0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, it is said that amongst these beautiful ruins is buried the heart
0:00:06 > 0:00:08of one of Scotland's most celebrated heroes.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But who was he? And why was his heart buried here?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Today's search is all about the great outdoors,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38as we scour the Scottish countryside in search of the perfect plot.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- It's incredible.- It's an absolutely stunning view. It's amazing.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And along the way, we find some pretty impressive properties, too.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49This is way more than we expected.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50Hugely!
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Good. Well, start with a bang, why not?
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Well, today, we are in the Scottish Borders, and this is Melrose Abbey.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02And this stone, many claim,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06marks the spot where Robert the Bruce's heart was buried.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10The story goes that back in 1329, when on his deathbed,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14he asked that his heart be taken on crusade and then returned here to the abbey.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17And the inscription on the stone -
0:01:17 > 0:01:19in my rather bad pidgin Scots - reads,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23"A noble heart may have nane ease gif freedom failye."
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Or in today's language,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29"A noble heart cannot have peace if freedom is lacking."
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Now with some 700 years of history beneath my feet,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37I will be back here later in the programme to learn more about Robert the Bruce
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and the wonderful surroundings of the abbey itself.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45The Scottish Borders is one of 32 recognised councils in Scotland,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47sitting south of the city of Edinburgh
0:01:47 > 0:01:50and north of the English county of Northumberland.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Once a region of conflict and warfare,
0:01:52 > 0:01:57today the Borders is a land of peaceful, picturesque landscapes.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Running 97 miles across the region to its mouth at Berwick-upon-Tweed,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05the River Tweed ranks as one of the top salmon fishing rivers in the
0:02:05 > 0:02:08world, attracting visitors from far and wide.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Crossing the river near Melrose is the prominent Leaderfoot Viaduct,
0:02:12 > 0:02:18recognisable for its striking height of 125 feet and its 19 arches,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20each spanning 43 feet.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24First opened in 1863 to carry the Berwickshire Railway,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28it was closed following flood damage in 1948,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and is now protected by a Grade A listing.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Six miles away, sited high on a rocky outcrop,
0:02:34 > 0:02:39the rectangular Smailholm Tower was built for defence in the 15th century,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43and is said to have inspired the writings of novelist Sir Walter Scott as a child.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Its position offers visitors splendid views of the surrounding countryside,
0:02:47 > 0:02:52including the distinctive heather-clad summits of the Eildon Hills,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54one of the area's best-known landmarks.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00And a must-see for those exploring the awe-inspiring landscape of the Scottish Borders.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Well, I always enjoy coming to Scotland.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06There is a palpable romance about the place.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Its landscape, its history and of course its people,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14all contribute, to me, to an intoxicating mix that makes the whole place
0:03:14 > 0:03:16absolutely adorable.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17And for all of this beauty,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21you may be surprised to learn that property prices are remarkably affordable.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Here, the average price of a detached property will currently
0:03:24 > 0:03:28set you back around about £234,000.
0:03:28 > 0:03:34And that compares very favourably with the average across the UK as a whole,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37which at the moment stands at a whopping £313,000.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39So as you can probably appreciate,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43this is a part of the world where those precious pounds really can be
0:03:43 > 0:03:45converted into acres,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48which is exactly why today's buyers want to move here.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Horse riding instructor Sarah and account manager Colin met 18 years ago.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Since they have been together, they have moved five times.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03Currently we live in a village called Waresley, in a small semidetached thatched cottage,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05just outside Cambridge.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07It is commuter belt for Cambridge, Bedford.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10The traffic around here is quite busy,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13so it can appear fairly rural until you live here.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Since we have been together, every three years we seem to move.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18We started in the West Midlands.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21We moved to the Fens, we moved here.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24We moved to the States and back here again.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26And we have another move on the cards.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29They have owned their current home for 11 years,
0:04:29 > 0:04:33but Colin's job with an agricultural chemical company meant they lived in
0:04:33 > 0:04:35America for five of those years.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41Every time it's quite an upheaval starting again in a new place.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45The first time I accepted a job change, I didn't consult Sarah.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I just said to my boss, "Yeah, sure, of course we will move."
0:04:48 > 0:04:50And when I came back and said, "Sarah,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53"hurray - I've got a new job and we are moving" - big mistake!
0:04:53 > 0:04:58So ever since then I've learned, always ask first.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00This time, Colin has been offered a job in Scotland.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04For him, it is an opportunity to return to his roots.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05We want to move to the Scottish Borders.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08It is a region in Scotland where I grew up.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10It is one of the hidden gems.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13It is full of history, full of culture.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Moving to the Scottish Borders, we think,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18would be more of a long-term relocation.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22You get more of a sense of permanency, belonging somewhere.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27They are hoping a move to the countryside will mean more outside space.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30A larger garden for green-fingered Colin,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33with plenty of room for their three dogs and, most importantly,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38additional land for Sarah's horse, Benito, to live on site.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I'm not sure where the love of horses originally came from.
0:05:41 > 0:05:47But when I was six, I really pestered my parents for either riding lessons
0:05:47 > 0:05:51or one of those beautiful old-fashioned wooden rocking horses.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53My father had to make a decision.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57He opted for the riding lessons and here I am,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01rather a number of years later, still very heavily involved in horses.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Colin is also keen to make time for hobbies,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08something his normally hectic work schedule doesn't allow.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14If you go into the garage you will see I have a whole set of golf clubs, two bicycles.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Upstairs I've got a set of bagpipes.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20I never really get a chance to use any of them.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22But moving up to the Borders, I think,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25will give me a chance to get the golf clubs out, get the dust off of them.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Bagpipes? I don't know.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28But...
0:06:29 > 0:06:31And I'm not very good. But who can tell?!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37As Colin has to travel for work,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41he'd like to be within an hour's drive of Edinburgh Airport.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Sarah's priority is to have her horse on site so she is in a flexible location.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47I am keen to get started.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51But first, I need to know what kind of property they're looking for.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Well, guys, what a scene-setter for your escape to the country.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Welcome back to Scotland, Colin. This is where you grew up, isn't it?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59It is and it is a beautiful part of the world.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02You know, looking for equestrian properties obviously does narrow
0:07:02 > 0:07:04our sort of field of fire, as it were,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06in terms of the search we are able to undertake.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09But by the sounds of it, you are more than happy to think about
0:07:09 > 0:07:13constructing your own stables and training areas and all the rest of it?
0:07:13 > 0:07:14Yes, happy to do that.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18And if it means that the right property is available,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21we just have to add those to make it perfect, then we we'll do that.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25From your experience, how many acres would really work for you?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Ideally, sort of about five acres.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Definitely not less than three.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34So give us an idea of what this new house needs to have?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Well, ideally we want a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:07:38 > 0:07:39as long as we also have a study.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42If there isn't a study, it would have to be three bedrooms.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46It is really important. I have lived in houses before where I have worked
0:07:46 > 0:07:48from home in small rooms.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I'm looking forward to somewhere that is a little bit more functional
0:07:51 > 0:07:52in terms of a proper office.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56And what about style? Are you looking for something that is traditionally Scottish -
0:07:56 > 0:07:59maybe something that goes back to your roots, Colin -
0:07:59 > 0:08:01or are you up for a more modern affair?
0:08:01 > 0:08:02It doesn't matter.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- No.- We can always make things the way that we want them to be.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I'm not so bothered about the interior of the house because for me it's outside.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11It's land. Space for the dogs to run.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14As long as it's functional for us, that is what matters.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17In terms of your sort of future work prospects,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20are you thinking about working from home as well,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22creating an equestrian business,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24or still going out to work for other people?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I would like to, long-term, develop something at home.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Ideally something along the glamping lines.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33I have stayed at other people's places where you can take your horse,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35take your dogs, and it seems,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37particularly in an area like this which is so beautiful,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40it would be a wonderful place for people to be able to do that.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Now in terms of budget, how much are you proposing to spend on this, Colin?
0:08:43 > 0:08:48Up to about 450,000, with everything already ready to go.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Well, I think £450,000 you have definitely come to the right part of the world,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54as the Borders, beautiful as they are,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57are not the most expensive bit of the country.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59So I'm pretty optimistic about what we can find you.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02So yeah, I think this could go rather well.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03Let's go and see what we can find you.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08For their £450,000 budget here in the Borders,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Colin and Sarah need a two-bedroom house with a study.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14They are open-minded about the style of the property,
0:09:14 > 0:09:19but what they can't compromise on is the outside space for Sarah's horse.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21They need between three and five acres,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24preferably with existing equestrian facilities.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Now, we've found Colin and Sarah three potential properties,
0:09:28 > 0:09:33different in style but all in equally lovely country settings.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36At each one, I'll ask them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38And on our final visit,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41they'll find out there's more to our Mystery House than meets the eye.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Can you ride, Colin?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Not at all. No.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50I have put him on a horse before now.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I mean, if anyone can teach him, surely you can.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Yes.- Would you take it up?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57No. I have had a go, but it was a painful experience.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Our first property is close to the small village of Ashkirk.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10A popular spot for those interested in outdoor pursuits,
0:10:10 > 0:10:14the area has endless footpaths and bridleways to explore
0:10:14 > 0:10:16as well as an equestrian centre nearby.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18For would-be golfer Colin,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21there's a golf course as well as the local restaurant with a bar.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23For the nearest shops and amenities,
0:10:23 > 0:10:28residents make use of Selkirk or Hawick, which are both six miles away.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33Just outside Ashkirk, house number one has a scenic valley setting.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35There we are. What do we think of that, then?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Wow.- It's really eye-catching.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- It's really stunning.- Yes. It's full of character.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40- The old stone.- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Slate roof. It's beautiful. - Beautiful. It's an old threshing barn, actually.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49It was converted about 17 years ago into a beautiful family home.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51I can see the little burn running down the side, there.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Yes. Now, that supplies your water.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- OK.- Really?- Yes. Exactly.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58So, you've got your own fresh water supply on tap, as it were.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01You also get this quite substantial double garage
0:11:01 > 0:11:03with a little sort of studio above it.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05There's a little workshop behind that.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I'm thinking ahead to the possibility of maybe converting that
0:11:08 > 0:11:11into holiday lets for your horsey glampers.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Super.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Needless to say, there is some equestrian with this.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17All right. Don't panic.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Let's get on with the property itself, and then we'll deal with Benito.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22OK. Find him some stables.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Right.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27This unique property dates back to the 18th century,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31and being a former threshing mill, it was perfect for conversion,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33resulting in generous living spaces.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Right.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Now, I'm guessing this might be bigger than what you've got at the moment.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Just a bit.- Come on in.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47And I'm thinking it's brilliant for your three dogs.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49They would love it in here.
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- Yes.- I'm loving the beams as well.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54I mean, we have beams in the cottage at the moment, and they're beautiful,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56but these are a lot higher up than...
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Well, this is the joy of converting a building like this.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04Threshing barns had to contain a lot of gear and had to have a lot of space.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So you end up with a beautiful historic box, effectively,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and you can create these beautiful proportions.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- And they have done that throughout. - We wouldn't have to change anything.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- It's all done.- Ready to go. - Yeah.- Perfect.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Now, across the hallway you've got a family bathroom in there with a roll-top bath.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Very nice.- And then this is your living room, which I just love.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- It's beautiful.- This window is lovely.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29It gives a beautiful view, actually,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32onto this very sweet, little sort of cobbled yard out there.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34And then you've got the wood burner here, in the middle.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I like the hard floors because it's easy to clean.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It's so easy. It's so easy.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40But there is a more intimate space through that door, there.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Now, it is divided into two floors.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Above it is the dining room, sort of mezzanine dining room,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50and then below it, accessed by a beautiful oak spiral staircase,
0:12:50 > 0:12:51is the media room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I'm going to let you have the run of that a little bit later on.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57As a place to work from home, I've not seen better.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59It's really, really, really good.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Great.- Or somewhere for all my books.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03Well, you can have a floor each.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06You can have a study each. Linked by the spiral staircase.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08That's the joy of it.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13So, with warm reactions to downstairs, it's time to go upstairs.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Here, they will be pleased to find three double guest rooms,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21all of them with more of those high-beamed ceilings they loved and
0:13:21 > 0:13:25a shower room, and of course the master with an en suite.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29And then, this is yours.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Oh, wow. Again, huge room.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35When you said we wanted two bedrooms, I thought, well...
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's a bit on the cheap side, so we've got you four, of course.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41This is way more than we expected.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Hugely.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Good. Start with a bang, why not?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47The other thing it has is this.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Come and have a look out here. This rather sweet sort of Juliet balcony,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53which, to be honest with you,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56gives you as good a view as you're going to need of the garden.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's not just the garden, it's the view out over the hill.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- It's just beautiful.- Yeah.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05So I think we're all agreed that, well, as you said yourselves,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09this property so far has offered you more than you were ever expecting.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14Hugely so. I'm amazed at what you've found.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Now then, acres-wise, you said minimum...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Was it three?- Three. Minimum- three.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- Ideally...?- Five.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It's got five. And some stables. Come with me.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Outside, the large lawned garden provides plenty of space for the dogs,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35with a patio area to the back of the kitchen.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38There's also garage space for three cars,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42with a workshop attached and a room on the first floor.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47The equestrian facilities are on a separate nearby plot but are included
0:14:47 > 0:14:48with the property.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53So just a short wander from the house, what's it taken us, a minute?
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Not even that.- You have an outdoor school with an all-weather surface on it.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Got these three loose boxes with the hay barn as well,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04but you get this paddock and then here are your five acres.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08It runs up along that fence line and back around to the outdoor school.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12That's fantastic, it's just what we wanted.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16The only thing I can find to pick fault with is the fact that
0:15:16 > 0:15:18the house is not immediately adjacent to the land,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22but there may be some advantage in keeping it a little bit separate.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26If that's the length of my commute, I think I can cope with that.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Yes, and what a place to commute in.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Any ideas what this one's on the market for?
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- You're going to go first? - Well, this is really tricky. It's a guess, complete guess,
0:15:36 > 0:15:37425.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I'm going to go a little bit higher than you.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I think it's going to be 435.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I think the house is fantastic.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50This is on at £450,000, but, of course, it is an asking price.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51- Happy?- Very.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Yes.- Right, off you go.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- Go and explore the house. - Thank you.- Come and have a wander round here if you want to.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Well, I am absolutely delighted.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05This is the perfect package, for, I think, the perfect couple.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09It's all of their budget but my goodness me, it's all their future too.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Bang on budget, this spacious, converted threshing mill has twice
0:16:14 > 0:16:17the number of bedrooms Colin and Sarah wanted,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19some great options for the study,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21and it comes with five acres of land,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24including stables and an outdoor arena.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Fantastic room.- It's wonderful.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31My office room.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- Really?- I think so.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36It's far away from the kitchen, so there's not background noise.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40I can get in and out through those windows without disturbing anybody.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I think it's mine.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46The surroundings to this property are stunning.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47The views out over the hills,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50all the area that I can go and ride through,
0:16:50 > 0:16:51are just beautiful.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53This is a place we could easily live.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56It's got lots of room, easily adaptable,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59lots of space for Sarah for her horses and the dogs.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01I'm very excited about this property.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06I can't believe how lucky we've been to find this straightaway.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07Look at you two.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Have we peaked too soon?
0:17:09 > 0:17:10This is a great start, isn't it?
0:17:10 > 0:17:11It is tremendous.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- What a find.- I don't know where we go from here.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Well, I do. Come on.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Just an hour's drive south of Edinburgh,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29is the Borders town of Peebles,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33recently awarded top independent retailing town in Scotland for its
0:17:33 > 0:17:36variety of shops and unspoilt character.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40From his workshop in the centre of town, Julian Goodacre has,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43for over 20 years, been hand-crafting an instrument
0:17:43 > 0:17:44synonymous with Scottish history.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49The bagpipes. So we've sent keen piper Colin and Sarah along to meet him.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Great to meet you, Julian.- Nice to meet you too, as well.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Yes.- Why are bagpipes associated with Scotland so much?
0:17:57 > 0:18:01I think it's to do with the army, the British Army,
0:18:01 > 0:18:02and putting pipers together.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Piping before that was a solo art throughout Europe.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11Actually Scotland was one of the last countries in Britain to get the bagpipes.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16Although the first examples of bagpipes are thought to date back to before medieval times,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20it wasn't until the 1700s that they became linked with Scotland.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Follow me.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Julian is completely self-taught.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27From his workshop, he makes around eight types of pipe,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31from Cornish double pipes to highland pipes and the border pipe,
0:18:31 > 0:18:32which he's making today.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37So I've already reamed the inside of that, and now,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41what I have to do is turn the outside to very, very accurate.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44It has to be exactly the same,
0:18:47 > 0:18:48same dimensions.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51So why are you doing this?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Everything on the chanter has to be absolutely accurate,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and the finger holes have to be in exactly the right position.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02This is all for musical reasons,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06because if I made it thicker it would sound flat,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10and if I made it thinner it would sound sharp, so it is critical,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13this bit, it's almost like engineering in wood.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17Julian sources most of his wood from Leicestershire, where he grew up.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21He mainly uses wood from fruit trees, such as cherry, apple and plum,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23but this border pipe is made from yew.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So you source all the wood yourself,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29but do you do any other parts of making the bagpipes?
0:19:29 > 0:19:30Oh, yes, I do.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34I sew up the bags by hand,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38and I make the reeds out of plastic yoghurt pots.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40I like to do everything myself.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Clearly Colin's come to the right place to get some expert advice.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48So Julian, these are my small pipes that I purchased over the internet.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52I noticed there's a number of differences between mine and yours.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54So this is a set of border pipes.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58The basic difference is this is an indoor instrument. This is an outdoor instrument.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03And you would have been, if you had lived in Peebles several hundred years ago, or any border town,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06you would have been woken up by the town piper playing something like this,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09and also, in the evening, told to go to bed.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12I'll give it a blast.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Throughout his career, Julian has made over 800 sets of pipes,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30ranging in price from hundreds to a few thousand pounds.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32So loud. That should wake you up in the morning.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35I don't know about putting you to bed in the evening!
0:20:35 > 0:20:37So after an expert demonstration,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41it's Colin's turn to practise his piping skills.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43HE STRUGGLES TO PIPE
0:20:45 > 0:20:47PLAYS A TUNE
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Julian has a waiting list of over a year,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57so if Colin would like a new set of pipes, he'd better get his order in.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It takes a lot more air, doesn't it?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07So while he catches his breath,
0:21:07 > 0:21:12it's time to find out where our Scottish Borders property search is taking us next.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21We're heading towards the coast, to the hamlet of Auchencrow.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25The area boasts some of the most traffic-free roads in Scotland.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28The quiet hamlet is made up of around 20 properties
0:21:28 > 0:21:30and a well-regarded pub and restaurant.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32The nearest shops are a five-minute drive away in Reston,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36and it's less than 15 minutes to the coast.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40The house we're seeing stands proud in an elevated position at the end
0:21:40 > 0:21:42of a long driveway.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Well, the sun didn't last as we thought.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46But hey, let's hope it doesn't put you off this one.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48There you are. Property number two.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- What do you think?- Another very pretty house.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Very pretty, very handsome.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58We'll start with that, Colin, a very well-developed home office,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00which I am thinking is probably for you.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Could be.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Could be. And as you can see behind us, that is your acreage.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08All in all it's just under five acres,
0:22:08 > 0:22:14and the whole lot overlooking that swathe of the borders.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15It's a little bit formal-looking.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I really did like the first property, it was a little bit...
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- Quirky.- Yes.- This is a very much more traditional layout, to be fair.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Shall we have a look? Yes. Come on.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30This Georgian farmhouse has a Scottish grade C listing and was renovated
0:22:30 > 0:22:34in the late '80s, but has retained many of its period features.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Right. Let's start in here, then.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42I think you get the idea this is a much more traditional kind of set-up.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Is it for you? Is it for Colin?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48I really like this.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Look, you see, don't be so surprised.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53I like the big windows, they're light and bright,
0:22:53 > 0:22:54they let all the light in.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59I suppose the obvious thing with this one is it was always designed to be a home,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03and the nice thing about it is it retains many of those original
0:23:03 > 0:23:05fixtures and fittings that were put in.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10I just find it a little, just feels average.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Ooh.- Not special.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14That's interesting.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18That's not how I would have described it.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20And probably not how you would have described it.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22It's not jumping out at me just yet.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Right, then, let's see if it can give you a fright.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27Come with me.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31After her positive response to the character of our last property,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I thought Sarah would love this.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- What about this then?- This is better.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Ah. You see.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- Yes.- I'm not a big fan of the ceiling.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44I don't like the ceiling but you can take that off.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Sure. I like the window there because you can look out right across the field.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Yes. That's a beautiful view out there.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51And of course as you go upstairs, the views get better.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Look at it. The needle of like is nudging upwards.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- It's coming.- Good.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59Come with me.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Next door is the kitchen, with a separate utility room.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08I suspect I know what you're going to say about this one, Sarah.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Colin, what is Sarah going to say about it?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I've never been right when it comes to guessing what Sarah's going to say.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18But I would take a guess and say the size.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20The obvious thing about size and space, I suppose, is you could,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22if you were really adventurous,
0:24:22 > 0:24:27open up that wall and do something quite funky with it.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33You also have a utility room next door and also a sauna.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Really, there is a sauna through there, too.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Right. OK.- Nice in the winter.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Yes.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44You know, that's perhaps the only radical idea I'd introduce to this house
0:24:44 > 0:24:47and that would be to potentially sort of open that up.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49If I was going to live here, that would be what I would do.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53But that we would have to factor into the whole equation because that's not going to be cheap.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58No, no, no. Absolutely, you know, and again it doesn't have to be done straightaway, either.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59As the property is listed,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Colin and Sarah would of course need the right permissions before
0:25:02 > 0:25:04undertaking any works.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Upstairs, of the three well-appointed double bedrooms,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10two are at the front of the house and enjoy superb views of the
0:25:10 > 0:25:12surrounding farmland.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16There's also a shower room and en suite bathroom for the master.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18So we've just come through this little dressing area,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20with another lovely window,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23and we step down into what I'm going to broker as the master bedroom.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Now the current owners use one of the bedrooms at the front because
0:25:26 > 0:25:31of the views, but I'm selling this one to you as the master for the very obvious reason
0:25:31 > 0:25:35it has this enormous en suite complete with Jacuzzi bath.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- OK.- Makes sense.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- What do you think?- I like the feel of this bedroom because it's
0:25:42 > 0:25:45quite cosy, and obviously the en-suite's useful,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47as is the little dressing room at the front.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I think that's really nice. It's a nice approach to it.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55Let's finish up outside, because obviously the land is the key thing,
0:25:55 > 0:26:01- and of course the joy of this one is that the land is outside your front door.- OK.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Right, then. After you. Go on, lead on, Colin.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Outside, the current owners have created some really useful spaces
0:26:13 > 0:26:15in the wrap-around garden.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16There's a seating area to the front,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18making the most of the views,
0:26:18 > 0:26:23a purpose-built office for when Colin's working or wanting some time alone to relax,
0:26:23 > 0:26:28and in the garden he'd also have a polytunnel and vegetable patch to keep him busy.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32For Sarah and the horses, there's a three-and-a-half acre paddock.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I think in terms of stabling, you would probably want to start again with
0:26:35 > 0:26:37something a bit more like we saw at property one.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Yes.- But nonetheless, there is room to do it.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43The other thing I love about this place is the current owner is a keen
0:26:43 > 0:26:45golfer like yourself, and he has tricked it up
0:26:45 > 0:26:49with his own little green over there, to practise his golf swing.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50That's fabulous.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53So, that's the package.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58For me, there's a lot more about the outside of this house that I really
0:26:58 > 0:26:59like, compared to the first one.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Good. So, let's think about the price.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07What do you think property two is on the market for?
0:27:07 > 0:27:09395.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10I'm going to say 410.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Well, the good news is, it is under budget.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16The bad news is you're both a bit cheap.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23This is on the market for offers in excess of 425.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24- OK.- Right, then, off you go.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I'll come and find you a little bit later.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Under budget, this three-bedroomed Georgian farmhouse comes
0:27:34 > 0:27:36with a purpose-built office in the garden.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39There is three and a half acres of land for the horses,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and although Sarah and Colin would need to build equestrian facilities,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44they would have enough left over to do so.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47There's an awful lot to recommend about this house.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Who wouldn't like a house that has its own par three with a water hazard?
0:27:50 > 0:27:52In terms of the layout of the house, I'm really taken by it.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57It's a lovely house, but I feel there is so much to do to it
0:27:57 > 0:28:00that it would take us a long time and a lot of money
0:28:00 > 0:28:02to bring it up to what we'd like.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Out you come. Look what I've found.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- There you are, madam.- That's better. - That's for you.- Thank you.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- Perfect timing.- Perfect timing.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Well, I don't know about the weather.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- Time for a beer though.- Yes. - Sound like a plan.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Sarah and Colin are selling their cottage in Cambridgeshire and
0:28:28 > 0:28:32embarking on a new life in the Scottish Borders where Colin grew up.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37For their £450,000 budget, they are looking for a property on a rural plot
0:28:37 > 0:28:42with enough space for them, their three dogs and Sarah's horse Benito.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Coming up, could the Mystery House be the dark horse of our search?
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Fantastic. What else could you need?
0:28:48 > 0:28:50It works. There's everything here.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55And I return to the ruins of what was once considered one of Scotland's
0:28:55 > 0:28:56most beautiful buildings.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01I mean, the workmanship is second to none,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04there's barely a paper's width between the joints.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Extraordinary, yes.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Well, as we head into our final day of house-hunting here in Scotland
0:29:12 > 0:29:16with Colin and Sarah, it's clear our final offering has got some competition,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19in terms of their reaction to property number one.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Now, of course, their whole move is based upon not just their need for a new home,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25but also the need for land,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29upon which Sarah can create her prospective equestrian business,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32but is it possible to have too much of a good thing?
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Well, that is the question our Mystery House is going to pose them.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44We are finishing up in Ashkirk,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46just under four miles from where our search began.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51The nearby town of Selkirk has a selection of shops and places to eat
0:29:51 > 0:29:55and is famed for its traditional Selkirk Bannock fruitcake,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57still made in bakeries across the Borders.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03In its centre stands a statue of Scottish author and poet Sir Walter Scott
0:30:03 > 0:30:09who served as the county's sheriff from 1800 until his death in 1832.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Just over ten minutes in the car takes us to our Mystery House set
0:30:12 > 0:30:14in the beautiful Borders countryside.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Right then, the wait is over.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Here it is, our Mystery House.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- It is a big house.- It is a big house, it is also pretty much brand-new.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It is not yet ten years old.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27A new-build.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29It is a new-build, indeed it is.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33However, this search is predicated upon your need for land for your horses.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35This has five acres,
0:30:35 > 0:30:40it also has a beautiful outdoor school over there with stabling.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Oh, wow.- It also has a bit of woodland.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44That is a bit of it you can see there.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48The rest stretches for some 30 acres behind it.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- Fantastic.- My goodness!
0:30:50 > 0:30:53And beyond it is another ten acres of paddock.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- Incredible.- Wow, that is a bit more than five.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01Yeah, 45 acres in all and don't forget that woodland might offer you
0:31:01 > 0:31:04quite an interesting outlook on the glamping idea.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- I am pretty much blown away. - Come on, let's have a look.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14Offering nearly ten times the amount of land Sarah and Colin asked for,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18we are definitely taking a risk with this modern Mystery House but so far
0:31:18 > 0:31:19they don't seemed daunted.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Inside, there is a kitchen-diner
0:31:22 > 0:31:25and a family room to one side of the house
0:31:25 > 0:31:26with a sitting room to the other
0:31:26 > 0:31:30leading on to a study and a dining room.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32We will start in here, then.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34This is the main living room. A nice dual aspect.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38This is fabulous. A super-big space.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- Nice log burner.- It has been quite cleverly thought out because it all
0:31:42 > 0:31:46flows through those double doors to the dining room,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48which again comes back out into the central hallway,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50and then through that door, bottom left,
0:31:50 > 0:31:54you have a current study but you could use the other reception room
0:31:54 > 0:31:56across the hallway as well.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59The flow through from the lounge to the dining room is good when you are
0:31:59 > 0:32:01entertaining, so it's fantastic.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05And that overlooks the more modestly sized back garden when you have
0:32:05 > 0:32:08finished walking around your 45 acres at the front.
0:32:10 > 0:32:11Come on.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15So, this is the other door into the dining room.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Conveniently next to the kitchen.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20It is fabulous.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24It is an L-shape, so there are different areas, plenty of storage space.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- I really like this.- This will work really well.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32All smiles, I'm feeling the love here. This is all good.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36Is it because you can see it being a very easy thing to move into?
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Yes, when you are moving so far away, you've got work to set up,
0:32:40 > 0:32:41businesses to set up,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44you don't really want to be doing a huge amount of the house.
0:32:44 > 0:32:50Yes, later on down the line but having somewhere you can move into that is fine straightaway.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I think you will be busy enough outside.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- I think so!- Let's have a look upstairs and see what we can find you.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Well, our Mystery House is certainly working its magic.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03They're already picturing themselves living here.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09On the first floor, there are four bedrooms including three well-presented doubles
0:33:09 > 0:33:12and a single, sharing the use of a modern family bathroom.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17And then this is the master, with loads of storage, as you can see.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20It also comes with a shower en suite.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Fantastic - what else could you need?
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- There is everything here.- Perfect. Very happy.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I still can't believe what you have found.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- This is brilliant.- I don't know what to say at the minute.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40You're getting emotional,
0:33:40 > 0:33:41that means it's working.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Yeah, it is.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47It is now time to take in what the outside has to offer.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52To the side of the property is a decked area for entertaining and a number of outbuildings.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55There are some lovely landscaped gardens surrounding it
0:33:55 > 0:33:58but I want to show them the extent of the land.
0:34:00 > 0:34:06This point will give us a glimpse of just some of these 45 acres.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10This paddock, with the ponies in it and the horses - just setting the scene for you -
0:34:10 > 0:34:15goes right down to that little copse of new conifers at the bottom
0:34:15 > 0:34:20and then away off beyond the trees to reveal the other ten acres of paddock
0:34:20 > 0:34:25and the whole thing encompassing 30-odd acres of woodland.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- It's incredible.- It is an absolutely stunning view.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Amazing.- I don't know what to say.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33I really don't.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Shall we talk about the price, then? - We can.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Our final guess of the week for, I think we all agree,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44a pretty substantial property.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- I would say this is over budget, I would say around 475.- 475.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- Sarah?- I will be a little more optimistic and hope for 465.
0:34:54 > 0:35:00It is on the market for offers in excess of £450,000.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02You're joking.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04I will get my cheque book.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09I can't believe it is that price for all this land.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11And the house, don't forget!
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Good, go and have an explore.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Check out the outdoor school, there is stabling, of course, for Benito.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Off you go. Take your time.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Built less than ten years ago,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30our modern Mystery House offers Sarah and Colin far more
0:35:30 > 0:35:33than they ever expected to get for their money.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37There are four bedrooms and a study for Colin in the house and outside
0:35:37 > 0:35:40the land extends to an incredible 45 acres,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44plenty of space for horses as well as any future business ventures.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49There is just the one stable at the moment but that is OK for Benito to
0:35:49 > 0:35:50start off with.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54But there is so much possibility here for how we could redesign it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- I agree.- It is brilliant.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Of the three properties we have seen, it has more facilities,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01already in place, the house is fantastic,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05it has the woods which I am really interested in.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09I love house number one but I think this is really special.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11I could see myself living here tomorrow.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14- Happy?- Very happy.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I am delighted. Because now is the time you get to consider all that we
0:36:17 > 0:36:22have shown you and, I hope, come up with a decision for the future.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Come on, cup of tea time.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Founded in 1136 by King David,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Melrose Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Its proximity to the English border meant it was frequently attacked by
0:36:42 > 0:36:44invading English armies.
0:36:44 > 0:36:50In 1322, Edward II burnt it down but it was rebuilt a few years later
0:36:50 > 0:36:51by King Robert the Bruce -
0:36:51 > 0:36:55only to be destroyed again by Richard II's army in 1385.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I have come to meet historian Adrian Cox
0:36:59 > 0:37:02to explore the surviving 15th-century remains.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Adrian, these surroundings are absolutely magnificent.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09But an area that has been so troubled over the centuries with war
0:37:09 > 0:37:11and conflict, you wonder how it survives.
0:37:11 > 0:37:17It has, right on the border it was a target straightaway for attacks for
0:37:17 > 0:37:18any invading army.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23The original community was Cistercian - who were they and where did they come from?
0:37:23 > 0:37:28The Cistercians came from Citeaux near Dijon in Burgundy
0:37:28 > 0:37:33and they were an order who believed in getting back to the austere principles of the Benedictine order.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Their austerity meant they were focused on prayer and hard labour,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40encouraged by David I to settle in the area.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43The turbulent Borders doesn't seem like the place to come.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46One of the reasons David founded it here was to make a statement as
0:37:46 > 0:37:50it's looking across the border to England and making a statement saying
0:37:50 > 0:37:53the Scottish monarchy is strong, the Scottish church is strong,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56here is the abbey to prove it and it is magnificent, as you say.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00David I was a pious king.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01In his lifetime,
0:38:01 > 0:38:05he founded 20 monastic establishments right across Scotland.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10Today, the Abbey's impressive remains are best viewed from what was once the cloister.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14In the centre where we're standing would have been gardens
0:38:14 > 0:38:17and it would have been surrounded by a covered walkway.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19The workmanship is second to none,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22you can barely get a paper between these joints.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25And that is all down to the expertise of the lay brothers.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29It is exquisite, really, the effort that has gone into the building and
0:38:29 > 0:38:31the carvings is extraordinary, yes.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35You are now charged with the job of keeping it going for, hopefully,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37several centuries more, Adrian.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Where do you start?- We have to make interventions occasionally,
0:38:40 > 0:38:42checking the condition of the stonework,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46sometimes doing some re-pointing or stone replacement, very carefully.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Every little part of the building is assessed for its condition and its
0:38:49 > 0:38:51needs in terms of conservation.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52A constant process.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58The abbey brought change to the local landscape.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01The educated monks made a centre of learning and the lay brothers
0:39:01 > 0:39:03introduced farming skills to the area.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09From sheep farming, Melrose became wealthy for exporting high-quality wool
0:39:09 > 0:39:11from ports around Scotland.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15But perhaps its greatest claim to fame is it is said to hold the heart
0:39:15 > 0:39:19of Robert the Bruce here in the abbey's chapterhouse.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22So, silly question, is there a heart underneath this stone?
0:39:22 > 0:39:27There is, yes. In 1921, it was discovered archaeologically
0:39:27 > 0:39:30that there is a heart burial here in alleged casket,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33it is of the right sort of date for Robert the Bruce's time.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Begging the question, where is the rest of Robert the Bruce?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39On Robert the Bruce's death in 1329,
0:39:39 > 0:39:44his heart was removed from his chest and embalmed and taken on crusade
0:39:44 > 0:39:47and only later brought back here and interred at Melrose Abbey
0:39:47 > 0:39:49but his body is buried at Dunfermline Abbey,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52which was a favoured burial spot for the royal family.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56How common was it to bury just a heart?
0:39:56 > 0:40:01Heart burial wasn't uncommon in the medieval period for wealthy people
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and we are here in the chapterhouse where abbots would have been buried
0:40:04 > 0:40:08and wealthy patrons as well, so it is not impossible this heart might belong to
0:40:08 > 0:40:10one of them, for example.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12So, is that the controversy?
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Yes, cos you would expect the heart of the King of Scots to be buried
0:40:16 > 0:40:19in the church rather than in the chapterhouse.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22But is this the only heart you have found at Melrose?
0:40:22 > 0:40:24It is, yes, the only one to have been discovered.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28So, in fairness, we could give Robert the Bruce the benefit of the doubt.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- We could, perhaps, yes.- We will leave you to it, Your Majesty.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Well, it is now decision time for Colin and Sarah.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51This week, I think we have given three really strong options
0:40:51 > 0:40:56but my sense is it has now come down to a choice of simply two
0:40:56 > 0:40:58but, of course, they can buy only one.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01So, what is the answer going to be? Let's go and ask them.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10Well, Colin, Sarah, a chance for you to move back home, Colin,
0:41:10 > 0:41:15a chance for you to, hopefully, realise your hopes of an equestrian business in the Borders.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Are we any nearer to finding you a solution?
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I think we have two fairly strong options at the moment.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26But we have a lot of talking to do.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31- A lot.- Property one is a neat package,
0:41:31 > 0:41:37it would be easier to jump straight in but it doesn't offer the long-term opportunities
0:41:37 > 0:41:38the Mystery House does.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41In the long term, the Mystery Property...
0:41:42 > 0:41:45has more scope for our projects.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48So, I think we can all agree, two very interesting options -
0:41:48 > 0:41:51but the burning question is, what happens next?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We are really going to have to do a lot of thinking about this.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58It was good to see one property that matched what we wanted,
0:41:58 > 0:42:04amazing to see two - both of which we didn't think you'd find properties like that.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Have we given you too much to think about?- Yes, I think so!
0:42:09 > 0:42:12We will have an interesting drive back south.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Well, guys, it's been a great deal of fun this week.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19I'm delighted we have been able to find you not one, but two really exciting options
0:42:19 > 0:42:22but we look forward to hearing how you get on in due course.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- Best of luck.- Thank you.- It has been a pleasure, thank you very much.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30You may recall that I said when we started this show
0:42:30 > 0:42:33that I have always had a certain romance for Scotland
0:42:33 > 0:42:36and that is a view that hasn't changed this week.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39The rather warm and shared sense of purpose that Colin and Sarah
0:42:39 > 0:42:43have brought to this search has been palpable.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46They came up here looking for a home in which they could horse around on
0:42:46 > 0:42:49the Borders and, hopefully, that is exactly what we have been able to find them.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53They may, at this point, be feeling slightly spoiled for choice
0:42:53 > 0:42:57but I think they are a couple worth spoiling. I will see you next time.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07England or Northern Ireland and need our help, you can apply online at...