0:00:02 > 0:00:04You might recognise these colossal trees behind me
0:00:04 > 0:00:07as giant sequoias or redwoods, native to North America.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12But, if I'm not in California, where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33On today's show, our house hunters yearn for great views
0:00:33 > 0:00:35and wide open spaces.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39As far as properties go, we get off to a near perfect start.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43I don't think we can get better than this. This is fantastic for us.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And as we get closer to that vision of what they want,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48it becomes a bit overwhelming.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- Oh...- Oh, wow.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54SHE SOBS
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Today I'm in Argyll and Bute in Scotland
0:00:58 > 0:01:02at Benmore Botanic Garden near Dunoon.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07These massive redwoods were planted back in 1863
0:01:07 > 0:01:09by an American, Piers Patrick,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12who was then the owner of the Benmore estate.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16These soaring specimens are thought to be some of the tallest
0:01:16 > 0:01:19outside of their native North America.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23With an estimated lifespan of around 3,000 years,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26let's face it, they're still mere babies.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Now, the climate here on Argyll is relatively mild, yet wet,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33and that has helped these beautiful trees thrive -
0:01:33 > 0:01:39so much so, that the tallest already measures some 177 feet.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42That's the height of 12 double-decker buses.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Argyll and Bute refers to the 23 inhabited islands
0:01:46 > 0:01:48in the south-west of the country
0:01:48 > 0:01:52and is the second largest region in Scotland after Highland,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54covering 9% of the country's landmass.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58The largest island in Argyll is Mull,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00with its vast mountain range
0:02:00 > 0:02:03towering 3,000 feet at its highest point.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Nearly 80% of Argyll and Bute's population
0:02:06 > 0:02:10live within half a mile of the coast and the region boasts
0:02:10 > 0:02:13some of the most breathtaking waterscapes in Britain.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Separating Bute from Argyll is the Kyles of Bute, a narrow sea strait
0:02:18 > 0:02:22flanked by carpets of woodland and outcrops of rock.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Its narrowest point is just a third of a mile across.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31The longest sea loch in Scotland can also be found in the region.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33With its well-deserved reputation for oysters,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Loch Fyne is 40 miles in length
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and deeper than the height of London's Telecom Tower.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40Perched above its shore
0:02:40 > 0:02:46is the 18th-century neo-Gothic splendour of Inveraray Castle.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50With coastal and mountain scenery to rival anywhere in the UK
0:02:50 > 0:02:53and rich heritage to discover in its towns and villages,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55it's no wonder this magical corner of Scotland
0:02:55 > 0:02:59appeals to those seeking the peace and tranquillity of island life.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Across Argyll and Bute, the average price of a detached house here
0:03:06 > 0:03:08costs around £233,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11That's a very generous £50,000 below the national figure -
0:03:11 > 0:03:13really good value for money
0:03:13 > 0:03:16for those who are truly looking to get away from it all.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20So, what's attracting today's buyers to this stunning Scottish scenery?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Steve and Rebecca from the market town of Brigg in Lincolnshire
0:03:26 > 0:03:28have been married for six years,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31after meeting through an online dating agency
0:03:31 > 0:03:32and embarking on a whirlwind romance.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35On the first date, I think we knew
0:03:35 > 0:03:38it was going to be kind of serious and we hit it off very well.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41It developed into a full-fledged relationship very quickly
0:03:41 > 0:03:43and Rebecca became my soul mate
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and I couldn't wait to marry her in the end.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Steve runs a renewable energy business
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and Rebecca is a chartered accountant.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54They currently live in an open-plan eco-house they developed themselves.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It uses very little energy
0:03:56 > 0:04:00and we achieved that by using a solid fuel log burner.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01We also have solar PV panels
0:04:01 > 0:04:04which provide us with a lot of our electricity.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06We also have a solar thermal system
0:04:06 > 0:04:08which provides us with domestic hot water.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Really, the combination of all those
0:04:10 > 0:04:16enables us to have a virtually cost-free lifestyle here, I suppose.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19But while they're quite happy with their current property,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21their move to Scotland is driven by a need
0:04:21 > 0:04:24for having wide open space around them
0:04:24 > 0:04:26to enjoy during their spare time.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31The choice of Scotland is just the beautiful scenery,
0:04:31 > 0:04:37the quietness and just views and enjoying the walks really.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42Between them, Steve and Rebecca have seven children from previous relationships.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44With the kids having grown up and left home,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48finding the right environment for their two dogs is driving this move.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50The aim is to be somewhere
0:04:50 > 0:04:53where we can just physically open the front door
0:04:53 > 0:04:57and be out there straight onto a beach or straight into the woods.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02So, the dogs are changing our lives.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Although Steve is ready to pack up his bags,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Rebecca, who grew up in Brigg,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09is a little more cautious about a rural adventure.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I'm ready for, sort of, isolation and if we didn't see anyone
0:05:12 > 0:05:15for a couple of days, that really wouldn't faze me at all.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19It sounds ideal being isolated and out of the way,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- but the practicalities of it and getting shopping...- Mmm.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- We'll have to see where we end up. - Yeah.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29While they won't be giving up their jobs entirely
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and will rely on the internet to carry on with their work,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36this move is about redressing that all-important work-life balance.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I guess what excites us - for me anyway - moving forward,
0:05:40 > 0:05:41it's the next stage of our lives.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44It's about creating time and space for ourselves
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- and what we want to do. I feel... - It's a more laidback lifestyle.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Yeah, a more laidback lifestyle.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54While we're here, I think our work and other scenarios impact,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57or we allow it to impact, whereas up there,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01it will not be allowed to impact and we become the priority.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Rebecca and Steve will be toing and froing
0:06:06 > 0:06:09between Scotland and Lincolnshire in the short term
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and don't want to be too remote,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14so we're concentrating our property search on the Cowal Peninsula,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17which is a two-hour car and ferry journey from Glasgow.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I'm meeting up with them on the banks of the Firth of Clyde
0:06:20 > 0:06:23to run over their property requests.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Well, I must say, this must feel worlds away from Lincolnshire,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- mustn't it?- Just a tadge, just a tadge.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Bit different but this is why you're here, isn't it?
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Yes, it's so beautiful, isn't it? - It's absolutely stunning.- Yeah.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41What does the house look like in your mind's eye then, Rebecca?
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- The house doesn't look like anything really. It's where it is.- OK.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49It's what's around it, having the views,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53having maybe some woodland, having a bit of beach,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56having somewhere secure for the dogs, is what we're looking for.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59It's us and two dogs that are coming up here
0:06:59 > 0:07:01and it's just spending the time outside together.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06Now, if you want access to a beach, access to woodland,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09doesn't sound like you've got a supermarket
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- round the corner, does it?- That doesn't matter.- No.- No.- Not at all.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18So, describe your idea of isolation, if you like. How far away?
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- A room with a big freezer. - Right. Do you like people?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24I think, as we're getting older,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27we're beginning to find that we're less willing to accept
0:07:27 > 0:07:29other people's lack of social graces,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- if I'm being truthful with you. - Right, OK.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34So, rather than change the world, you just thought you'd get away from it.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Absolutely. Run away.- Exactly. - Good for you.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Now, let's talk about the size of the house itself.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- How many bedrooms do you want? - Two to three bedrooms.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Who's coming to visit?- Just my parents.- Hopefully no-one.- No-one.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49THEY LAUGH
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- OK...- Our ideal would be open-plan, just open-plan living.- Yes.- Really?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Yeah, that's what we like.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59But if a house needs some work, cosmetic or otherwise,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- you're prepared to get stuck in? - Yeah.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03We'll flatten it and rebuild it, if necessary.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Probably, that would be more attractive to us.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Now, moneywise, what's the budget?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11The budget, maximum, is £350,000.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14That's, obviously, all-in, completely done,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16so if we've got a project,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19we obviously have to build that into the figures.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23I notice this happy-go-lucky persona, Rebecca,
0:08:23 > 0:08:28suddenly change into a steely glaze when you gave me that figure.
0:08:28 > 0:08:34- She's an accountant.- Yeah. So, will you know this place when you see it?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- I think we will.- I think so, yes. - Before we even go in.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- It's an instinct, definitely. - Right, OK.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Well, let's hope we get that gut feeling in one of the three houses.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Let's get started.- Thank you.- OK.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Armed with a maximum budget of £350,000,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Rebecca and Steve are after a house
0:08:55 > 0:08:58with an open-plan layout and three bedrooms.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01They don't mind undertaking a project because, for them,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04it's all about the location and setting of their new home.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Ideally, they'd like to be close to a beach to walk the dogs
0:09:07 > 0:09:09but at the very least,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13the property should have an impressive view of its surroundings.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15We've scoured the local property market
0:09:15 > 0:09:19to secure the best available homes for Rebecca and Steve to mull over,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21but I won't be revealing the house price to them
0:09:21 > 0:09:23until the end of the tour.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Our Mystery House will challenge them on the kind of space
0:09:26 > 0:09:30they want inside, while giving them lots of it on the outside.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Our first house is located on the Cowal Peninsula
0:09:39 > 0:09:40in a hamlet called Stratheck.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44It's just one of a scattering of settlements
0:09:44 > 0:09:46along the eastern banks of Loch Eck,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48whose hauntingly beautiful waters are home
0:09:48 > 0:09:52to Scotland's rarest freshwater fish, the powan.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56The closest amenities are in Dunoon, ten miles away.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00The town's favourable location on the edge of the Firth of Clyde
0:10:00 > 0:10:03led to its development as a popular Victorian holiday resort
0:10:03 > 0:10:05for wealthy Glaswegians
0:10:05 > 0:10:08and its centre features a range of shops and cafes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Our first property is found close to Loch Eck
0:10:12 > 0:10:15and enjoys a special view of Beinn Mhor,
0:10:15 > 0:10:16the highest hill in the area,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19which towers above the loch's western shoreline.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Right then, our first offering for you both.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Fantastic-looking property.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- It is, isn't it? Very modern.- Yeah. How old do you think it is?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Well, I KNOW how old it is, thankfully.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40This large part was built, initially, around 1849 to 1850.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Right.- Oh, wow, right.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44With a slightly more modern extension.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50Now, it was converted by the current owner. Well, they started in 2004.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- OK.- And finished in around 2008.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- Right.- Right.- Now, positioning.- Mmm.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02That looks just like Lincoln here, doesn't it?
