0:00:02 > 0:00:04At over 700 years old, I'm standing outside one of the oldest
0:00:04 > 0:00:07universities in the world, but where am I?
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Find out more, and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On today's show, we're helping a couple from Wales
0:00:33 > 0:00:37find their first shared home together in the sun.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39'They want properties they can put their stamp on.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I like the rustic feel, the wood, the stone.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But in one, we may have bitten off more than we can chew.
0:00:45 > 0:00:46Who wants a project?
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Ah, here we go again!
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in the Centro region of Portugal and this is Coimbra,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02which used to be the medieval capital of this country
0:01:02 > 0:01:06for over a century until it was replaced by Lisbon.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Now, although it lost its capital status,
0:01:09 > 0:01:14it eventually became the home of one of the world's oldest universities.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Today, Coimbra is capital of the region
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and home to more than just students.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Brimming with history, magnificent architecture
0:01:22 > 0:01:26and stunning scenery, there's something here for everyone.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29As the name suggests,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31the Centro region of Portugal is located in the middle
0:01:31 > 0:01:34of the country with the Atlantic on one side
0:01:34 > 0:01:37and the mountainous border with Spain on the other.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41The Atlantic coast is dotted with attractive villages
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and sandy beaches.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Further up the shoreline, the port of Aveiro,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50with its charming canal system, is often termed the Portuguese Venice.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Inland, this mainly agricultural region gives way to
0:01:54 > 0:01:58a more mountainous landscape, with Portugal's highest peak,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03Serra da Estrela, at nearly 2,000 metres high.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The climate can be unpredictable, with cooler summers
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and wetter winters than coastal Atlantic areas,
0:02:08 > 0:02:14making it a verdant region of lush, green valleys and dense forests.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Although not as popular as the Algarve with Brits,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21the Centro region offers potential escapees a less touristy
0:02:21 > 0:02:23and quieter pace of life.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Let's meet today's couple and find out what they're after.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Kevin and Sandra have been together for just a year
0:02:31 > 0:02:34after meeting through an online dating agency.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Both have lived in Wales for much of their lives,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41but now they want to start this new chapter in warmer climes.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44I love to travel and I've always wanted to live abroad,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46mainly for the sun - it's usually what most people say -
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and the adventure of living somewhere else.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52The move abroad is an opportunity for Sandra, at least,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55to take a well-deserved rest.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I've had a challenging career.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59I've worked for 30 years in mental health,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and I've been a single parent for a lot of that time,
0:03:01 > 0:03:06so brought up my family on my own, and I've looked after an elderly mum.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11And they've all grown up and my mum's passed, unfortunately.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16And now's a time to retire and have that opportunity
0:03:16 > 0:03:18to follow my dream.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22They've chosen central Portugal as the location for the new home
0:03:22 > 0:03:25after Sandra spent a memorable holiday there
0:03:25 > 0:03:27with her son a few years ago.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28I did like the area.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I think mainly, though, the type of properties that I've seen there
0:03:32 > 0:03:34are the type of character that I like.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37While Sandra will be enjoying her retirement in Portugal,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Kevin, who works as a professional photographer,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42could have his hands full.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44I'm one of these people that likes to be doing something all the time.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48And apart from taking photographs, I like building things
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and renovating things, and hopefully, the property will
0:03:52 > 0:03:58have something about it - an outbuilding or outbuildings...
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Or a treehouse for when the children come over, the grandchildren.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08So I've got plenty of DIY tasks that I can task Kevin with!
0:04:08 > 0:04:13In retirement, I hope to have more time to grow things myself -
0:04:13 > 0:04:17veg - and, you know, do more cooking and more natural food.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Overall, they're looking forward
0:04:19 > 0:04:21to their new adventure in a new country.
0:04:21 > 0:04:28I don't think leaving Britain is going to affect me...greatly,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31in that all my family and friends
0:04:31 > 0:04:33have got an open invitation, you know.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35The world's not that big any more.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38It's about change, and I'm all for change.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Sandra likes the area to the south of Coimbra,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47so we're concentrating our property search there.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Armed with a budget of £180,000,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I'm meeting the couple in Portugal in the medieval town of Penela.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Kevin and Sandra, welcome to the Centro region of Portugal.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Sandra, why do you want to move to this part of Portugal?
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- Properties are quite reasonable.- Yes.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07It's just a very pretty part of Portugal.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09It's always a huge step, moving abroad.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12What about the realities of living in this part of the world?
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Have you really thought this through?
0:05:13 > 0:05:15I was going to come out on my own.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18When I met Kevin, he wanted to live abroad,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21so, I'm afraid, this is my idea to come to Portugal.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Well, let's talk about the actual property that you're both after.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We like wood and stone. But the houses aren't made of wood and stone!
0:05:28 > 0:05:29We don't want the modern.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32And ideally, what number of bedrooms do you want with this property?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- More than three.- Is this so your families can come and stay?- Yes.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36Absolutely, yeah.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I think it's probably a good idea not to be too far away from...
0:05:40 > 0:05:44a town or perhaps not a city, but at least you've got the facilities,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47especially if you're coming to a country where you don't speak
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- the language too well. - So let's talk money, then.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Remind us of your budget.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Up to about 180, but obviously we like value for money.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Well, are you looking forward to seeing our houses?- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I am. Can't wait to show you. Shall we get started?
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Since this planned move has been initiated by Sandra,
0:06:07 > 0:06:12she's taking the lead on what they want for their budget of £180,000.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15She'd like an older, characterful property with plenty of wood
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and stone and a minimum of three bedrooms
0:06:18 > 0:06:20for when her sons come to stay.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Kevin is keen on renovating an outbuilding, perhaps for his
0:06:23 > 0:06:27photography studio, and they'd both like to be close to a town.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31We've got a truly diverse range of Portuguese properties
0:06:31 > 0:06:34that will offer our buyers all manner of lifestyle options,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36but I'll be keeping them waiting
0:06:36 > 0:06:39before I reveal their respective prices.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40'To end the property tour,
0:06:40 > 0:06:44'the mystery house will challenge our buyers to think about what
0:06:44 > 0:06:47'they really want to do with their time once they move here.'
0:06:54 > 0:06:55For our first property,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59we're heading to the village of Ribeira de Alcalamouque,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03around half an hour's drive from the university city of Coimbra.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Sitting amongst olive trees,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08our first offering is perched high on a hill.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- So here is your first property in Portugal.- It's lovely. Nice stone.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18It's wonderful. It's converted, isn't it, from some original...
0:07:18 > 0:07:20It is, yes. It used to be a cowshed.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Different, to say I live in a cowshed!
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It's a very glamorous cowshed. Yes.- It is indeed, yeah.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- I bet you're itching to get inside, aren't you?- I can't wait. - Yes, we are.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- That's why I'm looking forward to it. - Get rid of these umbrellas and start the tour. Follow me.- OK.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35'Despite the weather,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38'Kevin and Sandra seem taken with our converted cattle barn,
0:07:38 > 0:07:43'and I'm confident the characterful interior will continue to impress.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You have a porch that leads straight into...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Well, the way they've used it, the owners, is a dining room.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Fantastic windows.- Yeah.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- So, so far, you like it, you know, you like the idea?- Oh, yeah.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- It's lovely.- This is a very nice room.- Right. Let's keep on.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Dining room leads through into our sitting room.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- It's lovely and warm. - It certainly is.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Wood burner, Kevin, you can do the chopping the wood.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09I thought I might get that job!
0:08:09 > 0:08:12It certainly provides heat, doesn't it?
0:08:12 > 0:08:16And I like the double aspect with the patio windows out there
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- to what looks like a terrace.- Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22It's retained a lot of its original character with the stonework.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26It's nicely done. And the white gives the brightness as well.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Excellent. It's only our first property, isn't it?
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- Wonderful first choice. - Oh, I'm pleased!
0:08:31 > 0:08:34That's what I was looking for, that's what I was fishing for.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Let's take a look at the kitchen.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40A strong start to our first house tour,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42but will the kitchen be up to scratch?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Another large room.- Yes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- You wanted space, you two. - Very practical, I like it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- You love your wood, don't you?- Yes, we do.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58What about the thought of putting a big wooden island in the middle?
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- That would be another job for Kevin, wouldn't it?- It would, yes.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04So you've seen the downstairs of our very first property,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06are you ready to see the bedrooms?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Absolutely, let's go.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Upstairs there are three bedrooms as well as a large landing,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17which the owners currently use as an office.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The bedrooms are all of a decent size with plenty of storage,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24and they are serviced by a four-piece family bathroom.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27There's also an upper terrace area with removable windows,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31which would make an excellent spot for summer entertaining
0:09:31 > 0:09:33or a fourth bedroom in the winter.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35And then there's the master suite.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Poke your head in, there's your en-suite.- It's nice. Big.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Beautifully done. It doesn't need any work, does it?- No.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- And here's the master.- Nice.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Good size. You wanted three bedrooms.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Yes. This is very big. - We're only little anyway.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Aah!- It's lovely.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- So it's a good start.- It's a very good start, Nicki.- Excellent.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01All right, well, let's head back downstairs.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- If you'd like to follow me.- OK.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08The garden comprises a large lawn area and a private terrace.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11But the owners have utilised every bit of land
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and have planted various species known to thrive in the climate
0:10:14 > 0:10:16including orange and lemon trees.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Typical, isn't it? I bring us back outside and it starts raining again.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23OK, let's see if we can put a price on our very first property
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- here in Portugal. Who wants to go first?- I'll go first.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31I think, because of the size and the quality of the renovation,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- I'm going to say 120.- OK.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I'll go 150.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39The asking price for this property is...
0:10:39 > 0:10:41£148,000.
0:10:41 > 0:10:42You were right.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48This part of Portugal is good value but that is a substantial house.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- And you could move in tomorrow and not spend a penny.- No.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Our first property, a stylishly converted cow barn,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59is £30,000 under budget.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It comes with a large lounge and kitchen
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and three good-sized bedrooms.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05The property is set in a third of an acre
0:11:05 > 0:11:09and has amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- How do you feel about our first property?- We liked it. Very good.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15Looks lovely. It's superb.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- Good, good. Keen to see more? - Absolutely.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19OK, let's go.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Our next property lies in the small hamlet of Varzea de Pedro Mouro,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33just over an hour's drive away from Coimbra.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37With a more peaceful, rural setting than our first house, it's
0:11:37 > 0:11:41just a stone's throw away from a famous lake, the Castelo de Bode.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, our next house stands alone,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48with the nearest neighbour some 500m away.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54So just up the road from that stunning reservoir
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- is our next house.- Wow.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Nice setting. Lovely flowers.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Beautiful, yeah. - It's breathtaking, it really is.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07So what do you think of our house then, nestled within the trees?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Looks good.- Peaceful. Beautiful.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Not thinking rustic.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- It looks a bit modern to me, Nicki, so I'm going to...- Hold judgment.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Hold judgment until we get in there.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21OK, let's see what you think inside.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Our second property is actually close to 100 years old.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Sandra needn't worry as the house is packed with character, and offers
0:12:29 > 0:12:31our couple the chance to put their stamp on it,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33including painting the exterior.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36The main entrance is on the first floor.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40So, from the outside this house might give
0:12:40 > 0:12:43the impression of being quite modern.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- In actual fact it's pretty old. - I like it.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's been derelict for about 40 years.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51When the owners bought it, there were trees coming through.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53It was that much of a ruin.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57I like the rustic feel of the wood, stone and plaster together.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58I like that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02As you can see, it's not quite finished, still a few jobs to do,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04just ready for a bit of cladding.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- As you can see it's been insulated. - Yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Is that a big job, Kevin?- No.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I love it, he's not fazed at all.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Not fazed by anything.- No.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I love it. So far, this is lovely.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Let's see a little bit more, shall we?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Arranged over two floors, the first floor would be enough
0:13:24 > 0:13:26for Kevin and Sandra to live in on their own,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30as it's where you will also find the main bedroom in the house.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35So...here is your master bedroom.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Come on in, Kevin.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It is a little bit smaller than usual
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- but everything that you need is here.- Exactly.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- It seems like a big wardrobe in there.- Compact.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- Yes.- Homely, warm.- And wait until you see what's through these doors.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Wow! Now that's a bathroom.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56Your bathroom awaits!
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Oh, that is tremendous!
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- There's your shower.- Oh, yeah.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03You've got the exposed stone here and it's been treated.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07That's an amazing idea for a shower, it looks brilliant.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I've never seen a shower like that.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Well, that's the sleeping and bathing quarters pretty much sold.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Next, where to do the cooking.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19And then we're back, we've done a circle really, to the kitchen.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Yes, nice. Basic.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24The reason it's basic is the owners have left it.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27They decided that rather than put in a kitchen that the new owners
0:14:27 > 0:14:30might not like, they are going to sell it as it is,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33it's functional, and then you can put in your dream kitchen.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34That's fine.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36There is a little bit more to show you,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- but this time we're going to go downstairs.- OK.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44The ground floor is accessed via the same external staircase
0:14:44 > 0:14:48we used earlier and offers up a separate living and sleeping area.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52So we're not going upstairs, I've brought you downstairs.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- I wasn't expecting this.- Oh, wow.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59That's something completely different again.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01This would be great for visitors.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Perfect. Two bedrooms underneath. - Two?
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Very Portuguese to have the bedrooms downstairs
0:15:07 > 0:15:09and the living area upstairs.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12You've got a kitchenette there which I think you could upgrade
0:15:12 > 0:15:13- slightly if you wanted to.- Yeah.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16We've got a shower room, separate WC next door.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's a little bit smaller, the other bedroom,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- so you've got three bedrooms in total.- It's fantastic.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Let's go and have a look at the land, take in the scenery.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Do you want to lead the way? - OK, thank you.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28After you.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30The secluded garden to the side
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and rear of the property is largely flat, although terraced in places,
0:15:34 > 0:15:38and there's plenty of space for a swimming pool should they want one.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41There's not too much land with this property.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It's about a third of an acre.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44So not enough to grow any vines
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- but you could purchase a bit of land if you wanted to.- It's enough.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- It's lovely. I love it. - I've got enough jobs.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54You have! Now we're going to talk about money.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:15:58 > 0:16:03I had a good guess so I'm going to try and keep that up. 115.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07I'm going to say a bit more, 140?
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Asking price is... Just over...
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- £83,000.- Wow, OK.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- Write the cheque. You can write the cheque.- Right.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Our second property is £100,000 under budget,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25but it will need a few finishing touches.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28It's a restored, detached house built from stone.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32The accommodation includes a spacious kitchen, three bedrooms
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and the whole property is surrounded by eucalyptus forest.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I think you two would be really happy here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- However, we've still got more to show you.- Oh, well.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Renovating any property throws up challenges,
0:16:52 > 0:16:56but doing it overseas is a whole new ball game.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59With Kevin's little DIY jobs mounting,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03we've decided to introduce him and Sandra to a British expat couple
0:17:03 > 0:17:06who have taken on a rather big DIY job
0:17:06 > 0:17:10and are in the process of turning a wreck into their family home.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13And since moving here three years ago, Carl and Marion have
0:17:13 > 0:17:18also learned how to cultivate their land, and Carl has also found out
0:17:18 > 0:17:22that trail running on Portuguese mountains can be hazardous.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Thank you for inviting us today, lovely to meet you.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Oh, I don't think we're going to be shaking hands, are we?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Not at the moment.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- And you've got something organised for us, I believe?- I have.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Obviously, it's that time of year for harvesting olives.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39As you see, Carl is a bit incapacitated
0:17:39 > 0:17:42so I could do with some help to do some olive harvesting today.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44It would be good if somebody could help me.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46What have you got lined up for us then?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48As it's so miserable and wet, I thought maybe we could go inside
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- and look around the house. - Definitely.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Right, we'll follow you. Have fun, girls. See you later.- Bye.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Marion and Carl are striving to become self-sufficient
0:17:58 > 0:18:02and have already achieved some success with their 20 olive trees.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05What we're going to do today is pull down the branches where
0:18:05 > 0:18:10you can see all the very dark olives and we're going to pick those.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13The really good thing about doing it this way is you can then select out
0:18:13 > 0:18:18the really fat, juicy ones, well, oily ones, and get those picked.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Do you sell the olive oil, how much do you make?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25From this number of trees in a good year
0:18:25 > 0:18:27we'd make about 20 to 25 litres,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30which is perfect for us for the whole year.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33While Sandra helps Marion to bring in the harvest,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Kevin and I are getting a tour of the house from Carl.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Now, this is a tremendous floor. Was this here when you bought the house?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43It was. In fact, it was one of the nice features
0:18:43 > 0:18:45about the house that we really liked.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47They call them parquet floors, the same as we would in the UK.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49When you first saw the property,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52though, what was it about it that you loved so much?
0:18:52 > 0:18:55There was one knockout thing about this and it was the view.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00I know it's not great today but the view is absolutely stunning.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05Was it difficult to find materials and stuff that you needed?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Moving to a foreign country, you have to appreciate that the things
0:19:08 > 0:19:12that you're used to, DIY stores, they don't really exist in Portugal.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15It's much more sourced at a local builders merchant level.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18So first of all you have to know what all the things are called in Portuguese.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Were there times when you thought, "My goodness,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22"I've been so foolish, what have I taken on?"
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Yeah, quite regularly. The scale of the project is one thing,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29a renovation of any size, because it was quite a ruin in many places.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32But then you've got the issues that you're moving to a different culture,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34then you've got the language.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36So you've got all that on top of your renovation
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and at times it did feel like, what are we doing here?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Kevin, you're very handy, aren't you? Very practical.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Would you take on a project like this?
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I'd have to think hard and long before I'd do something like this.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Clearly Carl and Marion have embraced the Portuguese way of life.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56And as we enjoy a well-deserved cup of British tea,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59it's a chance for our buyers to learn more about the differences
0:19:59 > 0:20:02between the two countries.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05So how did you find the cost of living?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09When we moved here it was quite surprising how the prices
0:20:09 > 0:20:13were variable with the UK. Fuel is pretty much the same.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16The utilities are more expensive here.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18But there are certain things,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21like the excellent-quality Portuguese wine...
0:20:21 > 0:20:23That makes up for all of that!
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Can you think of any negatives, any drawbacks?
0:20:26 > 0:20:27One of the things you notice
0:20:27 > 0:20:30when you move to Portugal is the bureaucracy.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32When we spoke to our neighbours, they said, "Oh, it's not
0:20:32 > 0:20:35"because you're British, that's just the way it is."
0:20:35 > 0:20:37But the other thing to remember,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40now I reflect back on it, is when you are in the UK
0:20:40 > 0:20:44and anywhere you live, you're born, so you get your birth certificate,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47national insurance number, social security number
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and your tax number and all of those things. They just happen.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53But they happen over a period of about 20 years.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Of course,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57when you move to a country you've got to get all of those
0:20:57 > 0:21:01done in the first 6 to 9 months, and that's why it seems such a burden.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06Some invaluable first-hand experience from Marion and Carl
0:21:06 > 0:21:08on adjusting to life here.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10But there are also a few pointers to bearing mind
0:21:10 > 0:21:13when purchasing a property in Portugal.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17The buying process is undertaken in two stages, and typically
0:21:17 > 0:21:22a 10% deposit is paid at the first stage to secure the property.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25After completion, one of the biggest costs to consider is
0:21:25 > 0:21:29the property transfer tax, which is similar to stamp duty
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and varies depending on the value of the property.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Lastly, if you choose to cash in on the lucrative tourist trade,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39remember that non-residents are obliged to pay tax
0:21:39 > 0:21:40on any rental income.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Kevin and Sandra have really considered this move,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48especially the type of property that they are after.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51But one thing they haven't thought about is business potential,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53propping up their pension.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Hopefully our mystery house is going to provide that element.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Our final destination is in the village of Vale das Eguas,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07an hour's drive north-east of the city of Coimbra.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09It's a quiet and rural village
0:22:09 > 0:22:12in the heart of a thriving grape and olive growing region.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Located in the middle of the village is our mystery property,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19with which we're hoping to challenge our couple by throwing
0:22:19 > 0:22:21a potential new income their way.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Step inside.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Let me introduce you to your mystery house.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Wow!- What?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34The reason we picked this as the mystery house,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36it does have the potential for B&B.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39When people move abroad, the first thing they realise is
0:22:39 > 0:22:42sometimes their money doesn't go as far enough as they want it to.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Pensions, over the years you will be spending, spending, spending,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49so if you have a B&B, you've got a little bit of it coming back.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Good idea. - We thought that's a good option.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54And again, if you didn't want to do it,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- you've got the fantastic home in front of you.- Yes.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Let's see what you think on the inside, shall we?- Can't wait.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03I'm glad that Kevin and Sandra seem open to the idea of running
0:23:03 > 0:23:06a bed-and-breakfast out of our mystery property.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08And I'm keen they see what's on offer inside,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12as it's been stylishly renovated by the current owners.
0:23:12 > 0:23:18- I'm going to start us off with this tour in our sitting room.- Wow.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20The reason being, look at that wall.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25Look at that wall, that fireplace, really lovely. Isn't it?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Do you like this room? - Definitely, yes.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33It's very comfortable and warm in the sense that it's welcoming.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- I'm picturing myself sitting there. - Already?- Already, yes.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- It's lovely. - I can see us there.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Good. Right, well let's keeping going through to our kitchen.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47How's this? This is the kitchen.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- I love it.- Yes!- Look at the views.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- I love the kitchen, I love the colours, the wood, everything.- Kevin?
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Superb. Very, very impressed.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02This house needs very little doing to it,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Kevin and Sandra could move in straightaway.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08And it gives them a chance to run a separate bed-and-breakfast
0:24:08 > 0:24:11away from their own private living space.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13So through here...
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Here is your main front door but it's quite clever, what you can
0:24:17 > 0:24:21do is you can close that door and that's your part of the property.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Your guests come in this way, they can have their meals here
0:24:24 > 0:24:27should they want to, there's a tea-making facility.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Beautiful downstairs bathroom. Wonderfully appointed.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33And then their living accommodation is upstairs.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36So friends, family and paying guests,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38they've got their own part of the property.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- Let's head on upstairs.- OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45So if Kevin and Sandra were serious about continuing the B&B enterprise,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49they could give over this part of the house completely,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52although they would have to use the external staircase
0:24:52 > 0:24:54to access their own private wing.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Here, you'll find two large bedrooms,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58one with an en-suite shower room
0:24:58 > 0:25:00and a dressing room with built-in wardrobes.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04The other spills out onto a fabulous balcony.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07But I want to show our buyers the mezzanine level,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09where their paying guests could stay.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- A Mezzanine. Fantastic. - Isn't that beautiful?
0:25:13 > 0:25:14Look at the bed.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17So they've got their own space, totally separate from you
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- because you can close this door off. - I quite like this for myself!
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Well, if you don't rent it out, you could,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26this could be the master bedroom if you chose it.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29There are plenty of options with this property,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32but I'm not sure Sandra is completely convinced
0:25:32 > 0:25:34by the bed-and-breakfast idea.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Kevin may think he can put his feet up if they buy this house,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40but since it is the mystery property,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I have a surprise up my sleeve.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- Who wants a project? - Here we go again!
0:25:45 > 0:25:48He hasn't put his hand up, he obviously doesn't, Sandra.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- He thought he didn't have to with that house.- Exactly.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Perhaps it was just you who thought he wanted to do something
0:25:53 > 0:25:56when you moved to Portugal. You have this wonderful barn, it's enormous.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It actually has a habitation licence,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01which means if you want to convert it, you can do.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05I'm thinking photographer's studio, if you wanted a games room.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Or if you wanted to extend the B&B business, in the back
0:26:09 > 0:26:13of your minds perhaps in a couple of years' time, so much potential.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17The property also comes with a swimming pool and next to it
0:26:17 > 0:26:22there's a bistro area and a mature landscaped garden bordered by vines.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25All in all, the land amounts to a quarter of an acre.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29So I've shown you the property, the pool, the barn,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33how much, though, in all seriousness, is the mystery house on the market for?
0:26:33 > 0:26:37I think this is going to be over budget.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41So I'm going to say £200,000.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45I was thinking around the same, but I'd go even up to 220.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I think I'm going to slightly surprise you.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It is just under your budget.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51THEY GASP
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- £178,000.- Wow!
0:26:54 > 0:26:58You promised value for money and you've certainly give us that.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Our mystery house is just £2,000
0:27:01 > 0:27:04under Kevin and Sandra's maximum budget.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07It's a luxurious renovation with three spacious bedrooms
0:27:07 > 0:27:11including a mezzanine area for B&B guests.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15The property also comes with a barn which is ripe for development.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21So have we finished on a high on the tour of these houses in Portugal?
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Definitely.- Most definitely, yes.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- We've certainly shown you variety, haven't we?- Yes.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- Ready to go?- Yes.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36So how do you both feel, because this is a huge move
0:27:36 > 0:27:40and it's also going to be the first time you've lived together properly?
0:27:40 > 0:27:43So let's talk about our properties that we showed you.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45How close have we got?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- Spot-on.- Is there a favourite?
0:27:47 > 0:27:49The mystery house.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Because you could move into it straightaway
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- but it also had the potential with the barn.- So what do you do next?
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- We will be going back to that property.- Taking a second look?
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- A second look, yeah.- Fabulous. Let us know how you get on.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- All the best and thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07If you wish to Escape To The Continent
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and would like our help, you can apply online at -