0:00:02 > 0:00:03This major European city was once
0:00:03 > 0:00:06held by an English cavalry detachment for over a year.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Curious? Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32On today's show, we are helping a recently married couple begin
0:00:32 > 0:00:37the next chapter in a new country. There are incredible sights.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Oh, look at that!
0:00:40 > 0:00:41The view is breathtaking.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And some surprises along the way.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Oh!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- I would like you to face this way. - Gee!
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I'm in Valencia, which is
0:00:54 > 0:00:57both a city and a region on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Now, in the early 18th century,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Spain was left without a king or an heir and the French,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06not wanting to waste an opportunity to expand their empire,
0:01:06 > 0:01:07crossed the border.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Unsurprisingly, the English did not like this one jot, so they joined
0:01:10 > 0:01:16forces with the Austrians and by 1706, had gained power of this city.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18It was to be short-lived, though, because 16 months later,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20the English were back home.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24That was three centuries ago, now it is the 2,500 hours
0:01:24 > 0:01:28of sunshine every year that draws us to this striking region.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32The Valencia region of Spain dominates the stretch
0:01:32 > 0:01:37of the Eastern Iberian coastline, covering an area larger than Wales.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39Founded by the Romans,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42the regional capital is Spain's third-largest city.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46At its centre, is the Plaza de la Virgen
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and the largely Gothic cathedral.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52In this recently revitalized city,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55centuries old architecture sits alongside more modern
0:01:55 > 0:02:00constructions, such as the City Of Arts And Sciences complex.
0:02:00 > 0:02:01Just south of the capital,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05the Albufera Natural Park is the location of the largest lake
0:02:05 > 0:02:08in Spain and home to a rich variety of wildlife.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13It is a popular backdrop for bird watchers and wedding photographers.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Inland, the Valencia region is one of Europe's most fertile,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22with orange and apple trees and rice fields in abundance.
0:02:22 > 0:02:28Spain's famous rice-based dish paella originates in these parts.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Heading west, the agricultural plains eventually give way to a more
0:02:31 > 0:02:35mountainous landscape, offering a rich righty of scenery to
0:02:35 > 0:02:39those seeking a new life in this vibrant region of Spain.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46When it comes to property prices in this part of Spain,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48boom time is over.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52The average price of a home is £62,500.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55That is four times cheaper than the average back home.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58So what is it about Valencia apart from the bargain property
0:02:58 > 0:03:02prices and the glorious sunshine that has attracted our buyers?
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Let's meet them to find out.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Ken and Paula live in Hampshire
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and run an online home business network.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13They've been together for seven years and married recently.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15And it was their honeymoon in Italy that finally convinced them
0:03:15 > 0:03:19to seek new horizons away from the UK.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22The whole idea of moving abroad probably started with Paula and I
0:03:22 > 0:03:24a couple of years ago.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27About the same time as we started our own business,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29we thought it would be nice to take
0:03:29 > 0:03:33the opportunity of its flexibility just to work somewhere that
0:03:33 > 0:03:38was a little more socially to our preferences.
0:03:38 > 0:03:44I think the honeymoon in a warm Mediterranean area
0:03:44 > 0:03:46really opened our eyes.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48But it won't be the first time that either one of them
0:03:48 > 0:03:50has jumped continents.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53I came from South Africa about 20 years ago.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54Ken is from Ireland,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57but he has lived in so many places across the world.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00So this would be, for me, it would be my second move,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03obviously first to the UK and then off to Spain.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Despite having travelled widely,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08the move to Spain will be more of a leap of faith.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10It is not a place we've travelled extensively.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14We have had several holidays there separately over the years.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And, you know, the people...
0:04:17 > 0:04:21It's a very powerful, proud culture.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24It's very engaging.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28They have chosen Valencia because of its climate and accessibility
0:04:28 > 0:04:32to the UK, where their three grown-up sons will continue to live.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36It has got the Mediterranean thing about it.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39And it has got the temperature and the climate,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43without being in the most ferociously hot parts of Spain.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47We're not actually too bothered about being on the coast,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49but it is a bonus having it nearby.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52As well as running the business, Paula has a successful
0:04:52 > 0:04:56writing career, and she hopes Valencia will boost her output.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58I've written quite a few novels of the years
0:04:58 > 0:05:02when my son was growing up, so I am very keen to get a little
0:05:02 > 0:05:06writing hut or shed or a special little writing room.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I think it is the sun and the environment and the whole
0:05:08 > 0:05:12ambience of living that outdoor life that really inspires you.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14And from a writing point of view, it's lovely.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19While Paula is putting pen to paper, Ken will be powering the pedals.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21I like doing a lot of things outdoors,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24so I like to do a lot of cycling, as much as I can.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27There is a big cycling culture in Spain.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31I'd really look forward to the challenges of the local terrain,
0:05:31 > 0:05:35and see if I can crack a few heavy-duty Spanish hills out there.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38With a budget of £250,000
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and cash for a deposit already in the bank,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44they are looking forward to starting this next chapter in their lives.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I think you've got to go into these things with you eyes wide open
0:05:47 > 0:05:49and acknowledge that there are differences.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50And if that intimidates you,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52maybe you are not making the right move.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56But if it doesn't and you feel you are flexible enough to overcome
0:05:56 > 0:05:59those challenges, then I think big,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02life-changing things can be very exciting.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06Our buyers want us
0:06:06 > 0:06:09to focus their house search inland from the coastal city
0:06:09 > 0:06:14of Valencia and within a reasonable driving distance of its airport.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17So where better to nail down the finer details of their planned
0:06:17 > 0:06:20move than at Valencia's latest architectural masterpiece -
0:06:20 > 0:06:23the City Of Arts And Sciences?
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Ken, Paula, welcome to Spain. - Thank you.- Hi.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29What type of house do you want?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32We want to be rural. We want to be out in the country.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34We love that, that is why we live where we are now.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37If we can have some views, sort of maybe the foothills
0:06:37 > 0:06:41or the mountains, that would be absolutely gorgeous, we'd love that.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I think we want a pool and, you know, if there is no
0:06:44 > 0:06:47barbecue, we'll build a barbecue for the outdoor life.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48So we really like that.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50A little bit of land that we could perhaps do things with,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- that would be important. - How many bedrooms?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Three, I guess, would be a good place to start.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01You know, for us, for anyone who wanted to come and visit and
0:07:01 > 0:07:05the space to convert into an office if that is what we wanted to do.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Yeah, we both work from spare bedrooms at home,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09so I think that is important.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12We would really like a little cottage for a couple of reasons.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13First of all, obviously, family.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Family and friends to come and visit.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19But if we do find a nice property with a cottage, we would love it
0:07:19 > 0:07:22if we could actually do some writing retreat, because I'm a writer.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Possibly a business couples retreat. Something...
0:07:25 > 0:07:29If it's as we want - private and secluded - I think
0:07:29 > 0:07:31a lot of business couples would love that.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33I think the two of you are so energetic.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37I think you have got so many ideas. I think you are raring to go.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I just wonder if maybe it's all...
0:07:41 > 0:07:44It's this amazing dream at the minute.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45Look, it is a big step.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48We are not talking about a holiday home and so we'll just
0:07:48 > 0:07:52retreat back to the UK for a certain chunk of the year.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55This is a much bigger project. You know, the stakes are pretty high.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Who speaks Spanish?- None of us. - No hands going up in the air here.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03No, we don't speak. But we don't see that as a hindrance here.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05We would love the opportunity to learn the language,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07immerse ourselves with the locals.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09How much have you got to spend? What is the budget?
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Our upper limit would be £250,000, 300,000 euros, say.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19And the more change we could get out of that, the better.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22So we've got some money to decorate.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- Possibly renovate.- Yeah.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Do landscaping in the garden.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27All that kind of stuff which we love doing.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Well, I have got a few properties lined up to show you.- Yeah?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- Come on and let's go.- Fabulous. - Follow me.- Thank you.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36With a budget of up to £250,000,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Ken and Paula are seeking a rural property
0:08:38 > 0:08:41with outside space and good views.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45They'd like three bedrooms, space for an office and a swimming pool.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48If possible, they would have a separate cottage or annexe
0:08:48 > 0:08:50from which to run a writing holiday business.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54They are keen to throw themselves into local life and plan to get to
0:08:54 > 0:08:55grips with the language.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59As well as introducing our buyers to unfamiliar Spanish culture,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02we are hoping to uncover their dream home from a range of four
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Valencian properties, including the mystery house,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08which could offer our entrepreneurial couple
0:09:08 > 0:09:12a whole new business opportunity they have never considered.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Our first property is located close to the town of Godelleta,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26around 20 miles from the city of Valencia.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30From the 8th century, much of Valencia came under Islamic rule,
0:09:30 > 0:09:35so in addition to a church, the town features a medieval Moorish tower.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39It is also an area known for its vineyards, and our first
0:09:39 > 0:09:43property is located in a rural setting just outside of town.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47It is part of a larger modern development and comes with its own
0:09:47 > 0:09:49private swimming pool and mountain views.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52Follow me.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57And in you come.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58Honest first impressions.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00OK, our very first impression,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02just as we were outside approaching the gate -
0:10:02 > 0:10:05just a little untidy outside the house,
0:10:05 > 0:10:09but very, very nice once you come inside the gates.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Very secluded, very large,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- very mature considering it is not that old.- Iron bars.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Iron bars or iron working.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22But iron bars, yes, OK. That's a no-no.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Yeah, it's only because I grew up in South Africa
0:10:24 > 0:10:26and I lived all my life like that,
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- so I am kind of... It doesn't bother Ken, it bothers me.- Fine.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34But I do like the arches. I like the roof.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I like that sort of very Spanish-style look.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38It is very typically Spanish.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Once you come in the front of the house, this immediate area,
0:10:41 > 0:10:42you know, it looks very nice.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I know the two of you are absolute go-getters
0:10:45 > 0:10:49and you are ready to throw yourselves into a situation.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Into the pool! You are ready to jump into it.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Throw yourselves into this Spanish situation. So...
0:10:56 > 0:11:01As a surprise, this is where you will be staying.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03BOTH: Tonight?
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Oh, lovely.- Oh, great. Fantastic. - Oh, OK.- Let's get the bags in.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Are you happy about that? - Let's get the swimming gear out.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- We will be able to throw ourselves into the pool.- You will absolutely.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16You can swim tonight, you can swim first thing in the morning.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18You can take your time. You can go for a walk.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21You can have a look around, see what it has got to offer.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25Just experience what it would be like to wake up in a Spanish house.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Good idea.- In a Spanish environment. - Fabulous, thank you.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31A mixed response to begin with,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34but hopefully by making this property their home for the week,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Ken and Paula will warm to our detached Spanish villa,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40which was built around 14 years ago.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43The main living space is accessed via a large terrace,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45a perfect spot for evening entertaining.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Into the living room.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52What do you think of it?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Nice, modern kitchen.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I like the open plan.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I like the way the kitchen is finished.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02So it has gas and electricity, yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05So you've got all the utilities here.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07I'd prefer not to have the sitting room
0:12:07 > 0:12:11and the dining facilities close together like that.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Although, with the kitchen here, you probably...
0:12:13 > 0:12:14This is probably the dining area
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and then the sitting room might have to be somewhere else.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20So sitting in here, within our lounge area, probably wouldn't...
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- That's not so good.- Yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24But having a terrace next to the kitchen,
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- that kind of outdoorsy things is good for you.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32This isn't your thing, you need a bit more space.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33Also on this floor,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37there are four bedrooms, all served by a main family bathroom.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Off those bedrooms, two decent-sized doubles
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and there are two smaller rooms.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44But if space is a concern,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47then this property has more to offer back outside.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Underneath the terrace, there are two rooms currently used
0:12:50 > 0:12:53for storage, but which could provide office space
0:12:53 > 0:12:56for Ken and Paula's business.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59What do you think?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Uh... It's a strange little area.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05You could do a lot of things in there.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It is set up with gas and water and electricity.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12It could be a little mini home.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14I like the idea of the office,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17thinking that we will need something like that.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21It's hard to say without the windows being wide open just how bright
0:13:21 > 0:13:24and light it is, cos I think if you're going to come to Spain
0:13:24 > 0:13:26and Valencia, you have to have light.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29I think it would take quite a bit of work to get it
0:13:29 > 0:13:31converted into something that was really going to work.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34We are very keen on some kind of a little cottage or some
0:13:34 > 0:13:38kind of outhouse that we can turn into a retreat, you know,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41some kind of Spanish retreat for couples or for writers.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42That wouldn't work.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Let's go towards the one bit that you've been attracted to
0:13:45 > 0:13:48since we first got here - the pool and the view - to talk about money.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Come on.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53The rest of the outside space includes a large enclosed
0:13:53 > 0:13:58garden with fruit trees and vines, a spacious car port and an outhouse
0:13:58 > 0:14:03set up to cook paella, a traditional feature of many Spanish properties.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- A stunning view. I mean, it really is all about that, isn't it?- Yes.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10It's quite gorgeous. How much do you think it is on the market for?
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Let's start with you, Ken.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Well, this is our first chance to look at a Spanish property.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19We are short of a few financial reference points here.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22£140,000.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Paula.- 120.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28£120,000. OK, well, you are both way off.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- They have actually put it on for £250,000.- Wow.- Wow.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37But remember, it is a buyers' market in Spain, so whatever the
0:14:37 > 0:14:41value on the piece of paper, there is always room for negotiation.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44What I would like the two of you to do is go off on your own now
0:14:44 > 0:14:45and really take your time, have a
0:14:45 > 0:14:48good look around, and I'll catch up with you in a bit.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Thank you.- OK, off you go.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55The price of our first property at the top end of their budget
0:14:55 > 0:14:58comes at a bit of a shock to Ken and Paula.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01It is a modern, detached villa with an open plan living area
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and four bedrooms, a private swimming pool,
0:15:04 > 0:15:09set in a peaceful location around 20 miles from the city of Valencia.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13First impression - very nice build, very authentic,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16lots of lovely Spanish touches. I really like that.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19I like the garden, the maturity of it, the variety of it.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Different areas for patios. You know, brilliant.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25The things that perhaps weren't so good for me -
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I thought the bedrooms were...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The major bedrooms were small, nothing stood out as a master bedroom
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and one bathroom could make things a bit squashed when the house is full.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36But overall, the house is good to go.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40You could move in and start living on day one.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44When we walked in the door, coming up to the steps, that was very nice.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Lovely palms and very nice greenery around. That was very nice.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52We definitely don't like the fact that the lounge
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and the dining is together.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Ken and I are very social, we spend hours chatting over dinner.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00It is a very big part of who we are and what we do,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and this just would not work for us.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06I think this has given us a very good idea of what the property
0:16:06 > 0:16:09values are like in this particular area.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Here they come.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- My soon-to-be Spaniards.- Yes.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17That's that, I'm going to leave you.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I want you to enjoy it, immerse yourselves,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23do something local, and then I will catch up with you tomorrow morning.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Fantastic.- Are you ready for your adventure?- Yeah.- Thank you.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- It begins here. Enjoy.- OK, thank you very much.- Bye.- Bye.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37It is the second day of the property search in Valencia, Spain,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40and Ken and Paula are settling into their rented home for the week.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42For breakfast this morning,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45they have helped themselves to some of the local produce.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48It is lovely to be having fresh orange juice overlooking
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- an orange grove.- Fantastic.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54I mean, this outdoor breakfast...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Having cheese, ham and squeezed oranges.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- We haven't done that in the UK for a while.- No, not at this time of year.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09For our next offering, we are heading to the
0:17:09 > 0:17:14village of Chulilla, which is 40 miles west of the city of Valencia.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17At around 360 meters above sea level,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21the medieval village is nestled in the surrounding mountains
0:17:21 > 0:17:24and is a popular destination for rock climbers.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26There is a wide selection of bars
0:17:26 > 0:17:30and cafes centred on a quiet market square.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Our next property is a mile and a half outside of the village,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37located in woodland on the mountainside.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Come in, come in, come in to the next property.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Oh, that's exciting!
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I want you to tell me what you think before I tell you anything.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- This is...- This looks very exciting. - This is much more on it, OK?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55From what we have seen before.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58OK, the peacefulness and tranquillity,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and silence and quietness, the woods.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- The trees. - This is rural and isolated.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05And that looks very...
0:18:05 > 0:18:09It looks like it has got the Spanish features,
0:18:09 > 0:18:14but there is just something about it that is charming and nice and old.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16I think we have seen enough, what do you think?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17I think we should go now, yeah?
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- No, you go, we're going that way. - All right, come on, let's go.- Great.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Built in 1984, this secluded Spanish villa seems to hit
0:18:26 > 0:18:30the spot at face value, but will the inside deliver, too?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32And in you come...
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- ..to...- Oh!- ..a living room!
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Oh, gorgeous fireplace!
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So this is the main lounge, OK?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- I love that coffee table. - Go on, have a good luck.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- What do you think, Ken?- I love that coffee table. That's a door.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I like the brightness of it.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Sometimes these more traditional properties have small windows,
0:18:54 > 0:18:59a little dark, very characterful. But this has got nice,
0:18:59 > 0:19:04wide windows, doors. The lightness struck me. With the lovely fire.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- It's great, isn't it? - Absolutely gorgeous.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And something very interesting out there.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Yeah, you can go straight onto the terrace, basically.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12You've got a beautiful terrace attached to the lounge,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14that you can go straight out onto.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- You look at that in a moment. - And the view.- And the view is there.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18Oh, yeah.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20As well as the spacious living area,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24this floor also features four bedrooms, including a master
0:19:24 > 0:19:28with en suite bathroom and three other good-sized bedrooms.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Plenty of options for the office.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34There is also a stylish family bathroom.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36But we are heading to the kitchen.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- This is huge! - Yes. What do you think?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I can see us in this kitchen. I can see us cooking.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46I can see us chopping vegetables, preparing salad.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48I can just see that.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51It is also nice for family when we get people come to visit us.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54It is a nice size so that everybody can be helping.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56You can have someone opening the wine over there, chatting.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58You know, it has got it all going on.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I love that you can visualise that.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Now, you have seen the interior of the house, you think it is
0:20:03 > 0:20:06all right, but in my opinion, I have saved the best till last.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Come on, there's more. There's more.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Paula wants somewhere to lock herself away when she writes
0:20:13 > 0:20:16her books, and I have something in mind for her outside.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18Oh, wow!
0:20:18 > 0:20:22But first let's not forget the pool.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23Yep.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27That is a fantastic pool.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Ken, big enough for you, sir?
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- I could handle a few lengths there. - OK. So the pool is good?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35The pool is lovely.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38I mean, it's not a block, it's not a rectangular block.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40I want you to do this, there. I'd like you to stand here.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Ken, I'd like you to join me. I'd like you to face this way.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Gee. - I want to- A little cabin.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Yeah.- It's my little writing room.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Leaving me to the pool and the television.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52You can go wherever you want, that's my writing room.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54It's just so cute.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58The wonderful thing about this cabin is that, actually, the woman who
0:20:58 > 0:21:03owns this house at the moment writes her book in that cabin, weirdly.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07But beyond that, they actually rent it out as well.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10The potential is there for you to...
0:21:10 > 0:21:12For our little writing retreat we were talking about.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14What about you, Ken, where is your space?
0:21:14 > 0:21:19There's a lot of places where I think I could enjoy being.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Are you feeling the love as much as Paula is?
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Um... I think it is a beautiful home.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I think it is glorious.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29I could see myself living here with Paula.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I think we could do our things here.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34So, yeah.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37From a practical point of view, it has got a number of features
0:21:37 > 0:21:40that are important, but it goes beyond that.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44You feel, you know, this is actually a really nice home.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46And you are Mr Practical, and there is, obviously,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50one big practicality that we need to think about, and that is price.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53But I think we should retire to the pool area to mull on that,
0:21:53 > 0:21:54don't you?
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Sure.- It is only civilized, I think. Come on, let's get onto it.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03The rest of the outside space comprises separate terraces offering
0:22:03 > 0:22:07different areas for relaxation as well as an outside barbecuing area.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11If Paula takes the log cabin for her writing room,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14then there are also two storage rooms underneath the main
0:22:14 > 0:22:18house that could be converted into a writer's retreat,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20subject to planning permission.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23So, Paula, let's start with you today, I think.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- How much do you think it is on the market for?- 250.- Ken.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30£225,000.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33£225,000. You think it is £250,000.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34You are both wrong.
0:22:34 > 0:22:40It is on the market at £210,000.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Mm!- I didn't do such a bad job. - You didn't do such a bad job.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Neither of you did, really. I know you are itching to get in there.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49There is a whole lot of the house that you haven't seen.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- So off you go, and when you are ready, we'll leave.- Thank you.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53- Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59I'm pretty happy, but not as happy as them.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04£40,000 below budget, our mountain hideaway is a four-bedroom
0:23:04 > 0:23:08villa with a spacious kitchen, large swimming pool and cosy log cabin.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Very rustic.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15Oh!
0:23:17 > 0:23:18A little retreat.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21- How snug.- Yeah.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24So it is got a bedroom and a lounge, a little lounge.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- Beautifully decorated, isn't it? - Yeah, it is.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30If it is going to be a writing room, we would take away the bed
0:23:30 > 0:23:34and have more either soft furnishings or something over
0:23:34 > 0:23:37there that we could... Maybe two chairs, we could both sit.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40I could have an area, you could have an area.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Fantastic. Very much the kind of thing we are actually looking for.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47We love the countryside, we love the mountains, we love the view.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51The house itself is rustic. It has got lots of little areas.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54For example, this lovely little writing shed.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57The pool area is beautiful, the patio area.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00There is just so much going for this house, there really is
0:24:00 > 0:24:02so much going for it.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03It is a beautiful property.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08Out of ten, I think I'd be scoring this a fairly strong 8.5.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12It is a fairly solid contender.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15This property has really stoked up
0:24:15 > 0:24:18my particular, and am very sure Ken as well,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22but has really stoked up my fire to move here, move to Spain.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Don't do it, Ken
0:24:26 > 0:24:27It's lovely, isn't it?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- But I think for now we can leave this house behind.- OK.- Yeah?
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- Let's go.- It will be tough. - Let me prise you away.- Yes, pull us.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47The fertile, marshy landscape to the south of the city of Valencia
0:24:47 > 0:24:49makes it an ideal location to
0:24:49 > 0:24:53cultivate rice, and today the region is the undisputed
0:24:53 > 0:24:57home of Spain's most famous rice dish - paella -
0:24:57 > 0:25:00which is traditionally cooked outside over a fire.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Since Ken and Paula are outdoorsy types
0:25:03 > 0:25:05and regularly barbecue in their garden,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07even during the winter months, we have arranged for them
0:25:07 > 0:25:11to learn the art of cooking al fresco Spanish style to
0:25:11 > 0:25:13create a classic Valencian dish.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17They are meeting rice expert Santos Alvarez at the city's central
0:25:17 > 0:25:21market, the place where the locals choose to pick up their ingredients.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24It is a good opportunity for our buyers to brush
0:25:24 > 0:25:26up their language skills.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28The very traditional Valencian paella
0:25:28 > 0:25:31is cooked with rabbit and chicken.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33This is what we are buying now.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Do you want to order?- Please, yes.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40You have to say... "Rocio," which is her name...
0:25:40 > 0:25:41- Conejo...- Conejo...
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- ..para...- ..para...
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- ..la paella.- ..la paella.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Unlike the traditional Spanish paella,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52the Valencian version actually contains no seafood,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55but it does feature a healthy mix of locally grown vegetables,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59including tomatoes and beans to go with the rabbit and chicken.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Gracias.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Gracias.- Gracias.- Gracias. - Hasta luego.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07They have taken a short trip
0:26:07 > 0:26:10just south of the city to the paddy fields.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The Arabs were the first people to appreciate the marshy wetland
0:26:13 > 0:26:16conditions and introduce the rice crop in the 8th century.
0:26:16 > 0:26:22Today, the region produces over 110 million kilos each year.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23It's very important,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27very important for the paella having the proper kind of rice.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31It is called bomba rice.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35It is a variety of rice that we grow here in Valencia.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38It absorbs very well the flavour.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40But it has the advantage that,
0:26:40 > 0:26:45with bomba, rice never gets overcooked.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Long before the rice is added,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49though, the rabbit and chicken need to be cooked.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Put the liver also. This is the best part of the rabbit.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56It is an opportunity for Ken to show off his barbecuing skills.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58I know in England, it is
0:26:58 > 0:27:01usually the man who is in charge of the barbecue, isn't it?
0:27:01 > 0:27:02Yes, yes, that's correct.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05In Valencia, it is the same with the paella.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08It is always the man who cooks the paella.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12My dad, for example, has never cooked nothing at home, but when
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Sunday arrives, outside,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18it was always my dad who cooks the paella.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- So he's the paella king.- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- And the liver, you say this is the best bit.- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It is very traditional that, while we are frying the meat,
0:27:28 > 0:27:34once everything is fried, we will eat the liver like the aperitif.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37With Ken busy with the meat, true to the barbecue cliche,
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Paula is tackling the vegetables.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Now, Paula, we are going to add the paprika.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46It is a critical moment in the paella.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Because if the paprika gets overcooked,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53the taste can be very disgusting.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- So, put the paprika... That's enough.- Enough? OK.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- OK, put it on the oil.- In the middle?- Yes.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Move it, Ken. Come on, hurry up.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05And now, Ken, please put the water.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13The paella is then left for half an hour to allow the meat to
0:28:13 > 0:28:14cook through.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Then short grain rice is added along with a little saffron,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20which gives the dish its distinctive yellow colour.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Once the rice is cooked and absorbed all the flavour,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26the paella is ready to taste.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Full of flavour. I can taste the saffron.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32It is a fantastic variety of flavours, it's great.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37I think that nutritionally, this is a very nice dish
0:28:37 > 0:28:42because you can eat meat and vegetables, so it is very complete.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46In fact, whenever we eat paella, we only eat paella and salad.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47This is all.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- And of course, a cup of wine. - Yes, absolutely.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Now they have sampled outdoor cooking Spanish style, maybe Ken and
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Paula will be up for swapping the outdoor grill for the paella dish.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01But before that, we need to find them a Spanish home.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11The next property is in the town of Pedralba,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14around a 45-minute drive inland from the coast.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Situated in Valencia's lower plains, on the banks of the Turia River,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21the rustic town is surrounded by fruit trees and vineyards,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24and features a baroque-style church.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Our property can be found a short distance outside the town,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30in a quiet setting amongst orange groves.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I'm going to get you to start just about here.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36There we go.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Before I say anything, take it in and tell me what you think, Ken.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45I see we have two buildings here - we have one on our right
0:29:45 > 0:29:47and one ahead of us.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49That's the main house.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53This is a completely self-contained two-bedroom apartment with
0:29:53 > 0:29:56two bathrooms, which you will be able to have a look at later.
0:29:56 > 0:29:57But that comes with the property.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Paula, what do you think?- I like the fact that we are walking in
0:30:00 > 0:30:03and you are sort of coming into the property amongst the olive trees.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06That is really nice. I like the look of the house.
0:30:06 > 0:30:07It looks very Spanish-y.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10And that covered veranda looks very nice, too.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13And obviously a lovely pool.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15I see a bit of decking and my mind is ticking over
0:30:15 > 0:30:16on a few little things we could do.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Why don't we take a step inside and I'll show you more of this
0:30:19 > 0:30:21wonderful property. This way.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25In terms of space, this property gives them everything they've
0:30:25 > 0:30:29asked for, sitting as it does in three acres of land.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33But will it offer the character and comfort our buyers are after?
0:30:34 > 0:30:36In this way.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Oh!
0:30:38 > 0:30:42It is a massive kitchen. Bright and airy.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44But what do you think before I tell you anything?
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- Can you see yourself in here?- Yeah, I like it. The centrepiece is lovely.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49- Really nice.- It's quite a feature.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53I always like those centrepiece things, they look very, you know,
0:30:53 > 0:30:56elegant and right in their place in the kitchen.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59And a huge range cooker - electric, but it is huge.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Yeah, it is.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- You can see this is definitely made for people who love of food.- Yeah.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06I want to show you more of this house cos what this property
0:31:06 > 0:31:09gives you is size. So come on, this way.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12Come into the living room.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17But I'd like you to face this way, so that you can take it all in.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- Light and very airy.- Yeah.- And that looks like a lovely big room, too.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25It does. It is like a summer lounge area -
0:31:25 > 0:31:28a separate room that they have had built.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30It is just a huge space, and it all links in with the kitchen.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33You have got a hall area into this massive living room.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Is it the sort of space you could see yourself in, Ken?
0:31:36 > 0:31:41It is not quite as snug and warm as I would like,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and I think that is the space working against it almost, for me.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49We could possibly get around that just by the way
0:31:49 > 0:31:51we decorate it and the way we furnish it.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55There are three bedrooms within the main house, and two
0:31:55 > 0:31:59of those can be found on the ground floor, one of which is en suite.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01And there is also a family bathroom.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05The third bedroom, the largest, is upstairs.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09This is the master bedroom. It is a really good size.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13I know you like a large bedroom, and this is a really large bedroom.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- But the best bit is this.- Oh!
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Look at that!- You wanted views?
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Here is your view.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Not bad, huh? I know you love fruit trees and olive trees.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You have got a substantial part of the orange grove
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- and the olive grove in front of us. - Oh, lovely.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33It comes with the property.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- So we could go and pick our own fresh oranges.- You can.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38You can make your own zumo de naranjas.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- Ken, what do you think?- I think the view is breathtaking.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47This whole balcony thing off the master bedroom, patio doors,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- fantastic.- I think we should retire to the pool area,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53because we are very good at that, and talk money.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- OK.- Yes.- This way.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59And Ken and Paula will need to consider the separate villa
0:32:59 > 0:33:01when making their price guess.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04It comes with a spacious open plan living area and two bedrooms
0:33:04 > 0:33:08and two bathrooms, so it would make an excellent writer's retreat.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13Within the grounds, there is also a separate workshop and storeroom.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15As well as a paella house.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19The rest of the garden is made up of lawn and terraced areas.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22There we go. This is nice, isn't it?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Right, so now that our feet are nice and cool,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28let's get our minds ticking over.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31So, who should we start with? I think we will begin with Paula.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- How much do you think it is on for, Paula?- It has got a lot of land.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37It has got lots of space,
0:33:37 > 0:33:42lots of room area as well as the self-contained
0:33:42 > 0:33:45little rental room.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50And because of all that, I would say probably 275.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53£275,000 from Paula, thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- Ken.- Probably a good guess.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02I think £275,000 is where I might expect it to be,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06but I'm going to say 250.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10£250,000. And you said £275,000.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Ken, on the money - £250,000.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Estate Agent Ken gets it. - What do you think?
0:34:17 > 0:34:22From the little I know of Spanish house property prices
0:34:22 > 0:34:26and what we have seen, I'd say it slots in there quite logically.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28I want you now to go off and have a really good look around.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Rummage around, look in all the cupboards
0:34:30 > 0:34:34and all the little spaces, and I will stay here, if that's all right.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35- OK.- Mm-hm.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Well, this house has put them in a quandary
0:34:41 > 0:34:45because it has got the size and it is secluded, it's rural,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48it's got a huge pool, but for some reason,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I sense that it is just not doing it for them.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Something for them to think about.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Bang on budget, this spacious double villa property offers
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Ken and Paula space both inside and out.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04There are three large bedrooms in the main house
0:35:04 > 0:35:06and two further bedrooms in a separate villa,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09which offers Paula the chance to run her own writer's retreat.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Big room.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Like a lot of other rooms in the house, it's...
0:35:18 > 0:35:20You know, it's a great size.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25- No problem with a big bed and a load of extra space on top.- Yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29I'm feeling very confused right now.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32There is so much to this property.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36The grounds are so extensive, there is so much potential.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40My mind is just whizzing with ideas.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I can't stop thinking of things that I can do, so it's confusing.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48I'm still a little bit fixed on the other property,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52probably from the point of view of privacy more than anything.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55But this property has got the retreat,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59and we are really keen to do the retreat. That is a big thing for us.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02So, my heart is a bit divided at the moment.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03You know, I'm surprised.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06It's got a lot of space throughout the house,
0:36:06 > 0:36:07it's not just one or two key areas.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Most rooms seem really a generous proportion.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16But warmth, personality, individual property...
0:36:16 > 0:36:18I wasn't getting that very quickly.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- Hello, house explorers.- Hello there. - Satisfied?
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- Well, we have seen a lot. - A lot to think about.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- A lot to think about. - There's a lot to see, yeah.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34I think we should leave here and continue thinking elsewhere.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Shall we? Come on.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37Let's go into the sunset.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48It's the final day of Ken and Paula's time here in Valencia.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Although our first property may not have been to their liking,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53by staying there, they have seized the initiative
0:36:53 > 0:36:55and explored the local villages.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58On their travels, they have come across a furniture maker,
0:36:58 > 0:37:03who has spent the last 23 years making a replica badminton cabinet -
0:37:03 > 0:37:05a classic piece of English furniture.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06Oh, wow!
0:37:09 > 0:37:11The detail!
0:37:11 > 0:37:14But with so many ideas flying around their heads,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17have our buyers really absorbed the practical considerations
0:37:17 > 0:37:19a move to Spain would entail?
0:37:19 > 0:37:22So before our final house tour this morning,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I am taking our sun-loving couple to Valencia's beachfront to meet
0:37:25 > 0:37:29some British ex-pats who also enjoy the outdoor life to find out
0:37:29 > 0:37:32how relocating to Spain has been for them.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- Miles, Ingrid, hello. - Hi there.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Meet Paula and Ken, your cycle buddies for the day.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42I'm going to leave you kids to it. Enjoy.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Ladies bike for you, away you go.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Ken, take your pick, they're both the same.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Miles and Ingrid moved here 24 years ago.
0:37:51 > 0:37:52Miles is a writer himself,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56having contributed to many travel books on the area.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00They are taking Ken and Paula on a literary
0:38:00 > 0:38:02and touristic tour of the city's seafront.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Well, here we are, Valencia's beach.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- It looks fantastic, doesn't it? - Doesn't it just?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10But really, you know, you need to try
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and think of it as it was just over 100 years ago.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17There would have been striped beach tents like that.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20There would have been fishing boats lined up.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Bathers in full costume.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26And oxen, oxen to pull in the fishing boats.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30This was a favourite spot for painting for Joaquin Sorolla,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33perhaps Valencia's most famous 19th century son.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36He really was a painter of Valencian light.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39You can see, it is a special light that we have got here.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43And he specialised in landscapes, not portraits?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- He did do portraits as well, to make money.- Portraits for money.- OK.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48At almost two miles long,
0:38:48 > 0:38:53the palm fringed promenade offers a range of dining options.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56This restaurant has been going for more than a century
0:38:56 > 0:38:59and was a favourite of writer Ernest Hemingway back in the days
0:38:59 > 0:39:02when it was just a shed on the sand.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Next stop, the former home of Valencia's most famous
0:39:05 > 0:39:08literary son - Vicente Blasco Ibanez.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11He lived about the same time as Sorolla, the painter.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15And what Sorolla did in pictures, he did with words.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16This was just his summer house,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19so you can see, he made quite a bit of money.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21One of his novels was made into a film.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Now, we're talking early 20th century here,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27so it was a silent movie, but they made it in Hollywood.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32And so that is really where he got his international fame
0:39:32 > 0:39:34and where he made his money.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36With Rudolph Valentino, no less.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Yeah, the film was made with Rudolph Valentino.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41After their paddle tour, I am rendezvousing with them
0:39:41 > 0:39:44at one of the cafes along the promenade
0:39:44 > 0:39:48to learn more about the realities of life in this part of Spain.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52You have settled in Valencia, you probably had other options, what do
0:39:52 > 0:39:55you think the big advantage of this part of Spain offers
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- versus other parts? - Other parts of Spain?
0:39:58 > 0:40:01There is a word in Spanish - alegria - it means sort of joy,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04lightheartedness.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07And people who live on this coast, the Levante people,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10the Levantinos, the Levante that used to be the coast of Spain,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13for me, have a sort of lightness, a joy about them
0:40:13 > 0:40:17that you don't find in the Basque Country or
0:40:17 > 0:40:20up in the cold capital of Madrid.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25They are open, they are easily accessible.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27It is easy to strike up conversations.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31You can scarcely go through a supermarket queue without
0:40:31 > 0:40:33having some intercourse, so to speak,
0:40:33 > 0:40:37some social dealings with the checkout girl.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39How would it be for the two of them?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Because neither of them speak any Spanish.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I think that would be quite difficult.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48I would certainly recommend listening to some recordings,
0:40:48 > 0:40:53having the basics, being able to do the basics, and then build on that.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54You can get by.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57There are whole colonies of British people down the coast,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01on the Costa Blanca, who live in their slightly compartmentalised
0:41:01 > 0:41:05little world - English butcher, English baker, English bar.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08But they're missing out on a huge amount.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13But what about the cultural side of actually fitting in in Spain?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15What are the important things that they need to know?
0:41:15 > 0:41:19The timetable is completely different from Britain.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Lunch is never before two o'clock.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25And if you're going to fit in, you better stick to their timetable.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30And dinner, nine o'clock would be the earliest.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33It is easily done because we flip back to England every
0:41:33 > 0:41:37so often. It is a one-hour time change when you come back here.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You just make it two hours and you are bang on time for lunch
0:41:40 > 0:41:41and dinner.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42A good way to work it out.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44I know you have been here for 24 years
0:41:44 > 0:41:48and you are pretty Spanish, but what do you miss about Britain?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52I miss spring and autumn, because here the seasons...
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Well, it's very warm at the moment, but it could change in an instant.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58So you don't get... You don't get autumn,
0:41:58 > 0:42:02you don't get spring, and I really miss the spring flowers.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06I miss good draft beer. Good real ale, I miss.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08And I miss a greater variety of cheeses.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12I think that is about it, actually.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Miles and Ingrid have given our buyers a good
0:42:14 > 0:42:17insight into life here in Valencia.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19But if you are considering buying in Spain,
0:42:19 > 0:42:23there are a number of practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Unlike in the UK, a sum is paid up front to take
0:42:26 > 0:42:30the property off the market, initially for 30 days.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33At that deadline, an option contract is then signed
0:42:33 > 0:42:37and a deposit of up to 30% is paid.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Allow for between 10% and 14% of the purchase price
0:42:40 > 0:42:42to cover the costs of buying a property.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47This includes Transfer Tax, the Spanish equivalent of stamp duty.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50If you are buying off plan or a new build,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53you must make sure the License of First Occupation has
0:42:53 > 0:42:56been granted before completing the purchase.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00This gives the building its legal status and is only granted
0:43:00 > 0:43:03once the developer has fulfilled their obligations.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12For our mystery house, we are returning to the town
0:43:12 > 0:43:14where we began, at Godelleta,
0:43:14 > 0:43:17with its Moorish tower opposite the plaza of the church.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Ken and Paula seem to have thrown themselves into the Spanish way of
0:43:21 > 0:43:25life, apparently prepared to embrace almost any thing, but today's
0:43:25 > 0:43:30mystery house will really test how adventurous they are prepared to be.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Before we see the main house, I am taking them to the star attraction.
0:43:34 > 0:43:39The property is a challenge on many fronts and requires some work,
0:43:39 > 0:43:42but are they willing to take the bull by the horns?
0:43:42 > 0:43:43Goodness me!
0:43:45 > 0:43:48You've taken us to a bullring!
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Can you get anything more Spanish than your very own bullring?
0:43:52 > 0:43:53Get out of town!
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- This is really a property? - No, this is part of the property.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00This is part. This comes with the property.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03I wanted to show you this before I showed you anything else.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- There you go.- Wow.- What would you do with that, then, Paula?
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- It is a hell of a kitty.- You could get a lot of writers in there.
0:44:11 > 0:44:16- A lot of under five-year-olds.- Oh, my goodness!- It's bonkers, isn't it?
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Absolutely. Unbelievable.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22I was sort of hoping there might be space for our own tennis court,
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- you know.- Well, there we go.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26But we have gone off in a different direction.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- You could play a really good game of rounders or baseball in here.- Yeah.
0:44:30 > 0:44:31You would get a tennis court on there.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33You could get a tennis court in there.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- You could get loads. You could do what you want with it.- Yeah.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39So this comes with the property. You get your very own bullring.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41You'll be pleased to know, there is a house attached as well.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- That's a good point, yes. - So this isn't the property?
0:44:44 > 0:44:48This is part of it. There are rooms where you can retire to.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- Would you like to see those? - Yes, please, that would be great.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54The property's original owner was in the bullfighting world.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57And as well as the ring, the package comes with stables
0:44:57 > 0:45:00and a tack room, a children's playground
0:45:00 > 0:45:03and a swimming pool in need of a clean.
0:45:03 > 0:45:04With a bit of imagination,
0:45:04 > 0:45:06there's scope here to turn the mystery property
0:45:06 > 0:45:09into a small leisure complex,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12and the idea hasn't made our buyers see red so far.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15Here it is. Here is the villa.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- What do you think? - Traditional.- Mm-hm.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- Traditional hacienda.- Yeah. - Nice areas of shade.- OK.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26On the basis of one side of it, it looks very nice. It looks very...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28- It looks big, spacious.- Yes.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32Typical Spanish villa decor and presentation.
0:45:32 > 0:45:38- And you have got the drive that comes in.- Fantastic driveway, regal.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40- Beautiful palm trees. - It is really well done.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42And the property is at the end of the drive.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45And this is what would greet you.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- Shall we go inside to see what else it has got to offer?- Love to.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Constructed in 1980, all the accommodation
0:45:52 > 0:45:55in the main house is across one floor.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58Come in. Two double bedrooms.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01Master bathroom.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05Into the big old living space.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07Obviously, you need to put your own touches on it to make it
0:46:07 > 0:46:11feel like your own, but I want to know what you think of it so far.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13There is a lot of things going on here.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16A lot of elements we haven't seen in play until now.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19So I guess it takes, you know...
0:46:19 > 0:46:22Sort of forget what you have seen up to now, now start again.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24It sort of challenges you that way.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29The layout on the same floor, bedrooms leading off the dining area.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32It is a very different style and layout to what we have seen so far.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- So I'm just trying to get it all in order.- Take it all in.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37And sort of try and see yourself and see
0:46:37 > 0:46:40if you could be living in this type of environment.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45As well as the two bedrooms off the entrance hall,
0:46:45 > 0:46:48there are two further bedrooms off the living area.
0:46:48 > 0:46:53But I want to show our buyers more of the entertaining space outside.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57Now, check out this for an outdoor kitchen-barbeque zone.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- Wow! - It has even got its own dance floor.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05Come on, Ken, I bet you have got some moves.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09- You know, it is almost as if they are catering for the town.- Yeah.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12"Come to the bullfight, eat our food, have a good dance."
0:47:12 > 0:47:14"Let your kids play."
0:47:14 > 0:47:19This is not a tennis court, it is a Valencian game called fronton.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22And I guess it is similar to tennis and squash,
0:47:22 > 0:47:24and you play in pairs, and you just hit the wall.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27I know, Paula, you love your outside space and your mind,
0:47:27 > 0:47:29I can almost hear it ticking.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33- What is it thinking? - I'm not sure, actually.- Wow.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37There are just so many different things going on here. It's just...
0:47:37 > 0:47:42Bullring, this area, the fronton, that area... It is just so unusual.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44Really, really unusual for a home.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46So, yeah, a lot to think about.
0:47:46 > 0:47:51Now, whatever it was Paula and I thought would be the lifestyle we'll
0:47:51 > 0:47:54generate in Spain, this just shreds it.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59So I think we would have to think about the essential building
0:47:59 > 0:48:00here and how it would work for us
0:48:00 > 0:48:04and how we spend most of our day and could we get it done there.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08And I think you have almost got to dismiss bullrings
0:48:08 > 0:48:10- and fronton courts.- All right.
0:48:10 > 0:48:14Well, there is a little bit more I want to show you. Come on.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Leaving the outdoor entertainment space to one side,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22the property also has more conventional terraced areas.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25All in all, the land area amounts to three acres.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29How much do you think, Paula, that this property,
0:48:29 > 0:48:33with its bullring and its various areas, is on for?
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Between 220, 225 for this.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- Ken?- £280,000.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44So £225,000 and £280,000.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48It is actually over your budget by £50,000.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51It is on for £300,000.
0:48:51 > 0:48:56I think it does force you to challenge your house buying
0:48:56 > 0:48:57priorities that you came in with.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59And I know it is easy - it's over budget
0:48:59 > 0:49:02and there are few things wrong with it, let's dismiss it, let's move on.
0:49:02 > 0:49:07Easy decision, OK? But I do think it is worth saying, "Hang on a minute,
0:49:07 > 0:49:11"this is just so different in its facilities, let's rethink it."
0:49:11 > 0:49:15OK, well, I'm going to give you ample opportunity to go and rethink
0:49:15 > 0:49:19and formulate your opinions. Go off and have a look.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22Go and explore, get involved, and I will see you...
0:49:22 > 0:49:24I might be down there, I might be... I don't know,
0:49:24 > 0:49:26you will find me somewhere. Or I will come and find you.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- We may not, it's big.- I know, we may never find each other.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31So long, we may never see you again.
0:49:31 > 0:49:36Over budget by £50,000, the owners of our Spanish theme park
0:49:36 > 0:49:40are open to offers, and the property has a ready been reduced in price.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43As well as the main villa, it comes with its own bullring,
0:49:43 > 0:49:46a children's playground and horse-riding facilities.
0:49:46 > 0:49:51The house has four bedrooms arranged off a large living space.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54When I first saw the bullring, I was pretty rolled over.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57I thought this cannot be a home, this cannot be a property.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00But it was. Yeah, pretty weird.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Interesting but very tricky
0:50:02 > 0:50:05because the house doesn't work for us itself.
0:50:05 > 0:50:10The land itself, there's just so much going on and it's big enough
0:50:10 > 0:50:12that we could do all the things that we wanted to do.
0:50:12 > 0:50:16It's just that I think it would take a lot of work to set it up
0:50:16 > 0:50:18the way we want.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22I've enjoyed the different thought process it forces upon you
0:50:22 > 0:50:25coming to this property and the facilities that it has.
0:50:25 > 0:50:29It hasn't really advanced our thinking, to be honest about it,
0:50:29 > 0:50:34about moving to Spain and this being a serious contender on the list.
0:50:34 > 0:50:35The thing it could do,
0:50:35 > 0:50:40if you want to get really integrated into the community, this gives you
0:50:40 > 0:50:44a lot of possibilities for inviting the community into your home. And
0:50:44 > 0:50:48if that is the route that you would like to take, I mean, start here.
0:50:49 > 0:50:54- Ha-ha. Seen enough of the mystery? - Yes.
0:50:54 > 0:50:58- The bullring and all of that, yeah. - Is it still a mystery?- Fronton.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01Fronton, side-on, back-on, yeah.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05All right, well, it's time to leave here then. So this way, follow me.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Between the 8th and 13th centuries,
0:51:17 > 0:51:21the Muslim Moors from North Africa occupied much of Spain.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24Their influence can be seen throughout the Valencia
0:51:24 > 0:51:29and region in the architecture, the food, but also in ceramics.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34In the Middle Ages when Spain was back under Christian rule,
0:51:34 > 0:51:37the city of Manises was the most important production
0:51:37 > 0:51:41centre for Islamic-inspired ceramics in the country.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45Today, there are still over 100 factories and workshops in the city.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48I'm curious to find out more about the legacy
0:51:48 > 0:51:49left behind by the Moors.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53I'm meeting Esther Leon Jorgez at one of the workshops.
0:51:53 > 0:51:58- Come on, let's see one of the rooms. - Oh, wow! This is amazing!
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Look at these tiles.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05Oh, that ceiling is fantastic!
0:52:05 > 0:52:08So, what is the history of these tiles, how far back today go?
0:52:08 > 0:52:13They have their origins in Andalusian and Mudejar period.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15The Andalusian and the Mudejar period.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Right, I am not up on my Spanish history, so you tell me,
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- what year are we talking? - It's about 12th century.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24Wow, so medieval, very old. Very, very old.
0:52:24 > 0:52:29The Moors were the first ones having these tiles at their homes.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33They keep their houses clean
0:52:33 > 0:52:37and they maintain their houses fresh and condition it.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39And I suppose, when you have these tiles,
0:52:39 > 0:52:41it keeps your house nice and cool as well.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44Because this part of the world gets very hot. But the colours
0:52:44 > 0:52:47and the painting, it's so beautiful, isn't it?
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Yes, they are very typical from here
0:52:50 > 0:52:55because they are colourings extracted from outside of different
0:52:55 > 0:53:00metals, which can be found here in this region.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02As well as tiling the inside of their homes,
0:53:02 > 0:53:03from the 16th century,
0:53:03 > 0:53:08it was common across Spain to hang decorative tiles on the outside.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11The tiles, called azulejos, typically feature
0:53:11 > 0:53:15images of animals, kings and queens and medieval trades.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18Today, the factory, which opened in 1925,
0:53:18 > 0:53:22produces a range of pottery from vases to decorative plates,
0:53:22 > 0:53:25many brightly coloured with local iconography,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28made using centuries-old production techniques.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- So, this is the final stage, then.- Yes.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34So this is when the tiles and the plates
0:53:34 > 0:53:37- and everything really come to life. - Yes.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42This process begins with a plate, just a white plate.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46And then a stencil is placed on it.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49And then with charcoal, yeah,
0:53:49 > 0:53:53the drawing is transferred to the plate.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57- Do you think I could have a go? - Yeah, of course. Pot provar?
0:53:57 > 0:54:00Could I? Thank you.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04I say it with such confidence, but I actually...
0:54:04 > 0:54:06It is going to be an utter disaster.
0:54:06 > 0:54:11Painting has never been my strong point. I don't have the patience.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14Many of the motifs on the modern creations such as a birds
0:54:14 > 0:54:18and flowers emulate original Moorish emblems or, in my case,
0:54:18 > 0:54:21tried to emulate.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23- Asi, muy bien.- Yeah, you're doing really good.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28I'm petrified of ruining this plate.
0:54:30 > 0:54:31Who knew!
0:54:31 > 0:54:33It was so calm and peaceful when we walked in here,
0:54:33 > 0:54:36so tranquil, and now the pressure is on.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38A circle.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42She has been doing this since she was 14 years old.
0:54:42 > 0:54:4414! OK.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48- You're doing great for having just...- No, I'm not.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51You're all very sweet, but let's be honest here.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54I think it is time I left it to the professionals.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58It has been fascinating to see how a 700-year-old industry is
0:54:58 > 0:55:01still going strong in this city of ceramics.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04There we go. Muchas gracias.
0:55:04 > 0:55:05After you.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08It is time to catch up with our buyers to see if they have
0:55:08 > 0:55:11made a decision about any of the properties.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17So, we are back in central Valencia to discuss
0:55:17 > 0:55:20the journey that the two of you have been on.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22- And I really think it has been a journey.- Absolutely, yes.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24You've never been here before.
0:55:24 > 0:55:29- How do you feel about this area in Spain now?- We love it.- Yeah.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34In terms of the area, the country, this part of the country,
0:55:34 > 0:55:38it has cemented a lot of good feelings
0:55:38 > 0:55:39I had about it before I came out.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43So, which property is your favourite?
0:55:43 > 0:55:48I really like the pine forest property, the mountain property.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53It was the only property that gave me a really warm and clear buzz
0:55:53 > 0:55:58and a feeling that, "Gee, I could see myself enjoying living here."
0:55:58 > 0:56:03A lot of major things got ticked off my list with that property.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06It had beautiful views, the little nooks and crannies
0:56:06 > 0:56:11they had made and the privacy and seclusion really ticked my boxes.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13But from a functional point of view,
0:56:13 > 0:56:16the house itself might be a little bit too small for us.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19When we got here, we are really at the beginning of your journey.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21You are absolute newbies to all of this.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24You have got this idea of moving abroad somewhere warm.
0:56:24 > 0:56:28Where are we now after our journey together?
0:56:28 > 0:56:32I'm not sure how Ken feels, but what I would like to do is investigate
0:56:32 > 0:56:34a few little things on the mountain property.
0:56:34 > 0:56:39I possibly think that we could convert the downstairs
0:56:39 > 0:56:42sort of workshops into a retreat.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45I don't think Ken is completely fixed and keen on that idea,
0:56:45 > 0:56:47so we'd have to talk about that a little bit more and see
0:56:47 > 0:56:48if there's a way to do that.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52Or the possibility of maybe buying a little strip of land next to it,
0:56:52 > 0:56:54because that is sort of part of the forest,
0:56:54 > 0:56:58and maybe doing something there. I mean, that would be my first choice.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00That is so exciting that you are actually...
0:57:00 > 0:57:03Not only do you like it, but you are thinking about going back
0:57:03 > 0:57:06and doing some more investigation. That is quite serious, Ken.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10I think there is a next stage of interrogation to go through,
0:57:10 > 0:57:13due diligence, and I think it would be sensible to see again,
0:57:13 > 0:57:16get the opportunity to ask a few more questions,
0:57:16 > 0:57:19find out a few issues, get to the bottom of those,
0:57:19 > 0:57:21that'd be a good start.
0:57:21 > 0:57:22So excited for the two of you.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25I think this is the start of a whole new life for you.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28You are recently married, newlyweds, in love,
0:57:28 > 0:57:30and you are going to move somewhere hot.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32And I hope it is that mountain property, I really do.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35- I hope I can come back in six months and stay.- You can.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37We'll invite you to come and visit.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39That's all I wanted, an invite. Brilliant.
0:57:39 > 0:57:41Well, both of you, best of luck.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44- I've really enjoyed my time here with the two of you.- Thank you.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47- Thanks very much. - Shall we go for a swim now?- Yes.
0:57:47 > 0:57:51- Or a drink.- Let's go for a drink! - Yeah.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58When Ken and Paula first started their journey with me
0:57:58 > 0:58:01here in Spain, they just had this inkling of an idea that this
0:58:01 > 0:58:03is maybe where they would like to live.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06Now, they are practically on the verge of moving here.
0:58:06 > 0:58:10But they are newlyweds and this will be a whole new life for them.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13And you know what? With their can-do, positive attitude, I think
0:58:13 > 0:58:16their time here are will be an absolute success.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20Join me next time for another Escape to the Continent.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23If you had planned to escape to the continent, too,
0:58:23 > 0:58:25and would like our help, you can...