0:00:02 > 0:00:06The walls you can see behind me have protected this city for 1,000 years.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10They even survived this country's worst ever earthquake.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12So where in the world am I?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14I will reveal all in just a few moments
0:00:14 > 0:00:16as we Escape To The Continent.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39The foundations of today's show are fuelled by the family -
0:00:39 > 0:00:42with one half leaving and the other returning.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45And we present prime properties that could make the transition
0:00:45 > 0:00:48a little easier for both parties.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- I can picture my parents would have loved this.- Would they? - They would have loved this.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- This is exactly us. - That is beautiful. - The whole layout looks perfect.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00But we also unlock one place where they won't want to leave.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Can I have the keys?!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Today, I'm in Croatia on the beautiful Dalmatian coast
0:01:10 > 0:01:12and these magnificent fortified walls
0:01:12 > 0:01:15were built to protect the city of Dubrovnik.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Now, at over a mile in length and in some place 6m thick,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22this immense fortress system was built in the 13th century
0:01:22 > 0:01:25as Dubrovnik began to flourish as a wealthy
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and successful trading centre.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32With 120 cannons in position, I think the message was very clear.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Just a two-and-a-half hour flight from London,
0:01:36 > 0:01:40the city of Dubrovnik is affectionately known as the Pearl of the Adriatic
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and lies within Croatia's southernmost county
0:01:43 > 0:01:45called Dubrovnik-Neretva.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Sitting on the 350-mile stretch of the Dalmatian shore,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53the city was founded on a rocky island back in the seventh century,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56commanding a strategic position at the crossroads
0:01:56 > 0:01:58of major trade routes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01A couple of hundred years later, it had developed into a fortified
0:02:01 > 0:02:05powerhouse with a harbour and world-renowned merchant fleet.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Just 600m across the water from the old port
0:02:09 > 0:02:13is the wooded island of Lokrum, one of some 1,200 Croatian islands
0:02:13 > 0:02:16dotted in the pristine waters of the Adriatic.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20First colonised by Benedictine monks 1,000 years ago,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22legend has it that Lokrum was cursed
0:02:22 > 0:02:25when they were evicted in the 19th century.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27So today, the only permanent inhabitants
0:02:27 > 0:02:29are a few families of peacocks.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Back on the mainland, a more complete 14th century Franciscan monastery
0:02:35 > 0:02:39exhibits beautifully preserved Gothic and Romanesque architecture
0:02:39 > 0:02:43as well as one of the world's oldest pharmacies,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46still open for business after 700 years.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50But the region's historic architectural elegance,
0:02:50 > 0:02:55striking beaches, as well as its lush Mediterranean rural landscape
0:02:55 > 0:03:00just outside the fortified walls, are really the only tonic you need.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04So captivated was the playwright George Bernard Shaw that he proclaimed,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08"Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik."
0:03:10 > 0:03:15It's little wonder then with views like these that almost 85%
0:03:15 > 0:03:19of property sales to foreign buyers are along the Adriatic coast.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22But how does the market compare to the UK?
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Overall, Croatia does represent good value for money.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29However, if you want to live in the city of Dubrovnik,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31expect to pay a premium.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37Here, the average price of a detached property is £355,000.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42That is almost £100,000 more than a similar sized property back home.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44So let's meet today's buyers
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and find out which part they want to move to.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It was a chance meeting in cyberspace where Rada
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and her partner, David, first got to know one another.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57And 11 years later,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Rada's multicultural ancestry has prompted the decision
0:04:00 > 0:04:02to sell up their current Wiltshire home
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and turn their backs on Salisbury plain.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08My parents came from Croatia.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11They came to the UK in the '50s so I was born here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13But it is still the motherland.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It is still what I perceive as my motherland and I just feel the pull.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20And David loves it so I don't have to twist his arm, which is fantastic.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23We would like to move, ideally, to Dubrovnik.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It just seems to have everything.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29It's a city, it's beautiful, it's got culture, it close to the beaches,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31it's close to the islands, it's close to the airport.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33It just seems to be the best suited
0:04:33 > 0:04:36for everything we are actually looking for.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41It was the World Wide Web that cemented their history
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and the internet will also determine their future.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47In terms of work, we run a web agency, a digital agency.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50We build websites and web applications for a whole range
0:04:50 > 0:04:53of small and large clients in the UK and in fact throughout Europe.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55We have a fantastic team.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58We felt it was actually time to broaden our horizons
0:04:58 > 0:05:00and moving abroad would suit that.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Going to Croatia will open up a new market.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Croatia is what I'm beginning to lovingly call a re-emerging market.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12For Rada, the sights and sounds of this Croatian relocation
0:05:12 > 0:05:16are a more familiar environment, leaving David to get up to speed.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18HE PRONOUNCES CROATIAN WORDS
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Rada will do all the introduction.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25She speaks fluent Serbo-Croat so she is fine anyway,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27so she can converse with the locals.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30But at the moment I have no languages at all.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I can do the odd accent but that is pretty much where it stops!
0:05:36 > 0:05:41Fortunately, David's interests should help him get accustomed to his new surroundings.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43I run marathons and ultra marathons.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47There are a lot of those sorts of events throughout Europe and there is a lot in Croatia.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I think the change of scenery from running on Salisbury plain
0:05:50 > 0:05:53to running along the beaches will be just fantastic.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58It sounds like a huge step or indeed a sprint for David,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02particularly as he has treasured family he will be leaving behind.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05The biggest thing is really going to be my children.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09They are 20 and 23 now and both at university.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13We are going to have to make a bit more of an effort to see them.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17But they both love travelling so that isn't going to be too much of a problem.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22So a high priority for the new property will be space for visiting family.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24And then comes the look.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27I love interior design
0:06:27 > 0:06:32so there is no way I would go into somewhere and leave it as it is.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34I would want to put my stamp on it.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36We both like modern. We both like uncluttered.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39The property needs to have some working space
0:06:39 > 0:06:42so either a study or a large room we could use to work from
0:06:42 > 0:06:44because that is going to make up a large part of our day.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46We would like to be able to shut that off.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50On a personal level, the most important thing for me is parking spaces.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I love my cars and I want to make sure they are close to me.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I don't want to be parking down the road.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I don't want to be fighting for a parking space at the end of the day.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03I can't drive so it would be really important that we live
0:07:03 > 0:07:06close to shops, services and amenities.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Their current home is already on the market so all that remains
0:07:09 > 0:07:12are the finances forecasted for this move to Dubrovnik.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Our budget for this move is £450,000.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's vital for David and Rada's business and family needs
0:07:23 > 0:07:25to be near Dubrovnik Airport.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29So our property search will focus on both the countryside and cityscapes,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32all within an hour's commute.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35And now they have touched down in Croatia, we are all getting
0:07:35 > 0:07:38together in an elevated spot at the top of Dubrovnik's Srd Hill
0:07:38 > 0:07:42to chat more about the grand plan for their continental move.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- So are you excited about this move, this change of life?- Very.- Yes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51It's something we have thought about for a long time, isn't it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- It is, yes.- How well do you know this part of Croatia?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Quite well, actually. We are getting to know it quite well now.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Let's get down to business. Let's talk about the properties.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04What ideally are you looking for?
0:08:04 > 0:08:08We are looking for something probably oldish but contemporary.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14Certainly contemporary. Open living space, very social, bright and airy.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Quite open to having an old house and doing some refurbishing
0:08:19 > 0:08:22internally so that we get the open plan space we want.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25So you both don't mind taking on a little bit of a project, then?
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- No, that's fine, actually.- How many bedrooms ideally do you want?
0:08:29 > 0:08:31We certainly need two. Three would be good.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34But we are really interested in the downstairs space.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- That is the key for us.- So let's talk money. Remind us of your budget.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Our budget is around the £450,000 mark.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47It is always wise to keep about 10% by for fees and taxes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Is that included in your budget or do you have a little bit more?
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- We could go up to £500,000 and that would include everything.- Great.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I mentioned the Old Town just down there.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01I think that could be the perfect place to start, don't you?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- But rather than walk, why don't we take the cable car?- Fantastic.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Come on.- Let's go for it.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13For a flexible budget ideally around £450,000,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Rada and David hope to find a modern, open plan property
0:09:16 > 0:09:20with at least two bedrooms, a study and car parking.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23They would consider refurbishing an older property
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and want a location close to shops and amenities.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31We have located a diverse range of fantastic properties
0:09:31 > 0:09:34that will offer our buyers all manner of Croatian lifestyles.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36But I'll be keeping them waiting
0:09:36 > 0:09:39before I reveal the attached price tags.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43And one of these houses will become David and Rada's home
0:09:43 > 0:09:46before they have to dig deep in their pockets.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Then, to end the property tour, we will be weighing anchor
0:09:49 > 0:09:52and marooning ourselves at the mystery house.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Our first property stop is right in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and thank goodness we're travelling via cable car to get there
0:10:03 > 0:10:07as the descent is over 400m.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12On a clear day, you can see up to and over 30 miles away and it makes
0:10:12 > 0:10:15for a fantastic opportunity to take in this beautiful city
0:10:15 > 0:10:18panorama from one breathtaking view.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21How is this for transportation?
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- It couldn't be any better, really, could it?- Fantastic, isn't it?
0:10:25 > 0:10:28David, I've got to ask you, when you make this move,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31how are you going to cope with the language? Do you speak any Croat?
0:10:31 > 0:10:36I can pretty much get by with "pivo", which is a beer.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- That's good, I like that. - That does me to start with.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43But I think we've got the tapes at home so I will learn.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- Are you keen to?- Absolutely.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50The history of the Old Town is written all over its walls
0:10:50 > 0:10:53and across the bright orange roof tiles,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56which were recently replaced after the 1991 siege of Dubrovnik
0:10:56 > 0:10:59during the Croatian war of independence
0:10:59 > 0:11:02when half of the Old Town was destroyed.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05The historic centre has now been painstakingly restored
0:11:05 > 0:11:09to its former glory and the pristine streets are still lined
0:11:09 > 0:11:14with many original buildings that date back to the 15th century.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- So how beautiful is this? - It's amazing.- Stunning.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21This is hailed as a particularly romantic, picturesque
0:11:21 > 0:11:26and intimate city and so attracts hordes of sightseeing tourists.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Every kind of shop, boutique and restaurant is right on the doorstep,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33which should be welcome news for non-driving Rada.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Only 700 residents are lucky enough to live here on a permanent basis,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43so let's see if we can make that figure 702.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46How would you feel about city living?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- No problem at all.- Great. No distance to crawl home!- Really?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Those steps don't put you off?- No. That will be fine.- Really?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Absolutely.- So you like to be in the heart of things, do you?
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- That would be great.- We do. - Especially until I learn to drive.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04Exactly. Well, then, this property could be in prime position because it is right in front of us.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Fantastic.- Crikey!- That is superb. - Wonderful.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- It could not be any more different from Wiltshire, could it really? - No. Absolutely not.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16We are going to look around our first property, but I'm going to leave you here.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- You're actually going to stay in this apartment tonight.- No?
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Fantastic! That is really cool.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- You said you like the idea of being in the city.- That is really cool.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Amazing.- Definitely. Brilliant.- Great.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33We have got your cases hidden away and they are going to be following us in a little while.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37So let's start the house tour and see what you think when you step inside.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Terrific, lead the way.- Fantastic.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Being right in the thick of things, this property doesn't have
0:12:44 > 0:12:48dedicated parking, but there are spaces available to rent nearby.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51All the same, the super central location
0:12:51 > 0:12:54seems to be just the ticket for Rada and David,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57who will be living in the third-floor apartment of this
0:12:57 > 0:13:01elegant and historic building for the duration of the property search.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Once part of a former 16th century palace, their new temporary home
0:13:06 > 0:13:09embraces its medieval roots but has been beautifully
0:13:09 > 0:13:14renovated and given a modern twist which is just what they requested.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Welcome to city living.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I love the stonework. It's beautiful. Stunning.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27The beams. The kitchen is amazing. Really nice.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- So you like the idea of open plan?- Yes.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35Perhaps not the biggest of kitchens, but we know that you have got restaurants on your doorstep.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Exactly.- Exactly.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40The longer I am standing here, the more it's growing on me.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Which is a good thing. This would be ample for us.- This is OK, actually.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- This is OK.- Great. If you want to follow me.- OK.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54The living areas offer an enviable outlook over the square.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Then there are two bedrooms served by a large, stylish bathroom.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00One bedroom is currently presented with twin beds,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02leaving the other one as the master.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07That's not too bad. It is smaller than we're used to.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- But it's workable and it's the location. The location makes all the difference.- Yes.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I think that is the trade-off, isn't it?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Had you considered perhaps being right in the centre?
0:14:17 > 0:14:23It is apartment living. It is very different. Space is at a premium.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25But it wouldn't be too small?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I think it would feel like we were living in a hotel all the time, I think.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31And that has got its perks.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I think we could get around that. I really do.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Despite the cosy proportions, I am thrilled that Rada
0:14:38 > 0:14:41and David are enthusiastic about this apartment.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44But I'm about to reveal another apartment right next door,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46which is also included in the sale,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50that could make this a perfect proposition for working from home.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55So we kept this little gem from you.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58This is another self-contained apartment.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Right. Look at the bed up there. That's fantastic.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05This is more of a studio. Obviously, next door is the two bedroom.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08But then you've got your kitchenette behind you,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11you've got your own shower room and separate toilet
0:15:11 > 0:15:15plus if you had guests, and the children came to stay.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21- But again, as an office, plenty of space.- Plenty of space. Two desks.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Overflow for guests. That works. That really works.- It does.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30So it is time now to ask you how much you think these apartments,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34remember they are sold as one, how much it is on the market for?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37I would say it's near the top,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40pretty much at the top of what we are looking at.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I would say £450,000.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47OK. I'm going to go slightly less.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I'm going to go for 425.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Actually, it is considerably more.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55It's right up there at the top of your budget.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59The asking price is just over £496,000.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05OK. Is there room for a bit of negotiation?
0:16:05 > 0:16:09I believe there is. It has been on the market on and off for two years.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Why don't you have a wander around on your own?
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Have a think and think about that price, if this could work for you.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18It is very much a change of lifestyle
0:16:18 > 0:16:21but you are moving to another country, so why not?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23And then give me a shout when you have seen enough.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Lovely. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Interesting and a really, really positive start.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37As I mentioned, I think we are pushing them quite a lot with this first property.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40It is so different from the way they live their lives at the moment
0:16:40 > 0:16:42but that's the beauty of moving to a new country.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Sometimes, you just want to change everything.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Kicking off right at the upper end of their funds,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51this characterful apartment gives Rada
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and David a central location close to facilities,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57open plan receptions and kitchen, two double bedrooms
0:16:57 > 0:17:01as well as a separate self-contained studio apartment.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09For the first one, it's not far off.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12There are a lot of things that are right with it
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and the second apartment makes all the difference, it really does.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Both from a living and working point of view.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20How often do you get the chance to come in
0:17:20 > 0:17:24and view a property that you might potentially be buying and yet come
0:17:24 > 0:17:28in and stay and try and see how you like it and does it work for you?
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Do you feel at home here? Is it comfortable? That's amazing.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38So far, so good. It seems they like the Old Town.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- Have you seen enough of the apartment?- I think so, yes.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45You're going to see even more now because I was absolutely serious.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Here is your case. That is heavy. I will let you take that one.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50You are going to stay the night here, so enjoy.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Go out, walk around Dubrovnik.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I know you know it already but enjoy it tonight.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Not too late out on the tiles.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59And I'll catch up with you in the morning. How does that sound?
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- Lovely.- Off you go. Enjoy your first night here.- Thank you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Mind your back with all those steps!
0:18:15 > 0:18:17David and Rada waste no time getting settled in,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21unpacking their belongings and preparing to send the bugs packing.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- OK, David, don't forget to plug in the mozzie machine.- OK.- Thank you.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31After freshening up, they decide
0:18:31 > 0:18:35to hit the town and find somewhere nearby for an alfresco supper.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Na. Yeah, on.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Zaru.- Grill.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46And after a glass or two of wine and sampling some of the local
0:18:46 > 0:18:49specialities on offer,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52it's a peaceful stroll back to the apartment to get some shut-eye
0:18:52 > 0:18:55before the property search picks up pace again tomorrow.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07It is the second day of our property search
0:19:07 > 0:19:09and our buyers are up and about bright and early,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12familiarising themselves with Dubrovnik's Old Town
0:19:12 > 0:19:15before we get back to the business of house-hunting.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Our next property lies a 20-minute drive south of Dubrovnik,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24in the rural hamlet of Smokovjenac.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27in David's absence, Rada will need to tackle
0:19:27 > 0:19:29public transport to get around,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32as the nearest shops are a ten-minute drive away
0:19:32 > 0:19:33in Cavtat.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37One of the main yachting harbours on the Dalmatian coast,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39the cosmopolitan Cavtat
0:19:39 > 0:19:41offers plenty of shops and restaurants
0:19:41 > 0:19:43as well as a daily market.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46But in a quieter Croatian village, yet still by the coast,
0:19:46 > 0:19:52the next property we have chosen is a detached house built and decorated in a traditional style.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54So, for our second property, we are
0:19:54 > 0:19:57showing you something completely different
0:19:57 > 0:19:59from that city centre,
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- and here it is.- Oh!
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Lovely!
0:20:02 > 0:20:04what do you think of the location?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- What a view!- Fantastic.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Amazing, isn't it?
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The house itself, built over a number of years.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14The ground part, which I will explain as we walk around,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16was built in the 1980s,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- but was actually finished in 2000. - OK.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23And really built on this aspect, so that you get to that view.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Looks nice.- Looks good! Very modern, compared to the last property.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27Lovely!
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- I like the stone.- OK, shall we start?
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- Great.- Come on.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37'Welcome relief for David is that this property does come with parking
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'in the form of a car port where there is space for two vehicles.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46'And we are starting the house tour in a lovely open-plan reception room.'
0:20:46 > 0:20:47So come on in.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Beautiful and cool in here.- It is.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52So we have gone through a little courtyard, a terrace,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56which leads us straight into a large sitting room and dining area.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59And the set-up is very traditional, isn't it?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01It is. Very much so.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04It's a nice-sized room, though. It's a good room.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06It's certainly big enough.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It's big enough, it's got good dimensions, hasn't it?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12And you have this step there, so it is
0:21:12 > 0:21:14sort of two-level, which is nice as well.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Taking us off to the kitchen or somewhere.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19On this floor, you have also got
0:21:19 > 0:21:21a very large bathroom through there,
0:21:21 > 0:21:22a huge family bathroom.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25You've already intimated you think you know where the kitchen is.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- You would be right, so let's keep going through here.- Lovely.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34So here is your kitchen.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35- OK.- OK.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Not the biggest kitchen in the world.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Again, done in... I'm not going to say an old style,
0:21:41 > 0:21:42but a traditional style.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45But kitchens now have moved on so much,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48we really just have to look at the space, haven't we?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51We would need a new kitchen, I would have thought,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- because you're sort of under ground level.- Yeah.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56It makes it quite dark.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59At the moment they have the living accommodation down here,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01their sitting room, dining room and kitchen.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Upstairs are two large bedroom suites which I am going to show you.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- OK.- I just want to plant in your mind
0:22:07 > 0:22:11the potential of having the bedrooms perhaps downstairs
0:22:11 > 0:22:15and then making use of the area upstairs.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- You said you don't mind a project.- No.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- That is just what we call an upside- down house.- Yes.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Up on the first floor, the layout gets more unconventional
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and has been split into two bedroom suites,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32divided by a simple stud partition wall.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35In both cases the beds are up on mezzanine levels
0:22:35 > 0:22:38with a shower room and spacious living area below,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40each with huge picture windows
0:22:40 > 0:22:41overlooking the sea.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- This is nice.- Oh.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49It's big and bright, isn't it?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51This house is far bigger, isn't it, then you would think?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Yeah.- This was a surprise.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- We are actually on street level now.- Right, OK.- Oh!
0:22:56 > 0:22:57OK.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02But this huge vaulted ceiling, it feels to me like a local's home.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Is that how it is to you, Rada?
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Yes, I can picture my parents would have loved this.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Would they?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12This would have been their style, absolutely.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14The views here are fantastic.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17I see what you mean about turning the house upside-down,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19because although it's cool downstairs,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21you don't get the views, and you do here.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Amazing views, aren't they? - They are.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25And you get the light.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28This would be the main living space in that case.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32And you could bring your kitchen up here, have your bedrooms downstairs.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So those mezzanine bedrooms do give you plenty of space,
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- and also the potential to convert them, perhaps, into offices.- Yeah.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Because we haven't really discussed that option as yet, have we?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- No, no, no.- But there is something more I've got to show you,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47so let's head back outside and I'll explain down there.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48- OK.- OK.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Outside, there are range of terraces and patios and the garden
0:23:53 > 0:23:58covers a decent-sized plot with a variety of mature fruit trees.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- I LOVE this outside space. - Yeah, this is nice.- Isn't it lovely?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Very pretty.- Is that pomegranates?
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Yeah, you've got pomegranates, vines, olives, lemons,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13you've even got figs in this region.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Fantastic.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- So it is quite secluded, the garden. - It is.- Would this be enough for you?
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Yeah.- I think so, yeah. Absolutely, yeah.- It's not a bad size.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25But, more importantly, you've got a huge outhouse there.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29It is quite basic, not going to lie, but it has electricity.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- And we were thinking, potential for your business.- Oh, yes!- That's true.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- And it's separate space again. - Yeah.- Yeah, that could work. - That could work.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So a little bit further out of Dubrovnik,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- but we know there is a premium to all around here.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46How much do you think it is currently on the market for?
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I'm going to go in at £425,000.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Which was what I was going to say!
0:24:52 > 0:24:56OK, in that case, the fact that it is not in the city and out here,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58I think I'll go in at 410.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02OK, you're both relatively close, actually. Yes.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05The price is just over...
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- £433,000.- Oh!- OK.- OK.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12That doesn't include your taxes and your fees.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16And you can see there's a footpath just winding down there to the sea.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- Lovely.- Guess where I'm going to meet you? Down there.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- So, take your time, come and find me when you're ready.- OK, thank you. - See you in a while.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Comfortably under budget,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32this property is a spacious, traditional detached home
0:25:32 > 0:25:38with open plan living and dining areas and two lofty bedroom suites.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41As well as off-street parking, the large garden has a roomy
0:25:41 > 0:25:44powered outhouse and a private path down to the sea.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- Well, we certainly wouldn't need to go to the market to buy any figs, would we?- That's true.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52OK, erm, I suppose the only consideration is
0:25:52 > 0:25:54whether or not we want to take on this much work.
0:25:55 > 0:26:01Mm, yeah. It would be a lot and if we were to turn it upside down...
0:26:01 > 0:26:02Mm. It could look nice.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07It could look good, but it is a huge undertaking. It really is.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10The garden space, it's quite a nice size.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The only thing it lets down, I suppose, is it doesn't give
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- you the view of the sea, so you're missing that from here.- True.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Which is...which is a pity.- True.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22You can see it over there, but I think you can make more of that.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I think the thing is, when you see something like the city house,
0:26:25 > 0:26:30we could just move straight into it and have a new life immediately.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32And redecorate, perhaps, that's all.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Yeah. At the moment, that's more positive to me, I would say.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40You see, I thought Rada and David would love this village
0:26:40 > 0:26:45right by the sea, but I think the city has won the hearts so far.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- How are you two?- Hi. - All of this on your doorstep.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- Mm.- This is amazing.- Beautiful. So have you seen enough?- I think so.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- Yes, I think so.- Shall we make a move? Come on.- OK.- OK, then.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06When Rada and David make the move to Croatia,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10one of the biggest challenges for David will be integrating
0:27:10 > 0:27:12with the locals without an understanding of the language,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14but with a wife who is fluent.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17So, we have arranged for our couple to meet expat
0:27:17 > 0:27:21and journalist Mark Thomas, who was in that very position
0:27:21 > 0:27:25when he moved out here with his Croatian wife 15 years ago.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Now, you've organised something special for us, haven't you?
0:27:28 > 0:27:31That's right. You'll see some traditional dancing from this area.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It is in fact from Dubrovnik, so I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- It's great fun.- Well, have we got our dancing shoes on, guys?- Ooh! - Oh, not so sure!
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- We're certainly going to enjoy it, though. Mark, thank you very much. You lead the way.- I'll lead the way.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Mark has invited us to the village of Osojnik
0:27:47 > 0:27:49deep in the Dubrovnik-Neretva mountains,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52where he is researching an article on a native dance
0:27:52 > 0:27:53unique to this area.
0:27:53 > 0:27:58We're joining Mark's wife Boba front row for an exclusive performance.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Hello.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- I would like to introduce you to my wife.- Hello, hi.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Hiya.- Hello there.- Hi, guys. Hiya.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08So, Mark, what are we going to see this evening?
0:28:08 > 0:28:12We're going to see a dance that is from the Dubrovnik area.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15You will see a young lady playing the traditional instrument
0:28:15 > 0:28:18called the lijerica, while the group dances around her.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- I'm looking forward to this!- Yeah. - Yeah, what a treat.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28MAN CHANTS TO MUSIC
0:28:34 > 0:28:38I can see we've got plenty of different generations here performing for us.
0:28:38 > 0:28:43- Is that typical?- Yes, they start very young, three or four years old, they're already dancing.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45And dance as long as they can.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48So what does the dance signify? Does it have a meaning?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Well, the dance, it is like a courting dance, you can say.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The dance started 300, 400 years ago,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57so there weren't discos to meet your future mate, let's say.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00So they courted like this.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04I do notice the men are more colourful than the ladies.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- The peacocks.- Yes.- They are the peacocks.- Yeah, the peacocks.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13See, wherever you go in the world, they're always going to be the peacocks, aren't they?
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- Ah, thank you!- Well done, guys. - Well done.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24As well as sampling some centuries-old music and dance,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27two of the villagers have kindly prepared us some traditional
0:29:27 > 0:29:31Croatian coffee, which I have been warned is rather potent.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- It smells so good.- It's fantastic.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38My mother used to say they don't give it to children
0:29:38 > 0:29:40because it's bad for children. It is too strong.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43My mother used to say, "You'll grow a tail."
0:29:43 > 0:29:44- Thank you.- I'll grow a tail. - Grow a tail!
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Rada and David, I'm sure you're desperate to ask some questions,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50get some local knowledge. So, fire away.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53How long do you think it took before you would say you were fluent?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I never had a formal lesson. I never sat down and learnt Croatian.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I learnt Croatian as a baby learns a language.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04So I would say it took me five years before I could speak fluently.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08But, like I say, I learnt in a completely unorganised way,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11just following life and seeing what people...
0:30:11 > 0:30:13how they speak and interact, and that was my lead.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Culturally, well, for both of you, because Boba,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20you lived in the UK for a little while, what are the differences?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- I would say we're little bit more relaxed.- Really?- Yeah.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27We're kind of... We think we're working hard, but we don't, comparing with England.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29We are very easy here.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32"Let's have a coffee," we don't have diaries like you have.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37We are, "OK, let's meet, let's have lunch somewhere," work a little bit, and that's it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Sounds appealing, doesn't it? - DAVID: It does!
0:30:39 > 0:30:41It's very different, isn't it, going somewhere on holiday
0:30:41 > 0:30:43and then deciding to live there.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Because it is going to be a new experience for you both.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47So what advice would you give them?
0:30:47 > 0:30:50The biggest single thing that I did when I moved here,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54that changed my life here the most, was learning the language.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55Absolutely, learning the language.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58By learning the language, you understand their sense of humour,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01their culture, their traditions, their way of doing business.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05You learn so much more than just communication, yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08And it's giving respect to the local community.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- If you give them respect, you will get respect back.- Absolutely.- OK.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15I have a feeling that I don't want to be part of, like, an expat-type community.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19I would like to be involved in the whole culture and the country...
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- Integrate.- ..and integrate properly.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24That's just as well, because there isn't a big expat community!
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- Is there not? - No, there's about, I don't know,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29five or six Brits who actually live in Dubrovnik.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32There's maybe 100, 150 expats, not British,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34who live in Dubrovnik all year round.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36That number swells, of course, in the summer,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39because people have bought summer homes here.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41But an actual British expat community, don't worry,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- you're not going to be part of anyone.- No.- Excellent.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47I mean, obviously, you have a very happy
0:31:47 > 0:31:50and healthy life over here, but are there any drawbacks,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53anything you wish you had known before you made the move, Mark?
0:31:53 > 0:31:56I wish I'd have known how complicated the red tape
0:31:56 > 0:31:59and the bureaucracy is, and it is.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01And it takes a long time to wade through it all.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Bureaucracy, is that to do with work or is that to do with buying a house, for example?
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- With buying a toothbrush. - Right!- Wow!
0:32:08 > 0:32:10It's that complicated!
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Well, they want to buy a home and run their business from here.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Good luck.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19But it is achievable. Give them a ray of hope.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Yes, yes, of course it is achievable.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26In many ways, Croatia and Dubrovnik are like a land of opportunities.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30If you can take the business sense that you had before in the UK
0:32:30 > 0:32:34and bring that here, then you will succeed. Just be determined.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Yeah, we are determined.- Yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- Application.- Yeah.- I think you've inspired them. You both have.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45Thank you very much. I must admit, the hospitality, the drinks...
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- what a wonderful evening. - Thank you.- Thank you so much. - You're more than welcome.- Thank you.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Fortunately for our couple, one half of the partnership does have those
0:32:54 > 0:32:58crucial Croatian language skills, so they do have the upper hand.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03And since the country's 2013 entry into the EU, it has become easier
0:33:03 > 0:33:06for non-nationals to purchase property here
0:33:06 > 0:33:09under the same terms as Croatians.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13However, do bear in mind that both the vendor as well as the purchaser
0:33:13 > 0:33:16have to pay estate agent commission, and buyers
0:33:16 > 0:33:21are also required to pay a 10% deposit in advance of the exchange.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24One of the major stumbling blocks in a sale can be proving
0:33:24 > 0:33:27the ownership, as older estates can sometimes be split
0:33:27 > 0:33:30between multiple family members. Therefore, it is vital
0:33:30 > 0:33:34to get professional advice before proceeding with any sale.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Moving to another country can involve blood,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47sweat and tears, but David is channelling that sweat
0:33:47 > 0:33:51and wholeheartedly embracing his new surroundings with an early morning
0:33:51 > 0:33:55run through Dubrovnik's beautiful historic streets.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59An ideal way of familiarising himself with his potential new home territory.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08So, it's a new day and we're halfway through our house hunt in Croatia.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Now, David and Rada seem to be really taken with our city apartment
0:34:12 > 0:34:15which didn't need anything doing to it.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18However, when we showed them a house in the Croatian village -
0:34:18 > 0:34:21a little bit more of a project - I think that might have put them off.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26Luckily, there's plenty more to show them along this beautiful coastline.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31We have still got two more properties lined up, so it's
0:34:31 > 0:34:34high time we hit the highway, as I want to show David and Rada
0:34:34 > 0:34:37what their money can get them if they move away
0:34:37 > 0:34:41from the highly desirable Dubrovnik area and further along the coast.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45The next property is in the village of Slano, which is
0:34:45 > 0:34:49about a 45-minute drive northwards from the airport.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Once again right on the water, the picturesque Slano is
0:34:52 > 0:34:57frequented by tourists but on a smaller scale than Dubrovnik proper,
0:34:57 > 0:35:01so the location should give Rada and David a quieter pace of life
0:35:01 > 0:35:03that's rich in Croatian culture.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07There's a minimart as well as other essential amenities
0:35:07 > 0:35:09and plenty of restaurants.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12And en route to the next property, we're making a pit stop
0:35:12 > 0:35:16in the town centre to soak up more of the environment.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19So we are nearly at our next property,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23but we have to stop here because this is your local town.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27The house isn't that far from here. We are actually in Slano.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Slano means "salty".
0:35:29 > 0:35:31And guess where we are? Right by the sea.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35See, it's handy having someone who is fluent in Croatian, isn't it?
0:35:35 > 0:35:39I mean, this is your local town. What do you think?
0:35:39 > 0:35:42It looks fantastic. I love the bay. Really, really nice.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- It's very pretty. It seems quite serene, which is nice.- Yeah.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48So we all love the location, let's see what you think about the house.
0:35:48 > 0:35:49- OK.- Let's go.- Great.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56So I really do think this is a beautiful setting.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Your own little jetty there. If you just turn around and take a look...
0:36:01 > 0:36:06- this, potentially, is your next property.- Fantastic.- Wow!
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- Unbelievable. - That's really impressive, isn't it?
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- What a location! - What a prime location.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Can you imagine opening those shutters
0:36:14 > 0:36:16and looking out to that view every single day?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Wouldn't be a hardship, would it? - It wouldn't be a hardship.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- It really wouldn't. - Just amazing.- Wouldn't be a hardship.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- So what do you think of the property?- It's lovely.- It looks really good, really good.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- I love the style, the shape of it. - Yes? So, shall we get started?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- Can we?- Yeah, great.
0:36:33 > 0:36:40Built recently in 2006, this modern property lies in a small gated development of just 12 houses.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- So, the good news is, you do have parking.- Fantastic.- Covered parking.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49And here is our property.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55So, come on, straight in.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- Want you to see this view. - Fantastic.- Wow!
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- Not often I can offer a kitchen with THAT view.- No.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- This is exactly us. This whole layout...- That's beautiful.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- This is us, yeah.- ..looks perfect.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Love everything about it.- Do you?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Open-plan, its white, it's bright and airy, got a fantastic view.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- Good! I'm loving this! - Really like it.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I must admit, if you had walked into this part of the house
0:37:22 > 0:37:25and your faces had dropped, I think I would've gone back out the door.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- So I'm really pleased.- No chance, no chance.- Yeah.- It's beautiful.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- It's open...- Spot on, isn't it? And the views...- Yeah.- Just amazing.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- Are you itching to see more? - Oh, yes! Lead on, lead on.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39So that open-plan feel continues.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42You've got your dining area here and your sitting area here.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- It's a nice size, really nice size. - It's a great size.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- It's just spot on. It's not dissimilar to the size that we've got at the moment.- No.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Is it not?- It's very similar. It feels...- Similar sort of layout.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Home from home, except the vistas, obviously, are very different!
0:37:55 > 0:37:58So you do have access onto that terrace out there.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59You can open those doors,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- you're going to get more of a breeze coming through.- Yeah.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- You know, it is a blank canvas. - Oh, gosh, yeah, absolutely.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09But I can picture our furniture, our way of life, our way of living.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- I can see it here. - It's not too big a...
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- Pretty much everything we've got would fit here perfectly.- Yes.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- Wonderful. Right, OK, going to continue.- OK.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23Back off the hallway, there is a fully tiled shower room
0:38:23 > 0:38:26and stairs that take us up to the first floor.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- This is your master bedroom.- Ooh! - Fantastic. This is lovely.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- This is lovely. Fabulous. - Dual aspect as well, it's light...
0:38:34 > 0:38:36It's fabulous.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- There's a door there that actually leads out onto a little terrace.- Oh!
0:38:39 > 0:38:43The table and chairs, you can sit out there. Got an en-suite here.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44- Lovely.- Great.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- There's another bedroom, that's en-suite as well.- Right, OK.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- So, both bedrooms have their own separate...- Perfect.- That's amazing. - ..shower rooms.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- Love this room.- Stunning.- Yeah? - I love it.- It's excellent, isn't it?
0:38:56 > 0:38:58- It's perfect.- Yeah? - Spot on.- Can I have the keys?
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- Well, this is all part of the dream, isn't it?- It is, it is.- Yeah.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- You know, the dream, is it becoming a reality?- It's lovely, this one.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- Everything we've got would fit perfectly.- It would, wouldn't it? - It really would.- It would.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Well, let's go outside and take another look at that view,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16- cos you can never get bored with it, can you?- No, no.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Stand on that wonderful terrace, take it all in,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21and let's talk about our options, shall we?
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- OK.- If you want to lead the way, thank you.- Off you go then.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Oh, my goodness, they absolutely love it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33I could so see them living here. Just a little bit of paradise.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39The feedback couldn't get any better. So much so, that Rada
0:39:39 > 0:39:43and David seemed prepared to overlook the fact that this property
0:39:43 > 0:39:47doesn't have a home office, as they haven't even mentioned it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52And here is your own veranda.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- Fantastic.- Lovely!- Enough of a garden for you both?- Ample.- Perfect.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Yeah, perfect size, perfect.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02And what I can offer you instead of a little office space is perhaps the
0:40:02 > 0:40:05potential of having your own boat moored in front of your property.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- That's a thought! - That would be cool. That would...
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- Yeah, we could sail into Dubrovnik. - Get some sea legs.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13So let's talk money.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16How much do you think this villa is on the market for?
0:40:16 > 0:40:21OK, bearing in mind it is a two-bed, I'm hoping...
0:40:21 > 0:40:23375,000.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I would say...
0:40:25 > 0:40:27It is definitely the lower part of our budget, but I think,
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- because of the premium of the waterfront, I would say £400,000.- OK.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37The asking price for this villa is just under £300,000.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- No!- Under? That is fantastic.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- Gosh.- Well, that would leave plenty for...- Office rental.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- ..for office rental.- A boat.- For the boat! Oh, that is...- Fantastic.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- That is fantastic. That is really good news.- Wow.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Are we getting a step closer, guys? - We are.- I think we are.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Why don't you wander around on your own round the villa?- OK.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- Now you know that price, everything looks a little bit more rosy, if it didn't before.- Absolutely.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- And, yeah, give me a shout when you're ready.- OK.- Thank you.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03- Perfect.- OK, off you go.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Has to be the icing on the Croatian cake, doesn't it,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12with a price like that? And they already loved the property.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15What it does do is give them so much money to play with.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18If they do want to find somewhere else for the business,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22to rent a little place perhaps in the town, they have got enough left in their funds to do it.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25It's all going rather well, I think.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Oh, this is amazing. Look at this.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- This is a lovely little use of space, isn't it?- Look at this.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- And what a view.- Wow.- What a view.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35See me running along there in the mornings.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40You could see me coming back, put the kettle on. It's beautiful.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I could live here.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Definitely.- I could live here.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49Surprisingly over £150,000 under budget,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52this modern terraced villa is set right on the seafront
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and comes with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59two en-suite double bedrooms, a garage
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and terraced verandas with outstanding views over the bay.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06I loved it the minute we walked up to it.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09I think when we looked over the wall and saw the outside,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12it looked fantastic, looked new and modern, sharp.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15It's similar to what we've got at the moment, which is contemporary-modern,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18but it has been picked up and put in a fantastic new setting.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20It's amazing.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I asked Nicki for the keys, and I don't know where she is,
0:42:23 > 0:42:24but I still want them!
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Living somewhere like this, this close to the water's edge,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31you'd have to get a boat. And, yeah, I think...
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Yeah, I would get a speedboat.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I would absolutely get a speedboat here. It would be just fantastic.
0:42:40 > 0:42:45- I wondered where you two had got to! - Hello.- Are you taking in the views?
0:42:45 > 0:42:47We are, it's amazing.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Seems a shame to drag you away, but that's it, I'm afraid.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- You don't want to leave, do you? - Not really.
0:42:52 > 0:42:53THEY LAUGH
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- I'll have to persuade you! Come on, then.- OK.- OK.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07It's another beautiful day on the Adriatic Coast,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09and despite his lack of language skills,
0:43:09 > 0:43:13no-one could accuse David of not getting stuck right in.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21- Hi, there.- Ah! Hi, welcome back. How was it?- Yeah, it was great.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23It was excellent. It's lovely out there.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- Stopped at the market...- Mmm! - ..got some peaches...- Yeah?
0:43:26 > 0:43:28..and pears and just got bits.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- It's really good down there, there's loads of stuff.- Yeah?
0:43:32 > 0:43:35Did you buy it in Croatian or did you buy it in English?
0:43:35 > 0:43:36Did a lot of pointing.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39So, while I was having my lie in and you were out running
0:43:39 > 0:43:42round the walls, was it busy or was it quiet?
0:43:42 > 0:43:44It got busier, yeah, while I was out there.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48- In fact, it's quite busy down there now.- Already?- Already.- OK.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52- But it's still quiet up here, so... - Yeah, that is true.
0:43:52 > 0:43:57- You don't hear anybody downstairs, do you?- No, not at all.
0:43:57 > 0:44:02It's the last day of house-hunting and we have one final property to show David and Rada.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06And with our mystery house, I am really pushing the boat out.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12Our buyers want to be a maximum of an hour's drive from the airport,
0:44:12 > 0:44:15but for the mystery property, I'm taking them right
0:44:15 > 0:44:19out of their comfort zone, away from the mainland, and over to an island.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25Our final destination is Korcula, which is not only a two-hour
0:44:25 > 0:44:30drive from Dubrovnik, but it also involves a 15-minute ferry crossing.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- It is planes, trains and automobiles on this trip, isn't it?- It is!
0:44:36 > 0:44:40So you've probably guessed, we are heading for that island, Korcula,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43which I think you two know already, don't you?
0:44:43 > 0:44:48Yeah. Funny enough, it was the first place we discussed when we talked about moving over here.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50We saw a big property online and thought,
0:44:50 > 0:44:52"That would be great, living on an island."
0:44:52 > 0:44:57So the whole idea of potentially being two hours away from an airport, not an hour,
0:44:57 > 0:45:00we've got to find out if that is a compromise worth making.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04But it's great you've already been receptive to it.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07Completely encircled by the crystal-clear waters
0:45:07 > 0:45:08of the Adriatic Sea,
0:45:08 > 0:45:12Korcula is the second most populous island in Croatia,
0:45:12 > 0:45:14with around 16,000 inhabitants.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18At just under 30 miles long, there's a mix of landscapes,
0:45:18 > 0:45:21from a town with a good range of essentials
0:45:21 > 0:45:25to lush rural countryside, vibrantly patchworked with farmland.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30But the final property we've lined up is just a ten-minute drive
0:45:30 > 0:45:32from the main town and right on the sea edge.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- So you've got a beautiful harbour here.- Yeah.- Really exquisite.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44And your mystery house, or should that be apartments,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46- is right in front of us. - Oh!- Right, OK.
0:45:47 > 0:45:51As you can see, it's terraced, and that's the whole property.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56- Fabulous!- Shall we start?- Shall we? - Our final property?- Exactly.
0:45:56 > 0:45:57Come on.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06This property is divided up into three,
0:46:06 > 0:46:08so you've got an apartment at the top,
0:46:08 > 0:46:10you've got another apartment here,
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and you've actually got a third studio apartment
0:46:13 > 0:46:15right on the water's edge.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- Oh, OK.- That's interesting.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20There's space for just one of David's sports cars
0:46:20 > 0:46:21in the twin garages,
0:46:21 > 0:46:24as half has been converted into a studio flat,
0:46:24 > 0:46:26which could make a good office.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29But the bulk of the property is up on slightly higher ground
0:46:29 > 0:46:32where a large, sunny terrace takes us straight into
0:46:32 > 0:46:36the open plan reception of the ground floor apartment.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37What do you think of this space?
0:46:37 > 0:46:41We'll explore a little bit more, but just as you walk in the door?
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- It doesn't actually look very big, to be honest.- No.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46It's a bit darker as well.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48So...
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- Doesn't flow that well, does it, somehow?- No?
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- First impressions aren't hitting you?- No, not quite.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58It's slightly raised. You've got your dining area there.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01You've got two double bedrooms on this side.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- Neither of them are en suite.- OK.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06Bear in mind this is just one of the apartments.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10You might want to put in a staircase and make it into a house.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14Personally, if I was looking around this apartment,
0:47:14 > 0:47:16that's what I would consider doing.
0:47:16 > 0:47:17- OK.- I agree.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21All right, well, let's go through, check out the kitchen.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27So this is going to be the intimate kitchen,
0:47:27 > 0:47:30because we've got to cuddle up to all get into it.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33I've got to say galley kitchens aren't our style, are they, really?
0:47:33 > 0:47:35This is a very narrow galley kitchen.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39Behind us is the family bathroom.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42I think we should go upstairs and see that second apartment,
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- because then it gives you a bigger picture.- OK.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52This unusual mystery house actually offers David and Rada
0:47:52 > 0:47:56the largest internal footprint of all our properties,
0:47:56 > 0:47:58so if they can keep focused on the potential,
0:47:58 > 0:48:01they could create something really quite large
0:48:01 > 0:48:03and special here in an exquisite setting.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09So...
0:48:09 > 0:48:12A little hallway here with storage.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16This leads us into a much bigger kitchen.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19- That's much brighter, isn't it? - Isn't it, yeah?
0:48:19 > 0:48:21- That's much better. - And there's a hall.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24- Yes.- Which helps.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26But I think if you're looking at knocking the two together,
0:48:26 > 0:48:29then you would probably have an upside-down house here.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32Have the kitchen and lounge and do the bedrooms downstairs.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35That would actually probably work better, wouldn't it?
0:48:35 > 0:48:37I've shown you two bedrooms already downstairs.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39You've got a double bedroom just behind you
0:48:39 > 0:48:44and if you want to follow me into the living room in here...
0:48:45 > 0:48:49..you've got an additional double bedroom, family bathroom.
0:48:49 > 0:48:54So far, I've shown you four bedrooms, all of a good size,
0:48:54 > 0:48:55but then you've got this.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57At the moment, it's a sitting room,
0:48:57 > 0:49:01but imagine that living space downstairs,
0:49:01 > 0:49:03but then having all of this as well.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05I think you'd spend a lot more time outside,
0:49:05 > 0:49:08so I think staying in an upside down house, I think it probably would work
0:49:08 > 0:49:13a traditional way - keep the bedrooms up here and keep the flow outside.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16I'm glad David and Rada are really considering
0:49:16 > 0:49:19how they can make this property work for them,
0:49:19 > 0:49:21as they did they say they would be up for a project.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25However, the extent of any proposed alterations will, of course,
0:49:25 > 0:49:27depend on the price.
0:49:28 > 0:49:33You see, any excuse to bring you out here again to see this view.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40How much do you think the mystery house is on the market for?
0:49:40 > 0:49:41I'd say it's...
0:49:41 > 0:49:45I'd say it's actually around the £425,000 mark.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49I could be way out, but I'm going to go for 325.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52OK, David, you're the closest.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57Asking price is just over £450,000.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59- Ooh.- Right, OK.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02I don't think it does any harm having another look around, do you?
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Go on, off you go. I'm still going to stay here, taking in this view.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Just tipping over into the higher end of our buyers' budget,
0:50:11 > 0:50:13the mystery house is a seafront villa
0:50:13 > 0:50:16that has been carved into two self-contained apartments,
0:50:16 > 0:50:21but as a whole, it offers four bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:50:21 > 0:50:23a studio flat and a garage,
0:50:23 > 0:50:26all with uninterrupted views across the water.
0:50:28 > 0:50:29My first impressions were great.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32We rounded the corner, saw the bay, which was stunning
0:50:32 > 0:50:35and I thought, "Great, I like this."
0:50:35 > 0:50:38Turned on our heels to view the property
0:50:38 > 0:50:40and whilst I liked the stepped garden,
0:50:40 > 0:50:45it doesn't do anything for me and I think for it to be turned
0:50:45 > 0:50:50into anything remotely resembling a home would be a tall order.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52The location is really good.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I think being this close to the sea again is fantastic.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58I think the fact that it's elevated slightly is perfect
0:50:58 > 0:51:00and the plot is really good.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03The house, however, just doesn't do it. It's too bitty.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05It would need far too much work, unfortunately.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- Ah, here she is. - I don't want to leave.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14Looks like it's our turn to drag you away this time.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17I think you're going to have to, actually. I just love that view.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19Have you seen enough?
0:51:19 > 0:51:21- I think so. - Cos that's our four houses.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23I think we need to go and have a chat.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25I've got to find out whether I'm cancelling
0:51:25 > 0:51:27that return flight or not, haven't I? Come on.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40As well as the visual appeal of Croatia's Adriatic coast,
0:51:40 > 0:51:44the purity and salinity of the sea here is also highly prized
0:51:44 > 0:51:50for the essential food preservative and flavour enhancer, salt.
0:51:50 > 0:51:51Founded for the sole purpose
0:51:51 > 0:51:53of sea salt production in the 14th century,
0:51:53 > 0:51:58the small medieval town of Ston is believed to be the oldest
0:51:58 > 0:52:01and best preserved medieval saltworks in the Mediterranean.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05Back then, salt was literally worth its weight in gold,
0:52:05 > 0:52:09so a huge wall was built to protect the salt pans,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12which was one of the longest defensive walls in the world,
0:52:12 > 0:52:14second only to China.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Today, the saltworks are owned by Mario Pejic's family
0:52:17 > 0:52:21and he's kindly agreed to give me a guided tour of the impressive site,
0:52:21 > 0:52:24where salt production techniques have hardly changed
0:52:24 > 0:52:26in over 800 years.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32So, Mario, from that first pool of water, which is half a mile away,
0:52:32 > 0:52:36to the end pool here, how long would that whole process take?
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Usually it needs one month to 45 days.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41So the salt that's in the final pool,
0:52:41 > 0:52:44- is that ready to harvest today? - Yes, that's ready to harvest.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47- We can go there to see?- Yeah? You think I've got good muscles?
0:52:47 > 0:52:49- Yeah, I think so. We'll check.- Thank you.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56Salt is produced by gradually evaporating sea water
0:52:56 > 0:52:58through nine interlocking pools.
0:52:58 > 0:53:03As the water evaporates, the salt concentration in each pool increases
0:53:03 > 0:53:07and when it hits around 25%, the salt starts to crystallise.
0:53:08 > 0:53:09You want to see how it's done?
0:53:09 > 0:53:12- Yes, please. - OK, let's take off the shoes.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Let's go inside.
0:53:14 > 0:53:15Is it warm?
0:53:15 > 0:53:17- It's a little warm.- Is it?
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- And it's good for my feet, is it? - It's good for the feet.- OK.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23- It's like walking on pebbles.- Yeah.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Nicki, this is my friend Jovo, who'll help us.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- Nice to meet you.- Hi.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34- So the three of us together, we're going to harvest the salt?- Yes.
0:53:34 > 0:53:35Put it like this.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39- Yep.- And just push.
0:53:39 > 0:53:40Slowly.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45Once compulsory for all Ston residents,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49now the harvesting is done by local volunteers during the summer months.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53- Look at the colour. It's so pristine, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55And how good is the quality of your salt?
0:53:56 > 0:53:59It's good because you see the colour.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01The salt is white, it's not dirty.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04And what's so special about Croatian salt?
0:54:04 > 0:54:11Because this is the natural way. We only use the wind, sea and the sun.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14At its peak in the 17th century,
0:54:14 > 0:54:18these saltworks were producing some 6,000 tonnes of salt every year,
0:54:18 > 0:54:21but today that figure is closer to half
0:54:21 > 0:54:25and distributed for both industrial consumption as well as food.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28- Here is the final product, isn't it? - Yeah, this is the final product.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34Mmm, nice, I must admit. It does taste really good.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37And next time I put a little sprinkle of salt on my food,
0:54:37 > 0:54:41sea salt, I'm going to really appreciate where it comes from
0:54:41 > 0:54:44and all the hard work that's gone into harvesting it.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46- Mario, thank you very much. - You're welcome.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53We've all fallen in love with Croatia,
0:54:53 > 0:54:56but have any of our properties worked their magic
0:54:56 > 0:54:59on David and Rada? It's time to find out.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07David and Rada, it started off as a dream, wanting to move here.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11Is it going to be a reality? That is the question, really, isn't it?
0:55:11 > 0:55:13I think we've learned such a lot, we've seen such a lot,
0:55:13 > 0:55:15and viewed it in a different way.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18- It's been really insightful. - And what about you, Rada?
0:55:18 > 0:55:19I think more so for David,
0:55:19 > 0:55:24but I think it was a really good road into him, as he said,
0:55:24 > 0:55:26really starting to think about it, taking it on board.
0:55:26 > 0:55:27This could now be real.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30So let's talk about the properties that we've shown you.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Interesting mix, really.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34You've got a healthy budget, what did you think?
0:55:34 > 0:55:37They were very diverse,
0:55:37 > 0:55:39in very different locations,
0:55:39 > 0:55:43not something we would have picked up on or looked at ourselves,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46so it's been great to do, it's a been a fantastic process.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Did we get close with any of them?
0:55:48 > 0:55:52- You have.- I think you have. - You've got close with one.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Come on, put me out of my misery - which one?
0:55:54 > 0:55:56It's the house in Slano.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59- Right by the water's edge? - That's the one.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01And what was it about that property
0:56:01 > 0:56:03that really resonated with both of you?
0:56:03 > 0:56:04There was so many things.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07The location was spot-on, right next to the beach, fantastic.
0:56:07 > 0:56:12The amenities in the local area, the close proximity to Dubrovnik,
0:56:12 > 0:56:15but the house itself is so similar to what we've already got,
0:56:15 > 0:56:18but in a brand-new location, so that familiarity was fantastic.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20I think we could see ourselves in there now.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25But can that house deliver you the lifestyle that you want?
0:56:25 > 0:56:27I believe it can, particularly because of the price,
0:56:27 > 0:56:29which was a great surprise.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31I think that will give us enough in our budget
0:56:31 > 0:56:32to get an office or studio sorted out
0:56:32 > 0:56:35and to have a separate home/work environment
0:56:35 > 0:56:36like we have at the moment.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38Absolutely, yeah.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40So what is the next step going to be?
0:56:40 > 0:56:43Well, we've actually decided we're going to come back out here
0:56:43 > 0:56:45- in a couple of weeks' time. - Are you?- BOTH: We are!
0:56:45 > 0:56:49We're going to go back and really think about this in more detail,
0:56:49 > 0:56:51now that we've actually seen what it's like out here
0:56:51 > 0:56:53as a home rather than as a holiday destination
0:56:53 > 0:56:56and I think we're going to come back with a tape measure
0:56:56 > 0:56:57and really go for it.
0:56:57 > 0:57:02Well, hopefully, that property will be the right one for you.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05You both sound so committed to this move.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08There doesn't seem to be any doubts. Are there any doubts?
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I think there'll always be nagging doubts there,
0:57:10 > 0:57:12but I think this has really crystallised
0:57:12 > 0:57:13that this is the next move for us.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15- Yes?- Yes.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17Listen, I'm so delighted you're coming back
0:57:17 > 0:57:18in a couple of weeks' time.
0:57:18 > 0:57:19Somebody did say,
0:57:19 > 0:57:22"I'm going to write the cheque, where are the keys?"
0:57:22 > 0:57:24So I'm hoping when you come back in a few weeks' time,
0:57:24 > 0:57:25you'll be in a position to do that.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28- I would hope so.- Hopefully. - Let us know, won't you?
0:57:28 > 0:57:30- Thank you both very much indeed. - Thank you so much.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33- It's been fantastic. - It has, bless you. Thank you.
0:57:36 > 0:57:41Well, that's it for our house hunt on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
0:57:41 > 0:57:45Rada, she's always been desperate to return to her parents' homeland,
0:57:45 > 0:57:48but for David, the last few days have really confirmed
0:57:48 > 0:57:51that this is the right move for him too.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54The fact that they're returning to Dubrovnik quite so quickly
0:57:54 > 0:57:57and revisiting one of our properties -
0:57:57 > 0:58:00well, I see that as a very good sign.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03Moving to another country and wanting to change the way
0:58:03 > 0:58:06you live your life is always a huge undertaking.
0:58:06 > 0:58:10I'm thrilled we've banished some of those niggles and helped them
0:58:10 > 0:58:13take that first step to a new life.
0:58:13 > 0:58:14See you again.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19If you wish to escape to the continent and would like our help,
0:58:19 > 0:58:22please apply online at...