Spain - Malaga Escape to the Continent

Inside this imposing gorge is a hidden pathway that's 800 years old.

Find out why it was built and which country I'm in, in just a moment.

On today's show, we're helping a pair of globetrotting retirees

find the perfect place to put down roots.

And I've got h ouses up my sleeve

which can't fail to make an impact.

You've stunned us. We're stunned. Absolutely stunned to the ground.

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

Today, I'm in the province of Malaga, in southern Spain,

and this is El Tajo gorge,

a natural wonder that divides the town of Ronda in two.

Now back in the 14th century, Ronda was frequently besieged

and cut off from its vital water supply.

In response, the king ordered a secret path,

to be carved into the rock face of the gorge itself

so they could access water from the river far below.

Today, the only invaders are the tourists themselves

that come to admire these stunning views of the region, especially

from the magnificent 18th-century bridge that joins the town together.

The province of Malaga is located on the southern Mediterranean

coast of Spain and sits within the larger region of Andalusia.

This region has been fought over by Romans, Moors and Christians

for centuries, and remnants of this past can be seen

in Malaga's magnificent Renaissance cathedral,

it's Moorish palace, the Alcazaba,

and the imposing Islamic fortress - the Castillo de Gibralfaro.

The wider province of Andalusia is characterised by a range

of landscapes, from breathtaking inland mountain ranges

to the glamorous coastal towns, like Marbella and Puerto Banus.

With around 300 days of sunshine per year,

it's no surprise that Malaga province

has become a popular place to make a more permanent escape.

So let's meet today's buyers and find out

where they want to escape to.

Malcolm and Mary's existing home is just outside Middlesbrough

in the north-east of England.

They met 12 years ago and are both retired educational professionals.

I've worked for exam boards and Malcolm's been involved

in education as a head teacher and he came to watch me

for the whole day doing my job and he'd write a report on me,

and then he made contact, and then he actually came to see me again

and eventually, we just morphed into a couple.

After a very happy decade living together, Mary suddenly

became unwell, which had a profound effect on their lives.

I was poorly - part exhaustion and part also there was some

bugs in my tummy that no-one knew about at the time.

I had to take stock

and I decided that the only way I could build myself up

in my own mind was to take a break.

So we decided to start travelling and seeing a bit of the world.

They travelled across the globe from Australia and New Zealand

to India and Indonesia.

But it's when they got to Malaga

that they made an unexpected discovery.

I think we were quite surprised how beautiful it was.

We went everywhere. We used to say, "Could you live here?

"Could you live there?" And in Malaga, we were saying,

"Could you live here?" And we were saying, "Yes, it feels good."

So they're selling their home in England and buying a place

in Spain, which will be their new base for further travels.

And there are definite likes and dislikes

when it comes to finding the perfect property.

We'd obviously like a nice-looking property.

We have a creamy look to the home.

It's helped to make it bright and bring in the light

and I think we'd like to replicate that again.

I wouldn't mind a bit of a garden. Potted plants would do.

Make it pretty.

We want to live in the community.

And they have a good budget to buy their new home.

-Probably about 300,000.

-Up to 300,000.

-Yes.

Malaga is the place which sparked Malcolm and Mary's decision to move.

So I'm braving the wind and meeting them where it all began

to establish the finer details of their move.

Well, Malcolm and Mary, welcome to the province of Malaga.

You certainly picked a beautiful part of Spain that you want to move to.

Your feet haven't stopped, have they?

You haven't touched the ground the last two and a half years

-travelling the world.

-That's right, yes.

So now you want to buy a home in Spain, your home,

what do you think the change is going to make to your lifestyle?

It will give us an opportunity to travel further in Spain,

but, of course, the other thing is it's an entirely different culture.

But you could do that on holiday, couldn't you?

Yes, but you don't, do you? Not in a fortnight.

What are we looking for here, in Spain? Your new home.

-Well, at least two bedrooms or three.

-Maybe three at least, I think.

-Three, because I think we'll have a lot of visitors.

-Little bit of land?

I don't expect to find a property with a lot of land,

-but it would be nice to have a garden.

-Yes.

Remind us what your budget is.

300,000.

£300,000.

So we do have some great properties lined up to show you.

First one, I think is ready for us.

-Shall we get going?

-We shall, yes.

-We'd look forward to that.

So for a maximum budget of £300,000, our buyers are seeking

a Spanish house with kerb appeal

and a minimum of three bedrooms.

They'd like character features,

a garden to satisfy Malcolm's green fingers,

and to be near a lively community which they can become part of.

We've picked four contrasting properties to tempt our buyers with

culminating in the mystery house,

which will give Malcolm and Mary an option which they hadn't considered

for their big move.

For our first offering, we're heading to the village of Monda,

a 45-minute drive west of Malaga.

Just 15 minutes from the coast,

it's set near the stunning Sierra De Las Nieves natural park.

Overlooking the village is our first house.

So here is our first property.

It's quite a nice-looking house.

I like the shape of the window at the top.

-Any ideas how old it might be?

-150?

-Believe it or not, that was built in 2006.

-Crikey.

-Goodness gracious.

Yes. Though you haven't actually asked for a pool.

Well, I have strong views about pools,

that if they're not big enough to have a really good swim,

and they're expensive and time-consuming to look after...

If I were here, I think I would make that into a garden feature.

-Yeah?

-I'd be interested to see what they've done inside.

You certainly will. It's not the norm, I can tell you.

So, swimming pool aside, it's a good response to the outside.

I'm intrigued to find out what they'll make of the interior.

So...

Very strong impression, I think, as we walked through the door.

Very much. Very much.

It's got all its own individual features, like the moon

-and the sun shape of the windows.

-Yes.

You don't often see that, do you?

No, it's quite nice looking at it like that, but it's very unusual.

And the metal staircase -

well, you wouldn't have to go up with your shoes on, would you?

-We would hear you, that's for sure.

-They'll be no heels.

Who's that trip-trapping up my stairs?

Let's take a look at the kitchen behind us.

We're carrying on the colourful theme here, really,

-aren't we, in the kitchen?

-Yeah, very colourful.

-It's making you giggle, isn't it, Malcolm?

-Yeah, it does.

You know, 1980s comes to mind, Nicki.

-Well, there are features in it that are attractive.

-Different and unusual.

-The tiles and the colours are certainly off-putting.

-Yes.

Also on the ground floor is a large utility room,

two guest bedrooms and a vibrant bathroom.

But if colour is a problem, I wonder what they'll make of the

master bedroom, which is accessed by the unusual staircase.

NICKI LAUGHS

-Do you know what that reminds me of?

-Ding-dong bell, pussy in the well.

-It reminds me of an out-of-tune church bell.

-Yes.

-Doesn't it?

Us walking up there.

We're continuing the prism of colour here, aren't we?

You can soon do something about that, Nicki.

You know, if you want to, can't you?

You can turn it back into a plain room. What about wardrobes?

Oh, that's a very good point, isn't it?

You do have a dressing area next door.

You've got your bathroom up here.

Green - no.

The design of this house is very, very unusual.

It certainly is, Nicki. It is.

Mm, it's a one-off.

We're going to step outside, talk about the land,

-talk about the location.

-Uh-huh.

-I'm also going to ask you to think about the price.

-Uh-huh.

-OK.

-OK.

Whilst the inside of the house might be an acquired taste,

the outside is much more conservative.

There's a very neat garden surrounding the house,

but there's more to the plot.

You've got two-thirds of an acre.

-So if you look around, you can see the border down there.

-Yes.

-Yep.

-I know you've got your thoughts on this property.

-Uh-huh.

But, first of all, let's talk money.

What price would you put on this villa?

Wouldn't be worth more than 250,000.

OK.

And I would have the same value on it as well.

250,000.

Well, actually. You're both very close to the asking price.

It is...

-£269,000.

-Yep.

-Yeah.

This modern rustic house offers three bedrooms,

a double-height living room

and a flamboyant and colourful interior throughout.

There's a swimming pool,

two-thirds of an acre

of agricultural land

and spectacular views

across the countryside.

-You are not going to forget this house in a hurry, are you?

-No, no.

-We've enjoyed it. It's been a most interesting start.

-Excellent!

-And we've got plenty more to show you.

-Good.

For our next property offering,

we're travelling to the village of Guaro.

It's an attractive and immaculately-kept village

up in the hills of the Sierra De Mijas,

a 40-minute drive from the bustle of Malaga.

And right on the edge of the village is our next house.

And here is our property!

-Uh-huh, I like the look of it.

-A lovely-looking house.

Now, it's quite an unusual property. It's on two levels.

-See, there's a huge terrace there...

-Yes.

-..looking out over the spectacular views.

-Yes, yes.

-So, shall we start?

-We shall.

-Yes.

Constructed in the year 2000,

this four-bedroom house has been built upside down,

with the main living quarters up on the first floor.

The front door is reached by a staircase which brings

you into the entrance hallway.

So the first room off the hallway is a kitchen.

-There's nothing we could do.

-No.

-No.

You've got the whites, you've got clean lines.

-With access to the terrace as well.

-Beautiful.

-So nothing to do in the kitchen?

-No.

-Oh, that's great start.

-Yeah, it is a great start.

It's only our first room, I'm not going to get too excited.

-Right.

-Yes.

So then next to the kitchen is a sitting room.

But it is also a dining room.

How would you feel about that?

It's not our preferred option.

-There must be other rooms...

-I'm sure there may be opportunities

-to do other things, do you think?

-What about the actual room itself?

-It's a good size.

-And I like the height.

-Yeah.

It feels modern and bright.

Would you need to do anything in this room?

-We'd remove the blue, but other than that, no, not necessarily.

-No.

-No.

-And what about the patio doors leading out onto the terrace?

-Yes.

-Like them.

-So you've got access from two rooms?

-Yes.

-You could also have a dining table outside.

-You could, you could.

It occurred to me while you were talking, Nicki.

-So I'm guessing you'd like to see a little bit more?

-Yes.

Oh, we'd love to.

As most of the living space and accommodation are on this floor,

there are two double guest bedrooms

and a family bathroom before reaching the master.

So at the end of the hallway is the master bedroom.

-Right. And again, two windows.

-Yes.

And yet cool.

Might be worth considering actually taking out those huge windows, but

putting doors in there, with access out onto the garden and the pool.

-You could.

-Underneath us, you've got

a kitchen-stroke-utility room,

a huge area that they're using as a study at the moment,

-but could become a beautiful dining area.

-Uh-huh.

There's a shower room down there and another bedroom should you want it.

Well, there definitely seems to be flexibility for certainly dining.

Yes.

Down one side of the house, there's a small terrace with a patio area

and along the other side is the swimming pool.

-So here we have the obligatory but beautiful pool.

-Yes.

A sunning area all around.

Absolutely super.

But it's not the pool which is the main draw here.

The first-floor terrace is where this house

really comes into its own.

-This is stunning.

-Stunning.

That's the only word. What a view.

-So open and fresh looking.

-And then all this in front of you is yours.

So...

pomegranates, olive trees...

But behind the property, there's a little bit of land.

1.6 acres with almond trees and olive trees.

Jeepers.

Great, isn't it amazing? It's just fantastic. Fantastic.

-It certainly is a lovely property.

-It is.

Would you like to have a stab at what this is on the market for?

Well, at least 325,000, I would think.

OK. All right.

I'd say in the same region.

The asking price is...

..£258,000.

-Goodness gracious!

-You're joking, Nicki!

-No.

-You're joking me?

-No.

Wow. Sweetie, you've stunned us. We're stunned.

-Yes.

-Absolutely stunned to the ground.

NICKI LAUGHS

So, for a surprising £258,000 price tag,

this hillside villa offers four bedrooms, ample living space,

an extensive terrace overlooking spectacular views,

all set in 1.6 acres with trees

bearing citrus fruit, olives,

almonds, even pomegranates.

I'd be quite content just to stay here.

-Really?! Does it feel like home?

-It does.

-It does feel very much like home.

-Oh! That has two be the ultimate compliment.

I feel bad now, cos I'm going to have to take you away.

-Aw, do you really?

-But you can come back.

-Are we allowed?

You can definitely come back, should you wish to.

Er, yes, please. We'd like another look. Thank you.

With Malcolm and Mary contemplating such a major move,

they are keen to find out as much as they can about life here.

So I'm taking them to the town of Mijas,

to meet Englishman Jason Goodwin and his Irish wife, Ellie, who made

the move here many years ago and now run their own chocolate shop.

Ellie and Jason, can I introduce you to Malcolm and Mary.

-Hello, Mary.

-Nice to meet you.

-Lovely to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

-Hola.

Now, these two not only have a very successful chocolate shop

here in Mijas, you've also got first-hand experience of what

it's like to live in the province of Malaga.

So I thought, who better than perhaps to tell you a little

-bit more about it.

-Absolutely. Yeah.

So, since you've come all the way to Mijas,

why don't you come upstairs with me and make some chocolate with me?

-What do you reckon?

-Absolutely fabulous, can't wait.

-Follow

-me, then. Thank you.

We're going to make Cadiz 1544.

It's actually a recreation of the first chocolate

that was made in Europe.

It was actually the Spanish who brought it to Europe.

Without the Spanish, I don't know whether we'd have chocolate today.

Cream is gently warmed and melted butter is added.

This authentic recipe needs one dessert spoon of allspice,

one of aniseed, a quarter dessert spoon of cloves,

some cinnamon and nutmeg.

Hazelnut butter and almond butter

are almost the last ingredients except for orange oil.

Drop, drop, drop.

You wouldn't think there were so many...

-ingredients, would you?

-It's amazing what went into this chocolate.

My question is, why did we ever stop making chocolate like this?

-You good for the chocolate, Mary?

-Absolutely.

Bring it on, OK. Here we go.

So you whisk.

-The colour's coming, isn't it?

-Yeah.

Do you want a rest or are you all right?

I'm all right, my dear, thank you.

-Isn't he a gentleman?

-He's an absolute gentleman.

-Through and through.

-Look at that! That's looking great!

This mixture, called a ganache, is poured evenly into a tray

and then put into the fridge to set.

After a short wait, it's cut into squares

and is now ready for the finishing coating.

And now, you can pop it on to the acetate.

And what you could do, Malcolm, is put some hazelnut

and some orange blossom.

That one's for Nicki.

Whilst the chocolate sets, Malcolm and Mary have a chance to

hear more about daily life in Spain from our hosts.

I'm sure you two have got plenty of questions. Cos how long have you lived in this region?

Actually moved here 21 years ago now, yeah.

-So you came as a young man?

-Thank you.

We are coming as somewhat older people.

Do you think we'll have any particular problems to contend with?

I don't think so, really, no.

Because this has got to be one of the easiest places to live

in Spain because you can completely get by speaking English.

Pretty much everything you'll need, you'll find in English.

You'll find publications, you'll find plumbers,

legal aid, dentists, it's all there.

So you don't HAVE to learn the language.

but if you do, obviously, it makes the experience more interesting.

These two haven't ever bought a property here, have you, Mary? No.

Is there any advice, pitfalls,

that if you're entering into this market you should be aware of?

It's a lot safer buying a resale,

-an already built house, than a new development...

-Yeah.

..because once it's got the Licencia De Primera Ocupacion,

the first occupation licence, has been granted,

you're onto safe ground.

Also, to simplify your life, what you could actually consider

doing is contracting the services of a 'gestor'.

A gestor organises all your paperwork, all the local taxes,

your rates, just basically makes your life easier.

-That sounds fantastic.

-Yeah, rent-an-administrator!

We don't have that, do we, back in the UK?

I've got another question, please.

I know that we'd be very keen to live amongst the locals,

What best advice could you give?

For instance, Fuengirola

has got a very active amateur dramatics theatre group,

so join the club.

You'll meet people from hundreds of different nationalities.

Is there dancing, for instance?

There's everything. Literally, there is everything.

And now, now we've finished the serious bit, do you think

it's time to taste the chocolate?

-Oh, absolutely.

-Yes? Do you think it's ready?

Let's go and fetch them!

-Let's see how you've done, guys.

-Uh-huh.

Here we go.

Oh, there's no complaints there.

-Well done.

-And thank you again.

-Get your house - I've got a job for you.

-There you go!

Is that a promise, Ellie? Cos if it is, I'll take you up on it.

Jason and Ellie have given Malcolm and Mary some important information.

Particularly given the backdrop of property scandals

which has made many nervous of purchasing in Spain.

If you are buying off-plan or a new build, you must make sure

the Licence Of First Occupation has been granted

before completing the purchase.

Without it, the property is not yet legal and cannot be lawfully sold,

so it's critical to ensure any potential property has this licence.

On any purchase there are transfer fees to be paid.

7% is the rule of thumb, but this does vary from region to region,

going up to 10% in some areas.

So it's essential you check these out first.

Malcolm and Mary are ready to put down some roots here in Spain

and so far, they're very taken with this region.

Yesterday, they completely fell in love with one of our houses.

It didn't need anything doing to it.

So with our mystery house today, we're going to show them

something on the other end of the scale.

The mystery house is located in the town of Alhaurin El Grande,

which could suit Malcolm and Mary's

desire to be part of a thriving mixed community.

It's overwhelmingly Spanish, but is popular with expats

who make up around 5% of the resident population.

And our mystery house is just a ten-minute walk

up one of Alhaurin El Grande's surrounding hills.

So it's time for our final property, of course.

-It is our mystery house.

-Yes.

-And here it is. A 300-year-old bakery.

-Wow.

-A bakery!

-A bakery!

-Look, right at the end.

-I can see, yeah.

-I can see it going in and coming out on a stick.

-Yeah.

So any ideas why this could be the mystery house?

Because it'll probably have been added to and it probably is

bigger inside than you think from the outside or something like that.

And it could have been used for an entirely different kind of business?

I'm liking where you're going, actually, Malcolm,

because you would be right. We're showing you properties

that you might not have considered yourselves.

And with this, there's the potential of renting out part of this property.

The current owners do. So if you wanted some additional income...

I did wonder if you wanted us to start a second employment phase.

NICKI LAUGHS

Well, you never know, do you? You have options. It can be one home,

-it potentially can be two.

-Could be more?

-Wow.

-Yes.

-Wowee.

-So shall we get started?

-Absolutely.

-Yes.

-Lovely.

'I'm starting our tour of this three-bedroom house at the back,

'where the rented-out part is.'

And not only is this place full of charming, historic features,

but there are some modern comforts thrown in too.

Right in front of us - the Jacuzzi.

Do we like Jacuzzis?

-She does.

-Do you?

MARY LAUGHS

-Do you?

-With a glass of fizzy in hand.

-Can you imagine sitting in there with your glass of fizzy?

-Yes.

Looking out on this expanse.

Well, it certainly is a view.

And where we're standing, believe it or not, was the threshing area,

and the donkeys would grind down the grain here.

-Yes, the stones.

-Round the pole?

-Absolutely.

Flour, because it was a bakery. Would you like to follow me?

I would indeed.

So I've definitely piqued their interest

with the history of this place,

but what will they make of the interior layout

of such an old building?

So we're starting off with the kitchen.

I think we can all agree, it's another colourful kitchen, isn't it?

-Uh-huh.

-They do them very well in the province of Malaga.

-They go in for blue.

-They do.

Then through the kitchen leads us to

this very dramatic sitting room.

Uh-huh, it is. Yep.

Look at the height of that ceiling.

-It is. It's very tall at the back end, isn't it?

-Yeah.

So this is the rental part of the property.

-£5,000 to £6,000 a year they make on it.

-Right, OK.

Well, as the room, I quite like it.

Doesn't bowl me over, but it's OK.

I do think the chimney to the wood burner's a bit over-exaggerated

and there's the usual colour problem in the kitchen.

-It's an L-shape which, is...

-It is.

-..quite unusual.

Well, I suppose it's big enough, but I think we'd prefer a larger kitchen.

-We like big...yeah, big shape.

-Yes.

Well, we'll continue through.

To go through to the bedrooms just mind your head.

-Little bit lower here.

-Yeah.

So we've got a bedroom here and then you've got a

further bedroom behind us.

So, in a way, you can see why it works as a rental,

because you could have a family in here

and you've got the family bathroom just next door.

-Now...

-What's that, Nicki?

-This is where all the animals...

-Feeding?

Yes. You're absolutely right.

They would have been stabled here and tied up.

-If you look, there's holes on each wall in the corner.

-Yes, yes.

So this probably was where they kept them.

So could you imagine this being your bedroom?

No.

For me, it is higgledy-piggledy, unfortunately.

Well, let's head outside. There's another building I just want to

talk to you about and also the gardens too.

So, Malcolm, if you wouldn't mind leading the way. Mind your head.

All the added rooms

and reconfigurations over the years have given this house a very

peculiar layout, which I think is proving a challenge for Mary.

At the front of the property is the smaller,

non-rented owners' residence.

There's a sitting room, kitchen with separate dining area,

a double bedroom and its own terrace.

If no rental income is wanted,

the different wings could be joined together to make one dwelling.

Although this house doesn't seem to be catching their imagination,

perhaps the patios and terraces

outside will improve things whilst we get past the ah...you know what.

Of course. What can't we miss?

-Swimming pool.

-Pool.

Would we say that's a beautiful pool?

-Well, you know my views on pools.

-He doesn't like them.

-You don't mind them so much though, do you?

-No, I don't.

And if you think the land finishes there - well, actually, it doesn't.

It continues on. There's a chicken coop and also a mini orchard.

When I say mini orchard, we're sort of talking half an acre,

You've also got this building in front of us.

-Unusual-looking shape.

-It is.

-Modern.

-Yes.

-Modern in a way.

-Right.

-At the moment, they've divided it up as a workshop

-and also a utility room.

-Right.

So, for the final time, let's put a price on the mystery property.

I'd say...

270, tops 275.

-OK.

-I'd put it about 290,000.

The asking price is...

£280,000.

Ah, not bad. Yeah.

For £20,000 under budget,

this 300 year-old former bakery offers dual accommodation

split into one main bedroom residence

and a separate two-bedroom flat

which could be rented out.

It has an extensive orchard at the back,

a quirky garden around the house,

a swimming pool and Jacuzzi,

and the bonus of a possible income

of up to £6,000 a year.

How are you feeling?

-It's been great. Thank you.

-Really enjoyed it.

-Fantastic. Yes.

So would you like some time on your own?

Collect your thoughts?

Cos I can't wait to hear what you're going to do next.

-Yes.

-OK. Yep.

Malcolm and Mary, you two have travelled so much.

But I am dying to ask you,

has this part of Spain lived up to your expectations?

Very much so. It's been a tremendous journey.

We have learnt some new things.

Now, over the last few days, we had the opportunity to sample what

life could be like living here.

How's that been?

-It's felt like normal home.

-Has it?

And I think that speaks for itself. It answers its own question.

So getting on to our properties themselves...

Tell me, did any of our houses hit the mark?

I think the one near Guaro.

The one with the orchards and the almond trees and the olive trees,

and the magnificent mountain scenery, that certainly did.

And the house itself, it was clean-cut and bright inside.

It wouldn't need a lot of work.

You could almost move straight in, so to do that under budget,

that was a lovely surprise.

So you love the property, but what happens next?

We won't stop. We will make more enquiries.

We'll find out the background, the detail from the law side

of things, but it obviously is still a lot of money to spend

and you don't rush into anything that quick

when it's a large amount of money.

Well, Malcolm and Mary,

it's been a pleasure showing you these wonderful properties.

And can I just say,

you're the best dressed couple I've done house tours with.

I think next time, I'm going to have to up my game, aren't I?

-Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

It's been a wonderful few days,

and Malcolm and Mary have really embraced this part of Spain.

When their travels have finished, I'm sure they're going to be

returning to start their new life here in this beautiful region.

So, from the province of Malaga,

adios.

If you're planning to escape to the Continent

and would like our help, you can apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow