After 26 years in London, today's couple has headed north to the Scottish Lothians in search of a complete change of lifestyle. They have a house-hunting budget of £475,000 and Nicki Chapman to help them spend it.
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00:00Sometimes our escape property adventures require a little creative thinking.
00:07I wouldn't necessarily think it would be the kind of thing we're looking for.
00:11Okay.
00:12So I'm extra intrigued to see why it's been chosen.
00:15As we try to match property to our buyers preferences.
00:19Would I be right in saying, she says fingers crossed, that it has a lot of character?
00:24Definitely, definitely.
00:26And we're prepared to take a real gamble.
00:29Because not often I can show people homes like this.
00:33This is exactly what we want.
00:36In our attempts to turn country dreams into real life possibilities.
00:41I absolutely love it. I can really see us living here.
00:45I want it.
00:59Music
01:13Combine golden sandy beaches and sea thrashed cliffs
01:19with the rise and fall of its dramatic and culturally rich landscape
01:24and you get the ever enticing package of the Scottish Lothians.
01:31Now let's talk about beautiful scenery and rugged coastlines
01:35like this one here in East Lothian.
01:38Now some of us we like to walk it, others to immerse themselves in it
01:43and some people even like to paint it.
01:46But you know, I reckon each and every one of us when you see a vista like this
01:51well, we certainly take inspiration from it.
01:58The Lothians sit in the south east of Scotland
02:01encompassing the city of Edinburgh
02:03and comprising three divisions of west, east and mid Lothian.
02:10Contrasting and captivating,
02:13this part of the country includes traditional harbour towns in the east
02:17with tranquil rivers, hills and valleys to the west.
02:21The region inspired the works of the celebrated Scottish writers
02:25Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
02:29The best thing about living in this part of Scotland is the variety.
02:32In this part of the world we have hills, we have coasts,
02:37we have something to do for everyone.
02:39Today the Lothians are a popular choice
02:41for those looking for connectivity to Edinburgh
02:44whilst enjoying magnificent untamed landscapes of the water and the wilds.
02:50It's great living in the Lothians.
02:51I grew up here and I've chosen to settle down, raise my kids and grow a business
02:55so there's no place I'd rather be.
03:05Today's escapees are originally from Scotland
03:08and I can see exactly why they'd want to return to their roots.
03:12I mean, who wouldn't want to surround themselves with loads more of this?
03:20OK, you ready? Yeah.
03:24For 26 years, Chris and his husband Stuart
03:27lived together in a one-bedroom flat in north London.
03:30But they've just sold up and headed back to their homeland
03:34for a complete change of lifestyle.
03:38We've been thinking about it for a long time
03:40and I think with Covid as well it made it clear to us
03:43that we wanted to be up in Scotland near my parents
03:47because if we don't do it now, when are we ever going to do it?
03:51They're after more space, different scenery
03:54and want to integrate into a local Scottish community.
03:59Moving to rural or semi-rural Scotland will help us have a slower pace of life.
04:04It'll give us a chance to reconnect with nature
04:07and be at one with the elements.
04:09And part of our plan is also to get two big dogs
04:12so there's no more sociable way of meeting people than being out dog-walking.
04:17They've taken on a rental house in the East Lothian coastal town of Dunbar
04:21so they can explore the area.
04:24This is our current garden. As you can see, it's not very big.
04:28So I'm really looking forward to having our own garden again,
04:31doing lots of planting and creating a lovely environment.
04:36Stuart is a retired West End stage manager
04:39and Chris now works for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
04:42so needs to be within easy reach of the city centre.
04:46I'm waiting for the train into Edinburgh which takes about 25 minutes.
04:51This is the station at Dunbar.
04:53It's fairly quiet at the moment
04:55but it will get a lot busier in the rush hour
04:58although nowhere near as busy as London.
05:02Chris and Stuart have a budget of £450,000
05:06but could stretch to £475,000 for the perfect property.
05:11They'd love to find a detached period home with unique character features,
05:15at least four bedrooms and a large secure garden
05:19with good road and rail links to Edinburgh.
05:23So, I'm really looking forward to spending a few days with Stuart and Chris.
05:28For them, it's all about coming home.
05:31Yeah, they've been thinking about it for a long, long time now
05:34and it's actually happened.
05:36We've just got to find them the community and the home of their dreams.
05:40These guys worked in the theatre.
05:43They're used to working in the theatre
05:45and they're used to working in the theatre.
05:48These guys worked in the theatre.
05:51They're used to working practically 24-7
05:54and life in Scotland is going to completely change for them.
05:57They want a more relaxed lifestyle and guess what?
06:01They want incredible views just like that.
06:07We're getting this show on the road in mid-Lothian
06:10in the pretty hamlet of Jewerton.
06:15Just a five-minute drive away
06:17you'll find all the local services you need
06:20from a grocer's to a post office in the small town of Gorebridge.
06:27The area is also home to over 250 acres of woodland and parkland
06:32in Vowgry Country Park.
06:34So, where better for us all to get acquainted?
06:40Well, Stuart and Chris, a triumphant return to Scotland, I understand
06:45and so lovely to meet you.
06:47And lovely to meet you too.
06:49Very nice to meet you.
06:50The plan has come together.
06:52It has indeed.
06:53And I think you've been really smart
06:55because you've had the dream of moving home
06:58and then you've sold your property, so you're cash buyers, and you're renting.
07:02Yeah, that was one of the things that we were very lucky about
07:05is we are cash buyers
07:06and it gave us a chance to become familiar with the local areas
07:11and deciding where it was that we actually wanted to live
07:14whether or not it was going to be in Edinburgh or mid-Lothian
07:17or East Lothian or down in the borders.
07:19Because both having worked in theatre land
07:22so very different, I'm guessing, moving up here.
07:25Yes, we're looking forward to is just taking it a bit easier
07:28having a bit more time, having our two dogs and being able to get out
07:32and enjoy getting out with them.
07:34No dramas.
07:35No dramas.
07:36Well, we'll have to see, won't we?
07:38We'll have to see as we're going around.
07:40And being creative types
07:42I wonder if that's going to be reflected in the property, in the area.
07:45I hope so.
07:46Well, I would hope so, yes.
07:47We're certainly looking for something that's got personality and character.
07:51A favourite of mine is houses that have two separate staircases,
07:54something like that, you know.
07:56It's not so that you argue and you go off in separate directions, is it?
07:59You haven't stumbled across something here.
08:02No, that's not us at all.
08:04We'd like something that's quirky and has a bit of character
08:07and personality of its own.
08:09Well, we're really looking forward to showing you around.
08:11So, shall we get started?
08:12Yes, please.
08:17Just a stone's throw from that beautiful spot,
08:20it's showtime for our first property,
08:23this traditional 19th century sandstone cottage.
08:29So, you've got a very attractive row of cottages here.
08:31Some of them date back to the 1780s
08:34and this one on the end is the home we're going to show you.
08:38Wow.
08:39Excellent.
08:40It looks like a nice little cottage from the outside,
08:43so I'm intrigued to see what there is inside.
08:46I wouldn't necessarily think it would be the kind of thing we're looking for.
08:50OK.
08:51So, I'm extra intrigued to see why it's been chosen
08:54because I think it might have something, you know...
08:56Something hidden.
08:57Yeah, yeah.
08:58It's definitely got character.
08:59Yeah.
09:00It has plenty of character and, of course,
09:02we're not going to go through the front door.
09:04Why would we use the front door?
09:06Let's go down the side.
09:07OK.
09:11Well, it's not getting the immediate rave reviews I was hoping for,
09:16but there's still plenty of time to win over the crowd.
09:19This characterful cottage was extended in 2008
09:23and we're starting our tour through the modern entrance
09:26straight into a hallway which divides the old apart from the new.
09:33So, look at this.
09:35This is a feature as you walk in the door.
09:37Wow, look at that.
09:39That's great. I love that.
09:41It certainly meets the brief of quirky.
09:43Yes.
09:45Let's go next door to the sitting room.
09:47OK.
09:48And dining room as well.
09:50It's like the TARDIS.
09:51Isn't it?
09:52So, it's been done in quite a contemporary style,
09:55but I think it's ready for you to put your own imprint on it.
09:59Certainly, I think we would want to give it less of a contemporary feel,
10:04but it has scope for that.
10:07Definitely.
10:08It might seem a bit ironic that we want to make it look older,
10:12but that's our style and what we're looking for.
10:16The current owners have spent the past few years
10:19giving this period cottage a modern facelift.
10:22It's a balance that so many of my buyers are hoping to find,
10:26but perhaps not quite the blend this pair are after.
10:31So, this kitchen is only about three years old.
10:34OK.
10:36So, if it's to your style, you wouldn't need to do anything.
10:39If you wanted to change it,
10:41you could have it for a couple of years before you needed to.
10:44Yeah.
10:45It's certainly something that we wouldn't have looked at
10:48just from the outside initially,
10:50but I think it's a lovely home.
10:53I think it's really nice.
10:55It's beautifully done, it's beautifully presented,
10:57in great condition, but it has a modern, contemporary feel,
11:01and that's not what I think we want, certainly not what I want.
11:04I think you would agree it's not the feel you want out of our home.
11:07I think you want a... I agree, yeah, I do.
11:09..period feel. Yeah.
11:11But certainly, as you said, it does have potential.
11:16I'm glad they're not totally ruling it out,
11:19as this cottage has so much to offer.
11:24Downstairs, off the living and dining room,
11:27is an elegant double bedroom with a private bathroom.
11:31Upstairs, there's a generous double bedroom being used as a study,
11:35complete with its own en suite.
11:39And then we come to the main bedroom,
11:42once again with exclusive use of a shower room.
11:47I like the storage.
11:49I really like being able to look out into the countryside from the bed.
11:54I think that's brilliant.
11:56And you've got that window there as well into the garden,
11:58which I think is lovely.
12:00It's not really doing it for me.
12:03Maybe I need to think more about it.
12:05I think I've gone a little back to thinking,
12:07oh, it's very contemporary looking,
12:09and I need to keep my imagination ticking over
12:12about how we could give it that older feel.
12:16Traditional feel. Yeah.
12:18For a minute there, I thought they might just be warming to this house,
12:22but now I'm not so sure.
12:25However, there's still the outside to explore,
12:28which features a raised deck that leads to a partially walled garden
12:32with a paved patio and a workshop.
12:36Let's see how we feel about the price.
12:39I would guess about £395,000.
12:44£395,000?
12:46OK, I think it's probably nearer £430,000, is my guess.
12:52£430,000.
12:54They are looking for offers over £390,000.
12:58Oh, OK. Well done.
13:01Now you know the price, offers over £390,000,
13:04it gives you a better idea of what this is worth.
13:06Yes, exactly.
13:08It may not have been the box office hit I'd hoped for,
13:11but this well-presented semi-detached cottage
13:14has a spacious contemporary interior,
13:17three double bedrooms and a lovely mature garden.
13:21All for offers over £390,000.
13:25And it's just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh.
13:30It's not really the house that we're looking for,
13:34but it does have the quirky layout that we're interested in,
13:37so we could think about what we could do, ironically,
13:41to make the place feel older.
13:44It's a nice house. It's lovely and light and airy.
13:48I just don't think that... I don't feel us living here.
13:53It doesn't... It doesn't grab me as what could be our home.
13:58MUSIC
14:14Chris and Stuart might have left London behind
14:17for a total lifestyle change up here in Scotland,
14:20but they still want to be well-connected to towns and cities.
14:24So we're sending them to East Lothian's county town of Haddington
14:28to have a good look around.
14:30Locally known as the Hidden Toon
14:33because of its inconspicuous setting wrapped in gorgeous countryside,
14:37I think it's just the sort of place our buyers will love.
14:41It's such a lovely view.
14:43Such a great way to come into the town.
14:4620 miles from Edinburgh and just 10 minutes from the county's famous coast,
14:51Haddington has it all.
14:53There's a really good mix of different kinds of shops here.
14:56There's butchers, lots of bakers.
14:58Candlestick makers.
15:00Nice pubs too. Yeah.
15:04We've arranged for them to meet up with Jim Watson,
15:07a volunteer gardener at St Mary's Pleasance,
15:10a 17th-century heritage walled garden in the town.
15:14He moved here himself from Glasgow,
15:16so I'm hoping he can give our couple some advice.
15:20Hello there. My name's Chris. Nice to meet you.
15:23Hi, Chris. Nice to meet you. I'm Stuart.
15:25Good to meet you. Grab a seat.
15:27This is absolutely beautiful.
15:29It's a gorgeous place and just gets me...
15:32My green fingers are all itchy to start digging in the ground
15:35and start planting things again and watching things develop.
15:39I love this garden as well.
15:41I've been in Haddington for six years
15:43and this was maybe the first garden that I saw in Haddington
15:46and I was so struck by it.
15:48It was a love at first sight thing.
15:50Well, it sounds like you're maybe then a few years ahead
15:53on the same journey that we're hoping to make,
15:55moving to this part of the world.
15:57How have you found the move? Has it been a good move for you?
16:00It's been an excellent move, both for myself and for my wife.
16:04We've both been able to involve ourselves in local groups
16:08and Haddington as a town has got such a variety
16:12of local organisations and voluntary opportunities
16:17that it helps you to get that sense of belonging,
16:20which is very important.
16:22That's something that we're very aware of moving here.
16:25It's a new environment for us.
16:27We want to become part of the community wherever we actually are.
16:31That enthusiasm is a great thing to bring
16:34and when you come here, it will be most welcome.
16:37Great. Thank you so much.
16:41It's great to see the guys getting so animated
16:44about their new life in Scotland.
16:46So I'd better dig deep to find them a home.
16:55For our next property,
16:57we're heading for the rural Midlothian town of Pennycook.
17:00With the stunning Pentland Hills as a backdrop,
17:03this lively town is enveloped by the county's natural beauty.
17:07There's a well-stocked High Street
17:09and plenty of open space to walk the dogs in the surrounding countryside,
17:13including 1,200 acres of greenery at Pennycook House Estate.
17:18The property we're here to see
17:20is in a residential area on the edge of the town,
17:23just a short walk from it all.
17:28Now, I'm not offering you a period property,
17:32but what I am offering you is a fabulous house.
17:37Well, ideally, we're looking for a detached house
17:40and you've certainly found us one.
17:42I like it.
17:44Yes, it's not the sort of house we would have imagined us looking at.
17:48It's definitely very 20th century,
17:50not as old as we're really looking for,
17:52but it's definitely got a lovely charm about it.
17:55It feels very welcoming. Yeah. Absolutely, it does.
17:58Let's see what you make of the inside. OK.
18:04I have high hopes for this fabulous detached house.
18:09Dating back to the 1950s,
18:11it was originally a single-storey cottage.
18:14The current home is extended into the roof in the 1980s
18:17and out to the rear around 20 years ago.
18:22We're kicking things off in a partially open-plan living and dining room.
18:27So, welcome to our home.
18:30Lots going on, which I will explain,
18:32because this is a very spacious house.
18:36It certainly is. Ah-ha.
18:38I love the fireplace. It's beautiful.
18:40Even though it has a contemporary feel,
18:44would I be right in saying, she says, fingers crossed,
18:47that it has a lot of character?
18:49Definitely, definitely.
18:51I feel here, again, we would make a few changes
18:54to make it feel a little older,
18:56but I think this is much nearer what we want
19:00than the previous property was.
19:02So far, so good.
19:04It sort of flows, this house.
19:07So deceiving. This is lovely.
19:09It's the kitchen.
19:11And again, a lovely modern kitchen,
19:14obviously in really good condition,
19:16by the looks of it, fairly recently put in.
19:19That's just perfect, yeah?
19:21And I've just noticed how light this kitchen is,
19:24with the windows, huge windows on two walls.
19:26That's amazing. Yeah.
19:28Stuart, will you do me a favour? Will you just open that door, please?
19:31Oh! Oh, look at the size of the room. Yeah.
19:34It's brilliant. Perfect.
19:37Well, who doesn't love a pantry?
19:40And this house has so much more to reveal.
19:44From the main entrance hall,
19:46there's a double bedroom in use as a study,
19:49a second generous bedroom,
19:51a shower room, plus a utility,
19:53ideal for washing off the dogs
19:55after a walk in the local countryside.
19:59Upstairs, there are a further two good-sized bedrooms,
20:02served by a modern family bathroom,
20:04on the other side of the landing,
20:06is the main bedroom suite.
20:10Oh, this is a nice suite.
20:12Oh, I love the fitted wardrobes.
20:14And great double room size, too.
20:16Oh, what do we have here?
20:18An en-suite.
20:20Oh, that's lovely.
20:26Now they've seen the inside,
20:28it's time for the outside to take the limelight.
20:31A wraparound deck with seating
20:33overlooks a mature lawn garden
20:35bordered by pretty plants and flowers.
20:39What do you think?
20:41It's a lovely house. I really like it.
20:44It's definitely got the quirky feel that we want.
20:47It's definitely there.
20:49It already has some character
20:51that makes it feel like it has some age to it.
20:54So the house doesn't need any work doing to it,
20:57it doesn't need any updating.
20:59You've got a community on your doorstep.
21:01It is all sounding too good to be true,
21:04so let's bring it back to reality
21:06and talk about the price.
21:08I think...
21:10£435,000.
21:12OK.
21:14OK, I'm going to go lower than you this time.
21:17I think it would be £410,000.
21:19£410,000?
21:21Yes.
21:23I'm going to take you higher than that, I'm afraid.
21:26The asking price is...
21:28offers over £475,000.
21:30OK.
21:32So we have taken you right to the top of your budget.
21:35Certainly, I think this is more worth our time
21:38considering than property number one was.
21:40Yes, I agree.
21:42Pushing right to their maximum budget
21:45at offers over £475,000,
21:48this impressive detached house
21:51has a semi-open living and dining area,
21:54five bedrooms,
21:56and a large secure garden
21:58with town and countryside on the doorstep.
22:01I think the house has got quite a lot of character.
22:03I really like the fact that it's got the high ceilings.
22:06The thing for me is the property price.
22:11£475,000 is at the very top of our budget
22:16and it would leave us nothing to decorate or buy furniture with.
22:21It's a really nice house,
22:23but I'm not sure, unfortunately again,
22:26that it's really the house for us.
22:29Well, what a day of house hunting and what a region!
22:33It's quite the dramatic change from London.
22:37Speaking of drama,
22:39I want to find out more about their illustrious careers in the theatre
22:43and what better place for a stroll and a chat
22:46than one of East Lothian's glorious stretches of beach.
22:52So this is Dunbar Beach.
22:54This is on your doorstep where you're entering.
22:56It is. This is Dunbar Beach.
22:58And the best thing is, it's like all the beaches down this east coast,
23:01they're all like this.
23:03They're all sandy beaches with the rock pools and stuff.
23:06It is incredible.
23:08And are you allowed to walk dogs on this all year round?
23:10Oh, definitely. Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
23:13Which is going to be perfect for us.
23:15And also, what a lovely way to meet people out walking the dog.
23:18A nice way to become part of the community.
23:21But I've got to take the opportunity to ask you about your lives
23:25because I am fascinated.
23:27Working in theatre land in the West End,
23:30I mean, 300 miles away from here,
23:32it must seem like a different world, certainly a different planet.
23:35What was the highlight during that time?
23:38Well, I've had a couple of highlights over my years.
23:42One was flying the helicopter on the original production of Miss Saigon.
23:46That was exciting, scary. Yes.
23:49And then I ended up being the stage manager
23:52for Phantom of the Opera in the West End.
23:54I was stage manager for the last 20 years of the run.
23:57I managed to do over 10,000 shows.
24:00And I don't think that's a number that any other stage manager
24:03has equalled on any show ever, to be honest.
24:06And did you just love it?
24:08I did. It was my passion. It was my life. It really was.
24:11And I'm looking forward to a new life now.
24:14Chris, you've had some incredible jobs as well.
24:17What would be your highlight?
24:19Well, my highlight is probably my current job at The Fringe,
24:22but before that it was definitely opening Back To The Future,
24:26the musical at the Adelphi in London, which was just brilliant.
24:31It was a fantastic team. We got on so well.
24:34And I was really sad to leave.
24:36And it was just the best job ever. I loved going into work.
24:40And the lovely thing about this part of Scotland
24:43is that you are so close to Edinburgh,
24:45you can still get your taste of theatre life there, can't you?
24:48Definitely, yeah. And working in The Fringe as well,
24:51it gives me a chance to find out all those shows
24:54that seem, you know, that would appeal to us.
24:57So that's it for today. I want you to have a good night's sleep.
25:00I've got something very interesting to show you tomorrow.
25:03OK. But can we keep walking? I don't want to go back.
25:06Let's go for another stroll.
25:14MUSIC
25:17The Lothians encompass a desirable region of Scotland
25:21and property prices reflect that.
25:23No surprise is that the most expensive properties
25:26are closest to Edinburgh and the coast in East Lothian,
25:30where the average price of a detached house is just over £590,000.
25:36Head away from the coast, though, into Mid-Lothian,
25:39and similar properties cost considerably less,
25:42at just under £450,000.
25:45For better value still,
25:47and if you're prepared to stretch the commute to the city,
25:50then try heading south to the neighbouring Scottish borders,
25:53where the average price is just over £337,000.
25:59And although prices may differ,
26:01there's currently some beautiful homes on offer
26:04across the region for all budgets.
26:09If, like today's buyers, you're in search of traditional character,
26:13then how about this attractive three-bedroom detached cottage in East Lothian?
26:20It oozes elegance throughout,
26:22with a main bedroom complete with jacuzzi bath,
26:26plus a delightful orangery,
26:28on the market for offers over £475,000.
26:33If your style is a little more contemporary,
26:36then for £2,100 a month,
26:39there's this stylish stone-built farmhouse for rent.
26:42Four generous ensuite bedrooms,
26:44a smart kitchen and fresh living spaces
26:47are waiting for you and your furniture to just move straight in.
26:55Or if you're looking for somewhere to stay
26:57while you explore this glorious region,
26:59consider a luxury cabin in the Scottish borders.
27:02Inside, you'll find compact living at its finest,
27:05and outside, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery
27:08from the luxury of your own private hot tub.
27:11Prices start at £170 a night for a cabin that sleeps four.
27:22So we had an interesting day yesterday with Stuart and Chris.
27:26They're after a property and a location that's got character and charm
27:31and is also a little bit quirky, and we got close.
27:34We got close with our second house,
27:36although the price point was a little bit sticky for them.
27:39So today, well, we've crossed over to the Scottish borders,
27:42a different area for them.
27:44Hopefully, their mind is going to go a lot further.
27:47It also has spectacular views like this, and guess what?
27:51The mystery house is literally minutes from this glorious beach.
27:58Our final property destination
28:00is in the conservation village of Coldingham on the south-east coast,
28:04which would push the Edinburgh commute to just over an hour by car.
28:09If it's period charm and character a theatrical couple are after,
28:13there's bags of it here.
28:15Picture-esque stone-built cottages line winding cobbled streets
28:20with shops, cafes and historic buildings to explore.
28:24And with these far-reaching fields
28:27meeting the blue-flag beach of Coldingham Sands,
28:30it's surely going to please the critics.
28:34So we've been talking about stunning beaches,
28:38but how does Coldingham Bay rate?
28:41This is beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
28:43Stunning. I can really see us living in somewhere like this.
28:46Oh, yes, definitely.
28:48Walking our dogs along this beach, it's just stunning. I love it.
28:51We've taken you a little bit further out.
28:53We're into the Scottish borders now,
28:55but it's certainly a trip worth making
28:57when you've got views like this all around you.
28:59I agree, yes.
29:01And the great news is our next property isn't far from here.
29:05It is within walking distance.
29:07Oh, brilliant.
29:09Who would like to invest in a beach hut as well at the same time?
29:12That's got to be on the list now, hasn't it?
29:14Well, I tell you what, why don't you go and find a lovely local
29:17and see how much they're going for if they are available.
29:20Take your time, probably grab a coffee on the way
29:23because I'm going to get the mystery house ready.
29:25And I can't hide it, I'm very excited about our next offering, shall we?
29:30So I'll see you later.
29:32OK, bye.
29:35Well, it's a thumbs-up for the location
29:38and I'm pretty confident the positive scenes
29:41will continue at our mystery house.
29:44Time for something a little bit different.
29:49Welcome to the mystery house.
29:52Let's start the tour.
30:00When looking for the perfect property, always remember to look up.
30:08This mystery house, it is immense.
30:12It has character, it has charm and it is definitely quirky
30:16as well as being a little bit of a project.
30:19So have we bitten off more than we can chew?
30:22Well, let's find out.
30:31Now you're talking.
30:33I wish I could just take a snapshot of your faces
30:36as you came up the drive there.
30:38Isn't it incredible?
30:40It's stunning. That is our kind of house.
30:42Is it? Yes.
30:44The whole area is just beautiful.
30:47I instantly feel at home. Do you?
30:50I've got a really lovely vibe about this village.
30:54This is exactly the kind of property that we're looking for.
30:57Cannot wait to get inside and look.
30:59I mean, even just from the outside, it just...
31:02Yeah.
31:04You really have saved the best for last, haven't you?
31:06Right. I don't need to say anything.
31:08I'll give you all the details inside.
31:10I think we need to start, don't we? Yes, please.
31:14Finally, the showstopper I'd been hoping for.
31:18This 19th-century stone-built house really has wowed them,
31:22and the performance is only just getting started.
31:27Oh, look at that!
31:31It's not often I can show people homes like this.
31:35This just...
31:37I mean, I thought outside was gorgeous.
31:39This is just...
31:42..beyond what you'd imagine.
31:45This is exactly what we want!
31:48This is... Yeah.
31:50It's got character, it's got detail.
31:52All those features, all those things we were talking about,
31:55you know, period, character, quirky.
31:58Yeah. So this is just the beginning.
32:00Think what you're going to be like when you've done the whole tour.
32:03Let's start in here.
32:05So the first drawing room,
32:08the public room, as it's called in Scotland.
32:11Yes. This is beautiful! I love it!
32:14I love the detail in the ceiling, it's beautiful.
32:17It seems to be everything that we asked for.
32:20It's tipping all the boxes for things that we were looking for.
32:24Now, are you feeling robust and lots of energy?
32:28Yes! Because you've got a lot to see, you two,
32:31as you're walking around.
32:33I think I should just let you explore on your own
32:36and you can come and find me in the garden when you're done, yeah?
32:39OK, sounds good. I should set my watch, really, shouldn't I?
32:42Cos I think you're going to be hours!
32:44See you in a week or two! It's a church party!
32:46You're going to enjoy it, definitely.
32:48So have a good look around, explore,
32:51and then you can tell me what you think in a while.
32:53Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
32:56We said no dramas, but what amazing reactions
33:00to what is undeniably a dramatic property.
33:04Set across three floors, on the ground floor,
33:07there's a second grand reception room.
33:11Oh, wow!
33:13Another gorgeous room.
33:15Look at the archway.
33:17I love that detail, that little nook where the fireplace is.
33:20And it's got shutters too.
33:22It's beautiful. It's absolutely stunning.
33:26There's a kitchen requiring a bit of imagination and work,
33:30which I know our creative couple will have no problem with.
33:35Off the kitchen is a utility room, the original pantry,
33:39and a feature I know Stuart has been dreaming of.
33:42So I wonder what's through here.
33:44Oh, look!
33:46Second secret staircase.
33:49Just what I want.
33:53The staircase leads up to a cosy study.
33:57Back downstairs, the quirky layout continues off the kitchen.
34:01What's through here?
34:03Oh, look! We're back in this room.
34:06Oh, I like that. I like that. That's brilliant.
34:10I love it. I really love it.
34:13It's perfect for us.
34:15It's just amazing. It's just...
34:17Yeah, it's everything we've been looking for,
34:19everything we've been dreaming of, isn't it?
34:21It really is. It really is.
34:23It's like our forever home. I feel really comfortable here.
34:28Do house tours get any better than this?
34:32There's also a rather extravagant dining room
34:35with doors out onto the garden.
34:39Wow!
34:41Up the main staircase,
34:43they'll find a generous partially completed family bathroom,
34:47a large double bedroom featuring an original fireplace,
34:51a second double with a walk-in cupboard,
34:54a smaller bedroom, and then this.
34:58Oh! Oh, Chris!
35:01Look at that!
35:03This could be the master bedroom.
35:05Maybe, yeah.
35:07And with two windows against, you've got gorgeous views.
35:11A third staircase leads up to two more bedrooms,
35:14making seven in total, all bursting with period charm.
35:19Outside, there's an original carriage driveway to the front,
35:22plus ample space for parking to the side.
35:25And at the rear, an enclosed area of decking
35:28is surrounded by a well-maintained lawned garden.
35:34Ha-ha-ha!
35:36I think those faces say it all, don't they?
35:39It's just stunning.
35:41I think this house would give us absolutely everything that we want.
35:45I absolutely love it. I can really see us living here.
35:49I want to... I want to live in this house.
35:53It's just perfect for us. It's everything that we want.
35:56So, we've got to talk about the price.
36:00I'm going to hazard a guess at...
36:05..£425,000.
36:07I do think it's going to be pushing our budget.
36:11I'm going to go for a hopeful 430.
36:15OK.
36:17The asking price is...
36:20..£325,000.
36:22Oh!
36:25I know. Say that again?
36:27£325,000.
36:29But we're not going to do a little dance as yet,
36:32because, as you can imagine, at that price,
36:36it's garnered an awful lot of interest.
36:39Yeah. Mm.
36:40So, that's what you've got to think about.
36:43I mean, I think it'd be safe for me to say
36:45that that house won't be sold at £325,000.
36:48But that is what it's on the market for, offers over.
36:51Wow.
36:52But you are going to have to move very quickly on this one.
36:55OK, I think that's fine.
36:57I think you'd be ready to move quickly on this one.
36:59I think I know the answer, but do you fancy having another look around?
37:02Yes, please. Yes, please.
37:06But offers over £325,000,
37:10this magnificent 19th-century detached home
37:13has totally captured Chris and Stuart's hearts.
37:17It's full of original character features,
37:20with three grand reception rooms, seven bedrooms
37:24and a gorgeous garden,
37:26right on the coast in a picturesque historic village.
37:31I absolutely love it.
37:33It ticks every single box of properties that we were looking for.
37:37Yes, it needs work, and yes, it's a bit further away from Edinburgh,
37:42but I can see us living here.
37:45I can see this being our forever home.
37:47I echo what Chris says.
37:49It just has everything that we wanted.
37:51If we were lucky enough to get it,
37:53I don't think we'd have to make any compromises.
38:05Well, Chris and Stuart are within touching distance
38:08of their new life in Scotland,
38:10but they are not the first to escape here from city life down south.
38:14Hi, we're Sam and Hannah,
38:16and we moved up here to the Highlands of Scotland
38:18just over a year ago from Oxfordshire.
38:22Following years of stressful, high-pressure jobs,
38:25Sam and Hannah decided to pack up
38:27and make a break for the Scottish countryside
38:29so they could pursue their passion for photography
38:32and the great outdoors.
38:34I used to work as a research scientist,
38:36and Hannah was working as a vet,
38:38and we reached that stage in our careers
38:40where the level of stress just got to the point
38:42where we felt it was time to make a change,
38:44and we wanted to find somewhere permanent where we could settle down.
38:47Sam grew up in the Highlands and had always dreamed of moving back.
38:50Then, having visited for holidays many times with Hannah,
38:53the duo had no doubt it was where they wanted to relocate.
38:57When we lived down south, it felt so claustrophobic,
39:01and now it feels like we can be the people
39:04that we were always meant to be.
39:06Sam now works remotely in scientific publishing,
39:09and Hannah is embarking on her own photography business.
39:12It's just felt like a massive weight
39:14has been lifted off our shoulders here.
39:16We love hiking up the mountains or exploring the shores,
39:19looking for wildlife,
39:21and really we can't imagine living anywhere else.
39:24The couple fell in love with and bought the first property they viewed,
39:28and even though the nearest supermarket is an hour away,
39:31they've never looked back.
39:33We're doing quite a bit of renovation work on the house itself,
39:36which we're really enjoying.
39:38We've got a huge garden at the back too,
39:40so we've got loads of space for growing vegetables.
39:42Hannah's actually got a couple of beehives in there too.
39:45Decorating has been a really good way
39:48of getting over the stresses and strains of the life we left behind,
39:53and it has been good to make the house feel properly ours.
39:58Up here, the pace of life is completely different,
40:01and we get to spend an awful lot more time together,
40:03enjoying our house and enjoying the outdoors as well.
40:06To be honest, the only real thing I'd change
40:08would be for there to be less midges.
40:10Definitely, it would be nice if there were less midges.
40:13What a life Sam and Hannah have carved out for themselves.
40:17Sounds just like the kind of transformation
40:20so many of my escapees desire,
40:23and it's high time we found out
40:25if we've helped today's house hunters get closer to their rural dream.
40:32Guys, I've got to say thank you,
40:34because it's rare for me to come to a beautiful part of the country
40:37and visit three beaches in three days.
40:41It's absolutely glorious, isn't it?
40:43Yeah, and really, although we're bringing you back home,
40:46what I'm delighted about is we've shown you areas
40:48that you might not have seen or considered before.
40:50Yeah, absolutely.
40:52We're very grateful that you've showed us these three different properties
40:56in the areas that they were in as well.
40:58And there does seem to be one winner, surely.
41:02I think that's safe to say.
41:04Come on then, Stuart, tell us about that house.
41:06OK, well, the house in Caldingham is just everything we'd dreamed of.
41:11It is basically our entire wish list, all under one roof.
41:15So I think I can let you know, between there and here,
41:20we've been in touch with our solicitor.
41:22We have a meeting set up, and then the offer will go in.
41:25That's fantastic news!
41:27Because, of course, the system here in Scotland is very different.
41:30You've got to get a solicitor on board right from the very start,
41:33and you've been thinking ahead and you've already done that,
41:36which is brilliant.
41:38This change of lifestyle and living here, what will that mean to you?
41:42It will mean that we can finally unpack all of the boxes
41:45that we've had in storage from our one-bedroom flat in London,
41:49rediscover all the things that we've got,
41:52and go shopping and find furniture to fill that beautiful house.
41:56We'll be keeping everything cross,
41:58not just with your meeting with the solicitor,
42:00but also when you put an offer in.
42:02And please keep in touch, won't you?
42:04We will, definitely.
42:06Let us know how you get on. Enjoy your retirement.
42:08And, Chris, enjoy Edinburgh and all it has to offer with your new job.
42:12I will. Thank you very much.
42:14Thank you both.
42:17What a delightful few days we've had here in Scotland
42:20with Stuart and Chris,
42:22and really showing them, well, bringing them back home,
42:25and they're seeing all this area through fresh eyes.
42:28And once again, our mystery house, a little bit of a project.
42:33Well, they totally fell in love with it,
42:35and we're keeping everything crossed that their offer gets accepted.
42:39And that's it from me, and I'll see you again very soon.
42:46I'm absolutely thrilled to report that Chris and Stuart's offer was accepted,
42:51so it won't be long before they're making a stunning mystery house their own.
42:55I couldn't be happier for them,
42:57and we wish them all the very best.
43:00If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland,
43:03England, Northern Ireland or Wales,
43:05and need our help, why not apply online
43:08at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.