Cyprus - Limassol Escape to the Continent

Over 800 years ago, this famous city was the site

of a very rare event - the marriage of an English king abroad.

Find out what happened, and which country I'm in, in just a moment.

Today's house hunters want to turn their regular holiday destination

into their permanent home, and it is all about having a room with a view.

It is a very light room and the views out there, well, what can I say?

It's absolutely amazing!

And they're more than ready to get settled in.

-Superb. You know, it feels like home.

-Does it?

-Yep.

I could live here, easily.

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

Today, I am in the city of Limassol, the largest port

in southern Cyprus and capital of the Limassol region.

Now, in 1191, a ship carrying Richard the Lionheart's fiancee

crashed ashore during a violent storm just off this coastline.

The local ruler threatened to take her hostage, and soon felt the wrath

of King Richard when he attacked Cyprus to rescue his bride-to-be.

After conquering the island in battle, they were married here.

And at the same time, he declared himself King of Cyprus.

Now, over the centuries, this island has endured many such invasions.

But the Cypriot spirit, with its unique culture, has survived

and is still as strong as ever today.

The island of Cyprus lies in the Eastern Mediterranean,

tucked in between Turkey and Syria.

On the island's southern coast, is the Limassol District,

which sits on Akrotiri Bay.

Limassol, also known as Lemesos, is the capital of the district

and the second largest city in Cyprus.

Visitors flock to its palm-fringed promenade,

which stretches for two miles along the city's municipal beach.

It's also home to the largest port in Cyprus,

which handles over 3.5 million tonnes of cargo each year.

The backdrop to the city is the Troodos mountain range,

where the Cypriot sweet wine industry is based.

The hills are dotted with rustic villages

and there is a rich spiritual history here.

The ancient chapel of the convent of Panagia Amasgou, in Monagri,

houses original, un-restored frescoes,

which date from the 12th to the 16th century.

Along the coast are the ruins of one of the most ancient royal

cities in Cyprus - Amathus.

Thought to have been abandoned in the seventh century,

the 3,000-year-old remains include the Temple of Aphrodite,

the Greek goddess of love.

With a wealth of cultural and historic landmarks,

as well as a coastline that enjoys ten months of sunshine a year,

it is easy to see why Limassol is an appealing destination to escape to.

So, how do property prices compare in this part of Cyprus?

Well, the average price of a three-bedroom, detached property

around the Limassol area costs just over £200,000.

Now, that is £50,000 cheaper than the average back home.

And you'll find houses here offer a lot more space

and many include a swimming pool, so you can enjoy

the 300 days of sunshine that Cyprus gets every year.

But there is more to upping sticks

and moving to a foreign country than just the price.

So let's meet today's buyers and find out why

they want to relocate to this particular part of the continent.

Cornish-based retirees David

and Yola have been married for 16 happy years,

and it was their jobs that they credit with bringing them together.

David and I first met through our careers in banking.

David was my boss.

After that particular job had finished,

we continued to keep in touch,

and then eventually decided we'd get married,

which we then did in Marousi.

And it is their love of hot climates that is driving this move.

No longer tied to work, they are desperate to make

the sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus their new home.

And it is a place that is well known to them.

Yola has been visiting Cyprus for about 30 years,

so we have been going out almost every year once or twice since

we have been married, and it seems almost an ideal place to move to.

I fell in love with Cyprus when I first visited

and walked down the steps of the aircraft.

I felt as if I had arrived home.

Mainly, we are looking for a completely fresh start,

start a new episode in our lives.

Embracing a new way of life, getting involved in a new culture

and learning a new language.

I can say, "Pos se lene?"

What does that mean?

It may still all be Greek to David, but Yola has been making steps

towards integrating, and not just with the language.

When I come home, I do try out what I've eaten in Cyprus.

I love cooking local dishes -

stifatho, moussaka.

I've tried kleftiko.

My interests largely surround the garden.

I love putting around the garden.

I think getting out to Cyprus, it's going to be

a completely new climate, try something completely different.

Also I have got a latent interest in astronomy.

Cyprus is a much clearer atmosphere and it's wonderful to be able

to get out and actually look through and see the planets.

It's not only stargazing that makes them starry eyed.

David and Yola are keen animal lovers,

and one of the key considerations in this move is making sure

their brood of four-legged friends are sufficiently catered for.

We have four pets at present. We have a rescue cat, Katya.

We rescued a springer spaniel - Storm.

A three-year-old Jack Russell - Dotty.

And we have just bought a little border terrier, Archie,

who is just coming up to five months old.

It'll be difficult for the dogs in the heat in July and August.

They would adopt a totally different lifestyle as well.

As part of the move, they are selling their existing home -

a large Cornish farmhouse that David bought a year before he tied

the knot with Yola.

This will be the first property we'll have bought together.

Yep, it will be indeed. So it could throw up some interesting things.

Though there is one thing they are already agreed on,

and that is how much they're going to spend.

The budget for this move is going to be £450,000, absolute max.

Our buyers have decided to concentrate their property

search in the west of the Limassol District,

as it is a place they have often visited.

Now that they have jetted in, I'm meeting them to find

out how we can make their dream move to this warmer climate a reality.

David and Yola, I was going to say,

"Welcome to Cyprus," to the two of you, but in actual fact,

you two know this island far better than any of us, don't you?

How many times have you been here?

About 35 times.

-You obviously love it, Yola.

-Absolutely.

David, how many times have you been to the island?

-Probably about 15, 16 times over the years.

-My goodness!

You have been here so many times,

why do you need our help to find a property?

We've tried over the years to find something we like,

but we've never quite got the right location.

