0:00:02 > 0:00:05Now, it may look like the Wild West, but I'm not in America.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Somewhere a little bit closer to home.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today's hopeful house hunter is dreaming of a fresh start on the Continent
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and he's bringing his daughter along for some helpful advice.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- It's got character, hasn't it? - Yes, and it's got potential as well.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- I can see the potential already. - I like this girl!
0:00:42 > 0:00:45And he'll discover that perusing properties
0:00:45 > 0:00:48can be an emotional experience.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I think this was always going to be tough.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- Yeah.- I think you are very brave to be doing this.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03I am in Almeria in southern Spain and this is Fort Bravo,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07one of the three Wild West film sets in the Tabernas Desert.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10This area was made famous in the 1960s
0:01:10 > 0:01:13by an Italian film director named Sergio Leone.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16He made a few films here that you may have heard of.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18A Fistful Of Dollars, The Man With No Name
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23turning a young Clint Eastwood into a movie star.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26But it's not just the glamour of Spain's Wild West that makes
0:01:26 > 0:01:30this region such a popular place to escape to.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Almeria is the most easterly province
0:01:33 > 0:01:36of the Andalusia region in southern Spain.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40The name Almeria, which translates to mirror of the sea in Arabic,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43was coined by the Islamic Moors who occupied Spain
0:01:43 > 0:01:45from the eighth century.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49The province's capital, also called Almeria, was one of the busiest
0:01:49 > 0:01:53and wealthiest ports within the Moors' Spanish kingdom.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56The region's 200km rugged coastline is home
0:01:56 > 0:02:00to the Cabo de Gata National Park, where some of Spain's most beautiful
0:02:00 > 0:02:04beaches share the shoreline with volcanic cliffs.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07With dramatic scenery that encompasses an ancient city
0:02:07 > 0:02:11and gorgeous beaches, it's perhaps not surprising that Almeria
0:02:11 > 0:02:16has become a desirable continental destination.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20So what is it about sunny Spain that has attracted our buyer?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Gary from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire is eager to
0:02:23 > 0:02:26start a new life on the Continent and, out of his three children,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29he has asked his youngest, Katie, to help him.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31They have a special bond.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34My father is one of my best friends as well.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36We always sort of do things together.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Katie and I love to party.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43We like to party and we don't care where it is because we make them!
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Gary's Hertfordshire home has served as the perfect place
0:02:46 > 0:02:48for him to host his infamous parties.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52One of the brilliant things about this as a party home -
0:02:52 > 0:02:56it's big enough for people not to be confined to any one space.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00We've actually had as many as 200 people here, believe it or not.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02I love every single thing about this house.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05That to me will be a heartbreak when I leave it
0:03:05 > 0:03:08because it is the perfect house.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12But Gary's home now holds some painful memories after Stephen,
0:03:12 > 0:03:17his partner for 13 years, tragically died three years ago.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19So he's realising his and Stephen's shared dream
0:03:19 > 0:03:23of opening a B&B on the south coast of Spain.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Stephen and I decided that maybe it would be a great idea
0:03:27 > 0:03:30to look towards our retirement
0:03:30 > 0:03:34and we'd started to look at property in Spain to set up a retreat
0:03:34 > 0:03:38that wasn't just a B&B, it was something more than that.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42And I've got to move into a new phase of my life
0:03:42 > 0:03:46and what better place to do it than in an area that I know and love?
0:03:46 > 0:03:48And the area that he loves is Vera Playa
0:03:48 > 0:03:53in the Almeria province, which has a somewhat avant-garde appeal.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Vera Playa is the largest naturist village in Europe.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01The perfect place that I have in mind could not be more
0:04:01 > 0:04:03than 15 minutes away from the Playa or the beaches.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06So Gary is clear about the location.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09He's also particular about his property requirements
0:04:09 > 0:04:11and he even has a look book.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15So he's enlisted daughter Katie to give him a more impartial opinion.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20I'm going to be his second eyes and rein him in a bit.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22The voice of sense.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26And he'll be hoping that he can find a welcoming Spanish property
0:04:26 > 0:04:28with the budget that he has in mind.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31The absolute maximum I could possibly afford for the property
0:04:31 > 0:04:33would be £185,000.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Gary has stated that he would like to live close to the beaches around
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Vera Playa, so that's where we'll will be concentrating our search.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45But before we delve into our house-hunt,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48we're meeting up beside Gary's famous seaside resort
0:04:48 > 0:04:52to learn more about his expectations for this move to Spain.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Why do you want to move now in particular?
