0:00:02 > 0:00:06This spectacular bridge behind me has broken a world record,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09cost more than £341 million to build,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12and was designed by a British architect.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15But what was the reason behind its construction
0:00:15 > 0:00:18and where is it in the world? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Today we're helping a Lincolnshire couple who have plans to make
0:00:40 > 0:00:44a permanent move abroad to satisfy their desire for a healthier
0:00:44 > 0:00:47lifestyle. And it all seems to get off to a positive start.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52Love the windows, the aspect, the view. I love the trees.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- You love everything.- Everything.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Welcome to Escape to the Continent.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Today I am in the Midi-Pyrenees region of the south of France,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05and this is the Tarn Valley.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09And the beautiful construction you can see is the Millau Viaduct,
0:01:09 > 0:01:14which at 340 odd metres high, is taller than the Eiffel tower
0:01:14 > 0:01:17and the tallest bridge in the world.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21It was built to join a very inaccessible part of France,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23with the main motorway that goes from the north of Paris
0:01:23 > 0:01:25down to the south and Mediterranean.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29And it was designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32who wanted to create the illusion of the delicacy of butterflies,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36and you can certainly see the wing motif in the seven arches
0:01:36 > 0:01:37that cross the valley.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39It's a beautiful piece of architecture
0:01:39 > 0:01:42but it's also a great symbol of the Entente Cordiale
0:01:42 > 0:01:46between Britain and France, which is what our show today is all about.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49Situated at the bottom
0:01:49 > 0:01:51of south-western France,
0:01:51 > 0:01:52the Midi-Pyrenees is
0:01:52 > 0:01:54France's largest region,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57spanning some 17,000 square miles.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59The area is essentially rural,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03and with its mix of fertile farmland and hot summers, it's not hard
0:02:03 > 0:02:07to see why this is the country's leading agricultural region.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09This vista eventually gives way to the stunning hills
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and crags of the Aveyron, a perfect home for the livestock
0:02:13 > 0:02:17which are the source of much of the area's delicious dairy products.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20At the heart of the region lies its capital, Toulouse,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24a thriving city and home to a third of the region's population.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26In contrast to the lively capital,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29the region has a variety of historic villages,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31including the world famous Roquefort.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36The Midi-Pyrenees offers an intoxicating mix of scenery,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39good weather and welcoming locals, and with so much on offer,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43it's no surprise that many thousands of British expats
0:02:43 > 0:02:46choose this region as their permanent home.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49So what is it that has attracted our buyers today to this
0:02:49 > 0:02:50beautiful bit of France?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Roger and Sylvia live in the south Lincolnshire
0:02:54 > 0:02:56village of Market-Deeping.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00They've spent 20 happy years in their four bedroomed detached house,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03but can no-longer resist the magnetic pull of the continent.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06For years now, we've felt different in France.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10We've been going there for many, many years.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13There's like a real sense of...
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Almost like feeling at home somehow.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Although Roger and Sylvia's children have left home,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21they're still a close-knit family, and Sylvia's convinced that the
0:03:21 > 0:03:25accessible Midi-Pyrenees would offer an ideal location.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30We've chosen the area because of its good road links and rail links.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33And air links. We can pop back whenever we are needed.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Our buyers will both have comfortable pensions to
0:03:36 > 0:03:40fund their French dream, but Roger would also like to continue his work
0:03:40 > 0:03:43as a psychotherapist, and feels the Midi-Pyrenees would offer
0:03:43 > 0:03:47the perfect environment to branch out with his business.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Part of my dream is to offer workshops,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54initially raising self-awareness, a little bit of group therapy,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57maybe a bit of yoga, a bit of artwork,
0:03:57 > 0:04:02and the whole thing accompanied by French cuisine and fine wine.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Other considerations in the move are Hetty,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08their motorhome, for which they'll need ample parking space.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12And Rosie the dog, who already has her pet passport.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14With Roger and Sylvia's house on the market,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17they're almost ready to pack up and go.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21All that's left is to find out how much they have to spend.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Our budget for the house in France is round about...
0:04:24 > 0:04:26£200,000.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Our buyers are excited about starting their search
0:04:33 > 0:04:37for their new life, and have taken the two hour flight to Toulouse.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41We're meeting up 46 miles northeast in the attractive city of Albi,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45to find out more details about their dream move.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Welcome to Albi, guys. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49We're in the heart of the Midi-Pyrenees,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- but you've been here before? - Yes, we have.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55You're both great fans of France. How long have you been coming here?
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- We've been coming 32 years. - Moving here is quite a big thing.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02What sparked the idea to come and actually live here?
0:05:02 > 0:05:06A new adventure in our lives, and to live our dream.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And tell me a bit about the spec of the house,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11like how many bedrooms, how big, what sort of style?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Our ideal place, which is perhaps mission impossible,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17is to have this beautiful old stone place,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21ideally with a swimming pool, a little bit of land.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Maybe three, or possibly four bedrooms. Not isolated.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30We're looking for a sanctuary for Sylvia and myself,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32potentially offer that to others.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- So this is your therapy work.- Yeah.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37So long-term you're looking to have a little business model
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- there of having people to come over and stay?- Yeah.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I mean initially, the idea of running a five day workshop
0:05:43 > 0:05:46called "Growing Old Disgracefully".
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I dread to think what's going to happen on that five day workshop.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50Oh, wonderful things.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55Fine food, fine wine, a little bit of meditation, yoga.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56That's the dream.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58And what about your budget? How much have you got to spend?
0:05:58 > 0:06:02In the region of £200,000.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Well we have three properties to show you
0:06:04 > 0:06:05and I hope that you like them.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- Follow me.- OK.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29We've got three impressive properties lined
0:06:29 > 0:06:32up for our buyers, the last of which will be a mystery house,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36which may not quite offer up their requested tranquil location,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39but could give them more than they bargained for.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Our first property lies 65 miles northeast of Toulouse,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48in the rural community of Castanet.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It's just a few minutes drive from the astonishingly striking Najac.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Our first house is just minutes away, down a secluded private drive.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58This is house number one.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Maison numero uno. What do you think?
0:07:01 > 0:07:07Lovely. Quintessentially French. Love the windows, the aspect...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Everything.- Everything. - It's very pretty.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Is this too remote?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Erm, possibly not.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20One of the issues for me is that we have a rather large motorhome and
0:07:20 > 0:07:24it's almost like "how would we get Hetty, our motorhome, up here?".
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Well, this is obviously, you know, something to think about.- Yeah.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Is it going to be Hetty or your house?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Well, you'll want to go inside, so shall we?- Yes, wonderful.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Magic, yeah, thank you.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35That's a positive start,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39despite some reservations over where the motorhome might live.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42This beautiful 19th century farm building has recently
0:07:42 > 0:07:45undergone extensive renovation, and I'm hoping
0:07:45 > 0:07:48its interior will strike the right cord with our buyers.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49Come on in.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- Your possible French home. - Oh, wow.- What do you think, Roger?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Beautiful open area, yeah.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00The area for this large table for
0:08:00 > 0:08:03when all the family comes which is, you know, great.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07Good view from here out into the garden.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09The thing about it is, it's nice so that
0:08:09 > 0:08:13when you're in the kitchen, you can actually talk to your family.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Roger and Sylvia's children are a real consideration
0:08:16 > 0:08:20in the French move and this property does lend itself to visitors.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23To the side of the dining room, there's a perfect guest wing.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26The bedroom features attractive stone walling,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30whilst the newly tiled bathroom has a light and fresh feel.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33So plenty to digest as we make our way through the dining room
0:08:33 > 0:08:37to another impressive open plan space.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Let's go through here into the sitting room.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- It's a very simple layout. You're not going to get lost.- Yeah.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Very cosy.- I like the stonework.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48However, the stairs straight out of the sitting area...
0:08:48 > 0:08:50it's like "hmm, not sure about that".
0:08:50 > 0:08:51Not sure, yeah.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55And also I like to see a focal point like a wood burning stove
0:08:55 > 0:08:56or something like that.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Yes, unusually, they've taken down the hearth, perhaps
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- because of the stair coming down.- Yeah.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02But you could easily re-insert it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04There's a chimney there so you could put a log-burner in.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Yep.- Let's look upstairs.- Lovely.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11There may be concerns about the exposed stairway,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13but hopefully the upstairs will win them over.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17It features a newly fitted bathroom, and the first bedroom is
0:09:17 > 0:09:21dual aspect, offering up another light-filled space.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24But I've saved the best room until last.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- This is, if you like, a little tower on top of the property.- Oh, yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31You can see the lovely wooden rafters.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- This room of course has the views. - Hm. Yeah, it's charming.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40If you wanted to have people to stay to do your course,
0:09:40 > 0:09:41how would you configure it?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45For example, would you have the downstairs bedroom as your quarters
0:09:45 > 0:09:48and have this all upstairs as belonging to your guests?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Er, well, no, not really.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Potentially we would have accommodation in the grounds,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55on a temporary basis.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- So you're thinking of maybe having them in sort of tents or...- Yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02The wish list seems to be evolving.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04I think Roger's vision of glamping
0:10:04 > 0:10:06could be a tall order on this hilly site.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09However, the gardens do have a peaceful feel,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13borders of lavender spill onto an attractive terrace, while a rich mix
0:10:13 > 0:10:16of fruit trees eventually give way to a larger area of woodland.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19It feels like it has all the right ingredients for Roger
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and Sylvia's sanctuary.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23OK, you may have spotted the jewel in the crown.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Oh, yeah, the swimming pool. Wow. Lovely.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Looking at it though, my only concern is, knowing my grandchildren,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34they would be walloping down there and then over the edge.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35We are on a little bit of a slope.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- Obviously this is quite a hilly bit of France.- Yep.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43But you've got two and a half acres of land, which is quite a big plot.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48Big chunk, yeah. And I guess one of the issues is with loads of land,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50how much work does it entail?
0:10:50 > 0:10:52There may be concerns over the outside space
0:10:52 > 0:10:55but I do have an idea up my sleeve for Roger's potential business,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57which could just win them over.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- Underneath the entire property is like a vast cellar space.- OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08You could very easily sort of put constituted doors on the front
0:11:08 > 0:11:14and turn it into a huge meditation hall, yoga hall, meeting space.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- So, another question is of course, how much does it cost?- Hmm.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I think around about £189,000.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22Sylvia?
0:11:22 > 0:11:26Eh, I think a little bit more, around £200,000.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29In this particular instance, Roger you should defer to your wife,
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- because she's exactly right.- OK.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- It's on the market for exactly £200,000.- OK, yeah.- Hm.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58At £200,000, you get a lot of house and grounds for your money.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- We are moving on. We've got more properties to look at.- OK.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- I guess you're probably quite pleased about it.- Very pleased.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12For our next property, we're heading west into the neighbouring
0:12:12 > 0:12:17department of Tarn, and the rural community of Jouqueviel.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Our house is found down a country lane
0:12:19 > 0:12:22in a peaceful farming community.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- This is the next one.- Oh, gosh!
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Come with me back here.- This looks intriguing, Alistair!- Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32And I think it's got lots of quirk.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37It hasn't got much land, but it has got enough room to park Hetty.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Oh, Hetty will be very happy, yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40I'm intrigued.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Kind of, just over your shoulder there's like a wow view
0:12:44 > 0:12:47along the way and I'm thinking, "hmm! I want to know more!".
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Since you mentioned the view...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Roger and Sylvia seem captivated,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57so before we get to grips with the house, I'm whisking them
0:12:57 > 0:13:01through an intriguing passageway to the back garden to show them
0:13:01 > 0:13:03this property's crowning glory.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06THIS, I think, is what this property's all about.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Oh, wow.- It's breathtaking. - It's the Valley of the Viaur.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Absolutely amazing.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16You won't get any complaints from your many visitors.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- No. I'm speechless.- Are you? - It feels very tranquil.- Yeah.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26The gardens exude calm, and there are charming shaded spaces,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30and a stone dining area, complete with a traditional bread oven.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32There's also a stone outbuilding that's been
0:13:32 > 0:13:37converted into a bathroom with an open shower, WC, and washbasin.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Turning our attention, back to the main house,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43its reverse living layout could also offer up some interesting
0:13:43 > 0:13:45opportunities for Roger and Sylvia.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Underneath here you have two guest bedrooms,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52so basically this whole downstairs area could function
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- for either your family or your retreat guests.- Hm.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Things are looking promising.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I just hope the interior matches up,
0:14:01 > 0:14:06as we head into the first floor through the raised wooden porch.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- The compromise is that the inside is not huge.- Right.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- This is the sitting room, dining room AND the kitchen.- Hm.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16What are your thoughts?
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Yeah, a little bit disappointing having seen the outside space
0:14:20 > 0:14:23and then coming into this small inside space,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25but I want to see more of the house.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31Creating a dedicated living room would mean remodelling this floor.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35As it stands, there are two bedrooms leading off the living space.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36The master is at the front,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39and leads onto a spacious covered terrace.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43It's this area that could afford a solution for Roger and Sylvia.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47While this is such a beautiful view,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50it seems like this is wasted on a bedroom.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54And since we've got a kitchen jammed in there,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56you could push this room out
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and maybe have a small kitchen-dining room here.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Yeah. I think it's doable.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03Good.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Despite this higgledy-piggledy layout,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08our buyers continue to make the right noises,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10and I've got one more surprise up my sleeve,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14as we head outside to a secluded spot in the garden.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15What about this then?
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- Well, this is a surprise. A pool with a view.- That's exactly what it is.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Yeah. Every morning, breakfast here with that view. Wonderful, yeah.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Well you need to know the price, so what do you think that is?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33I think around £215,000.
0:15:35 > 0:15:41- And I reckon at least £210,000. - This house is on the market for...
0:15:42 > 0:15:44£194,000.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Oh, crikey.- What a surprise!
0:15:47 > 0:15:52Our property is £6,000 under Roger and Sylvia's maximum budget.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Hello.- Hi.- I was just taking in the lovely, lovely landscape.- Yeah.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think you'd be doing that a lot if you lived here.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13We certainly would.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19It's no surprise that thousands of British expats have made the
0:16:19 > 0:16:22journey across the Channel to make this region their permanent home.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27I'm keen for Roger and Sylvia to gain a deeper insight into what this
0:16:27 > 0:16:30life-changing move could mean, so I'm introducing them to a couple
0:16:30 > 0:16:32who have already made it.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Carol and Philip Houseman moved to Lunac in the Aveyron
0:16:36 > 0:16:41earlier in the year, having fallen for the area on an extended visit.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Oh, he's doing the French thing, you see.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Carol has actually set up a holistic treatment centre in her home, so she
0:16:48 > 0:16:52should have plenty in common with Roger, as we sit down for a chat.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Well, I thought this would be a great chance to kind of
0:16:54 > 0:16:57compare notes, cos you're six months ahead of these guys.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- It was a very sudden move. You moved quickly.- It was a sudden move.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04We came out on holiday and fell in love with the place
0:17:04 > 0:17:09so from there, it just seemed to snowball into lurching into France.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12What exactly do you want to do when you're here?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Our dream, which we've had for a few years now,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19is to have our own personal sanctuary in France, maybe offer
0:17:19 > 0:17:25workshops for five days with the title "Growing Old Disgracefully".
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- I think that's a fabulous title. - You could team up.- Yeah!
0:17:30 > 0:17:36So, our idea is to have these yurts, or similar tent-like structures.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- So you'll be wanting a bit of land then as well?- Oh, yeah.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40What's the story with the land?
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Are there any pitfalls about owning land here?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45There's an issue in buying it.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- It has to be offered to the local farmers.- Oh, yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53But they have to buy the entire property, not just the land.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Because it will have been in the community and they'll have known
0:17:56 > 0:17:58that it's on for sale, that they would have been offered it anyway.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02It just has to go through by law, really.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03So, how is your French?
0:18:03 > 0:18:07The most difficult thing for me around the language is that
0:18:07 > 0:18:13it's that sort of intimacy of conversation that I can't have
0:18:13 > 0:18:19with somebody who is French at the moment. And it can be quite lonely.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21What about the practicalities?
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Because obviously your French is not top-notch.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Where do your clients come from?
0:18:26 > 0:18:27My clients come from England
0:18:27 > 0:18:30because I've had a very busy practice in England
0:18:30 > 0:18:37and I've ran workshops in England and the struggle has always been to
0:18:37 > 0:18:41find a venue that has that level of tranquillity.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- Have you had any concerns about being remote?- No, not really.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47We would rather live on the edge of the village rather
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- than in the village because of the view.- What about the snow?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Is it very severe?
0:18:54 > 0:18:58We are officially up a mountain here, and we did think that that
0:18:58 > 0:19:03would be a problem, but the French highway system is very, very good.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06They clear the roads immediately.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12What do you most miss about not being in England?
0:19:12 > 0:19:17The only thing I miss is the lack of decent beer.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Our children!
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- Oops!- Oops, oops!- Are you talking about draught bitter?
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Draught bitter, you can't get draught bitter, I'm terribly sorry.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31The beer may not be up to scratch but Carol and Phillip seem to feel
0:19:31 > 0:19:32they've made the right move,
0:19:32 > 0:19:37and have offered our buyers a realistic insight into local life.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Roger and Sylvia will also need to bear in mind a few practical
0:19:40 > 0:19:42considerations when planning their purchase.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58If the property has been recently renovated,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00it should come with a builders insurance certificate.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04This will cover the works for up to ten years after completion.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23For our mystery property, we're heading to the heart
0:20:23 > 0:20:28of the Tarn-et-Garonne department, and the community of Laguepie.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31This is a traditional village sitting in a stunning wooded valley.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Before we arrive at our last house, I'm going to introduce Roger
0:20:34 > 0:20:37and Sylvia to some of the villages attractions.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Look where I've brought you. To the heart of Laguepie.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41Do you know this village?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Yes, we have actually briefly visited before.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45For the mystery house,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- we thought we'd bring you right into the community.- Yeah.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Cos this is a great village
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- and you can see it's got fantastic medieval ruins.- Yeah.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57This castle was sacked by the English. So we've been here before.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59They seem to like the location,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02and I'm sure they're picturing a house in a quiet spot,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05but this is the mystery house, and it was never going to be
0:21:05 > 0:21:09an obvious choice for the sanctuary our buyers had in mind.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- The mystery house is this building here.- Gosh!- Oh, wow!
0:21:14 > 0:21:18With the shutters and the balcony and the geraniums.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23Oh, it looks a really imposing building and so beautiful.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Typical French.- It's like a little chateau.- Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Four floors.- Oh, gosh.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32This townhouse is a piece of history.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36It was actually built for a chestnut merchant back in the 19th century,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40and being the mystery house, there's another big surprise in store.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Step into Ali Baba's Bazaar.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Oh, wow. This is just my cup of tea.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I love antiques, you know, bric-a-brac,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51and I'm rummaging around.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53The present owners as you have probably guessed are antique
0:21:53 > 0:21:57dealers and they've turned it into an antiques shop.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Clearly none of this will be here
0:21:58 > 0:22:02but do you see this beautiful doorway and the high ceilings?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Gosh, yeah.- Basically, you have a shop downstairs.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Any thoughts on that? - There's acres of space.- Yeah.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Roger's idea about his workshops would involve doing yoga
0:22:13 > 0:22:16and this space would lend itself to that.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19But I think the thing that you'll love is upstairs.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23This is a colossal house built on a grand scale.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26The first floor features a hidden hallway
0:22:26 > 0:22:28leading to a charming balcony.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31There are also to quintessentially French salons, complete with
0:22:31 > 0:22:36traditional marble fire surrounds, and original wooden panelling.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39A contemporary twist comes in the form of a beautifully
0:22:39 > 0:22:44renovated shower room, with glazed brick tiles throughout.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- This is the kitchen. - Oh, wow. Speechless!
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- So the very splendid sort of larder cupboard there.- Yeah.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57The double hearth. And these lovely tiles. Beautiful tiles on the floor.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Yeah, they're beautiful tiles. And the colour.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Typically French, like a lavender blue, isn't it?
0:23:04 > 0:23:09I'm really really surprised with the amount of space that there is here.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Something that we've never ever considered.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- It wasn't in your wish list. - No.- A grand terrace.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Let's have a look at the beautiful...
0:23:20 > 0:23:23For your breakfast, you come out onto the south facing terrace.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Oh, this is lovely. - Oh, wow.- It's really pretty.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30I love the decorative ironwork as well and the only thing I'm
0:23:30 > 0:23:33thinking is that it's a house fit for a king and queen.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Let's continue the tour of your palace.- Lovely.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The regal theme continues through to the second floor.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45Four double bedrooms offer up high ceilings and original flooring.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Two of them are to the front, benefiting from
0:23:47 > 0:23:49stunning views over the wooded valley.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53I'm pausing in the master bedroom to see if Roger
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and Sylvia are keeping up with this grand property.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57How is it striking you so far?
0:23:57 > 0:24:02There's a lot to take in, but it's all very positive.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Are you having a bad vibe about the house?
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Not a bad vibe about the house, but, you know,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13practical things really, like, how does one clean all these windows?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15But the windows do look clean, Roger.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Roger's polishing skills might be pushed to the limit,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24as there's also an unrenovated attic and side annexe,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27which could be converted into a further three bedrooms.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32But we're heading outside to the enclosed courtyard garden.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Considering we're in the centre of the village, it's a peaceful space.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Lemon trees and lush planting flourish in the Sun-filled
0:24:39 > 0:24:41southerly aspect.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45And there's one more architectural delight on offer.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50Come into the garden. The secret garden at the back of the house.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- With its very own Art Nouveau... - Oh my goodness!- ..dovecote.
0:24:54 > 0:25:01- Lovely, it's charming.- It really is. - Are you charmed, Roger?- Erm...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Half charmed.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I think part of it is like it's huge,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09so many rooms to decorate, so many rooms to...
0:25:09 > 0:25:13It's true, it is a big property. But how much do you think it's worth?
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Around £230,000.- Roger?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I think for me, erm, seeing all that you get,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23my guess would be something like a quarter of a million.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27It's on the market for £178,000.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Gosh!- Crikey! I'm really surprised.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- Yeah.- For me, it opens up all sorts of doors and possibilities,
0:25:35 > 0:25:41thinking swimming pool just down there and how might it be?
0:25:41 > 0:25:45The mystery house is £22,000 under Roger and Sylvia's maximum budget,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and is by far the biggest property we've seen.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11We're going to leave this place and find a quiet spot
0:26:11 > 0:26:13so we can sort of tie all the loose ends together
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and think about all the houses we've seen.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- OK, that's good.- Good. - Ready?- Yep.- On we go.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- Oh, it's a whirlwind week. - It certainly was, yes.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- It's gone so quickly! - Very enjoyable and very informative.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Tell me what you've learnt.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37I think it's plain to me that we would like access to a city.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Well that alone is a really valid insight.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Are you going to follow any of them up?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44What we're going to do is
0:26:44 > 0:26:49to come across here with Hetty, our motorhome.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53And look at certainly a couple of the properties we've seen.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- Do some more research. - So you've talked a lot about Hetty.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59I get the impression that you love moving around to different
0:26:59 > 0:27:01parts and exploring France.
0:27:01 > 0:27:02I was just wondering
0:27:02 > 0:27:07whether you really feel the urge to root yourself in one place.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08Well I think that's important,
0:27:08 > 0:27:15because France is such a large place and the possibilities are endless.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Then all that remains for me is to wish you bonne chance.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- Merci.- Merci.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Our adventures with Roger and Sylvia in the Midi-Pyrenees are coming
0:27:28 > 0:27:31to a close and I really hope that they put down roots here.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It seems like they have a lot of desire to get to France, although
0:27:34 > 0:27:38there's a part of me that also thinks they love the freedom
0:27:38 > 0:27:42to roam with Hetty the motor home around this massive country.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Whatever they decide, I wish them all the best,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47and I hope that you join us next time for more
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Escape To The Continent.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Au revoir.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Roger and Sylvia have had lots of interest in their Lincolnshire
0:27:54 > 0:27:57home and are waiting for a sale to fund their move.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00In the meantime, they're planning their next research
0:28:00 > 0:28:04trip to the Midi-Pyrenees to continue their search.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07If you too are planning to escape to the continent and would like
0:28:07 > 0:28:09our help, you can apply online.