We're hoping a fresh pair of eyes will point us

-in the right direction.

-Cos you currently live in Cornwall, which is

a beautiful parts of the world. Cyprus is very different, isn't it?

Yes, it is very different - far more sunshine

and it will be a different culture, a total new way of life.

And it would be lovely to be able to speak the language as well.

-Oh, you're going to try a little bit of Greek, are you?

-Absolutely.

-Do you speak any of the moments?

-Very, very little,

but I do understand some.

So, do you think it is important that you make the effort?

Absolutely. We are looking to...

..integrate with the Cypriot community.

Well, just remind us of the type of property that you are after.

Well, we want a property with a minimum of two, possibly three

bedrooms, a lot of storage space,

room for the dogs, kitchen-diner.

Definitely an en suite and the utility would be lovely.

But the space around the property, due to the animals,

is very important.

And your dogs you have at home at the moment,

-so you'll want to bring them out.

-Yep.

-And the cat as well.

So, let's talk money then.

Remind us of your budget for this move to Cyprus.

It is 450,000 max for the right property.

-Is that with everything done?

-Absolutely, yes, everything done.

-Well, we've got some splendid properties lined up.

-Excellent.

-Shall we start with the first one? Are you ready to go?

-I can't wait.

For David and Yola's maximum budget of £450,000,

they're after property with a minimum of three bedrooms,

a kitchen-diner

ample storage and plenty of outside space for the dogs.

Good views are key, and they would like this

all located in or near a mainly Cypriot-speaking village.

Cyprus' housing market is still weak,

so our buyers are in a strong position.

We have located four great properties for them into view,

the last of which is a mystery house which we have high hopes for.

But will it cause canine concerns?

During their stay we will be putting them up in a rented home from home

to offer a taste of what a permanent move might feel like.

Now, they have visited the island more than 50 times between them,

so the challenge is on to find the right house that turns

the annual jaunt into their year-round home.

Our first port of call is the village of Pissouri,

which is located 40 kilometres to the west of Limassol.

This stretch of coastline is filled with remains of Greco-Roman

civilizations, such as the magnificent seafront amphitheatre.

This is a remnant of the ancient city of Kourion,

built in the 2nd century BC.

It's fantastic acoustics mean it is still in use today.

Pissouri offers its own bay and wide sandy beach,

but the village itself is five kilometres inland.

The heart of this community is the village square.

Most of the resident population are Cypriot

and there are a number of traditional tavernas here,

where locals play cards and tavli,

a Cypriot and Greek version of backgammon.

And we're kicking off the house hunt on the outskirts of the village,

where we find our first property.

So, here we have our very first property in Cyprus.

-It has a very attractive exterior.

-Well, that's a good start.

-I like that. David?

-It looks a solid house,

and I like the little garden at the front there.

Yeah. I've already noticed, there is a lot of parking here. It's gated.

-And I'm thinking of animals, dogs.

-So they are secure.

-Yeah.

Now, you said location is so important,

do you know this area well?

-Very well.

-I thought so. And do you like this area?

-Very much.

Shall we go on with the tour? That's a pretty good start.

This six-year-old villa is in a great location that really

appeals to David and Yola.

I just hope the inside will make as much of an impression.

So, I brought you in the side entrance

because that is the one the owners always use.

And lead us straight into this dining-kitchen area.

It's all quite modern.

It's nice and light.

-I like the open plan, but it looks a bit small to me.

-Does it?

-Yeah.

We've got a large kitchen at home, probably the whole of this area.

-So you are used to space, aren't you?

-Yes.

What you don't have at home is...that view.

-I know, it's absolutely breathtaking.

-Yeah.

OK, well, we've got more to show you.

So, here's your sitting room.

I know next door we slightly struggled with the lack of space.

This side is actually probably of little bit smaller.

It is too small, but it is a very light room

and the views out there, well, what can I say?

It's absolutely amazing.

Also, you have got the patio doors,

again because we know how warm Cyprus gets

during the summer months.

During the winter, a little bit cooler -

you've got an electric fire there.

How do you feel?

-Disappointingly small but beautifully presented.

-Yes.

-It is.

-And fantastic location.

-Yeah. We're getting close.

All right, let's continue cos I've still got more to show you.

The ground floor dimensions may be smaller than

they were expecting, but this house extends vertically,

with four bedrooms set out over three levels.

In the basement, there is a double bedroom

and an en suite shower room,

but we are making our way up to the first floor,

where a family bathroom and three double bedrooms are situated,

two of which have balconies with sea views.

And it is one of these we are proposing for them.

This is the master. It has got an en suite just beside it.

-OK, and I think it is a bit on the small side.

-Yeah.

That seems to be the theme right through.

The rooms are a bit too small, but immaculately done.

You like the house, don't you?

Yeah, I do, but it's much, much, much smaller than what we have at home.

The internal footprints of 186 square metres might be less

than our buyers are used to, but as the land is so important to them for

their dogs and cats, I'm interested to see how the garden sizes up.

As you can see, there is quite a lot of garden here, isn't there?

Yes, it's lovely. Lovely pool area

and the garden is Japanese the way it has been set out.

It's very, very nice, very neat.

My concern is the piece of land behind.

Well spotted, actually, because this isn't part of the property,

but with permission from the Mayor, you could actually turf that

over if you wanted to make it a run for the dogs.

But you wouldn't own it.

But it seems that they don't mind you actually using that

-little bit of land.

-That's interesting.

But just take a look at the outside entertaining space, because

again, we are very much boxed into how we live our lives in the UK.

You know, you come to a warm climate and... It's a

hot day today, it's going to be like this the majority of the year.

You're going to spend a lot of it outside.

If not in the sun, in the shade, but still outside.

It's a beautiful barbecue area.

Everything here is absolutely immaculate, but I just feel

that the size of the inside is just not big enough for our lifestyle.

Well, let's talk about the price of the house

because sometimes that can change people's minds.

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

-I'd probably put a figure of 380.

-OK.

Pissouri is a premium area and, with a view like this, I think it is more.

I'm going to say 450.

Interesting. The asking price is...

just over £368,000.

Quite shocked at that.

Now you know the price, sometimes things do change in your mind,

-don't they?

-They do.

-Why don't you go back inside?

-OK. Thank you.

-See you in a little while.

£80,000 below budget,

this modern hillside villa laid out over three floors

offers a kitchen-diner, separate sitting room and four bedrooms,

two with sea views.

Outside, there is a swimming pool, barbecue area

and a well-kept garden, with unrestricted views of the shoreline.

What do you think about this area for the dogs?

Their beds would go there, wouldn't they?

-Their beds would fit very well there, actually.

-They would.

-Keep them out of the way in the wintertime.

-Yeah.

I love to cook and I feel the kitchen is a little bit too small.

I am used to a much larger kitchen at home.

Well, the wow factor, without a doubt, has got to be the view.

Although I think the price is also quite attractive.

But it's just not quite enough space.

-Have you seen enough, you two?

-Yes.

-Yes?

-That's our first property done and dusted.

-Immaculate property.

-It's just a shame it's just that little bit too small inside.

-OK.

I don't know what else you've got in mind,

-but you've got a job to beat those views.

-I know,

those views are to die for, but we do have more up our sleeve.

-Let's go.

-Excellent.

We're approaching the end of our first day of house hunting

and David and Yola are settling into the rental

property in Pissouri, where we hope they will get a feel for local life.

And they don't waste any time,

as they enjoy their first evening meal alfresco.

So, here we are, David,

living the life, enjoying a little

bit of local cuisine that I've tried to put together for us.

You've done quite well, I think, tonight, quite well.

And I think actually being able to sit out in the open air

like we are now, evening in sort of early October, is very good.

It is the sort of thing that appeals to me.

We certainly wouldn't be able to do this at home.

I think we have started off well here in Cyprus with David and Yola.

When I first met them,

they said that this house hunt was all about finding

a property with fantastic views, that was their priority.

So after showing them our first house, it also transpires

they want space inside the property, and plenty of it.

So with our second house, they are going to get the space

that they want, but they are also going to get views to die for.

Our next property is in the village of Pachna.

This one lies ten minutes inland in the foothills

of the Troodos Mountains.

The 700-metre-plus altitude offering a cooler climate

has made this the largest wine producing village on the island.

And the community here are proud of their local produce.

Every year they hold a food and drink festival, which is

just the sort of authentic Cypriot experience

that David and Yola are keen to embrace.

Here, you can find fresh and dried fruit and the sweet delicacy

sotzoukos, which is made from walnuts or almonds

coated in dry grape juice.

And these agricultural roots are celebrated in the stories

told through traditional music and dance.

The next house we are going to look at borders the village

and is built into the hills.

So, here we are in the village of Pachna.

And this is your second property.

-It looks lovely.

-Very promising.

-Yes?

-Very promising indeed.

-The views, again, are amazing, absolutely amazing.

-Wonderful.

We are just slightly further inland,

but only 12 minutes from the beach.

So you have got a substantial property here.

You can actually see, you've got a bar area. Look at the ovens there.

-You've got a bread oven, a pizza oven.

-Yeah, wonderful.

How much entertaining are you two going to be doing

when you move to Cyprus?

It's difficult to say,

but with things like that, it could be quite a bit, I should think.

-So are you keen to step inside?

-Yes, very keen.

Well, the exterior of this stone-covered house

certainly seems to appeal to our buyers.

It took the present owners three years to build

and it comes with a welcome swimming pool for Cyprus' scorching summers.

It was the lack of internal space that let the first

property down, so let's see how this one measures up.

Oh, wow, space!

-This is more like it.

-You can't get away from that fabulous view.

-That really appeals to me.

-So, come on then, what about the kitchen?

We know the inside of the house is important.

You love your views, but you are also a fantastic cook.

It's lovely. It's very spacious, nice island.

You can sit round, have breakfast round the island.

It really does work.

Oh, I'm enjoying showing you around this property, I really am.

So, let's keep going. It's open plan. So down these steps.

You've got this huge living space.

It's lovely, absolutely wonderful.

I love the exposed stone there.

-It feels like home.

-Does it?

Yeah. I could live here, easily.

-That has to be the highest compliment, isn't it?

-Yes.

It's lovely. It really is.

-It's a beautiful house and it has been very well thought.

-Yeah.

So, tell me, how does this compare to your home in Cornwall?

It's a much more open space, but it just has that special feel.

I'm delighted with how David and Yola are responding to

this house, which is spread over four floors.

The basement houses a spacious snug, but I'm taking them upstairs,

where there is a large family bathroom,

shower room and five double bedrooms.

Three are on the top floor with two on the first floor,

one of which is the master.

So, here is your bedroom.

The view again is lovely.

-Nice and spacious as well. It's a good size.

-Good size. No storage.

Ah, no storage...yet.

Behind you, you've got your shower room, you're en suite.

And behind me, no need for a wardrobe...

Cos look at that - there's a dressing room.

-That's not bad, is it?

-No, it's not.

So again, you've got enough room if you wanted to

to have wardrobes in here, but you do have your dressing area.

-So do you think you could cope with this size bedroom?

-Yes.

-Not too much of a compromise?

-No.

-OK.

The tour of the inside has gone well, but the outside space is just

as important, especially with three dogs and a cat coming to live here.

But I think this garden has a feature that might be able

to accommodate them.

So let's talk a little bit more about the house and the land.

At the back of the property, the way it is set up at the moment,

cos they have a young family, they've got...I'm going to call it

a cage for want of a better word.

It has got a small football pitch on it, sort of a miniature one.

It is going to stay here.

-That would make a wonderful kennel and run for the dogs.

-Really?

-So you'd actually keep it?

-Oh, absolutely, yes.

Cos I wasn't sure. Some people would want to take that down.

-It actually works in your favour.

-Yes, it does.

What I haven't mentioned, David, your hobby - stargazing.

At home, I am restricted by very tall trees

and I get a very narrow field of view.

There is 180, 200 degree panorama, a wonderful view of the night sky,

which will be extremely clear on a large number of days in the year.

So, we have discussed the merits of the property and its location,

but now let's put a price on it.

We've got to take into account the view

and the wonderful downstairs to the property.

I don't think the upstairs has quite got the wow factor.

There is a lack of garden, but it has got to be

pretty near the top of our budget area, I would have thought.

I'll go for 430.

OK.

I'm going to say 420.

Well, the asking price is £486,000.

Now, the house has only just gone on the market.

It has gone on a month, but the owner is aware of your budget

and is happy to negotiate.

Go on and have a wander on your own and have a good think.

-All right.

-Right.

Although this property is a little over budget at £486,000,

in this market, there is room for negotiation.

It would give them a stunning open plan kitchen-diner,

a sitting room with wraparound views, five bedrooms,

a swimming pool, an outdoor bar and an enclosed sports pitch,

which could be converted into kennels for the dogs.

This is a nice room, David. We could make this into a guest room.

Look, they lie in bed and look at that vista.

The first impressions when you walk in the front door are - it is

a magnificent property, absolutely stunning views.

You couldn't really ask for anything more.

The downsides from my point of view are the outside area,

in as much there's no garden area.

The downstairs had a real wow factor.

The upstairs was a little bit disappointing.

Outside is great.

This could be a contender.

-You've seen enough?

-Food for thought. Lot of thinking needed.

-Good. You don't want to say goodbye to that view, do you?

-No.

-No.

But I'm going to have to drag you away, I'm afraid. Let's go.

The imposing Troodos mountains spread across 75 miles

of Cyprus' south-western region.

Monasteries and villages are enveloped by pine and cedar forests,

and the area was declared a national park in 1992.

As David and Yola are interested in learning as much as

they can about the island and are self-proclaimed animal lovers,

we have sent them to a donkey sanctuary in the mountains,

where Merapi and her husband Antonis run donkey safaris.

What are donkeys used for in Cyprus these days?

Well, they're used for labouring the fields.

Also, years ago, they used to have them in their homes.

Every family had a donkey.

They were very important for many things. Even in British rule

and Ottoman rule, the economy relied on farming

and this was the only way of transporting their goods.

The Cypriot donkey is also said to be the strongest donkey family.

They have a bigger build

and they are taller than other donkeys in the Middle East.

With the advent of modern technology,

the donkey population of Cyprus has diminished in recent years.

Merapi uses her tours as a means of preventing this unique

breed from becoming extinct as well as educating

visitors about the landscape.

This is Mount Olympus, Troodos mountain.

It is the highest mountain we have in Cyprus.

And this is the next highest mountain, it's called Papoutsa.

We have ski areas as well, where people can come during the winter.

Hard to believe that you have snow

when it is so warm down in the Limassol area.

Well, everything is compact. You have the sea,

you have the mountains.

It's all together, just on one island.

Having taken in the incredible scenery,

David and Yola are riding their way into the village of Apaisia,

where there are 2,000-year-old archaeological finds.

But it is not just antiquities to be found here, there is

also an ancient natural phenomenon.

They have this tree in this village, and is dated at 1,500 years old.

It is called the Tremithos tree.

This is one of the oldest trees on the island?

It is the oldest tree on the island.

It produces seeds which is used for cooking or making pies

or you can eat the seeds alone.

Also there is a gum that the tree produces, which is

used mainly in desserts or for producing chewing gum.

David and Yola may well have made some new donkey companions,

but they have their own four-legged friends to think about,

which means finding them a suitable home,

so it's back to the house hunt.

For our next property, we are heading back to Pissouri,

a village our buyers consider desirable.

It is also located within a handy 30-minute drive

from the region's capital, Limassol.

This is a city that is steeped in history.

The Grand Mosque and Greek Orthodox Ayia Napa Cathedral reminds us

of the island's strategic position

as the gateway between Europe and the Middle East.

In the city's old town is Limassol Castle,

which has been attacked and occupied

on more than four separate occasions,

most recently by the British.

Just 12 kilometres to the east of Pissouri is

the Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, which might appeal

to our couple, who are interested in taking up new hobbies.

Back down on the outskirts of Pissouri village

is our next property.

So, we bought you back to Pissouri. We know you love this area.

Beautiful entrance, very colourful.

It's a nice, solid house.

Built in 2005.

The current owners have had it since then. They bought it as new.

So, does it appeal to you, David, being the green-fingered gardener?

It looks promising.

It looks very nice, the steps up to the front door there.

Nice porch with the colourful flowers.

The entrance is quite impressive.

-Quite inviting.

-Good. You might have noticed, you've got a garage there.

-Yes.

-To the side, there is another entrance already gated in.

It would be perfect for the dogs.

It's even got its own shade. So, are we ready to start the tour?

-Let's go.

-Let's go.

The current owners moved into this modern house eight years ago,

just after it was built.

And, as we make our way inside, I'm hoping that the open plan

living area will be the sort of space that our buyers are after.

So, we're actually coming upstairs for the living accommodation.

Well, that's a good response to me, David, I'm loving that.

-I'm just trying to think of the right word.

-Come on, tell me.

-Be honest, come on.

-I'm not overwhelmed.

-Right.

That's all I can really say at the moment.

-OK.

-I like the view, but on the other hand...

I think the thing I don't like is the surround of the windows

and the door, it reminds me of a taverna.

Right.

How do you feel about the actual room itself?

It hasn't got a wow factor.

You know, when you come in through the front door of the house,

and it just didn't have that appeal, that instant appeal. I don't know.

-It just isn't working?

-No.

-OK.

Well, it has that open plan thing, but the kitchen is separate,

-so I'm going to keep showing you around anyway.

-Right, OK.

-You know, I'm going to say this is a good size.

-Yes, it's OK.

I was waiting for you to say, "It's too small."

-Hasn't got a vast amount of workspace.

-No.

-And you haven't got an island.

-No. It's...

-It's manageable.

Yes, serviceable. Manageable.

So, this is where normally I say, "Let's head upstairs to see the bedrooms,"

but this house is just that little bit different.

We're going to go downstairs.

First impressions might not be positive,

but there is a lot more to see in this topsy-turvy house,

which has two further floors beneath us,

so perhaps we will get some better reactions down here.

So the actual master bedroom is below the living areas.

I think, David, as we were walking,

you mentioned this is an upside down house.

It you are absolutely right.

It's not a bad room, this one, I think.

-You've got storage space here as well.

-Yes.

Just through that door, you've got an en suite as well.

So, we've got thumbs up from this room,

I haven't we? Or are you just being polite with me?

No, I'm happy with this. Not excited, but happy.

It's a nice, airy room.

Finally, I'm getting some sense of positivity.

Down another set of stairs, are two more double bedrooms,

but I'm taking us outside to an easy-to-maintain lawnless garden.

So, you've got your own private balcony there.

You've got another balcony up there. And this is where the bedrooms are.

It all leads out onto the garden.

So, what this house does have is quite a good-sized garden around it.

You can see, it has sort of been laid to gravel.

You've also got an oversized gazebo, and it's thatched. Do you like it?

Very much. It is a lovely, lovely feature in the garden.

Although I like this style of garden, it tends to remind me

of a Japanese-style garden, which have always appealed to me.

And I've always wanted one of those very large pots.

Ever since I came to Cyprus for the first time...

-Really?

-..I wanted one of those pots.

-A Cypriot pot.

That is going to be the first purchase when you buy a house,

-is it?

-Could be, could be.

Nice pool.

-See, you two didn't actually ask for a pool, did you?

-We didn't, no.

That wasn't on the list. I think we are

going to be pushed to look at properties over here without pools.

-They seem to come practically standard, don't they?

-Yes.

-I think this is a really attractive property.

-From here, it is.

It was just that initial reaction, wasn't it?

-Yeah.

-That room upstairs seemed completely wrong.

-Fair enough.

I think I know your feelings on the house, but let's

talk about the price, because sometimes that does change things.

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

I think I'd put about 375.

-OK. Yola?

-I say 360.

The current asking price is £355,000.

That puts a slightly different slant on it.

Now, I will add that this house has come down quite considerably

over the last 18 months or so, and I think it'd be fair to say

the majority of the properties here in Cyprus are in the same position.

The housing market is very sticky.

Nothing is moving very fast. So, you know, you can negotiate on price.

Have a think, and why don't you take a second look around?

Check out those additional bedrooms on that very ground floor.

And think perhaps what changes that you could make with that money.

I think you are going to start with the windows.

I don't ever want to hear about them again. Off you go.

This property may not have wowed our buyers,

but at £355,000, it is almost £100,000 under budget.

It has...

Yes, I think the storage in this house is very much a plus point.

-It is. Excellent storage.

-Yeah.

Good.

When I initially walked into the property,

it just didn't have the right feel. It is a very interesting property.

It has a beautiful garden area and a lovely, lovely gazebo.

The view from the upstairs reception room doesn't appeal to me

and the room itself doesn't gel. I don't think I am being too fussy.

It will be a last move, probably,

so it has got to be right.

Well, that didn't quite go according to plan.

Are you guys ready to leave now?

Yes. Very interesting house. Lovely garden.

-But, at the end of the day, I don't think it is for us.

-No? Not for you?

-No.

-OK, all right. We tried. We did try.

Our buyers are keen to embrace Cypriot culture, and Yola

sees her passion for cooking local cuisine as one way to do this,

so we have arranged for her and David to meet ex-pat Tracy Dyer,

who manages her own cookery school here.

-Cooking today, yeah? I hear you love it.

-I do.

We're going to taste the results, hopefully,

-so enjoy, get the whole experience.

-Come on, then.

-Thank you.

Tracy is teaching Yola how to make spanocopita,

a Cypriot dish made with anari cheese, which is similar to ricotta,

feta, dill, parsley, olive oil and spinach.

So what we need to do is crumble the two cheeses in.

So you need to get your hands stuck in, there's no other way.

So how long have you been in Cyprus?

-Well, I've been here 12 years now.

-You love living here?

I adore living in Cyprus. The fact that life here seems to be so easy.

The traffic is not too bad, the people are relaxed.

And it doesn't seem to matter what happens, we have another day.

-Do you enjoy Cypriot cooking?

-I love Cypriot cooking.

In fact, before we moved over here,

I was really into doing Cypriot food as well.

So, by moving over here and getting all the right ingredients

and the real feel of the place, this made it so much better.

Now that all these ingredients are mixed together, it's time to prepare

the filo pastry by brushing it with olive oil and butter.

So you can buy most things in the supermarkets here now?

Well, you can. It has changed so much in the last 12 years.

When I first came here, it wasn't like that. But now anything goes.

And is food expensive here now?

A lot of people have said that the cost of living in Cyprus is

really, really high. And yes, it can be if you buy the wrong ingredients.

Now, I always advocate that people buy local,

buy foods that are in season, readily available

and also get friends with your local greengrocers.

It is a very different way of shopping in Cyprus.

The mixture is then placed in a dish and covered with filo pastry.

And after half an hour in the oven, it is ready for us all to tuck in.

It gives our buyers the chance to discuss with Tracy

and her friend Adele, originally from Scotland who works with her,

the challenges they might face moving to Cyprus.

Obviously, Tracy, you have been here for 12 years.

You have seen Cyprus boom.

-But you have also been here for the bust as well.

-That's true.

How is the economy now?

How are the locals feeling about how the country is doing?

Well, I think the Cypriots, especially the Cypriots,

they are pretty stalwart people and they are forging forward,

tightening their purse strings.

And they are also very family orientated.

So I think when somebody goes down,

somebody else in the family will help out.

-Tracy, do you speak Greek?

-Unfortunately, no. Bad question.

Very, very small amounts.

One of the things that happened in Cyprus...

I mean, I always meant to learn to speak Greek,

but the Cypriots are very, very good at speaking English and,

I know it is my excuse,

but it has happened that way and there are not many places you

go in Cyprus where there is not somebody who speaks English.

-There are a lot of signs in the Greek language.

-That's for sure.

-So, how...? If you can't speak...?

-I can read it.

You can read it?

Yes, I've made a point of learning the Greek alphabet.

I can read almost all the signs that are about.

And, over the years, it has just become second nature that

I know what that says in Greek.

But one of the words I do know is kopiaste, and kopiaste means

welcome to my table, which is what you are doing now.

-How lovely.

-It is a word they use up in the villages.

If you're walking past and they say, "Kopiaste."

The Cypriots really appreciate you being able to speak Greek.

Adele knows, she speaks Greek, and she gets along very well.

I have to call her in and say, "Come on, help me

"out with the workmen here," or whatever it might be.

And they really do appreciate it.

Is there anything sort of socially that you miss living in Cyprus?

Cos the merits of having sunshine for, what is that,

ten months of the year must outweigh everything.

But are there theatre groups or if you wanted to go to cinema

is that easy to do?

I think more so here than anywhere else I have been, actually.

There is a lot of energy here and a lot of cultural stuff going on.

That's where Adele and I met, actually.

We were both working in a theatre group.

I was doing costumes, Adele was doing props.

And we both loved arts, we both loved food and the same lifestyle.

That was three or four years ago now.

And would you advise people if they have a passion for that

sort of type of thing to actually join them to make friends?

Absolutely.

-That's how you make friends.

-So, what do you think of Yola's cooking?

Delicious, well done to you.

Cheers, everyone. Thank you so much for making us so welcome.

ALL: Yeia mas.

Well, that has given David and Yola some food for thought,

but before they complete this move,

there are a few practical considerations worth noting.

It is strongly recommended to find independent legal advice

for any financial transactions undertaken.

A lawyer should make sure that a property's title deeds are made

available as proof of ownership can be an issue on the island.

A search should be carried out for any pre-existing

mortgages on the property or land.

Various additional costs will include legal,

transfer and agents' fees, which are calculated on a sliding scale

and can vary between 7% to 16% of the purchase property price.

Finally, as inheritance rules are different to those of the UK, it is

worth considering writing a separate will for any Cypriot-based assets.

We're in the Mediterranean with house hunters David and Yola,

who are looking to move from the Cornish countryside

to sun-soaked Cyprus.

They're doing all they can to immerse themselves into island life,

but with just one day to go, they still need to find their dream home.

We've shown David and Yola some splendid properties here in the

Limassol region of Cyprus, but I'm not sure any of them have been

quite right for our couple, so now it's the turn of the mystery house.

We've decided to show them

something very different from the modern homes they've seen before.

This one's old, it's got character

and it's right in the centre of a Cypriot village.

Well, they did say they wanted to live with the locals.

Our final property location takes us to the village of Anogyra,

which lies to the north of Pissouri

and is a 12-minute drive away from the nearest beach.

On the ascent towards the centre of the village are remains

of the 15th century monastery Timiou Stavrou, or Holy Cross.

Legend has it there's an unexcavated underground tunnel here,

where the monks have buried their treasures.

The property we're looking at is just up the road

and lies at the heart of this pretty village.

-This is your mystery house.

-Very different, isn't it?

-Very different.

Through the wooden doors.

This doesn't have the same views as some of the previous properties

we've looked at, but what it does have is character and charm.

It's almost English in a way that is continental.

-It sounds stupid, but...

-Welcoming.

-The word's definitely welcoming.

So is it enticing us in, the mystery house?

-It is a mystery.

-Open the doors.

Thank you, I will.

DOOR CREAKS

So come on in.

It's like a little oasis.

-A secret garden.

-It is.

A beautifully kept secret garden.

That's the first thing that strikes you as you walk in, but also,

as you can see, there's a lot of shade here because it gets so hot.

It's lovely. Very pretty.

Looking at the garden, it looks quite interesting.

-It's more in line with what I think I want.

-Yes, it's very different.

My initial reaction is where are the animals going to go?

A very good point.

Your beloved pets, but it's the mystery house,

so we might need to be a tad flexible.

-OK.

-Shall we start the tour?

-Yes.

I realise how important David and Yola's pets are to them,

but they are also making this continental move for themselves.

I think this traditional 200-year-old property

should challenge them.

So, step inside our mystery house,

cos it's very different from everything else we've seen.

-Very charming.

-Beautiful, isn't it?

-A cottage feeling.

-Yes.

A real village house.

You have got a fire there, but it is electric,

which you're going to need in the winter months.

That heats up this part of the property.

Then you've got this exposed stone, local stone all the way round.

-Like that.

-Beautiful, isn't it?

This is a traditional Cypriot ceiling. It's actually reed.

-Here's your sitting area. Do you think that's cosy?

-It is.

No, I think that's very cosy.

How do we feel about the kitchen?

It's in keeping with the property, but it's very, very small.

-Shall we head upstairs?

-Yes.

The current British owners have lived here for 12 years

and have retained the original features,

including a stone staircase which leads us up

to the first floor where there's a roomy bathroom with a corner tub

and two double bedrooms, one of which would be for them.

So, here's your master bedroom.

It's a nice room. With the ceiling it gives it height and depth.

It's very nice, and there is storage.

You're right about the ceiling. It does make a difference, doesn't it?

It does, yeah.

Would this be big enough as a master bedroom.

-I would have thought so, yeah.

-Yeah.

On a clear day when you're sitting in bed,

you could look out and see the sea.

-Can you spot it from there, David?

-Yes, you can just see it.

-Yeah.

What you don't have, I know, in Cornwall, is a balcony like this.

How would you fancy sitting here

having your first morning cup of tea?

Already dreaming about it.

Isn't it charming?

It's lovely.

I think it works so well. So you've seen the master bedroom.

There's another very large double bedroom next door,

so they both share this balcony, plus storage.

As much storage as you need.

Plenty. But there is some additional space.

If you look to the end of the garden, down the end

of the secret garden, you can see there's an additional building.

That is a third bedroom. If you had guests coming to stay,

you could put them at the end of the garden. They'd be more than happy.

It's also got its own shower room down there as well.

It's very private.

So it means the two of you have the rest of the house -

with the animals, if there's enough space for them.

Perhaps the animals sleep down there. Perhaps that's the answer.

Exactly. A very grand kennel.

You're both very taken with this property though, aren't you?

It's charming.

This mystery house appears to be working its magic.

As we head to the courtyard garden,

will green-fingered David remain just as enthralled?

-So just standing here, you do get to see the Mediterranean garden.

-Ideal.

It's a nice little garden.

Got scope for doing quite a bit.

Also, it's a different type of planting than we're used to at home.

I think that's the attraction of it. I want to do something different.

The house is absolutely charming.

It has lack of space, especially with the animals,

but that does not distract what a lovely property it is.

It's very individual.

Go on, then, Yola.

Have a stab - what price would you put on this house?

315.

Interesting. David?

I'd go 350.

Would you be surprised if I said you were £100,000 out?

Which way?

You're above. It is on the market for £250,000.

Ooh.

I don't need to tell you that would save you £200,000 off your budget.

A useful £200,000.

It's just another way, perhaps, of living your lives over here.

Just gives you so many options, doesn't it?

My heart loves this house,

but it's not really practical for three animals on a permanent basis.

-That's the only downside I can see.

-It's absolutely charming.

You do fall in love with it. It wraps itself around you, somehow.

Why don't you have another wander?

Go and check out the garden room at the end.

Have a chat amongst yourselves.

Explore the whole property, cos at that price,

it does give you some options.

Have a think. Off you go.

Well, we love the mystery house.

There's always something just that little bit different.

I know that they have fallen in love with it. That's the fact.

It might be on the small side for them,

but they could be very happy here.

So at just £250,000, this house would leave our buyers

with a significant amount of money to spare.

It comes with three bedrooms, one of which is in a separate cottage,

and three bathrooms.

It has an open-plan kitchen and living area,

and an enchanting paved courtyard garden.

That's nice as well. Nice touch.

-Yes. It would make a nice guestroom this.

-Yeah, a lovely guestroom.

Very, very nice.

The whole idea of us coming to live in Cyprus is to be

part of a community, to adopt the Cypriot way of life.

In this house, you could do that.

I think this is a beautiful home.

It's got bags of character.

My only disappointment with it -

there's just not enough room for the dogs.

Otherwise, I think I'd buy it just like that.

David and Yola have now looked at all four of our properties,

so we're leaving them with plenty to think about.

For nearly 4,000 years,

the native carob tree has been cultivated in Cyprus.

By the 20th century, the carob, which is the fruit of the tree, had

become a major export for the island

and led to it being turned the black gold of Cyprus.

Used as an additive in confectionary, it's derivatives

can be used for medicines, paper and photographic film plates.

I've come to Anogyra, which lies to the west of Limassol.

This village not only features a carob museum,

but is also said to be the only place that produces pastelli,

a toffee-like sweet made of carob.

I'm meeting Johanna, whose family has been working with pastelli

for three generations,

to learn what's involved in making this local treat.

So I've seen carob in health food shops.

-I haven't seen pastelli.

-Pastelli.

-What's that?

-It's like caramel.

There's a very small piece.

We have it like a snack,

if we want to eat something sweet instead of sugar.

Johanna, I have such a sweet tooth,

I can't wait to see what you produce.

-Come in with me and I'll show you the whole process.

-Thank you.

The Cypriot variety of carob is known to contain

a much higher percentage of sugars,

which makes it a perfect core ingredient for pastelli.

-So that's the actual fruit of the tree.

-This is the carob, yes.

We can crush it. Crush it. Yes, you can try it.

-Mm!

-As you can see, we have here the exact product from the trees.

-Yes.

You can see here...

This is ground carobs. We buy it in order to make the pastelli.

And it's the whole part, isn't it, skin, everything?

It's the whole part, and we crush it.

In order to produce pastelli, the ground carob is soaked in water in

this 80-year-old ceramic pot for 14 hours before juice can be extracted.

We pour the mixture from the ceramic pot

and we put it in here in order to separate the solid from the liquid.

So the water runs down here, does it, the juice?

-Afterwards, we put it in this huge pot.

-It's like a cauldron.

-Yes.

As you can see, there is a fire underneath this.

It helps it to evaporate the whole water.

The liquid then has to be periodically stirred for four hours

until it turns to syrup.

It is then poured out and takes half an hour to set.

So, Nicki, now we're going to stretch the pastelli

in order to change colour.

-People have been doing this process for thousands of years.

-Yes, yes.

-Ah, we have my grandma. She's the original stretcher.

-Is she?

-Yes.

What I love here is three generations of family all

working together, really quickly, everyone's concentrating.

I suppose the consistency you've got to do it while it's still pliable.

Yes. If it's going to be too cold, then you cannot stretch it.

You cannot work and make it.

So now she's finished that process,

I can see the whole family are getting involved.

What's going on here?

Actually, we weigh the pastelli,

because we're going to sell it afterwards.

It's going to be exactly 100 grams.

Would you like to try it?

I'd love to try some.

You just eat it like this?

Yes, like this.

-That's good!

-You like it, huh?

-Mm!

-It tastes caramel-y.

-Yes.

Johanna's family also produces syrup made from carob.

I'm joining them outside to taste it,

alongside some other local delicacies.

-As you can see, this is goat's cheese.

-Yes.

-We put the syrup on it.

You can see here the pastelli.

-You see? Try. You like it?

-Mm, I do actually, yeah.

Still chewy.

This is soft...with the syrup, also. Do you want me to serve you?

I would love to try some, yes.

So the carob syrup with local goat's cheese. Is this from the village?

Yes, from the village. They made it yesterday, actually.

Did they really?

Thank you.

Mm!

So, how does it taste?

-Mm.

-It's good?

-It tastes really good.

Mm. Works well with cheese.

In Cyprus, when we eat we say, "Kali orexi."

Kali orexi.

Kali orexi.

What does that mean?

It means bon appetit.

-Bon appetit.

-Yes.

-Kali orexi.

THEY LAUGH

Tasting over, it's time for me to catch up with David and Yola

back at the mystery house to find out if they've come to any decision.

Well, we've shown David and Yola our properties here in Cyprus.

There were times I thought they absolutely loved the house,

and then a negative crept in.

So which way are they going to go next?

I'm not quite sure.

Let's go an ask them and find out.

So, the two of you, you've visited this island so many times.

I've got to start with the Cypriot way of life.

Is that where your future lies?

-Without doubt.

-Yes?

-Nothing has changed since I came here, so yes.

That's wonderful news, because although you know the island so

well, this was the first time that you'd actually

looked at properties seriously, wasn't it?

-It was.

-How do you feel it's gone?

It's gone very well.

It's given us an insight to a lot of different types of property.

If we didn't have the animals, the move would be very, very simple.

Have you thought that most of the properties don't have that

much land with them, do they? Certainly not in this region.

That is a bit of a problem.

I'm not quite sure how we're going to overcome that.

How close have we got?

Cos There were times when I thought, "They love this house,

"They love this house, they're going to buy it,"

then suddenly at the last minute, it all came crashing down.

So did we get close?

If we didn't have the animals,

we would have put an offer in on the mystery house.

Oh! Really?

It's a beautiful, beautiful traditional village home.

Absolutely lovely.

I think the hillside house was the one that really struck me.

I still have in my mind's eye the ground floor and the view.

A little concerned about the animals,

but it did have the space behind to cage them,

but a little bit worried it's like imprisoning them for ever.

Yes.

Any of our houses, are you going to have a second look at any of them?

Em, yes, I'd like to go and see around the hill house again just

to get a feel of the location,

but I need to rethink through a little bit more

about how the area would work for us, particularly with the animals.

It had a beautiful outside space, lovely views, superb for astronomy.

It's just got that hesitation to it.

Anything you think you might have learned over these last few days?

What our budget can buy out here.

We've got a budget which is capable of producing the house that we want.

It's just a question of perhaps looking a little bit further

and finding the ideal property.

So if we were going to put a timeframe on your move,

how quickly do you want to come out here?

In an ideal world, I'd like to be out here this time next year.

Well, I'm delighted we've helped you a little bit along the way,

certainly to steer you in some direction of what you do

and don't want.

-But let us know how you get on.

-Will do.

-Will do.

Thank you both very much indeed. It's been an absolute pleasure.

Well, thank you very much for helping us round the island

and producing a few surprises.

-Thank you. And as we say, efcharisto.

-Efcharisto.

David and Yola know this island inside out

and are as committed as ever to starting a new life here.

Although we got close with two of our properties,

they've decided to continue the search for that Cypriot home

in the right locality with the perfect view.

I really hope it works our for them. See you again.

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