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- Wow, yes, beautiful location. - Yeah, without a doubt. Fabulous.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Excellent. Let's get inside.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Built with thick stone walls, inside, the construction bones
0:11:15 > 0:11:17are timber-framed with hefty insulation
0:11:17 > 0:11:19to satisfy energy-conscious Steve.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22At the moment, there's oil-fired heating,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25but he could easily install a more environmentally-friendly,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29cost-effective system such as a biomass boiler, if he wishes.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So, the first house - first impressions.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- It's beautiful.- Beautiful. - Yeah.- Wow, very shocked.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41The size, the height of the ceilings, the openness. Beautiful.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Now, come in round to the kitchen area. Is it your taste?- Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- Very much our layout, isn't it?- Yes, wouldn't need to change it at all.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- I like it very much.- This is the heart of the home though, isn't it?
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Yeah, I love the light flooding through the windows.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Let's go and have a look at the living room.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01This is, by no means, a vast living space,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04but I thought the open-plan nature of the kitchen would hit the mark
0:12:04 > 0:12:08and I'm confident the next room will also appeal to their taste.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- Wow.- What I love about this house is what you see is what you get.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Yes.- Fantastic. - This is the main part of the barn.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- It's lovely, isn't it? - Absolutely gorgeous, isn't it?
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Perfect little layout, isn't it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Yeah, got the log burner. I don't think we can get better than this.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- This is fantastic for us.- Mmm. - Yeah, interesting. Very interesting.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- All right. Well, so far, so good. Let's have a look upstairs.- OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Upstairs, off a central landing, are three bedrooms.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42At one end of the house there's a generous double
0:12:42 > 0:12:47and next to that, a smaller double, as well as a three-piece bathroom,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50all in the eaves and with skylight windows.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52At the opposite end of the property
0:12:52 > 0:12:54is the bedroom I've earmarked for our buyers.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Now, your master, I think, is very impressive.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Wow, yes, good size, excellent.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05I've always had a bit of an issue with vaulted ceilings,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08but I've got to say, I think they've done it really well
0:13:08 > 0:13:12cos it doesn't impose on the main living area, does it, too badly?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- There's plenty of room there for us. - Yeah, yeah.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Imagine lying in that bed. - Looking at those views.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- It would be amazing, wouldn't it? - Yeah.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Now, en suite, as you'd expect from a master bedroom
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- of any modern conversion.- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Let's go back outside but also on our way out there,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29start thinking about price.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- OK.- Can I just squeeze through there? Thanks.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33So, the house gets the thumbs up
0:13:33 > 0:13:37and since the outside space takes full advantage of those views,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39both Steve and Rebecca should be equally impressed
0:13:39 > 0:13:42with the land that comes with the property.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It extends to the front and side
0:13:44 > 0:13:47and consists of a manageable lawn space, bordered by a low stone wall
0:13:47 > 0:13:52and beyond it, a stunning backdrop of the hills behind.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55But there's also an option to purchase more land, up to two acres,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57which lies fallow at the moment.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Now, back in the beautiful outdoors.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Yes, absolutely stunning.- So...- Mmm.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Your first attempt at guessing prices up here.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Who wants to go first?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Hmm, shall I make a stab? Go on, then. It is a guess.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- I'm going to go 300.- £300,000? - Yeah.- I'm going to go slightly over.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24I shall go for £315,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31Well done! This house is on the market for offers around £315,000.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- That's good.- Outstanding.- Yeah. - Very good. No, it's a good price.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Well, hopefully, this is something to really have a good think about.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Why don't you go back into the house now, have a scoot around on your own,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46have a look around some of the bedrooms you haven't yet seen
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- and I'll meet you when you're done. - OK.- Thank you.- See you in a mo.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Well, they said up to £350,000 for a house with nothing to do to it.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00This house has nothing to do to it and they've got loads of change
0:15:00 > 0:15:03so, hopefully, worthy of serious consideration.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Under budget by £35,000,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11our first house is a converted stone barn which has been remodelled
0:15:11 > 0:15:16in the last ten years to give it a cosy, but modern, feel inside.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19An open-plan kitchen leads onto a stone-tiled living room
0:15:19 > 0:15:22and upstairs, there are three bedrooms.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24With vistas of the highest hill in the vicinity,
0:15:24 > 0:15:29the property is situated close to the banks of a popular loch.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I really love property one.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37I love the space downstairs, I love the location
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and yes, there is a chance I could live in this house, yes.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43The water view is the dream.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46In the checklist of all the important things we wanted,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49the water view was up there at number one.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55But the views from this property into the mountains and the woodlands
0:15:55 > 0:15:56is absolutely superb
0:15:56 > 0:16:01and it, maybe, could be a compromise that we could make.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04The slight downside for me would be
0:16:04 > 0:16:06the sloping ceilings in the bathrooms.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Being quite a tall guy,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11shaving and showering could be a little bit of a challenge
0:16:11 > 0:16:13without bopping my head.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17But this property was certainly far better
0:16:17 > 0:16:20than we, certainly I, had hoped.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22So, is this a house with a view
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- that's worthy of consideration, do you think?- We think so, yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Without a doubt.- Something to beat. - Yes.- Yeah.- Come with me.- Thank you.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The abundance of crystal-clear fresh water in the region's lochs
0:16:42 > 0:16:44make Argyll and Bute a suitable spot
0:16:44 > 0:16:47to produce one of Scotland's most famous national brands,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49single malt whisky.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Whereas blended whiskies are a combination of different brands,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56single malts originate from an individual distillery
0:16:56 > 0:17:00and one of the oldest can be found in the town of Oban.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Since Steve and Rebecca are keen to embrace the heritage
0:17:03 > 0:17:07of their new homeland, we sent them to sample this distilled delicacy.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11They're meeting operations manager Ronnie Whiteford.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Hello.- Good morning, Rebecca, Steve. - Hi, Ronnie.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Welcome to Oban Distillery.- How long has the distillery been here?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20The distillery itself's been here since 1794.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22For the first year, it was actually a brewery.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It was changed to a distillery in 1794.- Why did it change?
0:17:26 > 0:17:29I think it was just the demand for whisky
0:17:29 > 0:17:32was starting to take off at that point
0:17:32 > 0:17:34and they seen an opportunity.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38It's all local products that we use, which is the malted barley,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41the good, clean water that we have here in the town
0:17:41 > 0:17:43and yeast, which is a living organism.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45If we come this way, we'll show you
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- what goes on in the process. - Thank you.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53There are three simple stages in making a classic single malt.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56First, releasing the sugars from the barley,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59which is done by malting, drying and mashing the barley
0:17:59 > 0:18:03with fresh water from a nearby loch to produce a sugary liquid.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Then it's fermented by adding yeast
0:18:05 > 0:18:08to create alcohol naturally before the final stage -
0:18:08 > 0:18:12distilling the liquid to increase its alcohol content.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16This is the stillhouse and this is where all the magic occurs.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19As you'll see, we only have two very small stills.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22We have a wash still and we have a spirit still.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26So, once we've gathered the sugary liquid - we call it wash -
0:18:26 > 0:18:29we're going to put it into a wash still.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34The basic distillation process is alcohol will boil at 78 degrees,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36water will boil at 100 degrees.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38So, what we're going to do is heat up the still
0:18:38 > 0:18:44to approximately 90, 95 degrees, and we will be boiling off the alcohol
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and we'll leave behind any residues.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52After the first run, we're sitting with alcohol about 26%,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54and after the second run in our spirit still,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57the alcohol will increase to 70%.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59So, what happens after that?
0:18:59 > 0:19:03After that, it's taken away and it's put into barrels,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07where it will mature for, in our case for Oban 14, it's 14 years old.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11In order to be classed as a single malt,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14by law, all Scottish varieties must be matured in oak casks
0:19:14 > 0:19:16for at least three years.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20At most distilleries, the ageing process is longer,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23as this is when whisky takes on its distinctive taste,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25as well as allowing evaporation
0:19:25 > 0:19:27of some of the alcohol through the cask.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32With a production run of 850,000 litres of whisky a year,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Steve and Rebecca don't have to wait 14 years to sample the product.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43So, here we are, where you'll get your first taste of our Oban whisky.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45This is a valinch and I'm going to use that
0:19:45 > 0:19:47to draw a sample out of the cask.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52I would always advocate, when you're tasting a nice malt whisky...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56..that you taste it straight to begin with.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00If you take a small sip, hold it in your mouth
0:20:00 > 0:20:04and really let the flavours work in your mouth before you swallow it.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- Very nice.- Very good. Definitely get the smokiness and the fruit.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- Very good.- Nice.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It's clear Steve and Rebecca have got a taste for Scotland,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25but we need to find a property to whet their appetite,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27so it's back to the house-hunt.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32For our second offering,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35we're heading to the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Nearby Tighnabruaich overlooks the Kyles of Bute,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41a narrow stretch of water separating Bute from Argyll
0:20:41 > 0:20:45and is arguably, one of the most beautiful villages in the region.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Its Gaelic name, meaning "the house on the hill", is appropriate,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51as many of the properties rising above the shoreline,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54including some of the fine Victorian villas,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56have commanding views over the water.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59As well as numerous hotels and guesthouses,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02the village is home to a collection of cafes and an art gallery.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04House two is six miles from here,
0:21:04 > 0:21:08situated in a secluded spot at the end of a long drive
0:21:08 > 0:21:11which opens out onto stunning views
0:21:11 > 0:21:13over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Now then, I'm keen on hearing your first impressions for the house,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23but the reason we're here is this.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Oh...- Oh, wow.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30REBECCA SOBS
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I wanted to keep this a surprise.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38That is special, isn't it? Very special.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Oh, dear, what have you done?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- And it would have to be today, wouldn't it?- What have you done?
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- We haven't even seen the house yet. - Who cares about the house?!
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Well, exactly.- I actually don't want to go in the house.- That's right.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- You could get used to this, couldn't you?- You could, yes.- I already have!
0:21:56 > 0:21:58So, let's talk about the house. Come on.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- Yes, it's sparkling nicely in the sun.- I know we're quite remote here.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Right up my street.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09But you're here to buy a house with a view, not a view with a house.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- This morning, you were the other way round.- Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- That's changed now, suddenly, hasn't it? I've shown you the view...- Yes.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- We still have to look around this property. Let's go inside.- Right.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The house itself is a traditional stone-built cottage
0:22:24 > 0:22:26in need of a little bit of modernisation inside,
0:22:26 > 0:22:30so both Steve and Rebecca will need to use their imagination.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Don't worry about shutting the door. - OK.- There's no-one for miles.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Now, you can see straightaway, ground-floor loo, bear that in mind.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- OK.- First reception room...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- There's stuff to be done to this place, Steve.- Yes.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50But bearing in mind you're mad keen on eco-friendly and sustainability,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53this is a place where you could put your own stamp on that.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Very much so.- Would you like to?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58I'd like to see how it flows altogether,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02all the rooms first, cos probably, we'd knock walls down and...
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Remodel.- Knock this wall down, it's an open-plan bathroom.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08THEY LAUGH
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Hmm... - Not THAT kind of entertaining.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- But guess what, every room in this house faces that way.- Yes.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Another option with an outstanding outlook is the sunroom,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23just off the lounge,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26which has a partially-tiled shower room to one side.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Despite Rebecca's emotional reaction outside,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31I'm not sure our advocates of open-plan living
0:23:31 > 0:23:35are buying into the layout and size of the Victorian farm cottage.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38We've got a bit of a dining room, which you think, instantly,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41you might knock through this room into the kitchen,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44but I want to see what you think first.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50Hmm... It needs a new kitchen. It's doable, isn't it?
0:23:50 > 0:23:52There's nothing in here that frightens us.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- Well, I've not heard Rebecca say anything for a while.- No.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- It's not to our taste, let's be quite frank.- I don't like it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03But there's nothing here that's not doable.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06So, while Steve seems up for a bit of a project,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09I don't think Rebecca can see past the property's current footprint,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13despite the overwhelming impression those views made on her.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Upstairs, there are the three bedrooms they asked for,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20including a decent size double and a larger bedroom with skylights.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23With bathroom facilities back down on the ground floor,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25that just leaves the master.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Now then, none of the bedrooms are big
0:24:28 > 0:24:33and, really disappointingly, the view's behind there.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Yes!- Ah, right, yes.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- Room in a roof.- Yeah. - Sloping ceilings.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I feel like you'd be making sweeping changes
0:24:42 > 0:24:45to this house, at the very least.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Yeah, we'd need to make it work for us
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- and how we want to live, wouldn't we?- Yeah.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- And it just doesn't fit that at the minute, does it?- No.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Well, I'm dying to get back outside and look at that view again.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- How about you?- Outstanding. - But on the way,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00you have to start thinking about how much this house is for sale for.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- OK.- Right.- Not easy.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The cottage sits in two and a half acres of fenced-off land,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10made up of scrub and grasses and sheltered by conifer trees.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12There are also two outbuildings
0:25:12 > 0:25:15currently used by a local farmer for storage,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18but they could be developed, subject to planning permission.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21- Ah.- Ah.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- So, Rebecca, have a go at pricing this.- Very difficult one.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- I'm going to go in at 250. - OK, Steve?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34I'll probably go a whisker higher, about 270.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39This place is on the market for offers in the region of £290,000.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Mmm.- OK.- Oh, it's put us in a conundrum, hasn't it?
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Let's face it, you had tears when we arrived here, when you saw that view.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52- What's going through your mind now? - I'm disappointed by the house.- Yeah?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- Yeah.- It's a project.- It is.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- We could stay out here forever. - I- could.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- YOU need to go back inside the house.- OK.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Have a good look around and I'll catch you in a bit.- OK.- Thank you.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Under budget by £60,000,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16our second property is a traditional stone-built cottage
0:26:16 > 0:26:19with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Sitting at the end of a very long drive,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24it offers them the remoteness they wanted.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26The three-bedroom house needs remodelling
0:26:26 > 0:26:28to make it work for our buyers,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31but the price would allow them to put their stamp on it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Property two's location is simply awesome,
0:26:35 > 0:26:37there's no other way to describe it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41The building itself, however, is falling a little bit short,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44in terms of meeting our needs, I think.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47This is beyond what I imagined I might see.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50You can't beat what we've got here.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53But the house, unfortunately...
0:26:53 > 0:26:55I feel really deflated after going round the house.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I'm disappointed cos I really can't see
0:26:58 > 0:27:02how we can make it work, as it is, for ourselves.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04In a rather shameful way, I think for us,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08we would end up so extensively refurbishing it,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10it would be as beneficial for us
0:27:10 > 0:27:15to start with a clean canvas to make it a home of our dreams.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18The question is, ultimately, do we want to do it?
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- Make the most of this. I think it's one of a kind, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Unique, absolutely.- You've seen all you need to see?- I think so.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- OK, let's go and get a drink. - Thank you.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41It's the second day of our property search in Argyll and Bute
0:27:41 > 0:27:45with Steve and Rebecca from the town of Brigg in Lincolnshire.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51They have a budget of £350,000 to spend on a Scottish retreat.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Coming up, there's the Mystery House,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55which will test their resolve for a project.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Give that a knock. HOLLOW KNOCKING
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- That's a start.- There you go.- Yeah.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05And I get a chance to sample a natural home-grown delicacy
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- after a little hesitation. - You can munch on that.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Take a piece of that and try it. - You're joking!
0:28:10 > 0:28:13No, it's lovely, honestly. Perfectly fine.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Well, Rebecca and Steve have certainly shown me
0:28:19 > 0:28:22they're able to think laterally to make a property right for them.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26But the Mystery House - well, it's going to be one of those projects.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29The house itself can be configured exactly the way they want it,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33but I think they'll need to remove a few internal walls.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35And it also gives them the opportunity
0:28:35 > 0:28:37to have fantastic water views.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39They'll just need to remove a few trees.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43This property is all about Steve and Rebecca using their imagination.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Let's see how we go.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53What would you love to see now? But knowing there might be challenges.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- I would love to see property number one...- Don't say it!
0:28:57 > 0:29:03- ..in the location looking out on the water.- Get out! Out!
0:29:03 > 0:29:05THEY LAUGH
0:29:05 > 0:29:07I made a solemn promise to the estate agent
0:29:07 > 0:29:10that when they say, "I'd like to pick up property number one
0:29:10 > 0:29:13"and put it in two", I would throw my tea over you!
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- Everybody says that - "Just move that property."- Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- The impossible.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23For our Mystery Property,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27we're travelling back towards Dunoon to the coastal hamlet of Kilmun.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30The neighbouring village of Strone is the place for provisions
0:29:30 > 0:29:34with amenities including a post office and a hotel.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38The Mystery House is found in the smaller settlement of Kilmun
0:29:38 > 0:29:41on the edge of Holy Loch, an inlet along the Firth of Clyde,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44providing natural shelter to yachts and boats.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Set within a private woodland clearing,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50it occupies an elevated, yet secluded, position
0:29:50 > 0:29:53on the edge of the loch. With our Mystery Property,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56we're throwing down the gauntlet of knocking down more walls,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59so I'm keen to see if Steve and Rebecca are up for the challenge.
0:30:01 > 0:30:07- Here we come. Here's the Mystery House.- Mmm.- Wow, it looks very big.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- It does, doesn't it? - First impression is very large.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Now, top of your shopping list was what?
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- Views.- Views.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- Now, you can see behind us, beautiful Holy Loch, right?- Yeah.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24Within the month, they are going to get someone to fell those trees.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Oh, wow.- Oh, right.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30You will have amazing views, with all these conifers gone.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Good spot. Very good spot. - We'll go in through the back door
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- cos that's the door they use every day, so follow me.- Thank you.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Dating back to the late Victorian era,
0:30:40 > 0:30:43the property has been added to in recent years.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44The original part of the house
0:30:44 > 0:30:47consists of a number of individual rooms,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50so Steve and Rebecca will need to use their imagination here.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53To the left, a newer extension has a more open-plan feel
0:30:53 > 0:30:57and to the right, another extension features an office space
0:30:57 > 0:31:01and upstairs bedroom, connected by a first-floor footbridge.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04But we're starting off our tour in the older part.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Now then, a very different prospect we have here.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Yeah, it's a nice size.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16For me it's a bit too busy and we do like open space.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Um... That's my first reaction, but it's been done well.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23The floors are good for the dogs, that's very dog-friendly.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28But you also have the opportunity of having a separate dining room,
0:31:28 > 0:31:32another living room as well as a fantastic room through here,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- so let me show you that.- OK.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42This room used to be a conservatory until about four years ago,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45when they completely redid it and made it a proper room.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Yeah, this is nice. This is more us, isn't it?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- This has been done very well.- The light coming through.- Unbelievable.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- It's really nice. - This is a homemaker, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Keep it as a living room or do you want to see more living spaces
0:31:55 > 0:31:57before you make that decision?
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- Yeah, let's see some more.- Yeah. - OK, follow me.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05The rest of the ground floor features a dining room with bay window,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08a contemporary fully-tiled shower room
0:32:08 > 0:32:12and, in the extended part of the property, a modern home office.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18This, the owners use this as their snug. What do you think?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- It's snug.- It's a fair-sized room
0:32:21 > 0:32:25and it's the one that's going to have those fantastic views.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- I'm just wondering what we could actually remodel.- Give it a tap.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Give that a knock. HOLLOW KNOCKING
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- That's a start.- There you go.- Yeah.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37So, if the walls aren't load-bearing,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Steve and Rebecca could make alterations
0:32:40 > 0:32:42to the ground-floor layout.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43Upstairs, there are four bedrooms
0:32:43 > 0:32:47and they include a double size room at the front of the house
0:32:47 > 0:32:49and a smaller single at the back.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52One of the other doubles is being used as an office
0:32:52 > 0:32:56and there's a further study area just off the landing.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Finally, making up the first floor,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00there's a three-piece family bathroom,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04featuring a corner bath and the main bedroom of this property.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09This is over the top of that office area
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- we saw as we first walked up.- Yeah.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16What's going through your minds? This is your third and final property.
0:33:16 > 0:33:22My initial impression is that it's, perhaps, too big for what we want.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- It's kind of wasted on us really. - Or need.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Or need.- It's a fantastic property.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31There is a responsibility of this property.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- You've got, not only a big house, but you've got grounds as well.- Yes. - OK.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Let's discuss that. Also, start getting your mind around
0:33:38 > 0:33:40- how much this place might be. - Yeah, OK.- Right.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45Most of the garden is to the rear
0:33:45 > 0:33:48and is mainly grassed with feature paths,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51landscaped walkways and assorted shrubs and bushes.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55The back of the sloping plot is bordered by neighbouring woodland,
0:33:55 > 0:33:59providing a high degree of privacy and the opportunity to explore.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- The dogs would love it.- The dogs would love it.- Absolutely adore it.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07Not just here. There is a woodland walk right at the end of your garden.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- You can just walk for seven miles. - Oh, wow.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Yeah.- OK, time to guess the price. Who's going first?
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- Steve can.- Tough one.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I'd probably go about 350, I think.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24I think it's more than that. I think it's blown our budget.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I think it's about 380.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Well, very good guesses because the owner is asking
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- for offers in excess of £345,000. - That is good value.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43- That's good value.- Well, they are expecting to get above that 345.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- I'm not surprised. - Be it 350 or 370-odd.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49You'll never know until you get into a negotiation process,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52but I know they want in excess of that figure.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- It's certainly worth that. - Definitely worth that, yes.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Go and have a wander. I'll catch you later.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Under budget by a whisker,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06our extensive Mystery House dates back to the Victorian era,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09with more of an individual room layout,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12rather than the open-plan proportions they wanted.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15There are three separate reception areas and four bedrooms.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Although this challenges them with an internal building project,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23the stunning location is everything they've asked for.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Location with the sea and the woodlands behind it,
0:35:26 > 0:35:32it's just outstanding. For me, it's a bit too busy internally.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36We generally prefer to have more open space.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38It's a fantastic house.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43It's perhaps not for us because it's TOO big for us.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It needs a family in this house. But it's absolutely stunning.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52Rebecca and I would never use this property to its full potential.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- You didn't get lost in that massive garden then?- We had a good wander.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- Lovely, isn't it?- Very big, yes. - Astonishing.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Well, that's all three properties.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Let's find somewhere for you guys to have a bit of a chinwag
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- and think things through, shall we? - OK.- Sounds good.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21The rocky shoreline and crystal-clear waters make the Western Isles
0:36:21 > 0:36:23a fertile breeding ground for seaweed.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27The edible algae has been harvested here for centuries.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Initially consumed by coastal dwellers,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32by the 17th century, it was big business.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36As well as eating it, locals used seaweed to fertilise the land
0:36:36 > 0:36:41and burned kelp to produce potash, a raw material in glass-making.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43By the early 20th century,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46the Scottish industry had all but disappeared.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Now, though, it's undergoing a bit of a revival.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52To help me untangle the story of this underwater vegetation,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I've come to meet former milk truck driver,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58turned seaweed farmer, Iain McKellar.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- Iain.- Hello! - I've come prepared for work.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Now, seaweed. What's our big obsession with the stuff?
0:37:05 > 0:37:09Well, apparently it's the healthiest substance on the planet.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10- On the planet.- On the planet.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12You'll not get anything healthier than seaweed.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Why is it so good for you?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Because of the nutrients and the mineral content.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19It has everything, where you need your five a day.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20When you've got your seaweed,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22you've got all your nutrients, your minerals.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26Every trace element your body needs is all in the one place.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Listen, mate, why aren't we ALL down here getting this stuff then?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Ah, it's an acquired taste. - Is it?- Yes!
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Well, looking around, Iain, this stuff here,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I suppose there's lots of different types and varieties.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40There's hundred of types, hundreds of different species of seaweed.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- Right. What's this? - That's bladderwrack.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44That's probably the most common one you'll see.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46That's the one you'll find in supplements
0:37:46 > 0:37:48when you go to your store and you get a little capsule.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- That's what they use for that.- OK.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Seaweed contains a huge range of vitamins, including B12,
0:37:54 > 0:37:59as well as iodine and iron and all British seaweeds are edible.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02However, the seaweed must be grown in a pollution-free environment,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05such as here on the Argyll and Bute coast.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Well, I'm glad I'm going to put these waders to work.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Iain harvests all of his seaweed from a two-mile stretch of shoreline
0:38:12 > 0:38:17with sustainability always in mind, as he only collects to order
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and carefully cuts it by hand.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Today, I'm helping him gather the common brown kelp bladderwrack.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Just cut it an inch or two above the rock and you'll be fine there.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Use those scissors there.- Right, OK.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34You can munch on that. Take a piece of that now and just try it.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- You're joking!- No, it's lovely, honestly. Perfectly fine.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Give it a second.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47It tasted of pretty much absolutely nothing, initially,
0:38:47 > 0:38:51- and then suddenly, just the taste of the sea almost. It just...- Aye.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56As well as eating it raw and wet, harvested seaweed can be dried,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58giving it a longer shelf life,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01for use in soups, sauces and as a garnish.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04The whole process is carried out naturally.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- So, here we are. Aladdin's cave. - This is the drying unit.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- I can see we've got a tarpaulin, blowing away.- Uh-huh.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14But just the elements are running through here, aren't they?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I've just recreated a wind tunnel and that's all there is.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20It's just the elements. It's just naturally air, that's all.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22There's no artificial heat whatsoever.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Although generally savoury,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27different seaweeds have distinctive flavours.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29This is sugar kelp which, when dried,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32forms a sweet-tasting white powder on its surface.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- You make wine and sherry out of this.- Why waste that on sherry?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I know, but we'd use that in a stock or, again, as a soup.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45This has less of an intense flavour.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Uh-huh. Because it's a kelp, it's higher up on the shoreline,
0:39:48 > 0:39:52it spends a lot less time underneath the water, so it's less intense.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56Although still a small-scale operation, Iain ships his seaweed
0:39:56 > 0:40:00all around the world and his clients include some of Britain's top chefs.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03You've seen a market and you're doing it, aren't you?
0:40:03 > 0:40:05It's what I have to do. It's great.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07I don't have to leave the island now.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08- That's the dream.- Living the dream.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11I wish you the best of luck for your business in the future.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Great stuff.- I'll be back up.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- I look forward to it. - Thanks, Iain.- See you.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Well, we've seen really good reactions
0:40:20 > 0:40:23from both Steve and Rebecca at all three properties,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26but for me, I think the first house has led from the front.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Let's find out their thoughts.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Let's talk about the houses. Have you got a favourite?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41We think property number one is our favourite.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45It's a safe option from a travelling up and down
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- in the initial next few years. - Mmm-hmm.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53The garden is fantastic for the dogs, the walks up the mountains,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56and it is a lock-up-and-leave property, really,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59safe proposition, I think.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01But there's more to it than that surely, Steve?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I think for me, about the first house was,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05the build quality was good
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and being in the renewable industry, and I can certainly modify it
0:41:08 > 0:41:10and make it much more energy-efficient
0:41:10 > 0:41:14without too much intrusive and remedial work required.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Cos there's not many houses on the market, I think,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19that would pass your high standards,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22but it was good that this house could get there for you,
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- which is a relief.- It was pretty damn close, without a doubt.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It was easy to work with and I think, more than anything,,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32because it was so open, you've got all the options.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34You haven't got to knock walls down to make stuff work.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36The only minor point,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38which is one of the things we'll probably go back and look at,
0:41:38 > 0:41:42is how we're going to overcome the sloping ceilings in the bathrooms.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45So you're going to go back to the house. As a formal viewing?
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- Yeah.- Yes.- When?- Today. - Hopefully, this afternoon.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- This afternoon?- Yes.- Yes.- That's amazing news! I'm really pleased.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55I wish you the best of luck this afternoon
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- when you go back for that second viewing.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Let me know what happens.- Certainly. - Good luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07If you remember, when I first met Steve and Rebecca,
0:42:07 > 0:42:11they said the most important thing for them was to have a house
0:42:11 > 0:42:14with sea views or at least views of a loch like this.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17So it's quite a turnaround to hear that the one property
0:42:17 > 0:42:20out of the three they've gone for has none such views.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23But in a way, it has the whole package, doesn't it?
0:42:23 > 0:42:26It still had fantastic views of the mountains,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29but it was configured in a way they really liked.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32There's no real work to be done to the property itself.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35So I'm really buoyed to hear they're going back for a second viewing
0:42:35 > 0:42:39and I can't wait to find out what happens next. See you next time.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Steve and Rebecca did go back for a second viewing
0:42:43 > 0:42:45on the first property we showed them
0:42:45 > 0:42:50and they put in an offer which I'm delighted to report was accepted.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53They eagerly await the keys to start their new life in Scotland
0:42:53 > 0:42:55and we wish them both the very best.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:57 > 0:43:00in Scotland, Wales, England or Northern Ireland
0:43:00 > 0:43:03and need our help, please apply online.