0:00:02 > 0:00:05Now, it may look like the Wild West, but I'm not in America -
0:00:05 > 0:00:07somewhere a little bit closer to home.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Today's hopeful house hunter
0:00:30 > 0:00:33is dreaming of a fresh start on the continent
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and he's bringing his daughter along for some helpful advice.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- It's got character, hasn't it?- Yes, and it's got potential as well.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- I can see the potential already. - I like this girl!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44And he'll discover that perusing properties
0:00:44 > 0:00:47can be an emotional experience.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49I think this was always going to be tough.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Yes.- I think you are very brave to be doing this.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03I am in Almeria in southern Spain and this is Fort Bravo,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07one of the three Wild West film sets in the Tabernas Desert.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10This area was made famous in the 1960s
0:01:10 > 0:01:13by an Italian film director named Sergio Leone.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15He made a few films here that you may have heard of.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18A Fistful Of Dollars, The Man With No Name
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23turning a young Clint Eastwood into a movie star.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26But it's not just the glamour of Spain's Wild West that makes
0:01:26 > 0:01:29this region such a popular place to escape to.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Almeria is the most easterly province
0:01:33 > 0:01:36of the Andalusia region in southern Spain.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40The name Almeria, which translates to "mirror of the sea" in Arabic,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42was coined by the Islamic Moors who occupied Spain
0:01:42 > 0:01:44from the eighth century.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49The province's capital, also called Almeria, was one of the busiest
0:01:49 > 0:01:53and wealthiest ports within the Moors' Spanish kingdom.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55North-east of the city is the Tabernas Desert,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Europe's only semidesert.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02This harsh scenery of dehydrated riverbeds, scattered cacti
0:02:02 > 0:02:04and eroded valleys has been the backdrop
0:02:04 > 0:02:07of numerous television and film sets.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11The region's 200-kilometre rugged coastline is home
0:02:11 > 0:02:15to the Cabo de Gata National Park, where some of Spain's most beautiful
0:02:15 > 0:02:20and isolated beaches share the shoreline with volcanic cliffs.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23At the most southern point of the Cape is a lighthouse that
0:02:23 > 0:02:27looks out over the Mediterranean Sea and the park's rocky landscape.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31With dramatic scenery that encompasses an ancient city
0:02:31 > 0:02:35and gorgeous beaches, it's perhaps not surprising that Almeria
0:02:35 > 0:02:38has become a desirable continental destination.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46The average price of a property in Almeria is £120,000.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48As well as offering tremendous value,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52that's £100,000 cheaper than back home in the UK.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Now, the housing market here in Spain was badly affected
0:02:55 > 0:02:58by the financial crash of 2008 and nowhere more so
0:02:58 > 0:03:01than down here on the southern Mediterranean coast,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04where prices plummeted by 40%.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09So what is it about sunny Spain that has attracted our buyer?
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Gary from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire is eager to
0:03:12 > 0:03:15start a new life on the continent and out of his three children,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18he has asked his youngest, Katie, to help him.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20They have a special bond.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23My father is very important to me.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27As well as being my dad, he's one of my best friends as well.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29We always sort of do things together.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32He is kind of a larger-than-life character.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Katie and I love to party.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40We like to party and we don't care where it is because we make them!
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Gary's Hertfordshire home has served as the perfect place
0:03:43 > 0:03:46for him to host his infamous parties.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49One of the brilliant things about this house as a party home is that
0:03:49 > 0:03:54it's big enough and has enough rooms for people not to be confined to any one space.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58We've actually had as many as 200 people here, believe it or not.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02They have been good fun. I love every single thing about this house.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07And I think that, to me, will be a heartbreak when I leave it
0:04:07 > 0:04:10because it is the perfect house.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15But Gary's home now holds some painful memories after Stephen,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19his partner for 13 years, tragically died three years ago.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22So he's realising his and Stephen's shared dream
0:04:22 > 0:04:26of opening a B&B on the south coast of Spain.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30The original plan was Stephen and I decided
0:04:30 > 0:04:35that maybe it would be a great idea to look towards our retirement
0:04:35 > 0:04:39and try and set up a business to do something.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We had started to look at property in Spain to set up a retreat.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It wasn't just a B&B. It was something more than that.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51My dad would be the perfect person to have a B&B
0:04:51 > 0:04:54because he is very outgoing.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I just think it would probably be the perfect thing to do.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00You are more yourself in Spain.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I've got to move into a new phase of my life
0:05:03 > 0:05:06and what better place to do it
0:05:06 > 0:05:09than doing it in an area that I know and love?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12And the area that he loves is Vera Playa
0:05:12 > 0:05:16in the Almeria province, which has a somewhat avant-garde appeal.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Vera Playa is the largest naturist village in Europe.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25It's not unusual to see people walking naked down the street
0:05:25 > 0:05:26with a shopping bag.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29It's a very open and liberal environment.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32The perfect place that I have in mind could not be more
0:05:32 > 0:05:36than 15 minutes away from the Playa or the beaches.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38So Gary is clear about the location.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41He's also particular about his property requirements
0:05:41 > 0:05:43and he even has a look book.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47So he's enlisted daughter Katie to give him a more impartial opinion.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52I'm going to be his second eyes and rein him in a bit.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Sometimes you sort of need a different opinion.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57The voice of sense.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03In the property in Spain, I would love to see a lot of my dad's character in it.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I think that's the most important thing.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- So something a little bit fun, a bit of colour.- And make it welcoming.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12I would like to think if I can make it welcoming to my family and friends,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15then it will provide a good base for welcoming others
0:06:15 > 0:06:17that want to come and stay with us.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19That's the plan.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And he'll be hoping that he can find a welcoming Spanish property
0:06:23 > 0:06:25with the budget that he has in mind.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29The absolute maximum I could possibly afford for the property
0:06:29 > 0:06:31would be £185,000.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Gary has stated that he would like to live close to the beaches around
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Vera Playa, so that's where we'll will be concentrating our search.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44But before we delve into our house hunt,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48we're meeting up beside Gary's favourite seaside resort
0:06:48 > 0:06:52to learn more about his expectations for this move to Spain.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Vera beach. Why here, Gary?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Why do you want to move to THIS part of Spain?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Over the years, I've looked at many other parts of Spain to move to.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04My partner and I found this place purely by chance eight years ago
0:07:04 > 0:07:06and I just fell in love with the place.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Why do you want to move now in particular?
0:07:09 > 0:07:15We had planned to move or to buy a place out here about five years ago.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Following the sudden death of my partner,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20the whole thing had to go on ice because I wasn't ready.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23I wasn't in a good place, really.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- I've got to start living my life again.- You do.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Katie, what is your role in all of this?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I am here to help him find somewhere that is right for him,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37but also I am here to rein him in a bit because he is very...
0:07:37 > 0:07:39He can be quite picky at times
0:07:39 > 0:07:41and I'm just hoping he can see the bigger picture.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- I am aware of being quite impulsive. - What will you do when you get here?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50What I'd like to do and what the plan that my partner and I had
0:07:50 > 0:07:55was to set up a sort of B&B retreat,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58just to try and provide people with somewhere to get away.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- And you would still like to do that? - Yes, very much so.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- How are your language skills? - My Spanish is coming, slowly.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I ought to put more effort into it.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12I think I'm probably at a point now that I could step into any restaurant and be understood.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16I wouldn't even go as far as saying I am menu perfect, but it's close enough.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So let's talk about this property. What is it you are looking for?
0:08:19 > 0:08:24I am looking for a property that has got three or maybe four bedrooms.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Smaller than the original plan that Steve, my partner, and I had.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31And it's got to be within 10 minutes of the coast,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34preferably or definitely this beach.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37And it ought to have a pool in it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Yes, it has to have a pool.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- And what's your budget? - A maximum of 185,000.- OK.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47The first property is waiting for us, so let's go.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Let's do it.- Come on.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57Our buyer is looking to spend up to £185,000 on a dream home
0:08:57 > 0:09:00which should accommodate a B&B business.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04He's hoping for three to four bedrooms, good outdoor space,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06a swimming pool and to be located
0:09:06 > 0:09:08no more than 15 minutes' drive to the beach.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11And he's not afraid of taking on some restoration work.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16We've hand-picked four appealing properties to tempt our buyer with,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20but he won't know what they're valued at until the end of each viewing.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23And we'll be rounding off our property hunt at the mystery house,
0:09:23 > 0:09:28where Gary may discover that man's home really is his castle.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37We're kicking off the hunt exactly where Gary has said he wants to be, in Vera Playa.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39The north-east town is Vera,
0:09:39 > 0:09:44which is just over 80 kilometres to the north of Almeria airport.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48In the town's main square is the 15th century church of the Encarnacion,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51which was originally used as a fort
0:09:51 > 0:09:53to defend against Moorish invasion.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55This quiet town comes alive on a Saturday
0:09:55 > 0:09:58when the market takes over the main streets.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02On sale are a range of products from household goods to herbs,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06spices, fruit, vegetables, cured meats and fish.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09The Vera Playa resort lies seven kilometres east
0:10:09 > 0:10:12and officially stretches for a kilometre along the coast.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15As Gary has told us he would like to be close to the resort,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19the first property we have lined up is just a two-minute walk away from the beach.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24So, Gary and Katie, property number one.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- I want your first impressions, Gary. - First impression is very good.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Location is the most important aspect.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36After that, it's how I would fit into that place and, yeah,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I'm feeling pretty positive already. That's good.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43I can definitely see the potential. The location is brilliant.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- I like the style of it. - It's got character, hasn't it?
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Yes, and it's got potential as well. I can see the potential already.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50I like this girl!
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Well, I know you are dying to get inside, so this way.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Let's do it.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58This house is part of an urbanisation of villas and apartments,
0:10:58 > 0:11:03which comes with security, well-maintained communal gardens and a large pool.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08As the British owner of this property has moved back to the UK, it's currently part-furnished,
0:11:08 > 0:11:11so Gary will need to use his imagination.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12In you come.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- A nice big space here.- Definitely. - A really nice big space here.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I like the counter.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's kind of perfect for the B&B environment.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26The kitchen I'm not so keen on, but you can change it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29That is not going to limit my decision-making.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It has got nothing in it, which in a way, it's a blank canvas.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- You can see whatever you want to do with it.- It's got air-con.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- It's got a fan.- Perfect.- This, so far, is looking good. Really good.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44On the ground floor, there are also two double bedrooms
0:11:44 > 0:11:46and a large shower room.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48On the roof, there is a separate annexe,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51accessed by outside stairs, with another bedroom
0:11:51 > 0:11:56and its own entrance, making it well suited for B&B clientele.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00This is the self-contained third bedroom.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04It's an opportunity for a nice little studio apartment. Possibly.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Or I could live up here and they could do what they want downstairs!
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Exactly. Either way. And you've got your own little shower room up here.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16I think it needs a bit more work doing in this room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21But there is so much potential, again, like there was downstairs.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Things immediately don't say, "Wow! I like it,"
0:12:24 > 0:12:27but the fundamental shape looks all right and we could work from there.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31So whether it is you up here or you are renting it, the option is there.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There are certainly plenty of opportunities.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Interesting that you are already thinking - would you be up here or could you be downstairs?
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Obviously, if you rent out downstairs, that is two bedrooms.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Twice as much money.- Yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47So that's a bit of the interior but the exterior has got so much to offer.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Come on.- Let's do it.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53So far, the accommodation seems to have gone down well
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and outside there is enough space for Gary to install a feature
0:12:57 > 0:13:00that would make this home even more appealing.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04This brilliant space up here, which you can do whatever you want with,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06but I want you to have a quick glance down there.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Now, to our eyes that might not look like much,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12but come and see what the neighbours have done.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18Swimming pool. What do you think about that? I know you want a pool.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Promising.- Very promising.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- I can hear your mind ticking, Gary. - So can I!
0:13:26 > 0:13:29It's just about whether it is for you or not.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I probably would have gone for something more modern in design
0:13:32 > 0:13:36if I'd designed it myself but, yes, I like it. It's quirky enough.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- I can see you in a couple of years from now being here.- Yes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41You both think it's got potential.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45You can even see your dad living here. But what about the money?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Gary, how much do you think it's on for?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- 210.- £210,000.- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Katie?- I'm going to go a little bit lower than what my dad said,
0:13:55 > 0:13:56but I still think it is over budget.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- I'm going to go with £195,000. - £195,000.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03OK, well, you are both wrong.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08In the wrong direction and I mean you are both too high.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- It's actually on...- That's good. - Yeah! £170,000.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Wow!- And there would be enough left in the budget for a pool.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Indeed, there would. - It could be fabulous. This is good.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Brilliant start. - It's a good start, yeah.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Money to spare, good start.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26What I want you to do is go off and have a good look around the house
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and talk amongst yourselves and I will catch up with you in a bit.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- Lovely.- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Gosh, really happy. I mean, this is an interesting prospect
0:14:36 > 0:14:40because you are in quite an urban environment but they really like it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43You can't argue with something that's 15 grand under your budget, can you?
0:14:45 > 0:14:50On the market at £170,000, this villa is in a community
0:14:50 > 0:14:53located just two minutes from Gary's favoured beach.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It comes with a kitchen, dining room,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and three bedrooms, one of which has its own separate
0:14:58 > 0:15:03entrance on the rooftop terrace that could be used for paying B&B guests.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08My feelings about this are quite simply, you don't need a garage,
0:15:08 > 0:15:09so why not turn it into another room?
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- It has potential, doesn't it, for three rooms downstairs?- Indeed, yes.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Possibly a reception room. Possibly even a bedroom.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23My dad can be quite particular sometimes when it comes to house-hunting.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25But I think he can see the potential as well
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and he is already quite excited about the amount of things
0:15:28 > 0:15:30that could be done with the property.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I think the place does offer some potential for bed and breakfast.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I don't think I would be able to take on a large property now,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41but I think it has got a nice level of flexibility there.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Marks out of ten for this house?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Eight. Nine, maybe.- That high?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Yeah.- How about you, Katie? - Nine, definitely.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- What a start!- Absolutely.- Gosh, that has set the bar really high.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00That is no bad thing. Can I prize you away from this property?
0:16:00 > 0:16:02OK. All right.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11When Gary completes his continental move to Almeria,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14it will be the start of a new chapter in his life
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and he will be keeping himself busy by running a bed and breakfast.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21This will provide an income and help him meet new people.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24But as Gary lacks experience in the hospitality business,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26we are taking him and Katie to meet Chris Walton,
0:16:26 > 0:16:30who has been running B&Bs in Almeria for seven years.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Hello, Chris.- Hello!
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Meet Gary. Gary, meet Chris. - Hi, there.- Hi.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Chris is going to show you some of the ropes of running a B&B.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- So I'm going to leave you in very capable hands and you and me, Katie, are going this way.- OK.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- See you later.- Would you like to come and have a look? - Thanks very much.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Chris runs her guesthouse on her own, which is what Gary also intends to do.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52So he's getting acquainted with some of the daily routines he would need
0:16:52 > 0:16:57to carry out himself in the future, starting with changing the beds.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I try to do it while guests are having breakfast
0:17:00 > 0:17:05because if you are not careful, it can eat into the whole of the day.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Sure. - So the sooner you get it done...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10You take this. The sooner you've got it done,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13the sooner you've got some time to yourself.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I guess when you are particularly busy,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- this is a chore that takes some time in the mornings.- Yes.- Yeah?
0:17:20 > 0:17:25Particularly in July and August when it is about 30 or 35 degrees!
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Yes, I can imagine. So how does it work when people are checking out?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Do people tend to leave at the same time of day,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36or can it be staggered over some time?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39How much time do you have for change-over before somebody else arrives?
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- We don't have any hard and fast rules here.- Right.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Some people do but I don't like it.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46I think when people are coming to stay, the last thing you want
0:17:46 > 0:17:50to be telling them is that they need to be out by 9:30am or 10:00am.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53So I try to do it as little as possible.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Let them stay as long as they like, really.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01This has given Gary an appreciation of the hard work that
0:18:01 > 0:18:05goes into running a B&B and it doesn't get any easier
0:18:05 > 0:18:07when it comes to the next chore, preparing the breakfast.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12What choice do you lay on?
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Well, we do freshly squeezed orange juice always and then we do fresh fruit,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20which changes all the time because fruit is very seasonal here.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26So whatever there is available. And figs off our tree.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29And then we do home-made jam and marmalade, uh,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32home-made granary bread and tea or coffee.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Then, if people want something else,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36I always ask, "Would you like something hot?"
0:18:36 > 0:18:39which is along the lines of scrambled egg or poached egg
0:18:39 > 0:18:42or a couple of strips of bacon, but not a full English breakfast.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44People don't want it in the heat anyway.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48If I were you, I would keep it simple because I find this works.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Now that Gary has got a taste of the routines, we are sitting down
0:18:52 > 0:18:56with Chris who has got further tips on managing a guesthouse in Almeria.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00You've only just had a brief taste of running a B&B,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03but what do you think of this picture that Chris is painting?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Doing this day in, day out.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Is that you?- I'm really excited.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10For the first time in some years, I'm really excited about it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Obviously, we wanted to hear the positives, but let's talk about the reality,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16the daily in and out of running a B&B.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18It's just hard work, there's a lot to do
0:19:18 > 0:19:21and unless you've got a lot of staff... There's the cleaning,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24the bed-making, the breakfast, the clearing up.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25There is a lot of hard work.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30Would you advise, Chris, that Gary comes with basic Spanish before he even gets here?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32There are a lot of English-speaking people here.
0:19:32 > 0:19:40But, um, I would probably advise him to do something like an online course or a course with CDs.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Or once you've got an NIE number,
0:19:42 > 0:19:48you are entitled to Spanish lessons in the town where you live.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Let's get some pros. The good stuff about living here.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56The biggest pro for me is that doing bed and breakfast allows me
0:19:56 > 0:19:58to live in a very nice house.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01And if I didn't do it, I wouldn't be able to live here.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03The second one is meeting lots of nice people
0:20:03 > 0:20:06and I still keep in touch with quite a few of them.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08I've had several return guests this year.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13Living in a lovely climate. I mean, the weather is a big thing.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15And what are the cons?
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Being on call probably. You are...
0:20:19 > 0:20:22I think people expect you to be around.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26If they are staying here, they expect you to be here.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28And how quickly did you get your business up and running?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30It was fairly quick, actually.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Once I got a website and a local listing on a local website,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37I think I got my first guests within about three months.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Is there anything you miss about Britain?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44My English friends. I miss my daughter and my grandson.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46But I go back to England two or three times a year
0:20:46 > 0:20:49and I see them and they come out and stay here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- What would Gary miss, Katie? - He would miss his friends.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59But, you know, it's a chance for them to come on holiday once or twice a year...
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Although I think I'm quite shy, I am really a people person
0:21:03 > 0:21:04and I like having people around me.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Well, I do. I love meeting people.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11And you've got to like people or you just couldn't do this job.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- I'm up for giving it a go. - Brilliant!
0:21:14 > 0:21:17And your orange juice, if that's anything to go by, good job.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Well squeezed!
0:21:20 > 0:21:25So it seems Gary is still set on making his Almeria home a rentable retreat.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27But before he commits to any property purchase,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Unlike the UK, in Spain, a small deposit is paid to take
0:21:36 > 0:21:39the property off the market while the contracts are drawn up.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43If you pull out before completion, you forfeit the deposit.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47If you are buying off plan or a new-build, you must make sure
0:21:47 > 0:21:52the licence of first occupation has been granted before completing the purchase.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55This gives the building its legal status and is only granted
0:21:55 > 0:21:59once the developer has fulfilled their obligations.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Finally, it's important to employ a good solicitor.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06There are many legal firms in the UK who specialise in Spanish law
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and conveyancing and they can act as an intermediary
0:22:09 > 0:22:12between you and a local solicitor.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21As we approach the end of our first day together in Almeria,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24I am leaving Gary and his daughter Katie to experience
0:22:24 > 0:22:27a classic Spanish evening at a tapas bar,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30giving Gary the chance to brush up on his language skills.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Go on, then. Order something in Spanish.- Te quieres...?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- What would you like?- Ah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Uh...
0:22:41 > 0:22:47- Tortilla? Tapas?- Prawns?- Si.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48OK, yep.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- To drink?- Vino...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Vino blanco.- No, no. Vino tinto.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Vino tinto.- Vino tinto? Vino tinto. - Red wine, yes?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Now that Gary has successfully placed his order, Katie has a chance
0:23:14 > 0:23:18to find out how her dad is going to adapt to his new life in Spain.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22So how long do you think it will be before you are fluent in Spanish
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and you are ordering tapas every day?
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- I would think, to be honest, five years or so.- Five years?
0:23:28 > 0:23:33But maybe within a year I will learn the local dialect a little bit
0:23:33 > 0:23:37and understand a little bit more about the various dishes that are on offer.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Yeah.- But places like this are so good to learn.- Yeah.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43You know, proper Spain.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45You ask something, they don't understand,
0:23:45 > 0:23:50you think through the process, there must be another word to find for it.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55Probably one of the things I really have to learn is the manana culture.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Manana, manana, manana. It will get done.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05You think it might be tomorrow, it might be the next day. What's the problem?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I'll go and lay in the sun, have a glass of wine, some tapas.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I can see you here being very, very happy.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14- Certainly not hungry!- No!
0:24:24 > 0:24:28It's our second day in Almeria, Spain, where Katie has been helping
0:24:28 > 0:24:34her father, Gary, to realise his and his late partner's dream of setting up a B&B.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37But today, it looks like he may be house-hunting on his own.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41The first bit of news to report is that, unfortunately,
0:24:41 > 0:24:42Katie is not feeling very well,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45which means today Gary is viewing solo.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Now, the first property got a solid nine out of ten,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51but that's because he knew the area, he knew the lay of the land.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Today, I'm going to push him out of his comfort zone.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00Our next stop takes us to Mojacar,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03which is a 20-minute drive south of Vera Playa.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The town, or pueblo, of Mojacar envelops a lofty cliff
0:25:07 > 0:25:13and has a Moorish appearance with whitewashed houses spreading up the hill.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14Like the rest of Andalucia,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17the village embraces the Carnival season
0:25:17 > 0:25:19and holds a variety of celebrations each year,
0:25:19 > 0:25:24including a day that commemorates the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary,
0:25:24 > 0:25:29which involves a traditional ribbon race on horseback for married villagers.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Mojacar's adjoining sandy beach is two kilometres away
0:25:32 > 0:25:37and is home to a number of bars and restaurants offering fresh seafood.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40And just 200m from the beach is our next property.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Before I do anything, I want to ask you how Katie is getting on.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46I spoke to her two or three minutes ago.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I think rest, more rest and more rest, she'll be fine.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52So that means it's just the two of us today.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54So I'm going to be the one who has to rein you in!
0:25:54 > 0:25:56But, you know what, I'm not going to.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- I'm going to let you do whatever you want. You've got free rein from me. - It's looking good to me.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Do you want to know what the next house is?- Yes, please.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- It's that one there right in front of you.- This one here?- Yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Looks nice.- It's built in a very old-fashioned Spanish way,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but it is only 30 years old.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14And it's a house of many secrets, Gary.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- Oh.- Come on, let's go and explore it.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22This Moorish-style villa was given a makeover six years ago
0:26:22 > 0:26:25and this time the British owners are still living here,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28so Gary won't need to visualise how he might furnish it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Into the living room.- I like this.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- What do you like about it?- Space.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- Yes, it's nice.- It's a good size. - The kitchen is through there?
0:26:41 > 0:26:45That's it, you've got a galley kitchen, through lounge.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Through there, they are using it as a dining room, but it's a lovely sunroom.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- So this whole space. - This is a large space.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- It's great, isn't it? - This is a nice space.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Could you see yourself living in it? - I don't know yet.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00What is the negative I'm sensing?
0:27:00 > 0:27:04The feeling I'm getting at the moment is it's a property that occupies
0:27:04 > 0:27:08a tiny piece of land and there is nothing around it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Well, you know, there is so much more of this property to show you.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Come on. This way.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Without Katie here, Gary seems less enthused,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19but as we head up to the rooftop terrace, I'm confident
0:27:19 > 0:27:22that he will be more impressed with what this property has to offer.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29So, my lovely Gary, look over there.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34- Mojacar Playa.- It's lovely. - And then the hills right behind you.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- Not bad, eh?- Not at all. - It gets better.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39It certainly is getting better for me. It certainly is, yes.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41And I can make it even better.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45You were wondering what the garden space was with this, well, come with me.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Look down there.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51That, my dear, including that swimming pool, belongs to this property.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56- Really?- Really.- Wow! - So what do you think now?
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I am becoming more impressed.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Far more impressed than I was when I first walked in.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04But I'm still sensing some doubt.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10I can't put my finger on it. I'm not sure yet whether this fits the bill.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- I need to see more.- Let's see if this can't convince you.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17We are going to go down, down, down into the depths now. Come on.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22As this house has an upside-down layout,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25we're going to the ground floor, where there's a good-sized family
0:28:25 > 0:28:31shower room, two double bedrooms, plus an impressive master bedroom.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- Wow! This isn't what I expected at all.- I know.- This is lovely.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- It's massive, isn't it?- Yes.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- What about the size of this room? - It is a bit cramped!- I know!
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- So, as we know, you want to do B&B...- Mm-hm.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51..and what you could do, because this is the nicest room
0:28:51 > 0:28:56and it's got its own bathroom and access to the garden, is turn
0:28:56 > 0:29:00this into your B&B room and it would be a really nice B&B room.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04It would mean you'd have to give up the brilliant bedroom
0:29:04 > 0:29:06but if you are serious about running a business, those are the things
0:29:06 > 0:29:08you just have to give up.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09So I'm planting the seeds.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- Is it changing your opinion about this property?- Very much so.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17I think what I was saying a few minutes ago is nothing compared to how I'm feeling now.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- I want to see more of it.- Come on, then. Let's show you the outside.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24This property has the means to accommodate a B&B business
0:29:24 > 0:29:28as the master bedroom has its own back door that leads
0:29:28 > 0:29:30directly out to the landscaped garden,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33which is where we are tying up the tour.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36And, Gary, the all-important swimming pool.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- It's the house that keeps on giving, isn't it?- It certainly is. It certainly is.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46I think it's got probably a huge amount more potential than I initially thought. It's super.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49This has really surprised me today. It really has.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- And what a place to come on holiday. - I need to explore more.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I need to feel my way around it,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57but I really do think it's got some good potential.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00I'm going to send you off to do that in just a moment,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03but before you go anywhere, you need to guess the price.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- So how much do you think it's on the market for?- 250.
0:30:08 > 0:30:14£250,000. That is well over your budget of 185,000.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17It's actually on the market for...
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- ..£170,000.- What?!
0:30:25 > 0:30:30That changes everything, it really does. Now, what do I do?
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- That is no bad thing.- No, not at all.- It's great to have options.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- I need to explore. I really need to explore.- Don't let me hold you back.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Go on. Off you go.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47At £15,000 under budget, this villa offers a spacious lounge
0:30:47 > 0:30:50with a galley kitchen, a rooftop terrace with views of the sea
0:30:50 > 0:30:54and the hills, three bedrooms, including a large master bedroom
0:30:54 > 0:30:58with its own en suite that could be rented out as a B&B room,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01all within striking distance of the beach.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05My first impressions when I got here this morning was,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07"Oh, I'm not so sure. It looks very small.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10"I'm not entirely sure about the location yet."
0:31:10 > 0:31:14The house became a little bit more quirky as I looked around
0:31:14 > 0:31:16and more and more interesting.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20A good-sized kitchen and then the great surprise of the garden
0:31:20 > 0:31:22with the pool at the bottom of it.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25So far, I've looked at houses
0:31:25 > 0:31:27and today I've looked at a home
0:31:27 > 0:31:29and that's a little bit worrying
0:31:29 > 0:31:33because I'm not too sure where I sit with that at the moment.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Hello. How much do you like it now?
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- A lot.- Yeah?- I do like it a lot.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Still a bit concerned about the location, but it feels very homely.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50There's a lot to think about. A lot to think about.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54- The house has got some superb features.- It really has.- Yes.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Come on. This way, Gary.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09The next destination for our house hunt is Antas,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11which is just over a 30-minute drive inland
0:32:11 > 0:32:14from Gary's chosen area of Vera.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17It's positioned at the south-eastern end of the Filabres Mountains,
0:32:17 > 0:32:21so there are splendid views of the undulating slopes.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24The town has a great selection of tapas bars and restaurants
0:32:24 > 0:32:28off the main square, which offer an authentic sense of Spanish life.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34Other amenities include a bank, a barber's and a general store.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39And our next property is situated on the outskirts of this small town.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43This, Gary, is an old mill...
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- ..a converted flour mill that's 200 years old.- I'm intrigued.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- Is that a positive intrigued? - That's a very neutral intrigued.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- Do you like the look of it? - I think so, yes.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00So, when Katie said you were picky,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- we're now experiencing the pickiness.- She's absolutely right.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I need to see the whole package before I can make up my mind.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08But I...
0:33:08 > 0:33:09- I'm warming to it.- All right.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Well, let's take you inside and see how your opinion changes.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Well, Gary's not giving anything away just yet.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20This 200-year-old mill was left derelict for 50 years
0:33:20 > 0:33:23until the current owners spent ten years restoring it.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26With four bedrooms, it's arranged over three floors,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30with the main living area found on the ground floor.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Wow! SHE LAUGHS
0:33:33 > 0:33:34Wow is a good reaction.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Part of me is thinking, "My goodness, what a fantastic room."
0:33:38 > 0:33:43And another bit's saying, "How much work would it cost to maintain it,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47"do any necessary repairs?" But first of all, it's fantastic.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- It's great, isn't it? - First and foremost.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53It's a really sympathetic kitchen conversion of the original mill.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- It's beautifully done. - The floor is the original floor.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01You've got the beams which they've kept, and over there
0:34:01 > 0:34:03there's a chute which is where
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- the corn would have come down. - Oh, of course.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Great, huh? Nice little touch.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Also down here, you've got a fantastic double bedroom over here,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15a small toilet and another bedroom around the corner.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17So, you've got two bedrooms down here.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21You like a party, you've got a big social network of friends.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- It's a good place for one. - It is, isn't it?
0:34:23 > 0:34:26It's certainly a good place for one, yes. This is making me think.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29This is making me think positively. Positively.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32You didn't have anything like this in mind before, did you?
0:34:32 > 0:34:36A place that Steve and I looked at a few years ago
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- was similar to this.- Mm-hm.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- That's good. Shall we go on up? - Let's do it.- Come on.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49'I think memories of house-hunting with Steven are turning this tour
0:34:49 > 0:34:51'into an emotional experience for Gary.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56'On the first floor, there's a family bathroom and a third bedroom
0:34:56 > 0:34:58'and on the second floor is the largest bedroom
0:34:58 > 0:35:00'which we've saved for him.'
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Come on right in.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Mmm.- Mmm!
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Nicely done. It looks as if it's been nicely done.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Do you like it?- This is a lovely room. Absolutely lovely room.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17It's got a huge bathroom suite attached to it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22- This could be your domain. Surprising?- Yes.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- Is this house growing on you? - It is, I think. I think it is, yes.
0:35:26 > 0:35:27So, this is the master room,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30but there's so much more I want to show you.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- Looking forward to it. - Come on. This way.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42On the other side of this floor is a comfortable living room
0:35:42 > 0:35:44with exposed beams.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48Despite Antas being only 20 kilometres away from Vera Playa,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52Gary hadn't considered it before, so I'm taking him out to the balcony
0:35:52 > 0:35:54to give him a sense of the location.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03- Now, I just love this little area, Gary.- It's cute, isn't it?
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- It feels like a retreat here, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Especially because they've got the day bed out. And over there is...
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- Pueblo.- Very good. Get a lay of the land.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- And you can look into the hills. - Good. Yes. I do like it.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- This isn't even the best bit. - There's more?- There is more.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I really want to show you. Come on.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25'Underneath the balcony is a workshop that, with
0:36:25 > 0:36:27'the right planning permission,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30'could be turned into even more living space,
0:36:30 > 0:36:35'giving Gary the sort of project that he's not afraid to take on.'
0:36:35 > 0:36:36- Come through.- My goodness.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- I know.- My goodness.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41This also comes with the property. It's very obvious what it's being
0:36:41 > 0:36:46used for at the minute, but I know you're really good at visualising
0:36:46 > 0:36:49and thinking of potential, so I was dying to show you this bit
0:36:49 > 0:36:55because those windows are spectacular and this room...
0:36:55 > 0:36:57I mean, where do you even begin?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- You could do whatever you wanted, really.- Absolutely.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03What to use the room for? What things would need doing to it?
0:37:03 > 0:37:07But it's a massive space. There are so many possibilities for this room.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- Yeah.- Could easily turn it into an apartment.- We haven't finished yet.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- There's something else I want to show you.- Go on, then.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20There's no shortage of outside space with this property,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23which sits on a plot of almost one and a half acres.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27On one side, there's a large patch of flat land that used to be
0:37:27 > 0:37:31an orange grove, which could be revived by garden enthusiast Gary.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33But I'm taking him to the more manicured part,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37where there's a pool, a large gazebo and a sunbathing area.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Well, I never!- Well, I never indeed.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Now, THIS is an oasis.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48This is lovely. This is really nice.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50So, let's talk money.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52What price do you put on this?
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Now you've got me.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57I really don't know.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03I'll pick a figure, a mad figure. 200.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- 200,000?- Yep.- OK.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- It's more. So, it is over your budget.- Doesn't surprise me.- Yeah.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- It's actually on the market for 225,000.- Really?
0:38:13 > 0:38:16However, the owners are aware of your budget
0:38:16 > 0:38:18and they're prepared to negotiate.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20It's a beautiful property, really lovely.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23But what do you think of the price as it stands?
0:38:23 > 0:38:25I think it's a damn good price.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Now, it's over your budget and it's a whole lot of house,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31but I want you to go in there and explore.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- OK. See you later.- See you.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39It's massive.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41And I think he loves it
0:38:41 > 0:38:44and I think it's making him feel very sad
0:38:44 > 0:38:46about the loss of his partner
0:38:46 > 0:38:49because maybe the two of them could have turned this into something.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56Although this rustic farmhouse is over budget at £225,000,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59the owners are open to offers.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01The package includes a large kitchen, living room
0:39:01 > 0:39:03and up to five bedrooms.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06And with a workshop that could be converted into even more
0:39:06 > 0:39:09bedroom accommodation, it has the potential to become
0:39:09 > 0:39:11a substantial B&B.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15It also has a generous garden with an elevated pool.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19I think the most important thing to me seeing this property today
0:39:19 > 0:39:22is quite simply that if Steven was still alive
0:39:22 > 0:39:25and we'd seen this four years ago, we'd be living here now.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30As it's just me now, is it too big? That's probably the question to ask.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Is this property going to be too much for me?
0:39:33 > 0:39:36But before we leave, I want to catch up with Gary to get
0:39:36 > 0:39:39to the bottom of how this property is making him feel.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43There's a lot to think about. It's a lovely house.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- So, Steven would have liked this? - Very, very much. Yes.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51- So, if he was here, he'd have said, what?- "Let's go for it."
0:39:51 > 0:39:54So, that's basically what I'm sensing, isn't it?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56That if he was here, you would have snapped...
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- This would have been it. - Absolutely. Absolutely.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03I know it's really difficult for you. I can sense it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- But you're here for the two of you. - Yeah.- And we'll help you.- Thank you.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- All right? I think this was always going to be tough.- Yeah.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14I think you're very brave to be doing this.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- But my new life has to start. - It has to.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It's been quite emotional, this house, hasn't it?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Yes, it certainly has. - Shall we go and clear our heads?
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- Yeah, probably a good idea. - Come on, then.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41It's our last day in Almeria in southern Spain
0:40:41 > 0:40:43and we're with Gary from Hertfordshire
0:40:43 > 0:40:45who, with the help of his daughter Katie,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49is looking for a home that can also accommodate B&B guests.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Yesterday, Katie was unwell, so Gary had to go it alone.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56And now Katie is feeling better, I'm catching up with her
0:40:56 > 0:41:00to get a sense of what this move really means for her father.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03So, Katie, your dad has had a really tough three years, hasn't he?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Yeah.- Just how bad has it been?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It's been very hard to watch.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- He is a lot better now.- So how important is this move for him?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15I think it's the most important thing for him to...
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Not to, sort of, move on,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20but to start a new chapter in his life, I think.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22What would you like to see for your dad?
0:41:22 > 0:41:26For me, I just want him to be happy and back to his old self...
0:41:26 > 0:41:29I mean, he's a very relaxed
0:41:29 > 0:41:32and very, sort of, friendly guy,
0:41:32 > 0:41:33but he has changed.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I just want him to, sort of...
0:41:36 > 0:41:40not worry so much any more and just, sort of, be happy.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42'With so much riding on the relocation,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45'I really hope we find Gary the Almerian property
0:41:45 > 0:41:47'that will help him turn his life around.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50'Perhaps the mystery house can do exactly that.'
0:41:56 > 0:42:00The last location for our property search is nearly a half-hour drive
0:42:00 > 0:42:02from Gary's beloved Vera Playa.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07We're travelling north to Los Lobos, which translates as "The Wolves".
0:42:07 > 0:42:10'It's believed it was founded in 1840
0:42:10 > 0:42:14'to accommodate the mining community who worked nearby.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17'Today, the quiet mountain village has a main square,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20'two bars and a ceramics store,
0:42:20 > 0:42:24'and lying on its outskirts is our mystery house -
0:42:24 > 0:42:26'a sizeable six-bedroom property
0:42:26 > 0:42:29'which sits on a plot of two-and-a-half acres.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32'But, with Gary concerned about the scale of our last property,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36'I'm interested to see if he'll have the same objections this time.'
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Katie, it's nice to have you with us today,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41in time for the mystery property, which is...THAT.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- Ooh!- Goodness me.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- That IS different.- Ooh.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- It's a lot bigger.- Yeah.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51So this is the mystery because it's a renovation project, OK?
0:42:51 > 0:42:54But I know the two of you are brilliant at visualising
0:42:54 > 0:42:56and seeing the potential.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00And, because it's a retreat and a B&B that you want to do,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04I think this is the perfect mystery for you.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07I can't wait to get inside and look at it. I really can't.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Come on, then, let's go.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12'This replica Moorish castle was built from scratch
0:43:12 > 0:43:14'by a French couple in the early 1980s
0:43:14 > 0:43:18'and the decor still reflects the style of that era,
0:43:18 > 0:43:21'so I'm hoping Gary can see the potential as we make our way
0:43:21 > 0:43:24'into the open-plan kitchen and living area.'
0:43:24 > 0:43:29You've got this big, old space, through kitchen/lounge-diner.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31And then through that door you've got a double bedroom,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- a bathroom, a little office room... - Oh, right.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- ..and a really interesting atrium space.- Lovely. Love it.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41- Absolutely love it.- Yeah.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43What do you love about it?
0:43:43 > 0:43:48All of it. All of it so far. I must be mad but I think it's brilliant.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51What a place for people to be welcomed into.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Yeah, I can definitely see you living here.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57Obviously, it needs a bit of work,
0:43:57 > 0:44:01but, you know, that's kind of the fun bit really, isn't it,
0:44:01 > 0:44:03- the preparation work?- Absolutely.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05It's the fact that it's open plan that I like.
0:44:05 > 0:44:10If you're looking at it in terms of a B&B, it's very inviting.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- Check out the staircase. It's marble.- Yes, absolutely.- Wow.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- That would cost a bomb...- Yeah.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17..and it's already here, so it's little things like that.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22Look beyond the wallpaper, OK, if that's even possible.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- I think I can do that. - Come on, let's go.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31I'm delighted that Gary doesn't seem fazed by the size
0:44:31 > 0:44:33or the amount of work he might need to take on.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Up the marble stairs is a family bathroom
0:44:37 > 0:44:40and three more double bedrooms.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43But we're going straight to the roof so I can reveal
0:44:43 > 0:44:47the show-stopping vista from the top of this quirky property.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- My goodness!- Yeah.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52- Wow.- Right to the top of the house. - My goodness.- The top turret.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56You can really imagine yourself being king of your castle.
0:44:56 > 0:44:57Take it all in. The view is...
0:44:57 > 0:45:00It's amazing. The view is amazing.
0:45:00 > 0:45:01It's incredible.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05You can really get a sense of how big this plot of land is, as well.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- Wow.- Yes.- Could you see yourself living here, Katie?
0:45:08 > 0:45:11Yeah, I mean, it does need a lot of work.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- It would be such an amazing project to take on.- It's mad, isn't it?
0:45:15 > 0:45:18It is quite a silly place in some respects,
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- but it's incredible in others. - It's brilliant.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23I want to show you this bit over here as well.
0:45:23 > 0:45:28There is the rooftop of your underground garage.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30You can get planning permission and build on there
0:45:30 > 0:45:33and get another big bedroom or another two bedrooms easily
0:45:33 > 0:45:36if you really wanted to extend this whole B&B thing.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38- There's so many options here.- Yeah.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- It's super.- It is. It really is.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45Now my mind is really messed up!
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- Good.- But that's a good thing. - Yeah, good.
0:45:49 > 0:45:50'At the back of the landscaped garden,
0:45:50 > 0:45:54'there are outbuildings with another two bedrooms, a bathroom
0:45:54 > 0:45:58'and kitchen, which could be rented out as a self-contained apartment.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02'There's also a south-facing pool and outdoor bar and barbecue area.'
0:46:05 > 0:46:08- What do you think about this little patch?- This is fabulous.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- Absolutely fabulous.- It is amazing.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- It's cool, isn't it? - Yeah, it's a lot of...character?
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- KATIE LAUGHS - Obviously, it hasn't been used for a long time,
0:46:19 > 0:46:24- but can you see how you could make this work?- Oh, yes.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- Oh, yes. - It's a whole lot of property.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29I know when we looked at the mill property,
0:46:29 > 0:46:32you were slightly concerned about the size.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35What about this, cos this is even bigger?
0:46:37 > 0:46:39I don't know how to explain it but there's just
0:46:39 > 0:46:43something about this that perfectly fits some of the thoughts I've had.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48It's got so many of the features that you put in that book.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50- And they're here already.- Mm.
0:46:50 > 0:46:56Cos that inspiration book is sort of your ideal dream rental B&B?
0:46:56 > 0:46:57Absolutely, yes.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01When I compiled that, I went to the most extreme things I would ever
0:47:01 > 0:47:05really, really like, thinking I could never do it, and then work back.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Within that, this has done most of it already.
0:47:08 > 0:47:13So all we need to know now is how much they're asking for it.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17I haven't a clue. I really haven't a clue.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20Well, in that case, I'll ask Katie first. Give you a chance to think.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24I am going to say it's going to be well over budget.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26Um, 230,000.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31I would have thought possibly even higher. 250?
0:47:31 > 0:47:35This Moorish folly,
0:47:35 > 0:47:38with its grounds and its gardens and its outhouse and pool
0:47:38 > 0:47:41and everything, is on the market for
0:47:41 > 0:47:43£180,000.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46- What?!- What?!- You're joking?!
0:47:46 > 0:47:48- Goodness.- Get it now!
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- Oh, my goodness.- That is incredible.
0:47:50 > 0:47:51That really is incredible.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55I can see that I've just thrown a spanner into the works.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58- You certainly have.- Massively. - A good one, though.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02- Oh, absolutely.- I want the two of you to disappear, do your thing.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05Wander around the grounds, look inside the house.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08Imagine yourselves being here and what you'd do with it. Off you go.
0:48:10 > 0:48:15This Moorish-style property appears to have captured Gary's imagination.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20On the market for £180,000, £5,000 under budget,
0:48:20 > 0:48:23it could provide a sizeable B&B, as it has four bedrooms
0:48:23 > 0:48:28in the main house and an additional two bedrooms in separate outhouses.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31There's also a large open-plan living and kitchen area,
0:48:31 > 0:48:32split-level roof terraces
0:48:32 > 0:48:35and a swimming pool.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38You wanted it to be a retreat.
0:48:40 > 0:48:44This has the makings of, you know, of being that.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47I believe you're right. Superb.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51This house could not be better suited to my original needs.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55There is work to be done but I think it could make a fantastic home
0:48:55 > 0:48:59and I think it could make a very, very good guesthouse and retreat.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01At first,
0:49:01 > 0:49:05I was a little bit concerned about the size of the project because
0:49:05 > 0:49:11obviously, before it was going to be him and Steve and now it's just him.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14But I think it could also be something that would be
0:49:14 > 0:49:16potentially really good for him.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19If I was asked to score this house out of ten,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22when the work's done, definitely 11.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26At the moment, seven to eight, maybe even nine, but it is fantastic.
0:49:26 > 0:49:31I don't think they're going to want to leave. Katie, Gary...
0:49:32 > 0:49:33You don't own it yet!
0:49:34 > 0:49:37Plus, you wouldn't really want to stay in it just yet.
0:49:37 > 0:49:42- No, I think you're right on that score.- Shall we go?- Yep, if we must.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44We must. For now!
0:49:52 > 0:49:58In 711 AD, North African nomads, the Moors, began their occupation of
0:49:58 > 0:50:03Spain and eventually created their own medieval state of Al-Andalus.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06Like the Romans before them,
0:50:06 > 0:50:09one of the most strategically important regions to the Moors
0:50:09 > 0:50:12was Andalucia, as it encompassed Spain's southern
0:50:12 > 0:50:15Mediterranean coastline, with access to North Africa.
0:50:16 > 0:50:22In 955 AD, the Al-Andalus ruler, Abd al-Rahman III,
0:50:22 > 0:50:27founded the Andalucian city of Almeria and built the Alcazaba,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31which was the second largest Moorish fortress in Spain.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Today, this majestic building still looms over the city
0:50:34 > 0:50:37and I'm meeting our tour guide, Carlos Ruiz,
0:50:37 > 0:50:39to dig into its fascinating past.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43Carlos, tell me about where we are right now.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46We are in the Alcazaba monumental complex.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50It's one of the most important fortresses in Spain and Europe.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52It doesn't feel like we're in Western Europe up here.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- It feels like we're in North Africa. - Yeah, it's like North Africa, yeah.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58- So who built this? - The Muslim people.
0:50:58 > 0:51:02Why did they feel the need to build this big fortification here?
0:51:02 > 0:51:05- This is some serious protection. - Yeah, to protect the city.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08But what was the importance of Almeria?
0:51:08 > 0:51:11I see we're located right by the port and it's still a port today.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15An intensive trade with silk, marble,
0:51:15 > 0:51:19it was an important place for economical relations.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23- And that's why they built this huge fortification around the city?- Yeah.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26What would it have been like around here? Hustle and bustle.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28People everywhere. Would people live within the walls?
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Yeah, yeah, yeah. Kings lived in the big palace.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33- The poorer people would be down here...- Yeah, yeah.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35..and the kings and all their luxury...
0:51:35 > 0:51:39Probably they work it for their kings.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43'For over 700 years, Almeria was a prosperous community,
0:51:43 > 0:51:48'until the 15th century, when a major earthquake wrecked the city.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51'This was followed by the Christians defeating the Moors
0:51:51 > 0:51:55'and reconquering one of the last strongholds of the Moorish kingdom.'
0:51:55 > 0:51:58So we're now in the Christian part of this fortress?
0:51:58 > 0:51:59Yeah, in the Christian castle.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03The Christian castle. It feels different.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- Yeah, it's very different. - So when did the Christians come?
0:52:06 > 0:52:12In 1489, the 15th century, and they built this castle, this fortress.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15And did they bolt this onto the end of the Moorish architecture
0:52:15 > 0:52:17like an extension?
0:52:17 > 0:52:21Yeah, they built the castle on the old Islamic ruins.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23- So it's built on top? - Yeah, on top, yeah.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27'The combination of Christian, Moorish and even Roman rule
0:52:27 > 0:52:32'has left its mark on Almeria's architecture and culture.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35'I'm meeting resident Paloma Perez-Pado, who's showing me
0:52:35 > 0:52:37'an example of a favourite Roman
0:52:37 > 0:52:40'and Moorish pastime that still exists to this day -
0:52:40 > 0:52:43'The Banos de Sierra Alhamilla.'
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Oh, wow!
0:52:46 > 0:52:49These are two of the four
0:52:49 > 0:52:53original Roman pools.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56- Paloma, this is gorgeous. - It's amazing.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58- So these are Roman?- Absolutely.
0:52:58 > 0:53:04The marble is from Almeria. It's a very well-known marble mine.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07There you can see the hot spring
0:53:07 > 0:53:11and it pours 600 litres per minute
0:53:11 > 0:53:15at 136 Fahrenheit degrees.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18- So the bath is Roman?- Yes. - Gosh, amazing.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- And the surrounds are Arabian, from the Arabian period.- Right.
0:53:22 > 0:53:27In Spain, during the years 711 till 1492,
0:53:27 > 0:53:30the Moorish culture was here
0:53:30 > 0:53:35and they established their hammam, which means bath in Arabian.
0:53:35 > 0:53:40They also introduced the steaming room for breathing problems.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44So why was the hammam, the bath, so important in Moorish culture?
0:53:44 > 0:53:47Because all the social life was here
0:53:47 > 0:53:52and also it was a place where the women, completely separated
0:53:52 > 0:53:57from the men, the mothers chose the husbands for their daughters.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01So women would be in here spotting young girls as potential
0:54:01 > 0:54:04- partners for their sons?- Yes, always arranged marriages, always.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09'Hammams not only became a social and political place to network,
0:54:09 > 0:54:11'there was a spiritual element too.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14'They were thought to cleanse the soul, and having got a sense of
0:54:14 > 0:54:17'their history, there's only one way for me to appreciate why
0:54:17 > 0:54:21'these baths were such an important feature in Moorish culture.'
0:54:25 > 0:54:27I love a spa. Who doesn't?
0:54:27 > 0:54:33But THIS is the ultimate. A Roman bath in Moorish surroundings.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36I'm completely chilled.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41Relaxation over, it's time to find out whether Gary is ready to
0:54:41 > 0:54:45take the plunge and invest in a property in Almeria.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51Right, well, you've seen a selection of properties.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53They've all been quite different, haven't they?
0:54:53 > 0:54:55They have been very different.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57It's been a fantastic experience, it really has.
0:54:57 > 0:54:58And you've been so positive.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02I have no idea what the outcome of all of this is.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04So which is your favourite?
0:55:04 > 0:55:09It's been a tough call but I think if I'm refining it down to the final
0:55:09 > 0:55:14two to choose from, then it's going to be either the one in Vera Playa -
0:55:14 > 0:55:18practical, needs some work, but doable.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20But quite compact.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22And then the castle.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26I've already said and you've seen my reaction to that.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29It's fabulous.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31It is brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34It's going to be a really tough call
0:55:34 > 0:55:38which one of the two to choose because they are so different.
0:55:38 > 0:55:44- It's going to come down to how much of a project can I take on.- Exactly.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48It will come down to that, whether you feel that you're able to.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52- The castle is a no-brainer. Got to go for it.- Really?- Really?
0:55:52 > 0:55:56- But...- Ah, come on, Gary!
0:55:56 > 0:55:57We were all like...
0:55:57 > 0:56:02Put my sensible head on, the voice of reason comes into play.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06If I go for the castle, I'm going to have to call in so many favours.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09- You've got a daughter sitting right next to you.- Yeah.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- Will you be up for helping Dad with the castle?- Oh, definitely.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15If you do go for that, I think we'll have quite a few helpers.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17What do you think, Katie?
0:56:17 > 0:56:21My head's saying Vera but my heart is saying the castle.
0:56:21 > 0:56:22But...
0:56:24 > 0:56:26..I don't really like taking the easy option,
0:56:26 > 0:56:29so I'm going to suggest the castle.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31Like father, like daughter, eh?
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Yes, and you were here to rein me in, but somehow you've taken the lead.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38Katie, how important is it for your dad to start his new life,
0:56:38 > 0:56:43- as he says?- I think it's probably the most important thing for him.
0:56:43 > 0:56:44It's been three years.
0:56:44 > 0:56:49It's been hard but I think now is the best time for him
0:56:49 > 0:56:52to have something to focus on
0:56:52 > 0:56:57and maybe bring a bit more of his happiness back to him.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Well, close your eyes.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Imagine you're in a house in Spain.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04Where are you?
0:57:06 > 0:57:07I'm in the castle.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11- I think it's a done deal, really. - I think it probably is.
0:57:11 > 0:57:17I am so excited for you. I've got goose bumps just thinking about it.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20- So have I!- New lease of life.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24If I can do it, it will be perfect.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28I'm just really happy that, you know, you've found the place.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33- It's good, it's good! - Don't cry. It's happy time.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37Yeah, but we understand, but, yeah, it is wonderful.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40- Good luck, Gary. Good luck. - Thank you.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47It's been a really tough and emotional week for Gary
0:57:47 > 0:57:50and that's because moving to Spain isn't about property for him.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52It's about starting a new lease of life.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56Here he's surrounded by happy memories and if he moves
0:57:56 > 0:58:00into that castle, it will be the beginning of a new, happier chapter.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03Join us next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08Gary is planning another trip to Almeria.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11Both the castle and the house in Vera Playa are still contenders.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13We wish him well.