place in which to get away from it all.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37The crowning glory of the UK,
0:01:37 > 0:01:42the Highlands is the mountainous region lying in the far northern portion of Scotland.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Cutting the land diagonally is Loch Ness,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50part of the great glen that almost splits Scotland in two.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The loch is the largest freshwater lake in Britain,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55reaching depths of over 700 feet,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and its surrounding hills soar to the sky by the same amount.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01On the banks of the River Ness,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Inverness is affectionately known as the capital of the Highlands.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07It was given city status in the year 2000
0:02:07 > 0:02:10and is the most northerly city in Scotland.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13With scenery ranging from spectacular glens
0:02:13 > 0:02:15to snow-capped mountains,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18this area teems with natural beauty, mystery,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and some of the UK's most dramatic backdrops imaginable.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30You know, usually, when we come to areas that are impossibly beautiful,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33we expect house prices to go through the roof.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38But not here. And that's because its relatively remote geographic location
0:02:38 > 0:02:40and low population density
0:02:40 > 0:02:44has combined over the years to keep house prices very, very affordable.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Your average property around Inverness, for example,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50will cost you about £160,000
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and that is on a par with the national average for the entire UK
0:02:54 > 0:02:55as a whole.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58But as with anywhere, of course, there can be exceptions,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00particularly around the shores of Loch Ness
0:03:00 > 0:03:04or, indeed, within the borders of the Cairngorms National Park.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06There you might expect to add another 20 per cent.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09But even so, it's still very, very attractive.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13It's that heady combination of beauty and affordability
0:03:13 > 0:03:15that's persuaded today's buyers
0:03:15 > 0:03:17to make the Highlands their new home.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21And our couple, Steve and Helinka,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23couldn't be much further away from Scotland
0:03:23 > 0:03:26as they currently live in the town of Chesham, Buckinghamshire,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28right down in south-eastern England.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30For almost two decades,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33home has been this three-bedroomed 1960s bungalow.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37But for the past five years, they've been planning a radical change.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40One of the key reasons for wanting to move
0:03:40 > 0:03:44is that we've holidayed for the last ten years in Scotland.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46We're absolutely in love with the scenery,
0:03:46 > 0:03:48the mountain vista.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50The fresh air is just brilliant
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and just getting away from town life
0:03:53 > 0:03:55is ideally what we want.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We've lived in commuter land for long enough now
0:03:58 > 0:04:01and it's time to pursue other things in the countryside.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05The proximity to London has had its benefits, however,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08allowing them to plough their energies into their careers.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Helinka as a local government officer,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13and Steve running his own Health and Safety consultancy.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15So now, despite their age,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19they can afford to semi-retire and focus on their real loves.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23We've developed a passion for skiing over the last five or six years
0:04:23 > 0:04:25as we've become more competent skiers.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28It would be great to get the skis on and get out there, really.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35But when it comes to the house, German shepherds Jack and Lily
0:04:35 > 0:04:37are a high priority.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39What we've really struggled with here
0:04:39 > 0:04:43it trying to keep the house being covered in dog splashes and dog hair and things like that.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Having dogs, it's a must to have a utility room.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48A garage is essential.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I've now got a collection of three motorbikes.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54They are motorbikes that I ride. I don't collect bikes just to look at.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59I ride bikes. And the roads in Scotland are phenomenal for riding motorcycles.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Leaving Steve in the garage with his motors,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Helinka wants to get hands on with some Scottish dirt under her nails.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I'd like the opportunity to do a lot more gardening.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Although I grow bits and pieces here,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17and I've tried growing things in pots, which is fairly limited,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21but I've had a bit of success, which is quite motivating.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23I'm a very keen amateur photographer
0:05:23 > 0:05:27and moving to Scotland would open more opportunities
0:05:27 > 0:05:29to actually pursue that hobby
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and take more panoramic shots
0:05:31 > 0:05:34of the tremendous scenery that Scotland offers.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36All that remains, then,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39is to find out the budget they've earmarked for this Highlands move.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43If you can find us the right house with the right view
0:05:43 > 0:05:48with a price band between 300,000 and £375,000,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- I think we'll both be very happy. - Definitely.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Steve and Helinka would like to move to an area close to the Cairngorms National Park.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04So our house search will focus in the region to the west of the Park
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and in the majestic countryside surrounding Loch Ness.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10So we're all meeting up on Scottish turf
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to finalise the specifics of their prospective move.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Well, Helinka, Steve, welcome to Scotland.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Or I should probably say, "Welcome back to Scotland".
0:06:19 > 0:06:22This is a part of the world you do know very well.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Very much so.- On your travels up here, have you managed to glean some clear idea
0:06:26 > 0:06:29of the sort of property that would really be of interest for you?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32We're looking for somewhere with lots of space
0:06:32 > 0:06:37that allows us to walk around, but we can still go shopping if we need to.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41We may want to pop and maybe find part-time work or develop businesses.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44So we don't want to be too remote and be away from people totally,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46but we do want to be fairly remote.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51And something with the beautiful outlook to take in and say, "That's our view."
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Well, we're not short of views up here, that has to be said!
0:06:55 > 0:06:58You hinted on the idea that you may be starting up some sort of business.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Can you give me an idea of what that might involve?
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Maybe a property with an opportunity to have a holiday let.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I don't really want to do bed and breakfast,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09but an opportunity to make a bit of money.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- We thought about maybe motorbike touring holidays.- Yes.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15We're fairly open-minded, really.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- Three bedrooms?- Yeah, about that.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Not very much more than that. We're not looking at a massive property.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Somewhere with some nice, light, open space,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26nice big kitchen/diner, presumably, for you and the dogs.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29I imagine that's the sort of space you would use most of the time?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32We're not that fussed about having a separate dining room.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- The kitchen will be the hub.- We've got three to show you, including our mystery house.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39There's a bit of snow on the ground behind us. I hope that's not going to get worse!
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- The sun is shining.- It's a beautiful day. Look forward to it. - Come on, then.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Armed with a top budget of £375,000,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Steve and Helinka are after a home with at least three bedrooms...
0:07:56 > 0:07:58..a separate utility room to help with their two dogs
0:07:58 > 0:08:02and decent garage space for Steve's motorbike collection.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04A bonus would be some business potential
0:08:04 > 0:08:07but fundamental to their move is the outlook.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09They must have an awe-inspiring view.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14And we have a superb variety of Highland properties to serve up,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17all with views as a top priority,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19but I'll be keeping the price a guessing game
0:08:19 > 0:08:21until we've had a good look round first.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Then, to finish up, we've got the mystery house,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27which delivers on views and a whole lot more.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Look at that. Isn't it just stunning?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- It is one of these places which is just so mesmerising.- Hmm.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41It's quite mythical, almost.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Or mystical. There's something about the mountains that takes your breath away.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I think it's because there's a timeless feel about it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Something almost primeval. Nothing really has changed.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56We're starting our property search north of Loch Ness
0:08:56 > 0:08:58on the outskirts of Kiltarlity.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Around six miles away, Beauly is the nearest place to pick up provisions
0:09:04 > 0:09:06with a range of shops including a supermarket.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11This historic town can trace its origins back to the founding of a now ruinous priory
0:09:11 > 0:09:13way back in the 13th century.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17But our journey takes us up to higher ground
0:09:17 > 0:09:20in which our first property takes pride of place.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26So there we go. Property number one.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28In splendid isolation.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31- With a view!- A spectacular view!
0:09:31 > 0:09:34With a view, yeah. That's Glen Affric, over there.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37The beginning of Glen Affric which is a beautiful walk, if you haven't done it already.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Absolutely stunning,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41with the snow on it, just to set the scene.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46And we've got you this property which, actually, is enormous.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50It's got about 14 separate rooms in it!
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Wow!- Really?- 14!
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Not including the garage, Steve!
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- All important.- All important.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00So we've taken care of the bikes. What are your first impressions?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Um...- Very impressed. - I love the view!- Yep.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06You're beaming, aren't you? That's what the house is about!
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- Shall we have a look? - Yeah.- Let's do it.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12'Built in the early 1980s,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14'this deceptively large chalet bungalow
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'is partly furnished and in need of some modernisation.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'So Steve and Helinka will have to use their imaginations
0:10:22 > 0:10:24'to see how they could make the space work for them.'
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Come in. It's warmer, in here! Thank goodness!
0:10:28 > 0:10:31I don't normally loiter in hallways, but this is worth taking in.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Because it's kind of surprising, in a way.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38From what you see on the outside, to find something as spacious as this.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42But in terms of a way to greet you, what are your first thoughts?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's almost a room in itself.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This is one of the 14 that I counted up.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49There's another one here. Come and have a look.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53This is currently seen as the main living room.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58Over there is a working open fire. So wood or coal.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01It's a decent-sized room and it's a good shape.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- So far, so good?- So far, so good. - Come on, then.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06This is the kitchen.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Which is a bit of an odd one, in a way.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Helinka's nodding her head, yes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20- It would benefit from being re-thought, I think!- Definitely!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22You could open the whole thing right up
0:11:22 > 0:11:25and it could even go possibly through there.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30That's a way, too, and end up with a much bigger kitchen area if you wanted it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Through there is a really generous utility room
0:11:33 > 0:11:35with a downstairs shower.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38So I'm thinking muddy dogs, they could be out there quiet and comfortably.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Right. So this is a bit of a thing on the list.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45But let's continue our exploration through here.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52This one is interesting. This, the current owners had used as their master bedroom
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- because it had access out to the garden.- Right.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57With these double doors.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02But there is another master bedroom upstairs, and I would turn this into another reception room
0:12:02 > 0:12:04or a snug or study, or whatever.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It's a very attractive view through the doors, so why wouldn't you?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I think there's a lot of opportunity here.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13It's not unpleasant as it is,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- and I think it would allow you to grow into it.- Yeah. Good.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Well, you're going to have lots of time on your hands to do this!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24'Including this room with double doors out to the back,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26'there are a further three rooms down on the ground floor
0:12:26 > 0:12:28'that have been designated as bedrooms
0:12:28 > 0:12:31'and all are served by a large family bathroom.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36'The remaining three bedrooms are all up on the first floor.'
0:12:36 > 0:12:38So we've got one in here.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Very colourful! Boy's room, as it were.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44And another one in there.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- Yep.- They've all got these great skylights in them.- Mm-hm.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52And this is the master bedroom, complete with en-suite.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Shower in there, too.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56Yes, have a look.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00It's an unusual shape!
0:13:01 > 0:13:05It is. The only thing I can say in its defence
0:13:05 > 0:13:07is that it does allow you yet more windows to enjoy the views.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12Which obviously just get better the higher up you get in here.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15So how are we doing, out of ten, on property number one, Helinka?
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- I would say seven.- Seven. - Seven.- Steve?
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Downstairs, very good. Disappointed with upstairs.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- I'm hedging my bets on a six. - A six.- I won't make a seven.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Let's see if we can get a few more points in the garden. Come and have a look.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35'No doubt another taste of that view should bump up the ratings.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37'So that's exactly where we're headed.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41'Outside, the grounds extend to around 1.5 acres.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'It's been divided into formal and wild gardens
0:13:44 > 0:13:46'with several paved and gravelled areas.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52'In Scotland, properties are usually marketed on an "offers over" basis
0:13:52 > 0:13:55'and although 20% over is a general rule of thumb,
0:13:55 > 0:13:59'there are no rules to say that a lower offer would be refused.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:02So, let's have a think about the value of it.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05What would be a realistic asking price, do you think,
0:14:05 > 0:14:06for property one, Helinka?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I wish you hadn't started with me!
0:14:09 > 0:14:13I would say, um... 325.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- 325, yeah. Steve?- I'm going to go 315, actually.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- 315.- Yeah.- OK.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22That's very interesting. I think you're rather prudent, actually.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27Because this is on the market for offers over 300,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Right. There's a difference between my 315 and your 325
0:14:31 > 0:14:34gives us the scope to actually do what we want to do!
0:14:34 > 0:14:39I would say, to be honest, 20 to 30,000 in there would do it.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40- Yeah.- Comfortably.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43And give you plenty of change left over
0:14:43 > 0:14:45from your overall budget.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50- To sit and enjoy all of that. - Absolutely.- Which is what it's all about.- Exactly!
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I think you've cheered me up, actually, with that price ticket.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Good. That's our aim, Steve! Try to keep a smile on your faces!
0:14:57 > 0:15:00We'll give you a bit more time to go and explore it.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Have a bit of fun. Think about the changes you might want to make.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06It's a laugh doing that. And I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- OK.- OK.- Head back in to the warm!
0:15:08 > 0:15:13Cos I can tell you, there's snow on these hills, and it's chilly in the Highlands!
0:15:15 > 0:15:17For offers over £300,000,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20our first property comes in well under budget.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23It's a detached relatively modern build...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28A kitchen/breakfast room.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Above all, the property is enveloped by the spectacular Highland scenery.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40The inside for me, downstairs, is very much a blank canvas
0:15:40 > 0:15:44and I think the kitchen does require a bit of remodelling.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48But the price did make my eyes light up a little bit more
0:15:48 > 0:15:50because I'm now starting to think
0:15:50 > 0:15:55the projects we have in mind to bespoke this property to our liking
0:15:55 > 0:16:00there is that money now to actually invest and get the house as we would like it.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Not a bad start!
0:16:03 > 0:16:05So, figured it all out?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Um, thinking about it, yeah.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- It's a good price, let's face it! - It is a good price.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16On a day like this, if anything's going to sell a property in the Highlands, a blue sky will help!
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- Definitely.- Right. Let's get going to property number two. Come on.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Steve and Helinka have spent the past ten years holidaying in Scotland.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31But they can't get enough of the country's stark beauty and chequered history.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35So during the week, they met up with tour guide Patrick Pollard
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and hopped on motorbikes for a scenic ride around Loch Ness,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42stopping at the ruins of Urquhart Castle to find out more about the legacy
0:16:42 > 0:16:45that's shaped the landscape from local expert, Willy Cameron.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Hi, Helinka. How are you? Steve? - Hello, there.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55Welcome to the fortification that is Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59In its heyday, it was one of the most magnificent castles in Scotland.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02It actually started off about the sixth century,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05555/60, AD.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08On this knoll here was a Pictish fortification,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11because all the hills round here was all the Pictish tribes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16The castle's strategic position brought with it centuries of conflict between the Scottish
0:17:16 > 0:17:20and English, battling for its occupation.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24In the 17th century, about 1690, 1691,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28the Grants, who owned the castle then, destroyed it completely.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33They put gunpowder into one of the rooms, blew up the gates, blew up the walls.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Why was the castle blown up?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37The castle was blown up to prevent the Jacobites,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39the followers of James,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40who was known as The Old Pretender.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44James Stuart was wanting to reclaim the throne of Scotland.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48At the centre of a lengthy and brutal tug of war,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52the turbulent lives of the clansmen who once lived and fought here
0:17:52 > 0:17:55still resonate throughout the ruinous wall.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57What's it like being a clansman today?
0:17:57 > 0:18:02It's probably just as important being a clansman today as it was in days gone by.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07But nowadays, we don't go marauding into England, stealing folks' cattle
0:18:07 > 0:18:12or creating fracas on the hillsides round about here.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16It's more subdued. And we usually manifest ourselves in the Highland Games
0:18:16 > 0:18:22where we perform various feats like tossing the caber and tug-of-war.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26In 2014, Scotland will be hosting The Year of Homecoming,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28where migrant Scots throughout the world
0:18:28 > 0:18:32return to their native land to celebrate their culture and heritage.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37And by then, Steve and Helinka hope to have their own wee patch of Highland to call home.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40But first, we've got to find it, so it's back to the hunt!
0:18:43 > 0:18:46For our second property, we're travelling further south
0:18:46 > 0:18:51and closer to Loch Ness, where our destination overlooks the hills in Drumnadrochit.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55In the shadow of the snow-capped Craig Monie,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58the village of Drumnadrochit is located in a sheltered valley
0:18:58 > 0:18:59that runs to the world's most famous loch.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03As such, this village is a popular tourist hot-spot
0:19:03 > 0:19:05from which to explore the local area.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09But a mile away from the village and high into the remote hills,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11we come to our second property.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15OK. Property number two.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20I know we're all distracted by that lovely view over there, which is what makes it,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22but just feast your eyes on that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24What do you think, Helinka?
0:19:24 > 0:19:26It looks a very lovely house to me.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28I'm wondering where the garage is.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32There is a spot for a garage. Don't panic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Steve?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- It's a new build.- It is a new build. It's only six months old.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39It's brand-spanking-new.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43There is nothing to have to do here. That's the joy of it.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47But it has been designed, as you can tell, really to soak in that lot.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Is this the sort of thing you'd have come to look at if you'd seen it on the internet?
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Um, no, because I wouldn't have looked at new new.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Oh, interesting.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01But first impressions are it's stunning.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05You said at the beginning, this house search was about finding something in the right setting.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Come on, let's go in.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13'Completed in late 2012, this detached newly-built villa
0:20:13 > 0:20:15'is presented partly furnished,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20but conceived to take advantage of possibly the best natural views any home could have.'
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So, for somebody who wasn't thinking about a new build...
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- ..smell the newness!- It smells of wood.- Doesn't it? Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35What do you reckon?
0:20:35 > 0:20:38I'm... I'm blown away.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- It's amazing, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44It is just so gorgeous. And on a day like this when it's really chilly outside,
0:20:44 > 0:20:51to come in here to the warmth, the sunlight, under-floor heating, space.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54It's all slick, all clean, all ready to go.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57For such a big space, it feels really cosy.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- It doesn't feel cold and bleak. - Uh-huh.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03And I just can't stop staring at the view.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Let's have a closer look. In a way, this is a room of two halves.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08There's a garden room element here,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10obviously with the views.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- This is the hub that we were after. - Exactly.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15When it comes to the Highlands and views,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18this room doesn't get a lot better, really.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22Amazing.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Good!
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Well, this is the real kind of showstopper, I suppose,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29as rooms in this property go.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31But it does continue through here into the living room.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38There.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39Isn't that fun?
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- That is just an amazing woodburner! - It's great. I love it.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48Nice contemporary design which fits with the whole mindset behind this property.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Yeah, really nice, actually.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Again, a little bit cosier in here when you're settling in.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56But again, lovely views.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57Perfect.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Perfect.- It is, actually, yeah.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Let's see what you think of the rest. Follow me, through here.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Let's go up.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09'Smiles all round so far,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11'and there's still more to take in on the ground floor
0:22:11 > 0:22:13'with the requested utility for the dogs,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16'as well as a large and luxurious shower room.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'And of the five bedroom in total, one is downstairs.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22'This double has its own en-suite shower room
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'and could be ideal for guests or for Steve's business.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29'The four remaining bedrooms are all upstairs
0:22:29 > 0:22:31'alongside a contemporary bathroom.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33'There are two decent-sized doubles,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35'one with dual-aspect windows
0:22:35 > 0:22:37'and the other with built-in wardrobes,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40'and a smaller double presented with a single bed.'
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Then finally, this is your one.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Very nice.- Yeah?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Go round the corner. There's an en-suite tucked away there.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Blimey! Another bathroom!
0:22:53 > 0:22:55It's not bad, is it?
0:22:55 > 0:22:57And again, lovely views through there.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00And the double aspect keeps it right.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03One thing we haven't really discussed much in either property so far
0:23:03 > 0:23:07is this idea of a business in the future.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11But this is a property, believe it or not, which I think has that potential for you.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Right.- All will become clear outside.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21'The garden is in the process of being landscaped
0:23:21 > 0:23:26'and has footings for a garage at an estimated build cost of £10,000.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28'But there's yet more to unveil.'
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Now, you're probably wondering why, when we've got that beautiful view to gaze at,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37I'm bringing you round the back to look at a bit of a building site!
0:23:37 > 0:23:39It had crossed my mind.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Well, back to this idea of a business.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47Below us are preparations to produce the base of a holiday chalet.
0:23:47 > 0:23:53- OK.- The plot down there could be yours for about £15,000.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- Right.- The developer who built this house is in the know.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03And he's confident that the chalet would probably cost about £40,000 to do.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07The real figure that we need to concern ourselves with is this.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09How much is the house worth?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I think we're getting towards 330.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14330. Yep.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17It is a beautiful house but it doesn't have a garage at the moment.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22So I would probably say maybe just over the 300 mark.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Just over 300. I would have said so, too.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30However, this is on the market for £295,000.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Wow!- No!
0:24:32 > 0:24:38Yes! Add on our 65 grand for our garaging, our plot and our chalet...
0:24:38 > 0:24:40We're still under budget!
0:24:40 > 0:24:42You're still under budget at 360.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I think this is extraordinary for £295,000!
0:24:46 > 0:24:49With a view like that, I am amazed.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51OK. I'm really pleased that you've enjoyed this one.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55You were a bit sceptical to start with, but I think we've turned a corner here
0:24:55 > 0:24:56with our view of new builds.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- You've definitely turned the corner. - Brilliant.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Go back inside and I'll catch up with you later.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- OK.- Brilliant.- Off you go.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09In the meantime, I'm going to take in the views
0:25:09 > 0:25:12because, trust me, you don't get to see that every day of the week.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Well under budget for offers over £295,000,
0:25:20 > 0:25:25Steve and Helinka could have first dibbs on this new build property.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28It comes with five bedrooms, a separate utility room
0:25:28 > 0:25:32and our buyers' dream kitchen/dining and family room.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The plot has the potential for a large garage
0:25:35 > 0:25:38as well as the possibility to build a holiday chalet.
0:25:38 > 0:25:44Most importantly, it has the aspect and incredible panoramic views that will be hard to beat.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I was absolutely astounded at the price of the house.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I do mean astounded. Bearing in mind the development of the garage
0:25:51 > 0:25:54and the further business potential,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56technically we're still under budget.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59And I'm staggered about that.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's very much saying "home" to me
0:26:01 > 0:26:02because it's a very attractive house,
0:26:02 > 0:26:07it's been very sympathetically arranged in terms of the way the rooms are laid out.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I just love it. It's difficult to describe it any other way. I really love it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'I was swayed immediately by the view
0:26:14 > 0:26:16'but on walking into the house,'
0:26:16 > 0:26:19it's a house that really I suppose I could call home.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25It's hard to believe that with snow on the mountain tops,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28the sun is actually giving me a sun tan.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30This is lovely!
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I could be here all day long!
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Have you had enough?
0:26:34 > 0:26:35No!
0:26:35 > 0:26:38You can't get enough of this one, can you? It's beautiful!
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I just can't get over that. I think it's absolutely stunning.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43It is spectacular, isn't it?
0:26:43 > 0:26:45But there is one more house to come.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Tomorrow, it's mystery house time.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Will it better this? Can it better this?
0:26:49 > 0:26:51I'm intrigued to find out.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Come on.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06'It's the second day of our property search
0:27:06 > 0:27:10'where the mission is to find suburban Buckinghamshire-based Steve and Helinka
0:27:10 > 0:27:12'their dream get-away here in the Scottish Highlands
0:27:12 > 0:27:16'in exchange for £375,000.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19'Still to come, a maths lesson in the mystery house.'
0:27:20 > 0:27:22If you finished all of these, too,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24you'd have ten.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's a bit more than the three that we thought we needed!
0:27:26 > 0:27:31'And I'll come face-to-face with Scotland's very own native tiger.'
0:27:33 > 0:27:37As you can see, it is a beautiful blue start
0:27:37 > 0:27:40to our final day of house-hunting here in the Highlands.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42And despite a definite chill in the air,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44things are certainly hotting up.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Yesterday, I thought, went extremely well.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Property number one was definitely of interest to Steve and Helinka,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52but by the time we'd finished at property number two,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54things were really cooking.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58So, what could we do for our final offering of the week, our mystery house?
0:27:58 > 0:28:03Well, our hope is that it offers them everything they've been looking for in their new country home
0:28:03 > 0:28:05and more.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08'For our third and final property stop,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10'we're taking our buyers to the small hamlet of Errogie,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13'on the quieter southern side of Loch Ness,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16'and even closer to The Cairngorms National Park.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19'This is a tranquil and beautiful place,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21'perfect for forest and hill walking.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24'The nearest village is around four miles away
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'and is famous for the breathtaking Falls of Foyers,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30'whose fine cascade drops 165 feet
0:28:30 > 0:28:33'and feeds directly into the loch.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36'And the mystery element for our final property
0:28:36 > 0:28:40'is that we're bringing a new business possibility right through the front door.'
0:28:40 > 0:28:42What do you think?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Well, I'm looking to the right at the garage!
0:28:45 > 0:28:48There are three - three - double garages over there
0:28:48 > 0:28:50with an enormous space above,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52accessed by a stairway.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55So bags and bags of storage for you.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57It's an enormous property,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00built very recently, actually,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03within the last ten to 12 years or so.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06And when you look around us now at the views,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08the mountains, on a day like this,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10it's just sensational.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13I guess the views from the front are as good as the views at the back.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16They are. Absolutely. You're just spoilt for it.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19360 degrees, more or less, of these gorgeous views.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- Right. Can't wait to have a look. - Come and look inside. It's wonderful.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26'Set in a two-acre plot, this modern mystery house
0:29:26 > 0:29:29'is a detached villa arranged over two floors.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32'It's by far the biggest of the properties we've seen so far.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37'We're by-passing the entrance hall and going straight into the heart of the home.'
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I'm very excited about what you think of this.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42Wow!
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- It's a very open space!- Isn't it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Yeah.- What do you reckon, Steve?
0:29:47 > 0:29:49I'm amazed!
0:29:49 > 0:29:50We talked about hubs of homes,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52but this is one of the best I've ever seen.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- It feels very homely. - Yeah. Woodburner down there,
0:29:56 > 0:30:01a terrific snug in here with another woodburner. It's lovely.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Have a look. It just kind of goes on, really.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Oil-fired range over there in the corner.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10That's perfect.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12There's a fantastic utility area through there.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16A lovely big double sink, wellies, dogs, all that stuff.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- It's looking good.- Looking good. Where's house number two now?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- Um...- Well...- You've challenged it! - I think we have!
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Yeah, I thought we might.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Now, in terms of sort of business potential,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30we hinted at it with our last property with the chalet option.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33This one has so many rooms in it,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36you could quite happily go down the B&B route, if you wanted to.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I know you haven't really embraced that idea,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41but if you wanted to, it wouldn't be difficult.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Because most of the bedrooms are all that way and upstairs.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46We'll deal with those in a moment.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49But the current master bedroom, curiously, is through here.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Come and have a look.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55There.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00It's got a very cottagey feel again, even in here, hasn't it?
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Yeah. I love the way they've dressed it. It's an interesting eclectic mix
0:31:04 > 0:31:06in some respects. But for a modern house, it all works.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08It creates that feel, I think.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12'This house has an unconventional configuration
0:31:12 > 0:31:14'that could be zoned off for different uses.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18'The main living areas and master bedroom lie to one side of the property
0:31:18 > 0:31:20'and could almost be self-contained.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26'Then to the other side are a further three comfortably-sized ground floor double bedrooms
0:31:26 > 0:31:29'as well as a family bathroom complete with a roll-top bath.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32'However, there is another floor upstairs
0:31:32 > 0:31:34'where even more rooms await,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'starting with a spacious en-suite guest bedroom.'
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Now, as you see up here, there is one huge bedroom over there which is finished.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Behind these five doors
0:31:46 > 0:31:50there are five rooms which are currently unfinished and they're in this sort of state.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53This is a good example, just to show you.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54- Mm-hm.- OK.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58So it's at first fix stage, I suppose one would say.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Plasterboard's up, you'd need to sort out the wiring,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03a few other bits and pieces.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Each of these rooms is enormous.
0:32:06 > 0:32:13- You've currently got five finished bedrooms including the master downstairs.- Yep.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17If you finished all of these, too, and they were all bedrooms, you'd have ten.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22A little more than the three we thought we needed!
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- This is why we're thinking about the business potential.- Right, OK.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Blown away?- I am, yeah.- Good.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I think it's a really, really interesting property.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- OK. Shall we go outside?- Yeah.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Have a look at the land and talk about the price.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42'Despite the enormous size and alternative business potential to what Steve and Helinka had in mind,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44'I think the mystery house has really got them thinking.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48'But the question, of course, is whether or not the figures will stack up.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Look at this!
0:32:53 > 0:32:58- Who said Scotland doesn't get sun? - Who said that? On a day like this, you could sell anything!
0:32:58 > 0:32:59He says, hopefully!
0:32:59 > 0:33:04As you can see, the mirror image of the veranda there at the back.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08And a similar arrangement behind the double garages, Steve.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11The house, there's a home potential to it,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14but the amount of space out here is also awesome for the dogs as well.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- They'd absolutely love this, wouldn't they?- They would.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21But all of that is going to depend on how much this is priced at.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Hmm. Is it my turn?
0:33:23 > 0:33:25I think it might be. Yeah. Go on.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Well, I'd say top end of our budget given the amount of house there is.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31380, 390?
0:33:31 > 0:33:34OK. 380, 390. Steve?
0:33:34 > 0:33:37I think we've pushed it. I think we're now 390.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42390. They are looking for £375,000 for this.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- Blimey!- 375?!- Not bad, is it?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47You've thrown a conundrum, now!
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- I think so.- Lots to think about, isn't there?
0:33:49 > 0:33:54Go and have a look at that garage area. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- I'll catch up with you later.- OK. - Off you go!
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Bang on budget with a fixed price of £375,000,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08the mystery house is a modern detached home
0:34:08 > 0:34:10meeting all of Steve and Helinka's requirements.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13It has an open plan kitchen/dining and family room
0:34:13 > 0:34:15with a separate snug and utility.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Four bedrooms are on the ground floor
0:34:17 > 0:34:20and a further six upstairs
0:34:20 > 0:34:22that could be ideal as letting bedrooms.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26The house and triple garage sit in over two acres of land
0:34:26 > 0:34:29surrounded by unspoilt views of the Scottish Highlands.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Wow!- A triple garage!
0:34:35 > 0:34:37You've only had a double garage before!
0:34:37 > 0:34:39It exceeds all expectations.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42I can see you getting more bikes now!
0:34:42 > 0:34:44'This has given us an awful lot to think about now
0:34:44 > 0:34:48'because this kind of house maybe wasn't on our radar.'
0:34:48 > 0:34:53But it doesn't, now we're in it, doesn't feel as big as perhaps we anticipated.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Yesterday, it was non-stop talk of property two.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02I have no doubt that for the rest of today, it'll be non-stop talk of property three!
0:35:07 > 0:35:10I thought that was rather exciting, As I hoped it would be.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- It was.- Lots to think about.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Tons!- I think we've confused you!
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- You have!- Lots to think about.- Yeah.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27That marks the end of our three property tours with Helinka and Steve.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28But whatever your budget,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32there's still a variety of homes here waiting to be snapped up.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37This four-bedroomed timber house in Newtonmore lies within The Cairngorms National Park itself.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It has a cosy sitting room with woodburning stove
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and is on the market for offers in the region of £160,000.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Further up the price chain is this traditional cottage in Drumnadrochit.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52For offers over £245,000
0:35:52 > 0:35:57it comes with three bedrooms and a beautiful country kitchen featuring exposed stonework.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Lastly, this rather stately Victorian villa in Grantown-on-Spey
0:36:01 > 0:36:04can be yours for offers just shy of half a million pounds.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Currently run as a four-star guest house,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11it has a grand drawing room and six luxury en-suite bedrooms.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18The remote wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park
0:36:18 > 0:36:21is home to a rich variety of wildlife,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24offering sanctuary to many rare and endangered species.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27But one native resident facing a serious battle for survival
0:36:27 > 0:36:31is the critically endangered Scottish wildcat.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32Nicknamed the Highland Tiger,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35this feline may look like a domestic tabby,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38but it isn't a cat you'd want to cuddle.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I've come to meet Doug Richardson at the Highland Wildlife Park
0:36:40 > 0:36:44to find out more about the plight of this elusive creature.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48The wildcat itself isn't that familiar to many people,
0:36:48 > 0:36:53but it is, nonetheless, you would say, a very iconic image of The Highlands.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Absolutely. I think there's considerably more people out there
0:36:57 > 0:37:00that are more attuned to the existence of the wildcat
0:37:00 > 0:37:02and especially to its plight.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04They've now got this lovely title, The Highland Tiger,
0:37:04 > 0:37:10which would suggest something very ferocious and something that can look after itself in the wild.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12But their numbers, as you allude to, have plummeted.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15What's threatened them? What's caused the change in population?
0:37:15 > 0:37:19The most important problem and the thing that is driving them to extinction
0:37:19 > 0:37:23is cross-breeding, hybridising with feral domestic cats.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26'Once widespread across the UK,
0:37:26 > 0:37:31'there are now less than 400 pure-bred wildcats left in existence.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35'Captive breeding is probably the last hope to ensure their survival.'
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Famously elusive creatures, Doug.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Yes. Certainly our ones are a wee bit easier to spot.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Obviously they're more used to people.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- But...- Is this a male or a female?
0:37:46 > 0:37:48That's our main breeding male, Hamish.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Hamish? He's beautiful, isn't he?
0:37:51 > 0:37:53These walkways, the aerial walkways, are interesting.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56It allows us to see him quite clearly as he moves between enclosures.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59What's the purpose of this? It's quite a complex you've created.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04I think why these work so well is that cats can get above the visitors' heads.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09And for most carnivores, if they're above something they see as potentially threatening,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11they'll feel more secure.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16So in an environment like this, even though he's casually on the ground as well,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18they know that they have this escape route.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22The knowledge that it's there makes them calmer individuals
0:38:22 > 0:38:24and better exhibit animals.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28'On average, wildcats are 50% larger than their domestic cousins,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30'with a wider face and jaw.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33'And they can manage to run at speeds of 30 miles an hour.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36'But it's impossible to tame them.'
0:38:36 > 0:38:40How do you distinguish between a genuine pure-bred wildcat
0:38:40 > 0:38:42and one of these hybrid cats?
0:38:42 > 0:38:46There's a number of things. If you look at the stripe down his back,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48it wiggles, it's not a straight line.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50On a domestic cat, it'll be a straight line.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53There are four lines on the top of his head
0:38:53 > 0:38:57that meet in the centre. You wouldn't get that on a domestic cat.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00'Rabbits form a key part of the wildcat diet,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'and the park employs dynamic ways of feeding them
0:39:03 > 0:39:06'In order to best replicate conditions in the wild.'
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Look at him waiting! He can't wait.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12See his ears going to the side as well.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- That's classic wildcat.- He's licking his lips isn't he?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17He's looking at her to make sure that she's...
0:39:17 > 0:39:20"Wait a minute - there's nothing left on the floor!"
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- This is it. He's now figuring that out.- Yeah.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26And he's, "OK, that's where it is. I'm going to have to work at it."
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Do you get very attached to them?
0:39:28 > 0:39:32A good zoo keeper is seeing the bigger picture.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34They have a conservation role to play,
0:39:34 > 0:39:36they're educating the public,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39acting as ambassadors for their species.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42And potentially, their offspring
0:39:42 > 0:39:46will play an even more significant role in the species.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's good to see, Doug, and let's face it,
0:39:49 > 0:39:53the Highlands wouldn't be quite the same without their tigers!
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Absolutely not.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06While I've been out and about, Steve and Helinka have been locked in conversation
0:40:06 > 0:40:09trying to come up with a plan for their future.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12So, without further ado, let's go and find out what it is.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Well, you two. What an exciting week we've had!
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Absolutely!
0:40:24 > 0:40:26The Highlands, clearly, are for you.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28You have lapped it up from the minute you arrived.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32But I get the feeling there are two real contenders on the list.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35If we'd have had this conversation yesterday,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39we'd have given you a definite answer. It was going to be property two.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Having thought about it, I think our focus now is the mystery house.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46OK. We'll deal with the mystery house a bit later.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48But let's go back to property one, if we may,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51which has been discounted, I think.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53The hub that we said was quite important to us,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56the sort of kitchen, eating space, chilling space,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58that wasn't there.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Well, property two, you wanted a view, and boy, did you get it there!
0:41:02 > 0:41:05And I thought that was it. Done deal!
0:41:05 > 0:41:09The heart said, "Let me sign on the dotted line now."
0:41:09 > 0:41:13And I could have done that yesterday.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17So when we set off this morning, to go and look at our mystery house,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19what were your thoughts on that one?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21I was thinking, "The Waltons", if I'm honest!
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It really made me smile when I looked at it
0:41:24 > 0:41:27and thought, "Wow, that looks really quite interesting."
0:41:27 > 0:41:29But when we got inside, I think this vision of the hub,
0:41:29 > 0:41:34of a very warm, cosy home with plenty of space really came to the fore.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37It had a wow factor for me.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It was very quirky as you walked in.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Part of me kept thinking, "Is it going to be too big for us",
0:41:42 > 0:41:43but it was very much a home
0:41:43 > 0:41:47and it didn't feel as though the two of us and the dogs would be rattling around in it.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I know it's got the project rooms that are yet to be developed
0:41:50 > 0:41:52in the loft space.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Quite frankly, the vision I have for those
0:41:55 > 0:41:58is they'd be behind locked doors and I'd get round to it whenever.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01So we have, I suspect, reached a decision
0:42:01 > 0:42:03that is now focussed on the mystery house.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06What happens next?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Seriously, seriously contemplate a second viewing.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I'm delighted. Absolutely delighted!
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Best of luck, and, as always, let us know how it goes with the viewing.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- And let's hope we hear that you've moved in fairly quickly.- Will do.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- Thank you very much for the experience. We've thoroughly enjoyed it.- Pleasure.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32We've seen so many spectacular views up here this week.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Trying to pick a favourite is nigh-on impossible.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37And as for today's buyers,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Steve and Helinka, with any luck,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42are now well on their way to calling this place home.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Because that, of course, is what this search has been all about.
0:42:45 > 0:42:51And as for the chance to wake up to this every day for the rest of their lives, who can blame them?
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Lucky devils!
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Steve and Helinka are already planning their return trip to Scotland
0:42:57 > 0:42:59with a view to seeing the mystery property again.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales or England
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and would like our help, then please apply online:
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