0:00:02 > 0:00:05This 15th century tower behind me stands proudly as the only
0:00:05 > 0:00:08surviving medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11However, during its 600-year history,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15this 70-metre high tower was also used as a jail,
0:00:15 > 0:00:20imprisoning pirates, clergy and even British seamen.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24So find out where I am and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Today, we are crossing the Channel, helping a couple from Sheffield
0:00:47 > 0:00:50who are hoping to start a new life abroad.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53And they can't believe what they are seeing.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Wow!- Oh, it's lovely.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56Fantastic.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59But they don't always see eye to eye.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01You might not thank me, but I am going to tell you
0:01:01 > 0:01:04there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Oh, no!- Oh, yes!
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I am in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and these are the centuries-old towers of La Rochelle.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Now, this historic port was once a fishing village,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25but it was during the 16th and 17th century that the city
0:01:25 > 0:01:28became the major stronghold for the French Protestants,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32which resulted in years of religious and bloody sieges
0:01:32 > 0:01:34with France's Catholic monarchy.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40Thankfully, today, peace has been restored and this old port is packed
0:01:40 > 0:01:43with breathtaking architecture and a stunning coastline,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48offering just a taste of what this beautiful region has to offer.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Lying in western France, the Poitou-Charentes benefits
0:01:52 > 0:01:54from the best of coast and countryside,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56sitting right up against the Atlantic Ocean.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Covering a massive 10,000 square miles,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04this varied landscape is roughly the same size as the British
0:02:04 > 0:02:09counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria put together.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13The golden sand coastline to the west boasts award-winning beaches,
0:02:13 > 0:02:18as well as laying claim to being the largest oyster cultivation area in Europe.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Producing over 45,000 tonnes a year,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24they are considered some of the best in the world.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Further inland, this mainly agricultural region gives way
0:02:27 > 0:02:33to a stunning and gently undulating landscape of farmland and vineyards.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36The Poitou-Charentes boasts some of the mildest
0:02:36 > 0:02:38and sunniest weather in France.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Perhaps another reason why nearly 13,000 British expats
0:02:42 > 0:02:44are now calling the region home.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49But what is it about this region that so appeals to today's buyers?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Let's meet them to find out.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Yorkshire couple Joe and Hillary live just a few miles
0:02:57 > 0:03:01from the centre of Sheffield in a four-bedroom semi-detached property.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03But nearing their 30th wedding anniversary
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and with their three children having flown the coop,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10they feel now is the time to make a serious life change.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14This has been a great family home. We have lived here for 18 years. Now is the time to move on.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17I've been planning to move in my head for about 35 years,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- but it's only the last two years we have been planning it in earnest, haven't we?- Yes.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24That is really because of the children because they are more settled
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and their paths are more or less set out now.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Although Hillary still works part-time as a language teacher,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Joe retired from the police force two years ago,
0:03:32 > 0:03:37the catalyst for his desire to make a move to France a reality.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39I guess the fear I have got is that we don't do it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42You can always put obstacles in the way as to why you are not
0:03:42 > 0:03:46going to move somewhere, but moving to France, getting a nice
0:03:46 > 0:03:50property, going out and enjoying life, is absolutely fantastic.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54We will never ever do it while we are in Sheffield or while we are in the UK.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59But Hillary is the one that will need convincing of the move
0:03:59 > 0:04:03as she has a more realistic view of just what an upheaval it could be.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07I think Joe has perhaps got a rose-tinted view
0:04:07 > 0:04:10of what life will be like living abroad.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I have lived abroad already so I have experienced some of those challenges
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and there will be challenges ahead, learning the language.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20But we are definitely up for the challenge. We will help each other through it.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25Despite her reservations, they can both see the benefits a move to the
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Poitou-Charentes could add to their lives.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30And the possibility of more hours of sunshine each year means both
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Joe and Hillary could embrace their love of the outdoors.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39But what are they willing to spend to turn this dream into a reality?
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Our budget for the move to France is £350,000 to £500,000.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Hillary and Joe are yet to pinpoint an exact location
0:04:50 > 0:04:54within the Poitou-Charentes, so our property search will take us
0:04:54 > 0:04:57throughout the region and we are starting in the historic
0:04:57 > 0:05:01town of Saintes to learn more about what they are looking for.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Hopefully, we're going to help you find the house of your dreams,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- but also perhaps change your lives forever.- Fantastic.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Describe to me what your dream home looks like.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Something quite traditional. Something pretty rustic.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Perhaps a bit of land. You've got a bit of a hankering for pigs and chickens, haven't you?
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- Yes.- Joe, tell me little bit more about this.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- My vision is the chateau on the hill.- Chateau?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I am feeling the pressure already! And the lifestyle?
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Somewhere where we can raise a few chickens and pigs.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Perhaps with a separate annexe or a gite of some sort
0:05:34 > 0:05:37because that could generate some income to supplement the pension.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- So that business potential when we're looking around the properties. - That would be really good.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45So remind me of your budget. How much have you got to spend?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I am confident you are going to be able to find us
0:05:47 > 0:05:51an ideal property for between 350 and £500,000.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- So are you ready to get started? - Absolutely.- Can't wait.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Let's begin your journey. Come on.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Joe and Hillary would like to find a traditional French house
0:06:03 > 0:06:06that offers them a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Ideally, they would also like a separate holiday gite
0:06:09 > 0:06:12to rent out to bring in some extra income.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15And the outside space needs to fulfil both Hillary's love
0:06:15 > 0:06:20of gardening and Joe's aspirations to raise pigs and chickens.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24We've lined up three fantastic French properties for them to view.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Our final stop, the mystery house,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31offers them something else they definitely won't be expecting.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38To begin our search, we're heading to the
0:06:38 > 0:06:41east of the region in the heart of the countryside.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44With no neighbours to speak of, the house sits two miles
0:06:44 > 0:06:47from a pretty little village called Availles-Limouzine.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52It is set on the banks of a river where Joe could fish.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55And in the rural outskirts of the village, we find our first property.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02This, potentially, could be your new home in France. Take a look.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- Wow!- That is lovely.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- There's a pool!- That's fantastic.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12You have spotted the pool already, have you?
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Built around the 19th century.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16This part was the barn.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19As you can see, you've got another very picturesque barn in front of you.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- And then another one behind. - It's fantastic.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25This looks perfect. Absolutely perfect.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27This is exactly what I had in mind.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Only it seems a lot bigger than I thought we would be able to afford.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's lovely. It's absolutely lovely.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Can you imagine yourself living somewhere like this?
0:07:35 > 0:07:36I think I can, yes.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Shall we start the tour? - Definitely.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Are you ready?- Yes.- Come on then.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45I'm hoping the inside will be as warmly received as the outside.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Shall we start off with the kitchen? I always think it is the best room in the house.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It is the most important room in the house. It's lovely.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Modern but it is not too modern, which is just what I said I wanted.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00It's a definite yes from me
0:08:00 > 0:08:04and we've only just got into the first room, so it's brilliant.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07A good yes from you. I need a yes from you as well, though, don't I?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- I'm sure it will come. - Let's continue through.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16This is something else, isn't it?
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- I am literally struggling to take it all in. It is just...- It's beautiful.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- People talk about the wow factor. This is it.- This is it. Well, so far.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28There is potential with this property,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30serious business potential, should you want to take it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- Shall we go upstairs and I can explain a little bit more? - That would be great.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40The downstairs also includes a spacious centrepiece dining room with an original tiled floor.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45But thinking about Joe and Hillary's wish for earning a small income from the property,
0:08:45 > 0:08:50I think we've got a good solution for an immediate boost to their finances.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57So these are the original stairs of the property.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00I mentioned to you about a business proposition.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Downstairs on this side of the house you've got a sitting room,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07a utility room, which could easily be converted into a kitchen.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Upstairs on this part, you've got three bedrooms. One is en suite.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16You could actually divide the house up and rent all of this out.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- That is interesting.- Which the owners actually do.- Fantastic.- OK.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Do you like that idea?- Very much.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26I've got something even more important to show you down here.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31This side of the house has two large bedrooms, either of which
0:09:31 > 0:09:35could be used as a master bedroom as both have an en-suite bathroom.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Here is your bedroom.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Wow! It's fantastic.- This is lovely. - Very nice.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- This is a huge room, isn't it? - This is lovely.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48What are you thinking then?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I've never been as impressed on the first viewing of any property I've ever seen.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54I am so delighted. I'm excited for you.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Let's go outside because there is plenty to see out there.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Let me explain about the layout and I can't forget the pool, can I?- No.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- I must see the pool. - If you'd like to follow me.- OK.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Outside, there are two capacious barns that form the courtyard.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15In total, there's around 8,000 square feet of prime gite potential.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Planning permission was granted to convert them.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Although that has now lapsed,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23hopefully it shouldn't be a problem to renew.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29We were looking for a property for you which obviously did have the wow factor,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32but also the possibility of running a business.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36And just something for you to consider, the farmhouse, the bit at the very end,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40those three bedrooms, they make £10,000 just from that alone.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- You're joking!- Good grief.- So if you rent out even more, can you imagine what the income could be?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48How much is all of this on the market for?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- 475.- Joe?- 510,000.
0:10:51 > 0:10:59How would you feel if I told you the price is just over £408,000?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- You are joking!- Really?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- You'd get nothing like this back home, would you?- Nothing at all. - Nothing at all.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- I'll get my cheque book out now, if you want?!- I might hold you to that.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13Why don't you have another look around? Really explore.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- Enjoy.- Thank you.- Thanks very much.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20£90,000 under their top budget, this detached property offers five
0:11:20 > 0:11:23bedrooms in total, with immediate potential for renting out three
0:11:23 > 0:11:28and the possibility to convert two barns into further gites.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30There's also a swimming pool
0:11:30 > 0:11:34and six acres of land for Joe's plans to raise pigs and chickens.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Well, that was it for our first property. You seen enough?
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- Yes. Ready for the next one. - Let's hit the road.- OK.- Brilliant.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49The second property in the south-east of the region
0:11:49 > 0:11:53is only one mile from a small but well-served village called Brie,
0:11:53 > 0:11:57although nothing to do with its namesake, the famous French cheese.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00But what makes this location especially appealing
0:12:00 > 0:12:03is its proximity to the town of Angouleme.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Only 15 minutes away by car.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Wow.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- Wow!- It's lovely.- Fantastic. Very different to the first.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Very different.- Pretty.- It looks lovely. Yes. Like a hidden gem.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20The original house dates back to about 1810.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25Obviously, adjustments have been made and they have extended, but it has this stunning garden.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- Yes, this is lovely. - Hillary, you love your gardening. - I like to potter in the garden, yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- So you like the look?- We do. Yes. We can't wait to get in.- Come on then.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40The garden is a real oasis with mature trees and established
0:12:40 > 0:12:43shrubs crammed into every inch of the quarter-acre space.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47And opening on to the garden is the living room, where we're starting the tour.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Wow. This is different.- Yes.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55This is another wow.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I love all the colours.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01The greens, pale greens and yellows. It's really nice.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- It has that French feel. - It does. You're right.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07That is just the brief we gave you, really.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- The rustic feel but with the mod cons too.- It is very nice.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I think you should take me around this house! This is perfect.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Let's see more.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19The large and high-ceilinged living room leads to a small
0:13:19 > 0:13:21but perfectly serviceable kitchen.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Its size is helped, however, by a separate larder, which the
0:13:24 > 0:13:27current owners also use as a laundry room.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29So you've got your kitchen area
0:13:29 > 0:13:33and that leads through to another dining area. Perhaps more formal.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- This is lovely as well. - It is.- Very nice.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38You've got a few more additional rooms.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43At the moment, they are storage rooms but it would be easy to convert if you wanted to.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Also, there's a garage at the very end.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Potential to make that into accommodation.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- OK. Let's head upstairs. - Fantastic.- OK.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54On the first floor there are four good-sized bedrooms,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57all decorated in the same attractive French style.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01There is also a small fifth bedroom, which is currently used as a nursery.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04But I'm heading straight to one bedroom in particular,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07which showcases a stunning feature.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- Here is your master bedroom.- Right. - Very nice.- It's beautiful.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16I think I would change the wallpaper, to be honest.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- It is a really sweet bedroom. Yes, possibly.- It is quite unusual.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21You don't always get wallpaper in French properties
0:14:21 > 0:14:25and the owner loves that English look.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- There is wallpaper throughout, actually.- Right.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Just follow me and look at this view.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34Wow!
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- Look at that!- That is incredible.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42You certainly don't get that view anywhere else, do you? That is lovely.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44I love the fact that we are outside but still covered.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I think it's got lots of potential.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I know that word is overused, but you could do all sorts of things with this area.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53I am so pleased you are loving the tour of this house. In fact, I'm delighted.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55But I'm going to drag you away from this view.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59I've still got something else to show you. We are going to head downstairs to the garden.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Joe, if you want to lead the way, please? Thank you.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04They may be impressed already
0:15:04 > 0:15:07but what they haven't seen yet is that this property also
0:15:07 > 0:15:10offers a lovely swimming pool for Joe and Hillary
0:15:10 > 0:15:13to dip their toes when the French summers get too hot.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18I can hear chuckles behind me. You've even got your own pool.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21You've done it again. That is lovely.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23How much do you think this stunning property is on the market for?
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- The million-dollar question. - £385,000.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29I'm thinking around about 360.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33The asking price is just under £363,000.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- You were spot on.- A good guess.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38So now you know the price, look at those smiles,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41do you fancy having an explore on your own
0:15:41 > 0:15:43to think about all that potential?
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- I think so.- Go on. Off you go. I will see you in a little while.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53At almost £140,000 under the top-end budget,
0:15:53 > 0:15:58this property dates back to 1810 and offers five bedrooms,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01the potential to convert a three-room gite for added income
0:16:01 > 0:16:05and a wonderful mature garden complete with pool.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I think you two are in your element in this garden, aren't you?- Yes.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Have you seen enough?- Gorgeous, gorgeous.- Happy?- It's a beautiful house.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- It's absolutely lovely. Tres bien.- Tres bien.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Now we've got to hit the road. Come on.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26The Poitou-Charentes region in France is a largely rural area
0:16:26 > 0:16:29with many of its residents employed in agriculture.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32With Joe and Hillary intent on living the good life,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35not just in the proverbial but the physical sense too,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39we've organised for them to visit a local British couple
0:16:39 > 0:16:42to give them a better idea of what life is really like here.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- David and Lorraine made the move to the region five years ago.- Hello.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Welcome to The Lodging. - Thank you very much.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- I understand you've got some things lined up for us to try.- We do.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Tell us more, David. - We have pigs.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Oh, right. - Are you interested in pigs?
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I've had this crazy dream for quite a few years to have chickens and pigs.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- I guess we'll now see the reality but who knows?- His face!
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- He is so happy. - I'm excited.- I can see!
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Enjoy, won't you? I will see you later.- Bye.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20David and Lorraine started pig farming in France when they
0:17:20 > 0:17:24were looking for a way of adding to their income during retirement.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27They now offer farming holidays with guests helping out
0:17:27 > 0:17:30with the 50-strong herd of rare breed Berkshire
0:17:30 > 0:17:32and Gloucester old spot pigs.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- This is a three-week-old litter of piglets.- Aren't they lovely?
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- And their mother, Wilma.- Hello.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45How difficult did you find it in France, raising pigs?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48There are a few hurdles to go over in terms of getting the right
0:17:48 > 0:17:52approval but that doesn't take very long to get sorted out
0:17:52 > 0:17:53and then off you go.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55What happens to the pigs if you go on holiday?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Well, if we go on holiday we have to go separately.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00That is a real commitment then, isn't it?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- That is something you need to take on board.- Yeah.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07But it's not just the realities of pig husbandry that Joe
0:18:07 > 0:18:11and Hillary are keen to hear about so sitting down over dinner,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14it's a chance to get a bigger picture of what living abroad
0:18:14 > 0:18:16is like and what they could expect
0:18:16 > 0:18:20should they make the move here permanently.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Let's be honest, how often can we eat outside in the UK?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Not as much as we would like, is it?- No.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29We are quite fortunate here, aren't we?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32When the summer comes it really does hit us.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- Winter, that can be quite sharp. - Can it?- Yeah.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It can be very cold in the winter.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43January, February, we've been down to minus 15.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- Was that a shock? Did you expect it to be that cold?- No.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Can you remember when you first moved out,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51what actually shocked you, the difference, the changes?
0:18:51 > 0:18:52We thought we would come out here
0:18:52 > 0:18:55and we thought our pension would go much further than it did.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00We have found ways since of eking it out a lot more.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02So what would you say the biggest tip,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05giving to complete novices going to France, what would that be?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07If you are looking to do gites or B&B,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10you will get the friends that will come out quite a bit
0:19:10 > 0:19:14and you need to tell the friends to put their hands in their pockets.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17You know, that is quite important.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Otherwise you become the B&B that doesn't charge.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24"Let's go and see Joe and Hillary in France and have a holiday!"
0:19:24 > 0:19:26And what about the language?
0:19:26 > 0:19:28In your opinion, how important is it if you move here?
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Our French was never great when we came here.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Still isn't, but... - Still isn't. But we get by.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37We have been taking lessons.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41But our French neighbours are all really good
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and providing you try, they really appreciate it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47David and Lorraine,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49thank you so much for sharing your insight into your lives.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Hillary and Joe, how do you feel?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Has this cemented the idea or opened your eyes to something else?
0:19:55 > 0:19:59This has been incredibly useful, to hear the reality of it.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Some excellent advice from David and Lorraine.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06But if you're interested in moving to France, there are some
0:20:06 > 0:20:10obvious differences in the buying process to that of the UK.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14The purchase price should include the estate agent's fee
0:20:14 > 0:20:17and so is paid by the buyer.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Expect to pay up to 10% of your property's value in fees
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and taxes, which are set by the government on a sliding scale
0:20:24 > 0:20:27depending on the price and age of the property.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I can't believe how much Joe
0:20:32 > 0:20:34has loved every property we have shown him.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37So today with our mystery house we have found a property
0:20:37 > 0:20:41that has a certain je ne sais quoi and it could offer Joe and Hillary
0:20:41 > 0:20:45a source of income they definitely wouldn't have considered before.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The mystery property is situated amongst
0:20:54 > 0:20:58the beautiful farmland just to the north of the large town of Niort.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02It makes a great launching pad to explore the local waterways
0:21:02 > 0:21:05and coast, which is only an hour to the west.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09But in the rural outskirts we find our mystery house,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12which is the last chance to win Hillary over.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Come on through.- Crikey! Flipping heck!
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Oh, wow! This is different, isn't it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- This is our mystery house. - I'm really intrigued.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Dating back to the 1400s.- OK.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Originally monks were believed to have owned this property.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Obviously, it has been updated and converted since then.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- A little bit, yeah.- But you have this massive expanse of water.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- That is fantastic.- It is.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Any idea why we might have picked this property for you?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- I was expecting something new. - Were you?- Yeah.- Being the mystery.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44Absolutely.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48I'm going to get my fishing rod out. That's me sorted. I don't know.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- You are getting close, in actual fact.- Right.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Because talking about your love of the outdoors, you could
0:21:54 > 0:21:58offer fishing holidays, people could rent bikes from you and go cycling.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00There are so many cycling paths.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Or if you have a passion for canoeing,
0:22:03 > 0:22:05you could rent out canoes from here.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Lots of possibilities.- Absolutely.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10But this is the house that just keeps giving.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- That's all I'm going to say. Shall we take a look?- Yes, please!
0:22:15 > 0:22:18We chose the mystery house as it offers Joe and Hillary
0:22:18 > 0:22:22an alternative business option other than the gite potential
0:22:22 > 0:22:25they had asked for but that does, of course, mean a lot more work.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28What's more, in the living room there is another income generator
0:22:28 > 0:22:31for them to consider.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Talking business opportunities, the waterwheel,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38that beautiful half-moon window can also serve a purpose.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41If you wanted to, and the owners have looked into this,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- you can convert that into energy, into electricity.- Oh, right.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48That could make you an income of between £6,000
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- and £8,000 a year, depending on how much rainfall there has been.- Yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I like the idea of that. Green energy.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Hillary, can you see yourself living here?- I'm not sure, to be honest.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's just a very grand entrance.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05I'm not too sure where we would put the furniture.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08For me, getting furniture is the smallest problem, especially
0:23:08 > 0:23:10when you've got your budget to play with.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11OK. You are probably right.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14But if you don't want to do something,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16it's a good problem to put in the way.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Furniture, solved. It's a bigger issue.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- So that is what we have to uncover. That issue.- Right.- Yes?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Let's continue. Just through here.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Once again, Hillary is holding back despite the money-for-nothing
0:23:29 > 0:23:32possibility of the water wheel.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35But there is plenty more to see to get them excited.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39In all, there are four bedrooms providing plenty of guest accommodation.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Although unusually, the master bedroom
0:23:42 > 0:23:47is downstairs, taking full advantage of those wonderful river views.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49There is also a decent-sized kitchen
0:23:49 > 0:23:54and a large open-plan dining room featuring an enormous fireplace.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58But we are making a beeline for the courtyard around the back of the property.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01This is the area I wanted to show you
0:24:01 > 0:24:04because it has the potential for a third business.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Behind us, we have an empty storage space.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09You could convert that into a gite.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14If that wasn't enough, you could actually convert that part of the property as well.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17You've got the bar room. There is a door going through there.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Two more storage rooms. Huge.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23So you could have a second gite along there, should you want to.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28With this property offering so much scope, I wonder if the all-important
0:24:28 > 0:24:33price could change how Joe and Hillary each view this house.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38You might not thank me but I'm going to tell you this comes with land.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39- Oh, really?- Right.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43The reason you might not thank me is because there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Oh, yes!- No!
0:24:46 > 0:24:49So you've got five acres in total.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- So this has literally got everything we asked for.- It has.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54So how much is it on the market for?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57I think this is at the top of our budget.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01I'm going to say £500,000.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I would say maybe 485.
0:25:03 > 0:25:10The asking price is just under £513,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11- Right.- Right, OK.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Why don't you have some time to look around?
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Think of all those opportunities.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19The business, whether you just want to get a home,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22what's right for the two of you when you make this move.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Go on. Take some time. Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32This 15th-century mill is over budget.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35However, with the mystery element being three separate business opportunities,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39Joe and Hillary could earn some extra income to balance that.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45There is the prospect of the water wheel and the gite potential.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- Happy, you two? Have you seen enough?- Yes, I think so.- That's it.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- That is the end of all our house tours.- OK.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55- You've got some thinking to do and some discussions to be had. - Just a bit.- Shall we leave now?- OK.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Joe and Hillary, we've certainly had an experience, haven't we, driving around this region?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Yes. It's been great.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11You, Joe, were the one that was desperate to start this adventure, as I'm going to call it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Hillary, not quite so sure.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I wonder if anything has changed over the last few days?
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It has been a real experience seeing all the properties
0:26:20 > 0:26:24and I love this area. I am really on that page with you.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I mean, if we do move to France, and I hope we do,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29this is the area we want to be in.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It just seems to have everything for us.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- Did we get close with any of the homes that we showed you?- Yes.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Definitely. The one with the yellow shutters is a definite maybe.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42And again, I know Hillary and myself disagree on this,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45but for me the mystery house as well has got loads of potential.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Hillary, what about you?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Yes, I still have reservations but you know what, coming here,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54it is such a beautiful part of the world.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56I have fallen in love with it, actually.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58So which one was your favourite property?
0:26:58 > 0:27:01My favourite property was the house with the yellow shutters.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03So you do agree on one of the properties?
0:27:03 > 0:27:07We did at the time and I could tell from his reaction, it was genuine and it mirrored mine.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11So what is stopping you from having a look at that property again?
0:27:11 > 0:27:15We are already coming back in about six weeks' time, back to this region to have a look around.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17We have planned that visit already.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20And if I am going to put you on the spot, what is the time limit?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- I think we'll be living in France within the next 12 months.- Do you?
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Yes. Very much so.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28I am obviously slightly disappointed we didn't find you that dream home.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33But for you, what is it about moving, is it right for you and it seems you have come to a conclusion.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Yes. I think so.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40- Thank you very much. It has been an absolute pleasure.- Thank you.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45I'm delighted to report that introducing Joe and Hillary
0:27:45 > 0:27:48to the Availles-Limouzine area had a profound effect on them both.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52So much so, that they have just had an offer accepted on a house
0:27:52 > 0:27:56less than ten miles away from the first property we showed them.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01So, we wish them the very best of luck for a bright future in France.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05If you wish to escape to the Continent and would like our help,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08please apply online at: