0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to a special Escape To The Country,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06where we will be focusing on one area as we look back
0:00:06 > 0:00:09on two property searches with two sets of house buyers.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13And with both couples homing in on the same part of the UK, we will be
0:00:13 > 0:00:17offering our thoughts and tips on moving to and buying in this area.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Today's show will feature a nation that boasts
0:00:19 > 0:00:25over 7,000 miles of coastline and over 700 offshore islands.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28But where were we property shopping? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49On today's show, we're looking back on two house hunts.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I was helping new parents find a family home that came with
0:00:51 > 0:00:53business potential.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55But, at times, it seemed what they were really after was
0:00:55 > 0:00:56wardrobe potential.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58My one concern would be storage
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- cos you have an immense amount of clothes and shoes.- Yeah.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I'm glad you said that.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08While my buyers were nature lovers, who were yearning for great views
0:01:08 > 0:01:10and open spaces and they were willing
0:01:10 > 0:01:12to move 500 miles to find them.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16But for one of them, it all got too much.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- Come back, you can have a cry with me - that's all right.- No!
0:01:19 > 0:01:20Come on! Come here!
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Well, you have probably guessed it,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27today we are returning to bonnie Scotland, where Jonnie
0:01:27 > 0:01:31and I got to show two sets of buyers a range of stunning rural homes
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and I got to explore my favourite part of Scotland - the Highlands.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37And I was lucky enough to be south of you in the Scottish Borders
0:01:37 > 0:01:39and, I must say, every time I get to visit that area
0:01:39 > 0:01:42I am blown away by its rural beauty.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44But you don't have to take my word for it.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these beautiful
0:01:46 > 0:01:48parts of Scotland.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The Scottish Borders, along with neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57form the gateway between England and Scotland.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59It is one of the largest regions in Britain
0:01:59 > 0:02:02and encompasses rolling uplands, the ruggedly beautiful
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Berwickshire coast line, and the magnificent River Tweed.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11The tranquil beauty here is unmarred by densely populated areas,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13but it does have a fine share of
0:02:13 > 0:02:15small and beguiling towns - including Kelso,
0:02:15 > 0:02:20which literary icon Walter Scott, who had family ties here, described
0:02:20 > 0:02:25as the most beautiful, if not the most romantic, village in Scotland.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28And the region's famous writer is just one of many who have drawn
0:02:28 > 0:02:32inspiration from this intriguing and idyllic part of the country.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Whilst my search was based in the Scottish Highlands.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Located at the very top of the mainland, the Highlands is
0:02:40 > 0:02:45the sparse mountainous region lying in the northern part of Scotland.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Cutting the landscape diagonally is one of the most famous
0:02:48 > 0:02:50lakes in the world, Loch Ness.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55The region also hosts the largest national park in the UK,
0:02:55 > 0:02:56the Cairngorms.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59With its panoramic views of snow-capped mountains,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03the park is visited by 1.5 million tourists a year
0:03:03 > 0:03:05and is a favoured spot for skiers.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10With scenery raging from dramatic glens to awe-inspiring mountains,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12this area radiates history, beauty,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and boasts some of the best views in Britain.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Such beautiful scenery there, mate.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24The great thing about Scotland is it's all relatively affordable, isn't it?
0:03:24 > 0:03:26It's absolutely gorgeous. Where were you again?
0:03:26 > 0:03:28I was down in the Scottish Borders.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32The average price for a detached house there is around £244,000,
0:03:32 > 0:03:38which, admittedly, is £3,000 above the national average for Scotland.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41But for those with smaller budgets, if you go next door to, maybe,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Dumfries and Galloway you can save yourself some £55,000
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- on a comparable property. - That's a huge saving.- Yeah.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49Well, I was up in the Highlands,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52which - as you know - is very much its own little world, if you will.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55There the average cost of a detached home is about £218,000.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- That's good value. - That's really good value.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Also, population wise that is quite limited too.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02There's only about 250,000 people live there.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03So it's not a huge property market,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06but if you look carefully you can find some really gorgeous homes.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10But not a lot of property around can make the search fairly tricky.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Thankfully, that didn't put our buyers off.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Let's remind ourselves of Michael.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18For the last year, Damian and Sam have been living in this
0:04:18 > 0:04:22three-bedroom house in Penicuik, ten miles south of Edinburgh.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's one of the married quarters for the Royal Regiment of Scotland,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29where Sandhurst-trained Damian is an operations officer.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33From the time the couple met six years ago, they've lived all over
0:04:33 > 0:04:36the country and this is the fourth house they've moved to together.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39But since the arrival of daughter Hermione, they've been
0:04:39 > 0:04:43hankering for a more settled life in the country.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48My job basically means that I have to move every one or two years.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50It's quite transient.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54But now having Hermione, we maybe want a bit more stability for her.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56And I think the concern is, you know,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59as Hermione gets to school age then she'd have to move schools every
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- two years and I think that's what we're keen to avoid really, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06'The couple's dream of finding a more permanent family
0:05:06 > 0:05:09'home for Hermione to grow up in does come with a compromise.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'During the week, Damien will need to stay at the base for work
0:05:12 > 0:05:15'leaving just the weekends to spend with the family.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18'But with their new rural surroundings, the time they do
0:05:18 > 0:05:20'have together will be quality time.'
0:05:20 > 0:05:24We like to get out as a family, so I think being in the country
0:05:24 > 0:05:28would make a lot of use of the grounds, so a lot of walking.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31The horse riding that would come with the country that
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Sam is very keen on getting Hermione involved in - and me.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39It is not just the leisure activities that will be affected by the move.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42While a permanent rural base means a weekly commute for Damian,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45it does offer Sam, who is currently on maternity leave from her job
0:05:45 > 0:05:49as a procurement manager, new ways of earning that she could do from home.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Being a military wife can actually be quite hard
0:05:51 > 0:05:54in terms of managing a career, so what would be good would be
0:05:54 > 0:05:58if we could have a property that we could run a small business from.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Could we have a cottage in the grounds that we could use
0:06:00 > 0:06:05as a holiday let? Or a stable block that we can run a livery yard from?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08'Although proximity to Damian's work is one of the main motivations
0:06:08 > 0:06:10'for selecting the Scottish Borders as a place to settle down,
0:06:10 > 0:06:15'it's part of the country they do have a genuine affection for.'
0:06:15 > 0:06:17It's the countryside, it's the fresh air,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20it's quite close to the coast, as well, and we get the best of both
0:06:20 > 0:06:23worlds, of Scotland-England, being right on the border.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I can't think of a better place to move.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32So that it's easy for Damian to get home to the family at weekends,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35we're keeping our search within an hour and a half's drive
0:06:35 > 0:06:37from the regiment in Penicuik.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I'm meeting up with them to find out some more about their move.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43So here we are in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47You must be quite excited to be thinking about a more permanent base.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Have you got a picture in your mind's eye of the sort of home you would
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- both love to bring your daughter up in?- I think so.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I think we both definitely would like something quite traditional.
0:06:55 > 0:06:594-5 bedrooms, somewhere with a bit of land - definitely with
0:06:59 > 0:07:02some stables for potentially a pony for Hermione to grow up with.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04So, what does it look like?
0:07:04 > 0:07:07I think we like Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian kinds of styles.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11We definitely don't like that kind of cottagey feel with the beams.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Damien being quite tall... - Height is an issue.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17This big move, if you like, it's obviously first and foremost
0:07:17 > 0:07:20this new family home, but there is also an idea that you
0:07:20 > 0:07:21might want to run a business.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Have you got a minimum plot size in mind?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- I think a couple of acres.- I think a couple of acres would be great.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Anything more would be an absolute bonus.- OK, let's talk budget.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33How much are you looking to spend on this move?
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Our budget at the moment is about £600-£650,000.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40We've got three fantastic properties lined up for you,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42so let's not wait any longer - let's go and have a look.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- Great.- Great.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49With a generous budget of £650,000, Damian and Sam
0:07:49 > 0:07:53are looking for a period family home with 4-5 bedrooms and some
0:07:53 > 0:07:57kind of business potential, perhaps in the form of outbuildings or land,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00at least two acres would be ideal.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03They would also like a stable so Hermione can have a pony.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06We've got a great selection of homes to show them and,
0:08:06 > 0:08:07at the end of each tour,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10I'll be getting them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13One will be the mystery house, which could have them
0:08:13 > 0:08:17rethinking their priorities between home and business.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We are starting our search close to the coast in Coldingham,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28which is an hour's drive east of Damian's work in Penicuik.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31This charming conservation village has a selection of appealing
0:08:31 > 0:08:34shops, as well as plenty of history.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36It grew up around a Benedictine priory,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38that was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40To top it off,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43the village is situated just inland from Coldingham Sands,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46with its beautiful blue flag beach and walking tracks that
0:08:46 > 0:08:49link to the spectacular Berwickshire coastal path.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Just a mile from the village, and a stone's throw from the beach,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54is our first property.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- What do you think?- Lovely. Yeah. - It's great from the outside.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It's a nice, peaceful, rural setting
0:09:00 > 0:09:04but with a proximity to some people so you don't feel too isolated
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- and the size is great. - Looks good.- Great news. Let's take a look inside.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Great.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15'Built in the 19th century, the property was originally a farmhouse
0:09:15 > 0:09:18'and over the last seven years the current owners have done
0:09:18 > 0:09:20'a considerable amount of work to it.'
0:09:20 > 0:09:22So, in we come.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Ah, well.- Old and new meeting, isn't it?- Mmm, yeah.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28It is nicely done.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30It still retains a lot of the period features
0:09:30 > 0:09:32and everything like that, which is great.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34And I think it's a nice-sized space
0:09:34 > 0:09:37and in a lot of respects the fact that it is quite open to have
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Hermione running round as well and keep an eye on her,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42it could potentially work.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Now, let's stick to this side of the house and look at the living room.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- So, quite an elegant room this. - Yeah, it's a nice size.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- I like all the windows. It's really light.- The windows are great.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Now, just through that door you've also got a sunroom, or conservatory.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00OK.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Come the autumn or spring, that would just be absolutely gorgeous
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- to sit out there.- Yeah.- It's like the textbook living room, isn't it?
0:10:08 > 0:10:09Where you can sit and watch TV,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12you've still got your fireplace to make it seem nice and homely.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15It is beautiful how it's done, but I think it's not to our taste.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18I think a bit of cosmetic here and there.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I think a bit more traditional is how we would like it.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- It's cosmetic, isn't it? So I find that quite encouraging.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Good. All right. Kitchen next.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- Just mind your step here. Got a really handy utility area.- Fab.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Which means the kitchen is just the kitchen and the dining room.- Oh, wow.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45This is really nice. This is a lovely space. Windows are great.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Yeah, this is fantastic.- You both smiled as soon as you came in here.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- Yeah.- Yeah.- It's a great room. - Yeah.- I love it.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- It's spacious but it's homely at the same time, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Nicely done kitchen and I don't think we'd do too much to that.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I don't think we would need to do anything to the kitchen.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07'We're heading back to the entrance hall to use the main staircase,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10'but there is another set of stairs at the other end of the hall.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'It provides independent access for what is effectively
0:11:13 > 0:11:16'a small wing made up of two en-suite bedrooms -
0:11:16 > 0:11:19'one is on the ground floor and the other is directly above,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22'but I'll talk about what I've got in mind for that once we've seen
0:11:22 > 0:11:25'what's upstairs back in the main part of the house.'
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- So you've got three bedrooms on this side.- OK.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- This is one of two potential master bedrooms.- Right.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36This is a nice room. I like the double aspect.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's nice and light, quite high ceilings.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43My one concern would be the very boring fact of storage cos
0:11:43 > 0:11:46you have an immense amount of clothes and shoes,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- as every lady does.- Yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- I'm glad you said that.- Yeah.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- That would be my one concern at the moment.- It is a good point.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00The current owners decided to make these three bedrooms two good-sized
0:12:00 > 0:12:04doubles and the middle bedroom they're using as a dressing room.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05OK, that would work.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08There is a huge family bathroom in the middle as well.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Now, your guests have the benefit of the guest wing,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15if you like, which is that side of the property
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- and there you've got two double bedrooms, both en-suite.- Fabulous.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- Got it.- Perfect for maybe paying guests as well...- Ah, OK.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- ..because it's kind of separate. - Yes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Let's go outside because there is loads to see there as well.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Brilliant.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34'Beyond the garden, there is a paddock and a large yard with
0:12:34 > 0:12:37'outbuildings providing a perfect set-up for Sam and Hermione's ponies
0:12:37 > 0:12:40'and inspiration for that yet-to-be-conceived
0:12:40 > 0:12:43'home business opportunity.'
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Look at the size of this yard. - That's fabulous.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- So, all in all, you've got just over two and a half acres.- OK, brilliant.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Wow.- How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- I think around 635.- All right.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00I think it is a little bit more. I think it is about 640.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06- Well, this is on the market for offers over £625,000.- OK.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10'£25,000 below Sam and Damian's maximum budget,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13'this immaculately renovated farmhouse has that
0:13:13 > 0:13:17'wonderful kitchen/diner they loved so much and the five bedrooms
0:13:17 > 0:13:18'they are hoping for,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'two of which could work well as B&B accommodation.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24'Outside there is over two and a half acres of land
0:13:24 > 0:13:27'and loose boxes for a couple of ponies for Sam and Hermione.'
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Along the Scottish Borders's craggy and dramatic Berwickshire coast line,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40cold Arctic currents merge with warmer currents from the South,
0:13:40 > 0:13:44helping to create a uniquely rich marine biodiversity.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48And two years ago, in the serene fishing village of St Abbs,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52a charity-run marine station was set up to carry out research
0:13:52 > 0:13:55in the waters here, with the aim of enhancing the marine environment
0:13:55 > 0:13:59and furthering scientific understanding of the sea.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Dr Keith Todd, who helped spearhead the organisation,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05is here at the St Abbs Harbour collecting plankton research samples
0:14:05 > 0:14:07and I'm here to join him.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12What are we looking for? What is in this plankton?
0:14:12 > 0:14:16We might find fish eggs, fish larvae, little things called arrow worms,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18lots of things that form the basis of the food chain.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22First thing I'm noticing is that this water looks incredibly clean.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25It is. The water quality around St Abbs is very good.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27We'll take these back and put them in the bucket.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31'The marine station, which was once an old fisherman's cottage,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34'is equipped with a lab where samples are examined to help monitor
0:14:34 > 0:14:36'the health of the local marine environment,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38'but also to find clues as to how
0:14:38 > 0:14:41'vulnerable species can be supported.'
0:14:41 > 0:14:45This is a live view of the plankton samples that we have just taken.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48So what can we tell by studying this environment, then?
0:14:48 > 0:14:52We can select certain species that are important as a food source
0:14:52 > 0:14:56for other species and culture them up en masse and then use them
0:14:56 > 0:14:58to feed some of the animals that we are trying to work with.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02We are looking to be able to breed the spiny lobster, or crawfish.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Which is this fellow here? - The numbers are in decline.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09If you can find out the right food - maybe what we are viewing here -
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- then, further down the line, we might see more of these? - That's right.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15We've got to go out and go shopping for the right baby food
0:15:15 > 0:15:16for the crawfish.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21'The spiny lobster was once plentiful along the west coast of Scotland,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25'but, since the 1970s, numbers have steadily decreased
0:15:25 > 0:15:29'and they have now been identified as a threatened species.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31'Through research carried out here at the marine station,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'they are hoping to develop ways of rearing spiny lobsters
0:15:34 > 0:15:37'and other at-risk species in significant numbers
0:15:37 > 0:15:41'so they can be released into the wild to boost struggling populations.'
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- Oh, you can feel its spikes, can't you?- Yes, they are very, very spiky.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It's amazing. Well, I wish you the very best of luck.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- I hope you find their favourite food very soon.- Yes.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Thank you very much, Keith.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- It has been fascinating. I wish you the best of luck. - Thank you.- Goodbye.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Travelling 20 miles inland,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11the next stop on our search is the village of Leitholm, just over
0:16:11 > 0:16:14an hour's drive from Damian's job with the Royal Regiment of Scotland,
0:16:14 > 0:16:15in Penicuik.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18A handy nearby town is Coldstream,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21attractively situated on a stretch of the River Tweed that forms
0:16:21 > 0:16:24a natural border between Scotland and England.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Less than a 10-minute drive away is our second house
0:16:27 > 0:16:30and it's Georgian - one of Sam and Damian's preferred styles.
0:16:30 > 0:16:36So we thought, what better for a horse lover than to show them
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- some converted stables. - It is different looking.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- It is not like anything I've seen before, actually.- Yeah.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- It's a funny looking building. - It is.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- But it is not unattractive, is it? - No.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Once again, I don't think you'd feel too isolated, would you?
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- No, I don't think so. - Let's go inside.- OK.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55'Before the current owners fully renovated the property in 1995,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57'the place was pretty much a wreck.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'Parts of the work they did involved linking what were once
0:17:00 > 0:17:05'two separate stable blocks to create one 6,500-square-foot home.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09'That's almost twice the size of the first house we showed them.'
0:17:09 > 0:17:12OK-doke.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Now, I think you'll need your imagination with this house because
0:17:15 > 0:17:17this is the new part of the building
0:17:17 > 0:17:20to connect either side's stables.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24OK. We would probably change a bit of the decor, I think.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Just to put our own mark on it, basically.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Let's go into a more original part, which is just through here.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- Great.- Great.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So everything in this house gives you loads of space.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36It's a great dining room.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38You could have a really nice atmosphere
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- in here with quite a few people sitting at the table.- Yeah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46Any room in my book that easily houses a dining room with
0:17:46 > 0:17:49seating for 12 is a decent size. This is like an officers' mess, isn't it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Yeah, it is actually. - It has got very much that feel.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54That is not a bad thing at all.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57There is room to have, maybe, a breakfast table in the kitchen next door.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59A good-sized kitchen.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00It is, it is not a bad size at all
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and it is good that you can fit a family table in here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06You are talking about being quite open-minded as to what
0:18:06 > 0:18:08business you might want to operate.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Now, this house is 6,500 square foot, so we're thinking this
0:18:12 > 0:18:15is probably more hospitality-based, OK, B&B.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19One of the benefits there is the fact that you've got a good-sized
0:18:19 > 0:18:21kitchen and a door to shut.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25You don't want diners seeing you cook the breakfast and what have you.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- Let's look in the sitting room. - Great.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Righty-ho, so another decent-sized reception room.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Yeah, it is a big room. It's a nice big room and nice dual aspect.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41I think, for me, I'm not really getting that feeling that I need to commit.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44As we approached the house from the outside you could see this
0:18:44 > 0:18:47really nice Georgian stonework and for me
0:18:47 > 0:18:50I don't think that kind of comes through on the inside
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and I think that is more what we're looking for.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57It's not produced that sort of "wow" where it feels like a home for us.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01OK, let's go and take a look at some of the bedroom accommodation just
0:19:01 > 0:19:03through here.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07'Leaving one of the two original stable blocks,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10'we pass back via the central reception room that links through
0:19:10 > 0:19:13'to the second block, where all the bedrooms can be found.'
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Now, I think this corridor just gives you a great illustration of how
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- much accommodation you've got here. - Wow, it's long.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25'On the ground floor, there are four bedrooms.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27'Three are generous doubles, all with en suites,
0:19:27 > 0:19:32'and one is a large master suite with its own dressing room.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36'Upstairs, at either end of this long wing, are two further bedrooms.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37'One was once the old hayloft
0:19:37 > 0:19:42'and the other was the groom's quarters, which is where we're heading now.'
0:19:42 > 0:19:45So what do we make of this one, then?
0:19:45 > 0:19:46Nice big size.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48I think it's nice to have that feel when you,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- come upstairs to the bedroom, as well.- Yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- You just fill a little bit more separated, don't you?- Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So, six en-suite letting bedrooms - you're open for business!
0:19:56 > 0:19:58You actually wouldn't need to do anything to the bedrooms
0:19:58 > 0:20:01and bathrooms downstairs, there're all pretty much done
0:20:01 > 0:20:02and ready to go, aren't they?
0:20:02 > 0:20:05You can see the potential in the place, definitely.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- You said you might be interested in doing some sort of equine B&B.- Yeah.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11For an equine B&B, you're going to need some space for the horses,
0:20:11 > 0:20:12aren't you?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Yes.- You've got that in bundles. - Follow me.- Excellent.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20I think Damian and Sam can see the business potential here
0:20:20 > 0:20:23but the properties seemed to be lacking the X factor for them.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Perhaps their imagination will be sparked by what is on offer outside,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29where there is plenty of space and a range a good-sized
0:20:29 > 0:20:33outbuildings, some of which could convert rather nicely into stables.
0:20:35 > 0:20:43- Now, let's talk land. You get quite a bit of it. - OK.- 13 and a half acres.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- 13 and a half, wow. Gosh. - How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I think it's difficult to say.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57Given how big the house is and also the enormous amount of land
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- I'm going to say 615.- 615, OK.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05I'll be slightly more conservative and say offers over 600.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Well, this one has been given a guide price,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12and that is offers around, £650,000.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- OK.- All right.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19'Matching Sam and Damian's maximum budget of £650,000, this grand
0:21:19 > 0:21:24'scale Georgian stable conversion would make an excellent equine B&B.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'With six en-suite bedrooms, a large separate dining area
0:21:27 > 0:21:30'and plenty of space for the guests' horses.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34'With more than 13 acres of land, it would also send itself well
0:21:34 > 0:21:37'to the livery business they are considering.'
0:21:37 > 0:21:39This is probably what we would try to turn into stables.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Yeah, I think so. It is almost there, isn't it?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44It wouldn't take much conversion at all, really.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47It has got so many positives, but, in terms of the feeling,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I just didn't get that forever home feeling for myself and my family.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- All done inside?- Yep.- I thought you got lost, actually.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Did you see the stables?- Yep. - Good, all right.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Now, that is all we're going to do today, so let's go back.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Do you know, mate, watching that, I don't think
0:22:11 > 0:22:13either of those properties have wowed them just yet.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15No, you're right but, furthermore, I think Damian
0:22:15 > 0:22:19and Sam were still trying to work out what their priorities were.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22They were adding on extra things to their property wish list,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26such as the B&B or even the livery potential.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28What I always say to people,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31even before they embark on their property hunt, is sit down with
0:22:31 > 0:22:35a piece of paper and physically go through a list of what you must have.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I couldn't agree more. It is always going to be time well spent.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Well, fortunately, for my couple
0:22:40 > 0:22:43their priorities were much more simple.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45'Married couple David and Kathleen currently
0:22:45 > 0:22:49'live in a four-bedroom property in Stoke Lodge, a suburb of Bristol.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52'But over nearly four decades of living in the area,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54'they've noticed a change.'
0:22:54 > 0:22:58We've been here 35 years and it has just built up and grown
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and grown and grown in the last 35 years, basically.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05It used to be right on the edge of Bristol,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09but now it feels a bit inner city.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Life moves at a bit of a hectic pace
0:23:12 > 0:23:16and it would be nice to just slow down a little bit.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'Kathleen is a retired school assistant and aromatherapist.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23'Dave works as an offshore surveyor, travelling all over the world.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27'But he is now planning to wind down and spend more time on dry land.'
0:23:27 > 0:23:30We are moving now I'm semi-retired.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32I used to work 180-200 days a year,
0:23:32 > 0:23:36but I've just changed my contract and I work 90 days a year now,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39so I'll have lots more time - and also I've worked
0:23:39 > 0:23:43away for 30 years, it's time we got a life together, basically.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46'With their two grown-up children having flown the nest,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49'they hope to start this next chapter of their lives by getting
0:23:49 > 0:23:52'away from it all in the peaceful Scottish Highlands.'
0:23:52 > 0:23:56It reminds me very much of home, because I'm from Cumbria,
0:23:56 > 0:24:00and I think Scotland is just that little bit more rugged,
0:24:00 > 0:24:05the scenery is absolutely fantastic, the wildlife too.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07'But we'll need to get our skates on, as David
0:24:07 > 0:24:10'and Kathleen have already sold their house.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:12When Dave went off to work on a Tuesday,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16the house went on the market on a Wednesday, and it was
0:24:16 > 0:24:19sold by the Thursday evening - which was quite unexpected.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23We didn't think things would move quite so quickly.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25As you can see, everything is boxed up.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28There's no ornaments or anything on the walls.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30We're almost ready to go.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33'Until they find their new home, David and Kathleen
0:24:33 > 0:24:36'will be travelling around Scotland in their caravan.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39'With the prospect of a new home, they're looking forward to
0:24:39 > 0:24:43'seeing out Dave's eventual retirement in the rural Highlands.'
0:24:43 > 0:24:46We are so excited, we just can't wait to get there!
0:24:46 > 0:24:49We've talked about it for so long, for so many years,
0:24:49 > 0:24:54but then you've got to do something about it. So, now is the time.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00David and Kathleen would like us
0:25:00 > 0:25:03to concentrate our property search between Inverness
0:25:03 > 0:25:07and Aviemore, in and around the Cairngorms National Park.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09I'm meeting up with them in the village of Carrbridge,
0:25:09 > 0:25:13within the national park, to go over the specifics of their house search.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Well, hello guys. How are you? - Fine, thank you very much. Yourself?
0:25:16 > 0:25:21- I'm very well. So, formally, David and Kathleen, welcome to the Highlands.- Thank you.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23So, just give us an idea, Kathleen,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27now that you're focusing on this move, what should your house comprise?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29What does it need to have?
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Ideally, minimum three bedrooms.
0:25:32 > 0:25:38A lovely big kitchen, dining space, a big family room, perhaps.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41It would be lovely if there was a workshop where
0:25:41 > 0:25:46I could set up a sewing machine or use it as a study.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- Possibly views to the front.- OK. - That would be lovely.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- What about you, Dave?- Much the same.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57I would like a garage workshop and a garden
0:25:57 > 0:26:02somewhere between a quarter and a third of an acre that ideally backs
0:26:02 > 0:26:05onto woodland, but whether that's possible and not I don't know.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Just remind us of the amount of money you are prepared to spend on this move.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13- The budget we have at the moment is around 325,000.- OK.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15The pressure is absolutely on.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18You've upped the ante since we first met you, in that you're now
0:26:18 > 0:26:22here in your caravan. So, yeah, we've got three properties for you.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27You've got £325,000. And we've got a mystery house, of course, in the mix.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31We can't quite afford Balmoral.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Sadly, it's not for sale
0:26:32 > 0:26:36but if it does come on the market you'll be the first to know.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- Good, well, look, drink up. We'll see what we can find you.- OK.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46For a budget of £325,000, Dave and Kathleen want
0:26:46 > 0:26:50their forever home to have a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52They'd prefer a traditional property.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Kathleen would like a large kitchen and family room and a workshop for
0:26:55 > 0:26:59her quilting, as well as good views from the front of the property.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02For Dave it is all about the outside space and he'd
0:27:02 > 0:27:06like at least a quarter of an acre of land to attract the local birds.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Our first property is located close to the village of Glenlivet,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19on the doorstep of the Cairngorms National Park.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Surrounded by unspoiled countryside and pasture land
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and with stunning views of the Cairngorms Mountains,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28the area is a haven for wildlife.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31House number one is located in an elevated position,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34in a quiet setting around a mile from the village.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38So here we are, then, in the heart of malt whisky country
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- and that is property number one. - Uh-huh.- Uh-huh.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Nobody is really sure how old it is. I'm going to take a guess at about 1850.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50- Really?- Or so. But, as you can see, we're not short of views.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52But what do you think of the property?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54It looks quite small from the outside,
0:27:54 > 0:27:55but we'll wait and see, we'll have a look.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Can't wait to get inside and have a look.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Come on then, let's see what you make of it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01We'll go round the back.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04'Our first property is an old crofters dwelling, which was
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'extended at the rear in the 1980s and the current owners use
0:28:08 > 0:28:11'this way in as it leads into a boot room and then the dining room.'
0:28:11 > 0:28:16It has been extended and this really is the meat of the extension,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I suppose, and it gives you this dining space.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- Come over here and take it all in. - It's not as large as I expected.
0:28:22 > 0:28:28- OK.- The first impression. But it's very nice. The view is incredible.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Very old, rustic,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35and, like Dave, it's not as large as I expected it to be.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I think you could potentially extend this yet further, if you wanted to...
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- I'm sure you could, yeah. - ..in the future, because in a way
0:28:41 > 0:28:43you can glimpse the views but it would be lovely to have something
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- that was much more open here.- Mmm.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- It would. If you had a conservatory or something out here.- Yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51But it does all flow rather nicely into the kitchen
0:28:51 > 0:28:53and I'm quite keen to show you this, Kathleen.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- And I know, Kathleen, that you do want one of those.- That's lovely.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59- Huge range.- It is, it's huge.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03This, for me, is where the house really starts to come together because
0:29:03 > 0:29:06it does feel much bigger and you've got the nice features of the stone, and so on.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Yeah, I like the exposed brickwork. It's lovely.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14It's so cosy and so traditional - traditional Scottish.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17It's certainly a reasonable-sized kitchen, with this here as well.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21Well, let's have a look at the living room - that's through here.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25'Better reactions to the generously-sized kitchen space.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29'Downstairs also features a small utility and shower room.'
0:29:29 > 0:29:35- How about this then? A bit more cosy charm for you.- Yeah.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36There certainly is.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Lots of character to this room, isn't there?
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Another gorgeous wood burner for you.- Yes, lovely.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48- It's smaller than I expected. - This ceiling in here is quite low.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53I do like the exposed brickwork, but it makes the room quite dark.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- Let's get upstairs and look at these bedrooms...- OK.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57..because that's all important too.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02The upstairs landing provides access to three decent-sized
0:30:02 > 0:30:05double bedrooms with two situated in the older part of the house
0:30:05 > 0:30:06overlooking the front.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11There's also a family bath and shower room as well as the master.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17- And this is for you.- Yes, this is a bit larger.- Bigger than the caravan.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18I'll say!
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- I'll say!- Yeah! - It's a lot bigger than the caravan.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- I've noticed every room we've been in has got the views.- Yeah.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Every one.- The last bit really is to finish off in the garden.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- Oh, that would be lovely!- OK? Let's go and look more at those views.- OK.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33And we'll talk about the price
0:30:33 > 0:30:36because that may be quite interesting.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37Come with me.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43The land comprises a well-maintained lawn, mature trees and a patio.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47There's also an outbuilding which could make an excellent workshop
0:30:47 > 0:30:48for Dave.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51All in all, the land amounts to around a third of an acre.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55So there is one final bit left. Who's going to go first, then?
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- I would estimate about 270. - 270. Yes?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06I think I'd probably go a little higher than that. Up to 290.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08If it was around the 290 mark, it would leave you
0:31:08 > 0:31:14- with quite a lot left over from your £325,000...- It would.
0:31:14 > 0:31:15..to make a few tweaks here.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18If it were closer to £210,000...
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- Oh! - ..you could go nuts here!
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- And, keep a load in the bank. - We could!
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- There you are.- Goodness!
0:31:26 > 0:31:29£210,000 and all of that...is for free!
0:31:32 > 0:31:35Our first property leaves Dave and Kathleen at least £100,000
0:31:35 > 0:31:39to make further extensions to this former croft house.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43It gives Kathleen her big kitchen, two reception rooms and the three
0:31:43 > 0:31:47bedrooms they asked for, as well as land and those all-important views.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01The rugged highlands produce Scotland's most famous
0:32:01 > 0:32:03liquid export, but as well as malt whisky,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06the region could soon be adding a less potent dram to the menu.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Home-grown tea.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12The Wee Tea plantation in Dalreoch is the first commercial tea
0:32:12 > 0:32:16plantation in Scotland and is already home to 2,000 plants,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19making it one of the largest in Europe.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I've come to the plantation to find out what's brewing
0:32:22 > 0:32:25from tea blender Derek Walker.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Derek, when I think of tea, I don't think of Scotland.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I think of India or China.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33So, what is it about the climate here that makes tea possible?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36There's a lot of things that are engulfed in the plant
0:32:36 > 0:32:40from the soil, the air, the actual weather round about here.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43All of these things contribute to this beautiful tea that we grow
0:32:43 > 0:32:44on Dalreoch Estate.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47You could liken this place to Darjeeling, couldn't you,
0:32:47 > 0:32:48and the Himalayas?
0:32:48 > 0:32:49There's the plantation.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Can we take a closer look at what you grow?
0:32:52 > 0:32:53Come on, let me show you.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Derek is also using growing techniques to ensure the tea
0:32:57 > 0:33:01plants can survive the often extreme Scottish weather.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Plastic covers protect the plants from the frost
0:33:04 > 0:33:06until they're big enough to cope with the harsh winters.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08These are about four years old
0:33:08 > 0:33:14and it's these fresh leaves that we're looking for for our tea.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It's what you do once you've plucked the leaf that makes the tea.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Whether you add a flavour, if you bake the leaf, how long you leave
0:33:21 > 0:33:22the leaf to ferment, perhaps,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25or for how long you leave the leaf to oxidise.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26And the longer you leave it,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29the more caffeine is formed within the leaf itself.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32What we'll do here on the plantation is take these fresh leaves,
0:33:32 > 0:33:34we'll leave them for a very short period of time.
0:33:34 > 0:33:40- We bake them and we have our Dalreoch white tea.- White?- Sure.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44White tea is the least processed of all the teas and has the highest
0:33:44 > 0:33:48level of antioxidants and the lowest quantity of caffeine.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50I'm joining Derek for a cuppa.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Now, we've got our white tea over here.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56So, that's just straightforward green leaves.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It looks very, very simple
0:33:58 > 0:34:01and I'm going to put in a nice, heaped teaspoon.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05I'm not adding boiling water to this because it's much more delicate.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10I'm going to add kind of tepid water. We don't want to cook it, you know.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13We want to extract the flavour.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Three minutes later, it's ready to drink.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- It's a very pale-looking liquid, isn't it?- Let's take a look.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22We're not putting any milk or any other nasties in?
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- It's just good old-fashioned tea.- Absolutely.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26The way it was designed to be drunk.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Well, cheers!- Cheers! - Here's to you!
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Ooh!
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Gosh! That's very different.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40A lot of people say they can taste almost like a nutty fragrance.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41I absolutely love it.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43I suppose the big question remains,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46do you think you'll ever sell your tea in China?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I think we should watch this space.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Well, best of luck.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51BOTH: Cheers!
0:34:57 > 0:35:00For our second property, we're heading south-west
0:35:00 > 0:35:03into the national park and the village of Laggan.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Amenities include a hostel and coffee shop.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Our second house is situated just outside the village
0:35:09 > 0:35:14in the small hamlet of Catlodge and benefits from an elevated position
0:35:14 > 0:35:16with far-reaching views of the Cairngorms.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21And this is our property for you to feast your eyes on,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- which I rather like, actually. - It's rather nice.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26It was two cottages, once upon a time,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28and they were both sort of two up, two down.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33It's now one huge property. It's all done. It's immaculate.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34A nice little garden behind
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- with some woodland surrounding it for the wildlife.- Yeah.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41We showed you views this morning, but I think they're even better.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- Quite spectacular, aren't they? - They really are.- Mm.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Let's have a look, then.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50The house was at one time the local shop and pub.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52It has been fully renovated by the current owners,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55who retained many original features,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58but also built an extension replacing the old, wooden garage.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05So, we'll start with the kitchen. Very much the kitchen diner.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Much more in the mode of what I think you've been thinking about.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Is very nice, but it's still smaller than I expected it to be.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14And there's room for my...
0:36:14 > 0:36:16LAUGHTER
0:36:17 > 0:36:20The kitchen is smaller than I expected, yes.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- It's... you know. It's not bad. - It's not bad.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- You have got a separate dining room as well.- Really?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Yes, further down there. So maybe that will make a difference.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Perhaps we need to explore more. This way.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- This is a lovely room.- I was waiting for you to say something good.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Yes, it is a lovely room! - Oh, I love that feature fireplace.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45- Yes. - It's lovely.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- It's got a lot of features, there's no doubt about that.- Yes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- It wasn't built last week. - It certainly wasn't built last week.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- In fact, it was built about 1840. - Really?- There you go.- Yeah.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57So, probably a similar age to property one, really.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59This is currently a sitting room.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- It could be a dining room if you want.- Mm-hm.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04This, and the room next-door, which is currently the dining room,
0:37:04 > 0:37:05are pretty interchangeable.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08The ground floor also features a family room
0:37:08 > 0:37:11with a double-height ceiling and a utility room,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13both housed in the timber extension,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17as well as an additional shower room in the older part of the house.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Also on the ground floor is the main bedroom.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23As promised, this is your master.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26This is a nice big room, isn't it?
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- This is a good-sized bedroom. - And a really pretty en suite.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Have a look at that. - Oh, my! It's huge!- Yeah?
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- Oh, very nice!- Mm!
0:37:35 > 0:37:39The first floor is home to three further bedrooms,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43including a large triple aspect room accessed by its own staircase.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44One of the other two bedrooms
0:37:44 > 0:37:47could make an excellent sewing room for Kathleen.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Outside, the grounds are mainly laid to lawn and bordered by mature
0:37:51 > 0:37:54trees with views over the surrounding countryside.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58This garden, I would say,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00is possibly as close to perfect as you can get.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Really? Why?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04It just is. It's about the right size.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06There's two tiers, got the trees around.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Excellent. Does it work for you?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I thought Dave would have said it's a big small.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12Ah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- Well, all in all, you've got about 0.4 of an acre.- Uh-huh.- Right.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18So actually a little bit more than property one,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21and of course you've got much more of a front garden here as well.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It's also got that building over there,
0:38:24 > 0:38:28which hopefully might give you somewhere in which to tinker around.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Fair enough.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33So is the price perfect, I wonder?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I was so far out the last time... It's very difficult.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39I'll stick to 290.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40290, yep.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43I'll go just a tad lower and say 285.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46285? A cheeky 285.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51Actually, you're not fair off, the pair of you. It's offers over 295.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- Oh, so, fairly close.- Yeah!
0:38:55 > 0:39:00£30,000 under budget, our second property gives Dave and Kathleen
0:39:00 > 0:39:02a larger kitchen than our first offering,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05one more bedroom than they asked for, three reception rooms
0:39:05 > 0:39:09including a modern family room and nearly half an acre of land.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13In this house, there's lots of room downstairs.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Upstairs I find a bit difficult
0:39:15 > 0:39:18because I'm quite tall and I bang me head.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21The view and the garden are absolutely perfect.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23I think it's a very lovely home.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26There's certainly things you could do with the downstairs.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31Upstairs doesn't appear to have as much room.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33I like the house,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36but unfortunately I don't think it's going to work for us.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Well, you know, I think we have been really spoilt today.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Beautiful views, fantastic houses.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Happy?- Brilliant day.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48It's been a long day.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Who fancies a Scotch, then?
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Come on.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Well, two cracking properties there, mate, but not quite hitting
0:39:59 > 0:40:02the mark, even though they were both in the Cairngorms National Park.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04And, let's face it, the park is a huge draw,
0:40:04 > 0:40:05and it's an interesting one.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09On average, about 200 properties on the market at any one time.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12The average cost is about £211,000,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15but that is below the figure for the county average,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17so if you want beauty and value for money, it's a pretty good bet.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20And what I like about buying up in Scotland is you have to do
0:40:20 > 0:40:22all your homework upfront.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Then you put your offer in, then you do the deal.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- There's no gazumping there. - It's much more reliable.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31And more transparent as well. So, back to my house search.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I had a very healthy budget of £650,000, and this time,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37we were searching in the beautiful Scottish borders.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Travelling six miles north, we reach the hamlet of Fogo, an hour
0:40:44 > 0:40:47from the army base in Penicuik and the final stop on our search.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51The nearest town, a ten-minute drive north, is Duns,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54which centres on its appealing market square.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56There are plenty of shops here as well as nurseries
0:40:56 > 0:40:58and schooling options for Hermione.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00The mystery house provides Damian
0:41:00 > 0:41:04and Sam with the community they're after, but there is a compromise.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06A lack of land and business potential.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08So.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10Pretty house.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- Yeah, it looks good. - It's clean, tidy,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- traditional at the same time, which is good.- Good combination.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18I've just noticed there's a barn behind us...
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Oh, you noticed that, did you? Yeah. Massive old Dutch barn.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- That is included.- OK.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27I don't know what you'd use that for. I mean...
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Any ideas?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Massive gym.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Let's go inside.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39This stone coach house was first converted in the 1970s, and it's
0:41:39 > 0:41:43been extensively refurbished and extended over the years since then.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Now, I hope you're going to like this. The kitchen and dining area.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48Oh, wow.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50This is a nice space.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51Very sociable.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53- Feels quite homely to me, as well, actually.- Yeah.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54I'm glad you said that.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56That's exactly why we brought you here,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- because it felt like a home, a family home.- Definitely does.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02This has a more rustic, "farmhousey" feel.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- Obviously, you've got the range there.- Love that. That's great.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09In the summer, this house faces the south,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11so you get loads of light pouring in, and you can spill
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- out into the garden, which I think is a lovely feature.- Mm-hm.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17The other side of that range is you've got a secondary
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- kitchen, which works as a utility.- Mm-hm.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Good start?
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- Definitely.- It is. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Let me take you into the living room.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Hoping you're going to like this.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Wow. Love it. I love this living room. It's a great size. It's fab.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Love these windows. It's really light.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37This is actually quite sociable as well, the fact that it really works.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40It's big enough to carry the table and a sitting area separately.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41Absolutely.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Yeah, that'd be fantastic. It'd be great for entertaining.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Especially so close to the kitchen as well, you know? It's great.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50All right. Good stuff. I'm chuffed that you like this space.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Let me take you upstairs to show you the master bedroom.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56As well as the living room, which has gone down so well,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59there's a cosy sitting room that comes off the central entrance hall.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04Upstairs, there's a spacious family bathroom and four bedrooms
0:43:04 > 0:43:07with built-in storage and plenty of windows,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09which flood them with light.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- One of those is the master suite. - This is lovely.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Great light, isn't it? I love these... The windows.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18The light comes streaming in, which is great.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21You've got a great size en suite, bath and a separate shower,
0:43:21 > 0:43:23and then through there
0:43:23 > 0:43:25you've got a room that is the size of a double bedroom
0:43:25 > 0:43:27just laid out as a dressing room.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Fabulous!
0:43:29 > 0:43:31Ha-ha!
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- Yes, we're cooking now, aren't we? - I think so.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38There is no B&B here, unless you want someone living in your house.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41This is, first and foremost, a home for you guys.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45OK. Which is where we said our priorities were.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Which is what we don't really want to compromise on.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- Yeah.- Yeah. That suits, really.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54So why do you think you are reacting as you are doing to this house
0:43:54 > 0:43:55more so than the first house?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57I think it's just got that feeling,
0:43:57 > 0:44:00the feeling that you can't really put your finger on it,
0:44:00 > 0:44:02but it just feels warm and you get a nice, fuzzy vibe.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05For me, it is the combination of being cosy,
0:44:05 > 0:44:09which makes it homely, but you've still got bags of space.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11Let's go outside and talk about
0:44:11 > 0:44:14what comes with the property and the price.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19The mystery house really seems to have the look and,
0:44:19 > 0:44:23more importantly, the feel they were hoping for in a family home.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26The only catch is that it doesn't come with a load of land.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28There's around three quarters of an acre,
0:44:28 > 0:44:32which includes patio areas, raised veggie garden beds,
0:44:32 > 0:44:35a double garage, that massive Dutch barn,
0:44:35 > 0:44:38and a wonderful lawned area, with fantastic rural views.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- Looks pretty, doesn't it?- It is very pretty. Yeah. It's gorgeous.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- What you don't have is land. - OK.- Right.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- So no scope for ponies and...- No.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- But it is a perfect family home, isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53It would be ideal.
0:44:53 > 0:44:54I really like it.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56Even without the land?
0:44:56 > 0:44:59I think that's a decision we'd have to make, wouldn't it be?
0:44:59 > 0:45:02You know, is the house strong enough for us to then
0:45:02 > 0:45:06- compromise on the land that we originally wanted?- Yeah.- All right.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Because there isn't much land,
0:45:11 > 0:45:16although the house is nicely done, I'm going to go 575.
0:45:16 > 0:45:17OK.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21Yeah, I think I'll go guide price 600.
0:45:21 > 0:45:22Well,
0:45:22 > 0:45:26the guide price for this house is £575,000. Well done.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33Below Sam and Damian's budget by a substantial £75,000,
0:45:33 > 0:45:35this attractive converted coach house has four bedrooms,
0:45:35 > 0:45:38the homely traditional-style kitchen they're after,
0:45:38 > 0:45:40and that very generous living room,
0:45:40 > 0:45:44perfect for entertaining visiting family and friends.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46There isn't enough land for yurts or a livery,
0:45:46 > 0:45:48but there is that very large barn.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53So has the mystery house set the cat amongst the pigeons?
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- Certainly has, yeah. - Well, that's good, then.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58It's given you something to think about compared to the first house.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- Yep. Definitely.- Absolutely.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Well, I think we should find you guys somewhere to sit down and have
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- a bit of a chat and we'll talk it through later.- Brilliant. OK.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14Now, in my mind, I think we can forget about the second property.
0:46:14 > 0:46:15It wasn't to your taste.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19It seems to me like it is a toss-up between the first house we saw,
0:46:19 > 0:46:22and the mystery house. Am I right?
0:46:22 > 0:46:23I think you're right.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26I think with a kind of sway possibly towards the mystery house,
0:46:26 > 0:46:27if I'm honest.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29- Would you?- Yeah.- Both of you?
0:46:29 > 0:46:31I think so.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35The main reason for that is that the house felt more of a home,
0:46:35 > 0:46:37- and that's become a priority.- Yeah.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41I think the only downside with the third property was the fact
0:46:41 > 0:46:42that it didn't have the stables,
0:46:42 > 0:46:45and it's the old kind of cliche, isn't it?
0:46:45 > 0:46:48If you could take part of house one and add it to the mystery house,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51I think we would pretty much have our perfect home.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Second viewing?
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- Potentially. I think so.- Yeah.
0:46:56 > 0:46:57Just to play devil's advocate,
0:46:57 > 0:46:59if we hadn't shown you the mystery house
0:46:59 > 0:47:02would you be going back to the first one for a second viewing?
0:47:02 > 0:47:04I think probably.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06- Probably, yes.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Well, therefore, if you go back to the mystery house for a second
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- viewing, you should go back to the first one.- Definitely, yeah.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Well, I wish you both the very best of luck and, whatever happens,
0:47:15 > 0:47:16please let us know, won't you?
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- Will do. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28So potentially two second viewings. That's pretty good work, Johnny.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29Not bad, was it?
0:47:29 > 0:47:33But I always recommend to people, go back for that second viewing.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35If you see it in the beautiful sunshine,
0:47:35 > 0:47:37go back when it's raining, if you can.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39If you see in the daylight, go back when it is dark.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Maybe, if you've got time, do the dummy run to work,
0:47:41 > 0:47:43check the commute out.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45When we bought our house, I think we had six viewings.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48It drove the vendors nuts, but we did get what we wanted.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50George, you're an estate agent's dream, aren't you?
0:47:50 > 0:47:51Well, talking of dreams,
0:47:51 > 0:47:54let's get back to my property search with David and Kathleen.
0:47:54 > 0:48:00They had £325,000 to spend to find their rural home in the Highlands.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04For our last property, we're heading towards Inverness and to the
0:48:04 > 0:48:08small village of Tomatin, which is around 16 miles from the city.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11The house itself is located just outside
0:48:11 > 0:48:14the village in an elevated position, surrounded by woodland.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17A more modern affair than our previous properties,
0:48:17 > 0:48:19it's quirky, to say the least.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21There you go. What do you reckon?
0:48:21 > 0:48:24Wow. Unusual shape.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26From the air, it's effectively an octagon.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28But they've removed this central section to create a more
0:48:28 > 0:48:31sort of formal entranceway.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33But in effect, it's a bit like
0:48:33 > 0:48:34an enormous hide,
0:48:34 > 0:48:37because the wildlife round here is extraordinary.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40- Can you hear all the birds? - I can, yes.- Uh-huh.
0:48:40 > 0:48:41Wow.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43LAUGHTER
0:48:43 > 0:48:45Excellent. Well, we got the reaction I was hoping for,
0:48:45 > 0:48:47and wait till you get inside.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49I think there'll be one or two more wows as well,
0:48:49 > 0:48:52so think of it as a house
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- that's a hide.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00So Dave and Kathleen can spy on their wild neighbours from this
0:49:00 > 0:49:05uniquely designed octo-house, which was built in the mid-1970s.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07Due to its shape, the room proportions are somewhat
0:49:07 > 0:49:10unconventional and arranged off a central hallway.
0:49:13 > 0:49:17Now, look at this! You've got the sort of galleried hallway.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20And then in here
0:49:20 > 0:49:23we've got you a sort of dining entranceway.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25- Ooh, that's interesting.- Isn't it?
0:49:25 > 0:49:26Interesting shape, isn't it?
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- Goodness me.- All the rooms are that shape
0:49:29 > 0:49:31which means you get these enormous windows
0:49:31 > 0:49:33letting the light and the view in.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34Oh, what a view!
0:49:34 > 0:49:37- Oh, isn't that wonderful?- Goodness. - Gosh.- Happy?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40You can just see the salmon jumping in that stream.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Well, they do, regularly. I mean, that's the joy of it.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46You can sit here all day long and just soak up the wildlife.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49And through here it's even lighter. Look at this.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51A certain sort of, erm,
0:49:51 > 0:49:54almost baronial feel to it, cos they've incorporated a nice bit of
0:49:54 > 0:49:56stonework there,
0:49:56 > 0:49:58a nice kind of hint to the architectural heritage
0:49:58 > 0:50:01of the area, but this lovely high ceiling
0:50:01 > 0:50:03and, you know, as much light as you could want!
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Uh-huh.
0:50:05 > 0:50:06It's lovely.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08Really lovely.
0:50:08 > 0:50:09Mm.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11I get the feeling this is a house that you
0:50:11 > 0:50:13genuinely could see yourselves enjoying.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15I think I could.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18- Certainly up till now, yeah. - Yeah, from what we've seen so far.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22Let's continue through here, back across this lovely dining hall...
0:50:25 > 0:50:27..and into the kitchen, Kathleen,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31- nice range there for you, again. - Lovely, mm.- Does this one work?
0:50:31 > 0:50:34This is a lovely kitchen. Especially the outlook as well.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37It also leads on into a snug area there.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40- Erm, and of course you've got the dining area next door.- Mm-hm.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42Yep, yep. I think this would work.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47Finally on the ground floor, there's a workshop and utility room,
0:50:47 > 0:50:49somewhere for Dave to tinker.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52What's lovely is that the octagon shape, I think,
0:50:52 > 0:50:56really reveals itself in the staircase and this hallway.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01The upper landing gives access to five bedrooms, all with great views.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05Two of those are doubles, and then there are three singles.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09There's also a family bathroom with three-piece suite.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12And of course, the master.
0:51:12 > 0:51:13And this
0:51:13 > 0:51:15is your room, we're thinking,
0:51:15 > 0:51:17because it has a lovely little en suite in there.
0:51:17 > 0:51:21- Lovely.- And again views for the wildlife.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23Oh, gosh. Breathtaking.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25- Stunning.- This is incredible.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Nobody's interested in the en-suite, are they?
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- It's that that's really captured your imagination.- Yeah.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Yeah, it's lovely.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35- And it's a nice size.- Yeah.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38So I think this has all gone down rather well.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41- I think so.- But it is our mystery house.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Can you afford it?
0:51:43 > 0:51:47- I don't know. - Let's go and see. Come on.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51The house is surrounded by a garden which is mostly lawn,
0:51:51 > 0:51:54with a selection of fruit trees providing privacy.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58Now, in terms of outside space, it's 0.3
0:51:58 > 0:52:02of an acre, but what you own, I think, is kind of irrelevant
0:52:02 > 0:52:05when you're surrounded by all of that.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10- So, it's our final price guess. - The all-important question.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13Well, I think this one is particularly important for you two.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16Kathleen, you've got £325,000 to spend.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20How much of it would you need to let go to get our mystery house?
0:52:20 > 0:52:26- I think it must be pretty close to our max, so I would say 320.- Mm-hm.
0:52:27 > 0:52:31I'd say we might even have to add a little bit to it,
0:52:31 > 0:52:35so I'd say top of the range 325 plus 5, 10 maybe.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38- OK, so over budget?- Just about, yes.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Well, here's the good news.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44- It's not over budget.- Really? - It's under budget.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46And remember that we are in Scotland,
0:52:46 > 0:52:50so it's offers over £290,000.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- Good heavens!- Ha-ha! How about that?
0:52:53 > 0:52:56- Goodness.- Yes.- That's amazing!
0:52:56 > 0:52:59And all this on the doorstep too.
0:52:59 > 0:53:00It's wonderful.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04- Just incredible. - I've got to go off camera.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06Oh, Kathleen! Come back.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10- You can have a cry with me. That's all right.- No!- Come on! Come here.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12Come here, come here, come here. Come on.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Now, then.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16This is obviously a big move for you,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18and it's quite an emotional thing, buying a house.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21It's OK to have a little bit of a tear when it's a good tear,
0:53:21 > 0:53:22all right?
0:53:22 > 0:53:29Under budget by £35,000, our unique octo-house gives our buyers
0:53:29 > 0:53:33panoramic views across unspoilt Highland countryside.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35The accommodation is generous
0:53:35 > 0:53:38and gives Kathleen her large kitchen, plenty of options
0:53:38 > 0:53:42for a sewing room in one of the five bedrooms, whilst, for Dave,
0:53:42 > 0:53:45there are windows all the way around the house to capture
0:53:45 > 0:53:46the wildlife in the secluded garden.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48I think the mystery house is incredible.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50Pretty much everything you want.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54You've got the views, the woodland, the location is ideal.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56It's basically what I'm looking for.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00It's very unusual, but it just flows inside. It's really lovely.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04Lovely and homely and we've got all that wildlife on the doorstep.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06It's brilliant.
0:54:06 > 0:54:07Well, I think
0:54:07 > 0:54:11it's fair to say our house-hunting has ended on something of a high.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14- I think it has.- I like that you've got lots of thinking to do.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16I think we have!
0:54:19 > 0:54:22Well, this is a first for me on Escape To The Country.
0:54:22 > 0:54:27Coming round to your place to have our final chat.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31- And now we see the problem. - This is where we live!
0:54:31 > 0:54:34How is it that any of our houses offered anything that was
0:54:34 > 0:54:36remotely too small?
0:54:36 > 0:54:41So let's think about it. Our first two properties - very traditional -
0:54:41 > 0:54:43we thought they might fit the bill, but
0:54:43 > 0:54:45not quite, Kathleen.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Not quite.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49The first one, although the kitchen was lovely
0:54:49 > 0:54:53and flowed straight into the dining room, they were a bit small.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56And Dave, you weren't convinced by number two.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59Number two, I wasn't convinced.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02My head was two inches below the roof,
0:55:02 > 0:55:06and when I walked upstairs to the upstairs, my head was in the roof.
0:55:06 > 0:55:11OK, but we kept arguably the best till last.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13Our mystery house has had quite a profound effect upon
0:55:13 > 0:55:15both of you, I think.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18It certainly did. It blew me away, for want of a better term.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21I was really, really impressed.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24I mean, Kathleen, it all got a bit too much, didn't it?
0:55:24 > 0:55:28Totally overwhelmed, totally. Yeah, yeah.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31Yeah, it was a bit of an emotional time.
0:55:31 > 0:55:32So what happens next?
0:55:32 > 0:55:36I think we've got to go down to the selling solicitor,
0:55:36 > 0:55:37check out the home report.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40In Scotland, the process is quicker than it is in England,
0:55:40 > 0:55:42and they reckon you can get from saying,
0:55:42 > 0:55:46"Yes, I'll have the house" - it's six to eight weeks to moving in.
0:55:46 > 0:55:47And what about you, Kathleen?
0:55:47 > 0:55:50Are you surprised that it may all happen now quite quickly for you?
0:55:50 > 0:55:55I hope it does happen quickly. I would be relieved
0:55:55 > 0:55:57not to have to spend a winter in the caravan.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00And the thought of being able to unpack the boxes
0:56:00 > 0:56:03so quickly would be a very welcome result.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07Well, you do make a very fine cup of coffee, it has to be said.
0:56:07 > 0:56:08Thank you.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12- But I hope in due course you'll be drinking champagne.- Let's hope so.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15- Well, here's to you. Best of luck.- Cheers.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23So that mystery house. What a property!
0:56:23 > 0:56:25It was absolutely amazing.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27The right house for the right buyers.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30I described it at the time as a kind of hide,
0:56:30 > 0:56:33and that's really what it was, given all the wildlife that was around it.
0:56:33 > 0:56:34So good news?
0:56:34 > 0:56:37Very, very good news. They went back for a second viewing.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39There were probably more tears.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42They put in an offer, and it was accepted, so they are now
0:56:42 > 0:56:46out of the caravan, living the dream, so it was a happy ending.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48Brilliant news. Well done, mate.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50Well, hello, David and Kathleen, if you're watching.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52If you're not too busy in your wonderful garden.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55And I'm pleased to say, with regards to my couple, Sam became
0:56:55 > 0:56:59pregnant shortly after filming, so congratulations to them as well.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Understandably, they decided to put the house hunting on hold
0:57:02 > 0:57:03until the new baby arrives.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05Well, I would say that's 1-0 to me, then.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08- I knew you'd say that, and I will give you that.- Ah, yes!
0:57:08 > 0:57:11So I hope you've enjoyed our travels around the Scottish countryside.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14- Join us next time on Escape To The Country.- See you then.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17If you're planning to escape to the
0:57:17 > 0:57:20country in England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and would
0:57:20 > 0:57:24like our help, you can apply online: