0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05Behind me are the rather impressive ruins
0:00:05 > 0:00:08of an early-18th century barracks that was so heavy fortified
0:00:08 > 0:00:12just 13 men held off an attacking army of some 200.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15So, where are we, and what's the story?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Today's buyers are nature lovers who yearn for great views and
0:00:37 > 0:00:41open spaces, and they're willing to move 500 miles to find them.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44But as far as properties go, size is everything.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It's smaller than I expected.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And for one of our buyers, it all gets too much.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Come back! You can have a cry with me. That's all right, come on!
0:00:53 > 0:00:54Come here.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Well, today we are in the Highlands of Scotland,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and these are the impressive remains of Ruthven Barracks
0:01:02 > 0:01:05in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08The barracks were constructed in 1719
0:01:08 > 0:01:11following the early Jacobite Rebellion
0:01:11 > 0:01:15and were originally designed to hold 120 English Redcoats.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19But fast forward to 1745 and the English troops stationed here
0:01:19 > 0:01:21numbered just 13.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24They had to defend it during the final Jacobite Rebellion
0:01:24 > 0:01:27against an attacking force of some 200,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31which they did with the loss of only one man.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Now, a year later, the retreating Jacobite army fell upon it,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38set fire to it, leaving it as the ruin that you now see.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42But it is, I think, a telling reminder of the once torrid history
0:01:42 > 0:01:44that used to dominate this part of the Highlands.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Located at the very top of the mainland, the Highlands is
0:01:49 > 0:01:53the sparse mountainous region lying in the northern part of Scotland.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Cutting the landscape diagonally is one of the most famous lakes in the
0:01:57 > 0:02:02world, Loch Ness, which, in places, reaches depths of 700 feet,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04around the same height as the tallest tower
0:02:04 > 0:02:06at London's Canary Wharf.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Perched on a headland overlooking the loch is the impressive
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Urquhart Castle, which has witnessed a turbulent history, changing
0:02:13 > 0:02:17hands many times during its 500 years as a medieval fortress.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21The region also hosts the largest national park in the UK,
0:02:21 > 0:02:22the Cairngorms.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25With its panoramic views of snow-capped mountains,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29the park is visited by 1.5 million tourists a year
0:02:29 > 0:02:31and is a favoured spot for skiers.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35With scenery ranging from dramatic glens to awe-inspiring mountains,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38this area radiates history, beauty
0:02:38 > 0:02:40and boasts some of the best views in Britain.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47Now, your average detached home here will set you back £213,000 and,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49when compared to the Scottish national average,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52that's a cool £20,000 underneath it for,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55frankly, some pretty above-average scenery.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58But it's also worth thinking about population density.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Within the Highlands as a whole, the number is just 250,000 people,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and that means you've got a pretty small property market
0:03:06 > 0:03:08to choose from for such a large area.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Whatever your budget and whatever your plans,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13you are going to have to look quite hard for it,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15but it hasn't put off today's buyers.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17They can't wait to get here.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Married couple David and Kathleen currently live in a four-bedroom
0:03:21 > 0:03:24property in Stoke Lodge, a suburb of Bristol.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27But over nearly four decades of living in the area,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29they've noticed a change.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33We've been here 35 years and it's just built up and grown,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and grown, and grown in the last 35 years basically.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40It used to be right on the edge of Bristol
0:03:40 > 0:03:44but now it feels a bit inner city.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Life moves at a bit of a hectic pace
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and it would be nice to just slow down a little bit.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Kathleen is a retired school assistant and aromatherapist
0:03:54 > 0:03:56and Dave works as an offshore surveyor,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58travelling all over the world,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02but he's now planning to wind down and spend more time on dry land.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05We're moving now I'm semi-retired.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09I used to work 180, 200 days a year but I've just changed my contract.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I work 90 days a year now, so we'll have lots more time,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and also, I've worked away for 30 years.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18It's time we got a life together, basically.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21With their two grown-up children having flown the nest,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24they hope to start this next chapter of their lives by getting away
0:04:24 > 0:04:27from it all in the peaceful Scottish Highlands.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31It reminds me very much of home because I'm from Cumbria,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35and I think Scotland is just that little bit more rugged,
0:04:35 > 0:04:40the scenery is absolutely fantastic, the wildlife too.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43You can go a walk there and you can walk for two or three hours and meet
0:04:43 > 0:04:48nobody, whereas I can't walk for a minute here without meeting anybody.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50But we'll need to get our skates on
0:04:50 > 0:04:53as David and Kathleen have already sold their house.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Well, David went off to work on a Tuesday,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58the house went on the market on a Wednesday
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and it was sold by the Thursday evening, which was quite unexpected.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06We didn't think things would move quite so quickly
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and, as you can see, everything is boxed up.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13There's no ornaments or anything on the walls, we're almost ready to go.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Until they find their new home, David and Kathleen will be
0:05:17 > 0:05:19travelling around Scotland in their caravan,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22giving the couple of a chance to indulge in their hobbies.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25For Kath, top of the agenda is craft work.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29My love of quilting began a few years ago.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33I just love being able to put pieces of fabric together
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and make a pattern, and it's just lovely
0:05:36 > 0:05:41being able to create something out of what looks like nothing.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Some people are lost without a watch on their wrist,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46but I'd be lost without my sewing machine.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49While Kathleen has it all sewn up,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Dave will be adding to his portfolio.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I like taking photographs of wildlife, you can
0:05:54 > 0:05:58get a lot closer to wildlife up there, it's a lot quieter.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01One thing I would love to photograph is a pine marten.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I've only ever seen one, and if I've got lots of time,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I can maybe devote a week, two weeks, three weeks,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10just to get a photograph of a pine marten, I would love to do that.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13But after nearly 40 years of living in Bristol,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17they're under no illusions that moving away is a big step.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21The only concern I've got is Kath's leaving a lot of friends here.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I mean, I work away from home here. I've got friends here
0:06:24 > 0:06:28but I also work with a lot of people that actually live in Scotland
0:06:28 > 0:06:29and people that live all over the world,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32so I haven't got the same ties to Bristol as Kath's got.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35I do have a lot of friends but I know that where we move to
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I'll also make a lot of new ones.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41With the prospect of a new home and new friends, they're looking forward
0:06:41 > 0:06:44to seeing out Dave's eventual retirement in the rural Highlands.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- We're so excited, we just can't wait to get there.- Yeah.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51We've talked about it for so long, for so many years,
0:06:51 > 0:06:56but then you've got to do something about it, so now's the time.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02David and Kathleen would like us to concentrate our property search
0:07:02 > 0:07:04between Inverness and Aviemore,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07in and around the Cairngorms National Park.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09I'm meeting up with them in the village of Carrbridge,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13within the National Park, to go over the specifics of their house search.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Well, hello, guys. How are you? - Fine, thank you very much. Yourself?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I'm very well.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So, formally, Dave and Kathleen, welcome to the Highlands.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Thank you.- Thank you.- Many people coming on Escape To The Country
0:07:24 > 0:07:27want to move closer to family, but that's not the case with you two
0:07:27 > 0:07:28because your family's all over the place.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Family's very spread out.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35Daughter in Singapore, sister in America, son in Wales,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37so, really, this is just about us.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Brilliant. So just give us an idea, Kathleen,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41now that you are focusing on this move,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45what should your house comprise? What does it need to have?
0:07:45 > 0:07:51Ideally, minimum three bedrooms, a lovely big kitchen,
0:07:51 > 0:07:56a dining space, a big family room, perhaps, it would be lovely
0:07:56 > 0:08:00if there was a workshop where I could set up a sewing machine
0:08:00 > 0:08:04or use it as a study, possibly views to the front.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- OK.- That would be lovely.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08And what about you, Dave?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Much the same. I'd like a garage workshop
0:08:11 > 0:08:16and a garden, somewhere between a quarter and a third of an acre,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18that ideally backs onto woodland,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20whether that's possible or not, I don't know.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23This rather feeds into your hobbies, doesn't it?
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Cos I know you're a very keen wildlife photographer.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29It is. Well, I intend to try and attract wildlife into the garden
0:08:29 > 0:08:31and it won't happen immediately,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34this could probably be a three, four, five-year project.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36But let's face it, wherever you are here
0:08:36 > 0:08:38you are surrounded by the most fabulous countryside,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41so I can understand that you don't really need an enormous garden
0:08:41 > 0:08:43because, actually, you've got...
0:08:43 > 0:08:46well, the Highlands to play in, really.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Now, just remind us of the amount of money
0:08:48 > 0:08:50you're prepared to spend on this move.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- The budget we have at the moment is around £325,000.- OK.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56The pressure is absolutely on.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59You've upped the ante since we first met you,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01in the fact that you're now here in your caravan.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04So, yeah, we've got three properties for you.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06You've got £325,000
0:09:06 > 0:09:09and we've got a mystery house, of course, in the mix.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Wow.- We can't quite afford Balmoral. - THEY LAUGH
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Sadly, it's not for sale, but if it does come on the market,
0:09:15 > 0:09:16you'll be the first to know.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- JULES LAUGHS - Good. Well, look, drink up,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- and we will see what we can find you.- OK.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28For a budget of £325,000, Dave and Kathleen want their
0:09:28 > 0:09:31forever home to have a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They'd prefer a traditional property, Kathleen would like
0:09:34 > 0:09:38a large kitchen and family room and a workshop for her quilting,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41as well as good views from the front of the property.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43For Dave, it's all about the outside space,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and he'd like at least a quarter of an acre of land
0:09:46 > 0:09:49to attract the local birds.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51We've arranged a selection of desirable Highland properties
0:09:51 > 0:09:54for Dave and Kathleen to view, but I'll keep them guessing
0:09:54 > 0:09:57on the price of each until after the tour.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00And finally, our mystery property opens a window of opportunity
0:10:00 > 0:10:03for our buyers to purchase a nature lover's dream.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Our first property is located close to the village of Glenlivet
0:10:11 > 0:10:14on the doorstop of the Cairngorms National Park.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and pasture land and with stunning
0:10:18 > 0:10:22views of the Cairngorm mountains, the area is a haven for wildlife.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25The village itself is probably most famous for its malt whisky
0:10:25 > 0:10:28distillery, and the nearby River Livet is a popular spot
0:10:28 > 0:10:30for salmon and trout fishing.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Despite being a small settlement, there's an active village hall,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36which was donated to the people by the founder of the distillery
0:10:36 > 0:10:41in the 1920s, and now hosts a number of community clubs and events.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45House number one is located in an elevated position in a quiet setting
0:10:45 > 0:10:48around a mile from the village.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51So, here we are then, in the heart of malt whisky country,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and that is property number one.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- BOTH: Uh-huh.- Nobody's really sure how old it is.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58I'm going to take a guess at about 1850...
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Really?- ..or so.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04But as you can see, we are not short of views
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and wildlife here is plentiful.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Red squirrels, roe deer, even an eagle they spotted from the garden.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Really? Brilliant.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Hopefully it'll give you something to get your camera out for.- OK.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17But what do you think of the property?
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Looks quite small from the outside but we'll wait and see,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- we'll have a look.- Can't wait to get inside and have a look.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Come on, then, let's see what you make of it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27We'll go round the back.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29'Our first property is an old crofter's dwelling,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32'which was extended at the rear in the 1980s,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34'and the current owners use this way in
0:11:34 > 0:11:37'as it leads into a boot room and then the dining room.'
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Now, it has been extended and this really is
0:11:40 > 0:11:42the meat of the extension, I suppose,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and it gives you this dining space.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Come over here and take it all in.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48It's not as large as I expected.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- OK.- It's a first impression, but it's very nice.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54The view is...view's incredible.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Very old, rustic and, like Dave,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00it's not as large as I expected it to be.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04I think you could potentially extend this yet further if you wanted to...
0:12:04 > 0:12:05I'm sure you could, yeah.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08..in the future because, in a way, you can glimpse the views,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11but it'd be lovely to have something that was much more open here.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- It would if you had a conservatory or something out here.- Yeah.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17But it does all flow rather nicely into the kitchen,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and I'm quite keen to show you this, Kathleen.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22And I know, Kathleen, that you do want one of those to have.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Oh, it's lovely.- Huge range. - It is, it's huge!
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Yeah, ever had one before?
0:12:27 > 0:12:29No, I wouldn't have a clue how to use it.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Well, I have exactly the same one, and I can tell you
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- it's pretty straightforward. - Oh, good.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37This, for me, is where the house really starts to come together
0:12:37 > 0:12:41because it does feel much bigger now, I think, once you get through
0:12:41 > 0:12:44here, cos it's all so open and it flows quite nicely through
0:12:44 > 0:12:46those double doors to the dining room.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48And you've got the nice features of the stone and so on.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Yeah, I like the exposed brickwork, it's lovely.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56It's so cosy and so traditional... traditional Scottish.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59It's certainly a reasonable-sized kitchen, this here as well.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Well, let's have a look at the living room, that's through here.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Better reactions to the generously-sized kitchen space.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Downstairs also features a small utility and shower room.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15How about this, then? A bit more cosy charm for you.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Hmm. Yeah.- It certainly is.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Lots of character to this room, isn't there?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- Another gorgeous wood burner for you.- Yes, lovely.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It's smaller than I expected.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30The ceiling in here is quite low.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35I do like the exposed brickwork but it makes the room quite dark.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39I mean, I'm thinking of you two in here, during those long
0:13:39 > 0:13:43winter nights, fire roaring away and there you are, Dave,
0:13:43 > 0:13:44with a glass of the local good stuff.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- I mean, you know, that's the picture I'm seeing.- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Let's get upstairs and look at these bedrooms
0:13:50 > 0:13:52because that's all important too.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57The upstairs landing provides access to three decent-sized double
0:13:57 > 0:14:00bedrooms, with two situated in the older part of the house
0:14:00 > 0:14:01overlooking the front.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05There's also a family bath and shower room, as well as the master.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09And this is for you.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Yeah, this is a bit larger. - Bigger than the caravan.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I'll say. I'll say.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yeah.- Yeah, it's a lot bigger than the caravan.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21I've noticed every room we've been in has got the views. Every one.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23The last bit, really, is to finish off in the garden.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Oh, that would be lovely, yeah.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Let's go look more at those views and we'll talk about the price,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- cos that may be quite interesting. - OK.- Come with me.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38The land comprises a well-maintained lawn, mature trees and a patio,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40but there's also an outbuilding
0:14:40 > 0:14:42which could make an excellent workshop for Dave.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45All in all, the land amounts to around a third of an acre.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51So, there is one final bit left - who's going to go first, then?
0:14:51 > 0:14:56Um, I would estimate about 270.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57270, yeah.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I think I'd probably go a little higher than that,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01getting up to 290.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05If it was around the 290 mark, it would leave you with quite
0:15:05 > 0:15:10a lot left over from your £325,000 to make a few tweaks here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14If it were closer to £210,000,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18you could go nuts here and keep a load in the bank.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- We could, yeah!- Goodness.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24£210,000, and all of that is for free.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- On the doorstep.- Goodness me. - Oh, that's wonderful.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Off you both go. I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Our first property leaves Dave and Kathleen at least £100,000
0:15:37 > 0:15:40to make further extensions to this former croft house.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It gives Kathleen her big kitchen, two reception rooms and the three
0:15:44 > 0:15:48bedrooms they asked for, as well as land and those all-important views.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- There's certainly a lot of room in here.- There is, yeah.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Well thought out, lots of shelves and very well organised.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59You could use it as your workshop or I could have it as a sewing room.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02And the views are spectacular, there's no doubt about that,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04360-degree view.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Once we walked inside, I thought there is room
0:16:06 > 0:16:10in here but, again, it could be a little larger.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13With the price and amount of money left over,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16there's lots of work I could do on it.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17I think it's a lovely house.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23When I approached from the exterior of the property, it looked small
0:16:23 > 0:16:26but, inside, it's surprisingly quite big.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I think more could be made of the property.
0:16:29 > 0:16:35The dining room could be extended along the back quite considerably.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41The garden is large enough to allow that. I think it could work.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Well, my two happy house hunters. How are we doing?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Oh, it's lovely, plenty to see. - Isn't there just?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50And I think this is a really nice one to start with,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52a classic bit of Highland architecture.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58So, the next one's got a bit of a view to beat, hasn't it?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01It's certainly got a view to beat, there's no doubt about that.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- But we're not short of them in the Highlands.- No.- Come on.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13The spectacular Highlands landscape has borne witness to some of the
0:17:13 > 0:17:17major events in Scottish history, not least the Battle of Culloden,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21which was fought on moorland overlooking Inverness in 1746.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25The Jacobite defeat was a disaster for the region and the
0:17:25 > 0:17:28aftermath saw government forces effectively dismantling
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Highland culture and society,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33which included the outlawing of tartan and the kilt
0:17:33 > 0:17:35for almost 40 years.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Today, the city of Inverness is the undisputed centre of Highland dress
0:17:39 > 0:17:41and home to many kilt makers,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44including the Highland House of Fraser.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47With Kathleen's passion for textiles, we sent her and David
0:17:47 > 0:17:50to find out more about the history and design of this
0:17:50 > 0:17:52world-famous emblem of Scotland.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55They're meeting manager Matthew MacAskill.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Hi there, welcome to Inverness
0:17:58 > 0:18:02and the Scottish Highlands, which is the home of Highland dress.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06As you can see, there are lots of different examples of tartan.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Are the colours of any relevance?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Yes, they are. Clans' tartans have changed over time
0:18:12 > 0:18:17and the colours have gone from being quite light in colour
0:18:17 > 0:18:18to a much deeper colour.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22And the significance of that is that before the Battle of Culloden,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25tartan was dyed using vegetable dyes.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30And then, in 1747, after the Battle of Culloden had ended,
0:18:30 > 0:18:35tartan was outlawed for a period of between 35, 36 years.
0:18:35 > 0:18:41- Goodness.- In 1782, when the abolition and proscription of Highland dress
0:18:41 > 0:18:46was repealed, people then began to dye tartans with chemical dyes.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And you can see a good example of this just behind us.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54The pattern has remained the same but, over time, with the vegetable
0:18:54 > 0:18:58dyes producing such light colours, they now look very different.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Just as the tartan colours have changed through history
0:19:02 > 0:19:04so too has kilt design.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06This is an example of feileadh mor,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which is Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'great kilt'.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12And this is the earliest example of kilts.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15It originated in around about the 16th century
0:19:15 > 0:19:19and it was made from about eight yards of material.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22How is it all put together? I mean, I can't see any stitching.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24No, you're right, there's absolutely no stitching.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28You would have actually had to lie on the floor to put this on,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33pleated it by hand and then it would be held in place with this belt.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38Nowadays, we don't have this portion that we have at the top here.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41And all the excess cloth that was from the bottom
0:19:41 > 0:19:43would have been thrown over your shoulder
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and held in place with a brooch.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Although kilts are still often made from once piece of material,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52the introduction of tailoring in the 18th century
0:19:52 > 0:19:56saw the kilt evolved into a fitted skirt-like garment.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59In the 19th century, Queen Victoria's love of the Highlands
0:19:59 > 0:20:01helped boost the kilt's popularity.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03David is trying one on for size.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Here we go.- OK. Thank you.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12So, Kathleen, has Dave ever worn a kilt before?
0:20:12 > 0:20:14No, never, this is a first.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Oh, wow.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- How do you feel?- I feel fine, it's quite comfortable.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22You're almost finished, but there's a couple of finishing touches
0:20:22 > 0:20:26which I've got in my sporran here, so we've got your sgian-dubh
0:20:26 > 0:20:28and then we can move onto the kilt pin.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- OK.- So those are the two finishing touches we need to make.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35With the sgian-dubh, that's Gaelic and it means 'a black knife.'
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Long ago, people would have been able to take one weapon with them
0:20:38 > 0:20:42into somebody else's house, which sounds a bit silly nowadays
0:20:42 > 0:20:45but, in those days, I'm sure it was needed.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49And this just goes into your sock, so if you're right-handed,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52you can just pop that into your right-hand sock there.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- OK?- OK.- And then the other part is your kilt pin.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- So I'll pop this on for you.- Yeah.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04With this final decorative flourish...
0:21:04 > 0:21:05- And that's you.- Perfect.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09David looks every part the Scottish gent, so the pressure's on
0:21:09 > 0:21:11to find our buyers a Highland home.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17For our second property, we're heading southwest
0:21:17 > 0:21:21into the National Park and the village of Laggan.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Surrounded by mountains, including the Cairngorm and Grampian ranges,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28the village is most famous as the filming location for the popular
0:21:28 > 0:21:33TV drama series Monarch Of The Glen, and is frequented by its many fans.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Amenities include a hostel and coffee shop.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Our second house is situated just outside the village,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43in the small hamlet of Catlodge, and benefits from an elevated
0:21:43 > 0:21:46position with far-reaching views of the Cairngorms.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49And this is our property for you to feast your eyes on,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51which I rather like, actually.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52It's rather nice.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54It was two cottages once upon a time,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57and they were both sort of two up, two downs.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59It's now one huge property.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02It's all done, it's immaculate. Nice little garden behind with
0:22:02 > 0:22:05some woodland surrounding it for the wildlife.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07And we showed you views this morning,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09but I think they're even better, actually.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Quite spectacular, aren't they?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13They really are. Let's have a look, then.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The house was, at one time, the local shop and pub.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It has been fully renovated by the current owners,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22who retained many original features
0:22:22 > 0:22:26but also built an extension, replacing the old wooden garage.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33So we'll start with the kitchen. Very much the kitchen-diner,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36much more in the mode of what I think you've been thinking about.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40It's very nice, but it's still smaller than I expected it to be.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I haven't got much room for my head. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:45 > 0:22:47The kitchen is smaller than I expected, yes.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50It's...you know, it's not bad.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51It's not bad.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- You have got a separate dining room as well.- Really?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Yeah, further down there. So maybe that will make a difference.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- So perhaps we need to explore more. - We'll have a look, yeah.- I think so.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01This way.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- This is a lovely room.- I was waiting for you to say something good, yes!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- It is a lovely room. - Oh, I love that feature fireplace.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13- Yes.- It's lovely.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- It's got lots of features, there's no doubt about that.- Yeah.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It wasn't built last week.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It certainly wasn't built last week. In fact, it was built about 1840.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Really?- There you go. So, probably a similar age
0:23:23 > 0:23:26to property one, really. This is currently a sitting room.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It could be a dining room if you want it to be.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31This and the room next door, which is currently the dining room,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33are pretty interchangeable.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35They've both got wood burners that are a similar spec.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39So, you could have this right next to the kitchen as your diner
0:23:39 > 0:23:40and put the living room beyond.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45The ground floor also features a family room with a double-height
0:23:45 > 0:23:49ceiling and a utility room, both housed in the timber extension,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53as well as an additional shower room in the older part of the house.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Also on the ground floor is the main bedroom.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59And then, as promised, this is your master.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- It's a nice, big room, isn't it? - This is a good-sized bedroom.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06It's really nice. Again, another wood burner...
0:24:06 > 0:24:08THEY CHUCKLE
0:24:08 > 0:24:10..and a really pretty en-suite, have a look at that.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Oh, my, it's huge!
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Yeah.- Oh, very nice.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19The first floor is home to three further bedrooms, including a
0:24:19 > 0:24:23large triple-aspect room accessed by its own staircase.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26One of the other two bedrooms could make an excellent sewing room
0:24:26 > 0:24:27for Kathleen.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Outside, the grounds are mainly laid to lawn and bordered by
0:24:30 > 0:24:34mature trees with views over the surrounding countryside.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Though I do happen to know, Dave, that, um...
0:24:37 > 0:24:41you're quite keen to have some trees around your garden to attract
0:24:41 > 0:24:44the wildlife to allow you to get the camera out.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45Would this work?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47This garden, I would say, is...
0:24:47 > 0:24:50possibly as close to perfect as you can get.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51- Really?- Yeah.- Why?
0:24:51 > 0:24:54It just is. It's about the right size, there's two tiers,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56you've got the trees around.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Excellent. Does it work for you?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- I thought Dave would have said it's a bit small.- Ah.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Well, all in all, you've about 0.4 of an acre,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08so actually a little bit more than property one, actually,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10because there's a parking area through there.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13So it's not as obvious, you can't see it all from one place.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15No, probably because it's a different shape.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18And, of course, you've got much more of a front garden here as well.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It's also got that building over there which, hopefully, might
0:25:22 > 0:25:25give you somewhere in which to tinker around.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26Fair enough.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31So, is the price perfect, I wonder?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- I think you went first last time, didn't you?- I did.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36All right, Dave, your turn.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I was so far out last time, it's very difficult.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I'll stick to 290.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43290, yeah.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I'll go just a tad lower and say 285.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49285. A cheeky 285.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54Actually, you're not far off the pair of you, it's offers over 295.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- Oh, so fairly close. - Yeah, not far at all.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59What do we think about that?
0:25:59 > 0:26:02The garden really impresses me, that's just perfect.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Off you go. Go and explore.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Thank you.- And I will catch up with you a little bit later.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09Interesting one, this.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12I really like it and I sort of think they do too,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14but there's a lot at stake here, it's a bit move
0:26:14 > 0:26:19and it has to happen in hurry, but could this be the solution?
0:26:19 > 0:26:20It might.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26£30,000 under budget, our second property gives Dave and Kathleen
0:26:26 > 0:26:28a larger kitchen than our first offering,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30one more bedroom than they asked for,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33three reception rooms, including a modern family room
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and nearly half an acre of land.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39This is a nice, light, airy room, isn't it?
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Both are light, again. In natural light, yeah.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47It's a nice guest room, or it could possibly be a sewing room.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50In this house, there's lots of room downstairs
0:26:50 > 0:26:53but, upstairs, I find it difficult
0:26:53 > 0:26:56because I'm quite tall and I bang my head.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59The view and garden are absolutely perfect.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02As I say, I'm a bit concerned about the height.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I think it's a very lovely home.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07There's certainly things you could do with the downstairs
0:27:07 > 0:27:14in terms of chopping and changing what each room would function as.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Upstairs doesn't appear to have as much room.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20I like the house but,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23unfortunately, I don't think it's going to work for us.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Well, you know, I think we have been really spoilt today.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Beautiful views, fantastic houses.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32Happy?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Brilliant day.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35It's been a long day.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Who fancies a Scotch, then?
0:27:37 > 0:27:38Come on.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49It's the second day of our Highland property search
0:27:49 > 0:27:54with Dave and Kathleen from Bristol, who have a budget of £325,000
0:27:54 > 0:27:56to spend on their Scottish idyll.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Coming up, who's dropping in at the mystery house?
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Red kites, oystercatchers, curlews, lapwings, plovers,
0:28:03 > 0:28:09salmon dancing around in the water, sandpipers, house martens, owls.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13And I sample a Scottish brew of a very different kind.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Very refreshing and, actually, as an iced tea,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I can imagine that's absolutely delicious too.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19It's a great idea.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23You know, in scouring the country for property
0:28:23 > 0:28:26we also come across some fabulous bits of local history.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Take this, it's the old packhorse bridge at Carrbridge.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33And since it was built in 1717,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36an awful lot of history has passed over it and it survived some
0:28:36 > 0:28:40potentially catastrophic floods, one of which took the parapet off.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42But the good news, of course, is that it's still here,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46as are we on our final day of house hunting here in the Highlands.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50We've got an awful lot still to do. It's mystery house time.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53For our last property, we're heading towards Inverness and to the
0:28:53 > 0:28:57small village of Tomatin, which is around 16 miles from the city.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Situated on the banks of the River Findhorn, the Highland
0:29:01 > 0:29:04mainline and the A9 cross nearby, and the village has a number of
0:29:04 > 0:29:09amenities, including a shop with discreet signage.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11The house itself is located just outside the village
0:29:11 > 0:29:15in an elevated position, surrounded by woodland.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17A more modern affair than our previous properties,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21it's quirky to say the least, but offers one of our buyers the chance
0:29:21 > 0:29:24to partake in their favourite pastime without ever having
0:29:24 > 0:29:27to leave the comfort of their armchair.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29There you go. What do you reckon?
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Wow, unusual shape.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35From the air, it's effectively an octagon, but they've removed
0:29:35 > 0:29:38this central section to create a more sort of formal entranceway.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43But, in effect, it's a bit like an enormous hide, because the wildlife
0:29:43 > 0:29:46around here is extraordinary. Can you hear all the birds?
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- I can.- Uh-huh.- Above us. I was talking to the owner, and one of the
0:29:49 > 0:29:50beautiful things about it
0:29:50 > 0:29:53is that, because it's an octagon, it has these huge picture windows
0:29:53 > 0:29:56on most sides of it, designed to take in everything you can see.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01The list of species here is so long I had to write it down.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- This is to whet your appetite, mate. You ready?- Yeah.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Merlin, red kites, oystercatchers, curlews, lapwings, plovers,
0:30:08 > 0:30:13salmon dancing around in the water, sandpipers, house martens, owls.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16They have occasionally seen an otter,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- roe deer and, of course, red squirrels.- Wow.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21THEY LAUGH
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Excellent. Well, we've got the reaction I was hoping for.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27And wait till you get inside, I think there'll be one or two more
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- 'wows' as well, so think of it as a house that's a hide.- Yeah.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Come on, let's have a look inside.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38So, Dave and Kathleen can spy on their wild neighbours from
0:30:38 > 0:30:43this uniquely designed octo-house which was built in the mid 1970s.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Due to its shape, the room proportions are somewhat
0:30:46 > 0:30:49unconventional and arranged off a central hallway.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Wow, look at this, you've got this sort of galleried hallway.
0:30:55 > 0:31:01And then, in here, we've got you a sort of dining entrance way.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- That's interesting.- Isn't it? - Interesting shape, isn't it?
0:31:05 > 0:31:09All the rooms are that shape, which means you get these enormous
0:31:09 > 0:31:11windows letting the light and the view in.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Oh, what a view. Oh, isn't that wonderful?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- Goodness.- Gosh.- Happy?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18You can see the salmon jumping in that stream.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Well, they do regularly. I mean, that's the joy of it.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24You can sit here all day long and just soak up the wildlife.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28And through here, it's even lighter. Look at this.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30A certain sort of...almost baronial feel to it
0:31:30 > 0:31:33cos they've incorporated a nice bit of stonework there,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37a nice kind of hint to the architectural heritage of the area.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39But this lovely high ceiling
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- and, you know, as much light as you could want.- Uh-huh.
0:31:43 > 0:31:44It's lovely.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Really lovely.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I get the feeling this is a house that you genuinely
0:31:50 > 0:31:52could see yourselves enjoying?
0:31:52 > 0:31:53I think I could.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Certainly up to now, yeah.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Yeah, from what we've seen so far.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Let's continue though here, back across to this lovely dining hall...
0:32:03 > 0:32:06..and into the kitchen, Kathleen.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Nice range there for you again. So does this one work?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12This is a lovely kitchen, especially the outlook as well.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16It also leads on into a snug area there, which offers you a bit more
0:32:16 > 0:32:20informality, I suppose, you know, supper on your lap or whatever.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22And, of course, you've got the dining room next door.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Yeah, yeah, I think this would work.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Finally on the ground floor, there's a workshop and utility room,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32somewhere for Dave to tinker.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35And what's lovely is that the octagon shape, I think,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38really reveals itself in the staircase and this hallway.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43The upper landing gives access to five bedrooms, all with great views.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Two of those are doubles and then there are three singles.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49The smallest is being used as an office
0:32:49 > 0:32:51but could easily be turned into a sewing room.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55There's also a family bathroom with three-piece suite.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58And, of course, the master.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01And this is your room, we're thinking,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03because it has a lovely little en-suite in there.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Lovely.- And again, views for the wildlife.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Breathtaking.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Stunning.- This is incredible.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Nobody's interested in the en-suite, are they?
0:33:15 > 0:33:17It's that that's really captured your imagination.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- Yes.- Yeah, it's lovely, and it's a nice size.- Yeah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24So I think this has all gone down rather well.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25I think so.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29But it is our mystery house. Can you afford it?
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I don't know.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Let's go and see, come on.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37The house is surrounded by a garden, which is mostly lawn,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41with a selection of fruit trees providing privacy.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46Now, in terms of outside space, it's 0.3 of an acre,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48but what you own, I think, is kind of irrelevant
0:33:48 > 0:33:51when you're surrounded by all of that.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54So, it's our final price guess.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56The all-important question.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Well, I think this one is particularly important for you two.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Kathleen, you've got £325,000 to spend.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07How much of it would you need to let go to get our mystery house?
0:34:07 > 0:34:12I think it must be pretty close to our max, so I would say 320.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I'd say we might even have to add a little bit to it,
0:34:17 > 0:34:21so I'll say top of the range, 325 plus five, ten maybe.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23OK. So, over budget?
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Just about, yes.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Well, here's the good news, it's not over budget.- Really?
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Goodness.- It's under budget.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32And remember that we are in Scotland,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34so it's offers over...
0:34:34 > 0:34:36290,000.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38(Good heavens.) JULES LAUGHS
0:34:38 > 0:34:39How about that?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- Goodness.- Yes.- That's amazing.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47And all this on the doorstep too? It's wonderful.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- That's incredible. - CHOKED UP: Got to go off camera.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- JULES LAUGHS - Oh, Kathleen, come back!
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Come back. You can have a cry with me, that's all right.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Come on! Come here, come here, come here.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Come on. Come on.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Now, then, this is obviously a big move for you,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and it's quite an emotional thing buying a house.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07It's OK to have a little bit of a tear, when it's a good tear.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08All right?
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Go and enjoy it, go and explore it
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- and I will catch up with you a little bit later.- OK.- OK.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14Brilliant.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Well, there we go, our mystery house could well have done it again,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21and why not? For these two, who love their wildlife,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23this could be the perfect hideaway.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31Under budget by £35,000, our unique octo-house gives our buyers
0:35:31 > 0:35:35panoramic views across unspoilt Highland countryside.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39The accommodation is generous and gives Kathleen her large kitchen,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42plenty of options for a sewing room in one of the
0:35:42 > 0:35:45five bedrooms whilst, for Dave, there are windows all the way
0:35:45 > 0:35:49around the house to capture the wildlife in the secluded garden.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I think the mystery house is incredible, pretty much everything
0:35:52 > 0:35:56you want. You've got the views, the woodland, the location is ideal.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58At the moment, I can't find anything wrong it.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00It's basically what I'm looking for.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05It's very unusual but it just flows inside, it's really lovely.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Lovely and homely, and we've got all that wildlife on the doorstep.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It's brilliant.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Well, I think it's fair to say
0:36:12 > 0:36:14our house hunting has ended on something of a high?
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I think it has.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18And I think you've got lots of thinking to do.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20- Lots of thinking.- I think we have.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27The rugged Highlands produce Scotland's
0:36:27 > 0:36:29most famous liquid export
0:36:29 > 0:36:32but as well as malt whisky, the region could soon be
0:36:32 > 0:36:36adding a less potent dram to the menu - home-grown tea.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40The Wee Tea plantation in Dalreoch is the first commercial tea
0:36:40 > 0:36:44plantation in Scotland and is already home to 2,000 plants,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47making it one of the largest in Europe.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50I've come to the plantation to find out what's brewing
0:36:50 > 0:36:52from tea blender Derek Walker.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Derek, when I think of tea, I don't think of Scotland,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58I think of India or China.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01So what is about the climate here that makes tea possible?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04There's a lot of things that are engulfed in the plant
0:37:04 > 0:37:06from the soil, the air, the actual...
0:37:06 > 0:37:08the weather round about here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10All of these things contribute to this beautiful tea
0:37:10 > 0:37:12that we grow here in Dalreoch Estate.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15You could liken this place here to Darjeeling, couldn't you,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- in the Himalayas. - There's the plantation.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Can we go and take a closer look at what you're growing?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Come on, let me show you.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26Derek is also using growing techniques to ensure the tea plants
0:37:26 > 0:37:29can survive the often extreme Scottish weather.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Plastic covers protect the plants from the frost until they're
0:37:32 > 0:37:34big enough to cope with the harsh winters.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Now, Derek, these look like very young plants.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Are they big enough to be producing tea yet?
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Well, sure, let's have a look at them.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43These are about four years old,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47and it's these fresh leaves that we are looking for
0:37:47 > 0:37:49for our tea. It's what you do
0:37:49 > 0:37:52once you've plucked the leaf that makes the tea.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53Whether you add a flavour,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57if you bake the leaf, for how long you leave the leaf to ferment
0:37:57 > 0:38:00perhaps, or for how long you leave the leaf to oxidise.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03And the longer you leave it, the more caffeine is actually formed
0:38:03 > 0:38:04within the leaf itself.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07What we'll do here in the plantation is we'll take these fresh leaves,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09we'll leave them for a very short period of time,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12we bake them and we have our Dalreoch white tea.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- White tea?- Sure.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18White tea is the least processed of all the teas
0:38:18 > 0:38:20and has the highest levels of anti-oxidants
0:38:20 > 0:38:22and the lowest quantity of caffeine.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Black tea, on the other hand, has been fermented and baked,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29producing a stronger colour, but higher caffeine levels.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30I'm joining Derek for a cuppa.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Now, we've got our white tea over here.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36So that's just straightforward green leaves?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38It looks very, very simple,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and I'm going to put in a nice heaped teaspoon.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Now, I'm not adding boiling water to this.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Because it's much more delicate, I'm going to add kind of tepid water.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52We don't want to cook it, you know, we want to extract the flavour.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54So, in a way, you're coaxing it out, you're not forcing the tea out?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56That's exactly right.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00With the white tea we want to give it a chance just to brew.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Three minutes later, it's ready to drink.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Now, it's a very pale-looking liquid in there, isn't it?
0:39:05 > 0:39:06Let's take a look.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We're not putting any milk or any other nasties in here,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- it's just good old-fashioned tea? - Absolutely.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14The way it was designed to be drunk.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15- Well, cheers.- Cheers.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Here's to you.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Oh. Gosh.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25A lot of people say they can taste almost like a nutty fragrance.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Very refreshing and, actually, as an iced tea,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30I can imagine that's absolutely delicious too.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31That's a great idea.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Well, here's to you. I absolutely love it.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35I suppose the big question remains,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39do you think you'll ever sell your tea in China?
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- I think we should watch this space. - THEY LAUGH
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Well, best of luck.- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Well, there is one more important conversation
0:39:51 > 0:39:53we need to have with Dave and Kathleen
0:39:53 > 0:39:57and that is to find out if they have indeed made any firm plans
0:39:57 > 0:39:58for their future,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01and where better to have it other than at their place?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Let's hope they've got the kettle on.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Well, this is a first for me on Escape To The Country,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14coming round to your place to have our final chat.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16And now we see the problem.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- This is where we live. - THEY LAUGH
0:40:19 > 0:40:21How is it that any of our houses offered anything
0:40:21 > 0:40:24that was remotely too small?
0:40:24 > 0:40:25So, let's think about it.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Our first two properties - very traditional.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33We thought they might fit the bill, but not quite, Kathleen?
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Not quite. The first one, although the kitchen was lovely
0:40:37 > 0:40:41and flowed straight into the dining room, they were a bit small.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44And, Dave, you weren't convinced by number two?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Number two, I wasn't convinced.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50My head was two inches below the roof
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and when I walked upstairs to the upstairs, my head was in the roof.
0:40:53 > 0:40:59- OK, but we kept, arguably, the best till last.- I'll say.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Our mystery house has had quite a profound effect
0:41:01 > 0:41:03upon both of you, I think.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06It certainly did. It blew me away, for want of a better term.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I was really, really impressed.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11And, Kathleen, it all got a bit too much didn't it, in the end?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Totally overwhelmed. Totally. Yeah, yeah.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It was a bit of an emotional time.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Now, you have suggested that you don't need to look any more?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24And that maybe you're going to go and see it again.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27That could possibly be our future home.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30So, what happens next?
0:41:30 > 0:41:34I think we've got to go down to the selling solicitor,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38check out the home report, which is the Scottish equivalent of the
0:41:38 > 0:41:42English surveyors report, and take it from there, see what happens.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45In Scotland, the process is quicker than it is in England,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49and they reckon you can...from saying, "Yes, I'll have the house,"
0:41:49 > 0:41:51it's six to eight weeks to moving in.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52What about you, Kathleen,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55are you surprised that it may all happen now quite quickly for you?
0:41:55 > 0:41:57I hope it does happen quickly.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02I would be relieved not to have to spend a winter in the caravan,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06and the thought of being able to unpack the boxes so quickly
0:42:06 > 0:42:08would be a very welcome result.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Well, you do make a very fine cup of coffee, it has to be said, Kathleen.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- Thank you.- But I hope, in due course,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16you'll be drinking champagne.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Hmm.- Let's hope so. - Well, here's to you, best of luck.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Cheers.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Well, our trip to Scotland with Dave and Kathleen has been
0:42:28 > 0:42:32an awful lot of fun but we have had to work quite hard along the way.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36We began we a couple of properties that were full of history
0:42:36 > 0:42:37but, as it turned out,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41it was the mystery they wanted and we gave that to them in spades.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45So, all in all, our trip to the Highlands has ended on a high
0:42:45 > 0:42:48and I am delighted. I'll see you next time.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Well, I'm delighted to say that Dave and Kathleen returned to our
0:42:53 > 0:42:56mystery house for a second viewing and made an offer which was
0:42:56 > 0:43:00accepted, so we wish them all the best for their new adventure.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:02 > 0:43:05in either England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:43:05 > 0:43:11and need our help, you can apply online at: