0:00:02 > 0:00:06Inside this imposing gorge is a hidden pathway that's 800 years old.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Find out why it was built and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34On today's show, we're helping a pair of retired globetrotters
0:00:34 > 0:00:37put down roots in a new home on the Continent.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40In the hunt for the property, not everything I show them
0:00:40 > 0:00:42hits the spot.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- So could you imagine this being your bedroom?- No.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48But I've got other options up my sleeve which can't fail
0:00:48 > 0:00:49to make an impact.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54You've stunned us. We're stunned. Absolutely stunned to the ground.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Today, I'm in the province of Malaga, in southern Spain,
0:01:02 > 0:01:04and this is El Tajo gorge,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08a natural wonder that divides the town of Ronda in two.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Now back in the 14th century, Ronda was frequently besieged
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and cut off from its vital water supply.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19In response, the king ordered a secret path,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21365 steps long,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24to be carved into the rock face of the gorge itself
0:01:24 > 0:01:28so they could access water from the river far below.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Today, the only invaders are the tourists themselves
0:01:32 > 0:01:36that come to admire these stunning views of the region, especially
0:01:36 > 0:01:41from the magnificent 18th-century bridge that joins the town together.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The province of Malaga is located on the southern Mediterranean
0:01:46 > 0:01:50coast of Spain and sits within the larger region of Andalusia.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Around 1.5 million people live here.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57One third, in and around the busy city of Malaga.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03This region has been fought over by Romans, Moors and Christians
0:02:03 > 0:02:06for centuries, and remnants of this past can be seen
0:02:06 > 0:02:10in Malaga's magnificent Renaissance cathedral,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12it's Moorish palace, the Alcazaba
0:02:12 > 0:02:16and the imposing Islamic fortress - the Castillo de Gibralfaro.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22The wider province of Andalusia is characterised by a range
0:02:22 > 0:02:26of landscapes, from breathtaking inland mountain ranges dotted
0:02:26 > 0:02:30with isolated white villages known as 'pueblos blancos',
0:02:30 > 0:02:34to the glamorous coastal towns, like Marbella and Puerto Banus.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Tourists have long flocked to the beaches of the Costa Del Sol
0:02:39 > 0:02:40to holiday.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44But with stunning national parks, historic towns and cities
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and around 300 days of sunshine per year,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49it's no surprise that Malaga province
0:02:49 > 0:02:53has also become a popular place to make a more permanent escape.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Although there are plenty of bargains to be had in Spain,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Malaga is actually one of the most expensive provinces.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Here, the average price for a detached home is closer to that
0:03:07 > 0:03:11back in the UK, at £250,000.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16Now that's almost four times the price of Spain's national average.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Prices increase further in Malaga city by 10%
0:03:19 > 0:03:23and if you head to Spain's most glamorous town, Marbella,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27you're certain to find villas there for several million pounds.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32Clearly, this is a very desirable part of the country.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34So let's meet today's buyers and find out
0:03:34 > 0:03:36where they want to escape to.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Malcolm and Mary's existing home is just outside Middlesbrough
0:03:41 > 0:03:43in the North East of England.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47They met 12 years ago and are both retired educational professionals.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51I've worked for exam boards and Malcolm's been involved
0:03:51 > 0:03:53in education as a head teacher and he came to watch me
0:03:53 > 0:03:57for the whole day doing my job and he'd write a report on me,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00and then he made contact, and then he actually came to see me again
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and eventually, we just morphed into a couple.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07After a very happy decade living together, Mary suddenly
0:04:07 > 0:04:12became unwell, which had a profound effect on their lives.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16I was poorly - part exhaustion and part also there was some
0:04:16 > 0:04:18bugs in my tummy that no-one knew about at the time.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19I had to take stock
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and I decided that the only way I could build myself up
0:04:22 > 0:04:24in my own mind was to take a break.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28So we decided to start travelling and seeing a bit of the world.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31They travelled across the globe from Australia and New Zealand
0:04:31 > 0:04:33to India and Indonesia.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35But it's when they got to Malaga
0:04:35 > 0:04:37that they made an unexpected discovery.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I think we were quite surprised how beautiful it was.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42We went everywhere. We used to say, "Could you live here?
0:04:42 > 0:04:45"Could you live there?" And in Malaga, we were saying,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48"Could you live here?" And we were saying, "Yes, it feels good."
0:04:48 > 0:04:52And their two years in warm climates made a big impact too.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55We have such poor weather here, generally,
0:04:55 > 0:05:00it's lovely when you go abroad and you wake up in the morning
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and you know it's going to be a beautiful day.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06So they're selling their home in England and buying a place
0:05:06 > 0:05:09in Spain, which will be their new base for further travels.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12And there are definite likes and dislikes
0:05:12 > 0:05:14when it comes to finding the perfect property.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We'd obviously like a nice-looking property.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19We have a creamy look to the home.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21It's helped to make it bright and bring in the light
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and I think we'd like to replicate that again.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I wouldn't mind a bit of a garden. Potted plants would do.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Make it pretty. And we adore shapes
0:05:31 > 0:05:35and, you know, turrets and roof shapes and that sort of thing.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39We don't want to live with a group of English people.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42We want to live in the community.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46And they have a good budget to buy their new home.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Probably about 300,000. - Up to 300,000.- Yes.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Malaga is the place which sparked Malcolm and Mary's decision to move.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01So we're concentrating our search on the wider area of Malaga province.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I'm meeting them where it all began to establish
0:06:04 > 0:06:06the finer details of their move.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Well, Malcolm and Mary, welcome to the province of Malaga.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12You certainly picked a beautiful part of Spain that you want to move to.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- But tell me, it's very different from Middlesbrough.- It is, yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- Yes. It is.- Your feet haven't stopped, have they?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20You haven't touched the ground the last two and a half years
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- travelling the world. - That's right, yes.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Why is the time right to actually put down some roots here?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Cos I think we've got used to being in a lot of, you know,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30bright countries and we like it.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33And we're coming to the end of big travelling now and I think that
0:06:33 > 0:06:35we'd like to wake up with that brightness in our eyes
0:06:35 > 0:06:36in the morning.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40So now you want to buy a home in Spain, your home,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43what do you think the change is going to make to your lifestyle?
0:06:43 > 0:06:48It will give us an opportunity to travel further in Spain,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51but, of course, the other thing is it's an entirely different culture.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55But you could do that on holiday, couldn't you?
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Yes, but you don't, do you? Not in a fortnight.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01It's a windy day today, particularly windy.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- But you like the sunsets, blue skies...- Yes.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Still very warm, even though we're out of season.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07It is. I look forward to that very much.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Do you think you're going to have to make adjustments to your life
0:07:10 > 0:07:11living in another country?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Oh, we're certainly going to have to make an effort to learn Spanish.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Well, you used to be a teacher, didn't you, Malcolm?- I did, yes.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- So still good at picking things up very quickly?- I would hope so.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24So what are we looking for here, in Spain? Your new home.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26I suppose we'd like it to be the nicest home it can be.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Well, at least two bedrooms or three. - Maybe three at least, I think.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Three, because I think we'll have a lot of visitors.- Little bit of land?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I don't expect to find a property with a lot of land,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- but it would be nice to have a garden.- Yes.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Remind us what your budget is.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42300,000.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43£300,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45So we do have some great properties lined up to show you,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47which I'm very much looking forward to.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49First one, I think is ready for us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Shall we get going?- We shall, yes. - We'd look forward to that.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58So for a maximum budget of £300,000, our buyers are seeking
0:07:58 > 0:08:00a Spanish house with curve appeal
0:08:00 > 0:08:02and a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04They'd like character features,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07a garden to satisfy Malcolm's green fingers,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and to be near a lively community which they can become part of.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16We've picked four contrasting properties to tempt our buyers with
0:08:16 > 0:08:18and as we travel across the scenic region,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21we'll be offering Malcolm and Mary an authentic sense of
0:08:21 > 0:08:25what life might feel like in this part of Spain.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27The last property to view is the mystery house,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30which will give Malcolm and Mary an option which they hadn't considered
0:08:30 > 0:08:32for their big move.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34And to act to the experience,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36we're putting our buyers up in a rented house
0:08:36 > 0:08:38for the duration of their stay,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41to give them a taste of day-to-day life in the region.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54For our first offering, we're heading to the village of Monda,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56a 45-minute drive west of Malaga.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Just 15 minutes from the coast,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05it's set near the stunning Sierra De Las Nieves natural park.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10With its whitewashed houses, hanging baskets and winding streets,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13it's a typically Spanish 'pueblo', and home to a lively community
0:09:13 > 0:09:17of around 2,000 inhabitants who are known as Mondenos.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21The focal point of Monda is the hilltop castle,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23La Villeta Castillo,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26which is built on the ruins of an Arabic fortress.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28The building is now a hotel and restaurant.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Overlooking the village is our first house.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36So here is our first property.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38It's quite a nice-looking house.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Isn't it?- Yeah, yeah. It is.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I like the shape of the window up at the top.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Yeah.- Yeah.- It's got the little lids on the chimneys.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- It's a very quirky Spanish home. - Yes.- Yes. It is.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Any ideas how old it might be?- 150?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Believe it or not, that was built in 2006.- Crikey.- Goodness gracious.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Yes. And how do you feel about the location?
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Well, it's a beautiful location in terms of the views.- Yes.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Though you haven't actually asked for a pool.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Well, I have strong views about pools,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10that if they're not big enough to have a really good swim,
0:10:10 > 0:10:14and they're expensive and time-consuming to look after...
0:10:14 > 0:10:17If I were here, I think I would make that into a garden feature.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Yeah?- I'd be interested to see what they've done inside.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24You certainly will. It's not the norm, I can tell you.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29So, swimming pool aside, it's a good response to the outside.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I'm intrigued to find out what they'll make of the interior.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35So...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Very strong impression, I think, as we walked through the door.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Very much. Very much.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's got all its own individual features, like the moon
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- and the sun shape of the windows. - Yes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48You don't often see that, do you?
0:10:48 > 0:10:52No, it's quite nice looking at it like that, but it's very unusual.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54And the metal staircase -
0:10:54 > 0:10:57well, you wouldn't have to go up with your shoes on, would you?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- We would hear you, that's for sure. - They'll be no heels.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Who's that trip trapping up my stairs?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- I have to say, I do like the sun and the moon.- Do you?- Yes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- They look quite sweet, really. - You like the quirkiness?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Let's take a look at the kitchen behind us.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12We're carrying on the colourful theme here, really,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- aren't we, in the kitchen? - Yeah, very colourful.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- It's making you giggle, isn't it, Malcolm?- Yeah, it does.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20You know, 1980s comes to mind, Nicki.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24You've probably guessed - it was built by a Spanish family,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- for a Spanish family. - Is that brick?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- That is your oven. - Yeah.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30And then you've got a grill underneath as well.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32And it's quite a special designed oven.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35I don't dislike the oven because it's quirky.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36It is absolutely quirky.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Well, there are features in it that are attractive.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- The tiles and the colours are certainly off-putting.- Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Also on the ground floor is a large utility room,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51two guest bedrooms and a vibrant bathroom.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53But if colour is a problem, I wonder what they'll make of the
0:11:53 > 0:11:57master bedroom, which is accessed by the unusual staircase.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02NICKI LAUGHS
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Do you know what that reminds me of? - Ding-dong bell, pussy in the well.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- It reminds me of an out-of-tune church bell.- Yes.- Doesn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Us walking up there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14We're continuing the prism of colour here, aren't we?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16You can soon do something about that, Nicki.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17You know, if you want to, can't you?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20You can turn it back into a plain room. What about wardrobes?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Oh, that's a very good point, isn't it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25You do have a dressing area next door.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26Beautifully-fitted wardrobes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Very conservative.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Beautifully done. You've got your bathroom up here.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Green - no.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- No.- But again, you could paint over that, Mary.- Yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41And then, you've also got quite an unusual open-plan area.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- It remains me of a children's play area.- Yes. I do know what you mean.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46That's nice, that's nice.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50The design of this house is very, very unusual.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52It certainly is, Nicki. It is.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53Mm, it's a one-off.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56We're going to step outside, talk about the land,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- talk about the location.- Uh-huh.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- I'm also going to ask you to think about the price.- Uh-huh.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- OK.- OK.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Whilst the inside of the house might be an acquired taste,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08the outside is much more conservative.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11There's a very neat garden surrounding the house,
0:13:11 > 0:13:12but there's more to the plot.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16You've got two thirds of an acre.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- So if you look around, you can see the border down there.- Yes.- Yep.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22You want to see the mountain range - that's Sierra De Las Nieves,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25which means snow-covered mountains.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Well, the size of the plot is a bit of a problem, isn't it?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32What does one do with it? Probably nothing.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34You just have to leave it as it is.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- I know you've got your thoughts on this property.- Uh-huh.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39But, first of all, let's talk money.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41What price would you put on this villa?
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Wouldn't be worth more than 250,000.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45OK.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49And I would have the same value on it as well.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51250,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Well, actually. You're both very close to the asking price.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55It is...
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- £269,000.- Yep.- Yeah.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00So, now you've got all of that.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Why don't you reacquaint yourself with some of those rooms?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Off you go.- Yes, we will do that. - Thank you.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12For £269,000, this modern rustic house offers three bedrooms,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14a double-height living room
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and a flamboyant and colourful interior throughout.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19There's a swimming pool,
0:14:19 > 0:14:20two thirds of an acre
0:14:20 > 0:14:22of agricultural land
0:14:22 > 0:14:23and spectacular views
0:14:23 > 0:14:25across the countryside.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Well, you can fit there and I can fit here.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31SHE LAUGHS
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- It's space, but it's not my kind of space.- Yeah, but for children...
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Yeah, but we haven't got any, Malcolm.- No, we haven't.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Well, I like its location.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45It really does have a wonderful vista.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49And I quite like the look of the house itself, but although I like
0:14:49 > 0:14:55colour, I couldn't live in this house without changing a lot of it.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00I don't like open plan, I'll be honest. I don't like metal stairs.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03But looking out the window there and looking at that beautiful view,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05you cannot fault, it is in a great position.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I just don't feel it's the one for us.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Malcolm and Mary have been very polite about this property.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15In all honesty, I don't think it's right for them.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- OK?- Yes.- Yes.- Have you seen enough?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- We've seen enough. Yes. - You are not going to forget this house in a hurry, are you?- No, no.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Because it's been the most interesting visit.- Good.- But...
0:15:24 > 0:15:27sadly, the property's not for us.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Not quite right.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Well, we thought what may be quite nice is for you to experience
0:15:31 > 0:15:33what it's actually like living here.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38So, how do you fancy staying on your own in a property not too far
0:15:38 > 0:15:41from here to get a real flavour of what it might be like?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- I think it'd be a very good idea, yes.- Yes?- We'd like that.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Right, let's show you where you're going to be staying.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47BOTH: Right.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Malcolm and Mary are staying in a villa locally
0:15:57 > 0:15:58for the duration of the trip.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- What a lovely... Oh!- Great view.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And they're soon out enjoying the views and garden.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- Well, what a lovely day we've had, haven't we?- It's beautiful.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11And then we find ourselves in a beautiful setting like this.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Yeah, and a gorgeous garden.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15With lovely palm trees like that.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19It's a chance to inspect the kinds of plants Malcolm could cultivate.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23And to relax, imagining their future in Spain.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25What more could you ask for?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Do you think you could live here then?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I think I could. And I may even take up golf.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Whoo-whee!
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Golf?! Whoo! Am I going to be a golf widow then?
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- No, you can drive the buggy.- Am I going to be the buggy driver?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Yeah, you can drive the buggy.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40All right then, I'll be the buggy driver.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I might learn a few things myself then.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46I doubt whether the expats have got a cricket team, but that would be nice.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Well, you could start one, couldn't you?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50A dinner of fresh local prawns
0:16:50 > 0:16:52and the chance to eat out on the terrace
0:16:52 > 0:16:57give Malcolm and Mary a flavour of what life here could be like.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00It's a great way to round off the first day.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- Haven't we had a wonderful time? - Yeah, we have.- We have.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Although our first property didn't quite do it for Malcolm and Mary,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16they certainly can see the benefits of living in a region like this.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19So let's hope they like what we're going to show them today.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26It's day two and we're heading 16km east to the town of
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Alhaurin El Grande to locate our second property.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Set in the Sierra De Mijas mountain range,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36it's a classic Andalusian whitewashed town.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Surrounded by abundant citrus and olive plantations,
0:17:39 > 0:17:44the fountain of 12 spouts symbolises the local respect for water
0:17:44 > 0:17:46needed to keep the land fertile.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48With 25,000 inhabitants,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52most amenities are available here as well as charming squares packed
0:17:52 > 0:17:55with bars and restaurants where locals meet.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Our second house is a ten-minute walk from the town centre.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01So, welcome...
0:18:01 > 0:18:03to our second property.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Good? So what do we think of the villa itself?
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Nice design.- Nice shape, neat.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Nice with the plants growing at the front.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Plenty of parking for all our guests.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Believe it or not, this house is about 200 years old.- Is it?- Golly!
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Yeah. It has been extended over the years,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21so it has an unusual layout.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Malcolm, you're the gardener here, enough to keep you busy?
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- It looks like it.- There's something unusual about this garden.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29I'm going to hold that till a bit later...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Right.- ..when we explore it fully, cos I'd like to start off with the house.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34- Yep.- Are you keen to get inside?
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Absolutely.- Yes, yes.- Yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Well, the outside of this house meets with their approval
0:18:41 > 0:18:45and I'm hoping the internal layout will be to their liking too.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- So the front door leads straight into the sitting room.- Yeah.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- So you've got a large space.- Yes.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- It's quite Spanish, isn't it? - BOTH: It is.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57But it's still plain at the same time
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- and you could do an awful lot with it.- Yes.- I like the size.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Even though there's no kind of entrance hall,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- it's nice just to come straight into the room.- It is, yep.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- It's like a little porthole. - She'll think she's cruising.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Are you a bit of a fan of a cruise? - Yes, just a bit.- Yes.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Just a bit, Nicki.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15I don't like the windows,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18and the shutters and the ironwork on the far side.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Are we getting a good impression?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- Yes.- Are you seeing beyond the current furniture?
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- The current style?- Yes.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Good, well, this house has so much potential.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I think it's just ready for some more love.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Let's see what you think of the next room.- Yeah.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37We then have a sitting room here.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- Oh.- Oh.- An additional room.- Wow.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40I like it very much.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Am I right in thinking you like a separate dining room?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- We do.- We do.- Very much so.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I know it's not the young peoples' style, but it's our style.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49We like a lounge to be a lounge.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52So this is going to work quite well then for you, isn't it?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- Yes, it would.- Am I getting a good feel?- We like it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- You are getting a good feel. - I'm going to take you through to the kitchen.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00So I hope you both like the colour blue.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02NICKI LAUGHS
0:20:02 > 0:20:03No.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05But it's a nice size, plenty of cupboards.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Yes, you could change the cupboards, couldn't you?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Yes.- You could soon sort that out. That wouldn't be a problem.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12I don't think it would be a new kitchen.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Oh, first change of opinion between the two of you.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18MARY CHUCKLES
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Who normally wins the kitchen argument?
0:20:20 > 0:20:21Me.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Do you do all the cooking? - Yes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25NICKI LAUGHS
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Upstairs, there are four double bedrooms, which should
0:20:29 > 0:20:32accommodate any visiting friends and family.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37And in the master, there is a somewhat unusual feature.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38I'm not sure what this is here.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Now this, believe it or not... - Bathroom.- ..is the en-suite.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Yes.- Funny.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- The reason they've done that is for light.- Yes.- Yes.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- You didn't ask for four bedrooms. - Uh-huh.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Could you cope with having that many?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Definitely. We're used to that space.- We've got that many.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54We like space.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57And we like the shape of the house.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00If the shape of the house has four bedrooms - OK.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- So the house is certainly working its magic?- It is.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07The all-important garden - as we walked up the drive,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- I said there's something a little bit unusual about it...- Yes.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- Let's go and have a look.- Yes.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17To the side of the house is a garage with a large storage room above.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19The plot extends to a third of an acre
0:21:19 > 0:21:23and I think it's land green-fingered Malcolm is going to love.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Now, you might think a garden like this takes a lot of maintenance.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Yes.- A lot of watering.- Yep.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Do you two just want to have a little look up there?- Whoa, yeah.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Now that's something you're not going to see very often.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37No, it isn't.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40You have your own irrigation system.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Golly!- It dates back hundreds, if not thousands of years
0:21:44 > 0:21:46and being a resident in this valley,
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- you're allowed to use this irrigation water.- Oh.- Oh!
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- It feeds... Everything that's grown, here all comes off this water.- Wow!
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Unbelievable.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- The greenery is to die for, it's beautiful.- Isn't it?
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Neaty, neaty garden.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Let's have a further look at the garden and also,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04you two have got to guess the price as well, haven't you?
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- Mm, quite.- Yes.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12Malcolm, Mary, we have slightly struggled with this search for you,
0:22:12 > 0:22:13on one thing...
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Finding you a property without a swimming pool.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Because most people who have moved to this area are desperate for one.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23It seems every house we've seen,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26and probably we're going to see, has a pool.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29It's a nice pool, I have to say that. I do like it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30It is a beautiful pool.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33And I certainly would not be wanting to make this into a garden.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- You won't fill this one up for me?- No.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38You wouldn't want to change that garden though, would you, Malcolm?
0:22:38 > 0:22:40I wouldn't. It's a really beautiful garden
0:22:40 > 0:22:43and I would look forward to working within it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46So now, we've got to decide what it is on the market for?
0:22:46 > 0:22:51Well, I would think it's at the top end of our available funding.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56Therefore, I've got to say £300,000.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57Mary?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I'd like to say about 280, but, you know,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02I realise that may be off there.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Are your fingers crossed?- I have. I've got them crossed, yes, yes.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Now, the asking price is...
0:23:10 > 0:23:11..£300,000.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14So, Malcolm, you were absolutely on the money.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Why don't you go and take some time and I'll catch up with you
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- when you're ready.- OK.- Thank you.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24On the market for Malcolm and Mary's top budget of £300,000,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26this authentic Spanish villa
0:23:26 > 0:23:28offers four double bedrooms,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30two separate living rooms,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32a kitchen ripe for repainting,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34a swimming pool,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36beautiful, mature gardens,
0:23:36 > 0:23:37all located within
0:23:37 > 0:23:40walking distance of a lively town.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42I'm very excited by what I've seen.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44The house, you can really put your own stamp on it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Certainly, the size is amazing.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Perhaps slightly more than we were hoping for,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52but I always feel we can make good use of all space given to us
0:23:52 > 0:23:54and so, we'd enjoy using that space.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57The gardens are just beautiful.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59And everything around is great.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I think it's got everything, hasn't it?
0:24:01 > 0:24:05It's... The house itself, 200-odd years old,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08and being added to in a quite interesting way.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11And even the pool I would accept, because it's part
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and parcel of the whole package.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18In terms of the price, I think I would like to negotiate them down.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Well, I think we're leaving this house on a high, really, aren't we?
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- We certainly are.- Have you seen enough?- I think so, yes.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Enough water features and everything else going on for you?
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Absolutely super.- Gardens, pools, colour, vegetation...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Lovely. That's what I like to hear. Very positive.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Right, we're going to hit the road now.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44As Malcolm has a keen interest in gardening, we've arranged
0:24:44 > 0:24:47for them to visit the Botanic Gardens of La Concepcion
0:24:47 > 0:24:51to offer some ideas and inspiration for his new Spanish plot.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Thought to be the best subtropical gardens in Europe,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58it's one of Malaga's protected historical landmarks.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00They're meeting the director of gardens,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Luis Medina-Montoya Hellgren.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Hello, Luis, lovely to meet you.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06Hello, Mary. Nice to meet you, Mary.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Nice to meet you, welcome.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Welcome to the botanical historical garden of La Concepcion.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14We have trees and species from all over the world.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Trees that you cannot see anywhere
0:25:16 > 0:25:19unless you travel thousands of miles.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- How about if we go and take a look around?- Great.- We'd love that.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27The gardens were created in 1850 when Jorge Loring
0:25:27 > 0:25:30and his new wife bought the property.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33They'd been on a six-month-long honeymoon visiting gardens
0:25:33 > 0:25:35throughout Europe and they wanted to reproduce what
0:25:35 > 0:25:38they had seen back in Malaga.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Today, the gardens cover 22 hectares
0:25:40 > 0:25:45and are home to the largest collection of palm trees in Europe.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48The warm climate means other trees thrive here too.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53The sycamore trees, they are over 150 years old.
0:25:53 > 0:25:59- And ours would be about the same age, but nowhere near as tall.- Well...
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- Which reflects the climate. - ..the climate, yes.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Unfortunately, Luis, with any property that we may buy,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I would anticipate a very small garden area.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12None of these big trees. We couldn't accommodate them.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15But there are other species that you can plant in your garden
0:26:15 > 0:26:17that they don't take so much space.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21You can plant some of the palm tree species that we have here,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24they tend to grow high, but they don't occupy a lot of space.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The garden features many remarkable plants
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and one of the more curious species is the drago tree,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33which is 120 years old.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- As you can see, we had to help the tree a little bit.- Yes.- Yes.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38With this bar iron.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43This is a tree that it's indigenous of the Canary Islands.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46It can grow and have thousands of years old.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48This tree is also used in herbal medicine
0:26:48 > 0:26:51as a remedy for a heart condition.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54A very special thing about this tree, it's also the reason
0:26:54 > 0:26:57why it's called drago, it's from the word dragon.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It's that the sap, it's red colour.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04But the trees aren't simply here as an attraction.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07The Botanic Gardens also carry out important conservation work
0:27:07 > 0:27:12helping to preserve many species facing decline and extinction.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Such as the caralluma europaea cactus, from southeastern Spain.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19And before they leave the Gardens, Malcolm and Mary can leave their
0:27:19 > 0:27:22mark by planting a tree from the greenhouse
0:27:22 > 0:27:23which has reached maturity.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28This rare native holly has become at risk due to the over-cultivation
0:27:28 > 0:27:30of land and Christmas.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31There.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33There you go.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Now you can put some soil.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Perfect. Congratulations.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- We hope that it's going to thrive. - Oh, yes, you bet.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- And we'll have to come back and see it.- Exactly.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- You have to come back and see how it grows.- Yes, we will indeed.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48- Many, many times.- Yes.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54For our next property offering,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57we're travelling to the village of Guaro.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59It's an attractive and immaculately-kept village
0:27:59 > 0:28:02up in the hills of the Sierra De Mijas,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05a 40-minute drive from the bustle of Malaga.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08The first settlement here dates back to the time of the Moorish
0:28:08 > 0:28:09occupation, which is reflected
0:28:09 > 0:28:12in some of the architecture today.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16It has a relatively small population of 2,000, but has all the shops
0:28:16 > 0:28:19and amenities needed for day-to-day life.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22And right on the edge of the village is our next house.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27And here is our property!
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- Uh-huh, I like the look of it. - A lovely-looking house.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Now, it's quite an unusual property. It's on two levels.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- See, there's a huge terrace there... - Yes.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- ..looking out over the spectacular views.- Yes, yes.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- So, shall we start?- We shall.- Yes.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Constructed in the year 2000,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48this four-bedroom house has been built upside down,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51with the main living quarters up on the first floor.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The front door is reached by a staircase which brings
0:28:54 > 0:28:55you into the entrance hallway.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01So the first room off the hallway is a kitchen.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- There's nothing we could do.- No.- No.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06You've got the whites, you've got clean lines.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- With access to the terrace as well.- Beautiful.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- Yes?- And a view to die for out there.- Look at it.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- So nothing to do in the kitchen?- No.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Oh, that's great start. - Yeah, it is a great start.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19It's only our first room, I'm not going to get too excited.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20- Right.- Yes.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23So then next to the kitchen is a sitting room.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27But it is also a dining room.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Now, they are incorporated together. - Yep.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32How would you feel about that?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- Well, it's OK, but... - It's not our preferred option.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- There must be other rooms...- I'm sure there may be opportunities
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- to do other things, do you think? - Yeah.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42What about the actual room itself?
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- It's a good size. - And I like the light.- Yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47It feels modern and bright.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Would you need to do anything in this room?
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- We'd remove the blue, but other than that, no, not necessarily.- No.- No.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- And what about the patio doors leading out onto the terrace?- Yes.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Like them.- So you've got access from two rooms?- Yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- You could also have a dining table outside.- You could, you could.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05It occurred to me while you were talking, Nicki.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07I like that, Mary. Cos that means you're really looking
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- and thinking how it could work for you.- Yes, yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- So I'm guessing you'd like to see a little bit more?- Yes.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Oh, we'd love to.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19As most of the living space and accommodation are on this floor,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21there are two double guest bedrooms
0:30:21 > 0:30:23and a family bathroom before reaching the master.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So at the end of the hallway is the master bedroom.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- Right. And again, two windows.- Yes.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32And yet cool.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36Might be worth considering actually taking out those huge windows, but
0:30:36 > 0:30:40putting doors in there, with access out onto the garden and the pool.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- You could.- Underneath us, you've got
0:30:42 > 0:30:45a kitchen-stroke-utility room,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49a huge area that they're using as a study at the moment,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- but could become a beautiful dining area.- Uh-huh.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56There's a shower room down there and another bedroom should you want it.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00Well, there definitely seems to be flexibility for certainly dining.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01Yes.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05Down one side of the house, there's a small terrace with a patio area
0:31:05 > 0:31:08and along the other side is the swimming pool.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- So here we have the obligatory but beautiful pool.- Yes.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15A sunning area all around.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Absolutely super.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20But it's not the pool which is the main draw here.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22The first-floor terrace is where this house
0:31:22 > 0:31:24really comes into its own.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- This is stunning.- Stunning.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29That's the only word. What a view.
0:31:29 > 0:31:35- So open and fresh looking.- And then all this in front of you is yours.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36So...
0:31:36 > 0:31:38pomegranates, olive trees...
0:31:38 > 0:31:42But behind the property, there's a little bit of land.
0:31:42 > 0:31:471.6 acres with almond trees and olive trees.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Jeepers.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Great, isn't it amazing? It's just fantastic. Fantastic.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- It certainly is a lovely property. - It is.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Probably quite difficult to put a price on, I'm thinking.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- I think you're right. - Um... Yeah.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07So, would you like to have a stab at what this is on the market for?
0:32:07 > 0:32:11Well, at least 325,000, I would think.
0:32:11 > 0:32:12OK. All right.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14I'd say in the same region.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Maybe a little bit more even.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Cos your top budget is...£300,000.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25And I know you don't, really don't want to go over that. So...
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Asking price for this wonderful house, this beautiful terrace,
0:32:28 > 0:32:30all this land, is...
0:32:31 > 0:32:33..£258,000.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Goodness gracious! - You're joking, Nicki!- No.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- You're joking me?- No.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Wow. Sweetie, you've stunned us. We're stunned.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- Yes.- Absolutely stunned to the ground.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47NICKI LAUGHS
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Wow, it's just something else.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52I am so pleased for the two of you.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Yep. I've got double fingers crossed.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55And it worked!
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Double fingers worked, didn't it?
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- Would you like to have another look around?- Yes, I would.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- I would, I would, please.- See you later.- Thank you. Tremendous.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08It's so far under their budget, it's a dream come true.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11They'd be mad not to buy it.
0:33:11 > 0:33:16So, for a surprising £258,000 price tag,
0:33:16 > 0:33:20this hillside villa offers four bedrooms, ample living space,
0:33:20 > 0:33:24an extensive terrace overlooking spectacular views,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26all set in 1.6 acres with trees
0:33:26 > 0:33:28bearing citrus fruit, olives,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31almonds, even pomegranates.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33And look at this!
0:33:33 > 0:33:34- Ooh!- Wow.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38And it's much bigger than a snug, it's a lounge.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39- Another lounge, isn't it?- It is.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Could be sat watching TV and look at that view.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- Isn't it amazing?- And because there's a kitchen there...- Yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46It could be a separate apartment.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48What more could you ask?
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- Not a lot.- No.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52BOTH: You like it?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55I'm stunned. I'm stunned it is within our price range.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59I'm stunned that you could purchase a property like this.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01I think it's wonderful house.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04I would have no doubt, I could move in tomorrow.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07There's nothing that needs to be done in the house.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10I could imagine virtually anything you could be doing, whether it'd be
0:34:10 > 0:34:13gardening, whether it'd be doing jobs,
0:34:13 > 0:34:14whether it be watching the sunset.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I can see all of that. I can see the whole picture in front of me.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Its site and its situation can't be beaten.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Wonderful.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Buena vista.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Best you could wish for. Absolutely the best.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I feel I could make an offer on this property.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I recognise that clip-clop of the shoes.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37How are you both?
0:34:37 > 0:34:38- Fantastic.- Fine.- Yes?
0:34:40 > 0:34:43And although we've spent the last two years travelling
0:34:43 > 0:34:46and it's almost in our blood,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I'd be quite content just to stay here.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Really?! Does it feel like home? - It does.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- It does feel very much like home. - Oh! That has two be the ultimate compliment.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59I feel bad now, cos I'm going to have to take you away.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- Aw, do you really?- But you can come back.- Are we allowed?
0:35:01 > 0:35:04You can definitely come back, should you wish to.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Er, yes, please. We'd like another look. Thank you.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15With Malcolm and Mary contemplating such a major move,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19they are sensibly keen to find out as much as they can about life here.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22That's why am taking them to the town of Mijas,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25which has a real mix of Spanish and expat residents,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29to meet Englishman Jason Goodwin and his Irish wife, Ellie, who made
0:35:29 > 0:35:33the move here many years ago and now run their own chocolate shop.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Ellie and Jason, can I introduce you to Malcolm and Mary.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Hello, Mary.- Nice to meet you. - Lovely to meet you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Nice to meet you.- Hola.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Now, these do not only have a very successful chocolate shop
0:35:44 > 0:35:46here in Mijas, you've also got first-hand experience of what
0:35:46 > 0:35:49it's like to live in this region, haven't you? The province of Malaga.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52So I thought, who better than perhaps to tell you a little
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- bit more about it.- Absolutely. Yeah.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57So, since you've come all the way to Mijas,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00why don't you come upstairs with me and make some chocolate with me?
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- What do you reckon? - Absolutely fabulous, can't wait.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- Follow me then.- Thank you.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10We're going to make Cadiz 1544.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13It's actually a recreation of the first chocolate
0:36:13 > 0:36:15that was made in Europe.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Christopher Columbus was the first one who encountered cacao and chocolate.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21It was actually the Spanish who brought it to Europe.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Without the Spanish, I don't know whether we'd have chocolate today.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29Cream is gently warmed and melted butter is added.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33This authentic recipe needs one dessert spoon of allspice,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37one of aniseed, a quarter dessert spoon of cloves,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39some cinnamon and nutmeg.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Hazelnut butter and almond butter
0:36:41 > 0:36:45are almost the last ingredients except for orange oil.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Drop, drop, drop.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49You wouldn't think there were so many...
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- ingredients, would you?- It's amazing what went into this chocolate.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56My question is, why did we ever stop making chocolate like this?
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- You good for the chocolate, Mary? - Absolutely.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Bring it on, OK. Here we go.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03So you whisk, I'll pour.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- The colour's coming, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Do you want a rest or are you all right?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10I'm all right, my dear, thank you.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- Isn't he a gentleman? - He's an absolute gentleman.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- Through and through.- Look at that! That's looking great!
0:37:16 > 0:37:20This mixture, called a ganache, is poured evenly into a tray
0:37:20 > 0:37:22and then put into the fridge to set.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26After a short wait, it's cut into squares
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and is now ready for the finishing coating.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32And now, you can pop it on to the acetate.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Ah, very well. Very well managed.
0:37:34 > 0:37:39And what you could do, Malcolm, is put some lovely toasted hazelnut
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and some orange blossom.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42That one's for Nicki.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Whilst the chocolate sets, Malcolm and Mary have a chance to
0:37:46 > 0:37:50hear more about daily life in Spain from our hosts.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I'm sure you two have got plenty of questions.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Cos how long have you lived in this region?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Actually moved here 21 years ago now, yeah.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- So you came as a young man? - Thank you.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03We are coming as somewhat older people.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Do you think we'll have any particular problems to contend with?
0:38:07 > 0:38:08I don't think so, really, no.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Because this has got to be one of the easiest places to live
0:38:12 > 0:38:15in Spain because you can completely get by speaking English.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Pretty much everything you'll need, you'll find in English.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22You'll find publications, you'll find plumbers, supermarkets,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25legal aid, dentists, it's all there.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27So you don't HAVE to learn the language,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30you really don't have to, in comparison to other
0:38:30 > 0:38:32parts of Spain where there's less of a foreign resident,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35but if you do, obviously, it makes the experience more interesting
0:38:35 > 0:38:38and more different to what you're used to at home as well, I think.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41So after a period of ill-health and now retirement,
0:38:41 > 0:38:45these two are desperate to have a new lifestyle here in Spain,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- but haven't ever bought a property here, have you, Mary?- No.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Is there any advice, pitfalls
0:38:50 > 0:38:53that if you're entering into this market you should be aware of?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55It's a lot safer buying a resale,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- an already built house, than a new development...- Yeah.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01..because once it's got the Licencia De Primera Ocupacion,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04the first occupation licence has been granted,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06you're onto safe ground.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Also, to simplify your life, what you could actually consider
0:39:09 > 0:39:13doing is contracting the services of a 'gestor'.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17A gestor organises all your paperwork, all the local taxes,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20your rates, just basically makes your life easier.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24For instance, say you need to renew a car tax
0:39:24 > 0:39:26and you could go to 'Trafico',
0:39:26 > 0:39:30queue up there for three, four, five hours, and do it yourself.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- Of course you can. Especially if you speak fluent Spanish.- Yes.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35But...
0:39:35 > 0:39:39contract the services of a gestor - they get priority,
0:39:39 > 0:39:40cos they're there every day,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42they don't have to wait four or five hours.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44So how do we find one of these people?
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- They advertise in the local papers, erm...- You can ask about it.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Ask about it. You'll make friends down here quickly.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- That sounds fantastic. - Yeah, rent-an-administrator!
0:39:53 > 0:39:56We don't have that, do we, back in the UK?
0:39:56 > 0:39:58Ellie, what's the situation with health care?
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Not only people come into this area on holiday,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02but if they want to live here?
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Of course. Public health care is good in Spain.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Once you register as a resident of Spain,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10you automatically are entitled to avail of health care services.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14So you receive what's called an NIE and that's a national identity
0:40:14 > 0:40:16number and, with that, you register
0:40:16 > 0:40:18with your local health care provider.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20So you don't have to go private if you choose not to,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- by the sounds of it.- That's right.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Sounds good. That's good to know. Thank you.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26I've got another question, please.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28I know that we'd be very keen to live amongst the locals,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30but we'd also like to get to know as many people and to
0:40:30 > 0:40:33fit in in the community as soon and as quickly as we can.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36What best advice could you give?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38For instance, Fuengirola
0:40:38 > 0:40:42has got a very active amateur dramatics theatre group,
0:40:42 > 0:40:43so join the club.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46You'll meet people from hundreds of different nationalities.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Is there dancing, for instance?
0:40:48 > 0:40:51There's everything. Literally, there is everything.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52If you're in Mijas, for example,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55the town hall has an excellent exchange service
0:40:55 > 0:40:57whereby on a set day of the week you meet up
0:40:57 > 0:41:01and you'll pair with a local Spanish person who wants to learn English.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- Brilliant.- And you teach them English and they teach you Spanish,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07which is a lovely way of meeting people as well and...
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Socialising.- Absolutely.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Where's the nearest football club?
0:41:11 > 0:41:12THEY LAUGH
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- I like that.- In Malaga. It's in La Rosaleda.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18That's going to be your new hobby when you move here.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21You can hang out with us while he goes watching football.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23MALCOLM: She'll be eating all your chocolate.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I will. I'm sorted.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- So this has been really helpful, hasn't it?- It certainly has.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Amazingly. I learnt some facts then, this afternoon that
0:41:30 > 0:41:33I had no idea of and so it's going to be very helpful to us.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- Glad to have helped! - Definitely.- Thank you.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38And now, now we've finished the serious bit, do you think
0:41:38 > 0:41:40it's time to taste the chocolate?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Oh, absolutely.- Yes? Do you think it's ready?
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Let's go and fetch them!
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- Let's see how you've done, guys. - Uh-huh.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Here we go.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52Oh, there's no complaints there.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- Well done.- And thank you again.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Get your house - I've got a job for you.- There you go!
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Is that a promise, Ellie? Cos if it is, I'll take you up on it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Jason and Ellie have given Malcolm and Mary some important information.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Particularly given the backdrop of property scandals
0:42:09 > 0:42:13which has made many nervous of purchasing in Spain.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16If you are buying off-plan or a new build, you must make sure
0:42:16 > 0:42:19the Licence Of First Occupation has been granted
0:42:19 > 0:42:22before completing the purchase.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24This licence, given by the local council,
0:42:24 > 0:42:27provides the building with its legal status
0:42:27 > 0:42:30and is only granted after the developer has fulfilled
0:42:30 > 0:42:34all the relevant planning and health and safety requirements.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39Without it, the property is not yet legal and cannot be lawfully sold,
0:42:39 > 0:42:44so it's critical to ensure any potential property has this licence.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47On any purchase there are transfer fees to be paid.
0:42:47 > 0:42:517% is the rule of thumb, but this does vary from region to region,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54going up to 10% in some areas.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57So it's essential you check these out first.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01But, most importantly, make sure you get independent legal advice
0:43:01 > 0:43:03before signing anything binding.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Our buyers are determined to integrate into the community
0:43:11 > 0:43:14and are already getting stuck into one of the favourite local
0:43:14 > 0:43:16pastimes here in Mijas -
0:43:16 > 0:43:17dominoes.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- Hola.- Can we join your game? - Venga, vamos alla!
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Malcolm and Mary's Spanish may be way off fluency,
0:43:25 > 0:43:29but fortunately, dominoes is a game that demands few words.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- Bien.- Is that the biggest?- Yes.
0:43:33 > 0:43:34Yeah!
0:43:34 > 0:43:37And with the final day of the house-hunt tomorrow,
0:43:37 > 0:43:39they're getting some rest.
0:43:39 > 0:43:40- Bye-bye.- Bye!
0:43:46 > 0:43:49It's our last day in the Spanish province of Malaga and our
0:43:49 > 0:43:52fun-loving buyers are up and taking in the views
0:43:52 > 0:43:53from their rented property.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56Do you still want to do it then?
0:43:56 > 0:43:58These nice bright mornings?
0:43:58 > 0:44:01I think so. Well, there's not a lot not to like, is there, really?
0:44:01 > 0:44:04There isn't a lot not left to like.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06The area seems to be to their liking,
0:44:06 > 0:44:09but we still need to find them a home here.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12And with lots to see today, we're getting back to the house-hunt.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18After travelling nonstop for the past few years,
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Malcolm and Mary are ready to put down some roots here in Spain
0:44:21 > 0:44:25and so far, they're very taken with this region.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29Yesterday, they completely fell in love with one of our houses.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31It didn't need anything doing to it.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34So with our mystery house today, we're going to show them
0:44:34 > 0:44:37something on the other end of the scale.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43The mystery house is located back in the largest of the towns
0:44:43 > 0:44:46we visited, Alhaurin El Grande, which could suit
0:44:46 > 0:44:50Malcolm and Mary's desire to be part of a thriving mixed community.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54It's overwhelmingly Spanish, but is popular with expats
0:44:54 > 0:44:57who make up around 5% of the resident population.
0:44:57 > 0:45:02And this is also the closest of our towns to Malaga city itself.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Full of cultural attractions, historic landmarks and the
0:45:05 > 0:45:10long beach promenade, there's plenty for our buyers to explore.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13And our mystery house is just a ten-minute walk
0:45:13 > 0:45:17up one of Alhaurin El Grande's surrounding hills.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19So it's time for our final property, of course.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- It is our mystery house.- Yes.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23- And here it is.- Here it is.
0:45:23 > 0:45:24Right.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27- A 300-year-old bakery.- Wow.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29- A bakery!- A bakery!
0:45:29 > 0:45:30- Look, right at the end. - I can see, yeah.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34- I can see it going in and coming out on a stick.- Yeah.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37So any ideas why this could be the mystery house?
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Because it'll probably have been added to and it probably is
0:45:40 > 0:45:43bigger inside than you think from the outside or something like that.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46And it could have been used for an entirely different kind of business,
0:45:46 > 0:45:48subsequently.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Well, I'm liking where you're going, actually, Malcolm,
0:45:51 > 0:45:53because you would be right. We're showing you properties
0:45:53 > 0:45:56that you might not have considered yourselves.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58There's the potential of renting out part of this property.
0:45:58 > 0:45:59The current owners do.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02So if you wanted some additional income...
0:46:02 > 0:46:04I did wonder if you wanted us to start a second employment phase.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06NICKI LAUGHS
0:46:06 > 0:46:09Well, you never know, do you? You have options. It can be one home,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11- it potentially can be two. - Could be more?
0:46:11 > 0:46:12- Wow.- Yes.- Wowee.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15- So shall we get started?- Absolutely. - Yes.- Lovely.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20'I'm starting our tour of this three-bedroom house at the back,
0:46:20 > 0:46:21'where the rented-out part is.'
0:46:21 > 0:46:25And not only is this place full of charming, historic features,
0:46:25 > 0:46:28but there are some modern comforts thrown in too.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Right in front of us - the Jacuzzi.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Now, I know we've got a little bit of an issue with pools,
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- we're not too keen on pools.- And Jacuzzis.- Do we like Jacuzzis?
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- She does.- Do you?
0:46:39 > 0:46:41MARY LAUGHS
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- Do you?- With a glass of fizzy in hand.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- Can you imagine sitting in there with your glass of fizzy?- Yes.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48Looking out on this expanse.
0:46:48 > 0:46:49Well, it certainly is a view.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52And where we're standing, believe it or not, was the threshing area,
0:46:52 > 0:46:55and the donkeys would grind down the grain here.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- Yes, the stones.- Round the pole? - Absolutely.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Flour, because it was a bakery. Would you like to follow me?
0:47:01 > 0:47:02I would indeed.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06So I've definitely piqued their interest
0:47:06 > 0:47:07with the history of this place,
0:47:07 > 0:47:10but what will they make of the interior layout
0:47:10 > 0:47:11of such an old building?
0:47:11 > 0:47:14So we're starting off with the kitchen.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18I think we can all agree, it's another colourful kitchen, isn't it?
0:47:18 > 0:47:20- Uh-huh.- They do them very well in the province of Malaga.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22- They go in for blue.- They do.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Then through the kitchen leads us to
0:47:24 > 0:47:28this very dramatic sitting room.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30Uh-huh, it is. Yep.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32Look at the height of that ceiling.
0:47:32 > 0:47:36- It is. It's very tall at the back end, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39So this is the rental part of the property.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43- £5,000 to £6,000 a year they make on it.- Right, OK.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45But it does mean that if you're not renting it out,
0:47:45 > 0:47:46you can use this space.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50But I think this would be probably your main sitting room, wouldn't it?
0:47:50 > 0:47:53- Yes, yes.- Well, as the room, I quite like it.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Doesn't bowl me over, but it's OK.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58I do think the chimney to the wood burner's a bit over-exaggerated
0:47:58 > 0:48:01and there's the usual colour problem in the kitchen.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04- It's an L-shape which, is...- It is. - ..quite unusual.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08Well, I suppose it's big enough, but I think we'd prefer a larger kitchen.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- We like big...yeah, big shape.- Yes.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14You've got low, you've got high, you've got arches.
0:48:14 > 0:48:18It's just a lot of mix and that can make for a fantastic space,
0:48:18 > 0:48:20but it's not really just doing it for me.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Well, we'll continue through.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28To go through to the bedrooms just mind your head.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30- Little bit lower here.- Yeah.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32So we've got a bedroom here and then you've got a
0:48:32 > 0:48:34further bedroom behind us.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37So, in a way, you can see why it works as a rental,
0:48:37 > 0:48:39because you could have a family in here
0:48:39 > 0:48:42and you've got the family bathroom just next door.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44- Now...- What's that, Nicki?
0:48:44 > 0:48:46- This is where all the animals... - Feeding?
0:48:46 > 0:48:48Yes. You're absolutely right.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50They would have been stabled here and tied up.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53- If you look, there's holes on each wall in the corner.- Yes, yes.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55So this probably was where they kept them.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58So could you imagine this being your bedroom?
0:48:58 > 0:48:59No.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02For me, it is higgledy-piggledy, unfortunately.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Well, let's head outside. There's another building I just want to
0:49:05 > 0:49:07talk to you about and also the gardens too.
0:49:07 > 0:49:12So, Malcolm, if you wouldn't mind leading the way. Mind your head.
0:49:12 > 0:49:13All the added rooms
0:49:13 > 0:49:16and reconfigurations over the years have given this house a very
0:49:16 > 0:49:21peculiar layout, which I think is proving a challenge for Mary.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23At the front of the property is the smaller,
0:49:23 > 0:49:25non-rented owners' residence.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29There's a sitting room, kitchen with separate dining area,
0:49:29 > 0:49:31a double bedroom and its own terrace.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33If no rental income is wanted,
0:49:33 > 0:49:36the different wings could be joined together to make one dwelling.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41Although this house doesn't seem to be catching their imagination,
0:49:41 > 0:49:43perhaps the patios and terraces
0:49:43 > 0:49:47outside will improve things whilst we get past the ah...you know what.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49Of course. What can't we miss?
0:49:49 > 0:49:51- Swimming pool.- Pool.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53Would we say that's a beautiful pool?
0:49:53 > 0:49:55- Well, you know my views on pools. - He doesn't like them.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58- You don't mind them so much though, do you?- No, I don't.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01And if you think the land finishes there - well, actually, it doesn't.
0:50:01 > 0:50:06It continues on. There's a chicken coop and also a mini orchard.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10When I say mini orchard, we're sort of talking half an acre,
0:50:10 > 0:50:14I would say in total. You've also got this building in front of us.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16- Unusual-looking shape.- It is.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18- Modern.- Yes.- Modern in a way.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22- Right.- At the moment, they've divided it up as a workshop
0:50:22 > 0:50:25- and also a utility room.- Right.
0:50:25 > 0:50:30So, for the final time, let's put a price on the mystery property.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32I'd say...
0:50:32 > 0:50:34270, tops 275.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38- OK.- I'd put it about 290,000.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40You're both very good, actually. You're very close.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43You're the closest. The asking price is...
0:50:43 > 0:50:45£280,000.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47Ah, not bad. Yeah.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51And I think we'd all agree, it's a substantial property, isn't it?
0:50:51 > 0:50:52- Yes, size wise. Yes.- Yes.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Why don't you take the opportunity of having a wander on your own
0:50:55 > 0:50:57and then, I'll come and find you in a little while.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59- OK. Thank you, Nicki.- Thank you.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03For £20,000 under budget,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06this 300 year-old former bakery offers dual accommodation
0:51:06 > 0:51:09split into one main bedroom residence
0:51:09 > 0:51:11and a separate two-bedroom flat
0:51:11 > 0:51:13which could be rented out.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15It has an extensive orchard at the back,
0:51:15 > 0:51:17a quirky garden around the house,
0:51:17 > 0:51:19a swimming pool and Jacuzzi,
0:51:19 > 0:51:21and the bonus of a possible income
0:51:21 > 0:51:23of up to £6,000 a year.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28- Well, I do like this door. - What a door!
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Golly, that's old, isn't it?
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Another old door. Oh! Fabulous.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36- You can see how it's been built on, and added.- And added to, yeah.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39It's difficult to get the feel for it because there's two sides
0:51:39 > 0:51:41to it and it's how you marry the two up together.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44It's quite confusing in a way.
0:51:44 > 0:51:45My first impressions of the house were -
0:51:45 > 0:51:51up, down, arches, shapes, not straight lines,
0:51:51 > 0:51:54and that actually can be quite endearing, that can be
0:51:54 > 0:51:56beautiful and I can work with that
0:51:56 > 0:51:59if I knew how I could make it work.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03It was interesting to see that it's 300 years old
0:52:03 > 0:52:05and that it was a bakery.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10Obviously, over the years, it's been added to bit by bit, by bit,
0:52:10 > 0:52:12which has given it a character,
0:52:12 > 0:52:17but it's also generated a lot of internal problems, I think.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20I actually could make this a beautiful home. I know I could.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22I could see exactly what I could do.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26But in order to do it, it'd cost me an awful lot of money
0:52:26 > 0:52:28and I think it'd defeat all the things we're trying to do.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Here you are. So that's it. Our mystery tour is over.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35In actual fact, that's our last property.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38In the province of Malaga, we've shown you everything there is
0:52:38 > 0:52:40to be seen. How are you feeling?
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- It's been great. Thank you. - Really enjoyed it.- Fantastic. Yes.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46So would you like some time on your own?
0:52:46 > 0:52:47Collect your thoughts?
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Cos I can't wait to hear what you're going to do next.
0:52:50 > 0:52:51- Yes.- OK. Yep.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02The region of Andalusia has a distinctive look,
0:53:02 > 0:53:04but it also has a distinctive sound
0:53:04 > 0:53:08as it is the home of Spain's famous music and dance - flamenco.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12I'm meeting a man who is helping to keep this vibrant tradition alive.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Specialist guitar maker Alberto Martin Ramos.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20- Do you actually play guitar? - No, I do not.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23- You don't?- I do not play at all.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25There are two kinds of person -
0:53:25 > 0:53:27the one who, after a while, improves in playing
0:53:27 > 0:53:30and the other one that goes, "What's happening inside?"
0:53:30 > 0:53:31THEY LAUGH
0:53:31 > 0:53:32And that was me.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36So, tell me, what is the difference between a classical guitar
0:53:36 > 0:53:38and a flamenco guitar?
0:53:38 > 0:53:39It's just the way of playing.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43We'll just grab one of these. This is the flamenco one.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46Because they play too many notes at the same time
0:53:46 > 0:53:51and they want to be fast, they need a very low action and it also
0:53:51 > 0:53:53became very popular tapping the top,
0:53:53 > 0:53:56so we need a big guard here.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- Oh, yes.- And all the rest is basically the same.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01It is a beautiful-looking instrument.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05I'd love to see the whole process from start to finish.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07- Is that going to be possible?- Yes.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11Each material is chosen for its specific properties,
0:54:11 > 0:54:14and the wood for the front of the guitar is spruce.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16This wood, it's alive.
0:54:16 > 0:54:17HE TAPS ON WOOD
0:54:17 > 0:54:21- Yeah, it's got a tone of its own. - Exactly. It's like a bell.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25The curved sides of the guitar are made from Madagascan
0:54:25 > 0:54:29rosewood which, when heated, can be bent into shape.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32The neck needs the addition of a much denser wood, ebony,
0:54:32 > 0:54:35but it's the wood used for the back of the flamenco guitar that
0:54:35 > 0:54:38makes it stand out from its classical cousin.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40This is cypress. Smell it.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43- Is that what I could smell when I walked in?- Yes.
0:54:43 > 0:54:44SHE GASPS
0:54:44 > 0:54:46You don't even have to get close.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49- Yeah, you can really smell that. - It's lovely. Also...
0:54:49 > 0:54:51HE TAPS
0:54:51 > 0:54:55You can feel in your fingers how it does vibrate.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57- It does vibrate, yeah.- Of course.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01Cypress wood was adopted by flamenco players
0:55:01 > 0:55:03as it was a cheaper, local wood.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05But has now become the standard.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08The front figure of eight is cut and a decorative,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11handmade wooden rosette inlaid.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14The central sound hole is then cut out.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18- There it is.- Here you are.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20There's our rosette.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22And this is when the guitar is going to start to sing.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27Inside the sandbox are an array of wooden teeth
0:55:27 > 0:55:31and the harmonic bars which create the Spanish guitar's unique sound.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34'And the final stage is a French polish, which not only
0:55:34 > 0:55:37'protects the guitar, but also adds to the resonance.'
0:55:37 > 0:55:40It looks beautiful. It's a work of art.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43Thank you. Do you want to hear some flamenco guitar playing?
0:55:43 > 0:55:44I would love to hear it.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49MAN SINGS FLAMENCO SONG
0:56:20 > 0:56:23# Da-da-da-daaaa
0:56:23 > 0:56:25# Eee! #
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Ah! Esplendido!
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Thank you.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33We're coming to the end of our time here in the province of Malaga
0:56:33 > 0:56:36where we've shown our couple four great properties.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39And I'm ready to find out what they think of them.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43Malcolm and Mary, you two have travelled so much.
0:56:43 > 0:56:44But I am dying to ask you,
0:56:44 > 0:56:48has this part of Spain lived up to your expectations?
0:56:48 > 0:56:51Very much so. It's been a tremendous journey.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53We have learnt some new things.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56Now, over the last few days, we had the opportunity to sample what
0:56:56 > 0:56:58life could be like living here.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00How's that been?
0:57:00 > 0:57:03- It's felt like normal home.- Has it?
0:57:03 > 0:57:06And I think that speaks for itself. It answers its own question.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09So getting on to our properties themselves...
0:57:09 > 0:57:12Tell me, did any of our houses hit the mark?
0:57:12 > 0:57:15Yes. I think the one near Guaro.
0:57:15 > 0:57:19The one with the orchards and the almond trees and the olive trees,
0:57:19 > 0:57:24and the magnificent mountain scenery, that certainly did.
0:57:24 > 0:57:30And the house itself, it was clean-cut and bright inside.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32It wouldn't need a lot of work.
0:57:32 > 0:57:36You could almost move straight in, so to do that under budget,
0:57:36 > 0:57:37that was a lovely surprise.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40So you love the property, but what happens next?
0:57:40 > 0:57:43We won't stop. We will make more enquiries.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46We'll find out the background, the detail from the law side
0:57:46 > 0:57:49of things, but it obviously is still a lot of money to spend
0:57:49 > 0:57:51and you don't rush into anything that quick
0:57:51 > 0:57:53when it's a large amount of money.
0:57:53 > 0:57:54Well, Malcolm and Mary,
0:57:54 > 0:57:57it's been a pleasure showing you these wonderful properties.
0:57:57 > 0:57:58And can I just say,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01you're the best dressed couple I've done house tours with.
0:58:01 > 0:58:04I think next time, I'm going to have to up my game, aren't I?
0:58:04 > 0:58:07- Thank you so much. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:58:09 > 0:58:12It's been a wonderful few days,
0:58:12 > 0:58:17and Malcolm and Mary have really embraced this part of Spain.
0:58:17 > 0:58:19When their travels have finished, I'm sure they're going to be
0:58:19 > 0:58:24returning to start their new life here in this beautiful region.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27So, from the province of Malaga,
0:58:27 > 0:58:29adios.
0:58:29 > 0:58:31If you're planning to escape to the continent
0:58:31 > 0:58:37and would like our help, you can apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow