Spain - Valencia Escape to the Continent

This major European city was once

held by an English cavalry detachment for over a year.

Curious? Find out where I am in just a moment.

On today's show, we are helping a recently married couple begin their next chapter in a new country.

-This is huge!

-Yeah.

-I can see us in this kitchen.

-And the plot is full of surprises.

-Oh!

-I would like you to face this way.

-Gee!

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

I'm in Valencia, which is

both a city and a region on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Now, in the early 18th century,

Spain was left without a king or an heir and the French,

not wanting to waste an opportunity to expand their empire,

crossed the border.

Unsurprisingly, the English did not like this one jot, so they joined

forces with the Austrians and by 1706, had gained power of this city.

It was to be short-lived, though, because 16 months later,

the English were back home.

That was three centuries ago, now it is the 2,500 hours

of sunshine every year that draws us to this striking region.

The Valencia region of Spain dominates the stretch

of the Eastern Iberian coastline, covering an area larger than Wales.

Founded by the Romans,

the regional capital is Spain's third-largest city.

At its centre, is the Plaza de la Virgen

and the largely Gothic cathedral.

In this recently revitalized city,

centuries old architecture sits alongside more modern

constructions, such as the City Of Arts And Sciences complex.

Inland, the Valencia region is one of Europe's most fertile,

with orange and apple trees and rice fields in abundance.

Spain's famous rice-based dish paella originates in these parts.

Heading west, the agricultural plains eventually give way to a more

mountainous landscape, offering a rich righty of scenery,

and with average property prices four times cheaper than in the UK,

there's plenty on offer for those seeking a new life in this in this vibrant region of Spain.

So what is it about Valencia apart from the bargain property

prices and the glorious sunshine that has attracted our buyers?

Let's meet them to find out.

Ken and Paula live in Hampshire

and run an online home business network.

They've been together for seven years and married recently.

And it was their honeymoon in Italy that finally convinced them

to seek new horizons away from the UK.

The whole idea of moving abroad probably started with Paula and I

a couple of years ago.

About the same time as we started our own business,

we thought it would be nice to take

the opportunity of its flexibility just to work somewhere that

was a little more socially to our preferences.

But it won't be the first time that either one of them

has jumped continents.

I came from South Africa about 20 years ago.

Ken is from Ireland,

but he has lived in so many places across the world.

Despite having travelled widely,

the move to Spain will be more of a leap of faith.

It is not a place we've travelled extensively.

We have had several holidays there separately over the years.

They have chosen Valencia because of its climate and accessibility

to the UK, where their three grown-up sons will continue to live.

It has got the Mediterranean thing about it.

And it has got the temperature and the climate,

without being in the most ferociously hot parts of Spain.

As well as running the business, Paula has a successful

writing career, and she hopes Valencia will boost her output.

I've written quite a few novels of the years

when my son was growing up, so I am very keen to get a little

writing hut or shed or a special little writing room.

While Paula is putting pen to paper, Ken will be powering the pedals.

I like doing a lot of things outdoors,

so I like to do a lot of cycling, as much as I can.

There is a big cycling culture in Spain.

I'd really look forward to the challenges of the local terrain.

With a budget of £250,000

and cash for a deposit already in the bank,

they are looking forward to starting this next chapter in their lives.

Our buyers want us

to focus their house search inland from the coastal city

of Valencia and within a reasonable driving distance of its airport.

So where better to nail down the finer details of their planned

move than at Valencia's latest architectural masterpiece -

the City Of Arts And Sciences?

-Ken, Paula, welcome to Spain.

-Thank you.

-Hi.

What type of house do you want?

We want to be rural. We want to be out in the country.

If we can have some views, sort of maybe the foothills or the mountains,

that would be absolutely gorgeous.

I think we want a pool and, you know, if there is no

barbecue, we'll build a barbecue for the outdoor life.

So we really like that.

A little bit of land that we could perhaps do things with,

-that would be important.

-How many bedrooms?

Three, I guess, would be a good place to start.

We would really like a little cottage for a couple of reasons.

First of all, obviously, family.

Family and friends to come and visit.

But if we do find a nice property with a cottage, we would love it

if we could actually do some writing retreat.

Possibly a business couples retreat. Something...

If it's as we want - private and secluded.

I think you have got so many ideas. I think you are raring to go.

I just wonder if maybe it's all...

It's this amazing dream at the minute.

Look, it is a big step.

We are not talking about a holiday home and so we'll just

retreat back to the UK for a certain chunk of the year.

This is a much bigger project. You know, the stakes are pretty high.

-Who speaks Spanish?

-None of us.

-No hands going up in the air here.

No, we don't speak. But we don't see that as a hindrance here.

We would love the opportunity to learn the language,

immerse ourselves with the locals.

How much have you got to spend? What is the budget?

£250,000, 300,000 euros, say.

-Well, I have got a few properties lined up to show you.

-Yeah?

-Come on and let's go.

-Fabulous.

-Follow me.

-Thank you.

With a budget of up to £250,000,

Ken and Paula are seeking a rural property

with outside space and good views.

They'd like three bedrooms, space for an office and a swimming pool.

If possible, they would have a separate cottage or annexe

from which to run a writing holiday business.

They are keen to throw themselves into local life and plan to get to

grips with the language.

We hope to uncover Ken and Paula's dream home

from a range of three Valencian properties, including the mystery house,

which could offer our entrepreneurial couple

a whole new business opportunity they have never considered.

Our first property is located close to the town of Godelleta,

around 20 miles from the city of Valencia.

Although in a rural setting, it is part of a larger modern development

and comes with its own private swimming pool and mountain views.

Follow me.

And in you come.

Honest first impressions.

OK. very, very nice once you come inside the gates.

-Very secluded, very lush, very mature considering it is not that old.

-Iron bars.

-OK. That's a no-no.

-Yeah, it's only because I grew up in South Africa

and I lived all my life like that,

-so I am kind of... It doesn't bother Ken, it bothers me.

-Fine.

But I do like the arches. I like the roof.

I like that sort of very Spanish-style look.

It is very typically Spanish.

On first impressions, I'm not sure if they are completely sold,

but hopefully when they have seen a bit more of the property,

Ken and Paula will warm to our detached Spanish villa,

which was built around 14 years ago.

The main living space is accessed via a large terrace,

a perfect spot for evening entertaining.

Into the living room.

What do you think of it?

Nice, modern kitchen.

I like the open plan.

I like the way the kitchen is finished.

You've got all the utilities here.

I'd prefer not to have the sitting room

and the dining facilities close together like that.

So sitting in here, within our lounge area, probably wouldn't...

-That's not so good.

-Yeah.

But having a terrace next to the kitchen,

-that kind of outdoorsy things is good for you.

-Yeah.

This isn't your thing, you need a bit more space.

Also on this floor,

there are four bedrooms, all served by a main family bathroom.

Off those bedrooms, two decent-sized doubles

and there are two smaller rooms.

But if space is a concern,

then this property has more to offer back outside.

Underneath the terrace, there are two rooms currently used

for storage, but which could provide office space

for Ken and Paula's business.

What do you think?

Uh... It's a strange little area.

You could do a lot of things in there.

It is set up with gas and water and electricity.

It could be a little mini home.

I like the idea of the office,

thinking that we will need something like that.

I think it would take quite a bit of work to get it

converted into something that was really going to work.

We are very keen on some kind of a little cottage or some

kind of outhouse that we can turn into a retreat.

That wouldn't work.

Let's go towards the pool and the view - to talk about money.

The rest of the outside space includes a large enclosed

garden with fruit trees and vines, a spacious car port and an outhouse

set up to cook paella, a traditional feature of many Spanish properties.

-A stunning view. I mean, it really is all about that, isn't it?

-Yes.

It's quite gorgeous. How much do you think it is on the market for?

Let's start with you, Ken.

£140,000.

-Paula.

-120.

£120,000. OK, well, you are both way off.

-They have actually put it on for £250,000.

-Wow.

-Wow.

The price of our first property at the top end of their budget

comes at a bit of a shock to Ken and Paula.

It is a modern, detached villa with an open plan living area

and four bedrooms, a private swimming pool,

set in a peaceful location around 20 miles from the city of Valencia.

-Have you seen enough?

-Yes, thank you.

-Yes.

We're done with the first property. OK, well, there's lots more.

-Let's go.

-Great.

For our next offering, we are heading to the

village of Chulilla, which is 40 miles west of the city of Valencia.

At around 360 meters above sea level,

the medieval village is nestled in the surrounding mountains

and is a popular destination for rock climbers.

Our next property is a mile and a half outside of the village,

located in woodland on the mountainside.

Come in, come in, come in to the next property.

-This is...

-This looks very exciting.

-This is much more on it, OK?

From what we have seen before.

OK, the peacefulness and tranquillity,

and silence and quietness, the woods.

-The trees.

-This is rural and isolated.

There is just something about it that is charming and nice and old.

I think we have seen enough, what do you think?

I think we should go now, yeah?

-No, you go, we're going that way.

-All right, come on, let's go.

-Great.

Built in 1984, this secluded Spanish villa seems to hit

the spot at face value, but will the inside deliver, too?

And in you come...

-..to...

-Oh!

-..a living room!

Oh, gorgeous fireplace!

So this is the main lounge.

I like the brightness of it.

Sometimes these more traditional properties have small windows,

a little dark, very characterful. But this has got nice,

wide windows, doors.

Absolutely gorgeous. And something very interesting out there.

Yeah, you can go straight onto the terrace, basically.

You've got a beautiful terrace attached to the lounge,

that you can go straight out onto.

-You look at that in a moment.

-And the view.

-And the view is there.

-Oh, yeah.

As well as the spacious living area,

this floor also features four bedrooms, including a master

with en suite bathroom and three other good-sized bedrooms.

Plenty of options for the office.

There is also a stylish family bathroom.

But we are heading to the kitchen.

-This is huge!

-Yes. What do you think?

I can see us in this kitchen. I can see us cooking.

I can see us chopping.

I love that you can visualise that.

Now, you have seen the interior of the house, you think it is

all right, but in my opinion, I have saved the best till last.

Come on, there's more. There's more.

Paula wants somewhere to lock herself away when she writes

her books, and I have something in mind for her outside.

Oh, wow!

But first let's not forget the pool.

Ken, big enough for you, sir?

-I could handle a few lengths there.

-OK. So the pool is good?

The pool is lovely.

I mean, it's not a block, it's not a rectangular block.

I want you to do this, there. I'd like you to stand here.

Ken, I'd like you to join me. I'd like you to face this way.

-Gee.

-I want to...

-A little cabin.

-Yeah.

-It's my little writing room.

Leaving me to the pool and the television.

You can go wherever you want, that's my writing room.

The wonderful thing about this cabin is that, actually, the woman who

owns this house at the moment writes her book in that cabin, weirdly.

But beyond that, they actually rent it out as well.

The potential is there for you to...

For our little writing retreat we were talking about.

What about you, Ken, where is your space?

There's a lot of places where I think I could enjoy being.

Are you feeling the love as much as Paula is?

Um... I think it is a beautiful home.

I think it is glorious.

I could see myself living here with Paula.

From a practical point of view, it has got a number of features

that are important, but it goes beyond that.

You feel, you know, this is actually a really nice home.

And you are Mr Practical, and there is, obviously,

one big practicality that we need to think about, and that is price.

But I think we should retire to the pool area to mull on that,

don't you?

-Sure.

-It is only civilized, I think. Come on, let's get onto it.

The rest of the outside space comprises separate terraces offering

different areas for relaxation as well as an outside barbecuing area.

If Paula takes the log cabin for her writing room,

then there are also two storage rooms underneath the main

house that could be converted into a writer's retreat,

subject to planning permission.

-So, Paula, let's start with you. How much do you think it is on the market for?

-250.

-Ken.

£225,000.

You are both wrong.

It is on the market at £210,000.

-Mm!

-I didn't do such a bad job.

-You didn't do such a bad job.

Neither of you did, really.

£40,000 below budget, our mountain hideaway is a four-bedroom

villa with a spacious kitchen, large swimming pool and cosy log cabin.

Don't do it, Ken!

It's lovely, isn't it?

-But I think for now we can leave this house behind.

-OK.

-Yeah?

-Let's go.

-It will be tough.

-Let me prise you away.

-Yes, pull us.

It's the final day of Ken and Paula's time here in Valencia.

And to give them an insight into the practical considerations

that a move to Spain would entail,

I am taking our sun-loving couple to Valencia's beachfront to meet

some British ex-pats who also enjoy the outdoor life to find out

how relocating to Spain has been for them.

-Miles, Ingrid, hello.

-Hi there.

Meet Paula and Ken, your cycle buddies for the day.

I'm going to leave you kids to it. Enjoy.

Ladies bike for you, away you go.

Ken, take your pick, they're both the same.

Miles and Ingrid moved here 24 years ago.

Miles is a writer himself, having contributed to many travel books on the area.

They are taking Ken and Paula on a literary

and artistic tour of the city's seafront.

Well, here we are, Valencia's beach.

-It looks fantastic, doesn't it?

-Doesn't it just?

But really, you know, you need to try

and think of it as it was just over 100 years ago.

There would have been striped beach tents like that.

There would have been fishing boats lined up.

Bathers in full costume.

And oxen, oxen to pull in the fishing boats.

This was a favourite spot for painting for Joaquin Sorolla,

perhaps Valencia's most famous 19th century son.

At almost two miles long,

the palm fringed promenade offers a range of dining options.

This restaurant has been going for more than a century

and was a favourite of writer Ernest Hemingway back in the days

when it was just a shed on the sand.

Next stop, the former home of Valencia's most famous

literary son - Vicente Blasco Ibanez.

He lived about the same time as Sorolla, the painter.

And what Sorolla did in pictures, he did with words.

This was just his summer house,

so you can see, he made quite a bit of money.

One of his novels was made into a film.

Now, we're talking early 20th century here,

so it was a silent movie, but they made it in Hollywood.

And so that is really where he got his international fame.

After their peddle tour, I am rendezvousing with them

at one of the cafes along the promenade

to learn more about the realities of life in this part of Spain.

You have settled in Valencia, you probably had other options, what do

you think the big advantage of this part of Spain offers

-versus other parts?

-Other parts of Spain?

There is a word in Spanish - alegria - it means sort of joy,

lightheartedness.

And people who live on this coast, the Levante people,

the Levantinos, the Levante that used to be the coast of Spain,

for me, have a sort of lightness, a joy about them

that you don't find in the Basque Country or

up in the cold capital of Madrid.

How would it be for the two of them?

Because neither of them speak any Spanish.

I think that would be quite difficult.

I would certainly recommend listening to some recordings,

having the basics, being able to do the basics, and then build on that.

But what about the cultural side of actually fitting in in Spain?

What are the important things that they need to know?

The timetable is completely different from Britain.

Lunch is never before two o'clock.

And if you're going to fit in, you better stick to their timetable.

I know you have been here for 24 years

and you are pretty Spanish, but what do you miss about Britain?

I miss spring and autumn, because here the seasons...

Well, it's very warm at the moment, but it could change in an instant.

So you don't get... You don't get autumn,

you don't get spring, and I really miss the spring flowers.

Miles and Ingrid have given our buyers a good

insight into life here in Valencia.

But if you are considering buying in Spain,

there are a number of practical considerations to bear in mind.

Unlike in the UK, a sum is paid up front to take

the property off the market, initially for 30 days.

At that deadline, an option contract is then signed

and a deposit of up to 30% is paid.

Allow for between 10% and 14% of the purchase price

to cover the costs of buying a property.

This includes Transfer Tax, the Spanish equivalent of stamp duty.

If you are buying off plan or a new build,

you must make sure the License of First Occupation has

been granted before completing the purchase.

This gives the building its legal status and is only granted

once the developer has fulfilled their obligations.

For our mystery house, we are returning to the town

where we began, at Godelleta,

with its Moorish tower opposite the plaza of the church.

We have selected a challenging property that will really test how adventurous they are prepared to be.

Before we see the main house, I am taking them to the star attraction.

But are they willing to take the bull by the horns?

Goodness me!

You've taken us to a bullring!

Can you get anything more Spanish than your very own bullring?

Get out of town!

-This is really a property?

-This comes with the property.

I wanted to show you this before I showed you anything else.

-Wow.

-What would you do with that, then, Paula?

-It is a hell of a kitty.

-You could get a lot of writers in there.

A lot of under five-year-olds.

So this comes with the property. You get your very own bullring.

You'll be pleased to know, there is a house attached as well.

-That's a good point, yes.

-So this isn't the property?

This is part of it. There are rooms where you can retire to.

-Would you like to see those?

-Yes, please.

The property's original owner was in the bullfighting world.

And as well as the ring, the package comes with stables

and a tack room, a children's playground

and a swimming pool in need of a clean.

With a bit of imagination,

there's scope here to turn the mystery property into a small leisure complex,

and the idea hasn't made our buyers see red so far.

Here it is. Here is the villa.

-What do you think?

-Traditional.

-Mm-hm.

-Traditional hacienda.

-Yeah.

-Nice areas of shade.

-OK.

On the basis of one side of it, it looks very nice. It looks very...

-It looks big, spacious.

-Yes.

Typical Spanish villa.

-And you have got the drive that comes in.

-Fantastic driveway, regal.

-Beautiful palm trees.

-It is really well done.

-Shall we go inside to see what else it has got to offer?

-Love to.

Constructed in 1980, all the accommodation

in the main house is across one floor.

Come in. Two double bedrooms.

Master bathroom.

Into the big old living space.

There is a lot of things going on here.

A lot of elements we haven't seen in play until now.

So I guess it takes, you know...

Sort of forget what you have seen up to now, now start again.

It sort of challenges you that way.

The layout on the same floor, bedrooms leading off the dining area.

It is a very different style and layout to what we have seen so far.

-So I'm just trying to get it all in order.

-Take it all in.

And sort of try and see yourself and see

if you could be living in this type of environment.

As well as the two bedrooms off the entrance hall,

there are two further bedrooms off the living area.

But I want to show our buyers more of the entertaining space outside.

Now, check out this for an outdoor kitchen-barbeque zone.

-Wow!

-It has even got its own dance floor.

Come on, Ken, I bet you have got some moves.

This is not a tennis court, it is a Valencian game called fronton.

And I guess it is similar to tennis and squash,

I know, Paula, you love your outside space and your mind,

I can almost hear it ticking.

-What is it thinking?

-I'm not sure, actually.

-Wow.

There are just so many different things going on here. It's just...

It is just so unusual. Really, really unusual for a home. So, yeah, a lot to think about.

Now, whatever it was Paula and I thought would be the lifestyle we'll

generate in Spain, this just shreds it.

There is a little bit more I want to show you. Come on.

Leaving the outdoor entertainment space to one side,

the property also has more conventional terraced areas.

All in all, the land area amounts to three acres.

How much do you think, Paula, that this property,

with its bullring and its various areas, is on for?

Between 220, 225 for this.

-Ken?

-£280,000.

It is actually over your budget by £50,000.

It is on for £300,000.

I think it does force you to challenge your house buying

priorities that you came in with.

And I know it is easy - it's over budget

and there are few things wrong with it, let's dismiss it, let's move on.

Easy decision, OK? But I do think it is worth saying, "Hang on a minute,

"this is just so different in its facilities, let's rethink it."

Over budget by £50,000, the owners of our Spanish theme park

are open to offers, and the property has a ready been reduced in price.

As well as the main villa, it comes with its own bullring,

a children's playground and horse-riding facilities.

The house has four bedrooms arranged off a large living space.

-Ha-ha. Seen enough of the mystery?

-Yes.

-The bullring and all of that, yeah.

-Is it still a mystery?

-Fronton.

Fronton, side-on, back-on, yeah.

All right, well, it's time to leave here then. So this way, follow me.

So, we are back in central Valencia to discuss

the journey that the two of you have been on.

-And I really think it has been a journey.

-Absolutely, yes.

You've never been here before.

-How do you feel about this area in Spain now?

-We love it.

it has cemented a lot of good feelings I had about it before I came out.

So, which property is your favourite?

I really like the pine forest property, the mountain property.

It was the only property that gave me a clear buzz and a feeling that,

"Gee, I could see myself enjoying living here."

It had beautiful views, the little nooks and crannies

they had made and the privacy and seclusion really ticked my boxes.

When we got here, we are really at the beginning of your journey.

You are absolute newbies to all of this.

You have got this idea of moving abroad somewhere warm.

Where are we now after our journey together?

I think there is a next stage of interrogation to go through,

due diligence, and I think it would be sensible to see again,

get the opportunity to ask a few more questions,

find out a few issues, get to the bottom of those,

-that'd be a good start.

-So excited for the two of you.

I think this is the start of a whole new life for you.

You are recently married, newlyweds, in love,

and you are going to move somewhere hot.

And I hope it is that mountain property, I really do.

-I hope I can come back in six months and stay.

-You can. We'll invite you to come and visit.

-Both of you, best of luck. I've really enjoyed my time here with the two of you.

-Thank you.

When Ken and Paula first started their journey with me here in Spain,

they just had this inkling of an idea that this is maybe where they would like to live.

Now, they are practically on the verge of moving here.

But they are newlyweds and this will be a whole new life for them.

And you know what? With their can-do, positive attitude, I think

their time here will be an absolute success.

Join me next time for another Escape to the Continent.

If you had planned to escape to the continent, too,

and would like our help, you can...