Cyprus - Paphos Escape to the Continent

This medieval castle has been besieged, destroyed, rebuilt,

and occupied by four separate nations, including the British.

Find out where it is and what country I'm in, in just a moment.

Today we're helping a Yorkshire couple who are committed

to starting a new life abroad.

And they're blown away by the local landscape.

-How can you describe that?

-It's incredible, isn't it?

But will they see the wood for the trees? Instant reaction...

You can't really see anything.

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

I'm in Cyprus, and the history of this island is pretty much reflected

here in Paphos Castle, which is located to the west of the country.

In the 13th century,

it was completely destroyed by an earthquake.

The French then arrived and rebuilt it,

only for it to be destroyed by the invading Venetians.

But, the building I'm standing on today was erected by the Turks

who used it as a prison, and then, during British rule,

it was used as a salt cellar.

Today, Paphos Castle is the embodiment of Cyprus' turbulent

and fascinating history.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea,

tucked in the Eastern Med between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The city and region of Paphos lies to the southwest,

sheltered by the peaks of the Troodos Mountains.

This is an ancient land.

Its history is shaped by a rich mix of cultures and mystical stories.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love, allegedly emerged

from the foaming sea at the rock formations of Petra tou Romiou.

The mythological theme continues in Paphos town's archaeological park.

Today, the northwest coast holds perhaps the greatest spectacle.

Lara Bay is one of the few sea turtles nesting sites

in the Mediterranean, where up to 6,000 hatchlings

start their arduous journey of discovery in the summer months.

Inland, this region is a farming community.

Traditional stone villages, such as Omodos,

nestle in the terraced vineyards before this fertile landscape

gives way to the awe-inspiring Troodos Mountains.

Decades of British rule have also left a lasting impression,

where you drive on the left whilst explain the scenic region.

It's little wonder that thousands of Britons have chosen the Paphos area

for the next chapter of their lives.

So, let's meet our buyers and find out what it is they're after.

Today's buyers are Brian from Bradford and Evie from Wakefield.

Our Yorkshire pair have been together for just six months,

having met through an online dating site,

and for them it was love at first click.

I knew that it was going to be good even before I met you.

I know you're not supposed to say things like that,

-but I did know that.

-Yeah, I can write a good e-mail.

But, for ex-health care lecturer Brian, this wasn't a chance meeting.

During a month-long visit to Cyprus, he said a prayer to Aphrodite,

the goddess of love, and met Evie on his return.

So, the island holds a special place in his heart,

and he's convinced it will allow their love to blossom.

I think the way our relationship has been so far,

as with any relationship, it grows and develops,

and I think to be able to do that somewhere

where there's a lot more outside living and open space,

that would be nice.

Some people might think the idea of moving abroad

when you've only known someone six months is a bit rash,

but I feel that when you get to a certain age, you know

whether something is right or wrong pretty quickly.

Every step you make is a gamble,

but as long as you're confident that the odds are stacked

in your favour before you make the gamble then it's not a problem.

They certainly feel this move adds up for them

despite the fact that for ex-nurse, Evie, this would be her first trip.

I'm quite happy to go, even though I've never been before.

So, I've got no idea what it's going to be like when I get there.

Brian's shown me the pictures from when he was out there before,

and it just does look beautiful.

I'm used to making new friends in new places

and I know that the Cypriots are very friendly towards the English people

that are out there, too, so I don't anticipate that it will be a problem.

So, how much have they set aside for their property in the Cypriot sun?

Top end of the budget is £200,000.

Our buyers have landed in Paphos,

and we're meeting at the ancient sanctuary of Aphrodite.

We know Evie is totally smitten with Brian, but will

the goddess of love help her fall for this beautiful region, too?

-So, Brian and Evie, welcome to Cyprus.

-Hi!

-It's gorgeous!

-It's lovely.

-Delightful.

First of all, why Paphos?

Well, this is the area I stayed in several months ago.

Most of Cyprus I haven't seen,

but I did get to know this area very well.

-So you landed here and you thought, "This will do."

-Yep!

Well, now I need to know what you're looking for.

We both prefer older properties with character,

but I think were quite open minded and flexible.

Yeah, so, I think for our budget we could get a detached villa.

And not where there would be lots of villas together,

a bit more secluded, I think.

-Number of bedrooms?

-It needs to be a minimum of two and two bathrooms.

-Mm-hmm.

-I like a bath.

-You like a soak?

-I do.

-OK.

Evie would like a pool, but I'm not too bothered about a pool.

-Why's that?

-I can't swim.

Anything you don't want?

I don't want a breakfast bar.

-Everybody raves about them, but I don't like them.

-OK, fair enough.

-What's your budget?

-Our budget is £200,000, maybe up to £220,000.

I think it's a buyers' market at the moment.

Well, I've got a few houses lined up for you to see. This way, please.

Brian and Evie are looking to spend up to £200,000,

although they would stretch that top budget for the perfect home.

They're after a detached property, preferably with some character,

and a minimum of two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Outside, Evie would love a swimming pool, whilst for Brian,

exterior living space is essential, and they'd like a secluded location.

We've got three fantastic Cypriot properties to tempt our buyers.

The last will be a mystery house, which may not have everything

they're looking for on paper,

but could end up taking their search to new heights.

For our first property, we are heading ten miles northeast from

Paphos town to the rural communities of upper and lower Stroumpi.

Many of the villagers work in the vineyards which create

a beautiful backdrop for country walks.

Local shops are within easy reach, and there's certainly that feeling

of a genuine Cypriot community that Brian and Evie seem to be seeking.

Our first property is tucked away in the upper village.

-In you come.

-Oh, wow.

-First impressions?

-Yes...I love it.

Yes, it's quiet...character...

It's over 100 years old

and all that is original stonework that you can see.

This is your perfectly enclosed oasis of a garden,

is the best way I can describe it.

What do you think, Brian?

I think the outside space is very appealing.

-I want to go inside.

-Well, let's not keep you hanging then...this way.

No holding Evie back.

This beautiful, secluded setting

seems to have struck a chord with Brian.

It's fairly compact, but it's full of citrus trees and mature planting,

and on the far side of the pool,

there's an attractive tiled sunshade.

The house itself is on one level, having been converted from a stable

and grain store, offering it a unique feel that Evie seems to love.

Straight into the kitchen.

It's quite a nice long, galley shape here.

Yes, I like the shape, it's different.

-It's a quirky shape, isn't it?

-Quirky, that's the word.

Don't look, but there's a little breakfast bar.

-Oh!

-Don't look at it.

-It's small...

-It's tiny!

-You hardly notice it.

Very English style, is that to your taste?

I might choose a more modern kitchen,

but that wouldn't be right in this house.

But, remember a lot of time you're going to be outside

and not doing much in the kitchen.

Off the kitchen, you've got a decent sized double bedroom,

-lots of built-in storage, and a bathroom.

-With a bath!

-Oh, very good.

-You ready to go through there?

-Yes.

I'll lead the way.

-The living area...

-It's nice. Very nice.

Long, thin room, but that's because it's built in a traditional style.

Nice high ceilings give it a sense of space.

Try and envision it without the furniture, though,

because it's got a lot of big furniture in here.

I can see a log burner,

which wasn't on our list, but I would have liked it to have been.

You might think why would you need a wood burner in Cyprus

when it's scorching hot?

In the winter months it does get a bit chilly.

I can imagine that this room isn't used a lot of the year,

and maybe it's more of the winter room.

It's nice.

Brian and Evie definitely love the character.

They also seem to appreciate how this traditional build

deals with the scorching climate.

To complete the tour, we're heading for the master.

You've got a shower room to the right, and into the master bedroom.

-Which is a nice size.

-It's a really lovely size.

It's got something in here that I'm personally very excited by,

and that's built-in storage. Do you have a lot of stuff?

We just need T-shirts and shorts here, don't you?

That's all you need. There is an air conditioning unit

in here to keep you cool, but there's also this...

-What a view!

-Wow! That's amazing. Lovely.

-Magnificent.

Take a seat.

-Let's mull it over a little bit.

-Mm-hmm.

So, I would like you both to have a stab at guessing

what this house is on the market for.

Brian, we'll start with you.

Well, it's difficult... but I'd go at £190,000.

-Evie?

-I'm going to go £195,000.

Brian, you're the closest.

It's actually on the market for £186,000.

Well, that's a very good price.

It's lower than I thought, and I wasn't sure what to think.

Well, I want to both now to go inside, and take your time.

Have a look around and mull it over some more between the two of you.

-OK.

-I'll catch up with you in a little bit.

-Great, thanks.

The first property...they like it. I can't quite believe these two.

They've been together five minutes and they seem to be so in sync,

but will it stay that way?

At £14,000 under Brian and Evie's ideal budget,

our first property is a traditional single-storey house with

two en-suite bedrooms and a spacious kitchen.

Outside is a newly built swimming pool,

and it's all set in a secluded courtyard garden.

-Hiya.

-Hi.

-Ready to go?

-If we must.

-You must. I've got lots more to show you.

-OK, let's go.

For our next property, we're heading to the Tala area.

The community is centred on an attractive square with

a good mix of shops and cafes.

Our house is a short stroll away up a peaceful lane.

So, guys, we're in Tala, the area you know very well, Brian.

-Yeah, just around the corner from the square.

-Exactly.

And this is the next property...

The garden looks a little bit tired

and could do with a little bit of zhoosh.

It will be interesting to see if the inside is the same.

-I quite like properties that need a little bit of...

-Zhoosh.

-Yeah.

-Well, let's go inside and all will reveal itself.

-OK.

This pretty, detached bungalow was built back in the 1990s,

but in a traditional style so it has plenty of character.

But, does the inside need any 'zhooshing'?

I'll take you straight and... into the kitchen.

Wow, that's just so different to what I thought from outside.

I would cook in this kitchen.

We're buying it!

-It's got an island.

-Yes, not sure about that.

-That's a dining table.

-It's very high.

It's not a dining table, it's an island, isn't it?

But, you can't move it, obviously.

-But, you can actually move this one.

-You can?

-Yes, you can.

And this bungalow has a lot more to offer,

including classic Cypriot stone archways

which I've been told represent the Mediterranean sun.

And we don't have to go very far, we'll stop here,

and you're into your living room.

This is a good size and it's got a log burner.

It's not huge, but it's spacious.

You don't need lots of space because you're outside a lot of the time.

And there's only us two.

I can see that your mind's ticking over, Brian.

Well, we haven't seen it all, so there's more to it obviously.

There's more rooms, there's more to it...it's nice.

What does he actually mean?

He means what he says, and he says what he means.

I think Brian is reserving judgment for now.

We'll see what he makes of the rest of the layout as we make

our way through a useful office area.

And, very important room, the master bedroom.

-So, you've got an en-suite shower room.

-OK.

This room is a really nice size. Loads of in-built storage.

Also, along this little corridor you've got another double bedroom

at the other end and you've got a really lovely master bathroom.

-But, again, it's a big shower.

-OK, no bath?

-No bath.

You've got a door that leads out onto the terrace.

What do you make of it, Brian?

It's very warm in here, but the sun's coming through the window.

But, I can see there's some shutters there.

Actually, the shutters cost about 6,000 euros to have installed,

so that's something that's already been done for you.

You could almost pluck grapes from that window, couldn't you?

-If you wanted.

-That's not even the best bit...come with me.

The more practical Brian seems to have warmed up to the interior...

outside, the bungalow is surrounded

by a pretty, mature courtyard garden.

Secret pathways cut through the colourful bougainvillea

and a variety of citrus trees in this green haven.

-Who needs a bath when you can have a pool?

-That is a lovely looking pool!

-It is nice, isn't it?

-Very nice.

-It looks like Cleopatra's bath to me.

Or, Aphrodite's.

But, the pool isn't the surprise. Take a look behind you.

-It's a bit hazy, but what can you see?

-Oh, I can see the sea!

-You can.

It's there, all right.

You could very easily get permission to extend this house.

It is a very nice house,

in a really nice location...

-with a sea view. And what you don't know, is the cost.

-Right.

-Who should we give with, Evie?

-It's Brian's turn!

-OK, Brian.

The house itself isn't very large, but it is very near Tala Square

and I know that put property prices up, so I'd go for £180,000.

-Evie?

-I think it's more than that.

So, I'm going to go for £200,000...I think it's at the top.

It's actually on the market for...

£167,000.

I think that's good... it's good value for money.

It's probably my favourite so far.

-Could you see yourselves living in this house?

-Yes.

-Are you dying to get back in there and run around?

-Yes.

-Go on, off you go, and I'll catch up with you in a bit.

-OK.

This property is more than £30,000 under

Brian and Evie's ideal budget.

It's an attractive, detached bungalow offering two bedrooms

and scope to extend.

Outside, there's a beautiful swimming pool

set inside a mature courtyard garden.

Are you ready to leave?

-If we have to, yeah.

-We've got to move on.

-OK.

Paphos is a striking region popular with ex-pats

and appreciated by its local people.

Unfortunately, recent financial pressures have contributed to

a singular problem... dog abandonment.

This is a subject close to Evie's heart.

So, we're heading to the Paws Shelter,

near Paphos town to meet two British ex-pats who are making

a real difference to the lives of abandoned hounds.

-Good to see you, this is Brian, this is Evie.

-Hi!

Kirstie and John have lived here for 18 months

and they volunteer here at the dog rescue centre.

-So, I'm going to leave the four of you together.

-All right.

See you soon.

The shelter has around 60 volunteers and is funded by donations

and fundraising.

Many of the dogs will eventually be fostered or adopted locally,

and thanks to an online presence,

some will even make it further afield.

-Ink Spot is going to the UK in November.

-Oh, wow. Does he know?

Oh, I don't think he does yet.

He'll know a difference in November, that's for certain.

What sort of roles do you have for volunteers?

The main role is the cleaning.

A bit of play time with the dogs,

and ultimately their priority in the day is feeding.

There can never be too many volunteers

because the more volunteers, the more attention the dogs get.

Really, it's a case of turning up at the shelter, saying,

"I'm here!" It's quite a social group.

We've got a nice coffee area and everybody sits down.

Some days people bring in cakes and that's always nice...

sit down and have a natter and get to know people.

So, it seems volunteering would offer a good opportunity

for Evie to meet new people.

Having made the move here themselves,

Kirstie and John have some useful tips on Cypriot life.

Do you find the cost of living is different here than in the UK?

If you want imported food, it's expensive.

If you eat what's grown here, it's cheap.

What about the heat... how do you cope?

We sort of treat it a little bit like a winter in the UK.

Jobs you need to do in the morning, you get everything done quite early

and you don't spend all day in the sun.

Do you speak Greek?

A very small amount.

English is spoken very freely here, and you try to speak Greek

and they answer in English. But, it is nice to speak the

"hellos, goodbyes, thank yous, how are you."

Those little words go a long way.

What about the fact that you are foreigners in this land.

-How do the locals respond to that?

-No problems.

We lived next door to Cypriots. We've got Cypriots around us.

I've always found them always very friendly, very accommodating.

Do you think it's a good idea that they're making this decision?

Do it, because you're at an age where you can enjoy it,

and if you don't like it, you can go back.

Some invaluable advice from Kirstie

and John on what to expect from local life, but there are also

a few points to bear in mind when purchasing a property in Cyprus.

A lawyer should ensure that the properties title deeds

are readily available as proof of ownership

can be an issue on the island.

A search should also be carried out for any pre-existing mortgages

on the property or land.

Money will need to be put aside for various costs

including legal transfer and agents' fees.

These are calculated on a sliding scale but should be

between 7-16% of the purchased property's price.

Finally, it may be worth making a separate will

for any Cypriot assets,

as inheritance laws are different to those to the UK.

Another day, another property.

And today it's time for the mystery house.

Let's just say they could pick up more than they bargained for.

And I hope they're into views.

We're heading further inland towards the Troodos Mountains

and the peaceful community of Kallepia.

The village's name is actually derived

from the Greek work for beauty, and it's not hard to see why.

This is a traditional rural community

where locals exchange stories in the coffee shop.

So, the mystery property's location would offer Brian and Evie

the immersive experience they're after.

But as for its unconventional layout,

they're either going to love it or hate it.

-And that, my dears, is our property.

-Oh!

What do you think?

It looks...different.

What does that mean, Evie?

-Um, no roof.

-No roof.

-Flat roof.

-You've got a pool which is on your list.

-Yes.

You've got a lovely property, and you've got this stunning view.

Well, the views are very amazing, but we're not looking to buy a view,

we're looking to buy a house we can live in.

This way...

'That wasn't the best of starts,

'but I'm still quietly confident

'as we head past this appealing one-bedroom villa

'which has a shower room and a shaded veranda.

'But there's more to this property than meets the eye.'

I'm very confused.

The view goes on! And this is the house you'd live in.

What's that then?

-That's your house.

-The garden shed?

You know you said you wanted space...

this is actually two properties.

So, that one you could use as a rental,

for family and friends, whatever you want. This is the one you'd live in.

-This is the real one.

-This house certainly looks more interesting.

Let's hope it looks as good inside.

They look a bit bewildered,

but I think the cogs are definitely turning,

and I'm pretty sure the recently renovated interior

will make a good impression.

And in you come... to the kitchen!

Look at the view out the window.

The kitchen is sorted.

It's clean, it's new, it's done, it's fitted out.

There's no island and there's no breakfast bar, Evie.

That's really good, and it's a lovely size.

I wouldn't change anything at all. Even the colour is nice.

Brian, can you see yourself cooking in this kitchen?

Yeah, absolutely. No problem.

Just as long as I'm not too distracted by the views

all the time. Is it better than Yorkshire then, the views?

It's not better, it's different.

I think Brian's testing the water there,

but maybe Evie really will forget about Yorkshire

when she sees the view from the living room.

-Log fire.

-Yeah, it's lovely.

And how about that?

Can't say...how can you describe that?

It's incredible, isn't it?

-It's awesome.

-Yeah, that's a big view through two big windows.

Just draw your attention to the Cypriot archway,

traditional stone that will keep it nice and cool.

You've got the beams...

Reminds you a little bit of Yorkshire houses.

Gosh it sounds like I'm really hankering for Yorkshire.

Despite another mention of home,

this traditional property seems to be growing on Evie and Brian.

I'm hoping they'll love the character.

The master bedroom...

the only bedroom.

Huge, high ceiling, spectacular view, loads of storage.

-I mean, it's a decent double.

-It's a good size.

Of course there's the other house that comes with this,

so it's not really just one bedroom.

Well, there's something else I want to show you, particularly you, Evie.

This way.

-I wanted to show you this, Evie.

-OK.

-Look at this.

-Oh, wow!

-Bath for you, and a beautiful shower.

-Can I be a bit negative?

-You can.

-There's no window in here, so there's no view.

I'd love to have a view while I'm in the bath.

We'll move the bath then...put it in the front room.

There is nothing that man wouldn't do for love.

I actually think the combined outside space

of the two properties could suit them well.

It's full of separate areas, including a sloped bed dotted

with various cacti, and a rustic pergola smothered in grape vines.

Time to see what they make of it all.

What do you think overall? You've had a good look around.

What do you make of it?

I just think it's really incredible, and what's really nice is...

if I get bored of this house, I can go and sleep in that one!

So, what you don't know is the price.

I think it's over budget.

So, I'm going to say...

£250,000.

-Brian.

-I would say £230,000.

-You're both wrong.

It's actually right on the nose...

£200,000.

Oh, could we make an offer for just one of the properties?

You're better off putting an offer in for both.

What's going through my mind is that that is an income.

I think it's nice if you've got people coming to stay,

they've kind of got their own separate part.

We'd only charge them 40 euros a day.

Our mystery property offers up two separate one-bedroom houses.

The first has good letting potential,

whilst the second is awash with traditional character.

Outside, there's a modern swimming pool overlooking those

spectacular countryside views.

Right, I've really confused you now, haven't I?

-Yeah.

-Very confusing.

-Is there a division in the ranks as well?

Not a division, just a shared quandary maybe.

That's all right, we've got time to think about it.

-Are you ready to leave the view?

-Yes.

-Right.

Off we go.

It's not a bad spot, this, is it?

-It's beautiful.

-It's very nice.

Your second time here, Brian.

-Evie, your first time in Cyprus, do you still want to move here?

-Yes.

If I could stay here now, I would stay here now and not even go back.

But, you're only going to be able to move here properly

when you've found the home that you want to live in.

Now, I've shown you a few.

I'd like to know what you're thinking.

I thought they were all really nice places.

They all had a lot going for them.

Some had some little disadvantages...

I could live in all of them, but I want to find the house that

I feel the same as how I feel about Brian.

I went to fall in love with the house,

and I really think the last house...

it had such amazing views, but for me it just lacked something.

If you had to move into one of them, which one would it be?

I think it would be the one in Tala.

The house that was inside the garden.

That was pretty good and pretty close to what we want,

but it's going to be a forever home. We're not moving from this home.

It's just got to be the one that is just right.

Obviously I'm slightly disappointed.

I thought the Tala house was the one for you guys.

We may not have found the property that we'd like,

but we've definitely found the island where we'll be.

Well, it's been an absolute pleasure to spend this time in Cyprus

with you and show you those properties,

and I wish you all the best, I really do.

-Long may your love blossom!

-Aww.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Brian and Evie, they've found the perfect life partner,

they've found the perfect island they'd like to live on,

and now they're looking for the perfect home.

I'm still not convinced they know exactly what they're

looking for, but I'm sure they'll find it,

just as they did each other.

Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.

Brian and Evie are now putting Brian's house on the market

so they can increase their Cypriot budget, and will be visiting

the island in the next few weeks to view more properties.

If you wish to escape to the continent and would like our help,

please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow