Sue and Kath's journey to find a rural retreat in the Scottish Highlands
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Embarking on a New Adventure
Sue and Kath, a retired couple from Southampton, have embarked on a remarkable journey to find their dream home in the stunning Cairngorms region of Scotland. Their story was featured in a recent episode of the popular BBC show Escape to the Country, where they shared their aspirations and experiences with host Nicky Chapman.
After spending two years traveling across the UK in their motorhome, affectionately named Bertie, the couple is ready to settle down in a place that resonates with their shared love for nature and tranquility.
A Love Story with the Highlands
The couple’s affection for the Cairngorms blossomed after an unexpected incident involving a pheasant that collided with their motorhome’s windscreen. This mishap left them stranded in the Highland region for over a month, during which they fell in love with the breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere. Kath remarked, “We have quite different tastes. The Cairngorms is the only place we could agree on.” With a budget of £550,000, they sought a detached rural home featuring at least two bedrooms and a spacious kitchen, along with ample parking for their motorhomes.
Exploring Potential Properties
The first property showcased to Sue and Kath was located in Auchbrek, nestled within the Glenlivet Estate. This charming home, valued at £500,000, boasted four en-suite double bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen-dining-living area, perfect for entertaining friends and family. The couple was particularly impressed by the detached garage equipped with electric charging facilities and a shally, offering stunning views of Ben Rinnes.
The second property, situated near the village of Alvie, presented idyllic views of the Monadhliath Mountains. Although it required significant renovations, Kath expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that she would love to leave her mark on the home. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the 1800s house had immense potential, but the couple hesitated at the asking price of offers over £450,000 due to the extensive work needed.
Finding the Perfect Fit
The third property, located in Nethy Bridge, seemed to tick all the boxes for the couple. With its proximity to Loch Garten, it offered an ideal setting for Kath’s passion for wild swimming. Surrounded by lush forestry, the home featured a vast garage and workshop, providing the perfect space for Kath to work on her motorhome projects. Upon entering, Sue was delighted by the kitchen, while Kath envisioned hosting quality Sunday roasts.
With three spacious bedrooms, including a principal suite with a dressing area and en suite, the property was within their budget, listed at offers over £520,000. Kath exclaimed, “I couldn’t have drawn a picture of a more perfect house for us.” Sue added, “As soon as we walked into the kitchen, we knew that this was the one we wanted. It’s absolutely perfect.” The couple’s journey to find their dream home in the Cairngorms is a testament to their resilience and shared vision, and viewers eagerly await to see if they secure their ideal property in a future episode.
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