0:00:02 > 0:00:05If you were going to paint a fairy-tale castle, this is exactly what it would look like.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08And it's exactly what one of our most famous painters did
0:00:08 > 0:00:10back in the 19th century.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Find out who HE was and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35On today's show, we're helping a couple form
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Prestatyn, North Wales, who are looking to
0:00:37 > 0:00:40transfer their working lives into the heart of the continent.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And they certainly aim to throw themselves into local life.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46OK...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47That's it.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50CHEERING
0:00:50 > 0:00:53But will they strike it lucky in our property search?
0:00:53 > 0:00:54I'm speechless.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58I can say that's the word that's come to my mind - speechless.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Today, I'm in the Rhineland and behind me is
0:01:04 > 0:01:10the extraordinary 850 year old Burg Eltz castle in the Mosel valley.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Burg Eltz was painted by William Turner in the 19th century
0:01:13 > 0:01:16and it was one of the hundreds of castles
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and landscapes that drew a horde of writers,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23painters and poets to this area known as the Rhine romantics.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Their depictions so captivated the audience at home,
0:01:26 > 0:01:31that the Rhineland changed from being just a thoroughfare to Italy on the grand tour
0:01:31 > 0:01:34into an aspirational destination of its own -
0:01:34 > 0:01:37something that it definitely remains to this day.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is situated to the west of Germany,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46bordering Belgium, Luxembourg and France.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49The majestic River Rhine dominates the landscape,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52flowing from the region's north west to the south east.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55One of it's tributaries - the River Mosel -
0:01:55 > 0:01:58is set in some of the area's most stunning scenery.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01The number of medieval towns, such as Cochem
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and the abundance of dramatic castles along its course
0:02:04 > 0:02:08are testament to the importance of the river through the ages.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10The sheltered banks of the Mosel
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and Rhine are perhaps best known for their vineyards.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16The sun-drenched, steeply tiered hillsides
0:02:16 > 0:02:20creating near perfect conditions for the world renowned Riesling grape.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25To the north of the river lies the wooded Eiffel hills,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29characterised by a panorama of magnificent lakes,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32their distinctive circular shape formed in vast,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36dormant craters in this ancient volcanic landscape.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Away from this rural setting lies the region's capital, Mainz.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42It boasts a magnificent cathedral,
0:02:42 > 0:02:47the imposing Kaiserdom, which rises high above the historic cityscape.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Whilst a stroll around the Kirschgarten reveals some
0:02:50 > 0:02:54impressive half timbered buildings dating back to the 16th century.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59The area's mix of lovely scenery and historic sites seems to offer
0:02:59 > 0:03:01a magnetic appeal for British ex-pats,
0:03:01 > 0:03:06with over 3,500 now calling the Rhineland-Palatinate their home.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Interestingly, the average price for a German house is pretty much
0:03:09 > 0:03:14the same as in the UK at just over £200,000.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16But if you're looking for a modern property,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18German houses are on average 40% bigger,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21so you get more for your money.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Here in the Rhineland-Palatinate, £85,000 can get you a very handsome,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30rural detached house but if you want to be nearer the cities, then you're going to pay more.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32For example, in Mainz, the regional capital,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35you can pay three times that sum.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36So lots of enticing houses,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40are any of them going to be good enough to tempt today's buyers?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Will and Suzie have been married for five years
0:03:46 > 0:03:48and currently live in Prestatyn, Wales.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51But they've unexpectedly set their hearts on a new
0:03:51 > 0:03:56life in Germany following a visit to close friends in Mosel valley.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Is Germany a surprise in my thinking?
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Well, yes, it is, it's a total surprise
0:04:01 > 0:04:05but I was just captivated by the surroundings.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Germany just grew on us, didn't it?
0:04:07 > 0:04:08The fact the country was so organised
0:04:08 > 0:04:12and it was all the things that we value.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Relocating to Germany would be a significant move
0:04:16 > 0:04:19but globe-trotting Suzie seems to be taking it in her stride.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I've already immigrated from Brazil,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25all the way from South America to the UK.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31You know, moving to Germany is not a big mountain for me.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34She is very spontaneous and that was a shock to me
0:04:34 > 0:04:37cos I'm quite a plodder or a stick in the mud, really.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41But unlike my whole personality, I am utterly relaxed about this business
0:04:41 > 0:04:45of going to Germany and if I could go tomorrow, I'd just, you know...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47I'd just go.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51So the move seems to feel right and this may be down to timing,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53as their children have recently left home.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58But would the Mosel be a practical location for visiting relatives?
0:04:58 > 0:05:00We've got family in the south of England but I mean,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I look at it, we're 300 miles from them here,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07if we're in Germany we'll be 300 miles from Calais, they can get
0:05:07 > 0:05:11on the tunnel and come and see us, it's not that much further, is it?
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Despite their laid back approach, Will and Suzie do have a plan.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17They're both professional translators
0:05:17 > 0:05:20and intend to continue their work from the continent.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I work from French to English
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and Suzie works from English to Portuguese.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Germany made sense because a lot of our work is to do with Europe.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Belgium, places neighbouring Germany, France,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34but neither of us speak a word of German.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37It's going to be a little bit unsettling, I think, for me to start with,
0:05:37 > 0:05:42so we know it's very important to be able to speak the language fluently.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Will and Suzie are convinced that their dog, Lula, will also love the
0:05:46 > 0:05:49wide open spaces of the Mosel but in this family of linguists,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52there's more to their Labrador than meets the eye.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54He is bilingual.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56You know, Portuguese is his first language,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58he responds to commands in English as well
0:05:58 > 0:06:01but Lula's going to have to learn some commands in German.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Yes, got one already, sitzs. - Which is?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Which means - I think - sit.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09So it sounds like Lula won't have any problems fitting in
0:06:09 > 0:06:12and Suzie hopes her passion for cooking will be
0:06:12 > 0:06:14the key to getting to know the locals.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17In Brazil we believe in hospitality.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19The best way to get to know people is to offer them
0:06:19 > 0:06:22something to eat and if it's something nice and tasty,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25it's even better, so I enjoy that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28And they're definitely going to be in the right place to find
0:06:28 > 0:06:31a decent bottle of wine to accompany Suzie's delicious cooking.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I feel a bit foolish because I didn't realise it was a wine growing area before we visited
0:06:35 > 0:06:36but I've often had in my mind
0:06:36 > 0:06:41that in some stage of my life I'd like to try growing a few vines.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44And this looks as though it could be an opportunity.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47So our buyers can certainly picture their new life abroad
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and with their current home on the market, all that's left
0:06:50 > 0:06:54is to find out how much they'll have to fund this dream German move.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I think we're thinking in terms of £150,000
0:06:57 > 0:07:00but we'd be happy to go up to 180,000
0:07:00 > 0:07:03should the property be absolutely perfect.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Will and Suzie would like to be within reach of the Mosel valley
0:07:10 > 0:07:11and their close friends,
0:07:11 > 0:07:16so have set a search area around the riverside town of Zell.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20They're keen to get started and we're meeting in a vineyard in the
0:07:20 > 0:07:24heart of the valley to discuss the finer points of their planned move.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Here we are in the Mosel valley, what a beautiful spot you've chosen.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- It is lovely.- That's what we thought.- It's how I remember it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Yeah.- Perhaps even better.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35I know that you came here on holiday and met some friends
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and sort of fell in love with the area, I mean, is it that simple?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- It was just a sort of heart decision?- No, we...
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It was a decision that we made very gradually.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46We didn't come here with any intention to moving to Germany.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- You say that, for me, it wasn't. - Was it?- I was just in their garden...- That's a secret.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54I was just in their garden one day and I just knew in myself, yeah.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Is it an opportunity, do you think,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58for the two of you to change something in your life?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Or are you hoping to transplant your life to Germany?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I think things are really different these days with the internet
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and international communications.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10We can transplant a huge part of our existing life anywhere.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13But obviously, we are open to change, we're open to learn
0:08:13 > 0:08:19more about the local culture and to embrace what Germany's got to offer.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Let's talk about the specifics of the house,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24what are the sort of absolute must haves?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Erm, four bedrooms,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28two separate offices for us,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31a place that we can use as a hobby room.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Anything else to add to that, Will?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Erm... Broadband, as we're always talking about,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38is very important looking at it from the work aspect
0:08:38 > 0:08:40and a garden quite attracts me.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44I've been thinking about a line of vines as I'm standing here...
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Well, it's certainly the right place for that. What about style?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Do you mind something very old or something more modern?
0:08:49 > 0:08:52I don't like very old properties, I have to say.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55A more modern property would be ideal for me.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- Do you mind where you're located? - For me, ideally a village.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02At this stage of our lives, we don't want to be too isolated.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Obviously, we need a little money to play with,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07so what is our budget here in Germany?
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Erm, I think we've agreed £150,000 is ideal
0:09:11 > 0:09:16but we could go up to 180 for the absolutely right property in the right spot.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Well, we've to some lovely houses lined up
0:09:19 > 0:09:22and I'm really excited to hear what you have to say about them.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Let's do it.- Thank you.- Komm mit.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Will and Suzie are looking to spend up to £150,000
0:09:29 > 0:09:33although they would stretch that budget by 30,000
0:09:33 > 0:09:35for the perfect property.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38They're seeking a modern house with at least four bedrooms,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41two offices, and a good broadband connection.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Will would like enough space in which to grow some vines
0:09:44 > 0:09:46and they'd like to be within a community,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49preferably within a village location.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52We've got four contrasting properties lined up
0:09:52 > 0:09:53to tempt our buyers,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56the last of which will be the mystery house,
0:09:56 > 0:09:57which we have high hopes for,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00but is definitely not one for the faint hearted.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02And what they don't know yet is that they'll also be
0:10:02 > 0:10:05staying in a house that we've rented for them,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08which should give them a good flavour of German life.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Our first property is just over 20 miles from Zell,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20in the rural community of Dommershausen.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23This peaceful town is situated in the Rhine-Hunsruck district
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and is a short drive from the meandering River Mosel,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29while remaining within easy reach of our buyers' friends.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34The centre offers up an interesting mix of traditional and modern property
0:10:34 > 0:10:38with amenities which include a popular gasthaus and bank.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Our house is certainly in Will and Suzie's preferred location
0:10:41 > 0:10:44but the style isn't exactly an obvious choice
0:10:44 > 0:10:46for their modern architectural tastes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55- So, house number one.- Wow, it looks nice on the outside, nice entrance.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- What do you think?- It's older than I think would be in my time frame.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01When you say your time frame, when does that start?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- '70s onwards, wasn't it? About that, really.- OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08It dates back to the 1930s, 1934 it was built.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- This is the property, but this is also yours.- Wow.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14So you have a very large outbuilding as well, which we can explore later.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- My goodness. - Shall we have a look inside?- Yeah.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20'Despite Will's reservations about its age,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'Suzie seems intrigued by this timber framed property.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26'I just hope it proves to be light enough for her,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29'as we pass through the hall into our first room.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Come on in.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- This is the main living space. - Wow.- OK.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Lovely fireplace in the corner.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40And then this is also your dining area
0:11:40 > 0:11:43with the windows looking out south.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Suzie, when you were talking this morning about being Brazilian,
0:11:46 > 0:11:50liking lots of light, this is not a massively light property.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Is that going to be a problem for you?
0:11:51 > 0:11:54No, I do like the French window and I like these windows on the
0:11:54 > 0:11:56other side as well, the dining table.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59So it's OK, it's fine. I like this.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03I think for me, it's marginally dark, I have to say.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Not as light as I know is possible and I think we'd like.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Obviously, that's not the kind of thing that, erm, I'm used to.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13But it wouldn't be here anyway.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15And for proportions, is this going to be enough for you
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- as a living-dining room?- The size is very adequate, very good.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22To me it's on the small side, but, erm...
0:12:22 > 0:12:24What's happened? We're diverging here, but, erm...
0:12:24 > 0:12:27First impressions of the interior seem reasonable,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31although I'm surprised it's initially Will who seems the harder to please.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33And if he found the living room tight,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35the kitchen could well throw up concerns.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Come in. I'm interested to see what you think about the size of this.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Oh, dear - laughter.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Is that good laughter or bad laughter?
0:12:45 > 0:12:50It's a laugh that says it is smaller than our current kitchen, isn't it?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Yes, absolutely. - Ours is slightly bigger.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55But there is the possibility for knocking through this wall,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58there's a bathroom downstairs which you'd sacrifice or there's a
0:12:58 > 0:13:01utility room at the back of the house you could also redevelop.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04That's difficult because we do a need a place, really,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07we can move into, get life restarted as quickly as possible.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12But you know, right location could alter things I suppose.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Time to move on swiftly, so we're heading straight upstairs.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19The first floor feels more spacious with two good sized bedrooms,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23the second of which could be split into two to create a third.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25There's also a generous bathroom on offer,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28although the yellow accessories might not be to their taste
0:13:28 > 0:13:32but it's certainly flooded with light.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34We're heading up to a second level
0:13:34 > 0:13:36and the real selling point of this house.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40How lovely. Oh, light.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Very spacious.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- So there is a second lounge. - Wow, it's a cosy room.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Plenty of dead animals again.- Wow.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- But you could very easily turn this into work space, or...- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54..make this a sort of joint office.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I like it, I think it's absolutely lovely.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01I can also see us working - me working - in this room.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Even though they're not big fans of character features,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06the loft seems to have gone down well.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09The outside space is a large rectangular plot,
0:14:09 > 0:14:10mainly laid to lawn.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12The planting is currently fairly sparse
0:14:12 > 0:14:16but the garden's big enough to take a row of vines or fruit trees,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18should Will feel the urge to get gardening.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21There's also a useful shaded area for al fresco dining
0:14:21 > 0:14:23in this peaceful location.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Wow.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Nice, spacious.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Yes. Room for Lula to run around in.- Yeah.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Bit of mowing needing doing.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36The other feature we haven't talked about is the massive outhouse.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- They used to have horses, so it's like a garage for a horse box. - Oh, right.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- So you've got two garages on either side and a very tall central garage...- Yeah.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48..which would be very easy to convert into an office or to just have as storage.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50And at the side of the house, here,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53in this lean-to you've a sort of stable block.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56All sorts of possibilities - you could push out, or convert that,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58or, again, just have it as outside storage.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02How much do you think this property is on the market for? In pounds?
0:15:02 > 0:15:03In pounds?
0:15:03 > 0:15:07My guess would be about £100,000.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Will?
0:15:09 > 0:15:13I think I'd be a bit more generous - 110, 115, maybe.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16So, this property is on the market for just over £133,000.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Ooh...!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Yeah, OK, interesting.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Why don't you go and look at the outbuildings,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27because they are really substantial. And I'll meet you at the front.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Priced at £17,000 under Will and Susie's ideal budget,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34our first property represents real value for money.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36It's a detached, timber-framed house
0:15:36 > 0:15:38currently offering two bedrooms
0:15:38 > 0:15:40and a spacious loft/living room.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43A large garage has plenty of conversion potential
0:15:43 > 0:15:47and there's a generous garden with outdoor living space.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Realistically speaking, we're still very set on a modern property.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52This house has challenged us a little bit
0:15:52 > 0:15:55because it's so charming and has a lot of character.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58I could see knocking a few walls down,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00putting a few doors in,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04changing things would make this property really, really stunning.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06I'm surprised that Susie liked this house more than me,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10because she's always said she wants modern, she likes modern.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14But, I think, realistically, both of us would decide it is too much work.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- All done inside? - All done inside.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18That's the end of this house tour,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20but I have a little surprise for you guys.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23We have organised a house for you to stay in.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- A house?- A house with a garden and fruit trees.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29You'll be living next to the mayor of village.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- It is in the Mosel Valley. - Wow.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35It's not for sale, sadly, but it's an immersive taste of living in Germany.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Absolutely. - Fantastic. Thank you.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Will and Susie seem buoyed by the idea
0:16:45 > 0:16:48of this authentic German living experience.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Their rental property is 20 miles south-west of Zell
0:16:50 > 0:16:52in the village of Maring Noviand
0:16:52 > 0:16:55And they don't take long to settle into their new surroundings.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Susie is cooking up some pasta with German bacon
0:16:59 > 0:17:02and reflecting on their first day in the region.
0:17:02 > 0:17:08The only challenge for me has been buying some food to cook tonight.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12I am very, erm... keen to learn the language.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15There'd be so many difficulties unless we do,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and learn as much as we can before we actually arrive.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20People are friendly. They talk to you.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25We had people stopping to talk, to ask questions.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Though we had no idea what they were talking about.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Anyway, we can start tonight, can't we? I've got my German book with me.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Yeah, but that's cheating -
0:17:33 > 0:17:37it's your German dictionary that is German and Portuguese!
0:17:37 > 0:17:40So, it sounds like it's going to be a tough night for Will,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42as they sit down to a working dinner
0:17:42 > 0:17:45and try to brush up on their language skills.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53It's the second day of our German house hunt.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Before we show our buyers the next property offering, Will and Susie
0:17:56 > 0:17:59are taking the opportunity to see the scenic Mosel Valley
0:17:59 > 0:18:00from a different perspective,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02as they board a river cruiser at Zell.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05And these outdoor enthusiasts
0:18:05 > 0:18:09soon spot a potential activity they hadn't considered.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Interesting to see the cyclists there on what must be cycle track.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Yeah.- That'd be good, wouldn't it?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- We've got the bikes.- Be great, yeah.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- Just need a bike carrier for the car, I guess.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20To get them down to the river.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24And it's a leisurely thing that we could do.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27This relaxing cruise seems to be creating a positive frame of mind,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31as they reflect on the plus points of this stunning area.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36To me, certainly, the pace of life, and the hospitality of the locals,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I think is what attracts me.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41You get a feeling in your mind and your heart
0:18:41 > 0:18:42that it's the right thing to do,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44and you start looking for reasons why.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49We found plenty of reasons that it is a good place to work as freelancers.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Being central in Europe is very attractive.- Absolutely.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Well, our buyers are looking increasingly at home here,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57but we've yet to find them a property to cement this move.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00So it's time to get back on track with the house-hunt.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Day two of our property search of the Rhineland,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06and I'm getting ready to show them house number two.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10I think they may be too fixated on the big, modern 1970s house
0:19:10 > 0:19:13that their friends have here in the Mosel Valley,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17but this area is so rich in history and character properties,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20that I am reluctant to give them that just yet.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23So, this house has a lot of history,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26it has quirky features,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28and I think it has a little splash of Brazil.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Our second property is right in the heart of the Mosel Valley
0:19:33 > 0:19:35in the riverside community of Erden.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38The village is set in an exquisite location
0:19:38 > 0:19:40surrounded by steep-sided vineyards.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43There are records of wine growing in the area
0:19:43 > 0:19:46as far back as Roman times, and the industry still provides
0:19:46 > 0:19:49one of the main sources of income locally.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52This is a close-knit community with a good range of amenities
0:19:52 > 0:19:54including a popular restaurant.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Our property is set in the heart of the village
0:19:57 > 0:19:59but in a surprisingly quiet location.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02It's a little slice of Brazil!
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- It is, yeah! - In the Mosel Valley.- Wow!
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- That is a surprise.- Yes, we searched high and low for a banana palm here.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Oh, my goodness.- Doesn't matter about the house, it's got a banana.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Exactly. As you can see we've still kept you in the past.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20We haven't quite given you the modern house yet.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21Yes.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24So, it is an interesting property - old, 1680s - but an interesting one.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Because this area obviously was very big in wine
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and this has actually always been in the hands of wine dealers.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32It was where they displayed the wine
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and it still has a sort of wine bar which we can explore a bit later.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38What do you think of the location - we are close to the river?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41If someone could give us an idea of the flood risk
0:20:41 > 0:20:42before we committed ourselves...
0:20:42 > 0:20:44It is something to consider.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47The Mosel has a very sophisticated flood defence now,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49but it is something to bear in mind.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54Despite being a period property and somewhat limited on outside space,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I'm sensing an air of excitement as we cross the courtyard
0:20:58 > 0:21:00straight into a raised open-plan living area.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Very modern! Lovely place!
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Also, I felt that it kind of had a Brazilian feel to it.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It definitely has a Brazilian feel to it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12The white colour does it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Absolutely.- It's got the sort of kitchen you'd be happy with.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Oh, boy!- Definitely. - I'd be happy with it, as well.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Through there there's a beautiful winter garden
0:21:19 > 0:21:21with amazing tropical plants and cactuses. Great.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Surprisingly warm inside, isn't it?
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It's quite a contrast - the old exterior and the modern interior.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29How do you feel about it now you're inside?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32For me, the outside's not a problem with an inside like this.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Our buyers seem to be blown away by this bright open space.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Across the hall from the kitchen is a large office with
0:21:39 > 0:21:41plenty of room to accommodate the two of them
0:21:41 > 0:21:45while providing the all-important broadband connection.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49But we're heading upstairs to inspect the first-floor space.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Here we have one of the two bedrooms on this floor.- Yeah.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's got a sort of dressing area then, on this floor, a bathroom,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59and a second bedroom on the other side of the wall.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02The size is the size of our bedroom now.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Pretty much, isn't it? Especially as the wardrobe's outside.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08What are you thinking as you're walking upstairs?
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Getting a bit more of an idea of the house.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Let's say, I am annoyed.- Annoyed? - Yeah, it is such a nice house!
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Why does that annoy you?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Well, there are one or two little things that have to work, in my mind.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20It's not really suitable for our dog.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23There's one other thing, I thought of, as well - car parking.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Any ideas about that?
0:22:25 > 0:22:28You can park under the arch. It belongs to you, as well.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30The house itself is so absolutely...
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Nothing like I'd thought we'd look at. Nothing we've contemplated.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36But absolutely special in my mind.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39This beautiful house has really got to William.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Although the first floor only offers two bedrooms
0:22:42 > 0:22:45there is further development potential in the loft,
0:22:45 > 0:22:46should they need more space.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Outside, the sheltered courtyard may be compact,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52but it has lovely feel with a mix of evergreen shrubs and climbers,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55creating a green oasis.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58And this peaceful haven leads through to the property's
0:22:58 > 0:23:00unique selling point.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05Through your tropical garden, into your own wine bar.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11- I'm speechless!- That's the word that came to my mind! Speechless!- Oh!
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- Especially when you look down that bit, as well!- Yes!- Is there more?
0:23:15 > 0:23:17So, it's run as a business at the moment, is it?
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Yes, it's run as a little wine bar.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20But, you don't have to keep it as a wine bar.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- You said to me once, years ago, you fancied having a restaurant.- Yes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Susie's.- Exactly. That's my secret. I love cooking.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31It'd be a good way to get yourself integrated into the community.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Oh, yes. A way to meet people. Isn't it?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Well, I'm glad that you like it.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I love it!
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It was a little bit of a risk bringing you here.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- It doesn't quite fit your original wish list.- Well, it has paid off.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Actually, I had envisaged this space as the perfect office,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52but we seem to have unearthed a potential career change for Susie,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55as we head outside to get their thoughts on the price.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58OK, how much do you think it is on the market for?
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Are we talking about buying it as a property,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02or do you have to buy it as a business, or...?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04You buy the whole thing. It's all one package.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08My hunch is that it is well up to the top of our budget.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10If not over the top, so...
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I'd go for a £180,000.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17And I think this house is worth a lot more.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18£200,000. At least?
0:24:18 > 0:24:23Well, this property - and that's the old house and the old business,
0:24:23 > 0:24:28is on the market for just under £167,000.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29That's amazing.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Wow. It's amazing value.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33- Yeah.- Why don't you go inside
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Particularly take a look at the attic space
0:24:36 > 0:24:38which has phenomenal potential.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Our second property comes in around £13,000 under
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Will and Susie's maximum budget.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51It's a 17th-century village house, currently offering two bedrooms,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54but with scope to create more in the attic.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The downstairs features modern open plan living,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01but its unique selling point has to be the traditional wine bar
0:25:01 > 0:25:03set in the courtyard garden.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Oooh!
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- Look at this! - THEY LAUGH
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Well, look at this. That's a proper boiler, isn't it?
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I could have my office here.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Next to the boiler, keep me warm.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I know we're getting very excited...
0:25:18 > 0:25:22167,000 is almost "have it and worry about it afterwards".
0:25:22 > 0:25:26There is this conflict within me, in a way -
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Yes, the house is very old,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32I don't have a great enthusiasm for older property,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35but inside it's new, it's very sleek
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and it's very, very warm and very Brazilian.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40There's old and old.
0:25:40 > 0:25:411680 is genuine, proper old,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44and I really loved it as soon as I saw it.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46It would need some thinking about,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49but it's such a fabulous opportunity as far as I'M concerned,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and how I'd like to lead my life.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54I'm afraid of going to have to tear you away
0:25:54 > 0:25:57from your bistro, bossa nova bonanza.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Oh. Shame.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Well, it hit a nerve.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02You certainly have.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10The Rhineland Palatinate region
0:26:10 > 0:26:14is responsible for around 65% of Germany's grape production,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17on some 50 million vines.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Although it is a profitable business for the large vineyards,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22small family producers can struggle.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26For the last 80 years, the Kasel vineyard in Ruwer Valley
0:26:26 > 0:26:29has countered these financial pressures
0:26:29 > 0:26:31by running the business as a wine cooperative.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Local people who share a passion for the grape
0:26:34 > 0:26:36pool their time and labour
0:26:36 > 0:26:38to create their very own wine.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I know Will has aspirations to grow vines,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45so I am sending him and Susie to meet cooperative member
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Anya Brazell to find out more.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- Anja. Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.- Hi.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54So you all have other jobs, or is this a full-time occupation?
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- No, it's a holiday.- It's a hobby? - It's a hobby, yeah.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59We share all the jobs.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00So everyone has a task to do.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01Everyone has tasks to do, yes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Over the year.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07It starts in February-March, with the cutting of the vines.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10If you are a group, it's fun to be outside
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and we always go when the weather is good.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15There are currently 20 members of the cooperative.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Although they rent their own strips of land off the owner,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22they effectively club together to farm the whole vineyard.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Duties include binding the vines to the supporting wire
0:27:25 > 0:27:29and keeping any grass and weeds cut back during the growing season.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Why is this valley so good for growing grapes?
0:27:33 > 0:27:38The good thing is all the vineyard slopes are on the southern side.
0:27:38 > 0:27:44We have a lot of sun here, which is necessary for the grapes.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Also, the ground, the soil, is quite good.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It's shale, which is black,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52so during the day it heats up
0:27:52 > 0:27:57and during the night it gives back the heat to the grapes.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01These near-perfect growing conditions create bumper crops
0:28:01 > 0:28:05of this region's world-renowned Riesling grape.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06As harvest time approaches,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09the critical sugar concentration of the grapes
0:28:09 > 0:28:13is constantly monitored using a refraction meter.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Taking a grape...
0:28:15 > 0:28:19doing some juice... on this.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Then you look through,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24and on the middle scale,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28you see how many sugar is already in the grapes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30So now we have...64.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32You want to try it?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Thank you. So, what are you aiming for?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Well, last year we had around 90.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38You have a way to go.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Still a way to go, isn't it?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Although this vineyard only measures seven acres,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46it still produces six different varieties of wine.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49The cooperative covers every stage of the process,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52ending up at the labelling plant in the main cellar.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56The finishing touches are all carried out by the oldest member Jupp.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58He seems to be doing it all by hand.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00How many bottles does the he have to do a year?
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Well, around 20,000 bottles we have to do.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06All the bottles of the wine manufacturer
0:29:06 > 0:29:08are going through Jupp's hands.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- I think it's what we call a labour of love in English.- Yeah!
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Sounds like Jupp could do with a break.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17So, Susie is getting into the corporate spirit
0:29:17 > 0:29:19and lends a hand.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22A bit higher.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Once everything's packaged the wine is sold to local supermarkets,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27and directly to the public.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29The profits are mainly ploughed back into the business
0:29:29 > 0:29:33with a small surplus being distributed among cooperative members.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34Yeah, wonderful.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- Morgen! - Tomorrow you have to start here.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44And with one bottle labelled up, it's time for a tasting...
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- Prost.- ALL: Prost!
0:29:46 > 0:29:50..accompanied by a traditional toast from the multi-talented Jupp.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53HE SINGS IN GERMAN
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- ALL LAUGH - Applause! Cheers!
0:30:03 > 0:30:06What a fitting way to round off Will and Suzie's tour.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09This impressive initiative could offer up a great opportunity to
0:30:09 > 0:30:12integrate into the community, but first we need to find them a home,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16so it is time to continue the property hunt.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22For our third property,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25we're heading northwest to the Vulkan Eifel district
0:30:25 > 0:30:27and the community of Bongard.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32A good range of shops and cafes are available in nearby Kelberg.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35This peaceful town has an attractive mix of architecture
0:30:35 > 0:30:37and has a genuinely friendly feel.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40But the area is considerably further away from the Mosel
0:30:40 > 0:30:42and Will and Suzie's friends.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Our property is a ten-minute drive away on the edge of Bongard.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52I'm fascinated to see if Will and Suzie's new-found enthusiasm for period architecture will continue
0:30:52 > 0:30:56or whether they will succumb to the more familiar qualities of our next property.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Here we are, house number three. What do you think?
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- That's more like it for me.- It's a normal, built in the '70s, house.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Lots and lots of space.- Mm!
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Big private garden.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12So it is a lot more what you had written down on your wish list.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15What do you think, now that you're standing in front of it?
0:31:15 > 0:31:18From the outside, it's a lovely place. Absolutely.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21It's a bit far off perhaps where we had hoped for the location.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- For me, personally. But, no, it's all good.- Shall we go inside?- Let's.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Will seems to be sensing Suzie's excitement as she takes in
0:31:29 > 0:31:32the open space around this large detached property.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35I think we may have found her vision of a German home
0:31:35 > 0:31:39as we pass through the hall into the front-facing kitchen.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- Off that lovely, big, sun-drenched hall into the kitchen.- Wow!
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- You look happy.- I am happy.- With a view through into the dining room.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Wow! Very nice.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54The dining room continues into this very lovely kind of, well,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56conservatory, I suppose we'd call it.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58You don't think they're taking the kitchen with them?
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Yes, that is a German habit, that when people move, they do take their kitchens with them.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03I'll have to check that.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08It's not one that I've totally understood, but if we can avoid that, it's moving in, settling quicker.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12That's pretty serious talk for this early stage of the tour.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Let's hope it continues as we cross the hall to the living space.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- This is a very big room.- Ooh!
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- Lovely.- Oh, wow.- So much light coming in and so spacious.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- I love the floor. What do you think? - Yeah, I like it.- I like it too.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Very much.- Is the other house drifting from your memory? - Yes, it is now.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37I mean, not because I don't like it, but because I'm engaging here.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39It's very nice.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41As well as all this on this floor,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44you have also got a complete basement -
0:32:44 > 0:32:46a huge amount of space there.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50You've got a laundry room, a great big walk-in larder,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53and a huge space which could be a hobby room.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- Yeah.- I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the house.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Well, you've got another two storeys on top.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03There's no holding back these two as we head upstairs.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05The first floor offers up two stylish bathrooms,
0:33:05 > 0:33:09complete with sleek, built-in basins, as well as three bedrooms.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14The first is a good size, with attractive views over the garden,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17whilst the colossal master is dual-aspect,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20offering up a light-filled space.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And I'm hoping the last bedroom will really appeal to this business-minded couple.'
0:33:23 > 0:33:26There is a master bedroom, but I wanted to show you this room
0:33:26 > 0:33:29because I thought this would make a lovely study.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- That's true.- It is true, you know. - It's true.- What a lovely idea.- And...
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- Ooh!- ..step out here, have yourself a coffee
0:33:37 > 0:33:40when you have finished a particularly difficult translation.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42It's lovely. Outdoors living.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Am I allowed to cry?- Yes, please do. We love tears on this show!
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Suzie has totally fallen for this place,
0:33:52 > 0:33:54and there's even more on offer.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57The loft has been converted into another light-filled bedroom
0:33:57 > 0:34:00and also has a separate storage area.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02But we're heading out into the gardens,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04which are equally impressive.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07They extend to well over half an acre
0:34:07 > 0:34:10and incorporate lots of distinct areas including an ornate pond,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14a seating area hidden among the quirky topiary garden,
0:34:14 > 0:34:18and there's even a row of fruit trees for budding gardener Will.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23I have a feeling this is more what you had in mind for a perfect German garden.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Ohh!- Ah, yes.- This is really...
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- This is a perfect garden. - This is wonderful.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- Not only for us, but for Lula as well, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- It's very dog-friendly. You can shut the gates.- Yeah.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36I am very, very positive about this house. I cannot deny.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- I can't hide it. - Can we afford it?- Probably not!
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- How much do we think it is? - Oh, it is very, very difficult.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44£200,000.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Um, well, I'm going to compare it with our friend's house - 175,000.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53This house is on the market
0:34:53 > 0:34:58for just under £165,000.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- SHE GASPS - No!
0:35:00 > 0:35:06- I would have never guessed.- Go in, explore, make yourself at home.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10Because, frankly, Suzie's already got bought in her head.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11So Will will just have to catch up.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Our third property comes in at around £15,000
0:35:16 > 0:35:19under Will and Suzie's maximum budget.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22It is a 1970s detached house, offering up four bedrooms
0:35:22 > 0:35:26and a spacious open-plan dining room/conservatory.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The large gardens extend to over half an acre, offering
0:35:29 > 0:35:33a practical but peaceful space in this attractive village location.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35This house is a real contender.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39This house is so perfect and I am so in love with it.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41If we're thinking of the downside,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45the only thing I can think of is its distance from Zell
0:35:45 > 0:35:49and that part of Mosel Valley where we have got contacts and friends.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Do we want to put ourselves that far away from people that we already know?
0:35:53 > 0:35:57A more modern house is better suited
0:35:57 > 0:36:00and confirms what is in my mind is what is in my heart.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Ooh, I was dozing off in the sun. It's lovely here.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05THEY LAUGH
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- Are you all done? - We're all done.- Yes, thank you.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13- Your last house of the day, we can go find a place to rest and you can digest them all.- OK.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Will and Suzie were originally drawn to the Mosel by its scenery
0:36:22 > 0:36:24and an established friendship.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28But they seem to appreciate the importance of integrating into the German community.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31We have come to the attractive town of Kirchberg
0:36:31 > 0:36:34to meet a British couple who have done just that.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38'Peter and Norma Hudson relocated to the area two-and-a-half years ago
0:36:38 > 0:36:42'to enjoy their newly-retired life in this beautiful part of Germany.'
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- So, they are hoping to move to this part of the world.- Super!
0:36:47 > 0:36:49And one of the key questions is,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51did you speak any German when you arrived?
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Ooh, a smidgen. A very small amount!
0:36:54 > 0:36:56That's very encouraging! There's hope for us.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59Would you characterise your German knowledge as a smidgen now?
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Mine is less than a smidgen! - Oh, mine is...
0:37:02 > 0:37:03No, it isn't, really.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07How easy has it been to integrate English into German culture?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- Oh, reasonably easily, I suppose. - What's the trick?
0:37:12 > 0:37:13THEY LAUGH
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Attend all the festivals, because you're bound to meet somebody.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21And this is how we met Heinie, our friends that we're hoping to see.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24And he asked us if we had ever played bowls.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29And we said, "No." So he said, "Why don't you come along?"
0:37:29 > 0:37:31And so now, quite regularly,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35there's eight Germans and just the two of us and we play bowls.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'And Norma and Peter have kindly arranged for us to experience
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'this slice of German life at the back of a local pizzeria.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46The sport of Kegeln, or ninepin bowling,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48is actually a national obsession,
0:37:48 > 0:37:52with over 90,000 Germans filling the alleys throughout the year.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Norma and Peter's bowling partners, Heinie and Hilda,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57look pretty proficient.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00So a demo is in order for our first-time Keglers.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Right.- Stand straight, you're more likely to get it straight.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Watch me now put it in the gully. - So you're going to show us...? - I'll show you, yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14LAUGHTER
0:38:15 > 0:38:18I suspect Norma's top of the local league.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Kegeln dates back to the 12th century,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23the first club having been formed by a group of monks.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27And there are a few differences to the game of tenpin bowling.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Ah, they've got no holes for the fingers!
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- Oh, my goodness!- Right, straight down the middle.- OK.- That's it.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38YES!
0:38:38 > 0:38:40LAUGHTER
0:38:40 > 0:38:44I think Norma could be signing Suzie up for her local team.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Peter is convinced that the bowling nights are also a great way to pick up the local language.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It is very good for your German.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55If you listen to the way they speak and if you practise what you're hearing, you pick it up.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- Yeah.- For us, integrating is a very important thing.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04We love it, because we feel that we've got German friends
0:39:04 > 0:39:08but we've also got quite a few English friends out here too.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12So it sounds like Norma and Peter have settled in well.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Time to get the lowdown on German life over a drink.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Health insurance is always an issue, coming from the UK with
0:39:20 > 0:39:23the health service, and over here, we know you pay for it, so...
0:39:23 > 0:39:25PETER: Yeah, I mean, it's very different here.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30People we know that pay, they pay an average of between 200 and 300 euros per person, per month.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32So here in Germany, it's different, isn't it,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34because you insure yourself, don't you?
0:39:34 > 0:39:39Once you have a Gesundheitskasse, which is a healthcare provider,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41most things then are free.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44All preventative medicine is free.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48You will pay for prescriptions but there are circumstances in which you can claim that money back.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53If you go to your GP, they will send you on to somebody else,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- to another clinic, to see a specialist.- Mm-hmm.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- It is nearly all specialist-driven out here.- Right.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03And a lot of preventative, rather than cure.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08If I went to see a GP but my German was very limited,
0:40:08 > 0:40:10do you think they would be helpful?
0:40:10 > 0:40:11I think it's trial and error.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Go and have a chat and if they don't speak English,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16they will know somebody that does.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19In the past, I've done all sorts of DIY myself.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22I know the rules have been tightened up, you can't do electrical work
0:40:22 > 0:40:25in the UK now because you need a certificate.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27What's the dos and don'ts here in Germany?
0:40:27 > 0:40:32Yeah, on electrical work, it is very similar. You should be certified.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35I shouldn't say this, really, but it is a bit of a jobsworth culture here.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39You can... You can find yourself having three or four different
0:40:39 > 0:40:44tradesmen in doing a job that you would expect to have one for in the UK.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47When we first moved out here, we wanted a new kitchen.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52We had to have any plumbing work done, any electrical work done.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56They arrived at our house at 8.30, they brought the cupboards out,
0:40:56 > 0:41:02relevant, in order, finished, done, gone, four o'clock.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05But a bit of plumbing, you're OK to do that yourself, are you?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- I've just fitted a bathroom. - Good enough!
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Well, I am sure Peter's plumbing was up to German standards,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15but DIY aside, there are also a few pointers to bear in mind
0:41:15 > 0:41:19when purchasing a property in Germany.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23The legal process is slightly different to that in the UK.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Rather than using individual solicitors,
0:41:25 > 0:41:29an impartial notary acts for both the purchaser and the vendor,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32drawing up the deed of sale and other relevant paperwork.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35It's worth bearing in mind that in addition to the
0:41:35 > 0:41:38cost of the house, you will need to put aside around 10% of the
0:41:38 > 0:41:43purchase price to cover taxes, legal costs and agent fees.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47And finally, buyers should note that if a house is sold within ten years,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50the vendor will be liable for 25% capital gains tax.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54So, a long-term investment may well be preferable.
0:41:59 > 0:42:05It's the final day of our house hunt in Rhineland-Palatinate with Will and Suzie from Prestatyn.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06Dankeschon.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Our buyers are immersing themselves in local life
0:42:09 > 0:42:13and seem to be enjoying the genuine German experience of staying in their rental property.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17But, above all, these linguists have a steely determination to
0:42:17 > 0:42:20learn the language and are squeezing in a bit of practice
0:42:20 > 0:42:23in a local cafe before we head to the mystery house.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Guten Morgen.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30Ich mochte Kaffee Creme und...
0:42:30 > 0:42:33WOMAN REPLIES IN GERMAN
0:42:33 > 0:42:34Oh, no Kaffee? OK.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39Not exactly a straightforward order, as Will steps in to pay.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- INAUDIBLE - Oh, danke.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Four-something?
0:42:49 > 0:42:54He's looking a tad bewildered. Time for a debrief over a doughnut.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- What do you think? - It was a disaster.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58I thought it was a disaster, too, I have to agree!
0:42:58 > 0:43:02I know we came out with our cups of coffee, but it's ridiculous.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05The one thing I needed, that I bought, I forgot my phrase book.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Oh, you can easily get yourself confused with
0:43:08 > 0:43:11another language and then you hesitate so much.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13It was a little bit of a disaster.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15So, a frustrating experience,
0:43:15 > 0:43:18but nothing that a few German lessons won't sort out.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21It's the last day of our property search
0:43:21 > 0:43:25here by the banks of the River Mosel, and let's talk mystery house.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29So, from a purely property point of view, this is spun gold.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33It is an amazing location and it has so much potential.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36And I'm hoping that it might appeal to Will's romantic,
0:43:36 > 0:43:40historic side that we saw in the second house.
0:43:40 > 0:43:46But judging by Suzie's paroxysms of joys over the very modern 1970s
0:43:46 > 0:43:51house, I think it might be a losing battle to get them both on side.
0:43:51 > 0:43:52Let's find out.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57Our mystery house is situated right in the middle of the search area,
0:43:57 > 0:43:59in the coveted community of Alf.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04The town sits on a particularly dramatic point in the Mosel.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08This stunning natural setting inspired the artist Turner
0:44:08 > 0:44:12and still captures the imagination of thousands of visitors every year.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16The historic centre may be a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts,
0:44:16 > 0:44:19but it still retains a strong feeling of community.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22So the location of the mystery house should suit Will and Suzie, and
0:44:22 > 0:44:26it is the only one of our properties that provides a river view.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28And, as for the building itself,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31it definitely gives them more than they bargained for.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35But will it leave them feeling like they are biting off more than they can chew?
0:44:35 > 0:44:37Welcome to Alf.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42It is a very historic place and we have found a very historic -
0:44:42 > 0:44:44I'm afraid, not modern - mystery house.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- It is...- Which one?
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- ..this. - SHE GASPS
0:44:49 > 0:44:50Goodness!
0:44:50 > 0:44:56- All of it.- It is certainly very large.- This is definitely a project.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59You need to put your dream goggles on.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01Oh, I see. Sounds good.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07They seem a bit bewildered by this imposing 17th-century building.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10It was formerly owned by a local winemaker
0:45:10 > 0:45:13and is literally a piece of village history.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17I just hope Suzie can detach herself from her modern clean-cut taste.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20CHUCKLING
0:45:20 > 0:45:24- Chuckles all round. - Oh, my goodness. Look at that.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26So, as with all these commercial buildings,
0:45:26 > 0:45:28this would have been where they sold their products.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30So the wine would've been sold here.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32But it's also got all these lovely features,
0:45:32 > 0:45:36like the bread oven as well as the beams.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- Spectacular.- It really is, isn't it?
0:45:39 > 0:45:41The actual house is incredibly sound,
0:45:41 > 0:45:44even thought it's more than 400 years old.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47That's very, very impressive place, I have to say.
0:45:47 > 0:45:48This is just the beginning.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50One of the most lovely features is the stairwell.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00This...is part of the listing of this building -
0:46:00 > 0:46:03extraordinary balustrade.
0:46:03 > 0:46:09It's one single tree that goes all the way up.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11- This is just astonishing. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18The rest of the downstairs features an attractive rear hallway
0:46:18 > 0:46:22with a stunning fire surround and a functional utility room.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Directly below, there's also some incredible potential on offer
0:46:25 > 0:46:27with a spacious wine cellar,
0:46:27 > 0:46:32but we're following the twisty trunk up to a first-floor dining space.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35Traditionally, this would've been the floor where people lived.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39Downstairs was the reception room. Lots of sun, so you're south-facing.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42Next door is a room that is currently a bedroom.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46There's a kitchen at the back, which is OK, but small.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48The obvious thing to do, really,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51is just take out the dividing wall and turn that side into a very
0:46:51 > 0:46:55nice, long kitchen/diner and have this as a sitting room.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57We're talking about a whole project.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Revamping everything, isn't it, here?
0:47:01 > 0:47:04At the peril of completely blowing a fuse in your minds,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07I'm going to show you something that is a real project,
0:47:07 > 0:47:11cos this is child's play compared to what I want to show you.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- Really?- Brace yourself.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17The twisting stairs continue on up to the second floor and the
0:47:17 > 0:47:21main sleeping quarters, featuring no less than five bedrooms.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23They could do with a lick of paint
0:47:23 > 0:47:27but all offer plenty of natural light and up-to-date heating.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31There are also two shower rooms with plumbing in good working order.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Carrying on up the house, we're heading for the roof space.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40Notice the tree continues.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- Wow.- Wow. Sometimes English just fails us.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Oh, my goodness. Amazing place.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50This is the ultimate project.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55- I can see your point. - Yes, I can see daylight in places.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59But you've got three amazing picture windows with this incredible
0:47:59 > 0:48:01view down the Moselle Valley.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03Oh, yes.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06This would be the most incredible office.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09- I think we might get quite creative...- But wow!
0:48:09 > 0:48:12Whether that's a good or bad thing with translations, I don't know.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16Well, if you want to talk about views, wait till you see the garden.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19They may find this historic house a little overwhelming,
0:48:19 > 0:48:22but the outside space does deliver Will's dream vineyard.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28A covered suntrap at the back of the house leads round to a terraced
0:48:28 > 0:48:32rear space, rustic stonewalling creating tier after
0:48:32 > 0:48:37tier as the plot extends up the hill to an impressive vantage point.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40This is a very big step, this last one. So give me your hand.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42Oh, thank you.
0:48:42 > 0:48:43Ooh!
0:48:43 > 0:48:47- So what do you think? - I'm just dazzled. It's so beautiful.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50Who needs a house when you've got a view like this?
0:48:50 > 0:48:53You could spend all your time up here.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55Down the slope, as we walk past, there's a small vineyard,
0:48:55 > 0:48:58which belongs to the property too.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00- What can you say?- One of your wishes.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03It's just speechless, isn't it, really?
0:49:03 > 0:49:05It would require quite a bit of money to do it up.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09So how much do you think all of this is on the market for?
0:49:09 > 0:49:10I'd say 250,000.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12I would say...
0:49:13 > 0:49:15..£210,000.
0:49:17 > 0:49:24Originally, this property was on the market for just under £134,000.
0:49:24 > 0:49:30They accepted an offer for £113,000, but the offer fell through.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32There's the, sort of, scope.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34It just doesn't make any sense at all, does it?
0:49:34 > 0:49:37No, it's a magical kingdom here in the Moselle Valley.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39My goodness.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42There are a couple more features that I didn't have the chance to show you,
0:49:42 > 0:49:44which you can explore at your leisure.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48When you're exhausted from all that, I'll see you at the front.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51The historic mystery house is currently on the market
0:49:51 > 0:49:57at just over £126,000. Although the owners are open to an offer.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01It's a stunning six-bedroom 17th-century townhouse with
0:50:01 > 0:50:05a former wine merchant's room and a unique, twisting stair balustrade.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09The outside features a terraced vineyard of around a third of an
0:50:09 > 0:50:13acre, but the crowning glory is the spectacular outlook over the town.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17The thought that we could have all this for this amount of money
0:50:17 > 0:50:20is just amazing. The location is superb.
0:50:20 > 0:50:25Beautiful Moselle on our doorstep is just unbelievable.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27It's so spectacular. It's stunning.
0:50:27 > 0:50:32The history, you can feel it, really, coming off the walls and through the floorboards.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35I think it's just too much work for us, really.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40Goodbye to all this history for the time being. Let's go and discuss.
0:50:40 > 0:50:41Come with me.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51The Rhineland-Palatinate's charming capital Mainz may be
0:50:51 > 0:50:54the headquarters of the region's wine-growing industry,
0:50:54 > 0:50:57but it's also the birthplace of a home-grown talent whose invention
0:50:57 > 0:51:01proved to be the most important development in modern history.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05I'm heading to the heart of the city to meet art historian Judith Kernich
0:51:05 > 0:51:08to find out more about this great pioneer,
0:51:08 > 0:51:12whose work was one of the building blocks of modern civilisation.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Now, this is the regional capital,
0:51:17 > 0:51:19but we're not here because of its history in that sense
0:51:19 > 0:51:21- but because of one man.- Exactly.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24That man is Johannes Gutenberg.
0:51:24 > 0:51:25At the end of the 15th century,
0:51:25 > 0:51:28he invented the mass production of books.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32That's the same importance as the internet, in a way.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35You are really selling him to me. So Mainz is on the map.
0:51:35 > 0:51:36Oh, definitely.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39- So show me the museum, that'd be great.- Yes, let's have a look.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43This great figure has an entire museum dedicated to his work.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46Although a basic form of printing existed before Gutenberg,
0:51:46 > 0:51:49he was the first to print en masse.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53This was down to his groundbreaking system of moveable letters, and an
0:51:53 > 0:51:57ingenious press that revolutionised the production of books.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00Is this the original Gutenberg press?
0:52:00 > 0:52:02This is a rebuilt one,
0:52:02 > 0:52:06because unfortunately nothing has survived from Gutenberg times.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08It reminds me of the wine presses in the region.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10Is that part of the innovation?
0:52:10 > 0:52:12Yes, that's actually right.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15This Gutenberg press is 95% of a normal wine press.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17They only changed this bit down here,
0:52:17 > 0:52:21where he wanted the pressure to be applied on to his printings.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26Gutenberg found renown through the mass printing of the Bible.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29He could complete around 180 copies in the same time as a writer
0:52:29 > 0:52:31could produce just one.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34This incredible speed led to an explosion in publishing
0:52:34 > 0:52:38on a wide range of subjects, including natural science
0:52:38 > 0:52:39and even the brewing of beer.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Reading for pleasure, cosy tucked away, that didn't
0:52:44 > 0:52:47exist before Gutenberg because books were incredibly expensive.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Only the very upper class and the Church had books.
0:52:50 > 0:52:54He made it affordable for normal people, finally, to buy a book.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58Judith has agreed to show me the process
0:52:58 > 0:53:00of Gutenberg's groundbreaking technique,
0:53:00 > 0:53:03starting with the master templates for each letter.
0:53:03 > 0:53:08You can see there are very many letters, very little boxes.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11In each box we keep a different kind of letter.
0:53:11 > 0:53:12Then you set them into a little...
0:53:12 > 0:53:15This is called the composing stick, where the
0:53:15 > 0:53:19composer took the letters he needed to compose each line of text.
0:53:19 > 0:53:24The letters they didn't use an awful lot went into the upper cases.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27The other ones went into the lower cases.
0:53:27 > 0:53:28This is where it comes from.
0:53:28 > 0:53:32So the vowels and letters like S and T and R,
0:53:32 > 0:53:34they were all in the lower cases.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37The capital letters came into the upper cases.
0:53:37 > 0:53:38Oh, that's interesting.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42The casting of the individual letters was originally done
0:53:42 > 0:53:44with a lead-based alloy, but for safety reasons,
0:53:44 > 0:53:47the museum now uses molten tin.
0:53:47 > 0:53:52So, now, look. This is 300 degrees hot, fluid metal. I pour it out.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56It hardens within seconds.
0:53:58 > 0:53:59Careful.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00It's still quite hot.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06Now, it starts to harden, so... Which way round?
0:54:07 > 0:54:08- This way round.- Look at that.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14This rapid rate of cooling allowed Gutenberg to form a diverse
0:54:14 > 0:54:17range of characters at great speed.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19They would then be laid out in the desired order,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21ready for the ink to be applied.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25Any red text would be inserted at the end to create the page header,
0:54:25 > 0:54:29before laying over the paper and sliding it into the printing press.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34So you have to pull this to provide half a ton of pressure.
0:54:35 > 0:54:36Very good.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39Now, open it again, in the other direction.
0:54:41 > 0:54:47We can hear before we see if it's a good print, because
0:54:47 > 0:54:51if you've done it nicely, then we will hear the printer's kiss.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53- STICKING - Wow.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56- That was it.- That was a big kiss. Mind your hand.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59- Look at that.- Oh.
0:54:59 > 0:55:00Oh, wow. This is really nice.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05- That is beautiful. - That's what you've just printed.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10I don't know if my work's up to scratch, but it's been fascinating
0:55:10 > 0:55:13to look at how this local man from Mainz rewrote history.
0:55:13 > 0:55:17For now, I have another pressing appointment - to see whether Will
0:55:17 > 0:55:21and Suzie are closer to the dream of relocating in this lovely region.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31It's been a full-on week for Will and Suzie here,
0:55:31 > 0:55:34what with skittles and vineyards and getting their tongues
0:55:34 > 0:55:37around German, and also looking at all our houses.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39So let's find out what they're thinking.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49We started the week by the Moselle
0:55:49 > 0:55:52and we're ending the week higher up the banks of the Moselle.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56When we started off, you were talking about the anxiety of not really knowing German,
0:55:56 > 0:55:59not having ever lived here before. How are you feeling about that now?
0:55:59 > 0:56:05One thing I've learned in a week is that it is doable,
0:56:05 > 0:56:08we can learn the language. That's what we plan to do.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12What about you, Will? Have you felt that you're going to have
0:56:12 > 0:56:14a good stab at integrating, will it be too difficult?
0:56:14 > 0:56:16No, I don't think it's going to be.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20We've seen this week how friendly German people were, or are.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23I think that's been a great eye-opener to us, hasn't it?
0:56:23 > 0:56:26I've committed myself internally to really integrating
0:56:26 > 0:56:27and almost becoming German.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30- Were you surprised by the prices? - Yes!
0:56:30 > 0:56:32- We were. I was.- Yes and no.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36We had a pretty good idea of what prices were, except the sort of
0:56:36 > 0:56:39properties you showed us, cos we've not looked at anything like that.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42That was a complete eye-opener, the wine cellar one.
0:56:42 > 0:56:47Then the big property up in Alf that we've just seen. That's unbelievable.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51You said that you wanted to be near your friends, obviously.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55But, I mean, we gave you some properties that were pretty close to the Zell.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58Alf is only half-an-hour away from your friends.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00In terms of location, it is
0:57:00 > 0:57:03a location that we would be very happy with.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07I'm reading between the lines that none of our houses quite met the mark, even the modern one.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09I loved the modern one.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12We just think it's a little bit far from our friends.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14And I think it would be a help having them around,
0:57:14 > 0:57:16especially as the husband's German,
0:57:16 > 0:57:18administratively when we get stuck in here.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22Along the way, apart from the houses, what have you learnt? What's become clear for you?
0:57:22 > 0:57:26Coming here has just confirmed that the decision to move to
0:57:26 > 0:57:28Germany is right for us.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30Yes, it's only got better and better.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34I'm much more positive now than when I first arrived.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38It's been a joy showing you around, cos you're both very enthusiastic.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41I really do believe that you're committed and you'll come here
0:57:41 > 0:57:44and you'll find that perfect house. I can wish you viel gluck.
0:57:44 > 0:57:49- Oh, danke schon. Thank you very much.- We've really enjoyed it.
0:57:49 > 0:57:51It's been great, hasn't it? Really enjoyable time.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56We've shown Will and Suzie a varied mix of properties.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58Modern architecture remains their true love,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01but I hope we've focused their search as to where
0:58:01 > 0:58:04they really want to be - the heart of the Moselle Valley.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08And I think because the market is quite sprightly here, they will
0:58:08 > 0:58:12find the house in the perfect location and in the perfect style.
0:58:12 > 0:58:16I hope that you join us next time for more Escape To The Continent.
0:58:18 > 0:58:21Will and Suzie are still determined to make the move.
0:58:21 > 0:58:23Whilst they've had lots of interest in their house,
0:58:23 > 0:58:25they're still waiting for a formal offer.
0:58:25 > 0:58:28In the meantime, German lessons are in full swing,
0:58:28 > 0:58:31and they're hoping to visit the Moselle Valley
0:58:31 > 0:58:34in the next couple of months to clinch the home of their dreams.
0:58:34 > 0:58:37If you too are looking to escape to the continent
0:58:37 > 0:58:39and would like our help, you can apply online...