0:00:02 > 0:00:05This 15th-century fortification rises 20 metres high,
0:00:05 > 0:00:06can be seen for miles around
0:00:06 > 0:00:10and inspired one of this country's most admired authors.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Find out where it stands in just a few moments.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32On today's show, we're helping new parents
0:00:32 > 0:00:35find a family home that comes with business potential...
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Wow. It's long.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42..but at times it seems what they're really after is wardrobe potential.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- My one concern would be storage cos you have an immense amount of clothes and shoes.- Yeah.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Glad you said that.- Yeah!
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Today, we're in the Scottish Borders
0:00:52 > 0:00:55and this impressive four-storey building behind me
0:00:55 > 0:00:57is called Smailholm Tower,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01one of a number of fortified houses built across the region
0:01:01 > 0:01:03that also served as lookout towers.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Now, close by, just in the gathering of farm buildings there,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10is the childhood home of novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14So fond was he of this particular landmark and its commanding views,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17that he even included it in some of his work.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20And even when he died in 1832,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23his funeral procession stopped one last time
0:01:23 > 0:01:25to savour these dramatic views.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28And I must say, looking around, it's not hard to see why.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33The Scottish Borders,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35along with neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38form the gateway between England and Scotland.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41It's one of the largest regions in Britain
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and encompasses rolling uplands,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45the ruggedly beautiful Berwickshire coastline
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and the magnificent River Tweed
0:01:47 > 0:01:49where more Atlantic salmon are caught
0:01:49 > 0:01:51than in any other British river.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Having been farmed and fought over for centuries,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58there are over 15,000 sites and monuments
0:01:58 > 0:02:01registered in the Historic Environment Record.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05One of those is the evocative 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07which, in spite of countless border army raids,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10still towers remarkably intact.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15The tranquil beauty here is unmarred by densely populated areas,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18but it does have a fine share of small and beguiling towns,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21including Kelso, which literary icon Walter Scott,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25who had family ties here, described as the most beautiful,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28if not the most romantic, village in Scotland.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31And the region's famous writer is just one of many
0:02:31 > 0:02:32who have drawn inspiration
0:02:32 > 0:02:36from this intriguing and idyllic part of the country.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The average price of property here in the Scottish Borders
0:02:41 > 0:02:44comes in at just over £166,000,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46which is around £30,000 more
0:02:46 > 0:02:48than neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51yet still £50,000 cheaper than Edinburgh,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54although Borders locations with good access back into the city
0:02:54 > 0:02:58or along the desirable east coast still attract a premium.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00But if it's a truly rural existence you're after,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03then prepare to be pleasantly surprised
0:03:03 > 0:03:04on just how far your money will go.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So, let's meet today's property shoppers
0:03:06 > 0:03:08to find out where they want to call home
0:03:08 > 0:03:12and to find out how much money they're prepared to pay for it.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14For the last year, Damian and Sam
0:03:14 > 0:03:17have been living in this three-bedroom house in Penicuik,
0:03:17 > 0:03:1910 miles south of Edinburgh.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It's one of the married quarters for the Royal Regiment of Scotland,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26where Sandhurst-trained Damian is an operations officer.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29From the time the couple met six years ago,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31they've lived all over the country
0:03:31 > 0:03:33and this is the fourth house they've moved to together.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36But since the arrival of daughter Hermione,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40they've been hankering for a more settled life in the country.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43My job basically means that I have to move
0:03:43 > 0:03:47maybe one or even every two years so it's quite transient.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51But now, having Hermione, we maybe want a bit more stability for her.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53And I think the concern is, you know,
0:03:53 > 0:03:54as Hermione gets to school age,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57then she'd have to move schools every two years
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- and I think that's what we're keen to avoid, really, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03The couple's dream of finding a more permanent family home
0:04:03 > 0:04:06for Hermione to grow up in does come with a compromise.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09During the week, Damian will need to stay at the base for work,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12leaving just the weekends to spend with the family.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14But with their new rural surroundings,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17the time they do have together will be quality time.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22We like to get out as a family so I think being in the country,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25we'd make a lot of use of the grounds so a lot of walking.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28The horse riding that would come with the country
0:04:28 > 0:04:31that Sam's very keen on getting Hermione involved in and me.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34The amount of opportunities it would give us as a family
0:04:34 > 0:04:37to get outdoors and do stuff, the better.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42THEY SING SCALE
0:04:42 > 0:04:45During the time they've lived in the regiment's married quarters,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Sam has formed close bonds with a special group of women
0:04:48 > 0:04:51that she's keen to stay connected to after the move.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I'm a member of the Military Wives Choir
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and we meet every Tuesday night for rehearsals, which is...
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It's a great social, actually.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It's kind of nice to meet like-minded people
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and it's a bit of a jolly, but we do rehearse for specific events,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06which is fantastic.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Really, really good fun. So, it's a nice crowd.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13It's not just the leisure activities that will be affected by the move.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17While a permanent rural base means a weekly commute for Damian,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19it does offer Sam, who's currently on maternity leave
0:05:19 > 0:05:21from her job as a procurement manager,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24new ways of earning that she could do from home.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Being a military wife can actually be quite hard
0:05:26 > 0:05:28in terms of managing a career.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31So, what would be good would be if we could have a property
0:05:31 > 0:05:32that we could run a small business from
0:05:32 > 0:05:35and the ideas we kind of originally had would be
0:05:35 > 0:05:37could we have a cottage in the grounds
0:05:37 > 0:05:40that we could, you know, use as a holiday let
0:05:40 > 0:05:43or a stable block that we could run a livery yard from?
0:05:43 > 0:05:44It's not set in stone.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I think we're open to kind of the different possibilities.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Although proximity to Damian's work is one of the main motivations
0:05:50 > 0:05:53for selecting the Scottish Borders as a place to settle down,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57it's part of the country they do have a genuine affection for.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59It's the countryside. It's the fresh air.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- It's quite close to the coast as well.- Yeah.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04And we get the best of both worlds of Scotland/England as well
0:06:04 > 0:06:08being right on the border and I can't think of a better place to move.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15So that it's easy for Damian to get home to the family at weekends,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17we're keeping our search within an hour and a half's drive
0:06:17 > 0:06:19from the regiment in Penicuik.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I'm meeting up with them to find out some more about their move.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26So, here we are in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Why have you chosen to plant yourselves here specifically, then, Sam?
0:06:29 > 0:06:31It's beautiful. We absolutely love it.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32You must be quite excited
0:06:32 > 0:06:34to be thinking about a more permanent base.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Have you got a picture in your mind's eye
0:06:36 > 0:06:39of the sort of home that you'd both love to bring your daughter up in?
0:06:39 > 0:06:43I think so. I think we'd both definitely like something quite traditional.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Four to five bedrooms. Somewhere with a bit of land.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47You know, definitely with some stables
0:06:47 > 0:06:50for potentially a pony for Hermione to grow up with.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- So, what does it look like? - I think we like Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian kind of styles.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55Right.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58We definitely don't like kind of that cottagey feel with,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00you know, the beams, Damian being quite tall.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Height's an issue. - Yeah, that could be...
0:07:02 > 0:07:03- Yeah.- Not so much for me.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04BOTH LAUGH
0:07:04 > 0:07:08We're in the beautiful countryside. How rural do you want to get?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10We're prepared to be rural,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12but not to the extent that we're so isolated.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16So, it's got to be a good balance of having a small village
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- or a small town nearby.- Close by.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19This big move, if you like,
0:07:19 > 0:07:24it's obviously, first and foremost, this new family home,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26but there's also an idea that you might want to run a business.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Have you got a minimum plot size in mind?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- I think a couple of acres.- I think a couple of acres would be great.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Anything more would be an absolute bonus.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38OK, let's talk budget. How much are you looking to spend on this move?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Our budget at the moment is about £600,000-£650,000.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44We've got three fantastic properties lined up for you
0:07:44 > 0:07:46so let's not wait any longer.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- Let's go and have a look. - BOTH: Great.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53With a generous budget of £650,000,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Damian and Sam are looking for a period family home
0:07:56 > 0:07:59with four to five bedrooms and some kind of business potential,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02perhaps in the form of outbuildings or land.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04At least two acres would be ideal.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06They'd also like a stable
0:08:06 > 0:08:08so that Hermione can have a pony.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10We've got a great selection of homes to show them
0:08:10 > 0:08:12and at the end of each tour,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I'll be getting them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17One will be the mystery house,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21which could have them rethinking their priorities between home and business.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- You're a rider, aren't you?- Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- Are you looking forward to having your own horse or have you got one already?- I haven't.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- That's something I've always, always wanted.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Something else on the shopping list, Damian.- Yeah, well, not for me.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41My father has actually promised a pony to Hermione,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45clearly not quite realising how much that may cost.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46Got witnesses.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49You've got basically all week at work
0:08:49 > 0:08:51and then coming home, "Oh, great.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53"I've got to muck out Hermione's stable."
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Well, that's where Sam comes in.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- You see, she's very thorough with that kind of thing.- Oh, are you?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Already, we're allocating mucking out duties. Amazing.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07We're starting our search close to the coast in Coldingham,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10which is an hour's drive east of Damian's work in Penicuik.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14This charming conservation village has a selection of appealing shops
0:09:14 > 0:09:15as well as plenty of history.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18It grew up around a Benedictine priory
0:09:18 > 0:09:21that was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army,
0:09:21 > 0:09:22some of the ruins of which still remain
0:09:22 > 0:09:25on the site of the church that replaced it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28To top it off, the village is situated just inland from Coldingham Sands,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32with its beautiful blue flag beach and walking tracks
0:09:32 > 0:09:35that link to the spectacular Berwickshire Coastal Path.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Just a mile from the village and a stone's throw from the beach
0:09:38 > 0:09:39is our first property.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- What do you think?- Lovely, yeah. - It's great from the outside.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46It's a nice, peaceful, rural setting,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50but with proximity to some people so you don't feel too isolated.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- And the size is great. - Looks good.- Great news.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Let's take a look inside.- Great.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59Built in the 19th century,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01the property was originally a farmhouse
0:10:01 > 0:10:02and over the last seven years,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06the current owners have done a considerable amount of work to it.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- So, in we come.- Ah. Wow.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- Old and new meeting, isn't it? - Mm-hm. Yeah. It is nicely done.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15It still retains a lot of the period features
0:10:15 > 0:10:17and everything like that, which is great.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19And I think it's a nice-sized space
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and in a lot of respects, the fact that it is quite open,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24you know, to have Hermione running round as well
0:10:24 > 0:10:28and keep an eye on her, it could potentially work.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Let's stick this side of the house and look at the living room.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- So, quite an elegant room, this. - Yeah, it's a nice size.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Yeah, and I like all the windows.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- It's really light. - The windows are great.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Just through that door, you've also got a sunroom or conservatory,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47which, I think, you know, come the autumn or spring
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- would just be absolutely gorgeous to sit out there.- Yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53It's like, you know, the textbook living room, isn't it,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55where you can sit and watch TV?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57You've still got your fireplace to make it seem nice and homely.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01It's beautiful how it's done, but I think it's not to our taste.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I think we'd...a bit of cosmetic here and there.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I think a bit more traditional is how we'd like it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- It's cosmetic, isn't it? - Mm-hm. Yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- See, I find that quite encouraging. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Good. All right, kitchen next.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Just mind your step here.- OK.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Got a really handy utility area... - Fab.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24..which means the kitchen is just the kitchen and the dining room.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Oh, wow. This is really nice.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29This is a lovely space.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Windows are great. - Yeah, this is fantastic.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You both smiled as soon as you came in here.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Yeah, it's a great room. I love it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40It's spacious, but it's homely at the same time, isn't it?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Yeah. Mm-hm. - Yeah, nicely done kitchen
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and I don't think we'd do too much to that at all.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I don't think we'd do anything to the kitchen. It's beautiful.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Well, I'll take you upstairs to see one of the bedrooms,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- then you can have a scoot round on your own.- OK.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57We're heading back to the entrance hall to use the main staircase,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01but there is another set of stairs at the other end of the hall.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02It provides independent access
0:12:02 > 0:12:07for what is effectively a small wing made up of two en suite bedrooms.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10One's on the ground floor and the other is directly above,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12but I'll talk about what I've got in mind for that
0:12:12 > 0:12:15once we've seen what's upstairs back in the main part of the house.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- So, you've got three bedrooms in this side.- OK.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- This is one of two potential master bedrooms.- Right.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25This is a nice room.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28I like the double aspect. It's nice and light.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29Quite high ceilings.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33My one concern would be the very boring fact of storage
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- cos you have an immense amount of clothes and shoes...- Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38..as every lady does.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- So, that... - I'm glad you said that.- Yeah!
0:12:41 > 0:12:44..that would be my one concern at the moment.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46It's a good point.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Now, the current owners have decided to make these three bedrooms
0:12:49 > 0:12:51two good-sized doubles
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and the middle bedroom, they're using as a dressing room.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Oh, OK. That would work.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59There's a huge family bathroom in the middle as well.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Now, your guests have the benefit of the guest wing, if you like,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05which is that side of the property
0:13:05 > 0:13:10and there, you've got two double bedrooms, both en suite.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11Fabulous.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Perfect for maybe paying guests as well.- Ah, OK.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. - Cos it's kind of separate.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17You can just lock the door,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19but also gives your guests a bit of privacy.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Yes.- Let's go outside because there's loads to see there as well.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24- Let me just squeeze past.- Brilliant.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Beyond the garden, there's a paddock and a large yard
0:13:27 > 0:13:29with outbuildings providing a perfect setup
0:13:29 > 0:13:32for Sam and Hermione's ponies and inspiration
0:13:32 > 0:13:36for that yet-to-be-conceived home business opportunity.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Look at the size of this yard. - It's fabulous.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Well, it's all very well and good until you've got to sweep it!
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Well, those looseboxes in there are fantastic.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47You've got an indoor/outdoor yard, which is, I think,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- what most equestrian lovers have as their dream, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- And then you see the house there obviously behind you?- Yeah.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58That's the boundary. So, all in all, you've got just over 2.5 acres.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59- OK, brilliant.- Oh, wow.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02But how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- I think around £635,000.- All right.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08I think it's a little bit more. I think it's about £640,000.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- Well, this is on the market for offers over £625,000.- OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So, depending on where the owner wishes to settle,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- you're both in the ballpark. - In the right ballpark. Excellent.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- So, basically, you want that one? - Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25It's not about the winning or losing,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27from a loser's perspective.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29So, look, go back into the house.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Have a look at the guest accommodation
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and then come back out and have a look at the outbuildings.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- I'll see you when you've finished. - OK, will do. Thanks. - All right, see you in a mo.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Well, as I said, great first reactions,
0:14:39 > 0:14:40but what's not to like?
0:14:40 > 0:14:44For a couple looking for their first rural home,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46this is a great start, isn't it?
0:14:48 > 0:14:52£25,000 below Sam and Damian's maximum budget,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54this immaculately renovated farmhouse
0:14:54 > 0:14:57has that wonderful kitchen/diner they loved so much
0:14:57 > 0:15:00and the five bedrooms they're hoping for,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03two of which could work well as B&B accommodation.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Outside, there's over 2.5 acres of land
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and looseboxes for a couple of ponies for Sam and Hermione.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13My first impressions on arrival just from the outside of the property
0:15:13 > 0:15:16were that it was very well-kept, very well maintained,
0:15:16 > 0:15:17a charming location.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Yeah, it was very positive indeed.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- This is a nice room. - It is, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25You've got a great en suite here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30I could see the potential as a bed and breakfast on a small scale,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34but I think the house probably lends itself better to the family home.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37When I saw the stables, I thought they were fabulously done.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Really, really lovely. Great storage as well outside.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Inside with regards to decoration and taste,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45I think there are a few things we would change,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47but on the whole, it's in great condition
0:15:47 > 0:15:49and we'd have to do very little to it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- All done inside? - Yeah, good to look around.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- Did you enjoy it? - Yeah, that was great.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- OK, we've got another one to see today so let's go.- Great.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08The gorgeous, open, rolling landscape of the Scottish Borders is intrinsically linked
0:16:08 > 0:16:11with a long and fascinating heritage of horse riding.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13In medieval times,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15the Borders were in turmoil from ongoing wars with England
0:16:15 > 0:16:18and raiding, known then as reaving, between rival families.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Good horses and horsemanship were a way to survive those tumultuous times,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27which locals commemorate today with festivals held here each summer
0:16:27 > 0:16:29known as Common Ridings.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33To find out more, keen rider Sam and husband, Damian,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36who are considering setting up a livery when they move to the area,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38are meeting Steph Robson,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41whose family run an equestrian centre near Selkirk.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43So, what's involved in the Common Ridings?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45It goes back to the times
0:16:45 > 0:16:48when a sort of principal man of the town was appointed
0:16:48 > 0:16:51to lead a team around the boundaries and check that the town was safe.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53And so now we have a sort of principal
0:16:53 > 0:16:57or a king of the festival that's chosen by the local community
0:16:57 > 0:16:59and they sort of lead the festivities for the week.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02There's balls and sports and everything.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- And a good way to meet people in the local area.- Yeah, exactly.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Absolutely, yes.- Fabulous.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08So, have you guys done much riding before?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I've ridden once before and the first time wasn't too pretty,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13but I'm looking forward to trying it again today.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15One of my boyhood heroes was Indiana Jones
0:17:15 > 0:17:19so I'm looking to emulate what he does...hopefully.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Steph has spent her whole life around horses
0:17:22 > 0:17:25taking part in many of Selkirk's Common Ridings
0:17:25 > 0:17:29and at her very first in 1986, she was the youngest rider there
0:17:29 > 0:17:33led by her dad who himself is a world-class Olympic equestrian.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36So, one of the ideas we had for our move to the country
0:17:36 > 0:17:38would be to buy a property with some stables
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and potentially run a livery yard.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Do you think there'd be a market for that in the Borders? - Yeah, absolutely.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46I know lots of people that keep their horses at livery
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and there's people who have DIY liveries
0:17:48 > 0:17:51where you're literally just offering a stable and storage
0:17:51 > 0:17:53and field access
0:17:53 > 0:17:55right up to full liveries
0:17:55 > 0:17:59where you would be involved in sort of all of the care of the horse
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and the client might just come in to ride.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05As well as establishing what level of service to offer,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07it's worthwhile looking for a location
0:18:07 > 0:18:10where there are existing equine-related businesses,
0:18:10 > 0:18:11like saddleries and farriers,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14because this will help attract clients.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Out into the hills. - Are you OK, Sam?- Yeah.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23What better way for Damian and Sam to get more acquainted
0:18:23 > 0:18:26with the area they're thinking of moving to
0:18:26 > 0:18:28than to take it in on horseback?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Pull on your right rein. That's it. Go on. Give it a tug.- Walk on.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- So, how are you feeling, Damian? OK?- Yeah, feels good.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Not quite Indiana Jones yet! There's time.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40With an abundance of perfect riding terrain like this,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43it's unsurprising the Borders are known as horse country
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and it's thought there are more horses per head here
0:18:46 > 0:18:48than anywhere else in Scotland.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50So, we're just heading up
0:18:50 > 0:18:52to the Ordnance Survey trig point at the top of the hill.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Much of the landscape here bears a rich history,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58including Ruberslaw Hill,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01which was once the site of a Roman signal station.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Nicely done. And whoa!- Whoa!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- You can see the Cheviot Hills.- Yeah.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Those go right along the Anglo-Scottish border.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14And then just behind us, you can see the peaks of the Eildons.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- It's beautiful. - Yeah, that's awesome.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- This is beautiful.- This is why I want to live here, really.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21You want to live here. That'll do.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Let's go.- Walk on.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27It seems their riding experience has only reinforced their decision
0:19:27 > 0:19:30to move to this beautiful part of the world.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Time, then, to return to our quest of finding them a home here.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Travelling 20 miles inland,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43the next stop on our search is the village of Leitholm,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45just over an hour's drive from Damian's job
0:19:45 > 0:19:49with the Royal Regiment of Scotland in Penicuik.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51A handy nearby town is Coldstream,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54attractively situated on a stretch of the River Tweed
0:19:54 > 0:19:57that forms a natural border between Scotland and England.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01During the 18th and 19th century, it was infamous as a centre
0:20:01 > 0:20:04for runaway marriages rivalling Gretna Green.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06And there's another aspect to the town's history
0:20:06 > 0:20:08that has particular relevance to our couple
0:20:08 > 0:20:10so I'm taking them on a brief diversion
0:20:10 > 0:20:12before we reveal our next house.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Well, this is the border.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Now, I thought for you especially, Damian,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Coldstream is probably what the name suggests.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It's apparently where the Coldstream Guards were originated.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Do you have much rivalry between...?
0:20:25 > 0:20:28There was a lot of rivalry between battalions.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30There's a wry smile going on here!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32But no, they're part of the Guards Division.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34We're a slightly different part of the army.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37You asked us to look for properties for you in the Borders area
0:20:37 > 0:20:40and it doesn't get much more Borders than the border itself,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- but it's just beautiful here, isn't it?- It's gorgeous.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Now, Coldstream, as a town, will be your local town,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50so any rivalries you do have, you'll have to get over it.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53You'll be buying your bottle of milk here, OK?
0:20:54 > 0:20:55Less than a 10-minute drive away
0:20:55 > 0:20:58from those milk purchases is our second house
0:20:58 > 0:21:02and it's Georgian - one of Sam and Damian's preferred styles.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07So, we thought what better for a horsey lover
0:21:07 > 0:21:11than to show them some converted stables?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14It's different-looking. It's not like anything I've seen before, actually.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- It's a funny-looking building. - It is.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- But it's not unattractive, is it? - No.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Once again, I don't think you'd feel too isolated here.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- No, I don't think so.- No.- No. - Let's go inside.- OK.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Before the current owners fully renovated the property in 1995,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30the place was pretty much a wreck.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Part of the work they did involved linking
0:21:33 > 0:21:35what were once two separate stable blocks
0:21:35 > 0:21:38to create one 6,500 square foot home.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41That's almost twice the size of the first house we showed them.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Okey-doke.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Now, I think you'll need your imagination with this house
0:21:47 > 0:21:50because this is the new part of the building
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- to connect either side of the stables.- OK.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57We would probably change a bit of the decor, I think.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Just to put our own mark on it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Yeah, it's a reception room
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and I think it probably could be decorated and set out as such.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Yeah, OK.- All right, great.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Let's go into a more original part, which is just through here.- Great.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13So, everything in this house gives you loads of space.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14It's a great dining room.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16You could get a really nice atmosphere in here
0:22:16 > 0:22:18with a few people sitting at that table.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22Now, any room, in my book, that easily houses a dining room
0:22:22 > 0:22:24with seating for 12 is a decent size.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27This is probably like an officers' mess, isn't it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:28Yeah, it is, actually.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It's got very much that feel and that's not a bad thing at all.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35There's room to have maybe your breakfast in the kitchen next door.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Good-sized kitchen.- It is. It's not a bad size at all
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and it's good that you can fit a family table in here.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43You're talking about being quite open-minded
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- as to what business you might want to operate.- Mm-hm.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Now, this house is 6,500 square foot
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- so we're thinking this is probably more hospitality-based, OK?- OK.- B&B.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Now, one of the benefits there is the fact that you've got
0:22:56 > 0:22:59a good-sized kitchen and a door to shut.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02You don't want diners seeing you cook the breakfast and what have you.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05So, they're sitting in there having their fruit juice and cereal
0:23:05 > 0:23:09while you're in here panicking about the bacon and the poached eggs.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10Yeah, OK.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Let's look in the sitting room. - Right.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Righty-ho. So, another decent-sized reception room.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Yeah, it is a big room. It's a nice, big room.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Nice dual aspect. I think, for me,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25I'm not really getting that feeling that I need to commit.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28You know, as we approached the house from the outside,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31you know, you could see this really nice Georgian stonework
0:23:31 > 0:23:35and for me, I don't think that kind of comes through on the inside
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and I think that's more what we're looking for.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- It's not produced that sort of whoa, it feels like a home for us.- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44OK, let's go and take a look
0:23:44 > 0:23:46at some of the bedroom accommodation just through here.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Leaving one of the two original stable blocks,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54we pass back via the central reception room
0:23:54 > 0:23:56that links through to the second block
0:23:56 > 0:23:57where all the bedrooms can be found.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Now, I think this corridor just gives you a great illustration
0:24:02 > 0:24:05of how much accommodation you've got here.
0:24:05 > 0:24:06Wow. It's long.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10On the ground floor, there are four bedrooms.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Three are generous doubles, all with en suites,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16and one is a large master suite with its own dressing room.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Upstairs, at either end of this long wing,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21are two further bedrooms.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22One was once the old hayloft
0:24:22 > 0:24:24and the other was the groom's quarters,
0:24:24 > 0:24:25which is where we're heading now.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29So, what do we make of this one, then?
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Nice, big size. I think it's nice to have that feel
0:24:33 > 0:24:35where you come upstairs to the bedroom as well.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- You just feel a little bit more separated, don't you?- Yeah.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41So, six en suite letting bedrooms, you're open for business.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44You wouldn't need to do anything to the bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46They're all pretty much done, ready to go.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49You can see the potential in the place, definitely.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- I mean, you said you might be interested in doing some sort of equine B&B.- Yeah.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55For an equine B&B,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57you're going to need some space for the horses, aren't you?
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- Yes.- You've got that in bundles. Follow me.- Excellent.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04I think Damian and Sam can see the business potential here,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08but the property seemed to be lacking the X factor for them.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Perhaps their imagination will be sparked by what's on offer outside,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15where there's plenty of space and a range of good-sized outbuildings,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18some of which could convert rather nicely into stables.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Now, let's talk land.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- You get quite a bit of it.- OK. - 13.5 acres.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- 13.5?- Yeah.- Wow.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Gosh. That's a sizeable plot.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- That would be enough for a few horses, wouldn't it?- I think so.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- A few yurts, even.- Yeah.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- The land is lovely, isn't it? - It is. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47I think it's difficult to say.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52Given how big the house is and also the enormous amount of land,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- I'm going to say £615,000. - £615,000? OK.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00I'll be slightly more conservative and say offers over £600,000.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Well, this one has been given a guide price
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and that is offers around £650,000.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- OK.- OK.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I think we were kind of keeping a little bit back in the hope...
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Well, cos we would like to do some work to it.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Why don't you go back into the house, have a good look around -
0:26:16 > 0:26:19it's the last thing we're going to look at today -
0:26:19 > 0:26:20and I'll meet you whenever you're done.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- Great.- See you in a mo.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Well, I can see which way this is going
0:26:27 > 0:26:30and what we've learnt here that first and foremost,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32whatever they buy up here in the Borders,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35it needs to be a home first that gives them that special feeling.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Matching Sam and Damian's maximum budget of £650,000,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43this grand scale Georgian stable conversion
0:26:43 > 0:26:46would make an excellent equine B&B
0:26:46 > 0:26:49with six en suite bedrooms, a large separate dining area
0:26:49 > 0:26:53and plenty of space outside for the guests' horses.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56With more than 13 acres of land, it would also lend itself well
0:26:56 > 0:26:58to the livery business they're considering.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03The land outside of the property was phenomenal.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Way in excess of what we expected.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10We could maybe do a DIY livery with a little bit of work to the stables.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13This is probably what we would try and turn into stables.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Yeah, I think so. It's almost there, isn't it?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17It wouldn't take much conversion at all.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21It's got so many, so many positives, but in terms of the feeling,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I just didn't get that forever home feeling
0:27:23 > 0:27:25for myself and my family.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- All done inside?- Yeah. - I thought you'd got lost, actually.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Did you see the stables?- Yeah.- Good.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34All right, now, that's all we're going to do today
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- so let's go back.- Great.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's the second day of our house hunt in the Scottish Borders
0:27:47 > 0:27:49and with a budget of £650,000,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Damian and Sam are hoping to leave army married quarters
0:27:52 > 0:27:54in Penicuik near Edinburgh
0:27:54 > 0:27:58to find a family home their daughter Hermione can grow up in.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Still to come, our couple's powers of observation
0:28:00 > 0:28:03are put to the test by the mystery house...
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Just noticed there's a barn behind us.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Oh, you noticed that, did you? Yeah.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09..and I meet some prickly characters
0:28:09 > 0:28:11at a pioneering marine research station.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Ooh, you can feel its spikes, can't you?
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- Yes. Yeah, they're very spiky. - It's amazing.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Well, I think it's fair to say
0:28:21 > 0:28:23that house number one came out on top for Damian and Sam.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25It seemed to have the right package for them,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28certainly in terms of style internally
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and the property itself.
0:28:31 > 0:28:32But today's mystery house,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34well, we're able to take a slightly oblique view
0:28:34 > 0:28:36of their search criteria.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38So far, we haven't really discussed the fact
0:28:38 > 0:28:41that Damian is going to be away for potentially long periods of time
0:28:41 > 0:28:43and we thought it would be a great idea
0:28:43 > 0:28:45to find Sam the best community possible
0:28:45 > 0:28:47for her not only to get immersed in,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51but also good nurseries and local schools for Hermione.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54She gets that with this property, but unfortunately, of course,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56it comes with a couple of compromises
0:28:56 > 0:29:00and they are a lack of land and a lack of business potential.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Travelling six miles north, we reach the hamlet of Fogo,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09an hour from the army base in Penicuik
0:29:09 > 0:29:11and the final stop on our search.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14The nearest town a 10-minute drive north is Duns,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17which centres on its appealing Market Square.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18There are plenty of shops here
0:29:18 > 0:29:22as well as nurseries and schooling options for Hermione.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26The town is also thought to be the birthplace of John Duns Scotus,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29one of the most important philosophers of the Late Middle Ages
0:29:29 > 0:29:31who earned the epithet 'subtle doctor'
0:29:31 > 0:29:35because of the penetrating yet refined nature of his thought.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38And some deep thinking might be required of Damian and Sam
0:29:38 > 0:29:40when they view our mystery property,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43a converted coach house five miles from the town.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- So, pretty house. - Yeah, it looks good.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Clean, tidy, traditional at the same time, which is good.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- Good combination.- I've noticed there's a barn behind us.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Oh, you noticed that, did you? Yeah, massive old Dutch barn.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- That is included.- OK.- Oh, right.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02I don't know what you'd use that for.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- I mean...any ideas?- Massive gym.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08THEY LAUGH
0:30:08 > 0:30:09- Let's go inside.- Great.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15This stone coach house was first converted in the 1970s
0:30:15 > 0:30:18and it's been extensively refurbished and extended
0:30:18 > 0:30:20over the years since then.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Now, I'm hoping you're going to like this -
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- the kitchen/dining area.- Oh, wow.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27This is a nice space. Very sociable.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- It feels quite homely to me as well, actually.- Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33I'm glad you said that. That's exactly why we brought you here -
0:30:33 > 0:30:35cos it felt like a home, a family home.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- It definitely does.- This has a more rustic, farmhousey feel.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- Obviously, you've got the range there.- Love that. That's great.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46In the summer, this house faces the south
0:30:46 > 0:30:47so you get loads of light pouring in
0:30:47 > 0:30:49and you can spill out onto the garden,
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- which I think is a lovely feature. - Yeah, yeah.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54The other side of that range,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57you've got the secondary kitchen, which works as a utility.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- Good start?- Definitely. Yeah, yeah. - It is. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- Let me take you into the living room.- OK.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Hoping you're going to like this. - Wow. Love it.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I love this living room. It's a great size. It's fab.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Love these windows. It's really light.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14This is quite sociable as well - the fact that it really works.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17It's big enough to carry the table and the sitting area separately.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Absolutely. Yeah, that would be fantastic.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21It would be great for entertaining.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Plus, you're so close to the kitchen as well. Yeah, it's great.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26All right, good stuff. I'm chuffed that you like this space.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Let me take you upstairs to show you the master bedroom.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33As well as the living room, which has gone down so well,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36there's a cosy sitting room that comes off the central entrance hall.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Upstairs, there's a spacious family bathroom
0:31:40 > 0:31:42and four bedrooms with built-in storage
0:31:42 > 0:31:46and plenty of windows which flood them with light.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- One of those is the master suite. - This is lovely.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Great light, isn't it? I love these windows.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55The light's coming streaming in, which is great.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58You've got a great-sized en suite, bath and a separate shower
0:31:58 > 0:32:00and then through there,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02you've got a room that's the size of a double bedroom
0:32:02 > 0:32:04but just laid out as a dressing room.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Fabulous.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08ALL LAUGH
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Yes, we're cooking now, aren't we? - I think so.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14There's no B&B here, unless you want someone living in your house.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19- This is, first and foremost, a home for you guys.- OK.- OK.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Which is where we said our priorities were.- Yeah, exactly.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- This is what we don't really want to compromise on so...- Yeah.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Yeah, that suits, really.- Mm-hm.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30So, why do you think you're reacting as you are doing
0:32:30 > 0:32:32to this house more so than the first house?
0:32:32 > 0:32:34I think it's just got that feeling.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36The feeling that you can't really put your finger on it,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39but it just feels warm and you're getting these fuzzy vibes.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42For me, it's the combination of being cosy,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46which makes it homely, but still got bags of space.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Let's go outside and talk about
0:32:48 > 0:32:50what comes with the property and the price.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Let me just squeeze through there.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56The mystery house really seems to have the look
0:32:56 > 0:32:57and more importantly, the feel
0:32:57 > 0:33:00they were hoping for in a family home.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02The only catch is that it doesn't come with a load of land.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05There's around three-quarters of an acre,
0:33:05 > 0:33:09which includes patio areas, raised veggie garden beds,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12a double garage, that massive Dutch barn
0:33:12 > 0:33:15and a wonderful lawned area with fantastic rural views.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16Looks pretty, doesn't it?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- It is very pretty, yeah. - It is.- Gorgeous.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- What you don't have is land.- OK. - All right?- Yeah.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- So, no scope for ponies?- No.- OK.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- And it is a perfect family home, isn't it?- It is.- It would be ideal.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- I really like it. - Even without the land?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I think that's a decision we'd have to make, wouldn't it?
0:33:36 > 0:33:38You know, is the house strong enough
0:33:38 > 0:33:42for us to then compromise on the land that we originally wanted?
0:33:42 > 0:33:43- Yeah.- All right.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Because there isn't much land,
0:33:48 > 0:33:54- although the house is nicely done, I'm going to go £575,000.- OK.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Yeah, I think I'll go guide price - £600,000.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Well, the guide price for this house is £575,000.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- Well done.- Oh, wow. Wow. - Clean sweep.- Yeah.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09You've got chains to consider maybe a land option
0:34:09 > 0:34:11nearby at a later date.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- Yeah.- Bit drizzly. Go back inside for now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Have a look around all the other bedrooms
0:34:15 > 0:34:19and obviously, you want to get in that barn, don't you, have a look at it?
0:34:19 > 0:34:22All right, I'll catch you whenever you're finished.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23- OK, thanks.- See you in a bit.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Well, looks like the gamble may well have paid off.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31This is very much a home that they can both see themselves in.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33It's unfortunate it hasn't got the land,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35but that's also reflected in the price.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Below Sam and Damian's budget by a substantial £75,000,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44this attractive converted coach house has four bedrooms,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47the homely, traditional-style kitchen they're after
0:34:47 > 0:34:49and that very generous living room -
0:34:49 > 0:34:52perfect for entertaining visiting family and friends.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54There isn't enough land for yurts or a livery,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56but there is that very large barn.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- Oh, gosh. This is huge. - It's a massive space, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08I think possibly we could knock it down and extend...
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- The land. - ..the land opportunity,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14which is probably what we'd consider more strongly than having a gym.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16Yes, I think so.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20It's a really, really nice, warm, friendly, sociable family house.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I think the flow is really nice.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25I can already see Sam and Hermione being here
0:35:25 > 0:35:28when I'm away during the week as well.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I think they'd be secure here, not isolated
0:35:32 > 0:35:34and the surroundings are just beautiful as well.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39So, has the mystery house set the cat amongst the pigeons?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- It certainly has, yeah. - Well, that's good, then.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44It's given you something to think about and compare to the first house.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45- Yeah, definitely.- Yeah.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48I think we should find you guys somewhere to sit down
0:35:48 > 0:35:50and have a bit of a chat and we'll talk it through later.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51- Yeah, great.- OK.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Along the Scottish Borders' craggy and dramatic Berwickshire coastline,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02cold Arctic currents merge with warmer currents from the south,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05helping to create a uniquely rich marine biodiversity.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10And two years ago, in the serene fishing village of St Abbs,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12a charity-run marine station was set up
0:36:12 > 0:36:14to carry out research in the waters here
0:36:14 > 0:36:17with the aim of enhancing the marine environment
0:36:17 > 0:36:20and furthering scientific understanding of the sea.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Dr Keith Todd, who helped spearhead the organisation,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27is here at the St Abbs Harbour collecting plankton research samples
0:36:27 > 0:36:28and I'm here to join him.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33What are we looking for? What's in this plankton, then?
0:36:33 > 0:36:38We might find fish eggs, fish larvae, little things called arrowworms,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40lots of things that form the basis of the food chain.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43First thing I'm noticing - this water looks incredibly clean.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46It is. The water quality around St Abbs is very good.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Even after it's been rough and in the summertime,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- there's some of the best clarity for diving in the country.- Wow. OK.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53So, we'll take these back, put them in the bucket.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58The marine station, which was once an old fisherman's cottage,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00is equipped with a lab where samples are examined
0:37:00 > 0:37:03to help monitor the health of the local marine environment,
0:37:03 > 0:37:08but also to find clues as to how vulnerable species can be supported.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14This is a live view of the plankton samples that we've just taken.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17So, what can we tell by studying this environment, then?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19We can select certain species
0:37:19 > 0:37:22that are important as a food source for other species
0:37:22 > 0:37:23and culture them up en masse
0:37:23 > 0:37:26and then use them to feed some of the animals
0:37:26 > 0:37:27that we're trying to work with.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31We're looking to be able to breed the spiny lobster or crawfish.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32Which is this fellow here?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35The numbers are in decline so we're hoping to come up with techniques
0:37:35 > 0:37:37to rear them in captivity
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and one of the things that we need to do is find the correct plankton,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42the correct species of plankton, that they will feed on.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47If you can find out the right food, maybe that we're viewing here,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- then, further down the line, we might see more of these?- Right.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53We've got to go out and go shopping for the right baby food for the crawfish.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The spiny lobster was once plentiful along the west coast of Scotland,
0:37:58 > 0:38:02but since the 1970s, numbers have steadily decreased
0:38:02 > 0:38:05and they've now been identified as a threatened species.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09The reason for the decline is unclear,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11but it's thought tangle net fishing practices
0:38:11 > 0:38:12could be partly responsible
0:38:12 > 0:38:16because their spiky bodies are easily caught up in the mesh.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20What is the difference between these lobsters here
0:38:20 > 0:38:24and the lobsters that generally we might find, well, on our plate?
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Sure. Common lobster has a big set of claws that we're all familiar with.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29These guys don't have that.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31So, actually, they're not as aggressive to each other.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33They tend to live socially in the wild
0:38:33 > 0:38:35so you'll find numbers of them together,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38whereas the common lobsters would be individual, under one rock
0:38:38 > 0:38:40and defend that rock quite heavily
0:38:40 > 0:38:43and that's why these ones are actually more difficult to rear.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Through research carried out here at the marine station,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50they're hoping to develop ways of rearing spiny lobsters
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and other at-risk species in significant numbers
0:38:53 > 0:38:55so they can be released into the wild
0:38:55 > 0:38:57to boost struggling populations.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Now, all of these look quite active, actually,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02apart from this fellow here.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03Is he recently deceased or...?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07No, he's not deceased. That's an old cast skin.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- So, that's not actually a lobster? - That's its old skin, yeah.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- Can I have a look at it? - Yeah, certainly.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17They can't grow like a normal fish. They have to shed their old skin.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20This gap here, this is where the lobster has split the shell
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and the actual animal has come out.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24So, how often would it cast its skin?
0:39:24 > 0:39:26When they're very small, several times a year.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29As they grow, they cast fewer and fewer times.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- Can I have a closer look? - Of course.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33You can feel its spikes, can't you?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Yes. Yeah, they're very spiky.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- It looks totally intact. It's amazing.- Yeah.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Well, I wish you the very best of luck.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- I hope you find their favourite food very soon.- Yes, so do I.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Thank you very much, Keith. It's been fascinating.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- I wish you the best of luck. - No problem. Thank you. Thanks. - Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Well, with property number one
0:39:53 > 0:39:56and the mystery house both getting great reactions,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59I don't think it's going to be a particularly easy decision
0:39:59 > 0:40:00for Sam or Damian to make.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Time to catch up with them and find out their thoughts.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Now, in my mind, I think we can forget about the second property.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13It wasn't to your taste.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15It seems to me like it's a toss-up
0:40:15 > 0:40:19between the first house we saw and the mystery house.
0:40:19 > 0:40:20- Am I right?- I think you're right.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22I think with a kind of sway
0:40:22 > 0:40:25possibly towards the mystery house, if I'm honest.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- Would you?- Yeah. - Both of you?- I think so.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33The main reason for that is that the house felt more of a home
0:40:33 > 0:40:34and that's become our priority.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It just had that extra family feel
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- that, you know, is difficult to replicate.- Yeah.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I think the only downside with the third property
0:40:45 > 0:40:47was the fact that it didn't have the stables
0:40:47 > 0:40:49and it's the old kind of cliche, isn't it?
0:40:49 > 0:40:53If you could take part of house one and add it to the mystery house,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I think we would pretty much have our perfect home.
0:40:56 > 0:40:57Second viewing?
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- Potentially. I think so.- Yeah.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02I would think we need a proper discussion first
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- just to make sure that we've got our priorities correct.- Yeah.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07I think that's the other thing.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10It can be quite confusing cos you think you go in with a set of,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13"This is what we want" and then as the search kind of grows,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16your priorities become re-evaluated, almost.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18I kind of, at the end of the mystery house, I was like,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22"Ooh, I'm a bit confused as to what I think I want as well, almost."
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Just to play devil's advocate, if we hadn't shown you the mystery house,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29would you be going back to the first property for a second viewing?
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- I think probably. Probably, yes. - I think yes.- Yeah.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Well, if you go back to the mystery house for a second viewing, you should go back to the first one.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Well, look, it's a very interesting journey
0:41:41 > 0:41:42we've all come along together.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Maybe we may have found the property.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48If not, we're certainly a lot closer to finding it in the future.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Definitely, yeah.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51Well, I wish you both the best of luck
0:41:51 > 0:41:53and whatever happens, please let us know, won't you?
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- Will do.- Will do. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Well, it can often be confusing for housebuyers
0:42:02 > 0:42:05when they're looking to make their very first escape to the country
0:42:05 > 0:42:09and then they try and bolt on extra aspects to their search,
0:42:09 > 0:42:10which, in Damian and Sam's case,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13was this enterprise or business side of things.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15So, I'm really happy they've decided to focus
0:42:15 > 0:42:19on what's really important to them, which, of course, is the family home
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and potentially, at least, some land.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And, in focusing themselves,
0:42:23 > 0:42:27they've managed to find the mystery property really does rather suit them.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31They reacted so well to it and if, on second viewing,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34they decide that they really must have a couple of acres of land,
0:42:34 > 0:42:38then I hope they heed my advice and reconsider the first property.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41It certainly has everything they said they're after on paper.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43I'm looking forward to finding out what they decide to do next
0:42:43 > 0:42:47and I'm sure, just like me, you wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48See you next time.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52If you're planning to escape to the country in England,
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland
0:42:54 > 0:42:56and would like our help, you can apply online at: