0:00:02 > 0:00:05This gently flowing river may seem like a picture of tranquillity,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08but years ago, it was the frontline in a bloody conflict that
0:00:08 > 0:00:10raged for a hundred years.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Find out more about that and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today, we're taking a couple across the Channel to entice them
0:00:36 > 0:00:39with what could be their first property purchase together,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43and they've got some pretty good ideas about water.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48It just looks like a very nice, big pond as opposed to a lake.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50And we get some watering eyes, too.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51We got tears!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- I was expecting that from Carol, but we got Warren.- No, no.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- It's lovely!- That's great.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Today, I am in the Dordogne, in the southwest of France,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08and this is the river that gives the area its name.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12600 years ago, the English ruled this part of France and they waged a
0:01:12 > 0:01:14bloody war against the French,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17which became known as the Hundred Years War,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and ended in 1453 with the French victorious.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24But our love affair with this part of France goes on unabated,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and now there is a more peaceful invasion taking place
0:01:26 > 0:01:30in the form of British homeowners keen to own a slice of what
0:01:30 > 0:01:33is affectionately being called Dordogne-shire.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37The Dordogne lies within the larger Aquitaine
0:01:37 > 0:01:38region in the southwest of France
0:01:38 > 0:01:43and covers an area roughly the same size as Devon and Dorset combined.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48In 1790, the French Revolution created the newly formed
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Dordogne Department.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53However, the French still cling to the area's traditional
0:01:53 > 0:01:57name of Perigord and its people as Perigordins.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Dordogne's lifeline is it's 300-mile long
0:02:00 > 0:02:02river from which it takes its name.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05It dissects the undulating hills across the southern
0:02:05 > 0:02:07quarter of the region.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09The capital is the ancient town of Perigueux,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and it's here that you can see the region's history reflected
0:02:13 > 0:02:18in the architecture, from Roman remains to medieval dwellings.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Its most famous site is the imposing cathedral Saint Front,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25with its five Byzantine bump-studded domes, said to be inspired
0:02:25 > 0:02:28by St Mark's Basilica in Venice.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32More than 1,000 chateaus pepper the landscape, with Renaissance
0:02:32 > 0:02:37examples in the north and medieval strongholds in the south.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40With a countryside that is reminiscent of rural England,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44coupled with an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine a year,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48it is easy to see why the British account for almost 50%
0:02:48 > 0:02:50of all property investors in the Dordogne.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57What about property prices in this part of France?
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Well, the average price for a detached house in the Dordogne
0:02:59 > 0:03:04is £101,000, which is under half the average back home.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06And there are regional differences.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09If you go away from the main city, Perigueux, to the north,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11then you can knock 10% off your price.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14However, getting a good bargain is not the only reason to come
0:03:14 > 0:03:18to France. Let's find out what drew our buyers here today.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Romance blossomed for our couple
0:03:22 > 0:03:24just 12 months ago over the Internet,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27after their shared interest in angling brought
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Warren to Carol's ten-acre home in Yorkshire.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Warren likes fishing and I like fishing, and I have a fishing lake
0:03:34 > 0:03:39and Warren came fishing here and we got to like one another.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Warren is a townie and I'm a country bumpkin,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47and I am teaching him how to be a country bumpkin.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51At the moment, their respective homes are almost 70 miles apart
0:03:51 > 0:03:53and they're desperate to live together.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Warren's urban base in Stockport, Greater Manchester,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58is out of the question for country Carol,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01but her bungalow holds too many memories of her late husband,
0:04:01 > 0:04:05so they have decided on a completely fresh start across the Channel.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10If we don't move now, we're not going to move.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And I'm looking forward to retiring.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18And I can't think of a better place to retire than the Dordogne
0:04:18 > 0:04:22and I can't think of a better person to retire with than Carol.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25They've pinpointed the Dordogne as it gives them
0:04:25 > 0:04:28an opportunity for a new beginning in a warm climate
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and still within close proximity to friends and family.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36I think the Dordogne is near to perfect for us
0:04:36 > 0:04:40because it's a quieter way of life.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46For what we like doing, there is opportunities.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49As this will be the first property purchase together,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52it could throw up some differences of opinion.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Myself, I would want more out of the house.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57And I would what more out of the land.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00I would be looking forward to having family come and stay.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03We're hoping to be able to spend quality time with them
0:05:03 > 0:05:07in an environment that's different to the one they've got here.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Carol has owned a fishery for many years
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and is keen to continue with the fishing lake business.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13And at the very least,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17her plan is that water will be a key feature of the new property.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19When you've got a piece of water,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22you're never without something to do, ever.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Whether it is just sitting, looking at it, or watching
0:05:25 > 0:05:29the wildlife on it, or fishing it, or playing in it...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I'd be lost without it.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35And they have other ideas about how to increase their revenue further.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40We've thought about gites and letting them out
0:05:40 > 0:05:42for the summer period.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44It'd be another income.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Both their current homes are on the market
0:05:46 > 0:05:47and they're hoping for quick sales
0:05:47 > 0:05:51so they can fund all the elements they want for their new home.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55To get what we are looking for as far as the lakes and the water
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and the gites perhaps, we're going to have to spend
0:05:58 > 0:06:03somewhere in the region of 250 to 350,000.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Carol and Warren are concentrating their search in the north
0:06:08 > 0:06:10of the Dordogne.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13And as the region is known for its abundance of chateau, we are
0:06:13 > 0:06:16meeting at Chateau de Jumilhac, in Jumilhac Le Grand,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19to understand the finer points of what they're after.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Carol and Warren, welcome to the Dordogne.- Hello.- Thank you.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26What beautiful weather you've brought with you.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28So, the move to France is quite a big one...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- Cos your French is not great? Do you speak any French?- Oui-oui.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36A little tiny bit. Basic, very basic, yes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Willing to learn.- I'm learning by CD.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43I travel a lot to Carol's, back and forth each week,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45so I have a two-hour journey.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- And I've always got the CD to learn French.- And how is it going?
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- It's going OK. - And I know water is very important.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Tell me about your desire for water.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I don't think I could live without water.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Not too far away, I'd rather have it on the doorstep.
0:07:01 > 0:07:07Somewhere where we can put boats on it or a canoe, fish it.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10In an ideal world, we'd like to pick up where Carol
0:07:10 > 0:07:14lives at the moment, bring it to the Dordogne, put it down.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- That'd be glorious.- Yeah. - But what about the actual house?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20How many bedrooms, for example, how big?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23We'd like a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25but there again, the more the merrier.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27The more the merrier, really.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Because you were talking about also gites and having...- Yeah.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Some sort of business.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35I mean, although we are retiring to France,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38we don't actually want to stop work completely.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- So if we had a little gite to run, that'd be really good.- Yeah.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Are you up for a project or would you like something ready
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- to move into? - Up for project definitely.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Yeah, me too.- You too?- Yeah.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Can you foresee any sort of differences of opinion
0:07:53 > 0:07:55about the houses?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Carol will go for something that's really quirky,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01where I don't mind something that is different,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04but it has to be liveable, and has to be workable.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- So it is the fine line between quirky and different.- Yeah.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- No, it's just quirky.- Just quirky. So ignore Warren, listen to you.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19The budget - how much money have you got to spend?
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Around 350, perhaps going up to 400.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24Well, the Dordogne has come up charms.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28We have got lovely properties lined up, so let's go and see them.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Good stuff.- Perfect, lovely. Thank you.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Our buyers have a budget of between £350,000 and £400,000.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41For that, they are hoping to find a character property with a minimum of
0:08:41 > 0:08:45three bedrooms, although Carol would prefer more to accommodate family.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47They're also seeking the potential for some rental
0:08:47 > 0:08:50income from an on-site holiday property
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and at least five acres of land that should include a lake.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56And they would be happy to take on a project.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00We are showing our house hunters four impressive French properties
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and we'll conclude our search with a mystery house, which
0:09:03 > 0:09:07while challenging what they think they want, is a sizable proposition.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And with their relationship only a year old,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13buying a home together and moving abroad will definitely be unfamiliar
0:09:13 > 0:09:16territory, so will we find them their vie en rose?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Merci beaucoup.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23We're beginning our search in Saint-Paul-la-Roche,
0:09:23 > 0:09:28which lies on the north-easterly border of Dordogne and Limousin.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30The name La Roche, or The Rock,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32relates to it being the site of one of the purest
0:09:32 > 0:09:37deposits of crystal and quartz, which was formed by meteorite hit.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Today, the village contains local amenities,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43including a restaurant, town hall and post office.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45The property we're showing is a five-minute
0:09:45 > 0:09:49walk from the village centre and has an impressive history,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51dating back 900 years,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55that should appeal to our buyers' request for something quirky.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- House number one. That's a fairytale.- I can't wait to go in.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Tell me what you see, what is it that you...?- I feel first.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07I've got a really lovely feeling in my tummy about this place.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10It's lovely. It's like Hansel and Gretel.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Let me tell you a little bit about it,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15because it is a 12th century Knights Templar building.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18The present owners are an English couple who have completely
0:10:18 > 0:10:20kind of brought it back to life.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23It was almost in ruin when they bought it.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And it was just the old part here.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- This portion, this extension, they put on.- Right.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Is your heart loving it or...?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33My heart is jumping all over the place.
0:10:33 > 0:10:40- What about you, Warren?- I'm thinking about maintenance and insurance.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- But it is a fantastic looking place. - Shall we have a look inside?
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Yes, please.- Yes, please. - I can't wait.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Well, that is a decent initial response,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50but let's see if we can allay Warren's
0:10:50 > 0:10:54fears about upkeep by showing him and Carol inside the historic house.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Of course, your eyes have to adjust from that bright French sunlight.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03This was the guards' room, they still call it the Guards' Room.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05You've got the 12th century floor underneath your feet,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08the enormous 12th century fireplace.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12It just looks so... It's been left for years like this.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- You know? It's superb. - Superb, yeah.- Can you imagine that?
0:11:18 > 0:11:24You had absolutely roaring fire there and just sat. Yeah?
0:11:24 > 0:11:26The present owners have got lots of things, you know,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29they've collected lots of antiques, there's lots of furniture,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32and they are happy to sort of negotiate some of these big
0:11:32 > 0:11:35pieces being in the price of the house.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37It is all very much in keeping, isn't it?
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Every single thing that is in here is in keeping with this building.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Let's leave this floor and venture up a floor.- OK.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48The modern extension to the left of the property houses a big
0:11:48 > 0:11:53kitchen with free-standing units and a rustic French farmhouse style.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55On this floor, there is also a double bedroom with bathroom,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58featuring a pestle pink roll-top bath.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01But we are sticking with the antique features
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and heading up a floor to another sitting room.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Most unexpected! Oh, this is something else.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Unbelievable, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13The downstairs was sort of the working area,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15with the Guards' Room,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18and this is where kind of the governor had his quarters.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21You've got the lovely restored stone surrounding the log burner
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- which heats this room.- Radiators definitely would go in here.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Well, you do have to remember it gets cold in the Dordogne.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32The winters are cold, it can be -18 outside.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- So you need to think about things like heating.- Mm-hm.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Anyway, let's look at the room upstairs, see what you think.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39OK.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43The house is laid out over three stories
0:12:43 > 0:12:46and set apart by ancient wooden steps.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47Up on the top floor, are two bedrooms,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49one of which is being used as a study,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54and possibly the most rustic bedroom, which we have saved them.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57This is the master bedroom.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02At the moment, you have got a walk-in wardrobe here
0:13:02 > 0:13:04and a basin and toilet in there, so no shower,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06but there is the plumbing so you could put one in.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Oh, definitely, yes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Yes, that's not a problem.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Warren, what do you think of this space up here?
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It's a huge bedroom, huge. It's fantastic.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19But it has only got three bedrooms,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- so why hasn't this been converted into two bedrooms?- Oh, no.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29No, no, no. This is the sort of room that you could call your home.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Carol is already calling this home
0:13:31 > 0:13:34and she has yet to explore the outside space,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36so I'm hoping they will be equally impressed by the garden
0:13:36 > 0:13:41and parkland, although I fear it may be lacking one key feature.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Outside.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- We've got a cruel tease. - Yes, I can see it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- You know where I'm pointing. - You're pointing at that lake.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53I can see some water.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54Which sadly doesn't belong to you.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57This was a property where we weren't able to give you the water
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- that you desire.- Yes.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03But you do have 2.5 acres of land, so it follows the boundary down
0:14:03 > 0:14:07there and sort of halfway along that orchard and then around here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- And also this giant barn.- That will be useful.- With a little bit of,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16you know, work, you can perhaps build something on.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Yeah, I'm sure you could. - You wanted to build a gite.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- But it doesn't replace the water. - It does not replace the water.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25What do you think the price of it is?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28It's very difficult, there's nothing to compare it with.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- I mean, it's a unique property. - I'm going to say 325.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38I would say 375, may be pushing the 400.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43This house is on the market for...
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- £300,000.- Wow!- Yes.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- That's well done.- Well, why don't you have a look around?
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Cos there is this land at the back and also the outhouse.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Walk on in and then I will catch up with you at the end.- Thank you.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Thank you very much.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04This unique Knight's Templar property is priced comfortably
0:15:04 > 0:15:05under our buyers' budget.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Set over three floors, it includes...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Although it doesn't offer a lake,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17it does have 2.5 acres of land with stunning views.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- I can see a workshop, perhaps a conversion.- Yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25You would spend most of your time in here and we'd never see you.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I think so. I think it would be a good workshop going on there.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31When I walked in here, I just couldn't believe my eyes.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35It is like going back in time, literally. But the landscape...
0:15:37 > 0:15:39..didn't do anything for me at all.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Carol wants a lake. That's what she needs. She needs a lake.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- Ah, there you are, you two, sunning yourselves.- Yes.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- I'm afraid I'm going to have to stir you into action.- OK.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52Come with me.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02We're house hunting in France's Dordogne region with Warren
0:16:02 > 0:16:05and Carol, from northern England.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08It is an area with a rich heritage in food products and they are
0:16:08 > 0:16:12kicking off the day at the market of Perigueux - a foodie heaven.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14This is so amazing, I just want to live here.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- This is marvellous.- This is fabulous.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20At home, you never see anything like this.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- You never see so many varieties. - Absolutely not, no.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- It's just unbelievable, isn't it? - I've never seen anything like this.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31And all you can hear is French - no English, no tourists.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Parlez anglais?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Anglais?- A little?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Is it cheese or fish?- Uh...fish.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Fish.- OK.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Thank you.- Merci.- Merci, merci.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I love French markets, they're amazing.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57I'm hoping that Warren and Carol are warmed up
0:16:57 > 0:16:58for the nice petit dejeuner
0:16:58 > 0:17:01here in France because we have got some great properties lined up.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03And it was very clear that yesterday,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06although the house was off the scale of quirkiness,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08it didn't have that all-important water,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11so we are turning on the taps on the rivers and lakes and we are
0:17:11 > 0:17:14hoping that they are going to find their dream house today.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18For our next property offering,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22were heading west to the village of Saint-Saud-Lacoussiere.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25With Carol and Warren looking to integrate into French life,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27there is a host of social activities on offer,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31which include petanque in the village square as well as a yearly
0:17:31 > 0:17:36culinary festival dedicated to local mushroom and veal delicacies.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Almost all the villages in the Dordogne have a war memorial,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43and this one is dedicated to the resistance fighters
0:17:43 > 0:17:44of the Second World War.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Village amenities include a selection of bars,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50a boulangerie, a pharmacy and a general store.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54And we're viewing a classic 19th century French manor house nearby.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57It's very funny, as we were coming down the lane, you were singing,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00"I've got a good feeling."
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Ho-ho!- That's fantastic.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Because this is one of the grandest houses in the area, in the village.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10It would have been sort of the mainland owner's house.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Obviously, the vantage point is amazing.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14It looks out down over the village.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- So we have got 12 acres of land here.- Wow.- That sounds...
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- that sounds good.- What do you think about the property?
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- It's from the 1870s, so high French style.- Very much. I need to go in.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28There is so much energy.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- It looks...- And it is big. - It's interesting.- It's big.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Do you want to look inside? - Please, yes.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41To the front of the house, there is
0:18:41 > 0:18:44a terrace with a view shaded by lime trees.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47But let's see if Carol is as excited by what is inside.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Oh, yes.- Lovely.- Does it match up to expectations from the outside?
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- Better, definitely better. - It's lovely.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02When the owners bought the house in 2005, it was
0:19:02 > 0:19:05sort of decorated in the 1970s,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07and they wanted to bring it back to the 1870s,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11so without sort of making it old-fashioned,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14they've taken a lot of the furniture, the sort of big,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17dark French furniture from that period,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19but put it into a modern setting, so you've got
0:19:19 > 0:19:21all the modern fixtures and fittings.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24You've got a gas oven, which is bottled gas, you've got,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29again, an old but brand-new wood burner there in the hearth.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And new tiles throughout all new fixtures and fittings.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- Very tasteful.- Fabulous. It's really fabulous. I want to see some more.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39Let's go look at the dining room.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- This is a grand room. - Wow!- This is the best.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- So impressive.- It's beautiful. Very tasteful.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53It's a clever trick, isn't it,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55putting this huge mirror to bring the daylight...
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- to double the daylight.- Absolutely. And look at it, it's wonderful.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I like everything, it is so tastefully done.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04At the back, they have put on an extension quite some time ago,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07but they have sort of made that the almost snug-family room.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11So there is sort of a log burner and a TV and the sofas.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- This is perhaps more of a formal room.- I'm impressed, very impressed.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- It's just typical, old French style. It's gorgeous.- Yes.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Upstairs, on the first floor, are two grand double bedrooms
0:20:23 > 0:20:25and a bathroom.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26And further up, still in the eaves,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30is more accommodation in the impressive loft conversion.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34These are the original 1870s staircase,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37that brings you right to the top of the house -
0:20:37 > 0:20:38what was the attic.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Wow! It is lovely.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Isn't this great?- And it is now, as you can see,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48a self-appointed apartment.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It has got a little kitchen, a bathroom...
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Actually, the owners have rented it out as a holiday let.- Yeah.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- You get about 120, 140 euros a week. - How relaxing.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02For you guys, I was thinking it'd be much more suitable either for
0:21:02 > 0:21:04guests, family,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06or you could reinstate this as the master bedroom.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11Yes. I like everything to the eye, everything.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Love it. - I'm picking up on the feeling.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- It's got a nice feeling to it. - It has.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20It doesn't feel strange, it just feels homely.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The house seems to be hitting the mark,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and there is more space on offer.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28In addition to an extensive cellar, there is a double garage and,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31with the right planning permission, there is an opportunity to convert
0:21:31 > 0:21:33the existing stable into holiday
0:21:33 > 0:21:38gites, which would fulfil Warren and Carol's request for a project.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40But I've saved a feature that could
0:21:40 > 0:21:43whet their appetite for this property even more.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Peaceful.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Absolutely peaceful. - And in this instance, yours.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- Are there fish in here? - There are some fish.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Obviously, it's not a massive lake.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00It's not really big enough for a commercial fishery,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02but there is some black bass, there is some carp.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Right, yeah.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Is it big enough? Is it enough water?- Mmm... No.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Not really.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14What do you think, Warren?
0:22:14 > 0:22:15For a fishery, no,
0:22:15 > 0:22:21but it's big enough for friends and family to come and fish.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27Yes. It's lovely if we didn't want to exploit it a little bit.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30It just looks like a very, very, very, very,
0:22:30 > 0:22:34very nice, big pond as opposed to lake.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36It's good to know your true feelings.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38I'd like you to explore,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42but first, what do you think the price of the property is?
0:22:44 > 0:22:45Um...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49I'm thinking it's really going to touch the 350 mark,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53so I'm going to say...345.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56- Warren?- 375, again.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Well, this property is actually on the market for...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04just under £320,000.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09So a lot of land, a lot of potential for this one, I think.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Yeah. - So, why don't you have an explore?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16And if you get lost, just shout and I will come and find you.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- We'd love to explore it. Absolutely. - Thanks very much.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24This classic French home, once again, comes in under budget.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Set over three floors, plus a large cellar, it has...
0:23:33 > 0:23:37And whilst the lake hasn't passed the test for Carol in terms
0:23:37 > 0:23:38of size, there are...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45So this is the actual sitting room.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- Yeah. Use this as the TV room.- Yeah.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- I think this is where you'd spend most of your time.- Yeah.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57It's quite quaint. It is a bit small, though.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59I could live in this house, definitely.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03As far as Carol not having the same feelings for this property,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I think I could persuade her to come and stop here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11It looks as though the water element is taking priority to
0:24:11 > 0:24:14everything else. It is so important to me.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17And it would have to be in view of the house as well.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I would go 50-50 between the water and the house.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Oh, beautiful French weather.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30If you'll close the door, we're all done here, so let's head to the car.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Carol and Warren have chosen the Dordogne due
0:24:37 > 0:24:40to its abundance of glorious lakes and rivers, one of which is
0:24:40 > 0:24:43the 120-mile long river, Dronne,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45which winds its way through the region.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Because our couple have such an attachment to the water,
0:24:47 > 0:24:51we've sent them to meet guide Magali Manier, who's giving them
0:24:51 > 0:24:54a tour from a unique perspective.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57This is one of the major tourist activities to discover
0:24:57 > 0:24:59the region from the river.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Do you have to have a permit to do this?
0:25:01 > 0:25:07- No, you just come and meet a canoe-renting company.- Yes.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10There are many canoe-renting companies in the area.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Canoeing along this stretch of river takes them along towards the island
0:25:14 > 0:25:18town of Brantome, which is known as the Venice of Perigord.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23Evidence suggests Brantome has been inhabited for over 40,000 years,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25but it wasn't until the medieval period
0:25:25 > 0:25:28when Benedictine monks really established it
0:25:28 > 0:25:30by building an abbey here.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34It's 11th century bell tower is said to be the oldest in France.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Other charms include a 16th century elbow bridge,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41as well as riverside cafes and attractive parkland.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50So, it is a very famous town in the area, with a lot of tourists and...
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Because the city is really beautiful.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56And you'll find some craftsmen.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59There are markets also every Friday mornings.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Are there many fish in this river?
0:26:02 > 0:26:07On this river, yes, but maybe up to the river or down the stream
0:26:07 > 0:26:11in the town, but, yes, there are many fishermen in the area
0:26:11 > 0:26:17and places to fish, either on the rivers or on small lakes.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21And after, you can go to a nice restaurant to taste your fish.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25And now that our buyers have paddled down the river,
0:26:25 > 0:26:26let's hope we can tempt them
0:26:26 > 0:26:30with a property which showcases an equally impressive water feature.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It's back to the house hunt.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Our next destination is La Bucherie,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41a 45-minute drive northeast of Brantome.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Within this peaceful hamlet are a handful of handsome homes
0:26:46 > 0:26:49built from the local honey-coloured limestone,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53which look out onto an attractive pastoral landscape.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I'm hoping this quiet setting will suit Warren and Carol,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59who want a rural outlook without feeling too isolated.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03And a short stroll away is a show-stopping lakeside property.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I'm so excited to show you this one.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Oh, yes, that's more like it.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- That's it. - That is...much more like it.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- I'm going to cry.- That's brilliant. - You've got tears!
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- I was expecting them from Carol, but we got Warren.- No, no.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- It's lovely!- That's great.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Aw! I'm all emotional now. It's a beautiful property,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30I'm so excited about showing you this one...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- It's fabulous.- ..particularly after what you said about the last one.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36This is lovely. Oh, my, oh, my!
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- It's a picture, isn't it?- Yeah.- We won't sleep tonight.- It's a postcard.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Can I just fill you in on some of the info?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Cos I think it's going to really wow you.
0:27:44 > 0:27:483.75 acre lake.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- Right.- Wow.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54And there's a fully functional,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and quite profitable in fact, fishing business.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- Oh...- Put it there.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05- It's unbelievable. It's...- Yeah. See what I mean about a pond and a lake?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Right, it's spot on.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08There's so much to show you,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11so let's get over there and take a look.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15A wonderful start and we've only just scratched the surface.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I have a feeling I won't need to fish for compliments as
0:28:18 > 0:28:21we look inside this charming, 50-year-old house, which is
0:28:21 > 0:28:24divided into two apartments.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28The upstairs can be hired out to anglers, and includes a large living
0:28:28 > 0:28:33and dining area, a kitchen and double bedroom, with a shower room.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35But we are kicking off in the ground-floor apartment,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38which is where the current owners live.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40Wow.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42Whoopie!
0:28:42 > 0:28:45So, they've got all their living apartment on this floor,
0:28:45 > 0:28:47these incredible views out of the lake.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50And they have got a study and a bedroom here.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53So they live quite simply here, it is not a massive layout,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- because they have got all the apartment upstairs.- Yes.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Which you can explore later.- Right.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00But what do you think about this sort of view
0:29:00 > 0:29:02and this sort of set up?
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- I don't even know. - Go on, have a look.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06Right.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12I just am lost for words.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Almost speechless, you were almost speechless there.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16It's the first time.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21I am. I'd just sit here all day and just look out there.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- It's fantastic. - Yeah, it is, I'm just lost for words.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It's a fantastic property, fantastic setting.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Let's have a little wander into this part.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35There is a brand-new French-style kitchen in here -
0:29:35 > 0:29:41All new units, big triple hobbed gas range.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Yes, it's lovely. It's workable. It's clean. It's modern.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49It's more than acceptable. We could work with that easily.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52It's not massive, but, I mean, I think this is so gorgeous,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56with the dapple of the light coming up as you're eating your breakfast.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Or when you look at the ceiling - you're on a riverboat, aren't you?
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Yeah, you are. It's...
0:30:01 > 0:30:04It's eerie, eating and looking out there.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I could stay here now and not go anywhere.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Warren's crying in every room now.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13I got really excited about showing you this property,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15not only because of the business,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19but also because of the potential of extending your living space,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21because I am conscious this is smaller than you're used to.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24So I'm going to show you something now,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27and I'd like you to bear one thing in mind,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30and that is a spiral staircase.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- Mm.- OK.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Warren and Carol were keen to take on some sort of building project
0:30:35 > 0:30:38and I have got an idea in mind that could make good
0:30:38 > 0:30:41use of the existing basement.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I know it doesn't look like much now,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49but I want you to put on your imagination...
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Because this is the ground floor
0:30:51 > 0:30:53when you're looking from the other side of the lake.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- See, these are the shuttered windows at the bottom.- Yes.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59And the house is directly above you...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01So the spiral staircase comes into it.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05And, with a little bit of money and love and architecture,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09you take the whole thing out to the water's edge with decking,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11make this the kitchen-diner.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14You wouldn't want a job here, would you?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- Don't you think that would be amazing?- Yes.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- Yes, definitely.- Absolutely.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- So gorgeous.- Definitely.- Yeah, that just makes it so quirky. I'm hooked.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26This, I think, is great potential.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27Let's go and talk money.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- Out again.- Right.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Besides the privately fenced garden, are acres of woodlands,
0:31:37 > 0:31:39with camping facilities for anglers.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42This property really seems to have the foundations in place
0:31:42 > 0:31:47for our buyers to land both property and a business.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52Oh, it is a lovely spot. I shouldn't be partial, but it is a lovely spot.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53Yes, it is.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56It's, as I say, almost 4 acres of water
0:31:56 > 0:31:59and about the same acreage of woodland and land.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- Lovely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I'm actually not sure anything I'm saying is going in.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- You're sort of gazing around in a swoon.- Mesmerized.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11I'm looking at the fish rising and I keep gazing around.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16How much does it cost, your dream house by the lakeside?
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- I'd say maybe 425, 450.- Mm-hm.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27I'm going to be really cheeky. I'm going to say...
0:32:29 > 0:32:31380.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35This property, with four acres of lake, four acres of land,
0:32:35 > 0:32:39potential to develop and a business is on the market for...
0:32:39 > 0:32:42£275,000.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43Wow.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49It's a hat trick! More tears from Warren.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51It's unbelievable.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53That's great.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- Oh, dear. This place has been waiting for us.- It has been waiting for you.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Hurry up. It has only just come on the market, you need to act quickly.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Offer is going in.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Well, before you do that, go and look at the rooms upstairs.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08If you go to the other stairs,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- that takes you into the fishermen's apartment.- Right.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- Have a wander around as usual and then I will meet you afterwards.- OK.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19This lakeside property is priced at £125,000 below their
0:33:19 > 0:33:23maximum budget and offers our buyers everything they want on paper.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24It comes with...
0:33:35 > 0:33:40..which can generate a steady income of up to 2,000 euros per week.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I'm really, really struck on this place. It's beautiful.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46All's you need to do is keep your cheque book in your pocket
0:33:46 > 0:33:48and leave the negotiating to me.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51And you won't see a tear then.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- Oh, it's great.- It's fabulous.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57This house is perfect for so many reasons.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01It's got a huge lake, there is a business already attached to it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04There is a rentable place to the house.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06It's just perfect in every way.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11It definitely is the home in the Dordogne for Warren and I.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15And if anything beats this, I'd like to see up.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22- Big applause for your lovely toy. Happy?- Absolutely.- Ecstatic.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- Ballistically happy with it. - God, we love that.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30But I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you away.
0:34:30 > 0:34:31I know.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I'm going to take you away, but you can come back and visit
0:34:34 > 0:34:36and pay for it any time you like.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Just saying. Come with me.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44With Carol and Warren hoping to immerse themselves in French
0:34:44 > 0:34:47life, they're taking time out to reflect on their experience
0:34:47 > 0:34:51in the market this morning and the prospect of learning the language.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54It is times like that when I would like to live right in town
0:34:54 > 0:34:58so I could go shopping every day for fresh food.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Well, as long as we're not too far away,
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- there'd be nothing to stop us popping into town as it were.- Yeah.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10- We're going to have to learn the language a lot...a lot more.- Right.
0:35:11 > 0:35:16Yeah, cos they're not going to, you know, put up with me pointing
0:35:16 > 0:35:17at everything and saying...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Cheers to us living in France. - There you go.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Warren, from greater Manchester, and Carol, from Yorkshire,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35have been partners for just 12 months and are hoping to make
0:35:35 > 0:35:38a life-changing move to the Dordogne, in southwest France.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42They have a property budget of up to £400,000 to find
0:35:42 > 0:35:44their first home together.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47But before our buyers commit to a property purchase in France,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51there are a number of practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55It is necessary to set aside up to 10% of the advertised
0:35:55 > 0:35:58price of a property for legal fees.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Some of this fee will go towards a notaire,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03who are the equivalent of solicitors who work for both the buyer
0:36:03 > 0:36:06and the vendor and remain impartial.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09And if you don't speak the language, it is advisable to find
0:36:09 > 0:36:13a bilingual notaire, who can help explain the whole process.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Ultimately, you should make sure that you seek up-to-date
0:36:16 > 0:36:17expert advice.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Carol is hoping to continue running a fishery in the Dordogne,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28so to get a better idea of what is involved in France, we are
0:36:28 > 0:36:32introducing our buyers to ex-pats Charli and Nick, who have
0:36:32 > 0:36:36been living here for ten years and run their own angling operation.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- So, this is Warren and Carol and this is Nick and Charli.- Hi.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43So, we are going to pick your brains if that's all right.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44Yeah, that's fine.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46I think it might be good if perhaps you two go
0:36:46 > 0:36:49and look at the whole lake, cos you've got some beautiful lakes.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51Thank you.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Nick has been fishing and working on this lake for nine years,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57so this is a great opportunity for our buyers to
0:36:57 > 0:37:00learn about the reality of running this type of enterprise in France.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03So, what sort of fish have you in here?
0:37:03 > 0:37:07At the moment, we have a mixture of carp and catfish.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Do find it difficult, do you find it hard work?
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Our busiest time is the spring and early summer, when the grass
0:37:12 > 0:37:16is growing quick, so I have to get extra help on Saturday,
0:37:16 > 0:37:19on the five-hour changeover between parties coming and going.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24What are the pros and cons of setting up a fishery in France?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27I think the pros is the weather.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31It's that much hotter down in the south of France and the fish
0:37:31 > 0:37:33grow to bigger proportions than they would do in the UK.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- The English anglers want to catch the big carp, really.- Yeah.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41And the cons, really... Well, being seven or eight hours
0:37:41 > 0:37:43south from Calais, you have to try and get the people here.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46You have to have something quite special to warrant them
0:37:46 > 0:37:48travelling coming down this way.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Would you say it'd be better to start a business from scratch
0:37:51 > 0:37:53or look for an existing fishery?
0:37:53 > 0:37:56It may be better to look for an existing fishery
0:37:56 > 0:37:59because to stock a lake from scratch, depending on the size
0:37:59 > 0:38:04of the fish you want, it can cost anything from 5,000 to 50,000 euros.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- This looks like it is going to be a nice fish.- Here he comes.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Let's have a look at him, then.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Oh! He's lovely!
0:38:14 > 0:38:17So, how much is a fish like that going to set you back, then?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20I think a fish touching 30 pounds
0:38:20 > 0:38:24would cost between 800 and 900 euros.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26That's a handsome fellow, he's lovely!
0:38:26 > 0:38:29OK, that has been really, really helpful. Great.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Now that Carol and Warren have more information about running
0:38:33 > 0:38:36a business in France, we are regrouping so that our couple
0:38:36 > 0:38:40can learn more about the practicalities of everyday life.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- You guys have been here ten years. You've had kids here.- Yeah, three.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- How has that been?- Fantastic. Yeah, brilliant.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50The health-care system is amazing.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52I couldn't have asked for better, really.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57So, would you need to pay for some medical insurance while you're here?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59You need to get what is called a Mutual, which is
0:38:59 > 0:39:01a top up of insurance, which you would have to pay for.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Is that expensive?- It can be.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- It can depend on your age. - Right. That's against us.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- But if you haven't got it, it could be a lot more expensive.- Right.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Obviously, these guys are hoping to sort of have a lake
0:39:15 > 0:39:18and, you know, this is the land of a thousand lakes,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20is there a danger of there being too many fishing lakes
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- or is there the demand? - I think there is the demand.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27There is the demand because the catfish-ing world is huge.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29There are lots of lakes here, but they've all got something
0:39:29 > 0:39:31special, they're all a bit different.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33I think there's enough anglers to go around.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Well, how about the integration?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Cos the Dordogne is famous for having so many English people.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42When we first moved into the area, I joined the local football team.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44And I was the only English player there.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48So whatever you are interested in, join a club and twice a week,
0:39:48 > 0:39:50combined with French lessons, you'll learn it within a year.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- You have got to attack it. - Do you have any sort of regrets?
0:39:55 > 0:39:57BOTH: No.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59We miss people, there's certain people we missed,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01but we don't miss...
0:40:01 > 0:40:05But we have found with family, our family, when we lived in the UK,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07would live ten, 15 miles away,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10we'd bump into each other year after year or see each other
0:40:10 > 0:40:13at Christmas, but now they come out and spend quality time for a month.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16You have got four generations living under one roof,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- cos your grandma is here.- Yeah. - And your children.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21My children, my parents, yeah. Four generations.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24That's good, that's really good.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- It can be.- You are planning on having your daughter and son.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28I'd like to, yes.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30At the end of the day, it is down to them,
0:40:30 > 0:40:35but they have shown a really massive desire to come with Warren and I.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- I'd like that to happen.- It'd be difficult for you to leave them.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I'm going to have to force you to drink up cos we've got
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- houses to see.- Oh.- This has been lovely.- It has been lovely.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules.- Pleasure.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Our buyers might now have a better understanding of la vie Francais,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54but having discussed the idea of relocating a whole family,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I think Carol is now realizing how much
0:40:57 > 0:41:01she would like her children to move here with her permanently.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06It's the last day of our property search with Warren and Carol
0:41:06 > 0:41:09here in the Dordogne, and I have to say, it is pretty much
0:41:09 > 0:41:12a foregone conclusion that they'll go for that house by the lake.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I have never seen a response like that to a property - tears
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and punching the air and dreams fulfilled.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20But we do still have the mystery house to go,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22so we are going right to the north of the Dordogne
0:41:22 > 0:41:26and giving them, well, essentially we're throwing down a gauntlet -
0:41:26 > 0:41:29we're giving them a huge project, and I mean huge,
0:41:29 > 0:41:33just to challenge how ready they are to retire.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I'll give you a clue, though, it's not a river.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Our search concludes near the village of Marval,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43which borders the Dordogne and Limousin.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46In addition to an attractive church and large chateau,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50are local conveniences, including a small shop, post office and library.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56A mile away, is a substantial French farmhouse that comes with
0:41:56 > 0:41:57a sizable lake.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00And as Carol's desire to have her family move with her is
0:42:00 > 0:42:03growing, this property would certainly accommodate them,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05as well as giving her
0:42:05 > 0:42:10and Warren the foundations for the gite business they have requested.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- What do you think? - Well, I'm just lost for words.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Where we have brought you is a holiday complex.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24This property, including this lovely old house, has 17 bedrooms,
0:42:24 > 0:42:2612 bathrooms,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29scattered over this house
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and six chalets spread out over 22 acres of land.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Looking at it and the way you have described it
0:42:35 > 0:42:39and what you have said, it just got my adrenaline absolutely up to here.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42It's a business. So to make it work,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- you'd have to probably engage with that.- Right.- Yeah.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49- Yes, yes...- Yes, yes, yes. You are yes girl now, aren't you?
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Come on, let's go have a look inside.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54While Carol doesn't seem at all phased by the size,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58but let's see if the interior will put things into perspective.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05I'm not sure you were expecting this in your living room.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10- Yeah!- That's a pool table. That's a pool table.- I'll beat you now.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13It's a pool table and a bar.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17This is really the centre of the social life of the holiday complex.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22You have the log burner and the open beams. It's massive.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25I daresay that
0:43:25 > 0:43:28there'd be hundreds of things that you could do with this place.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- It's a surprise. - It's a big, big surprise.
0:43:32 > 0:43:38- I mean, it'll take a while for me to slot things in in my mind.- Yeah.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43Yeah, you have really knocked me for six.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- You seem to be running ahead with yourself.- I am.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51- Is Warren keeping up? Are you on the same page?- No, I don't think I am.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54I think I need to slow down a little bit
0:43:54 > 0:43:57and take it in and try to make sense of it.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59Let's look at the kitchen.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04The house really does offer all the facilities for a workable hotel,
0:44:04 > 0:44:07with a utility room and WC on the ground floor,
0:44:07 > 0:44:10but I'm not sure Warren is convinced.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- A lovely working kitchen.- It is a working kitchen.- Absolutely.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18What is interesting about this property is
0:44:18 > 0:44:20the owners are willing to negotiate all the contents.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24To keep it as an up and running business, you've got all the beds,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27all the extra things that you'd need to make it work.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29So that's something to bear in mind
0:44:29 > 0:44:31if you are feeling a bit daunted by the scale of it.
0:44:31 > 0:44:32But this is a huge kitchen.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Beautiful skylight bringing in lots of light.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38It's airy, it's clean.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41It's a working kitchen, you can see it is. It's not a show kitchen.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45It's not something that is there to look at, it's something to use.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Warren, I'm wondering whether you are looking around here
0:44:49 > 0:44:52and thinking, "Oh, my goodness, it's huge."
0:44:52 > 0:44:55I'm concerned about the finances and the running costs.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57If you wanted to, you could scale things down
0:44:57 > 0:45:02and just have the chambre-dortoir, the guest rooms in this building.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05The top floor has been converted into sort of family accommodation.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08And the middle floor, so slightly bigger rooms, are...
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- Well, you could use them as B&B rooms.- Mm-hm.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Upstairs, are three double bedrooms
0:45:13 > 0:45:15and a bathroom on the first floor,
0:45:15 > 0:45:17but I am leading us up to the loft space, which has been
0:45:17 > 0:45:22transformed into a further three bedrooms by the current owners.
0:45:22 > 0:45:23Mind your heads.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31This is the quirky feeling! It's lovely.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33Since you have got two family rooms, there is
0:45:33 > 0:45:35sort of a double room here, a double room here, and an en suite
0:45:35 > 0:45:39sort of shower and bathroom there, and the same again at the back.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43This is...this first bit is just half of the attic space?
0:45:43 > 0:45:46- It is the same again at the back? - Absolutely, yes.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48That's big.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- It's a big house. - It's 17 bedrooms, it's got to be.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54- Yes, indeed. - It's just got to be big.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58I just want to wander off and just look everywhere.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00Well, you're getting the gist of it,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03but you have only seen the half of it, so let's keep going.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05You bet.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08This property really does come into its own with the outside,
0:46:08 > 0:46:13which has a massive 22 acres of lush woodland that encompasses
0:46:13 > 0:46:18a river, swimming pool and, most crucially, a lake.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Here it is, what you have been waiting for!
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- Oh!- It's the lake.- Come, Warren, let me see your face. Let me look at it.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- That is a good size.- That is lovely.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32It's...everything now.
0:46:32 > 0:46:37Everything, everything that I've said is here.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40Let's go and look at one of the chalets.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49That's it your view of your lake for your guests.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52You have five freestanding wooden chalets like this,
0:46:52 > 0:46:54scattered through the land,
0:46:54 > 0:46:57and then one sort of attached to the house, next of the house.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- I'm still trying to take it all in, the size of it.- Yes.- It's huge.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05- It is.- It's really big.- It is an undertaking. Now, the property
0:47:05 > 0:47:08yesterday, you know, you can move in and live very happily.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10This would be a lot of work
0:47:10 > 0:47:15- to maintain and to maybe bring up to scratch.- Yes.
0:47:15 > 0:47:16What do you think it costs?
0:47:17 > 0:47:21Well, you know our budget is up to 400,
0:47:21 > 0:47:23and I'm thinking it's going to be a little bit above that.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27I think it is going to be about 425.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29I'm just going to say that...
0:47:29 > 0:47:34I'm going to go to the top of our budget and say 400.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36Mm-hm.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39Well, this is on the market for...
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Hold your horses.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44..358.
0:47:48 > 0:47:49That's good.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- Is that a smile of relief, Warren? - That is.- More expensive?
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Yeah. No, no, that's...
0:47:58 > 0:48:02That sounds like we've got some money left to do things.
0:48:02 > 0:48:07- Yeah.- As you say, it is not perfect condition.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09It needs...needs a little bit of work.
0:48:09 > 0:48:10At the end of the day,
0:48:10 > 0:48:15if we can put anything into it and make it better, that's a bonus.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19If we can make it work as it is, that'll do for me.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23Good. Well, why don't you go and explore and you might have to do
0:48:23 > 0:48:26- some Chinese burns on Warren to convince him.- OK.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29And I will see you in front of the big house when you are done.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:48:34 > 0:48:39I'm not at all convinced that Warren is 100% on the same page as Carol,
0:48:39 > 0:48:42as much a she might say that he is.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45I think he might have some reservations. We'll find out.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51Our mystery house has left them plenty to consider.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53For £350,000, they get...
0:49:06 > 0:49:08But a lot of work.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10- Rubbish!- It's a lot of work.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14It's not a lot of work, Warren, it's just a bit untidy.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16- Let's have a look inside this one. - Yeah.
0:49:18 > 0:49:24There's nothing wrong with this. I've got to say that this is for us.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27It is what we're looking for. It is what we want to do.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30My main concern is that the size of this
0:49:30 > 0:49:34and what we'd be taking on. As opposed to coming to retire here,
0:49:34 > 0:49:38would be coming here to run a big business.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40And I know we'd have help, I know we'd have help,
0:49:40 > 0:49:43but it's still... We'd be taking it on.
0:49:43 > 0:49:48I don't see it as a project, I see it as a way of life, I see it as a home.
0:49:48 > 0:49:53And the idea of coming over to France was
0:49:53 > 0:49:56to have family coming with us
0:49:56 > 0:49:58if they still want to come.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01And that is what excites me.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05My idea was to come up to France and retire.
0:50:05 > 0:50:10Um... Work half the time and enjoy the sunshine.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15I think taking on a place this size and this enormity, I think
0:50:15 > 0:50:19it is more than a full-time job, and I'm not getting any younger.
0:50:19 > 0:50:24- Ah, there you are, perfect timing. - Hello.- Finished your wandering?
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- Yes, yes.- Good. Are you ready to go on?- We are.- Yes, we are.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29Get to the car.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36France is one of the biggest wine producers in the world,
0:50:36 > 0:50:40and whilst Bordeaux has remained the wine-making hub of the southwest,
0:50:40 > 0:50:44the lesser-known Dordogne vineyards, particularly those dotted around Bergerac,
0:50:44 > 0:50:47have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49There are over a thousand producers in the area,
0:50:49 > 0:50:53and amongst the most famous is the Monbazillac appellation.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57It's highly regarded for its full-flavoured, sweet wine,
0:50:57 > 0:51:01from a mixture of the Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle grapes.
0:51:01 > 0:51:06'Set within the heart of its expansive vineyards is a striking 16th-century chateau,
0:51:06 > 0:51:09'where I've come to meet our guide, Laurence Rea,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12'to hear what makes this tipple so unique.'
0:51:12 > 0:51:15This is a Dordogne sweet wine. Why is it different?
0:51:15 > 0:51:20We have a climate with misty mornings and sunny afternoons,
0:51:20 > 0:51:25and this climate gives a fungus, and this fungus gives a sweet wine.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29- And can we see some of the grapes - are these the ones here?- Yes.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31Oh, my gosh, they really ARE rotten.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35Because the fungus grows on the skin, like that. That's typical.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37If you take this...
0:51:37 > 0:51:39You see, you haven't
0:51:39 > 0:51:41lots of water in the grapes,
0:51:41 > 0:51:45but the juice is very concentrated in sugar and aromas.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47- Would you eat that?- Yes.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51- So er...like one of these?- Yes. - Oh, they're so mouldy!
0:51:51 > 0:51:55It's the same fungus you have in the blue cheese, Roquefort.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58- Ah, that's good, I love blue cheese. - You like Roquefort?
0:52:00 > 0:52:02- Mmm.- Yes? You like that?
0:52:02 > 0:52:05I'm not sure, "like" is taking it maybe a little too far.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08When is the time when it's best to harvest it?
0:52:08 > 0:52:10So between October and November...
0:52:10 > 0:52:15but we don't pick all the bunch, we pick part of the bunches.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Having eaten the rotten bit, I need to taste the sweet bit.
0:52:18 > 0:52:22- It's better to drink a glass of Monbazillac. - SHE LAUGHS
0:52:22 > 0:52:26'Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, the local Saint-Martin monks
0:52:26 > 0:52:30'discovered that fungus could enhance the sweetness of the wine.
0:52:30 > 0:52:31'So they neglected their vines,
0:52:31 > 0:52:36'and let what has come to be called the noble rot affect the plants.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39'This fungus, combined with the soil blend of limestone and clay,
0:52:39 > 0:52:42'gives the wine its distinctive flavour.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44'And now that I'm familiar with the ingredients -
0:52:44 > 0:52:47'I think it would be wrong not to sample this delicacy.'
0:52:47 > 0:52:50How would you serve it, you would serve it just as a glass...?
0:52:50 > 0:52:51Yes, we serve the glass,
0:52:51 > 0:52:56and after the aperitif we continue to drink Monbazillac with foie gras.
0:52:56 > 0:52:57Ah, of course!
0:52:57 > 0:53:00Everything with foie gras and Monbazillac together.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04- Then let us try a little bit. - Yes. I think it's the best
0:53:04 > 0:53:07if you want to know the sweet wine.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10The colour is very gold,
0:53:10 > 0:53:14and we often say that this wine is the gold of Perigord.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17- And the smell is very good.- Yeah.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20So when you smell,
0:53:20 > 0:53:23you have fruits,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26flowers, and after, oak.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29Yes. A little bit of fungus.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32You have the fungus, which gives a typical aroma,
0:53:32 > 0:53:37and this wine is aged in oak barrels so it gives a typical flavour.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40What about the tasting - any tips about the actual tasting?
0:53:40 > 0:53:43You have to put some air in your mouth,
0:53:43 > 0:53:47and like that you can have more flavour.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49OK, so...
0:53:56 > 0:53:59In all your mouth you have the flavour of this wine.
0:53:59 > 0:54:03You taste fruits...
0:54:03 > 0:54:05Definitely fruity.
0:54:05 > 0:54:06..you taste flowers...
0:54:06 > 0:54:09- No fungus, I don't taste any fungus.- No! No.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12Cheers. Very good.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16- I might have to take a bottle of that home with me.- Yes, of course.
0:54:16 > 0:54:17'I could while away many hours here -
0:54:17 > 0:54:22'but there's a pressing issue to be addressed with our buyers.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25'I think our mystery house might have reinforced Carol's feeling
0:54:25 > 0:54:28'that she'd love her family to relocate to France with her,
0:54:28 > 0:54:31'and that property could accommodate that prospect.'
0:54:33 > 0:54:35- It's been a long week.- Yes.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37You've seen lots of lovely properties.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41It's been a success.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45- It's reaffirmed our desire to come here, definitely.- Yes.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48We're definitely going to end up retiring in France.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51It's been so lovely following the two of you round the houses,
0:54:51 > 0:54:55cos you've got such great characters and you're obviously so in love, and it's very nice to see you
0:54:55 > 0:54:58sort of looking out and sizing up the houses.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02However it seemed to me that it all came into focus with the house on the lake.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06You were blubbing uncontrollably as you went round, Warren,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09and you both seemed like this was like, the dream house.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11I still like that house...
0:55:12 > 0:55:15..but it didn't tick every single box.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19But I could have made it tick the boxes.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21OK, let's talk about the box it didn't tick, which I think -
0:55:21 > 0:55:24and I might be reading between the lines -
0:55:24 > 0:55:26- was your family.- Yes.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30We could have accommodated them easily,
0:55:30 > 0:55:31but not comfortably.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34And that's what I need to do.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38So, Warren, you were weeping as we walked round the house
0:55:38 > 0:55:40and you seemed to really love that house.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42Yeah.
0:55:42 > 0:55:43It really made me emotional,
0:55:43 > 0:55:47I really thought it was definitely the house for me.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50It's still my number one choice.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53But, you know, it's not just about me,
0:55:53 > 0:55:55and it's er...
0:55:55 > 0:55:58We're going to have to work together on this.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01I don't fancy moving into the house on my own. So...
0:56:01 > 0:56:03You loved the mystery house,
0:56:03 > 0:56:06the mystery house gave you scope to have all your family...
0:56:06 > 0:56:09Hopefully they might come out and want to join in with us.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14That's the big thing. And if they do, then it's the right choice.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18If not, then we're going to have to downscale
0:56:18 > 0:56:22and hopefully look at the one on the lake,
0:56:22 > 0:56:25because there's absolutely nothing with that, it's beautiful.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27You both seem a bit downcast by having to choose between these two
0:56:27 > 0:56:30but in a way they're both goers, they're both options -
0:56:30 > 0:56:32if one doesn't work you can choose the other one.
0:56:32 > 0:56:37The problem I think is that WE'RE not going to decide on those options.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40Those options are going to be set by other people
0:56:40 > 0:56:43and their response to what we tell them.
0:56:43 > 0:56:48- And I think I could certainly live in either of those two houses happily.- Yeah.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50And I know Carol could.
0:56:50 > 0:56:55So one of those two houses I think will be...
0:56:55 > 0:56:56will be our next house.
0:56:56 > 0:57:00Yes. I would really hope it's the last one.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04I hope that everything comes together for that to work.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06So what needs to happen now?
0:57:06 > 0:57:11Well, if it's going to happen for the mystery house,
0:57:11 > 0:57:14I'd like to get on with it.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16Well, I hope you sort it all out soon,
0:57:16 > 0:57:19because erm...France is missing you already.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22So come back, you'll be an adornment to the Dordogne, the both of you.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31There's something so special about these escapes to the continent,
0:57:31 > 0:57:35partly cos it's such a big move it throws up lots of big emotions.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37And it's been interesting being with Carol and Warren
0:57:37 > 0:57:39as they've discovered all these things that they perhaps
0:57:39 > 0:57:42hadn't thought about when they first arrived here in the Dordogne.
0:57:42 > 0:57:46So I hope they get home, make some decisions and make it happen,
0:57:46 > 0:57:48because France needs them.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51And we of course need you, so make sure you tune in next time,
0:57:51 > 0:57:53for more Escape To The Continent.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58Carol and Warren remain very keen on both the mystery house
0:57:58 > 0:58:01and the lakeside property, but still need to
0:58:01 > 0:58:04sell their homes before they can make that dream a reality.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08If you wish to escape to the continent and would like our help,
0:58:08 > 0:58:13please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow.