France - Poitou-Charentes Escape to the Continent

This 15th century tower behind me stands proudly as the only

surviving medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.

However, during its 600-year history,

this 70-metre high tower was also used as a jail,

imprisoning pirates, clergy and even British seamen.

So find out where I am and which country I'm in, in just a moment.

Today, we are crossing the Channel, helping a couple from Sheffield

who are hoping to start a new life abroad.

And they can't believe what they are seeing.

There is no way we can afford this on our budget. You are having a laugh, aren't you?! You must be.

But they don't always see eye to eye.

You might not thank me, but I am going to tell you

there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.

-Oh, no!

-Oh, yes!

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

I am in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France

and these are the centuries-old towers of La Rochelle.

Now, this historic port was once a fishing village,

but it was during the 16th and 17th century that the city

became the major stronghold for the French Protestants,

which resulted in years of religious and bloody sieges

with France's Catholic monarchy.

Thankfully, today, peace has been restored and this old port is packed

with breathtaking architecture and a stunning coastline,

offering just a taste of what this beautiful region has to offer.

Lying in western France, the Poitou-Charentes benefits

from the best of coast and countryside,

sitting right up against the Atlantic Ocean.

Covering a massive 10,000 square miles,

this varied landscape is roughly the same size as the British

counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria put together.

The golden sand coastline to the west boasts award-winning beaches,

as well as laying claim to being the largest oyster cultivation area in Europe.

Producing over 45,000 tonnes a year,

they are considered some of the best in the world.

Further inland, this mainly agricultural region gives way

to a stunning and gently undulating landscape of farmland and vineyards.

But there is also striking architecture at every turn,

including ancient Roman towns such as Saintes

with its 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.

The Poitou-Charentes boasts some of the mildest

and sunniest weather in France.

Perhaps another reason why nearly 13,000 British expats

are now calling the region home.

But how is all this reflected in the property prices?

The average price of a detached home in France is around £139,000.

That is £116,000 cheaper than back in the UK.

In the Poitou-Charentes region it is cheaper still,

with the average price for a detached home here at £125,000.

But prices do vary depending on where you go.

Along the highly-prized coast resorts, such as here

at La Rochelle, you can expect to pay double the region's average.

But what is it about this region that so appeals to today's buyers?

Let's meet them to find out.

Yorkshire couple Joe and Hillary live just a few miles

from the centre of Sheffield in a four-bedroom semi-detached property.

But nearing their 30th wedding anniversary

and with their three children having flown the coop,

they feel now is the time to make a serious life change.

This has been a great family home. We have lived here for 18 years. Now is the time to move on.

I've been planning to move in my head for about 35 years,

-but it's only the last two years we have been planning it in earnest, haven't we?

-Yes.

That is really because of the children because they are more settled

and their paths are more or less set out now.

Although Hillary still works part-time as a language teacher,

Joe retired from the police force two years ago,

the catalyst for his desire to make a move to France a reality.

I guess the fear I have got is that we don't do it.

You can always put obstacles in the way as to why you are not

going to move somewhere, but moving to France, getting a nice

property, going out and enjoying life, is absolutely fantastic.

We will never ever do it while we are in Sheffield or while we are in the UK.

But Hillary is the one that will need convincing of the move

as she has a more realistic view of just what an upheaval it could be.

I think Joe has perhaps got a rose-tinted view

of what life will be like living abroad.

I have lived abroad already so I have experienced some of those challenges

and there will be challenges ahead, learning the language.

But we are definitely up for the challenge. We will help each other through it.

Despite her reservations, they can both see the benefits a move to the

Poitou-Charentes could add to their lives.

We are really hoping to have an active retirement in France.

We want to embrace our 50s with vigour and energy, don't we?

So cycling for you, swimming for me. New activities.

-We are hoping to be outdoors as much as we can.

-Yes, definitely.

And the possibility of more hours of sunshine each year means both

Joe and Hillary could embrace their love of the outdoors.

I am a very keen gardener. I love my garden here.

I spend quite a lot of time in the summer gardening.

But it's not really big enough, so I'm looking for somewhere

with more land so I can spread my green fingers a bit more, I suppose.

My real passions are walking, anything to do with rivers,

fishing, canoeing and swimming, that sort of thing, and cycling.

What I would like to do in France is spend more time doing those things.

The weather is better generally and spending more time cycling for me would be fantastic.

-You might even get me on a bike, you never know!

-Yes.

When it comes to the lifestyle,

they may already have one foot on the other side of the Channel,

but what are they willing to spend to turn this dream into a reality?

Our budget for the move to France is £350,000 to £500,000.

Hillary and Joe are yet to pinpoint an exact location

within the Poitou-Charentes, so our property search will take us

throughout the region and we are starting in the historic

town of Saintes to learn more about what they are looking for.

Hopefully, we're going to help you find the house of your dreams,

-but also perhaps change your lives forever.

-Fantastic.

Describe to me what your dream home looks like.

Something quite traditional. Something pretty rustic.

Perhaps a bit of land. You've got a bit of a hankering for pigs and chickens, haven't you?

-Yes.

-Joe, tell me little bit more about this.

-My vision is the chateau on the hill.

-Chateau?

I am feeling the pressure already! And the lifestyle?

Somewhere where we can raise a few chickens and pigs.

Perhaps with a separate annexe or a gite of some sort

because that could generate some income to supplement the pension.

-So that business potential when we're looking around the properties.

-That would be really good.

So remind me of your budget. How much have you got to spend?

I am confident you are going to be able to find us

an ideal property for between 350 and £500,000.

That word "chateau" keeps creeping up in my mind!

We do have some splendid properties to show you.

-One, of course, is our mystery house.

-Fantastic.

-So are you ready to get started?

-Absolutely.

-Can't wait.

Let's begin your journey. Come on.

So for a budget of between 350 and £500,000,

Joe and Hillary would like to find a traditional French house

that offers them a minimum of three bedrooms.

Ideally, they would also like a separate holiday gite

to rent out to bring in some extra income.

And the outside space needs to fulfil both Hillary's love

of gardening and Joe's aspirations to raise pigs and chickens.

What our buyers don't know is that not only have we lined up four properties for them to view,

they will also be staying in one of them, which will offer Hillary

and Joe a real sense of what life could be like here.

And our final stop is the mystery house

that offers them something else they definitely won't be expecting.

To begin our search, we're heading to the

east of the region in the heart of the countryside.

With no neighbours to speak of, the house sits two miles

from a pretty little village called Availles-Limouzine.

Here, there's a good selection of shops, including a bakery,

a small restaurant and a hotel.

What's more, it is set on the banks of a river where Joe could fish.

And in the rural outskirts of the village, we find our first property.

This, potentially, could be your new home in France. Take a look.

-Wow!

-That is lovely.

-There's a pool!

-That's fantastic.

You have spotted the pool already, have you?

So this is the accommodation. Built around the 19th century.

This part was the barn.

As you can see, you've got another very picturesque barn in front of you.

-And then another one behind.

-It's fantastic.

Joe, you are the one who started this off.

You are the one with the dream of living in France. How does this compare?

This looks perfect. Absolutely perfect.

This is exactly what I had in mind.

Only it seems a lot bigger than I thought we would be able to afford.

It's lovely. It's absolutely lovely.

Can you imagine yourself living somewhere like this?

I think I can, yes. It looks like a dream house.

How would you feel if we made that dream a reality?

Because we have got your cases in the car

and you are actually going to be staying here.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Tonight?

-Yes.

-Fantastic.

-Try before you buy!

-Shall we start the tour?

-Definitely.

-Are you ready?

-Yes.

-Come on then.

Our plan is that by having the run of the place,

including the generous six acres of gardens and pool,

it will give them a better idea of what a move abroad could be like.

First, though, I'm hoping the inside will be

as warmly received as the outside.

Shall we start off with the kitchen? I always think it is the best room in the house.

It is the most important room in the house. It's lovely.

Modern but it is not too modern, which is just what I said I wanted.

Tomorrow morning, you are going to be in here.

This is going to be you two at the table having your breakfast.

It's a definite yes from me

and we've only just got into the first room, so it's brilliant.

A good yes from you. I need a yes from you as well, though, don't I?

-I'm sure it will come.

-Do you think?

-Yes.

It's a good start. Let's continue through.

This is something else, isn't it?

-I am literally struggling to take it all in. It is just...

-It's beautiful.

-I can't believe you've got this for us.

-I really like this room.

-People talk about the wow factor. This is it.

-This is it. Well, so far.

Yes. And I know that family is very important to you.

You are moving away. They are going to want to come here, aren't they?

-Yes.

-Definitely. They will want to come and visit here.

There is potential with this property,

serious business potential, should you want to take it.

-Shall we go upstairs and I can explain a little bit more?

-That would be great.

The downstairs also includes a spacious centrepiece dining room with an original tiled floor.

But thinking about Joe and Hillary's wish for earning a small income from the property,

I think we've got a good solution for an immediate boost to their finances.

So these are the original stairs of the property.

I mentioned to you about a business proposition.

Downstairs on this side of the house you've got a sitting room,

a utility room, which could easily be converted into a kitchen.

Upstairs on this part, you've got three bedrooms. One is en suite.

You could actually divide the house up and rent all of this out.

-That is interesting.

-Which the owners actually do.

-Fantastic.

-OK.

The good news is, you don't have to do anything.

-It's all been done for you.

-That's great.

-Fantastic.

-Do you like that idea?

-Very much.

I've got something even more important to show you down here.

This side of the house has two large bedrooms, either of which

could be used as a master bedroom as both have an en-suite bathroom.

Here is your bedroom.

-Wow! It's fantastic.

-This is lovely.

-Very nice.

-This is a huge room, isn't it?

-This is lovely.

-What are you thinking then?

-Out of 10?

-11.

It is a good 9 out of 10.

I've never been as impressed on the first viewing of any property I've ever seen.

I am so delighted. I'm excited for you.

Let's go outside because there is plenty to see out there.

-Let me explain about the layout and I can't forget the pool, can I?

-No.

-I must see the pool.

-If you'd like to follow me.

-OK.

Outside, there are two capacious barns that form the courtyard.

In total, there's around 8,000 square feet of prime gite potential.

Planning permission was granted to convert them.

Although that has now lapsed,

hopefully it shouldn't be a problem to renew.

We were looking for a property for you which obviously did have the wow factor,

but also the possibility of running a business.

And just something for you to consider, the farmhouse, the bit at the very end,

those three bedrooms, they make £10,000 just from that alone.

-You're joking!

-Good grief.

-So if you rent out even more, can you imagine what the income could be?

How much is all of this on the market for?

I think, because there is a lot of property and a lot of land,

I think it is towards the top end of our budget. So I would guess, 475.

-Joe?

-I think it's more.

Difficult to say but I think it's over 500. So I would say 510.

510,000.

How would you feel if I told you the price is just over £408,000?

-You are joking!

-really?

-I am not joking.

-I am really surprised at that.

-£400,000?

-You'd get nothing like this back home, would you?

-Nothing at all.

-Nothing at all.

The only additional fee on top of that would be the notaire,

which is sort of like stamp duty and land registry, your land solicitor.

So on a property like this the fee is £25,000.

-I'll get my cheque book out now, if you want?!

-I might hold you to that.

But would you be signing the cheque? That is what I want to know.

I would like to see what else is to come, but this is a real positive.

-Keeping your options open?

-Keeping my options open, yes.

Why don't you have another look around? Really explore.

-When you look at a property after you know the price, you do look at it through fresh eyes.

-That is true.

And also you can bear in mind at the moment, £10,000 revenue

just from one small part of this property, with the potential of more.

Take your time. I'll come and find you to say goodbye before I go.

-OK.

-Fantastic.

-Enjoy.

-Thank you.

-Thanks very much.

They love it. They absolutely love it.

But it is such a splendid property, way under their budget.

It has the potential for them to run a business as well.

My only concern?

I've got other properties to show them. How am I going to better this?

£90,000 under their top budget, this detached property offers five

bedrooms in total, with immediate potential for renting out three

and the possibility to convert two barns into further gites.

There's also a swimming pool

and six acres of land for Joe's plans to raise pigs and chickens.

When I first saw the house, I was absolutely blown away.

I couldn't believe it. I think it is an incredible property.

I have never ever seen anything like it.

I think it really will be a difficult one to top.

I have got more reservations about moving to France than Joe.

It has always been his dream.

Before we saw this house, I thought I would need a lot more convincing

of moving lock stock and barrel to another country.

But having seen this property,

I really think this is going to happen for us and I really hope it does.

This property is absolutely perfect. Everything I have dreamed of.

I can definitely see myself living here in the future.

This is where I leave you two

to enjoy yourselves in this magnificent property

and sample your new life in France.

Don't have too much fun, will you?

-I will catch up with you in the morning. See you tomorrow.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-It's what we've always wanted to do, isn't it, eating alfresco?

-Yes.

-We will be able to do that more often.

-How often would we get to do this in Sheffield, Hillary?

-Not very often.

I think last year we had three barbecues.

-The weather was good enough for three. Certainly not like here.

-No.

I thought you would be a bit more reserved about moving to France

because it has always been my dream,

but I know you have been a bit reserved about coming.

What do you think now having seen the property?

I think it is something I'd really like to do.

It has really opened my eyes.

The properties you can buy for the money, there is no comparison back home.

But you are not just saying that?

No, I'm not just saying that. No. It is a change of lifestyle.

-It would be really good for us.

-Fantastic.

With the dawn of a new day, Joe and Hillary are waking up to their very

first morning in Availles-Limouzine and experiencing day-to-day customs

in the French fashion, which should help to give them

a better sense of what life would be like if they moved here permanently.

Well, it is the start of day two.

Yesterday went well with Joe and perhaps more importantly,

Hillary was rather taken with our first French property.

Today, the weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse

but it's not going to dampen our spirits because we've got a

house lined up, which is packed full of French style.

Something they both will hopefully like.

The second property in the south-east of the region

is only one mile from a small but well-served village called Brie,

although nothing to do with its namesake, the famous French cheese.

But what makes this location especially appealing

is its proximity to the town of Angouleme.

Only 15 minutes away by car.

Wow.

-Wow!

-It's lovely.

-Fantastic. Very different to the first.

-Very different.

-Pretty.

-It looks lovely. Yes. Like a hidden gem.

I like that. A hidden gem.

It is because we are completely secluded even though we are in a hamlet.

Only about 20 people live here.

-It is characterful, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Very much so, yes.

The original house dates back to about 1810.

Obviously, adjustments have been made and they have extended, but it has this stunning garden.

-Yes, this is lovely.

-Hillary, you love your gardening.

-I like to potter in the garden, yes.

-So you like the look?

-We do. Yes. We can't wait to get in.

-Come on then.

The garden is a real oasis with mature trees and established

shrubs crammed into every inch of the quarter-acre space.

And opening on to the garden is the living room, where we're starting the tour.

-Wow. This is different.

-Yes.

-Yes, this is fantastic.

-I like this.

-This is another wow.

-It is a big wow.

-I love all the colours.

The greens, pale greens and yellows. It's really nice.

-It has that French feel.

-It does. You're right.

That is just the brief we gave you, really.

-The rustic feel but with the mod cons too.

-It is very nice.

I think you should take me around this house! This is perfect.

Let's see more.

The large and high-ceilinged living room leads to a small

but perfectly serviceable kitchen.

Its size is helped, however, by a separate larder, which the

current owners also use as a laundry room.

So you've got your kitchen area

and that leads through to another dining area. Perhaps more formal.

-This is lovely as well.

-It is.

-Very nice.

You are making it really difficult for us now because we thought the

one we saw yesterday was outstanding and this is just incredible.

You've got a few more additional rooms.

At the moment they are storage rooms but it would be easy to convert if you wanted to.

Also, there's a garage at the very end.

Potential to make that into accommodation.

-Have you seen enough of the ground floor?

-Yes.

-OK. Let's head upstairs.

-Fantastic.

-OK.

On the first floor there are four good-sized bedrooms,

all decorated in the same attractive French style.

There is also a small fifth bedroom, which is currently used as a nursery.

But I'm heading straight to one bedroom in particular,

which showcases a stunning feature.

-Here is your master bedroom.

-Right.

-Very nice.

-It's beautiful.

I think I would change the wallpaper, to be honest.

-It is a really sweet bedroom. Yes, possibly.

-It is quite unusual.

You don't always get wallpaper in French properties

and the owner loves that English look.

-There is wallpaper throughout, actually.

-Right.

What is it about the room that you like?

What grabs your attention as you walk through the door?

-That bit.

-A huge terrace. You don't often see those, certainly not in the UK.

Just follow me and look at this view.

Wow!

-Look at that!

-That is incredible.

You certainly don't get that view anywhere else, do you? That is lovely.

I love the fact that we are outside but still covered.

What do you think you would use it for?

Perhaps early morning coffee or late afternoon tea. Something like that.

-When Joe brings you breakfast in bed in the morning?

-That's the hope.

Dream on, Hillary!

You are the perfect man, Joe. Don't shatter the illusion!

I think it's got lots of potential.

I know that word is overused, but you could do all sorts of things with this area.

I am so pleased you are loving the tour of this house. In fact, I'm delighted.

But I'm going to drag you away from this view.

I've still got something else to show you. We are going to head downstairs to the garden.

Joe, if you want to lead the way, please? Thank you.

It is going so well. I honestly thought I was going to be pushed to beat yesterday's house.

I think we might be on to a winner with this one.

They may be impressed already

but what they haven't seen yet is that this property also

offers a lovely swimming pool for Joe and Hillary

to dip their toes when the French summers get too hot.

Wow!

I can hear chuckles behind me. You've even got your own pool.

You've done it again. That is lovely.

How much do you think this stunning property is on the market for?

-The million-dollar question.

-I think it's going to be £385,000.

What about you, Hillary?

A tricky one. I'm thinking around about 360.

-Not a bad guess, I have to say.

-I'm being optimistic.

The asking price is just under £363,000.

-You were spot on.

-A good guess.

So now you know the price, look at those smiles,

do you fancy having an explore on your own

to think about all that potential?

-I think so.

-Go on. Off you go. I will see you in a little while.

At almost £140,000 under the top-end budget,

this property dates back to 1810 and offers five bedrooms,

the potential to convert a three-room gite for added income

and a wonderful mature garden complete with pool.

I love this house. I really do.

When I walked through the gates, I could feel my heart beating a little bit faster.

It was one of those moments. It's just stunning.

My favourite part of this house is actually this room we are sat in at the moment.

It is just perfect. It is my taste. I would not change anything.

I think you could still put your own stamp on this house,

although I must admit I am very taken with the design.

The owner has a certain flair and that is evident in every room.

I told Nicky the first house was 11 out of 10.

I think we need a higher scale because this is even better than that one.

I would give this a 13. 13 out of 10. Definitely.

-I think you two are in your element in this garden, aren't you?

-Yes.

-It's lovely.

-Have you seen enough?

-Yes.

-Happy?

-Very happy.

-All right. We are going to hit the road now.

-Fantastic.

In the north of the Poitou-Charentes,

the Marais Poitevin is a picturesque area of marshland

and rivers that covers nearly 375 square miles.

It is referred to affectionately as the Green Venice.

It is the largest wetland in France so we have sent Joe

and Hillary to meet local British resident Carys Stafford

to find out about the diversity of leisure activities

that could be at their disposal right on their doorstep.

-Joe and Hillary, welcome to the Marais Poitevin.

-Thank you.

-Fantastic. Thank you.

We are standing in Coulon, which is the touristic heart of the Marais Poitevin.

It's a beautiful village and nearby us we have these natural waterways,

which were created back in the 12th century,

mainly to prevent flooding in the lowland areas where it is wettest

and also to irrigate the large, dry farmlands in the summer.

-Can you fish in the river as well?

-You can fish in the river.

-You can fish for pike and perch around here.

-Fantastic.

Also, there are many cycle paths

and due to the topography of the land it is very flat,

so it's nice easy cycling and it's good for families and children.

The hand-dug canals were almost completely

destroyed during the 14th and 15th centuries as it became

a battlefield for Henry IV's troops fighting the Hundred Years War.

-They call this the hidden gem of France because not many people know about it as of yet.

-Fantastic.

-Long may that continue.

-Yes. We don't want them all coming here, do we?

We don't want the tourists coming here, wrecking the place!

There's a tradition of floating markets in the area as well.

There is still one held every July and all the stallholders come to the edges of the river

with their boats full of produce and you can walk up and down the river and buy their wares.

Coming and seeing this, for me, is just absolutely fantastic.

It is really selling the region to us.

I think the weather, the food, the wine, the river, the cycling.

It just ticks every box. It is absolutely what we are after.

Perfect.

Our next property is actually situated in the heart

of a small village called Fors, offering Joe

and Hillary the benefit of joining a community.

The village has a few local shops

but it's also only half an hour from the beautiful Marais Poitevin

where Joe could cycle to his heart's content.

Now.

-Somebody joked to me...

-It's my chateau!

..that they would like a chateau here in France.

-You are kidding?

-You are not joking us, are you?

-I'm not joking.

-Look at the turrets.

-One each.

-How do you feel, standing here?

-I am stunned.

It really is the quintessential French chateau. Beautiful.

There is no way we can afford this in our budget.

You are having a laugh, aren't you?! You must be.

Instead of being lord and lady of the manor,

monsieur and madame of the chateau.

That has a certain ring to it!

-Shall I see if I can convince you?

-Yes.

-Come on.

I'm not sure Joe and Hillary can believe what they are seeing,

but this impressive seven-bedroom chateau is more than meets the eye.

Please enter.

Gosh, this is different. Grand, that is the word I would use for this.

It is a good word for it, isn't it?

What I haven't told you is not only is it a magnificent chateau,

it's also run as a business.

-It's a B&B.

-Oh, right.

So in a way, the house is divided up into two halves.

We will come and do that bit in a minute because I want to

start off and show you this side of the property, the private quarters.

-So here is your living room.

-This is nice.

-This is your kitchen.

-Oh, right.

-A round room.

-Remarkable, isn't it?

-It is very in usual.

-We are beneath a turret.

-I have never ever seen a circular kitchen before.

-No.

So you have seen that very large living room, you've got the

kitchen and then next door is the bathroom and a double bedroom.

The private quarters.

-There is plenty to explore so shall we keep going?

-Yes, please.

-Follow me.

-You have seen one side. How is this for a living room?

-OK.

-This is nice, isn't it?

-It is very nice.

-It's very elegant.

I feel this is a little bit above what we are used to.

This is not quite the style we are used to living in at home,

but I love it.

This is for your guests so anyone who is staying here can use this.

Next door is a splendid dining. There is some good news.

-All the furnishings are included in the price.

-Oh, wow.

-Really?

-Yes.

So bear that in mind as you are walking around.

-They are literally going to leave...

-Everything?

-Everything.

-All right. Shall we continue?

-Yes. Joe, I think you should lead the way.

-We are going to go upstairs now.

-OK.

-Fantastic.

With all the furniture included in the sale of the property,

it is a fantastic offer as filling all these rooms with beds, wardrobes

and sofas could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

But I'm showing them one of the six B&B bedrooms.

This is nice.

The way the chateau is set up as a business,

it is set up into four apartments, if you like, for the B&B.

You have got a large double bedroom here with a bathroom and the same above.

And then you've got the same again on the other side of the stairs and above.

They like to run it, I'm not going to say part-time,

but only for about six months of the year.

In all honesty, they do it because they want to pay the bills.

They earn £11,000. That is not bad, is it?

That is not a bad sideline, is it?

They don't advertise as such but they do have a website

-and that comes with the price of the house.

-OK.

We have a lot to think about.

So you have been teasing me, Hillary, about wanting the perfect chateau.

We have found you one now. How do you feel?

I feel a bit nervous, to be honest, because I hadn't realised

how grand it would be and what a big scale the property would be on.

-I don't know what it is. It's just...

-Was it a dream?

-Possibly.

-Am I bringing you back into reality?

-A reality check, yes.

Let's head back downstairs and start thinking money.

OK, follow me.

We've tried hard to find a really outstanding property that might

convince Hillary about seriously committing to this move.

But it appears we may have overwhelmed her as the reality

of this sumptuous B&B chateau seems to be an anti-climax.

But Hillary and Joe are yet to hear the price tag attached

to this unique property and its very viable business.

-So just take a look at that chateau.

-It's just magnificent.

-It is stunning. It's like a

-fairy tale. You're right.

-A Cinderella castle.

-So give me a figure then.

How much do you think this chateau is?

Go on, Hillary.

I think 550.

I think it's well over

and with all the fixtures and furniture and things, 575.

-I don't think we can afford it.

-It is under your budget.

-No!

-Really?

-Yes.

Including the estate agents fees,

it's on the market for £422,000.

-No way!

-You're kidding me!

-Just over.

I can see you are in a bit of a quandary now, aren't you?

Just a bit.

Why don't you go and have a chat, wander around.

Take in all those bedrooms, think of the business potential

and could this chateau be part of that dream, that move to France?

-Off you go.

-Thank you.

What can I say? What can I say? They wanted a chateau.

We have found them the most superb property. It's under budget.

It even has business potential. And they are not sure.

You can't call it sometimes, can you?

At more than 75,000 under the top budget of £500,000,

this elegant chateau has seven bedrooms

with six given over to a bed-and-breakfast business.

The existing B&B website as well as all the furniture

are included in the price and the land features pretty formal gardens

with mature trees.

I feel a little disappointed with myself, to be honest.

I feel I should love this property and yet, perhaps in time,

I may fall more in love with it.

I'm not in love with it at the moment but it is fabulous.

There is no way you'd be able to get anything like this in the whole

of England I would guess, the whole of the UK.

The price is just incredible and it's so attractive.

I think I'm going to get my chequebook out later on today.

If Joe loved this property, I would struggle to agree with him

and generally we like to be on the same page.

I think he will be thinking the same things that I'm thinking.

That it's possibly a bit too much for us to take on.

If you were to ask me, would we be living in this property in six months' time?

The answer would be a definite yes.

Here they come.

-Have you seen enough?

-Yes.

-That's it now.

The tour is over. We've got to hit the road.

The Poitou-Charentes region in France is a largely rural area

with many of its residents employed in agriculture.

Wheat, barley and corn can all be found dominating the landscape.

But there's also an abundance of smallholdings with many homes

keeping chickens, pigs and goats.

With Joe and Hillary intent on living the good life,

not just in the proverbial but the physical sense too,

we've organised for them to visit a local British couple

to give them a better idea of what life is really like here.

-David and Lorraine made the move to the region five years ago.

-Hello.

-Welcome to The Lodging.

-Thank you very much.

-I understand you've got some things lined up for us to try.

-We do.

-Tell us more, David.

-We have pigs.

-Oh, right.

-Are you interested in pigs?

I've had this crazy dream for quite a few years to have chickens and pigs.

-I guess we'll now see the reality but who knows?

-His face!

-He is so happy.

-I'm excited.

-I can see!

You can have a look and see what takes your fancy and go from there.

-Enjoy, won't you? I will see you later.

-Bye.

David and Lorraine started pig farming in France when they

were looking for a way of adding to their income during retirement.

They now offer farming holidays with guests helping out

with the 50-strong herd of rare breed Berkshire

and Gloucester old spot pigs.

It's no secret that Hillary doesn't share Joe's enthusiasm

for pig husbandry so a soupcon of the real deal could go either way.

But if anything is going to get her on board,

it is going to be these little ones.

-This is a three-week-old litter of piglets.

-Aren't they lovely?

-And their mother, Wilma.

-Hello.

This is just a dream of mine, to have pigs.

And I'm not really sure where it came from, to be honest.

But it is just something we've never done before and it seems to me

that it is such an enjoyable thing to do. Would you agree with that?

Absolutely. It was something we'd never done before.

We didn't plan to come here to France to have pigs,

we just sort of grew into it and we absolutely adore them now.

How difficult did you find it in France, raising pigs?

I don't think it is a problem at all.

It's quite easy to get the feed.

In fact, the feed is a little bit cheaper than it is in the UK.

There are a few hurdles to go over in terms of getting the right

approval but that doesn't take very long to get sorted out

-and then off you go.

-So as a complete novice like me,

how difficult is it to learn to rear pigs.

I think you will find it is quite easy

as long as you are willing to put the time in.

It's a big commitment because you have to be up every morning

to feed them and you have to be there

every evening to put them away.

What happens to the pigs if you go on holiday?

Well, if we go on holiday we have to go separately

-because one of us has always got to be here with the pigs.

-Right.

So it makes a few difficulties.

That is a real commitment then, isn't it?

-That is something you need to take on board.

-Yeah.

But it's not just the realities of pig husbandry that Joe

and Hillary are keen to hear about so sitting down over dinner,

it's a chance to get a bigger picture of what living abroad

is like and what they could expect

should they make the move here permanently.

-There we are.

-It looks great.

-Looks good, doesn't it?

Looks fantastic.

Let's be honest, how often can we eat outside in the UK?

-Not as much as we would like, is it?

-No.

We are quite fortunate here, aren't we?

When the summer comes it really does hit us.

-Winter, that can be quite sharp.

-Can it?

-Yeah.

It can be very cold in the winter.

January, February, we've been down to minus 15.

-Was that a shock? Did you expect it to be that cold?

-No, we didn't.

-We didn't expect that.

-You have been here five years now.

Can you remember when you first moved out,

what actually shocked you, the difference, the changes?

Well, I think when you retire you have your pension

and it seems like a huge amount of money...

..and you keep going into the supermarket and you keep going

and you are shopping and shopping and you think, well,

actually, this can't go on because money does start to dwindle.

We thought we would come out here

and we thought our pension would go much further than it did.

We have found ways since of eking it out a lot more.

So what would you say the biggest tip,

giving to complete novices going to France, what would that be?

If you are looking to do gites or B&B,

you will get the friends that will come out quite a bit

and you need to tell the friends to put their hands in their pockets.

You know, that is quite important.

Otherwise you become the B&B that doesn't charge.

"Let's go and see Joe and Hillary in France and have a holiday!"

And what about the language?

In your opinion, how important is it if you move here?

Can you get by if you've only got pidgin French,

-if there is such a word?

-Our French was never great when we came here.

-Still isn't, but...

-Still isn't. But we get by.

We have been taking lessons.

But our French neighbours and our French acquaintances

are all really good and providing you try, they really appreciate it.

And for you, was it the right decision to move to France?

Absolutely. It's the best thing we've done. We are loving it.

We wouldn't want to go back.

David and Lorraine,

thank you so much for sharing your insight into your lives.

Hillary and Joe, how do you feel?

Has this cemented the idea or opened your eyes to something else?

This has been incredibly useful, to hear the reality of it.

You have shown us what a move to France is really all about.

It's not about the house, it's about the lifestyle,

it's about what you get, the change in direction.

-And that's what we're after, isn't it?

-That right, yeah.

It's about what you get and it's also about what you put in.

-That's right.

-Absolutely, yes.

After meeting David and Lorraine and their menagerie,

Joe is now more eager than ever to develop his own smallholding

and France has strict property laws to protect both sellers

and buyers so buying out here is a relatively simple process

and not too dissimilar to that in the UK.

But there are a few differences to be aware of.

The purchase price should include the estate agent's fee

and so is paid by the buyer.

Expect to pay up to 10% of your property's value in fees

and taxes, which are set by the government on a sliding scale

depending on the price and age of the property.

All property transactions are overseen by a notaire,

which is much like a solicitor

and ensures everything is done above board.

In fact, it is vital to seek sound legal advice before proceeding

with any property purchase.

Husband and wife Joe and Hillary

are looking to move from Sheffield to western France,

where they hope to fulfil Joe's long-held dream of running a gite

but with apprehensions from his wife,

we have arranged for them to stay in one of our properties

so they can get an authentic flavour of what life is like living abroad.

Sante!

I can't believe how much Joe

has loved every property we have shown him.

He is so keen on this move I think I could show him a shed

and he would want to buy it.

But in all seriousness, I think it is Hillary

is the one that still needs convincing.

So today with our mystery house we have found a property

that has a certain je ne sais quoi and it could offer Joe and Hillary

a source of income they definitely wouldn't have considered before.

The mystery property is situated amongst

the beautiful farmland just to the north of the large town of Niort.

The nearest village, St Maxire, is only two miles away

and offers a good selection of shops and local amenities.

It makes a great launching pad to explore the local waterways

and coast, which is only an hour to the west.

But in the rural outskirts we find our mystery house,

which is the last chance to win Hillary over.

-Come on through.

-Crikey! Flipping heck!

Oh, wow! This is different, isn't it?

-This is our mystery house.

-I'm really intrigued.

-Dating back to the 1400s.

-OK.

Originally monks were believed to have owned this property.

Obviously, it has been updated and converted since then.

-A little bit, yeah.

-But you have this massive expanse of water.

-That is fantastic.

-It is.

Any idea why we might have picked this property for you?

-I was expecting something new.

-Were you?

-Yeah.

-Being the mystery.

Absolutely. So that has blown me out of the water.

I don't know what else to... Any ideas, Joe?

I'm going to get my fishing rod out. That's me sorted. I don't know.

-You are getting close, in actual fact.

-Right.

Because talking about your love of the outdoors, you could

offer fishing holidays, people could rent bikes from you and go cycling.

There are so many cycling paths.

Or if you have a passion for canoeing,

you could rent out canoes from here.

-Lots of possibilities.

-Absolutely.

But this is the house that just keeps giving.

-That's all I'm going to say. Shall we take a look?

-Yes, please!

We chose the mystery house as it offers Joe and Hillary

an alternative business option other than the gite potential

they had asked for but that does, of course, mean a lot more work.

What's more, in the living room there is another income generator

for them to consider.

Talking business opportunities, the waterwheel,

that beautiful half-moon window can also serve a purpose.

If you wanted to, and the owners have looked into this,

-you can convert that into energy, into electricity.

-Oh, right.

So it does work.

You would pay about £25,000 to have it installed and you could

harness all of the energy from the water, convert it into electricity.

That could make you an income of between £6,000

-and £8,000 a year, depending on how much rainfall there has been.

-Yeah.

So, you want a little bit of extra money on the side,

there is no changing beds, making breakfasts, looking after guests.

-It could pay for itself.

-I like the idea of that. Green energy.

-For just a small, relatively small investment.

-Interesting.

-Hillary, can you see yourself living here?

-I'm not sure, to be honest.

You don't have to be polite. Tell me what's going through your mind.

It's just a very grand entrance.

I'm not too sure where we would put the furniture.

For me, getting furniture is the smallest problem, especially

when you've got your budget to play with. I think furniture is solvable.

OK. You are probably right.

But if you don't want to do something,

it's a good problem to put in the way.

Furniture, solved. It's a bigger issue.

-So that is what we have to uncover. That issue.

-Right.

-Yes?

Let's continue. Just through here.

Once again, Hillary is holding back despite the money-for-nothing

possibility of the water wheel.

But there is plenty more to see to get them excited.

In all, there are four bedrooms providing plenty of guest accommodation.

Although unusually, the master bedroom

is downstairs, taking full advantage of those wonderful river views.

There is also a decent-sized kitchen

and a large open-plan dining room featuring an enormous fireplace.

But we are making a beeline for the courtyard around the back of the property.

This is the area I wanted to show you

because it has the potential for a third business.

Behind us, we have an empty storage space.

You could convert that into a gite.

If that wasn't enough, you could actually convert that part of the property as well.

You've got the bar room. There is a door going through there.

Two more storage rooms. Huge.

So you could have a second gite along there, should you want to.

-So it's got potential, short, medium and long-term?

-Yes.

You don't even know how much it's on the market for, so you two have got to start thinking money.

Let's go by that fabulous river and we can discuss numbers.

With this property offering so much scope, I wonder if the all-important

price could change how Joe and Hillary each view this house.

You might not thank me but I'm going to tell you this comes with land.

-Oh, really?

-Right.

The reason you might not thank me is because there is enough room to have pigs and chickens.

-Oh, yes!

-No!

So you've got five acres in total.

-So this has literally got everything we asked for.

-It has.

So how much is it on the market for?

I think this is at the top of our budget.

I'm going to say £500,000.

-Hillary?

-I'm thinking of a similar sort of figure. Top end.

I would say maybe 485.

The asking price is just under £513,000.

-Right.

-Right, OK.

That could also be offset by the income generated. Joe's Tours. Cycling, fishing.

Joe's Tours! I can see it now! Lovely.

So that could offset the price.

Why don't you have some time to look around.

Think of all those opportunities.

The business, whether you just want to get a home,

what's right for the two of you when you make this move.

-Go on. Take some time. Enjoy.

-Thank you.

This 15th-century mill is over budget.

However, with the mystery element being three separate business opportunities,

Joe and Hillary could earn some extra income to balance that.

There is the prospect of Joe's Tours,

the water wheel and the gite potential.

The four bedrooms give enough space for family

and friends to visit and outside, the five acres

leave plenty of room for gardening as well as pigs and chickens.

With all this, I'm confident we have found another winner in Joe's eyes.

But has it done enough to move Hillary?

I am not sure whether I really like this property as a place for us to live permanently.

It is a beautiful property. It is stunning.

The architecture is brilliant. The water wheel is a real feature.

I'm not sure about the river. Living on a river worries me a little bit.

The best thing about this property by far is the river.

I can get my fishing rod out, Hillary could swim there,

we can canoe down to Niort.

The whole point about moving to France was to have an active lifestyle,

to generate some income, to get into the French way of life

and this to me, this property, is a perfect opportunity to do all those things.

In spades.

If Joe said to me, this is my house, this is my dream, let's buy it,

I think I would have to say no.

We need to discuss this a little bit further.

We need to make sure we are both happy with what we are buying.

He does tend to get a bit carried away, as you've probably noticed!

I should have known, shouldn't I? Joe was always going to love it.

Hillary?

-Happy, you two? Have you seen enough?

-Yes, I think so.

-That's it.

-That is the end of all our house tours.

-OK.

-You've got some thinking to do and some discussions to be had.

-Just a bit.

-Shall we leave now?

-OK.

In rural France, it's hard to ignore the extraordinary

heritage of world-class food and drink production.

Each French region lays claim to its own unique speciality

and the Poitou-Charentes is no different.

Here, the sun-soaked and gentle rolling hills provide ideal

conditions for the growing of grapes.

And in the south of the region, you'll find the town of Cognac,

which gives its name to one of the world's best known brandy varieties.

There are still around 200 local producers,

but today I have come to visit Pascale Rousseau from Remy Martin.

Founded in 1724,

it remained a family business for five generations.

It's one of the oldest labels in the region and they still use

their original distilling methods from the 18th century.

-So, Pascale, these are the world-famous vines.

-Definitely.

We are here in the heart of Cognac,

where vines have been grown for centuries.

Actually, it started three centuries before Jesus Christ.

You can't make an exceptional cognac

if you do not start with a perfect vine.

It is chalk below our feet here.

And with chalk, the grapes are going to get

exactly what they need to get in terms of nutritious elements.

But it's not just the soil, is it, that makes cognac so special?

It's a whole combination.

There is a very, very French concept which is the name terroir.

And what does terroir mean?

Terroir to us is a combination of know-how

and soil and climate and habits.

So all those elements together make cognac?

Yes, they need to be together. Absolutely.

What sets cognac apart from other types of brandy is the wine

must go through two cycles of distillation.

A process of heating and cooling through steel pots.

The Dutch merchants called this distilled wine brandy vine,

which was later shortened to just brandy.

-We are surrounded by barrels.

-Yes, absolutely.

Cognac is always aged into barrels. It is oak.

Most of them are more than 100 years old when we use them.

The wood delivers some specific aromas

and then it is just the time that will do the work

because there's going to be a lot of evaporation.

Evaporation will mean concentration of aromas inside.

The wood helps to mature the flavours of ripe orange

and fig, as well as imparting notes of hazelnut and jasmine.

Pascale, this is the part I have really been looking forward to.

I understand.

Before we start tasting, do you know that this French product

has a very narrow relation with Britain?

No. Go on.

-You have already seen these letters on bottles of cognac.

-All the time.

-Never know what it means, but all the time.

-OK.

With those letters, a cognac is positioned in terms of category.

-XO is extra old.

-But why do you use English words?

Obviously, simply because the very first commercial exchanges

between Cognac and foreign countries was with Britain.

So the first export was to Britain

and actually Britain is still the first market for cognac.

But France is a fabulous shop window for the whole world.

-So I can see you have kindly put out a couple of glasses.

-Absolutely.

Absolutely. Shall we smell it first?

-Am I smelling cinnamon?

-You are absolutely right. Very well done.

Now, let's start tasting it.

Pascale, that is so divine.

Thank you so much for sharing all this history with us

and the process of how we get cognac.

That's it for our tour of the Poitou-Charentes region.

We've had such positive reactions on all the properties we've shown Hillary and Joe.

But it's not just about finding them a home, is it?

It's also about changing the way they live their lives.

So have we done enough to convince them

that France is the place for them?

I can't wait to find out.

Joe and Hillary, we've certainly had an experience, haven't we, driving around this region?

Yes. It's been great.

You, Joe, were the one that was desperate to start this adventure, as I'm going to call it.

Hillary, not quite so sure.

I wonder if anything has changed over the last few days?

It has been a real experience seeing all the properties

and I love this area. I am really on that page with you.

I mean, if we do move to France, and I hope we do,

this is the area we want to be in.

It just seems to have everything for us.

The whole reason for coming to France was to get an idea about what it was like,

what the properties were like, what a way of life was like.

I have actually learned more in the last couple of days

than in the 40-odd years we have been coming to France.

It has been absolutely fantastic.

-Did we get close with any of the homes that we showed you?

-Yes.

Definitely. The one with the yellow shutters is a definite maybe.

And again, I know Hillary and myself disagree on this,

but for me the mystery house as well has got loads of potential.

Hillary, what about you?

Because I just got this feeling,

she's not quite committed to this move yet.

I don't know whether Hillary has relinquished life in the UK.

-Is that true?

-You are absolutely spot on.

You have read me like a book!

Yes, I still have reservations but you know what, coming here,

it is such a beautiful part of the world.

I have fallen in love with it, actually.

So which one was your favourite property?

My favourite property was the house with the yellow shutters.

So you do agree on one of the properties?

We did at the time and I could tell from his reaction, it was genuine and it mirrored mine.

So what is stopping you from having a look at that property again?

We are already coming back in about six weeks' time, back to this region to have a look around.

We have planned that visit already.

And if I am going to put you on the spot, what is the time limit?

-I think we'll be living in France within the next 12 months.

-Do you?

Yes. Very much so. Yourself? Not so sure!

-Yes. I'm not sure.

-You are saying it to keep him happy.

-Come on, be honest with me.

-12 to 18 months, maybe.

But Hillary, if it was just your decision

and Joe wasn't part of the equation, would you move to France?

That is an interesting question.

If I was being perfectly honest, probably not.

-But you are doing it for your husband.

-I am doing it for him and for the family as well.

I am obviously slightly disappointed we didn't find you that dream home.

But for you, what is it about moving, is it right for you and it seems you have come to a conclusion.

Yes. I think so.

-Thank you very much. It has been an absolute pleasure.

-Thank you.

-I have just got one last question, if you don't mind.

-Fire away.

How much is this one?

-This is out of your budget, mate!

-Is it? All right!

Well, we have seen some truly fabulous properties

over the last few days.

But if I had shown Joe and Hillary quite literally their dream home,

Joe would have bought on the spot.

But Hillary was always the one that needed convincing.

What we have learned is that this move is right for them,

but not just right now.

Until next time, bye-bye.

I'm delighted to report that introducing Joe and Hillary

to the Availles-Limouzine area had a profound effect on them both.

So much so, that they have just had an offer accepted on a house

less than ten miles away from the first property we showed them.

So, we wish them the very best of luck for a bright future in France.

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