0:00:02 > 0:00:05It's thought that that rather strange-looking wooden construction
0:00:05 > 0:00:07and many more like it have encroached along this shoreline
0:00:07 > 0:00:09for the last 200 years,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12but where am I and what is that structure all about?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Today, we're helping a nature-loving couple who between them have only
0:00:37 > 0:00:41spent one day in the region they now want to call home.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Our property search offers them plenty of options.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- It's got potential.- It's fantastic.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- It's spectacular. It's a gorgeous view.- Yes.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57I'm in Abruzzo in the south-eastern side of Italy
0:00:57 > 0:01:02and this strange wooden structure is actually a stilted fishing platform.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05They were built here during the 18th century as a safe way
0:01:05 > 0:01:08for local fishermen to be able to land their catch - using
0:01:08 > 0:01:11these long, thin spindly arms, they can cast their nets into deep
0:01:11 > 0:01:14water without actually having to leave the shoreline.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18They stand here proud and erect as a symbol of Abruzzo's
0:01:18 > 0:01:21maritime and cultural history.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24The Abruzzo region is situated in the middle of the Italian
0:01:24 > 0:01:29peninsula with the waters of the Adriatic bordering its eastern side.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Often overlooked by tourists, Abruzzo offers up some of Italy's
0:01:33 > 0:01:35most unspoiled scenery,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38from medieval hilltop villages to ancient castles.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41With a third of its territory set aside as protected national park
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and reserves,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48Abruzzo rightly deserves its title as the greenest region in Europe.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52If you're looking for a secluded and rustic new life on the Continent
0:01:52 > 0:01:55then this scenic and unspoiled region is worth considering.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00So what is it about this region that's attracted our buyers?
0:02:00 > 0:02:03There's only one way to find out - let's meet them.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Octave and Claire from Brighton met at night classes 23 years ago.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Octave is a site manager at a special needs school
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and Claire a sports journalist for an international news organisation.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17It's Claire's itchy feet that's prompting this move.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21It's been a great job, I've had a great time. I've been there 31 years.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I think perhaps the time has come to take early retirement.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27If we could find the right house in Italy then it would be
0:02:27 > 0:02:31the perfect excuse to quit and do something else with life.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33The couple have two grown-up daughters.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36With both of them having left home and in further education,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40it's a chance for music-loving Octave and Claire to unwind
0:02:40 > 0:02:43and they couldn't have chosen a better location.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47We all like the Italian way of living and food
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- and the relaxing manner that they have over there.- And the weather.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Oh, yes, and the weather.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Although Claire spent a year living in Rome and can speak Italian,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00she's only been to Abruzzo once, for 24 hours.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Some people may think that we're crazy,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06We've heard it's beautiful, it's got lots of national parks,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10mountains, lakes, wild bears. I want to see wild bears!
0:03:10 > 0:03:14And it's supposed to be a good place to buy property.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16And the nature lovers hope to adopt
0:03:16 > 0:03:19a slice of the good life once they move.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23I have a dream in Italy of having some chickens and two donkeys,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25I really want two donkeys. I've always wanted donkeys!
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- You're not so sure, are you?! - No, I'm not sure about the donkeys!
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I would like to do a bit more fishing,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Despite never having visited the remote region,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37there's only really one thing that concerns Octave.
0:03:37 > 0:03:43My biggest concern about moving abroad would be
0:03:43 > 0:03:47that there's got to be a easy route for the girls to get to us.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50The recent sale of an investment property had given Octave
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and Claire a nice pot of cash, so they're in a position
0:03:53 > 0:03:56to move as soon as we find them the right house.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59The budget for our move to Abruzzo is £210,000.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Claire and Octave would like us to focus our Abruzzo
0:04:04 > 0:04:08house search inland, away from the coast and large towns.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12So I'm joining our buyers by a 17th-century church
0:04:12 > 0:04:15in the Gran Sasso National Park to establish a few more details
0:04:15 > 0:04:17about their proposed move.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Claire, Octave, welcome to the Gran Sasso mountain range -
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- isn't it spectacular? - BOTH: It is, yes.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- So how well do you know the region? - We've spent 24 hours here before!
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- When was that? - Last month.- 24 hours?- Yes.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So tell me what you're looking for. What's this dream property of yours?
0:04:35 > 0:04:39We are after something like a farmhouse with lots of land...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42How much land, what's "lots"?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Enough to keep two donkeys, some chickens,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48and grow our own fruit and vegetables. Perhaps an olive grove.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- And possibly a river at the bottom of it.- Octave really wants a river!
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Hopefully it will have fish in it, but if not,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I'll have to travel to a lake or something!
0:04:57 > 0:04:59How rural do you want to be?
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Something that feels rural, but is not at the very top of the mountain
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and completely inaccessible.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08It would be nice if there was something within walking distance,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11a restaurant or a bar or a village.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- How many bedrooms, Octave? - About three to four.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Budget. How much have you got? - We've got £210,000 in the bank.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24We could have access to another 100,000 at a push.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26It's a decent-sized budget for this area.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29We've got fantastic properties lined up for you to see.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- Are you ready to see the first one? - Oh, yes.- Absolutely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33This way, follow me.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39On a budget of £210,000, but with access to some savings,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Claire and Octave are seeking a farmhouse-style property with
0:05:42 > 0:05:44enough land to keep some animals.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47They'd like three to four bedrooms to accommodate their daughters
0:05:47 > 0:05:50when they come to stay, and Octave hankers after a river
0:05:50 > 0:05:52or lake within the grounds
0:05:52 > 0:05:56and ideally, all located within walking distance of a village.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01We've lined up three classic Italian properties to tempt them with.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Our final mystery offering should prove that where there's a mill,
0:06:04 > 0:06:05there's a way!
0:06:05 > 0:06:08But will it be enough to inspire them to take the plunge?
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Our first property is located in Carapelle Calvisio,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18perched on the foothills of the Gran Sasso mountain.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22This house overlooks the town, and I'm hopeful that it's
0:06:22 > 0:06:26somewhere Octave and Claire will feel really at home.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29And here we are, property numero uno.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Oh, wow!- Wow!- Yes!
0:06:31 > 0:06:35It's over 100 years old and I would like to know what you think.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Oh, it's quite small. It looks small.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41It's very sweet and it looks from the outside like it's very well
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- cared for.- Yes.- But there doesn't seem to be much land.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Just beyond the neighbour's house is a plot of land of 300 square metres
0:06:48 > 0:06:51on for £13,000. That is an option.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54You'd get that separately if you wanted to live here.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56You could buy it, keep your donkey over there.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Shall we go and have a look? - Yes, please.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02At first impressions, this characterful stone-built property
0:07:02 > 0:07:06may appear small, but there's more to it than meets the eye.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08And in you come.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Oh, it's very sweet.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15The accommodation is spread over three floors and the entire house
0:07:15 > 0:07:19has been restored, retaining many of the original features.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21It's currently let as a holiday home.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24We descend the stairs into the living room.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Now, we are in the depths of this property,
0:07:29 > 0:07:34so this is the living room with this fantastic vaulted brick ceiling,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37built in a really traditional Italian way.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Stone walls.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- What you think about this room? - I think it's built to our size.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- It's sweet, very sweet. Small. - Slightly small, yes.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50But very nicely done. Beautifully done. I love all the exposed stone.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Clearly,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55the snug nature of our first property is causing some concern.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58It may be that Octave and Claire are thinking about the space needed
0:07:58 > 0:07:59when the girls come to stay.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04The living room leads to the kitchen and doors onto the garden.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06So here we are in the kitchen, and this time,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09the vaulted ceiling is made out of brick. What do you think?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12It's beautifully done. It's very sweet.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14I think it would be lovely in the summer with these doors.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17It worries me slightly it might feel a bit claustrophobic
0:08:17 > 0:08:19and a bit gloomy in the winter.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23I think we're more used to having a kitchen with more light
0:08:23 > 0:08:27coming in than just these two doors.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Also on this floor, you've got a beautiful bathroom
0:08:30 > 0:08:32and a utility room.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- But there's more to show you!- OK.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38The sleeping accommodation is back upstairs,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40with one bedroom off the entrance hall
0:08:40 > 0:08:43and a further two good-sized bedrooms on the top floor
0:08:43 > 0:08:48of the property, one of which could be Octave and Claire's room.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51And into...the master bedroom.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52- Oh, this is nice.- Yes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55This room has got a lovely size to it
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and this beautiful ceiling.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- It's a nice room. - It's an absolutely lovely room.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Beautifully done out and I love the balcony. It's a fantastic room.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07More to see, follow me.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10A better reaction to the bedrooms,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13but as we head out into the garden, I'm a little concerned,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16as they've already indicated it's too small for them.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Let's hope the view wins them over.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Out we come into the garden.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Now, Octave, you wanted to see the view. How is that for a view?
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Um...
0:09:28 > 0:09:30CLAIRE GIGGLES
0:09:30 > 0:09:34There aren't any...mountains, as such.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- Look at it! Are we looking at the same thing?- It's beautiful.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42It is beautiful, yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45But it seems a shame when you're in the Gran Sasso mountain range
0:09:45 > 0:09:47not to actually see any mountain peaks.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49The hills are lovely,
0:09:49 > 0:09:50but they're not the mountains.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It's so quaint.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It's got an almond tree, a plum tree, it's got a grapevine
0:09:56 > 0:09:58and this fantastic apple tree...
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- Here you go, Claire. - Oh, dear!- That's for Claire.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- Thank you!- And that's for you, Octave.- Lovely apples.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- I get a grape!- You get a grape! So you've seen the property.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14But what you don't know is how much this house is on the market for,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17so Octave, what do you think the price of this house is?
0:10:19 > 0:10:23I would say about £160,000.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26160,000. And how about you, Claire? What do you think?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30I wouldn't say much different, maybe 170,000.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33OK, well, you're both wrong. By quite a bit, actually.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Oh.- It's more expensive.- Is it?
0:10:36 > 0:10:40It's on at £195,000.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- I'm astonished, given how little land there is.- Yes.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Under budget by £15,000,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49we've had a lukewarm response to what is
0:10:49 > 0:10:52a beautifully restored rustic mountainside property.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Arranged over three floors, the accommodation includes
0:10:55 > 0:10:59a vaulted kitchen and living room and three bedrooms.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Finished with property number one. - Yes.- Are you ready to see some more?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Yes, definitely.- Let's go.- OK.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Our next house is close to the town of Penne,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15around 20 miles from the Adriatic coast.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The town features a well-preserved medieval centre.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23Our property sits in the foothills of the Apennine mountains,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26enclosed by beautiful olive groves.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Welcome, my lovelies, to the next property.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Your eyes cannot detract from that view, because it is pretty special.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- You've probably already spotted the lake.- Oh, yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Let me draw your attention to the actual property.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- What do you think, Claire? - Lovely, it looks a very good size.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46It looks like a traditional house but it looks like it's been
0:11:46 > 0:11:49newly done up and very well done up, by the look of it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It's nice and clean.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Let's go inside. I'm really looking forward to showing you this one.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Come on.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58A more positive reaction to this traditional farmhouse,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00which has been recently renovated and extended.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03We're heading to the modern wing of the property,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05where the kitchen is situated.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- This is very nice. - Yes, yes.- Very nice.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09Look, beams!
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- And a fireplace. - Yes, the fireplace is lovely.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14This is a really large kitchen,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16a really good size, lots of light coming in.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20You've got French doors straight out onto the terrace overlooking
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- the lovely garden. - Beautifully done.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Can you see yourselves in this kitchen?- Oh, yes.- Yeah.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29We could just live in here, really!
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Can I encourage you both to move in that direction? Off you go.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35(Yes!)
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It's a strong start to our house tour.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Have we finally found a winner?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44But will the older part of the house provoke a similar reaction?
0:12:44 > 0:12:48So, the living room. This is part of the original house,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53which has got the rustic, rural, cosy feel.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- If you look up, it's got a vaulted brick ceiling.- Yep.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And a charming little spiral staircase to go up.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00So it's got a bit of character.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04It's a lovely room. I like the ceiling and I like the floor.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07It's a shame in a room like this not to have a fireplace or a wood
0:13:07 > 0:13:08burner or some sort of focal point.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Despite the lack of fireplace,
0:13:10 > 0:13:14this property appears to be drawing our buyers in.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Again, this house has an unusual layout by British standards,
0:13:17 > 0:13:22with two double bedrooms on the ground floor, along with a bathroom.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25There are two further bedrooms upstairs, one with a bunk bed
0:13:25 > 0:13:29and a single and a three-piece family bathroom.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Plenty of space to accommodate the girls.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- So this is the master bedroom. - This is a good size room...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37It's a lovely room, beautifully done, the ceiling is very nice.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40We won't spend that much time in here, really.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Only when you bring me breakfast in bed!
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I'm loving the positive vibes from Octave and Claire,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49so it's back outside to take in that view and the one
0:13:49 > 0:13:53and a half acres of land on offer, including a nice little surprise.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- Fantastic-size pool.- Very nice.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00It's lovely. It's really lovely. It's got everything.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04You've seen the house, you've taken it all in, you've seen the land,
0:14:04 > 0:14:05the pool, all that comes with it.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09What you don't know is how much it's on the market for.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10Octave, what do you think?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13This is a difficult one because of the swimming pool.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14That adds value to it as well.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18240,000.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Claire? - I think a bit more, 250,000, maybe?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- On the nose, lady!- 250?
0:14:26 > 0:14:33- £250,000...for this property. - Mm-hm.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- It's very interesting. - It is very interesting.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Although over budget by £40,000,
0:14:38 > 0:14:43our charming renovated farmhouse has intrigued our buyers.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44The property comes with four bedrooms,
0:14:44 > 0:14:50a light and spacious kitchen with open fireplace, and a swimming pool.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Hello!- Hello!- Still smiling? - Yes!- That's good.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Are you ready to leave? - Not really, no!
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Has this property given you something to think about?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Yes, it's given us a great deal to think about.- Most definitely, yes.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04Wonderful.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07OK, you can keep thinking, but we do actually have to depart,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11otherwise the owner will come and have us moved off his property!
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- This way!- OK!
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Before we see our final property, I'm taking our buyers to meet
0:15:24 > 0:15:27some British expats who have already made the move here,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30to find out how living in this region has worked for them.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34They now run a self-catering holiday business on the fringes
0:15:34 > 0:15:36of the Majella National Park.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Octave and Claire are also keen to grow their own produce, something
0:15:40 > 0:15:43expats David and Pauline have succeeded in doing here in Abruzzo.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Hello, David, hello, Pauline. - Hi, Anita!- What an amazing spot!
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- And what a fabulous day for your visit.- We've timed it perfectly.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Let me introduce you to Claire and Octave.- Guys, hello, welcome,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- good to meet you.- Thank you very much. Nice to meet you.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the two of you
0:16:00 > 0:16:02to spend some time with David and Pauline to get to know
0:16:02 > 0:16:05what it is that you're letting yourselves in for.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Sure, it would be our pleasure.- Yes!
0:16:07 > 0:16:10The four of you go off, I'll just hang out by the pool!
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- What a tough gig!- It's hard!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Guys, come with us and we'll show you around.- Thank you.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- See you later!- Bye.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Before moving to Abruzzo, David was a journalist
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and Pauline worked in IT.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Their life now couldn't be more different.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Instead of being chained to a desk, they spend their days
0:16:25 > 0:16:30running their three holiday villas and tending their orchard.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34One of the great things we found coming here to Italy is that
0:16:34 > 0:16:39with a little bit of land, you can grow a huge range of fruit and veg.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Did you start this orchard from scratch?- We did.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46We wanted to grow English fruit and veg, like, for example, damsons,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48which just don't exist here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52But on the other hand, you find you can grow fairly exotic
0:16:52 > 0:16:57things like pomegranates, like lovely juicy figs...
0:16:57 > 0:16:58So we grow a mixture.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02David and Pauline also grow olives, a common Abruzzo crop,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06and Octave is keen to find out how much work is involved.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Olive vine, do you tend to them yourselves?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12They're incredibly labour-intensive.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15We deliberately didn't go for too many,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17because it is hard work.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- We've got eight.- And how many litres of olive oil would that produce?
0:17:20 > 0:17:22From our trees last year
0:17:22 > 0:17:25we picked about 130-odd kilos of olives.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28From that, we got about 25 litres of oil.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Unless you want to be an olive farmer,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and you will need things like tractors,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36there's a lot of work involved.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39With Octave left mulling over the realities of olive farming,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41I joined the group for lunch,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44where we're gaining further insights into life in Abruzzo.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46What about the cost of living?
0:17:46 > 0:17:50The nearest restaurant to here, you can get a two-course meal with
0:17:50 > 0:17:53as much wine as you want, coffee, and it will be ten euros a head.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- And it's really good. - It's good, it's home cooking.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58The interesting thing about Claire
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and Octave is that they know they'd like to live in Abruzzo,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02but they've only spent 24 hours here.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- You're still trying to figure that out.- We are.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08We don't want to be too far from Rome airport because we've got two
0:18:08 > 0:18:10daughters in England and they would fly in and out of Rome.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Never try to come from Rome to here by train.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17There's a fantastic coach service from central Rome to
0:18:17 > 0:18:19a town near here which takes three hours.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21That's the only focus for me.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24To make sure that my children can come and see us.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Me and Claire will get along fine.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- Well, you've got along fine for 20 years, so!- We should be all right!
0:18:30 > 0:18:33As long as I've got a little space to go and play records...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36an hour away from here!
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Listen, you know that if you come here, you'll have two friends
0:18:40 > 0:18:44here already, which will be two more than we had when WE arrived!
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Exactly! You know what? Cheers to that!- Cheers, here's to friendship!
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Salute!- ALL: Salute!
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Some useful tips from David
0:18:53 > 0:18:57and Pauline on living in what is a relatively remote part of Italy.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02But before committing to a property purchase in any part of the country,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09In Italy, you need to put 8% of the property price to one side
0:19:09 > 0:19:13for solicitors' costs, stamp duty and agents' fees
0:19:13 > 0:19:16on top of the figure you're paying for the house.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18When it comes to business,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22be aware that the country's notoriously complicated bureaucracy
0:19:22 > 0:19:24means there's likely to be piles of official documents
0:19:24 > 0:19:28to absorb and even taxes to pay before starting up.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Finally, as with any legal transaction,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34be sure to seek sound professional advice.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And so to work off our tasty al fresco lunch,
0:19:38 > 0:19:39it's back to the property hunt.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Our final offering is located just outside the town of Arielli,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48a ten-minute drive from the Adriatic coast.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Seeing as it's mystery time,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52we're going to dispense with the mountain views
0:19:52 > 0:19:55and give them something a little more down to earth.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Octave and Claire's budget is £210,000, but they do have
0:19:59 > 0:20:03some extra cash they can dip into for the right property.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Our mystery house, with its water-related heritage,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11might be the one they'll have to push the boat out for.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Oh, wow! This is lovely! - Isn't that something?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It's beautiful!- Yes.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Here we are, an original 17th-century water mill.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25It's absolutely gorgeous, I'm almost speechless.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28It's just beautiful, really beautiful.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30And the sound of the river.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33And the house looks nice from the outside.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Let's go inside and have a look. Come on.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Follow me.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Hidden away within an atmospheric forest valley,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43the property lacks the mountain view that Octave and Claire wanted,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46but that doesn't seem to be a problem at the moment.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- And in you come.- Oh, look at that! Look at the fireplace!
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Wow, this is huge!
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- I've never seen a fireplace like that!- And the river!
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- And you can...- He's not often lost for words!- Yeah!
0:21:02 > 0:21:04It's just so...
0:21:04 > 0:21:08unexpected and so unusual. I haven't got a bad word to say about it.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- So for you, this is great? - Lovely, yes. Absolutely lovely.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Yeah, I haven't got a bad word to say about it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Our buyers seem a little stunned by our mystery property
0:21:21 > 0:21:26and it is a lot to take in, not least the four-metre-long fireplace.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The spacious theme continues in the kitchen.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- This is sweet.- A stone kitchen. - It is, yes, it's bricked.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36A really decent size, lots of light,
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- doors straight outside for your alfresco dining.- I love it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I love the combination of traditional and modern,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47because it's a very traditional Italian style,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51but beautifully newly done out with a modern twist.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55The cooker and sink are fine, but the rest I'm not sure about.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Maybe it's just because I'm used to having work surfaces.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00So you don't agree on everything?
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Oh, no! Very few things!- No!
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Perhaps Octave is already thinking about what this house might cost.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09But Claire is clearly enchanted
0:22:09 > 0:22:13and he'll have a job convincing her otherwise.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16There are three bathrooms in this property - one downstairs
0:22:16 > 0:22:18and two on the first floor.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22There are also four bedrooms, all on the first floor,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25offering a more conventional layout than our other properties.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29But I want to show Octave and Claire the master bedroom.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32I think it's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Does the bed come with the house? - It does.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38It's original early 1900s antique bed.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40You could have the windows open in the summer
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and go to sleep to the sound of the river.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44The outside of the house is pretty special
0:22:44 > 0:22:48and I'm dying to show it to you.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50The garden extends to 2½ acres
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and is entirely surrounded by trees.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55There's an outside bread oven, a large pond
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and plenty of room to build a swimming pool.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01And of course, the river that would have once powered the mill.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04The lower-ground floor of the mill with its classic arched
0:23:04 > 0:23:09entrances is now divided into a garage and store rooms.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11This is a unique property,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14but there's still the small matter of cost to consider.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- What do you think?- About 300,000? - And Claire?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I'd go a little bit higher, 320,000.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27OK. The actual price is...
0:23:27 > 0:23:33- You're good at this! 320, goes to Claire.- Oh, gosh!- 320,000.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35That's another Amaretto you owe me!
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- That is a lot.- It is a lot.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's over your budget, it is.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44But you have that pool that you've got of £100,000.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46We thought it's the mystery.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50It's got land, the river, rustic charm, it's been modernised,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52it's got all of those things.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55But, yes, the price reflects it.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00Now that you've seen it all, Octave, what do you think of it?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- I can see that Claire likes it! - What do YOU think of it?
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- What do- I- think of it? It's got potential.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08What's the question mark, then?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12The question mark is how much work I'd have to do.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14You would have to clear some of the trees out,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- just to make it a bit more light. - Easily done. Yes.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I mean, it would all be yours to do whatever you wanted to.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23You could have your donkeys, chickens and whatnot.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Why are you looking at Claire? Don't look at Claire!
0:24:25 > 0:24:28We have to come to an agreement about it.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Maybe a little bit of reassurance that she's not goading me
0:24:31 > 0:24:36into doing something! No, it's a nice property.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Over budget by a significant sum,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42our converted water mill would mean Claire and Octave
0:24:42 > 0:24:44spending all of their extra savings.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48The accommodation includes a spacious open-plan living area
0:24:48 > 0:24:50with a stone fireplace and four bedrooms
0:24:50 > 0:24:53and all in a secluded forest location.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- Hello!- Hi!- That's it, that's all the properties, seen.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- OK.- Are you ready to go and sit down and pow-wow
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- and dissect what you're thinking? - Yes.- Yep.- Let's go.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- So, Claire, Octave - all the properties have been viewed.- Mm-hm.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- Yep.- What about your favourite? Octave, what's your favourite?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Why don't you ask Claire her favourite?!
0:25:17 > 0:25:20I don't want ask Claire her favourite!
0:25:20 > 0:25:23I would have to say yes, the last one we saw.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26How much of you saying you like the water mill most is
0:25:26 > 0:25:28because you know that Claire loves it?
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- And it's fine if that's the reason, but is that the reason?- Um, no.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36Basically, the river for me, the river is there.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Also, the option of having a swimming pool as well.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43I think we're going to have to go back and have another look.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46How interested are you in the water mill?
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It's no good asking me because I'd go and sign the papers right now!
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Really?- Yes, and I know that's probably far too impulsive, which is
0:25:52 > 0:25:55why it's good that Octave is much more practical than me.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- That's so exciting!- I know, but...
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Tell me what's going through your mind.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03I'm besotted with it. It's perfect.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05So potentially, Claire,
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- could we have found your dream home in Abruzzo?- Possibly, yes.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15But I know what I'm like and I'm inclined to jump before I think.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Which is where I need Octave to bring me down to earth a bit.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I'm sure there's all sorts of things we would need to think about,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28not least of which is the price of it, because if we managed to
0:26:28 > 0:26:31get the money together to pay for it, we'd have nothing left.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35If we've got the finances to do it, then yes.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- It could be the one? - It could be, yes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43As we'll be coming back in a week's time,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46hopefully one of the girls will come with us
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and we'll have a third eye...
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Whose side will she take, Mum's or Dad's?- She won't, she's normally...
0:26:52 > 0:26:54I know exactly what she'll say.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56She thinks we're old and decrepit
0:26:56 > 0:26:58and couldn't cope by ourselves in the forest.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00She'll think it's far too remote!
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- But she's quite romantic, isn't she? - Yep.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- I think she'd like it. - That's really thrilling.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10I think the two of you have got an amazing adventure ahead of you.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14In six months' time, if I come to the South Downs, will I still
0:27:14 > 0:27:15see you there?
0:27:15 > 0:27:20Um, you can phone and it may be redirected to Italy!
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Let's drink to that.- Cheers!
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Good luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Claire and Octave had only ever spent 24 hours in Abruzzo
0:27:37 > 0:27:38before their time with us
0:27:38 > 0:27:41and now they know for certain that this is the region
0:27:41 > 0:27:44they want to spend the rest of their lives, and who could blame them?
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's got everything - mountains, the sun, the sea.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50But in terms of properties, what a turnout!
0:27:50 > 0:27:53From telling us they wanted to be on a hill with a view
0:27:53 > 0:27:56of the mountains and olive groves in front of them, to falling in love
0:27:56 > 0:28:00with that water mill at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by forest.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Do join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07If you wish to escape to the continent
0:28:07 > 0:28:09and would like our help,
0:28:09 > 0:28:10please apply online
0:28:10 > 0:28:13at bbc.co.uk/beonashow