0:04:54 > 0:05:00We had planned to move or to buy a place out here about five years ago.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Following the sudden death of my partner,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05the whole thing had to go on ice because I wasn't ready.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I wasn't in a good place, really.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- I've got to start living my life again.- You do.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- What will you do when you get here? - Set up a sort of B&B retreat,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20just to try and provide people with somewhere to get away.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Katie, daughter, what's your role in all of this?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I'm here to help him find somewhere that's sort of right for him
0:05:27 > 0:05:29but also I'm here to rein him in a bit
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and I'm just hoping he can see the bigger picture.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I am aware of being quite impulsive.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37So let's talk about this property. What is it you are looking for?
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I am looking for a property that has got three or maybe four bedrooms.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44It's got to be within ten minutes of the coast,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46and it ought to have a pool in it.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- And what's your budget? - A maximum of 185,000.- OK.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53The first property is waiting for us, so let's go.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54- Let's do it.- Come on.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59Our buyer is looking to spend up to £185,000 on a dream home
0:05:59 > 0:06:02which should accommodate a B&B business.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06He's hoping for three to four bedrooms, good outdoor space,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08a swimming pool and to be located
0:06:08 > 0:06:10no more than 15 minutes' drive to the beach.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13And he's not afraid of taking on some restoration work.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16We've line dup three charming houses to tempt our buyer with,
0:06:16 > 0:06:20but he won't know what they're worth until the end of each viewing.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24And we'll be rounding off our property hunt at the Mystery House
0:06:24 > 0:06:27where Gary may discover that man's home really is his castle.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37We're kicking off the hunt exactly where Gary has said he wants to be, in Vera Playa.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39The north-east town is Vera,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43which is just over 80km to the north of Almeria airport.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46As Gary has told us he would like to be close to the resort,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50the first property we have lined up is just a two-minute walk away from the beach.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55So, Gary and Katie, property number one.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- First impression is very good. - The location is brilliant.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- I like the style of it. - It's got character, hasn't it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Yes, and it's got potential as well. I can see the potential already.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I like this girl! Well, I know you are dying to get inside so this way.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Let's do it.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13This house is part of an urbanisation of villas and apartments
0:07:13 > 0:07:17which comes with security, well maintained communal gardens and a large pool.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22As the British owner of this property has moved back to the UK, it's currently part-furnished,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25so Gary will need to use his imagination.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27In you come.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30A nice big space here.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31I like the counter.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35It's kind of perfect for the B&B environment.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38The kitchen I'm not so keen on, but you can change it.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41That is not going to limit my decision making.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Perfect.- This, so far, is looking good. Really good.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48On the ground floor, there are also two double bedrooms
0:07:48 > 0:07:50and a large shower room.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51On the roof, there is a separate annexe,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54accessed by outside stairs, with another bedroom
0:07:54 > 0:07:59and its own entrance, making it well suited for B&B clientele.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02This is the self-contained third bedroom.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06It's an opportunity for a nice, little studio apartment. Possibly.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Or I could live up here and they could do what they want downstairs!
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Exactly. Either way. And you've got your own little shower room up here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15There are certainly plenty of opportunities.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19So that's a bit of the interior but the exterior has got so much to offer.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20- Come on.- Let's do it.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25So far the accommodation seems to have gone down well
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and outside there is enough space for Gary to install a feature
0:08:28 > 0:08:32that would make this home even more appealing.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35This brilliant space up here, which you can do whatever you want with,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38but I want you to have a quick glance down there.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Now, to our eyes that might not look like much,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44but come and see what the neighbours have done.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Swimming pool. What do you think about that? I know you want a pool.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Promising.- Very promising.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55But what about the money?
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Gary, how much do you think it's on for?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- 210.- £210,000.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Katie?- I'm going to go with £195,000.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Well, you are both wrong.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10In the wrong direction, you are both too high.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- It's actually on... - That's good.- Yes. £170,000.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And there would be enough left in the budget for a pool.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23On the market at £170,000, this villa is in a community
0:09:23 > 0:09:26located just two minutes from Gary's favoured beach.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28It comes with a kitchen, dining room,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32and three bedrooms, one of which has its own separate
0:09:32 > 0:09:37entrance on the rooftop terrace that could be used for paying B&B guests.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- What a start!- Absolutely.- Gosh, that has set the bar really high.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44That is no bad thing. Can I prize you away from this property?
0:09:44 > 0:09:45OK. All right.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52When Gary completes his continental move to Almeria,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55it will be the start of a new chapter in his life
0:09:55 > 0:09:58and he will be keeping himself busy by running a bed and breakfast.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02This will provide an income and help him meet new people.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05But as Gary lacks experience in the hospitality business,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08we are taking him and Katie to meet Chris Walton,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12who has been running B&Bs in Almeria for seven years.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Hello, Chris.- Hello. - Meet Gary. Gary, meet Chris.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Chris is going to show you some of the ropes of running a B&B.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23So I'm going to leave you in very capable hands and you and me, Katie, are going this way.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Would you like to come and have a look?- Thanks very much.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Chris runs her guesthouse on her own, which is what Gary also intends to do.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34So he's getting acquainted with some of the daily routines he would need
0:10:34 > 0:10:39to carry out himself in the future, starting with changing the beds.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41I try to do it while guests are having breakfast
0:10:41 > 0:10:46because if you are not careful, it can eat into the whole of the day.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47The sooner you've got it done,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50the sooner you've got some time to yourself.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53So how does it work when people are checking out?
0:10:53 > 0:10:55We don't have any hard and fast rules here.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Some people do but I don't like it.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02This has given Gary an appreciation of the hard work that
0:11:02 > 0:11:05goes into running a B&B and it doesn't get any easier
0:11:05 > 0:11:08when it comes to the next chore, preparing the breakfast.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12What choice do you lay on?
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Well, we do freshly squeezed orange juice always
0:11:15 > 0:11:19and then we do fresh fruit, which changes all the time
0:11:19 > 0:11:21because fruit is very seasonal here.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23And then we do home-made jam and marmalade,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26home-made granary bread and tea or coffee.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I always ask, would you like something hot?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30But not a full English breakfast.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33People don't want it in the heat anyway.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Now that Gary has got a taste of the routines, we are sitting down
0:11:36 > 0:11:41with Chris, who has got further tips on managing a guesthouse in Almeria.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44What do you think of this picture that Chris is painting?
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Doing this day in, day out.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Is that you?- I'm really excited.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51For the first time in some years, I'm really excited about it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Let's get some pros. The good stuff about living here.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59The biggest pro for me is that doing bed and breakfast allows me
0:11:59 > 0:12:01to live in a very nice house.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03And if I didn't do it, I wouldn't be able to live here.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05The second one is meeting lots of nice people.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I've had several return guests this year.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09And what are the cons?
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Being on call probably. You are...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16I think people expect you to be around.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20If they are staying here, they expect you to be here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Although I think I'm quite shy, I am really a people person
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and I like having people around me.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Well, I do. I love meeting people.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31And you've got to like people or you just couldn't do this job.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- I'm up for giving it a go.- Brilliant!
0:12:34 > 0:12:38And your orange juice, if that's anything to go by, good job.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39Well squeezed!
0:12:40 > 0:12:45So it seems Gary is still set on making his Almeria home a rentable retreat.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48But before he commits to any property purchase
0:12:48 > 0:12:51there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Unlike the UK, in Spain a small deposit is paid to take
0:12:55 > 0:12:58the property off the market while the contracts are drawn up.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02If you pull out before completion, you forfeit the deposit.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05If you are buying off-plan or a new-build you must make sure
0:13:05 > 0:13:10the licence of first occupation has been granted before completing the purchase.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13This gives the building its legal status and is only granted
0:13:13 > 0:13:17once the developer has fulfilled their obligations.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26It's our second day in Almeria, Spain, where Katie has been helping
0:13:26 > 0:13:31her father, Gary, to realise his and his late partner's dream of setting up a B&B.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35But today, it looks like he might be house-hunting on his own.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38The first bit of news to report is that unfortunately,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Katie's not feeling very well which means today Gary is viewing solo.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Now, the first property got a solid nine out of ten,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49but that's because he knew the area, he knew the lay of the land.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Today, I'm going to push him out of his comfort zone.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57The next destination for our house-hunt is Antas
0:13:57 > 0:14:00which is just over a 30-minute drive inland
0:14:00 > 0:14:02from Gary's chosen area of Vera.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07And our next property is situated on the outskirts of this small town.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12This, Gary, is an old mill...
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- a converted flour mill that's 200 years old.- I'm intrigued.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Is that a positive intrigued? - That's a very neutral intrigued.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Do you like the look of it? - I think so, yes.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29I need to see the whole package before I can make up my mind.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31But I...
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- I'm warming to it.- All right.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37Well, let's take you inside and see how your opinion changes.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Well, Gary's not giving anything away just yet.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43This 200-year-old mill was left derelict for 50 years
0:14:43 > 0:14:46until the current owners spent ten years restoring it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50With four bedrooms, it's arranged over three floors
0:14:50 > 0:14:53with the main living area found on the ground floor.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Wow.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Wow is a good reaction.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Part of me is thinking, "My goodness, what a fantastic room."
0:15:01 > 0:15:06And another bit's saying, "How much work would it cost to maintain it,
0:15:06 > 0:15:10"do any necessary repairs?" But first of all, it's fantastic.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- It's great, isn't it? - First and foremost.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17It's a really sympathetic kitchen conversion of the original mill.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- It's beautifully done. - The floor is the original floor.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24You've got the beams which they've kept and over there
0:15:24 > 0:15:26there's a chute which is where
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- the corn would have come down. - Oh, of course.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Great, huh? Nice little touch.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Also down here, you've got a fantastic double bedroom over here,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38a small toilet and another bedroom around the corner.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40So, you've got two bedrooms down here.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44You like a party, you've got a big social network of friends.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- It's a good place for one. - It is, isn't it?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It's certainly a good place for one, yes. This is making me think.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53This is making me think positively. Positively.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56You didn't have anything like this in mind before, did you?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59A place that Steve and I looked at a few years ago
0:15:59 > 0:16:02was similar to this.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- That's good. Shall we go on up? - Let's do it.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12'I think memories of house-hunting with Steven are turning this tour
0:16:12 > 0:16:15'into an emotional experience for Gary.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19'On the first floor, there's a family bathroom and a third bedroom
0:16:19 > 0:16:22'and on the second floor is the largest bedroom
0:16:22 > 0:16:23'which we've saved for him.'
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Come on right in.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Hmmmm?
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Nicely done.- Do you like it? - This is a lovely room.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Absolutely lovely room.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37It's got a huge bathroom suite attached to it.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- This could be your domain. Surprising?- Yes.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Is this house growing on you? - It is, I think. I think it is, yes.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49But there's so much more I want to show you.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Looking forward to it. - Come on. This way.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57On the other side of this floor is a comfortable living room
0:16:57 > 0:16:59with exposed beams.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Despite Antas being only 20km away from Vera Playa,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Gary hadn't considered it before, so I'm taking him out to the balcony
0:17:06 > 0:17:09to give him a sense of the location.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- Now, I just love this little area, Gary.- It's cute, isn't it?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16It feels like a retreat here, doesn't it?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Especially because they've got the day bed out. And over there is...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Pueblo.- Very good. Get a lay of the land.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- And you can look into the hills. - Good. Yes. I do like it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- This isn't even the best bit. - There's more?- There is more.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Come on.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36'Underneath the balcony is a workshop that with
0:17:36 > 0:17:38'the right planning permission
0:17:38 > 0:17:41'could be turned into even more living space,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45'giving Gary the sort of project that he's not afraid to take on.'
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- Come through.- My goodness. - I know.- My goodness.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52This also comes with the property. It's very obvious what it's being
0:17:52 > 0:17:56used for at the minute, but I know you're really good at visualising
0:17:56 > 0:18:00and thinking of potential, so I was dying to show you this bit
0:18:00 > 0:18:07because those windows are spectacular and this room...
0:18:07 > 0:18:08I mean, where do you even begin?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- You could do whatever you wanted, really.- Absolutely.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14What to use the room for? What things would need doing to it?
0:18:14 > 0:18:18But it's a massive space. There are so many possibilities for this room.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Yeah.- Could easily turn it into an apartment.- We haven't finished yet.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- There's something else I want to show you.- Go on, then.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30There's no shortage of outside space with this property
0:18:30 > 0:18:33which sits on a plot of almost one and a half acres.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37On one side, there's a large patch of flat land that used to be
0:18:37 > 0:18:41an orange grove. But I'm taking him to the more manicured part
0:18:41 > 0:18:44where there's a pool, a large gazebo and a sunbathing area.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Well, I never!- Well, I never indeed.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Now, THIS is an oasis.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54This is lovely. This is really nice.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56So, let's talk money.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58What price do you put on this?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Now you've got me.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03I really don't know.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10I'll pick a figure, a mad figure. 200.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- 200,000?- Yep.- OK.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- It's more. So, it is over your budget.- Doesn't surprise me.- Yeah.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- It's actually on the market for 225,000.- Really?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22However, the owners are aware of your budget
0:19:22 > 0:19:25and they're prepared to negotiate.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It's a beautiful property, really lovely.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Although this rustic farmhouse is over budget at £225,000,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36the owners are open to offers.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38The package includes a large kitchen, living room
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and up to five bedrooms.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And with a workshop that could be converted into even more
0:19:43 > 0:19:46bedroom accommodation, it has the potential to become
0:19:46 > 0:19:48a substantial B&B.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51It also has a generous garden with an elevated pool.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55There's a lot to think about. It's a lovely house.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- So, Steven would have liked this? - Very, very much. Yes.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- So, if he was here, he'd have said, what?- "Let's go for it."
0:20:03 > 0:20:05So, that's basically what I'm sensing, isn't it?
0:20:05 > 0:20:07That if he was here, you would have snapped...
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- This would have been it. - Absolutely. Absolutely.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14I know it's really difficult for you. I can sense it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- But you're here for the two of you. - Yep.- And we'll help you.- Thank you.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- All right? I think this was always going to be tough.- Yeah.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27I think you're very brave to be doing this.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- But my new life has to start. - It has to.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31It's been quite emotional, this house, hasn't it?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- Yes, it certainly has. - Shall we go and clear our heads?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Yeah, probably a good idea. - Come on then.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50It's our last day of house-hunting in Almeria in southern Spain
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and I'm glad to say that Katie has made a full recovery
0:20:53 > 0:20:56and has rejoined us just in time for the mystery property,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59which is a rather regal prospect.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04We're travelling north to Los Lobos, which translates as "the wolves".
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and lying on its outskirts is our Mystery House.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09A sizeable six-bedroom property
0:21:09 > 0:21:11which sits on a plot of two-and-a-half acres.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Katie, it's nice to have you with us today
0:21:15 > 0:21:19in time for the mystery property, which is that.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20- Ooh!- Goodness me.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22That IS different.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24It's a lot bigger.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28So this is the mystery because it's a renovation project, OK?
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Because it's a retreat and a B&B that you want to do,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36I think this is the perfect mystery for you.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I can't wait to get inside and look at it. I really can't.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Come on then, let's go.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'This replica Moorish castle was built from scratch
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'by a French couple in the early 1980s
0:21:46 > 0:21:49'and the decor still reflects the style of that era,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53'so I'm hoping Gary can see the potential as we make our way
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'into the open plan kitchen and living area.'
0:21:55 > 0:22:01You've got this big, old space, through kitchen/lounge-diner.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04And then through that door you've got a double bedroom,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- a bathroom, a little office room... - Oh, right.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- ..and a really interesting atrium space.- Lovely. Love it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I must be mad but I think it's brilliant.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17What a place for people to be welcomed into.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Yeah, I can definitely see you living here.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Obviously it needs a bit of work.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Check out the staircase. It's marble.- Yes, absolutely.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- That would cost a bomb...- Yeah.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28..and it's already here, so it's little things like that.
0:22:28 > 0:22:34Look beyond the wallpaper, OK, if that's even possible.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- I think I can do that. - Come on, let's go.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41I'm delighted that Gary doesn't seem fazed by the size
0:22:41 > 0:22:43or the amount of work he might need to take on.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46We're going straight to the roof so I can unveil
0:22:46 > 0:22:51the show-stopping vista from the top of this quirky property.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52- My goodness!- Yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Right to the top of the house. - Goodness.- The top turret.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58You can really imagine yourself being king of your castle,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00swanning around in a kaftan, Gary.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Take it all in. The view is...
0:23:03 > 0:23:05It's amazing. The view is amazing.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06It's incredible.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10You can really get a sense of how big this plot of land is, as well.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Wow.- Yes.- Could you see yourself living here, Katie?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Yeah, I mean, it does need a lot of work.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- It would be such an amazing project to take on.- It's mad, isn't it?
0:23:20 > 0:23:23It is quite a silly place in some respects,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- but it's incredible in others. - It's brilliant.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28I want to show you this bit over here as well.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32There is the rooftop of your underground garage.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35You can get planning permission and build on there
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and get another big bedroom or another two bedrooms easily
0:23:38 > 0:23:41if you really wanted to extend this whole B&B thing.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- There's so many options here.- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- It's super.- It is. It really is.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Now my mind is really messed up!
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- Good.- But that's a good thing. - Yeah, good.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55'At the back of the landscaped garden,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59'there are outbuildings with another two bedrooms, a bathroom
0:23:59 > 0:24:03'and kitchen, which could be rented out as a self-contained apartment.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07'There's also a south-facing pool and outdoor bar and barbecue area.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- What do you think about this little patch?- This is fabulous.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- Absolutely fabulous.- It is amazing.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- Can you see how you could make this work?- Oh, yes.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27It's got so many of the features that you put in that book.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29And they're here already.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34Cos that inspiration book is sort of your ideal dream rental B&B?
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Absolutely, yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40When I compiled that, I went to the most extreme things I would ever
0:24:40 > 0:24:44really, really like, thinking I could never do it, and then work back.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Within that, this has done most of it already.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51So all we need to know now is how much they're asking for it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Um, 230,000.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59I would have thought possibly even higher. 250?
0:24:59 > 0:25:02This is on the market for...
0:25:02 > 0:25:04£180,000.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- What?- What?- You're joking?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Goodness.- Get it now!
0:25:10 > 0:25:14On the market for £180,000, £5,000 under budget,
0:25:14 > 0:25:19it could provide a sizeable B&B, as it has four bedrooms
0:25:19 > 0:25:23in the main house and an additional two bedrooms in separate outhouses.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26There's also a large open-plan living and kitchen area,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29split level roof terraces and a swimming pool.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- Shall we go?- Yep, if we must.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34We must.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Now that all our viewings are over,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I'm keen to find out whether Gary is ready to take the plunge
0:25:39 > 0:25:41and invest in a property in Almeria.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Right, well, you've seen a selection of properties.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49They've all been quite different, haven't they?
0:25:49 > 0:25:50They have been very different.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It's been a fantastic experience, it really has.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55So which is your favourite?
0:25:55 > 0:26:00It's been a tough call but I think if I'm refining it down to the final
0:26:00 > 0:26:05two to choose from then it's going to either be the one in Vera Playa.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Practical, needs some work,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10but doable, and then the castle.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15I've already said and you've seen my reaction to that.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17It's fabulous.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19It is brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25- It's going to come down to how much of a project can I take on?- Exactly.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- The castle is a no-brainer. Got to go for it.- Really?
0:26:29 > 0:26:30But...
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Gah, come on, Gary!
0:26:32 > 0:26:36If I go for the castle, I'm going to have to call in so many favours.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39You've got a daughter sitting right next to you.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Will you be up for helping Dad with the castle?- Oh, definitely.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44What do you think, Katie?
0:26:44 > 0:26:48My head's saying Vera but my heart is saying the castle.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Katie, how important is it for your dad to start his new life,
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- as he says?- I think it's probably the most important thing for him.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's been three years.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's been hard but I think now is the best time for him
0:27:02 > 0:27:05to have something to focus on.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Well, close your eyes.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Imagine you're in a house in Spain.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Where are you?- I'm in the castle.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18- I think it's a done deal, really. - I think is probably is.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I'm just really happy that, you know, you found the place.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- It's good.- Don't cry. It's happy time.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30Yeah, but we understand, but, yeah, it is wonderful.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Good luck, Gary. Good luck. - Thank you.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38It's been a really tough and emotional week for Gary
0:27:38 > 0:27:41and that's because moving to Spain isn't about property for him.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43It's about starting a new lease of life.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Here he's surrounded by happy memories and if he moves
0:27:47 > 0:27:51into that castle it will be the beginning of a new, happier chapter.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Join us next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Gary is planning another trip to Almeria.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Both the castle and the house in Vera Playa are still contenders.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04We wish him well.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07If you're planning to escape to the continent,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09and would like our help, you can apply online: