0:00:02 > 0:00:06Inside this imposing gorge is a hidden pathway that's 800 years old.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Find out why it was built and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34On today's show, we're helping a pair of globetrotting retirees
0:00:34 > 0:00:37find the perfect place to put down roots.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38And I've got h ouses up my sleeve
0:00:38 > 0:00:40which can't fail to make an impact.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44You've stunned us. We're stunned. Absolutely stunned to the ground.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Today, I'm in the province of Malaga, in southern Spain,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55and this is El Tajo gorge,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59a natural wonder that divides the town of Ronda in two.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Now back in the 14th century, Ronda was frequently besieged
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and cut off from its vital water supply.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09In response, the king ordered a secret path,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12to be carved into the rock face of the gorge itself
0:01:12 > 0:01:16so they could access water from the river far below.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Today, the only invaders are the tourists themselves
0:01:20 > 0:01:24that come to admire these stunning views of the region, especially
0:01:24 > 0:01:29from the magnificent 18th-century bridge that joins the town together.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34The province of Malaga is located on the southern Mediterranean
0:01:34 > 0:01:37coast of Spain and sits within the larger region of Andalusia.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41This region has been fought over by Romans, Moors and Christians
0:01:41 > 0:01:44for centuries, and remnants of this past can be seen
0:01:44 > 0:01:47in Malaga's magnificent Renaissance cathedral,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49it's Moorish palace, the Alcazaba,
0:01:49 > 0:01:54and the imposing Islamic fortress - the Castillo de Gibralfaro.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The wider province of Andalusia is characterised by a range
0:01:58 > 0:02:02of landscapes, from breathtaking inland mountain ranges
0:02:02 > 0:02:05to the glamorous coastal towns, like Marbella and Puerto Banus.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09With around 300 days of sunshine per year,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12it's no surprise that Malaga province
0:02:12 > 0:02:15has become a popular place to make a more permanent escape.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20So let's meet today's buyers and find out
0:02:20 > 0:02:21where they want to escape to.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Malcolm and Mary's existing home is just outside Middlesbrough
0:02:26 > 0:02:28in the north-east of England.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32They met 12 years ago and are both retired educational professionals.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36I've worked for exam boards and Malcolm's been involved
0:02:36 > 0:02:39in education as a head teacher and he came to watch me
0:02:39 > 0:02:42for the whole day doing my job and he'd write a report on me,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and then he made contact, and then he actually came to see me again
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and eventually, we just morphed into a couple.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51After a very happy decade living together, Mary suddenly
0:02:51 > 0:02:56became unwell, which had a profound effect on their lives.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00I was poorly - part exhaustion and part also there was some
0:03:00 > 0:03:02bugs in my tummy that no-one knew about at the time.
0:03:02 > 0:03:03I had to take stock
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and I decided that the only way I could build myself up
0:03:06 > 0:03:09in my own mind was to take a break.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13So we decided to start travelling and seeing a bit of the world.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They travelled across the globe from Australia and New Zealand
0:03:16 > 0:03:18to India and Indonesia.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19But it's when they got to Malaga
0:03:19 > 0:03:22that they made an unexpected discovery.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24I think we were quite surprised how beautiful it was.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27We went everywhere. We used to say, "Could you live here?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29"Could you live there?" And in Malaga, we were saying,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32"Could you live here?" And we were saying, "Yes, it feels good."
0:03:32 > 0:03:35So they're selling their home in England and buying a place
0:03:35 > 0:03:39in Spain, which will be their new base for further travels.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41And there are definite likes and dislikes
0:03:41 > 0:03:43when it comes to finding the perfect property.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We'd obviously like a nice-looking property.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48We have a creamy look to the home.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50It's helped to make it bright and bring in the light
0:03:51 > 0:03:54and I think we'd like to replicate that again.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I wouldn't mind a bit of a garden. Potted plants would do.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Make it pretty.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02We want to live in the community.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And they have a good budget to buy their new home.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Probably about 300,000. - Up to 300,000.- Yes.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15Malaga is the place which sparked Malcolm and Mary's decision to move.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18So I'm braving the wind and meeting them where it all began
0:04:18 > 0:04:21to establish the finer details of their move.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Well, Malcolm and Mary, welcome to the province of Malaga.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27You certainly picked a beautiful part of Spain that you want to move to.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Your feet haven't stopped, have they?
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You haven't touched the ground the last two and a half years
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- travelling the world. - That's right, yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37So now you want to buy a home in Spain, your home,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40what do you think the change is going to make to your lifestyle?
0:04:40 > 0:04:45It will give us an opportunity to travel further in Spain,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48but, of course, the other thing is it's an entirely different culture.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52But you could do that on holiday, couldn't you?
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Yes, but you don't, do you? Not in a fortnight.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58What are we looking for here, in Spain? Your new home.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Well, at least two bedrooms or three.- Maybe three at least, I think.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Three, because I think we'll have a lot of visitors.- Little bit of land?
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I don't expect to find a property with a lot of land,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- but it would be nice to have a garden.- Yes.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Remind us what your budget is.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14300,000.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15£300,000.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17So we do have some great properties lined up to show you.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19First one, I think is ready for us.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Shall we get going?- We shall, yes. - We'd look forward to that.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26So for a maximum budget of £300,000, our buyers are seeking
0:05:26 > 0:05:28a Spanish house with kerb appeal
0:05:28 > 0:05:30and a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32They'd like character features,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35a garden to satisfy Malcolm's green fingers,
0:05:35 > 0:05:39and to be near a lively community which they can become part of.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43We've picked four contrasting properties to tempt our buyers with
0:05:43 > 0:05:46culminating in the mystery house,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49which will give Malcolm and Mary an option which they hadn't considered
0:05:49 > 0:05:50for their big move.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58For our first offering, we're heading to the village of Monda,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01a 45-minute drive west of Malaga.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Just 15 minutes from the coast,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08it's set near the stunning Sierra De Las Nieves natural park.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Overlooking the village is our first house.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15So here is our first property.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17It's quite a nice-looking house.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I like the shape of the window at the top.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- Any ideas how old it might be?- 150?
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Believe it or not, that was built in 2006.- Crikey.- Goodness gracious.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30Yes. Though you haven't actually asked for a pool.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Well, I have strong views about pools,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35that if they're not big enough to have a really good swim,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and they're expensive and time-consuming to look after...
0:06:38 > 0:06:42If I were here, I think I would make that into a garden feature.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Yeah?- I'd be interested to see what they've done inside.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48You certainly will. It's not the norm, I can tell you.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53So, swimming pool aside, it's a good response to the outside.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I'm intrigued to find out what they'll make of the interior.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59So...
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Very strong impression, I think, as we walked through the door.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Very much. Very much.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09It's got all its own individual features, like the moon
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- and the sun shape of the windows. - Yes.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12You don't often see that, do you?
0:07:12 > 0:07:17No, it's quite nice looking at it like that, but it's very unusual.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18And the metal staircase -
0:07:18 > 0:07:21well, you wouldn't have to go up with your shoes on, would you?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- We would hear you, that's for sure. - They'll be no heels.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Who's that trip-trapping up my stairs?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Let's take a look at the kitchen behind us.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32We're carrying on the colourful theme here, really,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- aren't we, in the kitchen? - Yeah, very colourful.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- It's making you giggle, isn't it, Malcolm?- Yeah, it does.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40You know, 1980s comes to mind, Nicki.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- Well, there are features in it that are attractive. - Different and unusual.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- The tiles and the colours are certainly off-putting.- Yes.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Also on the ground floor is a large utility room,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54two guest bedrooms and a vibrant bathroom.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57But if colour is a problem, I wonder what they'll make of the
0:07:57 > 0:08:01master bedroom, which is accessed by the unusual staircase.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05NICKI LAUGHS
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Do you know what that reminds me of? - Ding-dong bell, pussy in the well.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- It reminds me of an out-of-tune church bell.- Yes.- Doesn't it?
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Us walking up there.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16We're continuing the prism of colour here, aren't we?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18You can soon do something about that, Nicki.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19You know, if you want to, can't you?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22You can turn it back into a plain room. What about wardrobes?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Oh, that's a very good point, isn't it?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27You do have a dressing area next door.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29You've got your bathroom up here.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Green - no.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35The design of this house is very, very unusual.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It certainly is, Nicki. It is.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Mm, it's a one-off.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41We're going to step outside, talk about the land,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- talk about the location.- Uh-huh.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- I'm also going to ask you to think about the price.- Uh-huh.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- OK.- OK.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Whilst the inside of the house might be an acquired taste,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53the outside is much more conservative.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56There's a very neat garden surrounding the house,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58but there's more to the plot.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01You've got two-thirds of an acre.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- So if you look around, you can see the border down there.- Yes.- Yep.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- I know you've got your thoughts on this property.- Uh-huh.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09But, first of all, let's talk money.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11What price would you put on this villa?
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Wouldn't be worth more than 250,000.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14OK.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And I would have the same value on it as well.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20250,000.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Well, actually. You're both very close to the asking price.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24It is...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- £269,000.- Yep.- Yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31This modern rustic house offers three bedrooms,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33a double-height living room
0:09:33 > 0:09:36and a flamboyant and colourful interior throughout.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38There's a swimming pool,
0:09:38 > 0:09:39two-thirds of an acre
0:09:39 > 0:09:40of agricultural land
0:09:40 > 0:09:42and spectacular views
0:09:42 > 0:09:43across the countryside.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- You are not going to forget this house in a hurry, are you?- No, no.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- We've enjoyed it. It's been a most interesting start.- Excellent!
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- And we've got plenty more to show you.- Good.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01For our next property offering,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03we're travelling to the village of Guaro.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It's an attractive and immaculately-kept village
0:10:05 > 0:10:08up in the hills of the Sierra De Mijas,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11a 40-minute drive from the bustle of Malaga.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15And right on the edge of the village is our next house.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17And here is our property!
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Uh-huh, I like the look of it. - A lovely-looking house.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Now, it's quite an unusual property. It's on two levels.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- See, there's a huge terrace there... - Yes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- ..looking out over the spectacular views.- Yes, yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- So, shall we start?- We shall.- Yes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Constructed in the year 2000,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39this four-bedroom house has been built upside down,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41with the main living quarters up on the first floor.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44The front door is reached by a staircase which brings
0:10:44 > 0:10:46you into the entrance hallway.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51So the first room off the hallway is a kitchen.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- There's nothing we could do.- No.- No.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56You've got the whites, you've got clean lines.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- With access to the terrace as well.- Beautiful.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- So nothing to do in the kitchen?- No.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Oh, that's great start. - Yeah, it is a great start.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06It's only our first room, I'm not going to get too excited.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07- Right.- Yes.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10So then next to the kitchen is a sitting room.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14But it is also a dining room.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16How would you feel about that?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's not our preferred option.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- There must be other rooms...- I'm sure there may be opportunities
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- to do other things, do you think? - What about the actual room itself?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- It's a good size. - And I like the height.- Yeah.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It feels modern and bright.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Would you need to do anything in this room?
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- We'd remove the blue, but other than that, no, not necessarily.- No.- No.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- And what about the patio doors leading out onto the terrace?- Yes.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Like them.- So you've got access from two rooms?- Yes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- You could also have a dining table outside.- You could, you could.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46It occurred to me while you were talking, Nicki.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- So I'm guessing you'd like to see a little bit more?- Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Oh, we'd love to.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53As most of the living space and accommodation are on this floor,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55there are two double guest bedrooms
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and a family bathroom before reaching the master.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02So at the end of the hallway is the master bedroom.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Right. And again, two windows.- Yes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07And yet cool.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Might be worth considering actually taking out those huge windows, but
0:12:11 > 0:12:14putting doors in there, with access out onto the garden and the pool.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- You could.- Underneath us, you've got
0:12:17 > 0:12:20a kitchen-stroke-utility room,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23a huge area that they're using as a study at the moment,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- but could become a beautiful dining area.- Uh-huh.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30There's a shower room down there and another bedroom should you want it.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Well, there definitely seems to be flexibility for certainly dining.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Down one side of the house, there's a small terrace with a patio area
0:12:39 > 0:12:42and along the other side is the swimming pool.
0:12:42 > 0:12:48- So here we have the obligatory but beautiful pool.- Yes.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50A sunning area all around.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Absolutely super.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54But it's not the pool which is the main draw here.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57The first-floor terrace is where this house
0:12:57 > 0:12:58really comes into its own.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- This is stunning.- Stunning.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03That's the only word. What a view.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- So open and fresh looking.- And then all this in front of you is yours.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10So...
0:13:10 > 0:13:12pomegranates, olive trees...
0:13:12 > 0:13:16But behind the property, there's a little bit of land.
0:13:16 > 0:13:211.6 acres with almond trees and olive trees.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Jeepers.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Great, isn't it amazing? It's just fantastic. Fantastic.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- It certainly is a lovely property. - It is.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33Would you like to have a stab at what this is on the market for?
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Well, at least 325,000, I would think.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39OK. All right.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41I'd say in the same region.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44The asking price is...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47..£258,000.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Goodness gracious! - You're joking, Nicki!- No.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- You're joking me?- No.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Wow. Sweetie, you've stunned us. We're stunned.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Yes.- Absolutely stunned to the ground.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00NICKI LAUGHS
0:14:00 > 0:14:04So, for a surprising £258,000 price tag,
0:14:04 > 0:14:10this hillside villa offers four bedrooms, ample living space,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13an extensive terrace overlooking spectacular views,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16all set in 1.6 acres with trees
0:14:16 > 0:14:18bearing citrus fruit, olives,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20almonds, even pomegranates.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24I'd be quite content just to stay here.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- Really?! Does it feel like home? - It does.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- It does feel very much like home. - Oh! That has two be the ultimate compliment.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33I feel bad now, cos I'm going to have to take you away.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Aw, do you really?- But you can come back.- Are we allowed?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38You can definitely come back, should you wish to.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Er, yes, please. We'd like another look. Thank you.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47With Malcolm and Mary contemplating such a major move,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51they are keen to find out as much as they can about life here.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53So I'm taking them to the town of Mijas,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56to meet Englishman Jason Goodwin and his Irish wife, Ellie, who made
0:14:56 > 0:15:00the move here many years ago and now run their own chocolate shop.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Ellie and Jason, can I introduce you to Malcolm and Mary.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Hello, Mary.- Nice to meet you. - Lovely to meet you.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Nice to meet you.- Hola.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Now, these two not only have a very successful chocolate shop
0:15:10 > 0:15:13here in Mijas, you've also got first-hand experience of what
0:15:13 > 0:15:15it's like to live in the province of Malaga.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18So I thought, who better than perhaps to tell you a little
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- bit more about it.- Absolutely. Yeah.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22So, since you've come all the way to Mijas,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25why don't you come upstairs with me and make some chocolate with me?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- What do you reckon? - Absolutely fabulous, can't wait.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Follow- me, then. Thank you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36We're going to make Cadiz 1544.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39It's actually a recreation of the first chocolate
0:15:39 > 0:15:40that was made in Europe.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It was actually the Spanish who brought it to Europe.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Without the Spanish, I don't know whether we'd have chocolate today.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Cream is gently warmed and melted butter is added.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53This authentic recipe needs one dessert spoon of allspice,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57one of aniseed, a quarter dessert spoon of cloves,
0:15:57 > 0:15:58some cinnamon and nutmeg.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Hazelnut butter and almond butter
0:16:01 > 0:16:04are almost the last ingredients except for orange oil.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05Drop, drop, drop.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07You wouldn't think there were so many...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ingredients, would you?- It's amazing what went into this chocolate.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14My question is, why did we ever stop making chocolate like this?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- You good for the chocolate, Mary? - Absolutely.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Bring it on, OK. Here we go.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20So you whisk.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- The colour's coming, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Do you want a rest or are you all right?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I'm all right, my dear, thank you.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Isn't he a gentleman? - He's an absolute gentleman.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Through and through.- Look at that! That's looking great!
0:16:32 > 0:16:37This mixture, called a ganache, is poured evenly into a tray
0:16:37 > 0:16:39and then put into the fridge to set.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43After a short wait, it's cut into squares
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and is now ready for the finishing coating.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48And now, you can pop it on to the acetate.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51And what you could do, Malcolm, is put some hazelnut
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and some orange blossom.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56That one's for Nicki.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Whilst the chocolate sets, Malcolm and Mary have a chance to
0:16:59 > 0:17:02hear more about daily life in Spain from our hosts.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06I'm sure you two have got plenty of questions. Cos how long have you lived in this region?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Actually moved here 21 years ago now, yeah.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- So you came as a young man? - Thank you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14We are coming as somewhat older people.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Do you think we'll have any particular problems to contend with?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I don't think so, really, no.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Because this has got to be one of the easiest places to live
0:17:23 > 0:17:27in Spain because you can completely get by speaking English.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Pretty much everything you'll need, you'll find in English.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32You'll find publications, you'll find plumbers,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34legal aid, dentists, it's all there.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37So you don't HAVE to learn the language.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40but if you do, obviously, it makes the experience more interesting.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43These two haven't ever bought a property here, have you, Mary? No.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Is there any advice, pitfalls,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48that if you're entering into this market you should be aware of?
0:17:48 > 0:17:51It's a lot safer buying a resale,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- an already built house, than a new development...- Yeah.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57..because once it's got the Licencia De Primera Ocupacion,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00the first occupation licence, has been granted,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02you're onto safe ground.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Also, to simplify your life, what you could actually consider
0:18:05 > 0:18:08doing is contracting the services of a 'gestor'.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12A gestor organises all your paperwork, all the local taxes,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16your rates, just basically makes your life easier.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- That sounds fantastic. - Yeah, rent-an-administrator!
0:18:19 > 0:18:22We don't have that, do we, back in the UK?
0:18:22 > 0:18:23I've got another question, please.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I know that we'd be very keen to live amongst the locals,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28What best advice could you give?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30For instance, Fuengirola
0:18:30 > 0:18:34has got a very active amateur dramatics theatre group,
0:18:34 > 0:18:35so join the club.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39You'll meet people from hundreds of different nationalities.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Is there dancing, for instance?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43There's everything. Literally, there is everything.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45And now, now we've finished the serious bit, do you think
0:18:45 > 0:18:47it's time to taste the chocolate?
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Oh, absolutely.- Yes? Do you think it's ready?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Let's go and fetch them!
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Let's see how you've done, guys. - Uh-huh.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56Here we go.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Oh, there's no complaints there.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- Well done.- And thank you again.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Get your house - I've got a job for you.- There you go!
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Is that a promise, Ellie? Cos if it is, I'll take you up on it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Jason and Ellie have given Malcolm and Mary some important information.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Particularly given the backdrop of property scandals
0:19:16 > 0:19:19which has made many nervous of purchasing in Spain.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23If you are buying off-plan or a new build, you must make sure
0:19:23 > 0:19:26the Licence Of First Occupation has been granted
0:19:26 > 0:19:28before completing the purchase.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Without it, the property is not yet legal and cannot be lawfully sold,
0:19:33 > 0:19:38so it's critical to ensure any potential property has this licence.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41On any purchase there are transfer fees to be paid.
0:19:41 > 0:19:457% is the rule of thumb, but this does vary from region to region,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48going up to 10% in some areas.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51So it's essential you check these out first.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Malcolm and Mary are ready to put down some roots here in Spain
0:19:57 > 0:20:00and so far, they're very taken with this region.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Yesterday, they completely fell in love with one of our houses.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07It didn't need anything doing to it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09So with our mystery house today, we're going to show them
0:20:09 > 0:20:12something on the other end of the scale.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17The mystery house is located in the town of Alhaurin El Grande,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19which could suit Malcolm and Mary's
0:20:19 > 0:20:22desire to be part of a thriving mixed community.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26It's overwhelmingly Spanish, but is popular with expats
0:20:26 > 0:20:30who make up around 5% of the resident population.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33And our mystery house is just a ten-minute walk
0:20:33 > 0:20:36up one of Alhaurin El Grande's surrounding hills.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39So it's time for our final property, of course.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- It is our mystery house.- Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- And here it is. A 300-year-old bakery.- Wow.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- A bakery!- A bakery!
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Look, right at the end. - I can see, yeah.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- I can see it going in and coming out on a stick.- Yeah.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55So any ideas why this could be the mystery house?
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Because it'll probably have been added to and it probably is
0:20:58 > 0:21:01bigger inside than you think from the outside or something like that.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04And it could have been used for an entirely different kind of business?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07I'm liking where you're going, actually, Malcolm,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10because you would be right. We're showing you properties
0:21:10 > 0:21:12that you might not have considered yourselves.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15And with this, there's the potential of renting out part of this property.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18The current owners do. So if you wanted some additional income...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21I did wonder if you wanted us to start a second employment phase.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22NICKI LAUGHS
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Well, you never know, do you? You have options. It can be one home,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- it potentially can be two. - Could be more?
0:21:27 > 0:21:28- Wow.- Yes.- Wowee.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- So shall we get started?- Absolutely. - Yes.- Lovely.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'I'm starting our tour of this three-bedroom house at the back,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37'where the rented-out part is.'
0:21:37 > 0:21:41And not only is this place full of charming, historic features,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43but there are some modern comforts thrown in too.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Right in front of us - the Jacuzzi.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Do we like Jacuzzis?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- She does.- Do you?
0:21:51 > 0:21:52MARY LAUGHS
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Do you?- With a glass of fizzy in hand.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Can you imagine sitting in there with your glass of fizzy?- Yes.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Looking out on this expanse.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00Well, it certainly is a view.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04And where we're standing, believe it or not, was the threshing area,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and the donkeys would grind down the grain here.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Yes, the stones.- Round the pole? - Absolutely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Flour, because it was a bakery. Would you like to follow me?
0:22:12 > 0:22:13I would indeed.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17So I've definitely piqued their interest
0:22:17 > 0:22:19with the history of this place,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21but what will they make of the interior layout
0:22:21 > 0:22:23of such an old building?
0:22:23 > 0:22:25So we're starting off with the kitchen.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I think we can all agree, it's another colourful kitchen, isn't it?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Uh-huh.- They do them very well in the province of Malaga.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- They go in for blue.- They do.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Then through the kitchen leads us to
0:22:36 > 0:22:39this very dramatic sitting room.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Uh-huh, it is. Yep.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Look at the height of that ceiling.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- It is. It's very tall at the back end, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50So this is the rental part of the property.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- £5,000 to £6,000 a year they make on it.- Right, OK.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Well, as the room, I quite like it.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Doesn't bowl me over, but it's OK.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I do think the chimney to the wood burner's a bit over-exaggerated
0:23:02 > 0:23:06and there's the usual colour problem in the kitchen.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- It's an L-shape which, is...- It is. - ..quite unusual.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Well, I suppose it's big enough, but I think we'd prefer a larger kitchen.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- We like big...yeah, big shape.- Yes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Well, we'll continue through.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21To go through to the bedrooms just mind your head.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Little bit lower here.- Yeah.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26So we've got a bedroom here and then you've got a
0:23:26 > 0:23:28further bedroom behind us.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31So, in a way, you can see why it works as a rental,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33because you could have a family in here
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and you've got the family bathroom just next door.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Now...- What's that, Nicki?
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- This is where all the animals... - Feeding?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Yes. You're absolutely right.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44They would have been stabled here and tied up.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- If you look, there's holes on each wall in the corner.- Yes, yes.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49So this probably was where they kept them.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52So could you imagine this being your bedroom?
0:23:52 > 0:23:53No.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56For me, it is higgledy-piggledy, unfortunately.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Well, let's head outside. There's another building I just want to
0:23:59 > 0:24:02talk to you about and also the gardens too.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06So, Malcolm, if you wouldn't mind leading the way. Mind your head.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07All the added rooms
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and reconfigurations over the years have given this house a very
0:24:10 > 0:24:15peculiar layout, which I think is proving a challenge for Mary.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17At the front of the property is the smaller,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19non-rented owners' residence.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23There's a sitting room, kitchen with separate dining area,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25a double bedroom and its own terrace.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27If no rental income is wanted,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30the different wings could be joined together to make one dwelling.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Although this house doesn't seem to be catching their imagination,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37perhaps the patios and terraces
0:24:37 > 0:24:41outside will improve things whilst we get past the ah...you know what.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Of course. What can't we miss?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Swimming pool.- Pool.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Would we say that's a beautiful pool?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- Well, you know my views on pools. - He doesn't like them.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- You don't mind them so much though, do you?- No, I don't.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And if you think the land finishes there - well, actually, it doesn't.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00It continues on. There's a chicken coop and also a mini orchard.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04When I say mini orchard, we're sort of talking half an acre,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08You've also got this building in front of us.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Unusual-looking shape.- It is.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11- Modern.- Yes.- Modern in a way.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- Right.- At the moment, they've divided it up as a workshop
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- and also a utility room.- Right.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23So, for the final time, let's put a price on the mystery property.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24I'd say...
0:25:24 > 0:25:27270, tops 275.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- OK.- I'd put it about 290,000.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32The asking price is...
0:25:32 > 0:25:34£280,000.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Ah, not bad. Yeah.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38For £20,000 under budget,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42this 300 year-old former bakery offers dual accommodation
0:25:42 > 0:25:45split into one main bedroom residence
0:25:45 > 0:25:47and a separate two-bedroom flat
0:25:47 > 0:25:48which could be rented out.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It has an extensive orchard at the back,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52a quirky garden around the house,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55a swimming pool and Jacuzzi,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57and the bonus of a possible income
0:25:57 > 0:25:59of up to £6,000 a year.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01How are you feeling?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- It's been great. Thank you. - Really enjoyed it.- Fantastic. Yes.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06So would you like some time on your own?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Collect your thoughts?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Cos I can't wait to hear what you're going to do next.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Yes.- OK. Yep.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Malcolm and Mary, you two have travelled so much.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19But I am dying to ask you,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22has this part of Spain lived up to your expectations?
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Very much so. It's been a tremendous journey.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28We have learnt some new things.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Now, over the last few days, we had the opportunity to sample what
0:26:31 > 0:26:33life could be like living here.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35How's that been?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- It's felt like normal home.- Has it?
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And I think that speaks for itself. It answers its own question.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So getting on to our properties themselves...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Tell me, did any of our houses hit the mark?
0:26:47 > 0:26:49I think the one near Guaro.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54The one with the orchards and the almond trees and the olive trees,
0:26:54 > 0:26:59and the magnificent mountain scenery, that certainly did.
0:26:59 > 0:27:05And the house itself, it was clean-cut and bright inside.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06It wouldn't need a lot of work.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11You could almost move straight in, so to do that under budget,
0:27:11 > 0:27:12that was a lovely surprise.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15So you love the property, but what happens next?
0:27:15 > 0:27:17We won't stop. We will make more enquiries.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21We'll find out the background, the detail from the law side
0:27:21 > 0:27:24of things, but it obviously is still a lot of money to spend
0:27:24 > 0:27:26and you don't rush into anything that quick
0:27:26 > 0:27:28when it's a large amount of money.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29Well, Malcolm and Mary,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32it's been a pleasure showing you these wonderful properties.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33And can I just say,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36you're the best dressed couple I've done house tours with.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I think next time, I'm going to have to up my game, aren't I?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- Thank you so much. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's been a wonderful few days,
0:27:47 > 0:27:52and Malcolm and Mary have really embraced this part of Spain.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54When their travels have finished, I'm sure they're going to be
0:27:54 > 0:27:59returning to start their new life here in this beautiful region.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02So, from the province of Malaga,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04adios.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06If you're planning to escape to the Continent
0:28:06 > 0:28:12and would like our help, you can apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow