0:00:02 > 0:00:05This 15th century tower behind me stands proudly as the only
0:00:05 > 0:00:08surviving medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11However, during its 600-year history,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15this 70-metre high tower was also used as a jail,
0:00:15 > 0:00:20imprisoning pirates, clergy and even British seamen.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24So find out where I am and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Today, we are crossing the Channel, helping a couple from Sheffield
0:00:47 > 0:00:50who are hoping to start a new life abroad.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53And they can't believe what they are seeing.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57There is no way we can afford this on our budget. You are having a laugh, aren't you?! You must be.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01But they don't always see eye to eye.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03You might not thank me, but I am going to tell you
0:01:03 > 0:01:06there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- Oh, no!- Oh, yes!
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17I am in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France
0:01:17 > 0:01:21and these are the centuries-old towers of La Rochelle.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Now, this historic port was once a fishing village,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27but it was during the 16th and 17th century that the city
0:01:27 > 0:01:30became the major stronghold for the French Protestants,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34which resulted in years of religious and bloody sieges
0:01:34 > 0:01:36with France's Catholic monarchy.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41Thankfully, today, peace has been restored and this old port is packed
0:01:41 > 0:01:45with breathtaking architecture and a stunning coastline,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49offering just a taste of what this beautiful region has to offer.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Lying in western France, the Poitou-Charentes benefits
0:01:54 > 0:01:56from the best of coast and countryside,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59sitting right up against the Atlantic Ocean.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Covering a massive 10,000 square miles,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06this varied landscape is roughly the same size as the British
0:02:06 > 0:02:11counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria put together.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15The golden sand coastline to the west boasts award-winning beaches,
0:02:15 > 0:02:21as well as laying claim to being the largest oyster cultivation area in Europe.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Producing over 45,000 tonnes a year,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27they are considered some of the best in the world.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Further inland, this mainly agricultural region gives way
0:02:30 > 0:02:35to a stunning and gently undulating landscape of farmland and vineyards.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39But there is also striking architecture at every turn,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42including ancient Roman towns such as Saintes
0:02:42 > 0:02:45with its 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The Poitou-Charentes boasts some of the mildest
0:02:48 > 0:02:50and sunniest weather in France.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Perhaps another reason why nearly 13,000 British expats
0:02:54 > 0:02:56are now calling the region home.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02But how is all this reflected in the property prices?
0:03:02 > 0:03:07The average price of a detached home in France is around £139,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12That is £116,000 cheaper than back in the UK.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16In the Poitou-Charentes region it is cheaper still,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20with the average price for a detached home here at £125,000.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25But prices do vary depending on where you go.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Along the highly-prized coast resorts, such as here
0:03:28 > 0:03:32at La Rochelle, you can expect to pay double the region's average.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36But what is it about this region that so appeals to today's buyers?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Let's meet them to find out.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Yorkshire couple Joe and Hillary live just a few miles
0:03:43 > 0:03:48from the centre of Sheffield in a four-bedroom semi-detached property.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50But nearing their 30th wedding anniversary
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and with their three children having flown the coop,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56they feel now is the time to make a serious life change.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01This has been a great family home. We have lived here for 18 years. Now is the time to move on.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04I've been planning to move in my head for about 35 years,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- but it's only the last two years we have been planning it in earnest, haven't we?- Yes.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11That is really because of the children because they are more settled
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and their paths are more or less set out now.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Although Hillary still works part-time as a language teacher,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Joe retired from the police force two years ago,
0:04:19 > 0:04:24the catalyst for his desire to make a move to France a reality.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26I guess the fear I have got is that we don't do it.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29You can always put obstacles in the way as to why you are not
0:04:29 > 0:04:33going to move somewhere, but moving to France, getting a nice
0:04:33 > 0:04:37property, going out and enjoying life, is absolutely fantastic.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41We will never ever do it while we are in Sheffield or while we are in the UK.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46But Hillary is the one that will need convincing of the move
0:04:46 > 0:04:50as she has a more realistic view of just what an upheaval it could be.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I think Joe has perhaps got a rose-tinted view
0:04:53 > 0:04:56of what life will be like living abroad.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00I have lived abroad already so I have experienced some of those challenges
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and there will be challenges ahead, learning the language.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07But we are definitely up for the challenge. We will help each other through it.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Despite her reservations, they can both see the benefits a move to the
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Poitou-Charentes could add to their lives.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We are really hoping to have an active retirement in France.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21We want to embrace our 50s with vigour and energy, don't we?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25So cycling for you, swimming for me. New activities.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- We are hoping to be outdoors as much as we can.- Yes, definitely.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32And the possibility of more hours of sunshine each year means both
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Joe and Hillary could embrace their love of the outdoors.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I am a very keen gardener. I love my garden here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I spend quite a lot of time in the summer gardening.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45But it's not really big enough, so I'm looking for somewhere
0:05:45 > 0:05:49with more land so I can spread my green fingers a bit more, I suppose.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53My real passions are walking, anything to do with rivers,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56fishing, canoeing and swimming, that sort of thing, and cycling.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00What I would like to do in France is spend more time doing those things.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04The weather is better generally and spending more time cycling for me would be fantastic.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- You might even get me on a bike, you never know!- Yes.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09When it comes to the lifestyle,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12they may already have one foot on the other side of the Channel,
0:06:12 > 0:06:17but what are they willing to spend to turn this dream into a reality?
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Our budget for the move to France is £350,000 to £500,000.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Hillary and Joe are yet to pinpoint an exact location
0:06:28 > 0:06:32within the Poitou-Charentes, so our property search will take us
0:06:32 > 0:06:35throughout the region and we are starting in the historic
0:06:35 > 0:06:38town of Saintes to learn more about what they are looking for.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Hopefully, we're going to help you find the house of your dreams,
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- but also perhaps change your lives forever.- Fantastic.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Describe to me what your dream home looks like.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Something quite traditional. Something pretty rustic.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58Perhaps a bit of land. You've got a bit of a hankering for pigs and chickens, haven't you?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Yes.- Joe, tell me little bit more about this.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- My vision is the chateau on the hill.- Chateau?
0:07:03 > 0:07:06I am feeling the pressure already! And the lifestyle?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Somewhere where we can raise a few chickens and pigs.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Perhaps with a separate annexe or a gite of some sort
0:07:11 > 0:07:14because that could generate some income to supplement the pension.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- So that business potential when we're looking around the properties. - That would be really good.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22So remind me of your budget. How much have you got to spend?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24I am confident you are going to be able to find us
0:07:24 > 0:07:28an ideal property for between 350 and £500,000.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31That word "chateau" keeps creeping up in my mind!
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We do have some splendid properties to show you.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- One, of course, is our mystery house.- Fantastic.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- So are you ready to get started? - Absolutely.- Can't wait.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Let's begin your journey. Come on.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51So for a budget of between 350 and £500,000,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Joe and Hillary would like to find a traditional French house
0:07:55 > 0:07:57that offers them a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Ideally, they would also like a separate holiday gite
0:08:01 > 0:08:03to rent out to bring in some extra income.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07And the outside space needs to fulfil both Hillary's love
0:08:07 > 0:08:11of gardening and Joe's aspirations to raise pigs and chickens.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17What our buyers don't know is that not only have we lined up four properties for them to view,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20they will also be staying in one of them, which will offer Hillary
0:08:20 > 0:08:24and Joe a real sense of what life could be like here.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26And our final stop is the mystery house
0:08:26 > 0:08:30that offers them something else they definitely won't be expecting.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36To begin our search, we're heading to the
0:08:36 > 0:08:39east of the region in the heart of the countryside.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42With no neighbours to speak of, the house sits two miles
0:08:42 > 0:08:46from a pretty little village called Availles-Limouzine.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Here, there's a good selection of shops, including a bakery,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52a small restaurant and a hotel.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56What's more, it is set on the banks of a river where Joe could fish.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00And in the rural outskirts of the village, we find our first property.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06This, potentially, could be your new home in France. Take a look.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- Wow!- That is lovely.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- There's a pool!- That's fantastic.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17You have spotted the pool already, have you?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20So this is the accommodation. Built around the 19th century.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22This part was the barn.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26As you can see, you've got another very picturesque barn in front of you.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- And then another one behind. - It's fantastic.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Joe, you are the one who started this off.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35You are the one with the dream of living in France. How does this compare?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37This looks perfect. Absolutely perfect.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39This is exactly what I had in mind.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Only it seems a lot bigger than I thought we would be able to afford.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44It's lovely. It's absolutely lovely.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Can you imagine yourself living somewhere like this?
0:09:47 > 0:09:51I think I can, yes. It looks like a dream house.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56How would you feel if we made that dream a reality?
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Because we have got your cases in the car
0:09:58 > 0:10:01and you are actually going to be staying here.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- Really?- Yes.- Tonight?- Yes. - Fantastic.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Try before you buy!- Shall we start the tour?- Definitely.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- Are you ready?- Yes.- Come on then.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Our plan is that by having the run of the place,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20including the generous six acres of gardens and pool,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24it will give them a better idea of what a move abroad could be like.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27First, though, I'm hoping the inside will be
0:10:27 > 0:10:29as warmly received as the outside.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Shall we start off with the kitchen? I always think it is the best room in the house.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38It is the most important room in the house. It's lovely.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Modern but it is not too modern, which is just what I said I wanted.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Tomorrow morning, you are going to be in here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49This is going to be you two at the table having your breakfast.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51It's a definite yes from me
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and we've only just got into the first room, so it's brilliant.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58A good yes from you. I need a yes from you as well, though, don't I?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- I'm sure it will come. - Do you think?- Yes.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03It's a good start. Let's continue through.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11This is something else, isn't it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- I am literally struggling to take it all in. It is just...- It's beautiful.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- I can't believe you've got this for us.- I really like this room.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- People talk about the wow factor. This is it.- This is it. Well, so far.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Yes. And I know that family is very important to you.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31You are moving away. They are going to want to come here, aren't they?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Yes.- Definitely. They will want to come and visit here.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36There is potential with this property,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39serious business potential, should you want to take it.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Shall we go upstairs and I can explain a little bit more? - That would be great.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48The downstairs also includes a spacious centrepiece dining room with an original tiled floor.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53But thinking about Joe and Hillary's wish for earning a small income from the property,
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I think we've got a good solution for an immediate boost to their finances.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05So these are the original stairs of the property.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09I mentioned to you about a business proposition.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Downstairs on this side of the house you've got a sitting room,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15a utility room, which could easily be converted into a kitchen.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20Upstairs on this part, you've got three bedrooms. One is en suite.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23You could actually divide the house up and rent all of this out.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- That is interesting.- Which the owners actually do.- Fantastic.- OK.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30The good news is, you don't have to do anything.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- It's all been done for you. - That's great.- Fantastic.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Do you like that idea?- Very much.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39I've got something even more important to show you down here.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44This side of the house has two large bedrooms, either of which
0:12:44 > 0:12:48could be used as a master bedroom as both have an en-suite bathroom.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Here is your bedroom.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Wow! It's fantastic.- This is lovely. - Very nice.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- This is a huge room, isn't it? - This is lovely.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- What are you thinking then? - Out of 10?- 11.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05It is a good 9 out of 10.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10I've never been as impressed on the first viewing of any property I've ever seen.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I am so delighted. I'm excited for you.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Let's go outside because there is plenty to see out there.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Let me explain about the layout and I can't forget the pool, can I?- No.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- I must see the pool. - If you'd like to follow me.- OK.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Outside, there are two capacious barns that form the courtyard.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34In total, there's around 8,000 square feet of prime gite potential.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Planning permission was granted to convert them.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Although that has now lapsed,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41hopefully it shouldn't be a problem to renew.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47We were looking for a property for you which obviously did have the wow factor,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51but also the possibility of running a business.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55And just something for you to consider, the farmhouse, the bit at the very end,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58those three bedrooms, they make £10,000 just from that alone.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04- You're joking!- Good grief.- So if you rent out even more, can you imagine what the income could be?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07How much is all of this on the market for?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I think, because there is a lot of property and a lot of land,
0:14:12 > 0:14:17I think it is towards the top end of our budget. So I would guess, 475.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Joe?- I think it's more.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Difficult to say but I think it's over 500. So I would say 510.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27510,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:34How would you feel if I told you the price is just over £408,000?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- You are joking!- really? - I am not joking.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- I am really surprised at that. - £400,000?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- You'd get nothing like this back home, would you?- Nothing at all. - Nothing at all.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47The only additional fee on top of that would be the notaire,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51which is sort of like stamp duty and land registry, your land solicitor.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55So on a property like this the fee is £25,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- I'll get my cheque book out now, if you want?!- I might hold you to that.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02But would you be signing the cheque? That is what I want to know.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I would like to see what else is to come, but this is a real positive.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Keeping your options open? - Keeping my options open, yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Why don't you have another look around? Really explore.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- When you look at a property after you know the price, you do look at it through fresh eyes.- That is true.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20And also you can bear in mind at the moment, £10,000 revenue
0:15:20 > 0:15:24just from one small part of this property, with the potential of more.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Take your time. I'll come and find you to say goodbye before I go.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- OK.- Fantastic. - Enjoy.- Thank you.- Thanks very much.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37They love it. They absolutely love it.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41But it is such a splendid property, way under their budget.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It has the potential for them to run a business as well.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46My only concern?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I've got other properties to show them. How am I going to better this?
0:15:51 > 0:15:56£90,000 under their top budget, this detached property offers five
0:15:56 > 0:15:59bedrooms in total, with immediate potential for renting out three
0:15:59 > 0:16:03and the possibility to convert two barns into further gites.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05There's also a swimming pool
0:16:05 > 0:16:09and six acres of land for Joe's plans to raise pigs and chickens.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13When I first saw the house, I was absolutely blown away.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15I couldn't believe it. I think it is an incredible property.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17I have never ever seen anything like it.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I think it really will be a difficult one to top.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I have got more reservations about moving to France than Joe.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It has always been his dream.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Before we saw this house, I thought I would need a lot more convincing
0:16:27 > 0:16:30of moving lock stock and barrel to another country.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32But having seen this property,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36I really think this is going to happen for us and I really hope it does.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40This property is absolutely perfect. Everything I have dreamed of.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I can definitely see myself living here in the future.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50This is where I leave you two
0:16:50 > 0:16:53to enjoy yourselves in this magnificent property
0:16:53 > 0:16:55and sample your new life in France.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Don't have too much fun, will you?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- I will catch up with you in the morning. See you tomorrow.- Bye.- Bye.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- It's what we've always wanted to do, isn't it, eating alfresco?- Yes.- We will be able to do that more often.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- How often would we get to do this in Sheffield, Hillary?- Not very often.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I think last year we had three barbecues.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- The weather was good enough for three. Certainly not like here.- No.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I thought you would be a bit more reserved about moving to France
0:17:25 > 0:17:27because it has always been my dream,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31but I know you have been a bit reserved about coming.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33What do you think now having seen the property?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I think it is something I'd really like to do.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38It has really opened my eyes.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42The properties you can buy for the money, there is no comparison back home.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45But you are not just saying that?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48No, I'm not just saying that. No. It is a change of lifestyle.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- It would be really good for us. - Fantastic.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02With the dawn of a new day, Joe and Hillary are waking up to their very
0:18:02 > 0:18:05first morning in Availles-Limouzine and experiencing day-to-day customs
0:18:05 > 0:18:09in the French fashion, which should help to give them
0:18:09 > 0:18:13a better sense of what life would be like if they moved here permanently.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Well, it is the start of day two.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Yesterday went well with Joe and perhaps more importantly,
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Hillary was rather taken with our first French property.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Today, the weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse
0:18:29 > 0:18:32but it's not going to dampen our spirits because we've got a
0:18:32 > 0:18:35house lined up, which is packed full of French style.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Something they both will hopefully like.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42The second property in the south-east of the region
0:18:42 > 0:18:46is only one mile from a small but well-served village called Brie,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49although nothing to do with its namesake, the famous French cheese.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52But what makes this location especially appealing
0:18:52 > 0:18:55is its proximity to the town of Angouleme.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Only 15 minutes away by car.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Wow.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Wow!- It's lovely.- Fantastic. Very different to the first.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- Very different.- Pretty.- It looks lovely. Yes. Like a hidden gem.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12I like that. A hidden gem.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16It is because we are completely secluded even though we are in a hamlet.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Only about 20 people live here.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- It is characterful, isn't it? - Yes.- Very much so, yes.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23The original house dates back to about 1810.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28Obviously, adjustments have been made and they have extended, but it has this stunning garden.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- Yes, this is lovely. - Hillary, you love your gardening. - I like to potter in the garden, yes.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- So you like the look?- We do. Yes. We can't wait to get in.- Come on then.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43The garden is a real oasis with mature trees and established
0:19:43 > 0:19:46shrubs crammed into every inch of the quarter-acre space.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50And opening on to the garden is the living room, where we're starting the tour.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Wow. This is different.- Yes.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Yes, this is fantastic. - I like this.- This is another wow.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- It is a big wow. - I love all the colours.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08The greens, pale greens and yellows. It's really nice.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- It has that French feel. - It does. You're right.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13That is just the brief we gave you, really.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- The rustic feel but with the mod cons too.- It is very nice.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I think you should take me around this house! This is perfect.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Let's see more.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26The large and high-ceilinged living room leads to a small
0:20:26 > 0:20:28but perfectly serviceable kitchen.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Its size is helped, however, by a separate larder, which the
0:20:31 > 0:20:34current owners also use as a laundry room.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36So you've got your kitchen area
0:20:36 > 0:20:39and that leads through to another dining area. Perhaps more formal.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- This is lovely as well. - It is.- Very nice.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46You are making it really difficult for us now because we thought the
0:20:46 > 0:20:51one we saw yesterday was outstanding and this is just incredible.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54You've got a few more additional rooms.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58At the moment they are storage rooms but it would be easy to convert if you wanted to.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Also, there's a garage at the very end.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Potential to make that into accommodation.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- Have you seen enough of the ground floor?- Yes.- OK. Let's head upstairs. - Fantastic.- OK.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12On the first floor there are four good-sized bedrooms,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15all decorated in the same attractive French style.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20There is also a small fifth bedroom, which is currently used as a nursery.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23But I'm heading straight to one bedroom in particular,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25which showcases a stunning feature.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- Here is your master bedroom.- Right. - Very nice.- It's beautiful.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34I think I would change the wallpaper, to be honest.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It is a really sweet bedroom. Yes, possibly.- It is quite unusual.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40You don't always get wallpaper in French properties
0:21:40 > 0:21:44and the owner loves that English look.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- There is wallpaper throughout, actually.- Right.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49What is it about the room that you like?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52What grabs your attention as you walk through the door?
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- That bit.- A huge terrace. You don't often see those, certainly not in the UK.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Just follow me and look at this view.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03Wow!
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Look at that!- That is incredible.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11You certainly don't get that view anywhere else, do you? That is lovely.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I love the fact that we are outside but still covered.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15What do you think you would use it for?
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Perhaps early morning coffee or late afternoon tea. Something like that.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- When Joe brings you breakfast in bed in the morning?- That's the hope.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Dream on, Hillary!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27You are the perfect man, Joe. Don't shatter the illusion!
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I think it's got lots of potential.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33I know that word is overused, but you could do all sorts of things with this area.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I am so pleased you are loving the tour of this house. In fact, I'm delighted.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39But I'm going to drag you away from this view.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43I've still got something else to show you. We are going to head downstairs to the garden.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Joe, if you want to lead the way, please? Thank you.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50It is going so well. I honestly thought I was going to be pushed to beat yesterday's house.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53I think we might be on to a winner with this one.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58They may be impressed already
0:22:58 > 0:23:01but what they haven't seen yet is that this property also
0:23:01 > 0:23:04offers a lovely swimming pool for Joe and Hillary
0:23:04 > 0:23:07to dip their toes when the French summers get too hot.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Wow!
0:23:10 > 0:23:14I can hear chuckles behind me. You've even got your own pool.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17You've done it again. That is lovely.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21How much do you think this stunning property is on the market for?
0:23:21 > 0:23:27- The million-dollar question. - I think it's going to be £385,000.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29What about you, Hillary?
0:23:29 > 0:23:33A tricky one. I'm thinking around about 360.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Not a bad guess, I have to say. - I'm being optimistic.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43The asking price is just under £363,000.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- You were spot on.- A good guess.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49So now you know the price, look at those smiles,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51do you fancy having an explore on your own
0:23:51 > 0:23:53to think about all that potential?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- I think so.- Go on. Off you go. I will see you in a little while.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03At almost £140,000 under the top-end budget,
0:24:03 > 0:24:08this property dates back to 1810 and offers five bedrooms,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11the potential to convert a three-room gite for added income
0:24:11 > 0:24:15and a wonderful mature garden complete with pool.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17I love this house. I really do.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22When I walked through the gates, I could feel my heart beating a little bit faster.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25It was one of those moments. It's just stunning.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28My favourite part of this house is actually this room we are sat in at the moment.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32It is just perfect. It is my taste. I would not change anything.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I think you could still put your own stamp on this house,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39although I must admit I am very taken with the design.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42The owner has a certain flair and that is evident in every room.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I told Nicky the first house was 11 out of 10.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I think we need a higher scale because this is even better than that one.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I would give this a 13. 13 out of 10. Definitely.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- I think you two are in your element in this garden, aren't you?- Yes.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- It's lovely.- Have you seen enough? - Yes.- Happy?- Very happy.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- All right. We are going to hit the road now.- Fantastic.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14In the north of the Poitou-Charentes,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17the Marais Poitevin is a picturesque area of marshland
0:25:17 > 0:25:22and rivers that covers nearly 375 square miles.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26It is referred to affectionately as the Green Venice.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29It is the largest wetland in France so we have sent Joe
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and Hillary to meet local British resident Carys Stafford
0:25:32 > 0:25:36to find out about the diversity of leisure activities
0:25:36 > 0:25:39that could be at their disposal right on their doorstep.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43- Joe and Hillary, welcome to the Marais Poitevin.- Thank you. - Fantastic. Thank you.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47We are standing in Coulon, which is the touristic heart of the Marais Poitevin.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51It's a beautiful village and nearby us we have these natural waterways,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53which were created back in the 12th century,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56mainly to prevent flooding in the lowland areas where it is wettest
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and also to irrigate the large, dry farmlands in the summer.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- Can you fish in the river as well? - You can fish in the river.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- You can fish for pike and perch around here.- Fantastic.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06Also, there are many cycle paths
0:26:06 > 0:26:10and due to the topography of the land it is very flat,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13so it's nice easy cycling and it's good for families and children.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The hand-dug canals were almost completely
0:26:18 > 0:26:21destroyed during the 14th and 15th centuries as it became
0:26:21 > 0:26:26a battlefield for Henry IV's troops fighting the Hundred Years War.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- They call this the hidden gem of France because not many people know about it as of yet.- Fantastic.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Long may that continue.- Yes. We don't want them all coming here, do we?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39We don't want the tourists coming here, wrecking the place!
0:26:39 > 0:26:42There's a tradition of floating markets in the area as well.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46There is still one held every July and all the stallholders come to the edges of the river
0:26:46 > 0:26:51with their boats full of produce and you can walk up and down the river and buy their wares.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Coming and seeing this, for me, is just absolutely fantastic.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57It is really selling the region to us.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00I think the weather, the food, the wine, the river, the cycling.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It just ticks every box. It is absolutely what we are after.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Perfect.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Our next property is actually situated in the heart
0:27:16 > 0:27:18of a small village called Fors, offering Joe
0:27:18 > 0:27:22and Hillary the benefit of joining a community.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23The village has a few local shops
0:27:23 > 0:27:28but it's also only half an hour from the beautiful Marais Poitevin
0:27:28 > 0:27:30where Joe could cycle to his heart's content.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Now.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Somebody joked to me... - It's my chateau!
0:27:38 > 0:27:41..that they would like a chateau here in France.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- You are kidding?- You are not joking us, are you?- I'm not joking.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Look at the turrets.- One each.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- How do you feel, standing here? - I am stunned.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53It really is the quintessential French chateau. Beautiful.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56There is no way we can afford this in our budget.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59You are having a laugh, aren't you?! You must be.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Instead of being lord and lady of the manor,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04monsieur and madame of the chateau.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07That has a certain ring to it!
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- Shall I see if I can convince you? - Yes.- Come on.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16I'm not sure Joe and Hillary can believe what they are seeing,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20but this impressive seven-bedroom chateau is more than meets the eye.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Please enter.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Gosh, this is different. Grand, that is the word I would use for this.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31It is a good word for it, isn't it?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35What I haven't told you is not only is it a magnificent chateau,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37it's also run as a business.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- It's a B&B.- Oh, right.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42So in a way, the house is divided up into two halves.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44We will come and do that bit in a minute because I want to
0:28:44 > 0:28:48start off and show you this side of the property, the private quarters.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- So here is your living room. - This is nice.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- This is your kitchen.- Oh, right.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- A round room.- Remarkable, isn't it?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- It is very in usual. - We are beneath a turret.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- I have never ever seen a circular kitchen before.- No.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11So you have seen that very large living room, you've got the
0:29:11 > 0:29:16kitchen and then next door is the bathroom and a double bedroom.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18The private quarters.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- There is plenty to explore so shall we keep going? - Yes, please.- Follow me.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- You have seen one side. How is this for a living room?- OK.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- This is nice, isn't it?- It is very nice.- It's very elegant.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36I feel this is a little bit above what we are used to.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39This is not quite the style we are used to living in at home,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41but I love it.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45This is for your guests so anyone who is staying here can use this.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Next door is a splendid dining. There is some good news.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- All the furnishings are included in the price.- Oh, wow.- Really?- Yes.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56So bear that in mind as you are walking around.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- They are literally going to leave...- Everything?- Everything.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- All right. Shall we continue?- Yes. Joe, I think you should lead the way.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- We are going to go upstairs now. - OK.- Fantastic.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10With all the furniture included in the sale of the property,
0:30:10 > 0:30:15it is a fantastic offer as filling all these rooms with beds, wardrobes
0:30:15 > 0:30:19and sofas could run into tens of thousands of pounds.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23But I'm showing them one of the six B&B bedrooms.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28This is nice.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30The way the chateau is set up as a business,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34it is set up into four apartments, if you like, for the B&B.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37You have got a large double bedroom here with a bathroom and the same above.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41And then you've got the same again on the other side of the stairs and above.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44They like to run it, I'm not going to say part-time,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46but only for about six months of the year.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49In all honesty, they do it because they want to pay the bills.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52They earn £11,000. That is not bad, is it?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54That is not a bad sideline, is it?
0:30:54 > 0:30:58They don't advertise as such but they do have a website
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- and that comes with the price of the house.- OK.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05We have a lot to think about.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08So you have been teasing me, Hillary, about wanting the perfect chateau.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11We have found you one now. How do you feel?
0:31:11 > 0:31:15I feel a bit nervous, to be honest, because I hadn't realised
0:31:15 > 0:31:19how grand it would be and what a big scale the property would be on.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- I don't know what it is. It's just...- Was it a dream?- Possibly.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- Am I bringing you back into reality? - A reality check, yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Let's head back downstairs and start thinking money.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33OK, follow me.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38We've tried hard to find a really outstanding property that might
0:31:38 > 0:31:42convince Hillary about seriously committing to this move.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45But it appears we may have overwhelmed her as the reality
0:31:45 > 0:31:50of this sumptuous B&B chateau seems to be an anti-climax.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53But Hillary and Joe are yet to hear the price tag attached
0:31:53 > 0:31:56to this unique property and its very viable business.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- So just take a look at that chateau.- It's just magnificent.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- It is stunning. It's like a- fairy tale. You're right.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- A Cinderella castle. - So give me a figure then.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13How much do you think this chateau is?
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Go on, Hillary.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17I think 550.
0:32:19 > 0:32:20I think it's well over
0:32:20 > 0:32:24and with all the fixtures and furniture and things, 575.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- I don't think we can afford it.- It is under your budget.- No!- Really?- Yes.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Including the estate agents fees,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35it's on the market for £422,000.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- No way!- You're kidding me! - Just over.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40I can see you are in a bit of a quandary now, aren't you?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Just a bit.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Why don't you go and have a chat, wander around.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Take in all those bedrooms, think of the business potential
0:32:47 > 0:32:51and could this chateau be part of that dream, that move to France?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59What can I say? What can I say? They wanted a chateau.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03We have found them the most superb property. It's under budget.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It even has business potential. And they are not sure.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09You can't call it sometimes, can you?
0:33:11 > 0:33:15At more than 75,000 under the top budget of £500,000,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18this elegant chateau has seven bedrooms
0:33:18 > 0:33:22with six given over to a bed-and-breakfast business.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25The existing B&B website as well as all the furniture
0:33:25 > 0:33:29are included in the price and the land features pretty formal gardens
0:33:29 > 0:33:31with mature trees.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I feel a little disappointed with myself, to be honest.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38I feel I should love this property and yet, perhaps in time,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I may fall more in love with it.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I'm not in love with it at the moment but it is fabulous.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47There is no way you'd be able to get anything like this in the whole
0:33:47 > 0:33:50of England I would guess, the whole of the UK.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52The price is just incredible and it's so attractive.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56I think I'm going to get my chequebook out later on today.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01If Joe loved this property, I would struggle to agree with him
0:34:01 > 0:34:04and generally we like to be on the same page.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I think he will be thinking the same things that I'm thinking.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11That it's possibly a bit too much for us to take on.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14If you were to ask me, would we be living in this property in six months' time?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17The answer would be a definite yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Here they come.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Have you seen enough?- Yes. - That's it now.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25The tour is over. We've got to hit the road.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35The Poitou-Charentes region in France is a largely rural area
0:34:35 > 0:34:38with many of its residents employed in agriculture.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43Wheat, barley and corn can all be found dominating the landscape.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46But there's also an abundance of smallholdings with many homes
0:34:46 > 0:34:49keeping chickens, pigs and goats.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52With Joe and Hillary intent on living the good life,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56not just in the proverbial but the physical sense too,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59we've organised for them to visit a local British couple
0:34:59 > 0:35:02to give them a better idea of what life is really like here.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07- David and Lorraine made the move to the region five years ago.- Hello.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- Welcome to The Lodging. - Thank you very much.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- I understand you've got some things lined up for us to try.- We do.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- Tell us more, David. - We have pigs.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- Oh, right. - Are you interested in pigs?
0:35:20 > 0:35:24I've had this crazy dream for quite a few years to have chickens and pigs.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- I guess we'll now see the reality but who knows?- His face!
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- He is so happy. - I'm excited.- I can see!
0:35:31 > 0:35:34You can have a look and see what takes your fancy and go from there.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- Enjoy, won't you? I will see you later.- Bye.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44David and Lorraine started pig farming in France when they
0:35:44 > 0:35:47were looking for a way of adding to their income during retirement.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51They now offer farming holidays with guests helping out
0:35:51 > 0:35:54with the 50-strong herd of rare breed Berkshire
0:35:54 > 0:35:56and Gloucester old spot pigs.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59It's no secret that Hillary doesn't share Joe's enthusiasm
0:35:59 > 0:36:04for pig husbandry so a soupcon of the real deal could go either way.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07But if anything is going to get her on board,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10it is going to be these little ones.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- This is a three-week-old litter of piglets.- Aren't they lovely?
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- And their mother, Wilma.- Hello.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23This is just a dream of mine, to have pigs.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25And I'm not really sure where it came from, to be honest.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28But it is just something we've never done before and it seems to me
0:36:28 > 0:36:31that it is such an enjoyable thing to do. Would you agree with that?
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Absolutely. It was something we'd never done before.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39We didn't plan to come here to France to have pigs,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42we just sort of grew into it and we absolutely adore them now.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45How difficult did you find it in France, raising pigs?
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I don't think it is a problem at all.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50It's quite easy to get the feed.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53In fact, the feed is a little bit cheaper than it is in the UK.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56There are a few hurdles to go over in terms of getting the right
0:36:56 > 0:37:00approval but that doesn't take very long to get sorted out
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- and then off you go. - So as a complete novice like me,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06how difficult is it to learn to rear pigs.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09I think you will find it is quite easy
0:37:09 > 0:37:12as long as you are willing to put the time in.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16It's a big commitment because you have to be up every morning
0:37:16 > 0:37:19to feed them and you have to be there
0:37:19 > 0:37:21every evening to put them away.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23What happens to the pigs if you go on holiday?
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Well, if we go on holiday we have to go separately
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- because one of us has always got to be here with the pigs.- Right.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33So it makes a few difficulties.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35That is a real commitment then, isn't it?
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- That is something you need to take on board.- Yeah.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41But it's not just the realities of pig husbandry that Joe
0:37:41 > 0:37:45and Hillary are keen to hear about so sitting down over dinner,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48it's a chance to get a bigger picture of what living abroad
0:37:48 > 0:37:50is like and what they could expect
0:37:50 > 0:37:53should they make the move here permanently.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- There we are.- It looks great.- Looks good, doesn't it?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Looks fantastic.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Let's be honest, how often can we eat outside in the UK?
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- Not as much as we would like, is it?- No.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08We are quite fortunate here, aren't we?
0:38:09 > 0:38:12When the summer comes it really does hit us.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- Winter, that can be quite sharp. - Can it?- Yeah.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18It can be very cold in the winter.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23January, February, we've been down to minus 15.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Was that a shock? Did you expect it to be that cold?- No, we didn't.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- We didn't expect that. - You have been here five years now.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Can you remember when you first moved out,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34what actually shocked you, the difference, the changes?
0:38:35 > 0:38:39Well, I think when you retire you have your pension
0:38:39 > 0:38:42and it seems like a huge amount of money...
0:38:43 > 0:38:46..and you keep going into the supermarket and you keep going
0:38:46 > 0:38:48and you are shopping and shopping and you think, well,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51actually, this can't go on because money does start to dwindle.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53We thought we would come out here
0:38:53 > 0:38:56and we thought our pension would go much further than it did.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02We have found ways since of eking it out a lot more.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04So what would you say the biggest tip,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07giving to complete novices going to France, what would that be?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09If you are looking to do gites or B&B,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12you will get the friends that will come out quite a bit
0:39:12 > 0:39:16and you need to tell the friends to put their hands in their pockets.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18You know, that is quite important.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Otherwise you become the B&B that doesn't charge.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25"Let's go and see Joe and Hillary in France and have a holiday!"
0:39:25 > 0:39:27And what about the language?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30In your opinion, how important is it if you move here?
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Can you get by if you've only got pidgin French,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- if there is such a word?- Our French was never great when we came here.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- Still isn't, but... - Still isn't. But we get by.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42We have been taking lessons.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46But our French neighbours and our French acquaintances
0:39:46 > 0:39:52are all really good and providing you try, they really appreciate it.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55And for you, was it the right decision to move to France?
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Absolutely. It's the best thing we've done. We are loving it.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01We wouldn't want to go back.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03David and Lorraine,
0:40:03 > 0:40:06thank you so much for sharing your insight into your lives.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Hillary and Joe, how do you feel?
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Has this cemented the idea or opened your eyes to something else?
0:40:12 > 0:40:15This has been incredibly useful, to hear the reality of it.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18You have shown us what a move to France is really all about.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's not about the house, it's about the lifestyle,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23it's about what you get, the change in direction.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- And that's what we're after, isn't it?- That right, yeah.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29It's about what you get and it's also about what you put in.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- That's right.- Absolutely, yes.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36After meeting David and Lorraine and their menagerie,
0:40:36 > 0:40:40Joe is now more eager than ever to develop his own smallholding
0:40:40 > 0:40:43and France has strict property laws to protect both sellers
0:40:43 > 0:40:48and buyers so buying out here is a relatively simple process
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and not too dissimilar to that in the UK.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54But there are a few differences to be aware of.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57The purchase price should include the estate agent's fee
0:40:57 > 0:40:59and so is paid by the buyer.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Expect to pay up to 10% of your property's value in fees
0:41:03 > 0:41:07and taxes, which are set by the government on a sliding scale
0:41:07 > 0:41:10depending on the price and age of the property.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14All property transactions are overseen by a notaire,
0:41:14 > 0:41:16which is much like a solicitor
0:41:16 > 0:41:18and ensures everything is done above board.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22In fact, it is vital to seek sound legal advice before proceeding
0:41:22 > 0:41:24with any property purchase.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Husband and wife Joe and Hillary
0:41:30 > 0:41:33are looking to move from Sheffield to western France,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37where they hope to fulfil Joe's long-held dream of running a gite
0:41:37 > 0:41:40but with apprehensions from his wife,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42we have arranged for them to stay in one of our properties
0:41:42 > 0:41:47so they can get an authentic flavour of what life is like living abroad.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Sante!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52I can't believe how much Joe
0:41:52 > 0:41:55has loved every property we have shown him.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58He is so keen on this move I think I could show him a shed
0:41:58 > 0:42:00and he would want to buy it.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03But in all seriousness, I think it is Hillary
0:42:03 > 0:42:05is the one that still needs convincing.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08So today with our mystery house we have found a property
0:42:08 > 0:42:13that has a certain je ne sais quoi and it could offer Joe and Hillary
0:42:13 > 0:42:16a source of income they definitely wouldn't have considered before.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21The mystery property is situated amongst
0:42:21 > 0:42:25the beautiful farmland just to the north of the large town of Niort.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29The nearest village, St Maxire, is only two miles away
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and offers a good selection of shops and local amenities.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36It makes a great launching pad to explore the local waterways
0:42:36 > 0:42:39and coast, which is only an hour to the west.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42But in the rural outskirts we find our mystery house,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46which is the last chance to win Hillary over.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- Come on through.- Crikey! Flipping heck!
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Oh, wow! This is different, isn't it?
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- This is our mystery house. - I'm really intrigued.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- Dating back to the 1400s.- OK.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Originally monks were believed to have owned this property.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Obviously, it has been updated and converted since then.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09- A little bit, yeah.- But you have this massive expanse of water.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- That is fantastic.- It is.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Any idea why we might have picked this property for you?
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- I was expecting something new. - Were you?- Yeah.- Being the mystery.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20Absolutely. So that has blown me out of the water.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24I don't know what else to... Any ideas, Joe?
0:43:24 > 0:43:28I'm going to get my fishing rod out. That's me sorted. I don't know.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30- You are getting close, in actual fact.- Right.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Because talking about your love of the outdoors, you could
0:43:33 > 0:43:38offer fishing holidays, people could rent bikes from you and go cycling.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40There are so many cycling paths.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Or if you have a passion for canoeing,
0:43:42 > 0:43:44you could rent out canoes from here.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- Lots of possibilities.- Absolutely.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49But this is the house that just keeps giving.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- That's all I'm going to say. Shall we take a look?- Yes, please!
0:43:54 > 0:43:57We chose the mystery house as it offers Joe and Hillary
0:43:57 > 0:44:01an alternative business option other than the gite potential
0:44:01 > 0:44:04they had asked for but that does, of course, mean a lot more work.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07What's more, in the living room there is another income generator
0:44:07 > 0:44:10for them to consider.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Talking business opportunities, the waterwheel,
0:44:13 > 0:44:18that beautiful half-moon window can also serve a purpose.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20If you wanted to, and the owners have looked into this,
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- you can convert that into energy, into electricity.- Oh, right.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26So it does work.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30You would pay about £25,000 to have it installed and you could
0:44:30 > 0:44:33harness all of the energy from the water, convert it into electricity.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36That could make you an income of between £6,000
0:44:36 > 0:44:41- and £8,000 a year, depending on how much rainfall there has been.- Yeah.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44So, you want a little bit of extra money on the side,
0:44:44 > 0:44:49there is no changing beds, making breakfasts, looking after guests.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52- It could pay for itself.- I like the idea of that. Green energy.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56- For just a small, relatively small investment.- Interesting.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01- Hillary, can you see yourself living here?- I'm not sure, to be honest.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05You don't have to be polite. Tell me what's going through your mind.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08It's just a very grand entrance.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11I'm not too sure where we would put the furniture.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14For me, getting furniture is the smallest problem, especially
0:45:14 > 0:45:18when you've got your budget to play with. I think furniture is solvable.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20OK. You are probably right.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23But if you don't want to do something,
0:45:23 > 0:45:25it's a good problem to put in the way.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Furniture, solved. It's a bigger issue.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- So that is what we have to uncover. That issue.- Right.- Yes?
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Let's continue. Just through here.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39Once again, Hillary is holding back despite the money-for-nothing
0:45:39 > 0:45:42possibility of the water wheel.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45But there is plenty more to see to get them excited.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49In all, there are four bedrooms providing plenty of guest accommodation.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Although unusually, the master bedroom
0:45:52 > 0:45:57is downstairs, taking full advantage of those wonderful river views.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59There is also a decent-sized kitchen
0:45:59 > 0:46:04and a large open-plan dining room featuring an enormous fireplace.
0:46:04 > 0:46:08But we are making a beeline for the courtyard around the back of the property.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10This is the area I wanted to show you
0:46:10 > 0:46:14because it has the potential for a third business.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17Behind us, we have an empty storage space.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19You could convert that into a gite.
0:46:19 > 0:46:24If that wasn't enough, you could actually convert that part of the property as well.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27You've got the bar room. There is a door going through there.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Two more storage rooms. Huge.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33So you could have a second gite along there, should you want to.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- So it's got potential, short, medium and long-term?- Yes.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43You don't even know how much it's on the market for, so you two have got to start thinking money.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Let's go by that fabulous river and we can discuss numbers.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53With this property offering so much scope, I wonder if the all-important
0:46:53 > 0:46:58price could change how Joe and Hillary each view this house.
0:46:58 > 0:47:03You might not thank me but I'm going to tell you this comes with land.
0:47:03 > 0:47:04- Oh, really?- Right.
0:47:04 > 0:47:09The reason you might not thank me is because there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- Oh, yes!- No!
0:47:11 > 0:47:14So you've got five acres in total.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- So this has literally got everything we asked for.- It has.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20So how much is it on the market for?
0:47:20 > 0:47:22I think this is at the top of our budget.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25I'm going to say £500,000.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- Hillary?- I'm thinking of a similar sort of figure. Top end.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32I would say maybe 485.
0:47:32 > 0:47:37The asking price is just under £513,000.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40- Right.- Right, OK.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44That could also be offset by the income generated. Joe's Tours. Cycling, fishing.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Joe's Tours! I can see it now! Lovely.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50So that could offset the price.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53Why don't you have some time to look around.
0:47:53 > 0:47:54Think of all those opportunities.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57The business, whether you just want to get a home,
0:47:57 > 0:48:01what's right for the two of you when you make this move.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04- Go on. Take some time. Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09This 15th-century mill is over budget.
0:48:09 > 0:48:14However, with the mystery element being three separate business opportunities,
0:48:14 > 0:48:17Joe and Hillary could earn some extra income to balance that.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20There is the prospect of Joe's Tours,
0:48:20 > 0:48:23the water wheel and the gite potential.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26The four bedrooms give enough space for family
0:48:26 > 0:48:29and friends to visit and outside, the five acres
0:48:29 > 0:48:32leave plenty of room for gardening as well as pigs and chickens.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36With all this, I'm confident we have found another winner in Joe's eyes.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39But has it done enough to move Hillary?
0:48:39 > 0:48:44I am not sure whether I really like this property as a place for us to live permanently.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46It is a beautiful property. It is stunning.
0:48:46 > 0:48:51The architecture is brilliant. The water wheel is a real feature.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55I'm not sure about the river. Living on a river worries me a little bit.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58The best thing about this property by far is the river.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02I can get my fishing rod out, Hillary could swim there,
0:49:02 > 0:49:04we can canoe down to Niort.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08The whole point about moving to France was to have an active lifestyle,
0:49:08 > 0:49:11to generate some income, to get into the French way of life
0:49:11 > 0:49:16and this to me, this property, is a perfect opportunity to do all those things.
0:49:16 > 0:49:17In spades.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22If Joe said to me, this is my house, this is my dream, let's buy it,
0:49:22 > 0:49:24I think I would have to say no.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27We need to discuss this a little bit further.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30We need to make sure we are both happy with what we are buying.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33He does tend to get a bit carried away, as you've probably noticed!
0:49:35 > 0:49:38I should have known, shouldn't I? Joe was always going to love it.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39Hillary?
0:49:41 > 0:49:44- Happy, you two? Have you seen enough?- Yes, I think so.- That's it.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- That is the end of all our house tours.- OK.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51- You've got some thinking to do and some discussions to be had. - Just a bit.- Shall we leave now?- OK.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01In rural France, it's hard to ignore the extraordinary
0:50:01 > 0:50:04heritage of world-class food and drink production.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08Each French region lays claim to its own unique speciality
0:50:08 > 0:50:11and the Poitou-Charentes is no different.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14Here, the sun-soaked and gentle rolling hills provide ideal
0:50:14 > 0:50:17conditions for the growing of grapes.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20And in the south of the region, you'll find the town of Cognac,
0:50:20 > 0:50:25which gives its name to one of the world's best known brandy varieties.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27There are still around 200 local producers,
0:50:27 > 0:50:32but today I have come to visit Pascale Rousseau from Remy Martin.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Founded in 1724,
0:50:34 > 0:50:38it remained a family business for five generations.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41It's one of the oldest labels in the region and they still use
0:50:41 > 0:50:45their original distilling methods from the 18th century.
0:50:45 > 0:50:50- So, Pascale, these are the world-famous vines.- Definitely.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53We are here in the heart of Cognac,
0:50:53 > 0:50:57where vines have been grown for centuries.
0:50:57 > 0:51:02Actually, it started three centuries before Jesus Christ.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05You can't make an exceptional cognac
0:51:05 > 0:51:07if you do not start with a perfect vine.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11It is chalk below our feet here.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15And with chalk, the grapes are going to get
0:51:15 > 0:51:20exactly what they need to get in terms of nutritious elements.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23But it's not just the soil, is it, that makes cognac so special?
0:51:23 > 0:51:26It's a whole combination.
0:51:26 > 0:51:32There is a very, very French concept which is the name terroir.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35And what does terroir mean?
0:51:35 > 0:51:41Terroir to us is a combination of know-how
0:51:41 > 0:51:45and soil and climate and habits.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47So all those elements together make cognac?
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Yes, they need to be together. Absolutely.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55What sets cognac apart from other types of brandy is the wine
0:51:55 > 0:51:58must go through two cycles of distillation.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02A process of heating and cooling through steel pots.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05The Dutch merchants called this distilled wine brandy vine,
0:52:05 > 0:52:09which was later shortened to just brandy.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13- We are surrounded by barrels. - Yes, absolutely.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17Cognac is always aged into barrels. It is oak.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22Most of them are more than 100 years old when we use them.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25The wood delivers some specific aromas
0:52:25 > 0:52:28and then it is just the time that will do the work
0:52:28 > 0:52:31because there's going to be a lot of evaporation.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35Evaporation will mean concentration of aromas inside.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38The wood helps to mature the flavours of ripe orange
0:52:38 > 0:52:42and fig, as well as imparting notes of hazelnut and jasmine.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46Pascale, this is the part I have really been looking forward to.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48I understand.
0:52:48 > 0:52:53Before we start tasting, do you know that this French product
0:52:53 > 0:52:57has a very narrow relation with Britain?
0:52:57 > 0:52:58No. Go on.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02- You have already seen these letters on bottles of cognac.- All the time.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04- Never know what it means, but all the time.- OK.
0:53:04 > 0:53:10With those letters, a cognac is positioned in terms of category.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14- XO is extra old. - But why do you use English words?
0:53:14 > 0:53:18Obviously, simply because the very first commercial exchanges
0:53:18 > 0:53:26between Cognac and foreign countries was with Britain.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29So the first export was to Britain
0:53:29 > 0:53:34and actually Britain is still the first market for cognac.
0:53:34 > 0:53:40But France is a fabulous shop window for the whole world.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44- So I can see you have kindly put out a couple of glasses.- Absolutely.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47Absolutely. Shall we smell it first?
0:53:49 > 0:53:53- Am I smelling cinnamon?- You are absolutely right. Very well done.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Now, let's start tasting it.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00Pascale, that is so divine.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03Thank you so much for sharing all this history with us
0:54:03 > 0:54:05and the process of how we get cognac.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12That's it for our tour of the Poitou-Charentes region.
0:54:12 > 0:54:17We've had such positive reactions on all the properties we've shown Hillary and Joe.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21But it's not just about finding them a home, is it?
0:54:21 > 0:54:24It's also about changing the way they live their lives.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27So have we done enough to convince them
0:54:27 > 0:54:29that France is the place for them?
0:54:29 > 0:54:31I can't wait to find out.
0:54:35 > 0:54:40Joe and Hillary, we've certainly had an experience, haven't we, driving around this region?
0:54:40 > 0:54:42Yes. It's been great.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46You, Joe, were the one that was desperate to start this adventure, as I'm going to call it.
0:54:46 > 0:54:48Hillary, not quite so sure.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52I wonder if anything has changed over the last few days?
0:54:53 > 0:54:56It has been a real experience seeing all the properties
0:54:56 > 0:55:00and I love this area. I am really on that page with you.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03I mean, if we do move to France, and I hope we do,
0:55:03 > 0:55:05this is the area we want to be in.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07It just seems to have everything for us.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10The whole reason for coming to France was to get an idea about what it was like,
0:55:10 > 0:55:13what the properties were like, what a way of life was like.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16I have actually learned more in the last couple of days
0:55:16 > 0:55:18than in the 40-odd years we have been coming to France.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20It has been absolutely fantastic.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23- Did we get close with any of the homes that we showed you?- Yes.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27Definitely. The one with the yellow shutters is a definite maybe.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30And again, I know Hillary and myself disagree on this,
0:55:30 > 0:55:34but for me the mystery house as well has got loads of potential.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36Hillary, what about you?
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Because I just got this feeling,
0:55:38 > 0:55:41she's not quite committed to this move yet.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44I don't know whether Hillary has relinquished life in the UK.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47- Is that true? - You are absolutely spot on.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49You have read me like a book!
0:55:49 > 0:55:53Yes, I still have reservations but you know what, coming here,
0:55:53 > 0:55:56it is such a beautiful part of the world.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58I have fallen in love with it, actually.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00So which one was your favourite property?
0:56:00 > 0:56:03My favourite property was the house with the yellow shutters.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05So you do agree on one of the properties?
0:56:05 > 0:56:09We did at the time and I could tell from his reaction, it was genuine and it mirrored mine.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13So what is stopping you from having a look at that property again?
0:56:13 > 0:56:17We are already coming back in about six weeks' time, back to this region to have a look around.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19We have planned that visit already.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22And if I am going to put you on the spot, what is the time limit?
0:56:22 > 0:56:25- I think we'll be living in France within the next 12 months.- Do you?
0:56:25 > 0:56:28Yes. Very much so. Yourself? Not so sure!
0:56:30 > 0:56:33- Yes. I'm not sure. - You are saying it to keep him happy.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35- Come on, be honest with me. - 12 to 18 months, maybe.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38But Hillary, if it was just your decision
0:56:38 > 0:56:42and Joe wasn't part of the equation, would you move to France?
0:56:42 > 0:56:44That is an interesting question.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46If I was being perfectly honest, probably not.
0:56:46 > 0:56:50- But you are doing it for your husband.- I am doing it for him and for the family as well.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54I am obviously slightly disappointed we didn't find you that dream home.
0:56:54 > 0:56:59But for you, what is it about moving, is it right for you and it seems you have come to a conclusion.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Yes. I think so.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05- Thank you very much. It has been an absolute pleasure.- Thank you.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08- I have just got one last question, if you don't mind.- Fire away.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10How much is this one?
0:57:12 > 0:57:14- This is out of your budget, mate! - Is it? All right!
0:57:18 > 0:57:21Well, we have seen some truly fabulous properties
0:57:21 > 0:57:23over the last few days.
0:57:23 > 0:57:28But if I had shown Joe and Hillary quite literally their dream home,
0:57:28 > 0:57:30Joe would have bought on the spot.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34But Hillary was always the one that needed convincing.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37What we have learned is that this move is right for them,
0:57:37 > 0:57:40but not just right now.
0:57:40 > 0:57:41Until next time, bye-bye.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48I'm delighted to report that introducing Joe and Hillary
0:57:48 > 0:57:52to the Availles-Limouzine area had a profound effect on them both.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56So much so, that they have just had an offer accepted on a house
0:57:56 > 0:58:00less than ten miles away from the first property we showed them.
0:58:00 > 0:58:05So, we wish them the very best of luck for a bright future in France.
0:58:05 > 0:58:09If you wish to escape to the Continent and would like our help,
0:58:09 > 0:58:14please apply online at: