0:00:02 > 0:00:06This imposing building behind me can house nearly 2,000 people,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09stock over 40 million bags of sugar
0:00:09 > 0:00:12and hold hundreds of thousands of litres of water.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14So find out why it was built
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and which country I'm in in just a moment.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Today's potential migrant is an entrepreneur itching to create
0:00:41 > 0:00:44a healthier new life to complement her thriving business.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Quick! Can we go and look? - Yeah, keen, keen!
0:00:47 > 0:00:50So, with some support from a close friend, she's banking on finding
0:00:50 > 0:00:55her dream home and a Continental branch to her enterprise.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- It's exceeded expectations, put it that way.- So pleased!
0:00:58 > 0:01:00All my expectations. It really has, honestly.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Today, I'm in Le Marche region in central Italy
0:01:08 > 0:01:10and this is Lazzaretto,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13a stunning building that overlooks the sea and port
0:01:13 > 0:01:17of the capital, Ancona. Commissioned by the Pope,
0:01:17 > 0:01:22it was built nearly 300 years ago as a totally self-sufficient island.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Its purpose was to provide a quarantined area to protect
0:01:25 > 0:01:28the city from goods and travellers
0:01:28 > 0:01:31that may have been carrying infectious diseases.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Today, it houses many cultural exhibitions
0:01:34 > 0:01:36hosted by this stunning region.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Le Marche, or the Marches, lies in the calf of Italy's elegant boot
0:01:43 > 0:01:47with its head in the Apennines and its toes in the Adriatic Sea.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52This lesser-known region of central Italy is made up of coastal
0:01:52 > 0:01:56and mountainous terrain as well as enchanting ancient towns
0:01:56 > 0:02:01and villages that seem to crown every sunny hilltop.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05With pristine beaches, wild national parks and farm vineyards,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09the rich variety and vivid natural colours of Le Marche
0:02:09 > 0:02:12present themselves like a wonderful landscape painting.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16So how is all this reflected in the property prices?
0:02:16 > 0:02:20let's find out where today's buyer wants to escape to.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23With a prosperous career that has taken her throughout Europe,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26businesswoman Janice is temporarily based at her parents'
0:02:26 > 0:02:31Tyne and Wear home whilst caring for her elderly mother.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34But, with the help of her friend, neighbour and one-time
0:02:34 > 0:02:39English teacher Dorothy, plans are afoot to move back to the Continent.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Janice was one of my pupils in grammar school.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45After she left school at 18 to go to university,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47we lost touch for a while.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51And I was in the supermarket one day, I bumped into Dorothy
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and it was great to see her and, of course,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58living close by we've forged our friendship since then.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02I think maybe she's become a little bogged down in her
0:03:02 > 0:03:06responsibilities to parents and I think now is the time for her
0:03:06 > 0:03:10to have life and to have what she wants in life.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15And what Janice wants is an unspoilt slice of Italy's organic countryside
0:03:15 > 0:03:18that offers a comfortable property with commercial appeal.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Janice runs a company that offers consumers
0:03:21 > 0:03:25natural alternatives to medicine and healing.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28She'd like to grow her very own raw ingredients
0:03:28 > 0:03:30and has chosen Le Marche region
0:03:30 > 0:03:34because of its high concentration of organic farms.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It's an internet-based company at the moment but I certainly
0:03:37 > 0:03:38plan on expansion when I move to Italy.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Obviously I would need good internet connection
0:03:41 > 0:03:43and I'd also need quite a bit of land,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and also I might need some outbuildings, you know,
0:03:46 > 0:03:47in terms of preparing the products.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Janice is also hoping her back-to-nature venture will be
0:03:51 > 0:03:54the perfect tonic for her 90-year-old mother.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56So I'd be taking my mum with me to Italy
0:03:56 > 0:04:00and she's got some health issues, some cognitive decline.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04But I do know that fresh air, oxygen is necessary for this condition
0:04:04 > 0:04:08and I would hope because of the nicer weather I can get her outside more.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Her wholesome entrepreneurial skills are clearly paying off already
0:04:12 > 0:04:16as Janice has an equally healthy budget for this upcoming move.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21My absolute limit really is about £700,000
0:04:21 > 0:04:25but ideally I would like it to be less than that.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32We'll be taking Janice and her dear friend Dorothy to see a variety of
0:04:32 > 0:04:36delightful Le Marche homes in the southern portion of the region
0:04:36 > 0:04:40between the Sibillini Mountains National Park and the sea.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44We're starting off inland just outside the town of Caldarola
0:04:44 > 0:04:46to discuss the finer details
0:04:46 > 0:04:50of Janice's prospective continental move.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54So ladies, here we are in Le Marche, a beautiful part of central Italy.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Welcome to you both, Janice and Dorothy.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58So Janice, why have you picked this part?
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Well, I think Le Marche has everything that's lovely about Italy.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Beautiful countryside, it has medieval castles and churches.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08It's just beautiful.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10So Dorothy, are you going to be keeping us all in check?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Looking after her welfare?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Well, yes, I've known Janice since she was a child
0:05:15 > 0:05:20and I looked after her then and my role here is to be her mentor here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22So Janice, tell us about this property.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25What are you looking for you and your mum?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I'm looking for a main house which would be on fairly level ground.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Obviously a lovely house and a lovely garden,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33flat land around the house, hopefully,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35and perhaps a swimming pool.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36How many bedrooms are we after?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I think we need three to four in the main house
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but I would hope there might be some outbuildings that I could convert.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- So we're looking at possibilities? - Yes, yes.- We can expand.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- CHURCH BELLS RING - Well, there are the bells,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49that's calling us to start our search.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I've got the first house lined up so shall we start, ladies?- Great.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Thank you.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57For a maximum budget of £700,000,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Janice is hoping to find a traditional property with at least
0:06:01 > 0:06:04three bedrooms, a large kitchen
0:06:04 > 0:06:09and outbuildings with business potential for her holistic company.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11She's after a substantial plot of level land,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15ideally with orchards and vines as well as a swimming pool.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20And we've got four first-rate Italian houses up for offer
0:06:20 > 0:06:23with land aplenty, but I won't be revealing their price tags
0:06:23 > 0:06:26until the end of each tour.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Then we'll be unveiling a spectacularly rural setting
0:06:29 > 0:06:31with a less than traditional home
0:06:31 > 0:06:33in the form of the mystery house.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41We're starting our property-seeking journey
0:06:41 > 0:06:44in the fortified hilltop town of San Ginesio.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Some 700m high in the hills, the sweeping views from San Ginesio
0:06:48 > 0:06:52out across lush valleys and mountains are sublime.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56This delightful small town has a strong medieval heritage
0:06:56 > 0:07:01protected by heavy-duty 14th-century walls, with buildings that
0:07:01 > 0:07:03date even further back in time.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And, just ten minutes' drive,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09our first property is tucked away in rolling patchwork fields,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12approached by a sweeping gravel driveway,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15featuring a large garage block.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18So, our first property.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21It's fantastic!
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- Has it taken your breath away a little bit?- Yeah, I like it.- Yes?
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Yes. Quick, can we go and look? - Yeah, keen, keen.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Come on then, girls.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37Converted in the 1930s, this grand three-storey former farmhouse
0:07:37 > 0:07:39is built of honey-coloured stone,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42with contrasting deep-green shutter doors and windows
0:07:42 > 0:07:46that perfectly complement its natural surroundings.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48The hallway welcomes us inside and
0:07:48 > 0:07:51leads straight into the heart of the house.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56So you've got a dining area here,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58informal seating, with a wood burner there.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- Leading onto the terrace.- Yes, a bit of al fresco dining outside.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I spend most of my time in the kitchen, really
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Yeah, and the views, they're great.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Well, would you like me to show you a bit more?- Please.- OK.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Because here is our sitting room.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- This is lovely.- Oh, it's beautiful. - It's great, it's really great.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21I love the windows, the doors, the fireplace.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Look at the ceiling.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25So unusual. As you can see, it's vaulted.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Because guess who used to live in here?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Believe it or not, the animals.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34The animals would be very happy with it.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38I'll tell you what, Dorothy, this animal would be very happy in here,
0:08:38 > 0:08:39because it is a tremendous property.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43I can imagine my table here, unless there's another room?
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- A dining room?- Well, it would be a shame not to show you...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Yes, it would.- ..what else there is, wouldn't it? Let's have a look.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- My goodness!- How's this for a dining room?- Oh, wow.- This is unbelievable.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00It's a little bit of a treasure, I think, at the end of the property.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01Hope she buys it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03And it's only our first property.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Let's head upstairs, look at the bedrooms
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- and hopefully that love affair will continue.- OK.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20So we have to start off upstairs with the master bedroom
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Beautiful en-suite. - The bathroom looks quite big.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Yeah, the bathroom is really spacious with a sunken bath.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31On this floor, you have four bedrooms in total.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Oh, right.- Good, good.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38So you have another three bedrooms with two family bathrooms attached.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Great.- If that wasn't enough, up the stairs, two more bedrooms.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48- No, no!- With a huge study area as well.- Really?
0:09:48 > 0:09:52And being mindful of your mother, plenty of bedrooms with
0:09:52 > 0:09:54her own bathroom.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Are you pleasantly surprised? - Yes, very pleasantly surprised.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- It's exceeded expectations, put it that way.- So pleased.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02All my expectations. It really has, honestly.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I think I would've been disappointed if you'd said anything different.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Well, it's an amazing house.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10So let's head outside, let's talk about the land,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12because I know that's equally as important as the property,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14and get your thoughts on that.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19The grounds that come with the property are really rather special
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and cover just over seven acres of woodland
0:10:22 > 0:10:25and gently undulating fields.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Closer to the house, the landscaped garden features fruit trees,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33a sunny terrace and 100 square metres of garage space that could be
0:10:33 > 0:10:36developed for Janice's business needs.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39And directly to the rear of the property,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41a pretty vine-covered portico
0:10:41 > 0:10:45where the terracotta tiled pathway leads straight up to a pool.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Gosh.- Isn't it beautiful? - Yes, crikey.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- I love it.- Do you?- Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52How much do you think the property
0:10:52 > 0:10:53is on the market for?
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- 650.- I think it would be a little over 700,000.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03The asking price is £675,000.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Oh, that's right. Right, OK. - I'm very surprised.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- Very surprised, I thought it would be more expensive.- So...
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Yeah.- ..why don't you have a little time on your own,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- and then I'll come and find you in a little while.- OK.- Off you go.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- All right, thank you.- Thank you.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25Just under the top budget of £700,000,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27our first property is a beautiful...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Outside, a separate garage could be suitable for Janice's business,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43and it all stands within a plot of some seven acres.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- How we doing, ladies? Have you seen enough?- Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Yes, I think we've seen everything. - Yeah? Are you sad to leave?
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- I think that's always a good test with a property.- Yes, very sad.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Yeah, what about you, Dorothy? - Oh, very sad to leave, yes, very.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Good, I'm taking that as a good sign. Right, let's go.- OK.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Our next destination is in the hillside town of Sarnano,
0:12:09 > 0:12:13which lies at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains
0:12:13 > 0:12:18and so has extensive verdant views across the elevated terrain.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21And within walking distance of the town,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23we come to the gates of our next house,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26a country villa with 150-year-old pedigree that offers
0:12:26 > 0:12:29a serious amount of bricks and mortar.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Now you're probably wondering... - Yes.- ..which one is it?- Yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- This is the property.- Yes.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- But these two buildings either side come with the property.- Really?
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Oh, great.- So what do you think of the actual house itself?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- It looks fantastic. - You like the idea of...
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- I like the idea of having the three. - Yes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Yes, I think you could have that house and I'll have that one.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Dorothy, I'm loving your work already.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58You might not need me, she's already sold it!
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Located at the edge of the national park,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05this second option is an extensive property with
0:13:05 > 0:13:08a wide range of options and we're starting the tour in the main house.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12So the first room when you come into the property is a
0:13:12 > 0:13:15very Italian dining room.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- It's lovely.- Yeah?- Yes, beautiful, beautiful ceilings.- All the beams.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20- Really nice.- Yeah.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Yes.- Do you like it, Dorothy?
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- Yes, it's not intimidating in its size. It's cosy, isn't it?- Yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- You're keen to see some more? - Yes, please.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Now how's this for a kitchen? - This is lovely, Nicki.- Yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- It's a great shape, a great size. - Yeah.- Very homely.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42I like the granite work surfaces and the tiles
0:13:42 > 0:13:45and the log burning stove would be great in the winter, nice and cosy.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49You've also got a utility room next door with additional storage,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51which I think is always handy.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55But let's keep going, I've got more to show you through here.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58The main reception room on this floor
0:13:58 > 0:14:00has been divided into two sitting areas.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02One part is more of a cosy snug,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05and the other side a sunroom with views out across the pool
0:14:05 > 0:14:08that I hope will be to Janice's exacting taste.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10It has a bit more of a modern feel, actually.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Even though I know it's an old house.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14But it's important, because your mother's going to be
0:14:14 > 0:14:16part of this big move. Would she be happy?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19I think it would be great from the point of view that she's got
0:14:19 > 0:14:21a lot to see outside. She can look at the trees.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25We don't do that at the moment, so that's a real plus.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- I want to see the rest.- Yeah?
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Also on this floor is a room that used to be used to make wine,
0:14:30 > 0:14:31which now has a hot tub.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35But we're heading to the three bathrooms upstairs.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38A fully tiled family bedroom serves two large double rooms
0:14:38 > 0:14:41and we're going to take a peek at the largest bedroom.
0:14:41 > 0:14:48- So the end of the hallway is your master bedroom.- Very nice.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- With a good sized en-suite as well. - Oh, OK, great.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57This is a very feminine room without being too ornate.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- I just love the beams everywhere. - Yeah.- They're beautiful.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05That wraps up the principal accommodation in the main house,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09which stands in just under ten acres of land,
0:15:09 > 0:15:13that includes formal lawned gardens, terraced seating areas,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15the swimming pool we saw earlier
0:15:15 > 0:15:19and sheltered sloped acreage with suitable soil for vine growing.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Then there's even more potential for guests,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25and business, in the two remaining buildings.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Got a coach house to our left,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31built around the same time as the main house,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34That's been converted into an artist's studio.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38It's huge, the downstairs is very much open-plan,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40You've got a little kitchenette.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42There's also a pull-down bed in there.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Potential to rent that out.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48If that wasn't enough, the other side of the property
0:15:48 > 0:15:53there's two huge garages, but, above that, a self-contained flat.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54Oh, great.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Dorothy, are you with me on this one?- Very good.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- We like that, don't we? - Yeah, that's great.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Friends, family, but again you could rent that out.- Oh, it sounds good.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03So with all of this going for it,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05right on the edge of the national park,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08we are unfortunately going to have to put a price on it.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I think it's going to be at the top end.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I think 700 or above even, yeah.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Right. Dorothy?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17690.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Asking price is £658,000.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Really?- Oh, yes.- Oh, right, OK.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Yeah, that's good. - Gives you some flexibility.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I like it, it's a very... it's neat.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31So why don't you take this opportunity to go off on your own
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- and I'll come and find you? - Thanks.- Thank you.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Very comfortably under budget,
0:16:36 > 0:16:40the second property is a handsome three-bedroom country villa...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52And the whole lot lies in nearly ten acres of
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Le Marche's prime countryside.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Have you seen enough? - Yes, it's great.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00There's a lot to see with this property, isn't there?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Yes, there is.- Yeah?- Yeah, there's a lot of potential here.- Good!
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Because I wasn't sure, you're quite reserved.- Yeah. No, I'm thinking.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Are you holding back from me? - When I'm reserved I'm thinking.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13That's good. Keep thinking, because it's positive.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Right, let's hit the road.- OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Janice's long-distance move is about a complete change of lifestyle
0:17:21 > 0:17:23as much as a new house
0:17:23 > 0:17:27so I'm taking her and Dorothy to this old stone farmhouse
0:17:27 > 0:17:30just outside Amandola
0:17:30 > 0:17:34that's currently being converted into a home by two British expats
0:17:34 > 0:17:39who swapped rural Northumberland for rural Italian two years ago.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42David and Jane both feel passionately about organic
0:17:42 > 0:17:44and self-sufficient living
0:17:44 > 0:17:47so their first-hand expertise of the local soil
0:17:47 > 0:17:50and soul of Le Marche should be invaluable to Janice
0:17:50 > 0:17:54and her vision for a healthier life out here.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I think you three are kindred spirits.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59You've got a lot in common and perhaps this
0:17:59 > 0:18:02is your opportunity to find out a little bit more about the area.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Absolutely.- Dorothy, do you fancy a cup of tea?
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- I do, we should leave them.- Come on, then. Lovely, thank you.- OK, bye.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14Back in the UK, David worked for a non-profit organisation
0:18:14 > 0:18:17giving advice to farmers and rural communities.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20He and Jane spent eight months touring Italy
0:18:20 > 0:18:23before deciding on their farmhouse in Le Marche,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26complete with 13 acres of land where they've planted
0:18:26 > 0:18:30an organic vegetable garden with pumpkins ready to be picked.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35This one's probably good enough for some soup.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Everything we grow we want to grow organically
0:18:38 > 0:18:40because I'm a great believer in your food is your medicine.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Absolutely...- It's your health. - ..yes, that's how I think, too.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45So what we'll do now, Janice, we'll go up to the house
0:18:45 > 0:18:49and we'll have a go at cooking some pumpkin soup with this pumpkin.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52In Italian, this is a "zucca"
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- and so we're going to cook "zuppa di zucca".- OK.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57- OK?- OK, great.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03Leaving Dorothy and I to get lost in the scenic surroundings, the green-fingered trio
0:19:03 > 0:19:06are peeling and chopping the freshly picked pumpkin.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12The chopped pumpkin is sauteed with onion, ginger, garlic,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15carrot and celery and cooked in an organic stock
0:19:15 > 0:19:18for about 45 minutes before it's ready to be served.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Oh, looking forward to this!
0:19:24 > 0:19:26"Zuppa di zucca."
0:19:26 > 0:19:27How cold does it get in the winter here?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30We had snow last year in the first week of December
0:19:30 > 0:19:32to the end of March.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Here, you're 600 metres, so nearly 2,000 feet.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's very high here, and that's one of the things, I think,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40when you think about buying a property,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43because of the growing, and at this height, you don't see
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- so many vines and so many olives.- OK.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49At the moment, for example, you're doing your house up.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Do you have to make an adjustment? You know, the way that people
0:19:52 > 0:19:54do things in different countries, certainly in Italy.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Paperwork perhaps takes a little longer, having said that,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- our permission only took two weeks...- Oh!- ..from submission
0:20:01 > 0:20:04to approval, which I think would probably be difficult to be beaten.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07We then selected the builders, that took a bit of time.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09I think you just have to realise that
0:20:09 > 0:20:11you're in this for the long term.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Janice might have mentioned she wants to run a business out here
0:20:14 > 0:20:16which is successful in the UK but transferring it to Italy
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- is another thing, isn't it? - Yes, it is.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- And also you're going to need staff. - Yes, I'll eventually need some staff.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Oh, right. Well, I think anything that gives somebody a local job that
0:20:25 > 0:20:27isn't really agricultural-based would be most welcome.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Right, oh, good.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Well, listen, thank you so much for the time, for the meal
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and for all the great advice.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35All the best with the house.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37'As well as Jane and David's crucial advice,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'hopefully Janice has also found some organic suppliers for her
0:20:41 > 0:20:45'business but she just has to find the right Le Marche house.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And before committing to any property purchase,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50there are a few things to remember.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It's important to bear in mind that in Italy you need to put about
0:20:54 > 0:20:588% of the property price to one side for solicitors' costs,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01stamp duty and agents' fees.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02When it comes to business,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05be aware that the country's complicated bureaucracy
0:21:05 > 0:21:09means there's likely to be piles of official documents to comprehend
0:21:09 > 0:21:13and even taxes to pay before starting up.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19With this house hunt here in Italy,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22we've certainly heard plenty of plaudits for our properties from
0:21:22 > 0:21:28Janice and Dorothy but my question is, are they just being polite?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31So let's see how we get on with our mystery house today,
0:21:31 > 0:21:36because hopefully this could be Janice's perfect Italian retreat.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Our mystery house is in the village of Ripatransone,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45which is our closest location to the coast.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Boasting almost unreal views of the surrounding landscape
0:21:49 > 0:21:53with colours that contrast ploughed farmland against lush vineyards,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56the village of Ripatransone clings to the hillside.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00A short walk down a hill from the village,
0:22:00 > 0:22:04our final property is a former farmhouse which has been remodelled
0:22:04 > 0:22:07into something a little less conventional that is certainly not
0:22:07 > 0:22:11the traditional property Janice asked for.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Just take a look at the property itself
0:22:13 > 0:22:16and then just move your eyes to the right. What can you see?
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- The views, fantastic. - A spectacular view!- Fantastic.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- It's the best view we've seen so far.- Absolutely.- It's incredible.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29So are you wondering why we brought you here for our mystery house?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Are you intrigued?- Mm-hm. - Absolutely, yes.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36Well, it's not on one level, although it looks like it could be,
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- and I would say the inside, the layout is quite eccentric.- OK.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44How do you both fancy dining outside?
0:22:44 > 0:22:49You've got a wonderful pizza oven, sit outside, enjoy the views.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Very good, yeah.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- So for the last time, shall we get started?- Yes.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00So...
0:23:00 > 0:23:04this entrance we enter straight into the living area.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- Oh, this is completely different. - Isn't it?- Completely, yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- It's quite modern, isn't it?- Yes. - And so clean-cut.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Janice, you haven't said an awful lot.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18I'm reserving my judgment so far.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- It's just so different from what we've seen.- Yeah.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22So it's a bit of a shock.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25And just through here is our kitchen.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32I think the kitchen's got quite a rural feel to it. Country?
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Think the wood is great, but the tiles,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- I really don't like those tiles. - I think it's got its own appeal
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- but I think it could also be ready for a- makeover. Absolutely.- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:49- Yes.- Big enough space to work with? - I think so, yes. Space-wise it's OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- Is it beginning to win you over or are you still nonplussed?- Still...
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- in two minds, really. - OK, all right.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Despite the proportions,
0:23:57 > 0:24:02sadly Janice is clearly struggling with her enthusiasm for this house.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07Upstairs there's a large fully tiled bathroom and three bedrooms,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10one a single room, there's also a twin,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12leaving the last one just for Janice.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17This would be the master, it has a balcony, sensational views.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20The views are fantastic but I don't feel it's the house for me.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23There's a third floor underneath.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28The very basement is an additional bedroom with another single.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33You've also got an open-plan work space and another bathroom.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Ah, OK, so there's a lot of space here.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Loads of space, lots of bedrooms.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- Still hasn't done it for you, has it?- No.- I'm trying, Janice!
0:24:41 > 0:24:42I'm so trying.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Let's go outside, because if anything is going to win you over
0:24:46 > 0:24:48with our mystery house, it is that view.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Outside, the grounds are on sloped land across various levels
0:24:52 > 0:24:57that cover just under five acres of mature woodland and olive groves.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03See, I thought I'd bring you out here to tease you with the Jacuzzi
0:25:03 > 0:25:07but also, in more seriousness, that you can actually take in
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- that spectacular view. - Absolutely fantastic.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Yes, it has something that is quite unique.- Yeah.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15The location is fantastic,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I just need to find a house which suits me inside.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Yeah. Well, let's see if our price makes any difference.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24I think about 65?
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- 650,000?- Yes.- OK.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30OK, I think maybe higher. Probably 700.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35The asking price is £552,000.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I'm hopeless. OK.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Way under anything else that we've shown you, so
0:25:41 > 0:25:43go and take another look around,
0:25:43 > 0:25:47and, well, you'll find me enjoying this view, that's for sure.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Our lowest-priced house of the lot, the contemporary mystery house
0:25:54 > 0:25:59is significantly under Janice's budget of £700,000.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00It's laid out over three floors
0:26:00 > 0:26:05with open-plan reception rooms and kitchen, five bedrooms,
0:26:05 > 0:26:07a large gazebo for al fresco dining,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11a jacuzzi, and just under five acres of land.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Mmm, sunshine on your face, it just lifts your spirits.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Right, ladies, how you feeling?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Because that's all our properties done.- Yeah, good, good.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- Lots of information to take in. - Lots of information, yes. Dorothy?
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- Yeah, I think we're quite stunned. - Stunned in a good way?
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Oh, yes, because you have provided food for thought.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38Well, do you fancy going somewhere quiet where you can have
0:26:38 > 0:26:40a proper chat about everything that you've seen
0:26:40 > 0:26:42and then I'll catch up with you, how about that?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Yes, OK.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Now the tour is complete, I'm joining Janice and Dorothy
0:26:51 > 0:26:53for a drink to find out
0:26:53 > 0:26:57if any of our houses will make the Le Marche dream a reality.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01So let's talk a little bit about the properties that we saw,
0:27:01 > 0:27:02the three of us.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Is there one property that we've got close to you wanting to live in?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10I keep on thinking about property number one
0:27:10 > 0:27:13because it had the flat land with the doors opening onto
0:27:13 > 0:27:15the flat terraces around the house.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19But property two was a little bit more polished inside
0:27:19 > 0:27:22so something between the two would be perfect, really.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Is there anything you've both taken from this experience?
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Well, I think probably Janice has learned what she doesn't want
0:27:30 > 0:27:32as well as what she does want.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Yes. Well, thank you both very much. We wish you all the best.- Thank you.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38At least we know where we're going to come on holiday next time,
0:27:38 > 0:27:39- don't we?- Exactly, yes.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44So that's the end of our journey here in Le Marche
0:27:44 > 0:27:48and, although we didn't manage to secure a house sale for Janice,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52what we have discovered over the last few days is you can buy
0:27:52 > 0:27:55a magnificent home here on her budget.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00So, from a very sunny and glorious Italy, ciao.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05If you would like to escape to the Continent and need our help,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07please apply online at...