0:00:02 > 0:00:04Over 800 years ago, this famous city was the site
0:00:04 > 0:00:09of a very rare event - the marriage of an English king abroad.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Find out what happened, and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36Today's house-hunters want to turn their regular holiday destination
0:00:36 > 0:00:41into their permanent home, and it is all about having a room with a view.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46It is a very light room and the views are absolutely amazing!
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Today, I am in the city of Limassol, the largest port
0:00:54 > 0:00:57in southern Cyprus and capital of the Limassol region.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02Now, in 1191, a ship carrying Richard the Lionheart's fiancee
0:01:02 > 0:01:06crashed ashore during a violent storm just off this coastline.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11The local ruler threatened to take her hostage, and soon felt the wrath
0:01:11 > 0:01:16of King Richard when he attacked Cyprus to rescue his bride-to-be.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19After conquering the island in battle, they were married here.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24And at the same time, he declared himself King of Cyprus.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Now, over the centuries, this island has endured many such invasions.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32But the Cypriot spirit, with its unique culture, has survived
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and is still as strong as ever today.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39The island of Cyprus lies in the Eastern Mediterranean,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42tucked in between Turkey and Syria.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45On the island's southern coast, is the Limassol district,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47which sits on Akrotiri Bay.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Limassol, also known as Lemesos, is the capital of the district
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and the second-largest city in Cyprus.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59The backdrop to the city is the Troodos mountain range,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02where the Cypriot sweet wine industry is based.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05With a wealth of cultural and historic landmarks,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09as well as a coastline that enjoys ten months of sunshine a year,
0:02:09 > 0:02:15it is easy to see why Limassol is an appealing destination to escape to.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18So let's meet today's buyers and find out why
0:02:18 > 0:02:22they want to relocate to this particular part of the continent.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Cornish-based retirees David and Yola have been married
0:02:26 > 0:02:28for 16 happy years,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32and it was their jobs that they credit with bringing them together.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36David and I first met through our careers in banking.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38David was my boss.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41After that particular job had finished,
0:02:41 > 0:02:42we continued to keep in touch,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46and then eventually decided we'd get married,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48which we then did in Mauritius.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52And it is their love of hot climates that is driving this move.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55No longer tied to work, they are desperate to make
0:02:55 > 0:02:58the sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus their new home.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01And it is a place that is well known to them.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Yola has been visiting Cyprus for about 30 years,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09so we have been going out almost every year once or twice since
0:03:09 > 0:03:14we have been married, and it seems almost an ideal place to move to.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18I fell in love with Cyprus when I first visited
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and walked down the steps of the aircraft.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25They are keen to make steps towards integrating into local society.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Yola is already learning the language,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32and she isn't shy of cooking up a Cypriot storm in the kitchen.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36When I come home, I do try out what I've eaten in Cyprus.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41I love cooking local dishes - stifatho, moussaka.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- I've tried kleftiko.- My interests largely surround the garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46I love pottering around the garden.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48I think getting out to Cyprus, it's going to be
0:03:48 > 0:03:52a completely new climate, try something completely different.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Also I have got a latent interest in astronomy.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Cyprus is a much clearer atmosphere and it's wonderful to be able
0:03:59 > 0:04:03to get out and actually look through and see the planets.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07It's not only stargazing that makes them starry eyed.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09David and Yola are keen animal lovers,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13and one of the key considerations in this move is making sure
0:04:13 > 0:04:17their brood of three dogs and a cat are sufficiently catered for.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21As part of the move, they are selling their existing home -
0:04:21 > 0:04:24a large Cornish farmhouse that David bought a year before he tied
0:04:24 > 0:04:26the knot with Yola.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29This will be the first property we'll have bought together.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Yep, it will be indeed. So it could throw up some interesting things.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Though there is one thing they are already agreed on,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39and that is how much they're going to spend.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44The budget for this move is going to be £450,000, absolute max.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Our buyers have decided to concentrate their property search
0:04:51 > 0:04:53in the west of the Limassol district,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55as it is a place they have often visited.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Now that they have jetted in, I'm meeting them to find out
0:04:58 > 0:05:02how we can make their dream move to this warmer climate a reality.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05David and Yola, I was going to say,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08"Welcome to Cyprus," to the two of you, but in actual fact,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11you two know this island far better than any of us, don't you?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- How many times have you been here? - About 35 times.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Why do you need our help to find a property?
0:05:16 > 0:05:20We've tried over the years to find something we like,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23but we've never quite got the right location.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25We're hoping a fresh pair of eyes will point us
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- in the right direction.- Cos you currently live in Cornwall, which is
0:05:28 > 0:05:31a beautiful parts of the world. Cyprus is very different, isn't it?
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Yes, it is very different,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37and it will be a different culture, a total new way of life.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40And it would be lovely to be able to speak the language as well.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43So, do you think it is important that you make the effort?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Absolutely. We are looking to integrate with the Cypriot community.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Well, just remind us of the type of property that you are after.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53We want a property with a minimum of two, possibly three bedrooms,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56a lot of storage space,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59room for the dogs, kitchen-diner.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Definitely an en suite and the utility would be lovely.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Remind us of your budget for this move to Cyprus.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08It is 450,000 max for the right property.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- Well, we've got some splendid properties lined up.- Excellent.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Shall we start with the first one? Are you ready to go?- I can't wait.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20For David and Yola's maximum budget of £450,000,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23they're after a property with a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25a kitchen-diner,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29ample storage and plenty of outside space for the dogs.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Good views are key, and they would like this
0:06:32 > 0:06:36all located in or near a mainly Cypriot-speaking village.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Cyprus's housing market has suffered in recent years
0:06:39 > 0:06:42so our buyers are in a strong position.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45We have got three great properties lined up.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The last of these is the mystery house,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52which could really challenge their canine considerations.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Our first port of call is the village of Pissouri,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02which is located 40 kilometres to the west of Limassol.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04This stretch of coastline is filled
0:07:04 > 0:07:08with remains of Greco-Roman civilisations.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Pissouri offers its own bay and wide, sandy beach,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15but the village itself is five kilometres inland.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18And we're kicking off the house hunt on the outskirts of the village,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21where we find our first property.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26So, here we have our very first property in Cyprus.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- It has a very attractive exterior. - Well, that's a good start.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- I like that. David? - It looks a solid house,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35and I like the little garden at the front there.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Yeah. It's gated. And I'm thinking of animals, dogs.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- It looks secure.- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Now, you said location is so important,
0:07:44 > 0:07:45do you know this area well?
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Very well.- I thought so. And do you like this area?- Very much.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Shall we go on with the tour? That's a pretty good start.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56This six-year-old villa is in a great location that really
0:07:56 > 0:07:58appeals to David and Yola.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01I just hope the inside will make as much of an impression.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03So, I brought you in the side entrance
0:08:03 > 0:08:05because that is the one the owners always use.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09And lead us straight into this dining-kitchen area.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11It's all quite modern.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12It's nice and light.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- I like the open plan, but it looks a bit small to me.- Does it?- Yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19OK, well, we've got more to show you.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23So, here's your sitting room.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27I know next door we slightly struggled with the lack of space.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30This side is actually probably of little bit smaller.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34It is too small, but it is a very light room
0:08:34 > 0:08:38and the views out there, well, what can I say?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40It's absolutely amazing.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Also, you have got the patio doors.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43How do you feel?
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- Disappointingly small but beautifully presented.- Yes.- It is.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- And fantastic location.- Yeah. We're getting close.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54All right, let's continue cos I've still got more to show you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57The ground floor dimensions may be smaller than
0:08:57 > 0:09:00they were expecting, but this house extends vertically,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03with four bedrooms set out over three levels.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05In the basement, there is a double bedroom
0:09:05 > 0:09:07and an en suite shower room,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09but we are making our way up to the first floor,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13where a family bathroom and three double bedrooms are situated,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17two of which have balconies with sea views.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19And it is one of these we are proposing for them.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24This is the master. It has got an en suite just beside it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- OK, and I think it is a bit on the small side.- Yeah.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29That seems to be the theme right through.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33The rooms are a bit too small, but immaculately done.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35You like the house, don't you?
0:09:35 > 0:09:41Yeah, I do, but it's much, much, much smaller than what we have at home.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45The internal footprints of 186 square metres might be less
0:09:45 > 0:09:49than our buyers are used to, but as the land is so important to them for
0:09:49 > 0:09:54their dogs and cat, I'm interested to see how the garden sizes up.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57As you can see, there is quite a lot of garden here, isn't there?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Yes, it's lovely. Lovely pool area
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and the garden is Japanese, the way it has been set out.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It's very, very nice, very neat.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09We are very much boxed into how we live our lives in the UK.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12You know, you come to a warm climate and... It's a
0:10:12 > 0:10:15hot day today, it's going to be like this the majority of the year.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17You're going to spend a lot of it outside.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19If not in the sun, in the shade, but still outside.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Everything here is absolutely immaculate, but I just feel
0:10:22 > 0:10:29that the size of the inside is just not big enough for our lifestyle.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Well, let's talk about the price of the house
0:10:32 > 0:10:34because sometimes that can change people's minds.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- I'd probably put a figure of 380. - OK.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Pissouri is a premium area and, with a view like this, I think it is more.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I'm going to say 450.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Interesting. The asking price is...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54just over £368,000.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- Oh...- Quite shocked at that.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01£80,000 below budget,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04this modern hillside villa laid out over three floors
0:11:04 > 0:11:08offers a kitchen-diner, separate sitting room and four bedrooms,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10two with sea views.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Outside, there is a swimming pool, barbecue area
0:11:13 > 0:11:18and a well-kept garden, with unrestricted views of the shoreline.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Have you seen enough, you two? - Yes.- Yes?
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- That's our first property done and dusted.- Immaculate property.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- It's just a shame it's just that little bit too small inside.- OK.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32I don't know what else you've got in mind,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- but you've got a job to beat those views.- I know,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38those views are to die for, but we do have more up our sleeve.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Let's go.- Excellent.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Our next property is in the village of Pachna.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51This one lies ten minutes inland in the foothills
0:11:51 > 0:11:53of the Troodos Mountains.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56The 700-metre-plus altitude offering a cooler climate
0:11:56 > 0:12:00has made this the largest wine producing village on the island.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03The next house we are going to look at borders the village
0:12:03 > 0:12:05and is built into the hills.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08So, here we are in the village of Pachna.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10And this is your second property.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- It looks lovely.- Very promising.- Yes? - Very promising indeed.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17The views, again, are amazing, absolutely amazing.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20So you have got a substantial property here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23You can actually see, you've got a bar area. Look at the ovens there.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- You've got a bread oven, a pizza oven.- Yeah, wonderful.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28How much entertaining are you two going to be doing
0:12:28 > 0:12:30when you move to Cyprus?
0:12:30 > 0:12:31It's difficult to say,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34but with things like that, it could be quite a bit, I should think.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- So are you keen to step inside? - Yes, very keen.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Well, the exterior of this stone-covered house
0:12:41 > 0:12:43certainly seems to appeal to our buyers.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47It took the present owners three years to build
0:12:47 > 0:12:51and it comes with a welcome swimming pool for Cyprus's scorching summers.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54It was the lack of internal space that let the first
0:12:54 > 0:12:57property down, so let's see how this one measures up.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Oh, wow, space!
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- This is more like it.- You can't get away from that fabulous view.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- That really appeals to me.- So, come on then, what about the kitchen?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10It's lovely. It's very spacious, nice island.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14You can sit round, have breakfast round the island.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It really does work.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20So, let's keep going. It's open plan. So down these steps.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23You've got this huge living space.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It's lovely, absolutely wonderful.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- I love the exposed stone there. - It feels like home.- Does it?
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Yeah. I could live here, easily.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- That has to be the highest compliment, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- It's a beautiful house and it has been very well thought.- Yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It just has that special feel.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44I'm delighted with how David and Yola are responding to
0:13:44 > 0:13:47this house, which is spread over four floors.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51The basement houses a spacious snug, but I'm taking them upstairs,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53where there is a large family bathroom,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57shower room and five double bedrooms.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Three are on the top floor with two on the first floor,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02one of which is the master.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06So, here is your bedroom.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08The view again is lovely.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- Nice and spacious as well. It's a good size.- Good size. No storage.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Ah, no storage...yet.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Behind you, you've got your shower room, your en suite.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And behind me, there's a dressing room.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- That's not bad, is it?- No, it's not.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- So do you think you could cope with this size bedroom?- Yes.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Not too much of a compromise? - No.- OK.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32The tour of the inside has gone well, but the outside space is just
0:14:32 > 0:14:37as important, especially with three dogs and a cat coming to live here.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40But I think this garden has a feature that might be able
0:14:40 > 0:14:42to accommodate them.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46So let's talk a little bit more about the house and the land.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49At the back of the property, the way it is set up at the moment,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52cos they have a young family, they've got... I'm going to call it
0:14:52 > 0:14:54a cage for want of a better word.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57It has got a small football pitch on it, sort of a miniature one.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It is going to stay here.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02That would make a wonderful kennel and run for the dogs.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05What I haven't mentioned, David, your hobby - stargazing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07At home, I am restricted by very tall trees
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and I get a very narrow field of view.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14There is 180, 200 degree panorama, a wonderful view of the night sky,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18which will be extremely clear on a large number of days in the year.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22So, we have discussed the merits of the property and its location,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24but now let's put a price on it.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26We've got to take into account the view
0:15:26 > 0:15:30and the wonderful downstairs to the property.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33I don't think the upstairs has quite got the wow factor.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35There is a lack of garden, but it has got to be
0:15:35 > 0:15:39pretty near the top of our budget area, I would have thought.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I'll go for 430.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45I'm going to say 420.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50Well, the asking price is £486,000.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Now, the house has only just gone on the market.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56It has gone on a month, but the owner is aware of your budget
0:15:56 > 0:15:58and is happy to negotiate.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03Although this property is a little over budget at £486,000,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06in this market, there is room for negotiation.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09It would give them a stunning open plan kitchen-diner,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13a sitting room with wraparound views, five bedrooms,
0:16:13 > 0:16:18a swimming pool, an outdoor bar and an enclosed sports pitch,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21which could be converted into kennels for the dogs.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- You don't want to say goodbye to that view, do you?- No.- No.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28But I'm going to have to drag you away, I'm afraid. Let's go.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Our buyers are keen to embrace Cypriot culture, and Yola
0:16:35 > 0:16:39sees her passion for cooking local cuisine as one way to do this,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43so we have arranged for her and David to meet ex-pat Tracy Dyer,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45who manages her own cookery school here.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Cooking today, yeah? I hear you love it.- I do.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51We're going to taste the results, hopefully,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- so enjoy, get the whole experience. - Come on, then.- Thank you.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Tracy is teaching Yola how to make spanocopita,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02a Cypriot dish made with anari cheese, which is similar to ricotta,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06feta, dill, parsley, olive oil and spinach.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11So what we need to do is crumble the two cheeses in.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15So you need to get your hands stuck in, there's no other way.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17So how long have you been in Cyprus?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Well, I've been here 12 years now.- You love living here?
0:17:20 > 0:17:24I adore living in Cyprus. The fact that life here seems to be so easy.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27The traffic is not too bad, the people are relaxed.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31And it doesn't seem to matter what happens, we have another day.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Do you enjoy Cypriot cooking? - I love Cypriot cooking.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36In fact, before we moved over here,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I was really into doing Cypriot food as well.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42So, by moving over here and getting all the right ingredients
0:17:42 > 0:17:45and the real feel of the place, this made it so much better.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Now that all these ingredients are mixed together, it's time to prepare
0:17:49 > 0:17:53the filo pastry by brushing it with olive oil and butter.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57So you can buy most things in the supermarkets here now?
0:17:57 > 0:17:58Well, you can.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02When I first came here, it wasn't like that. But now anything goes.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04And is food expensive here now?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08A lot of people have said that the cost of living in Cyprus is
0:18:08 > 0:18:14really, really high. And yes, it can be if you buy the wrong ingredients.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Now, I always advocate that people buy local,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20buy foods that are in season, readily available
0:18:20 > 0:18:24and also get friends with your local greengrocers.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27It is a very different way of shopping in Cyprus.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31The mixture is then placed in a dish and covered with filo pastry.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35And after half an hour in the oven, it is ready for us all to tuck in.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39It gives our buyers the chance to discuss with Tracy
0:18:39 > 0:18:42and her friend Adele, originally from Scotland who works with her,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45the challenges they might face moving to Cyprus.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- Tracy, do you speak Greek? - Unfortunately, no. Bad question.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53I mean, I always meant to learn to speak Greek,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56but the Cypriots are very, very good at speaking English.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00The Cypriots really appreciate you being able to speak Greek.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Is there anything sort of socially that you miss, living in Cyprus?
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Cos the merits of having sunshine for, what is that,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09ten months of the year must outweigh everything.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12But are there theatre groups or if you wanted to go to cinema
0:19:12 > 0:19:14is that easy to do?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17I think more so here than anywhere else I have been, actually.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20There is a lot of energy here and a lot of cultural stuff going on.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22And would you advise people if they have a passion for that
0:19:22 > 0:19:25sort of thing to actually join them to make friends?
0:19:25 > 0:19:26Absolutely.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- That's how you make friends.- So, what do you think of Yola's cooking?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Delicious, well done to you.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Cheers, everyone. Thank you so much for making us so welcome.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37ALL: Yeia mas.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Well, that has given David and Yola some food for thought,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42but before they complete this move,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46there are a few practical considerations worth noting.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50It is strongly recommended to find independent legal advice
0:19:50 > 0:19:53for any financial transactions undertaken.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Various additional costs will include legal,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00transfer and agent's fees, which are calculated on a sliding scale
0:20:00 > 0:20:05and can vary between 7% to 16% of the purchase property price.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10Finally, as inheritance laws are different to those of the UK, it is
0:20:10 > 0:20:15worth considering writing a separate will for any Cypriot-based assets.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18So, now it's the turn of the mystery house.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19We've decided to show them
0:20:19 > 0:20:23something very different from the modern homes they've seen before.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25This one's old, it's got character
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and it's right in the centre of a Cypriot village.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Well, they did say they wanted to live with the locals.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Our final property location takes us to the village of Anogyra,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39which lies just over 20 miles to the west of Limassol,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and our last offering is in the heart of this very pretty village.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46As it's the mystery house, we're leaving contemporary behind,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49and taking a step back in time.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- This is your mystery house.- Very different, isn't it?- Very different.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Through the wooden doors.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59This doesn't have the same views as some of the previous properties
0:20:59 > 0:21:03we've looked at, but what it does have is character and charm.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05So is it enticing us in, the mystery house?
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- It is a mystery.- Open the doors. - Thank you, I will.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11DOOR CREAKS
0:21:11 > 0:21:13So come on in.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15It's like a little oasis.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- A secret garden.- It is.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20A beautifully kept secret garden.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23That's the first thing that strikes you as you walk in, but also,
0:21:23 > 0:21:27as you can see, there's a lot of shade here because it gets so hot.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It's lovely. Very pretty.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Looking at the garden, it looks quite interesting.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- It's more in line with what I think I want.- Yes, it's very different.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40My initial reaction is, where are the animals going to go?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42A very good point.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Your beloved pets, but it's the mystery house,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47so we might need to be a tad flexible.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- OK.- Shall we start the tour?- Yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55I realise how important David and Yola's pets are to them,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59but they are also making this continental move for themselves.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02I think this traditional 200-year-old property
0:22:02 > 0:22:04should challenge them.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07So, step inside our mystery house,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10cos it's very different from everything else we've seen.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- Very charming.- Beautiful, isn't it? - A cottage feeling.- Yes.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17A real village house.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Then you've got this exposed stone, local stone all the way round.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Like that. - Beautiful, isn't it?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26This is a traditional Cypriot ceiling. It's actually reed.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28No, I think that's very cosy.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30How do we feel about the kitchen?
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It's in keeping with the property, but it's very, very small.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- Shall we head upstairs?- Yes.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40The current British owners have lived here for 12 years
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and have retained the original features,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45including a stone staircase which leads us up
0:22:45 > 0:22:49to the first floor, where there's a roomy bathroom with a corner tub
0:22:49 > 0:22:53and two double bedrooms, one of which would be for them.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So, here's your master bedroom.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01It's a nice room. With the ceiling, it gives it height and depth.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04It's very nice, and there is storage.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Would this be big enough as a master bedroom?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- I would have thought so, yeah.- Yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12On a clear day when you're sitting in bed,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- you could look out and see the sea. - Yes, you can just see it.- Yeah.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19What you don't have, I know, in Cornwall, is a balcony like this.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24How would you fancy sitting here
0:23:24 > 0:23:27having your first morning cup of tea?
0:23:27 > 0:23:28Already dreaming about it.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Isn't it charming?
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- It's lovely. - I think it works so well.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38There's another very large double bedroom next door, plus storage.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40As much storage as you need.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Plenty. But there is some additional space.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46If you look to the end of the garden,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48you can see there's an additional building.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52That is a third bedroom. If you had guests coming to stay,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55you could put them at the end of the garden. They'd be more than happy.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's also got its own shower room down there as well.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59It's very private.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02So it means the two of you have the rest of the house -
0:24:02 > 0:24:05with the animals, if there's enough space for them.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Perhaps the animals sleep down there. Perhaps that's the answer.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Exactly. A very grand kennel.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14You're both very taken with this property though, aren't you?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16It's charming.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19This mystery house appears to be working its magic.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21As we head to the courtyard garden,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24will green-fingered David remain just as enthralled?
0:24:24 > 0:24:29- So just standing here, you do get to see the Mediterranean garden.- Ideal.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31It's a nice little garden.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Got scope for doing quite a bit.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Also, it's a different type of planting than we're used to at home.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I think that's the attraction of it. I want to do something different.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42The house is absolutely charming.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46It has lack of space, especially with the animals,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50but that does not distract what a lovely property it is.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52It's very individual.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Go on, then, Yola.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Have a stab - what price would you put on this house?
0:24:58 > 0:25:00315.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Interesting. David?
0:25:02 > 0:25:04I'd go 350.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Would you be surprised if I said you were £100,000 out?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Which way?
0:25:09 > 0:25:14You're above. It is on the market for £250,000.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Ooh.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I don't need to tell you that would save you £200,000 off your budget.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23A useful £200,000.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27It's just another way, perhaps, of living your lives over here.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Just gives you so many options, doesn't it?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32My heart loves this house,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36but it's not really practical for three animals on a permanent basis.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- That's the only downside I can see. - It's absolutely charming.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45So at just £250,000, this house would leave our buyers
0:25:45 > 0:25:48with a significant amount of money to spare.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It comes with three bedrooms, one of which is in a separate cottage,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53and three bathrooms.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It has an open-plan kitchen and living area,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and an enchanting paved courtyard garden.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03David and Yola have now looked at all three of our properties,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06so it's time to catch up with them to find out
0:26:06 > 0:26:09their thoughts on our house-hunt here in Limassol.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14So, the two of you, you've visited this island so many times.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16This was the first time that you'd
0:26:16 > 0:26:18actually looked at properties seriously, wasn't it?
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- It was.- How do you feel it's gone? - It's gone very well.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27It's given us an insight to a lot of different types of property.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29So, did we get close?
0:26:29 > 0:26:31If we didn't have the animals,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34we would have put an offer in on the mystery house.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Oh! Really?
0:26:36 > 0:26:40It's a beautiful, beautiful traditional village home.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41Absolutely lovely.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46I think the hillside house was the one that really struck me.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50I still have in my mind's eye the ground floor and the view.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52A little concerned about the animals,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55but it did have the space behind to cage them,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59but a little bit worried it's like imprisoning them for ever.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Yes.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I'd like to go and see around the hill house again just
0:27:03 > 0:27:05to get a feel of the location,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08but I need to rethink through a little bit more
0:27:08 > 0:27:12about how the area would work for us, particularly with the animals.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Anything you think you might have learned over these last few days?
0:27:15 > 0:27:18What our budget can buy out here.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Well, I'm delighted we've helped you a little bit along the way,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24certainly to steer you in some direction of what you do
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- and don't want. But let us know how you get on.- Will do.- Will do.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Thank you both very much indeed. It's been an absolute pleasure.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Well, thank you very much for helping us round the island
0:27:34 > 0:27:36and producing a few surprises.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41David and Yola know this island inside out
0:27:41 > 0:27:44and are as committed as ever to starting a new life here.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Although we got close with two of our properties,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52they've decided to continue the search for that Cypriot home
0:27:52 > 0:27:56in the right locality with the perfect view.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I really hope it works our for them. See you again.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04If you're planning to escape to the Continent
0:28:04 > 0:28:08and would like our help, you can apply online at...