0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's thought that that rather strange-looking wooden construction
0:00:04 > 0:00:07and many more like it have encroached along this shoreline
0:00:07 > 0:00:09for the last 200 years,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13but where am I, and what is that structure all about?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Today, we're helping a nature-loving couple who between them have only
0:00:37 > 0:00:41spent one day in the region that they now want to call home.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Our property search offers them plenty of options.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- It's got potential.- It's fantastic.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- It's spectacular. It's a gorgeous view.- Yes.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- But we'd better be quick about it.- I'd just move straight in.- Ahh!
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05I'm in Abruzzo in the southeastern side of Italy
0:01:05 > 0:01:10and this strange wooden structure is actually a stilted fishing platform.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13They were built here during the 18th century as a safe way
0:01:13 > 0:01:16for local fishermen to be able to land their catch - using
0:01:16 > 0:01:20these long, thin spindly arms, they can cast their nets into deep
0:01:20 > 0:01:22water without actually having to leave the shoreline.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26They've been here for centuries and now they're protected by law,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30so they stand here proud and erect as a symbol of Abruzzo's
0:01:30 > 0:01:33maritime and cultural history.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36The Abruzzo region is situated in the middle of the Italian
0:01:36 > 0:01:40peninsula with the waters of the Adriatic bordering its eastern side.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Often overlooked by tourists, Abruzzo offers up some of Italy's
0:01:46 > 0:01:48most unspoiled scenery,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51from medieval hilltop villages to ancient castles.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Much of the landscape is mountainous,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59the snow-capped Gran Sasso or Great Rock is one of the highest
0:01:59 > 0:02:04mountain ranges in Italy and extends for around 22 miles.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08With a third of its territory set aside as protected national park
0:02:08 > 0:02:09and reserves,
0:02:09 > 0:02:14Abruzzo rightly deserves its title as the greenest region in Europe.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18The wild forests are still inhabited by wolves and bears
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and sheep roam free on the hills.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25If you're looking for a secluded and rustic new life on the Continent
0:02:25 > 0:02:29then this scenic and unspoiled region is worth considering.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Now, the remote and rural landscape of this region is
0:02:35 > 0:02:38reflected in the house prices, so that's good news.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Here in Abruzzo, you can pick up a house
0:02:40 > 0:02:43for much less than you would in the rest of Italy.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46The average detached property, even in the capital L'Aquila,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50will set you back about £190,000, so you'll get twice as much
0:02:50 > 0:02:53bang for your buck here than you would back in the UK.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56And the more remote and rural you're prepared to go,
0:02:56 > 0:02:57the more you'll get for your money.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00So what is it about this region that's attracted our buyers?
0:03:00 > 0:03:04There's only one way to find out - let's meet them.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Octave and Claire from Brighton met at night classes 23 years ago.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Octave is a site manager at a special needs school
0:03:12 > 0:03:16and Claire a sports journalist for an international news organisation.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It's Claire's itchy feet that's prompting this move.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23It's been a great job, I've had a great time. I've been there 31 years.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26I think perhaps the time has come to take early retirement.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29If we could find the right house in Italy then it would be the
0:03:29 > 0:03:33perfect excuse to quit and do something else with life.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Octave will also leave his job
0:03:35 > 0:03:39and they'll move out of the schoolhouse that comes with it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42It's a lovely spot, very quiet, and although it's been a family home
0:03:42 > 0:03:46and a great place to bring up the girls, it's never really been our
0:03:46 > 0:03:51house and it would be lovely to have our own house to do something with.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53The couple have two grown-up daughters.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56With both of them having left home and in further education,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00it's a chance for music-loving Octave and Claire to unwind
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and they couldn't have chosen a better location.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07We normally go to Italy at least once or twice a year
0:04:07 > 0:04:12and we've been doing that for roughly around 20 years.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17Me and Claire and the girls, we all like the Italian way of living
0:04:17 > 0:04:21and food and the relaxing manner that they have over there.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- And the weather.- Oh, yes, and the weather!
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Although Claire spent a year living in Rome and can speak Italian,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31she's only been to Abruzzo once, for 24 hours.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34For Octave, it's new territory.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Some people may think that we're crazy,
0:04:36 > 0:04:42going to a region that we've never been to together.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45But we've heard it's beautiful, it's got lots of national parks,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50mountains, lakes, wild bears. I want to see wild bears!
0:04:50 > 0:04:54And it's supposed to be a good place to buy property.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58And the nature lovers hope to adopt a slice of the good life once they move.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02I have a dream in Italy of having some chickens and two donkeys,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I really want two donkeys. I've always wanted donkeys!
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- You're not so sure, are you?! - No, I'm not sure about the donkeys!
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I would like to do a bit more fishing,
0:05:10 > 0:05:17so when we move to Abruzzo, I'll be able to do it at my own leisure.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19They may have a romanticised view of the country,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23but they've thought long and hard about the practicalities.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I think we should manage fine for money.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29We'll have our pensions, and if necessary, if possible,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I might do some teaching.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32I'm a qualified English teacher,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36so I might do some teaching just to help us out a bit if we need it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Despite never having visited the remote region,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42there's only really one thing that concerns Octave.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47My biggest concern about moving abroad would be that there's
0:05:47 > 0:05:52got to be a easy route
0:05:52 > 0:05:55for the girls to get to us.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58The recent sale of an investment property had given Octave
0:05:58 > 0:06:01and Claire a nice pot of cash, so they're in a position to
0:06:01 > 0:06:04move as soon as we find them the right house.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08The budget for our move to Abruzzo is £210,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Claire and Octave would like us to focus our Abruzzo
0:06:14 > 0:06:18house search inland, away from the coast and large towns.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22So I'm joining our buyers by a 17th-century church
0:06:22 > 0:06:25in the Gran Sasso National Park to establish a few more
0:06:25 > 0:06:28details about their proposed move.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Claire, Octave, welcome to the Gran Sasso mountain range -
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- isn't it spectacular? - BOTH: It is, yes.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36So what I want to know from you is why the two of you have
0:06:36 > 0:06:39chosen this region of Abruzzo to move to?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Well, it's partly because of the spectacular scenery,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44it's so beautiful here with the mountains
0:06:44 > 0:06:48and the national parks and lakes, and we just love the look of it.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54- So how well do you know the region? - We've spent 24 hours here before!
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- When was that? - Last month.- 24 hours?- Yes.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02So tell me what you're looking for. What's this dream property of yours?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06We are after something like a farmhouse with lots of land...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08How much land, what's "lots"?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Enough to keep two donkeys, some chickens,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14and grow our own fruit and vegetables. Perhaps an olive grove.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- And possibly a river at the bottom of it.- Octave really wants a river!
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Hopefully it will have fish in it, but if not,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I'll have to travel to a lake or something!
0:07:24 > 0:07:26How rural do you want to be?
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Something that feels rural, but is not at the very top of the mountain
0:07:30 > 0:07:31and completely inaccessible.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34It would be nice if there was something within walking
0:07:34 > 0:07:38distance, a restaurant or a bar or a village.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Even if it is three-quarters of an hour's walk or something.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- How many bedrooms, Octave? - About three to four.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48How much work are you prepared to do?
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Well, I'm willing to do some work with my hands with
0:07:52 > 0:07:55the aid of contractors, because I'm a little bit of a handyman anyway.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56That's very good.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Ideally, we'd like at least part of the property to be habitable
0:07:59 > 0:08:02so that we could move straight in and so that we wouldn't have to
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- move the cat more than once! - The cat is very important!- She is!
0:08:04 > 0:08:07So you don't want a complete renovation project,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11but you don't mind doing a bit of work. Lots for me to go on. Budget.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- How much have you got?- We've got £210,000 in the bank.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19We've sold a house that we had in Brighton, that's all done.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24We could have access to up to another 100,000 at a push.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28£210,000 is a decent sized budget for this area.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31But you've got access to this £100,000 as well,
0:08:31 > 0:08:32should you need it. OK.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We don't really want to use all of that, if possible!
0:08:35 > 0:08:37But you've got it there.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40We've got four fantastic properties lined up for you to see.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Are you ready to see the first one? - Oh, yes.- Absolutely.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44This way, follow me.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51On a budget of £210,000, but with access to some savings,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Claire and Octave are seeking a farmhouse-style property with
0:08:54 > 0:08:57enough land to keep some animals.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00They'd like three to four bedrooms to accommodate their daughters
0:09:00 > 0:09:03when they come to stay, and Octave hankers after a river
0:09:03 > 0:09:04or lake within the grounds
0:09:04 > 0:09:08and ideally, all located within walking distance of the village.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12While immersing our buyers in the life and culture of the region,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16we're lining up four classic Italian properties to tempt them with.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Our final mystery offering should prove that where there's a mill,
0:09:20 > 0:09:21there's a way!
0:09:21 > 0:09:25But will it be enough to inspire them to take the plunge?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Our first property is located in Carapelle Calvisio.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Perched on the foothills of the Gran Sasso mountain,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37this medieval municipality is surrounded by forests of oak
0:09:37 > 0:09:41and pine and provides a bar popular with the locals.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44With only around 100 inhabitants, this quiet and peaceful
0:09:44 > 0:09:48settlement offers our buyers rustic Italian charm on their doorstep,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52since our first house overlooks the town, and I'm hopeful that it's
0:09:52 > 0:09:56somewhere Octave and Claire will feel really at home.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59And here we are, property numero uno.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05It's over 100 years old and I would like to know what you think.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Oh, it's quite small. It looks small.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11It's very sweet and it looks from the outside like it's very well
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- cared for.- Yes.- But there doesn't seem to be much land.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17No, there is a garden, but we'll talk about the land.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20It's quite an interesting situation with the land.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Just beyond the neighbour's house is a plot of land of 300 square metres
0:10:23 > 0:10:26on for £13,000. That is an option.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29You'd get that separately if you wanted to live here.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31You could buy it, keep your donkey over there.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33I know that the two of you are very adventurous
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and you're ready for this, ready for your big move!
0:10:37 > 0:10:41You want to throw yourselves into the Italian lifestyle,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43so a little surprise...
0:10:43 > 0:10:46You're going to be spending the rest of your time here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Oh, fantastic! - That'll be good! Yes! OK.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Just check out the key. - Whoa!- That's a real key!
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Shall we go and have a look? - Yes, please.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00This characterful stone-built property
0:11:00 > 0:11:03perched on the mountainside will be Octave and Claire's base
0:11:03 > 0:11:06for the remainder of their time here in Italy.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Yes? Follow me. We're not starting here, we're going downstairs.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15The accommodation is spread over three floors and the entire house
0:11:15 > 0:11:19has been restored, retaining many of the original features.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It's currently let as a holiday home.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27We descend the stairs into the living room.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Now, we are in the depths of this property,
0:11:32 > 0:11:37so this is the living room with this fantastic vaulted brick ceiling.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Structurally, it's brilliant.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43It's absolutely solid, built in a really traditional Italian way.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Stone walls.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48The floor is new - terracotta - but dotted around the house
0:11:48 > 0:11:50you've also got original terracotta flooring.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- What you think about this room? - I think it's built to our size.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Lucky we're not six foot tall! It's perfect for us!
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- It's sweet, very sweet. Small. - Slightly small, yes.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06But very nicely done. Beautifully done. I love all the exposed stone.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Clearly,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11the snug nature of our first property is causing some concern.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It may be that Octave and Claire are thinking about the space needed
0:12:14 > 0:12:16when the girls come to stay.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20The living room leads to the kitchen and doors onto the garden.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23So here we are in the kitchen, and this time,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26the vaulted ceiling is made out of brick, which I think they've
0:12:26 > 0:12:30restored brilliantly and gives it such a fantastic authentic feel.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31What do you think?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It's beautifully done. It's very sweet.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36I think it would be lovely in the summer with these doors.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39It worries me slightly it might feel a bit claustrophobic
0:12:39 > 0:12:41and a bit gloomy in the winter.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45I think we're more used to having a kitchen with more light
0:12:45 > 0:12:49coming in than just these two doors.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51You're right, maybe in winter it would be quite dark.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Actually, the garden is south-facing,
0:12:54 > 0:12:55so when you do have sun,
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- which you will have a lot of here, it will be spectacular.- Yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Also on this floor, you've got a beautiful bathroom
0:13:03 > 0:13:05and a utility room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I know you've still got question marks about the size
0:13:08 > 0:13:10of this property.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- But there's more to show you!- OK.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The sleeping accommodation is back upstairs,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19with one bedroom off the entrance hall
0:13:19 > 0:13:21and a further two good-sized bedrooms on the top floor
0:13:21 > 0:13:25of the property, one of which could be Octave and Claire's room.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29And into...the master bedroom.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Oh, this is nice.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Now, you both wanted space, you wanted size.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Well, this room has got a lovely size to it
0:13:37 > 0:13:41and these beautiful ceilings that are done so wonderfully.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44They've exposed a few of the bricks at the top
0:13:44 > 0:13:46and then smoothed out the rest of it.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Just let's take in this floor.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Original terracotta floor,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- tiles that they've cleaned up and preserved.- It's a nice room.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57It's an absolutely lovely room.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Beautifully done out and I love the balcony. It's a fantastic room.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03More to see, follow me.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05A better reaction to the bedrooms,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08but as we head out into the garden, I'm a little concerned,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12as they've already indicated it's too small for them.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Let's hope the view wins them over.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Out we come into the garden.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23Now, Octave, you wanted to see the view. How is that for a view?
0:14:23 > 0:14:24Um...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26CLAIRE GIGGLES
0:14:26 > 0:14:29There aren't any...mountains, as such.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- Look at it! Are we looking at the same thing?- It's beautiful.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38It is beautiful, yes.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40But it seems a shame when you're in the Gran Sasso mountain range
0:14:40 > 0:14:43not to actually see any mountain peaks.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44The hills are lovely,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- but they're not the mountains.- OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50But we are in a village, slightly further down,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53the Gran Sasso mountain range is all around us.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I know we said we wanted to be close to a village, I think perhaps
0:14:56 > 0:15:00this is a little bit too close, it feels a bit too closed in.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02But this garden is so quaint.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06It's got an almond tree, a plum tree, it's got a grapevine
0:15:06 > 0:15:09and this fantastic apple tree...
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- Here you go, Claire. - Oh, dear!- That's for Claire.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Thank you!- And that's for you, Octave.- Lovely apples.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- I get a grape!- You get a grape! So you've seen the property.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24But what you don't know is how much this house is on the market for,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27so Octave, what do you think the price of this house is?
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I would say about £160,000.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37160,000. And how about you, Claire? What do you think?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I wouldn't say much different, maybe 170,000.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44OK, well, you're both wrong. By quite a bit, actually.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Oh.- It's more expensive.- Is it?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It's on at £195,000.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I'm astonished, given how little land there is.- Yes.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Are you still happy to stay here, though?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- And experience...- Oh, yes.- I think it's a gorgeous holiday home.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Absolutely beautiful holiday home,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06but as somewhere to live permanently, I think it's all too...doll's house.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- It's been done up to a really high spec.- Yes, it has.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Someone has really taken their time.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Just cleaning the floors, the walls, exposing the brickwork,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19that sort of work, that takes a bit of effort and a bit of money.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Also, you are in a really good location,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24being so close to a village.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Being right in the heart of something as quaint as this.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I'd like the two of you now to go and have a look around the property
0:16:29 > 0:16:31on your own and talk amongst yourselves.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32- Off you go.- Thanks, Anita.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Under budget by £15,000,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38we've had a lukewarm response to what is
0:16:38 > 0:16:42a beautifully restored rustic mountainside property.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Arranged over three floors, the accommodation includes
0:16:44 > 0:16:49a vaulted kitchen and living room and three bedrooms.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- This is the other bedroom.- Yes.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I don't think this would be suitable for the girls, really.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It's a bit small, isn't it?
0:16:56 > 0:16:59You could put a double bed in, but then it would be a bit cramped.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02I thought when we first approached the house it looked really sweet
0:17:02 > 0:17:06and even from the outside, you could tell it was very well cared for.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10But I was worried then that it was a bit too small, and I think
0:17:10 > 0:17:14having seen inside, I do feel it's too small for us.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- Hello.- Hello!- Are you ready to spend your first night here?- Yes.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22We're going to light the fire, crack open a bottle of wine
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- and it should be nice! - Feeling positive about this.- Yes.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29I think what we'll do is take a stroll around the village first
0:17:29 > 0:17:31and maybe have a drink and THEN come home
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- and crack open a bottle of wine! - Sounds like a good night!
0:17:35 > 0:17:38And tomorrow is another day and I've got lots of properties to show you.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Great.- So the adventure begins here, with this key!
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Thank you!
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Enjoy your evening! See you tomorrow.- Bye.- Bye!
0:17:58 > 0:17:59After settling in,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03our buyers are heading out to explore their local surroundings.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04Look at this key!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06SHE GIGGLES
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Gosh.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Let's go.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Whilst the first property might not offer a water feature for Octave,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18at least there's a plentiful supply in the town.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Or maybe not!
0:18:28 > 0:18:30The local policeman will come in a minute!
0:18:33 > 0:18:37And after buying provisions, they're ending their first day back at
0:18:37 > 0:18:41the villa with a language lesson for Octave from Italian-speaking Claire.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44How much does that cost?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Quant e? - Quant e? That's a bit short.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- "How much is it?"- Oh, quantity?
0:18:49 > 0:18:52No, two words - quant e?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Quant e? Si, signora!
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Come vai?- Come va!- Come va!
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Salute!- Salute!
0:19:08 > 0:19:11So the first property yesterday didn't quite pack the punch
0:19:11 > 0:19:13that Claire and Octave were looking for.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16It was too small and it was too close to their neighbours.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19What they want is views and land
0:19:19 > 0:19:22and I'm going to sock it to them today, because the properties
0:19:22 > 0:19:27I'm going to show them have them both in abundance.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31The next property is found close to the town of Bisenti,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35which lies nearer to the Adriatic coast.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38The medieval settlement's claim to fame is as the alleged
0:19:38 > 0:19:41birthplace of Pontius Pilate.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42The historic squares
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and narrow streets offer a rich range of facilities.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50A more modern affair than our first property, this house is
0:19:50 > 0:19:54situated in a remote hillside spot within walking distance of the town.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- And welcome to the next property. - Thank you.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00What you think, first impressions?
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I'm not entirely sure, I can see a lot of concrete,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07but I like the look at the sides
0:20:07 > 0:20:09and the fruit trees look interesting.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- But I'll reserve judgment, I think, until we see the rest.- It looks big.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- But I need to see what it's like inside.- Shall we go in, then?
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- Yes, please.- Follow me.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24'What it may lack in character at face value is more than made
0:20:24 > 0:20:26'up for by the space on offer inside.'
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Come in, come in.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Into the living room. Really decent-sized room.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Three huge sofas in here
0:20:34 > 0:20:38and that lovely wood burner to keep you nice and toasty in the winter.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Take it in, what do you think? - It's lovely, it looks nice. Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Nice and spacious.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46It's...a great size, um...
0:20:46 > 0:20:50And obviously the views are fantastic, but otherwise
0:20:50 > 0:20:55it's a bit bland, it's a bit square and straight and featureless.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- Is this the only living room? - This is the main master living room.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02It pretty much takes up a huge amount of the house.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03Yes,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- it just seems a shame just to have one big room for everything.- OK.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Let's have a look at the kitchen,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12cos I know you both like to cook. Let's turn this way.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Oh, this is sweet.- Sweet, isn't it?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18You have an abundance of cooking implements.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- You've got a gas cooker, a range cooker...- That's very nice.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Isn't that lovely?
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- And you've also got a gas oven over here.- Great.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30It's got quite an English country cottage feel to it.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- Yes, it has.- Is that to your taste? - Yes, it's quite nice.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I think it's a shame not to have a kitchen that leads
0:21:38 > 0:21:41directly to the outside so that you can eat outside easily.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Here, you'd have to go out the front door and sit by the road,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- which would be a bit of a shame, really.- Unless you could go upstairs.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Ah, OK.- Shall I take you up? - Yes.- OK! Yes!- Intrigued!
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I fear this property isn't grabbing Claire.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Also on this floor are a good-size double bedroom
0:22:02 > 0:22:07and a large shower room, the only bathroom facilities in the property.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09There are two further bedrooms on the first floor,
0:22:09 > 0:22:13both doubles with plenty of space for furniture.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16This is the master bedroom. It is a good-sized room.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17It's a good size.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I suppose we'd get the wardrobes in,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24but the main thing is the bathroom being downstairs.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I think it's a bit of a strange layout.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30You've got the terrace right outside the bedroom window,
0:22:30 > 0:22:31which is a bit odd.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It's almost like this should be a living area and
0:22:33 > 0:22:34the house should be upside down,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36but, of course, you've got the kitchen downstairs,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38so it would be difficult to do.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41There is a lot that this property has to offer and I haven't
0:22:41 > 0:22:44revealed what I personally think is the best bit yet.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- Shall we go out onto the terrace? - Yes.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Let's really take in what this house has to offer.- OK.
0:22:50 > 0:22:56- And out you come.- Oh, wow!- Oh, wow! - Yes!- This is fantastic.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- This is lovely.- You wanted a view, how's that for a view?- Fantastic.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Lovely.- It's a gorgeous view. - And beyond those hills,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09you have the Gran Sasso mountain range in all its glory.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Wonderful. - You also wanted a bit of land.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16The wonderful thing about this property that I really wanted
0:23:16 > 0:23:18to show you was the garden.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- You have 170 mature grapevines... - Lovely!
0:23:22 > 0:23:27..22 olive trees, walnut trees, Sharon fruit, elderberry,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30rosemary, plenty of herbs down there.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It's all a bit overgrown at the minute, but somebody who really
0:23:34 > 0:23:38wants to enjoy a garden could make that sing spectacularly.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- What's your overall feeling?- Um...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45I'm not sensing too much enthusiasm for this one.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51Well, the bathroom being downstairs, that's a bit concerning.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57- Also, what, would we try and shift things around in the house?- Yes.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02The terrace is lovely, the view is fantastic, the land is lovely.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05But there seems to be a lot of buts. The layout of the house, I think.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08The fact that the kitchen doesn't lead outside.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11OK, I'll let you go off and have a good look in a moment.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Before you do, I'm going to get you to try
0:24:13 > 0:24:16and figure out how much you think this is worth.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21We are a bit more remote than yesterday,
0:24:21 > 0:24:26but given the amount of land, I think it's probably about the same
0:24:26 > 0:24:32- as yesterday's, so I'd guess about 190,000.- Octave?
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Um, I would say about 195,000.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Well, the closest is you, Octave.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- Oh, right!- It's actually on at £196,000.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- So pretty much...on the money.- OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I'd like the two of you to go and look around on your own now.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Try and imagine yourselves here, think about the pluses and minuses
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- and we'll meet up at the end, OK? - OK.- See you in a bit.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Under budget by £14,000,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04our second offering is a spacious
0:25:04 > 0:25:07three-bedroom property with a fantastic terrace offering
0:25:07 > 0:25:10panoramic views of the Gran Sasso mountain range.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14It comes with nearly two acres of land.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- This is the other bedroom.- Yes.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- It doesn't grab me.- You'd need a lot of money to redo this.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27You would, cos you'd need to make it all more user-friendly,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31otherwise things are always going to be awkward and a bit irritating.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- The layout...- Very much so.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37I wasn't very struck by the house itself when we first arrived,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39it just seemed a bit...
0:25:39 > 0:25:43ordinary, a bit concrete, a bit square, not much character.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46But the views are absolutely spectacular,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48all the way to the Gran Sasso mountain range.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50They're absolutely glorious,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52you'd have a job to find a better view anywhere.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56The balcony upstairs looking out onto the land, that looks good.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59The house itself...
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It doesn't make me feel at home.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Apparently there's 120 grapevines, red and white.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- What would you do with them? - Make lots of wine!- Do you reckon?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Are you already planning your next business venture?
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Wine production in Italy! - Absolutely, yes!
0:26:18 > 0:26:21So, you've seen this house, had a really good look around.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- Mm-hm.- Yep.- I think it's time to move on.- OK.- Let's go.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Almost everywhere you look,
0:26:36 > 0:26:41olive trees are a feature of the rolling green hills of Abruzzo.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44The region is one of the country's largest producers of extra virgin
0:26:44 > 0:26:46olive oil. Every year,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49260,000 tonnes is harvested
0:26:49 > 0:26:51from its groves.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Octave and Claire have dreams of a self-sufficient lifestyle when they
0:26:54 > 0:26:59move to Italy and producing their own olive oil would be a good start.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03So we sent them to meet Francesca Di Nisio,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07owner of a family-run olive oil business in the town of Bucchianico
0:27:07 > 0:27:09to help with the olive harvest.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Hello, Claire and Octavio, I will call you with the Italian name!
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Is it fine for you? - Yes, that's good.- OK!
0:27:17 > 0:27:23- Have you ever picked olives before? - No, never.- OK, so you have your tool.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27This is called in Italian "rastrello".
0:27:27 > 0:27:29So, we use this tool
0:27:29 > 0:27:32to remove the olives from the branches
0:27:32 > 0:27:36and what I gave to you, it's something that my grandmother
0:27:36 > 0:27:42used before, when there was not this tool, but just hands!
0:27:42 > 0:27:48So everything was hand-picked and put in a basket.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53So, all the olives are collected and put in these airing boxes,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56and then everything is bring to the oil mill.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58So, look, you take a branch,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01then you pass the rastrello on it. Look.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06And then the olives fall down in the net. OK, so let's work!
0:28:08 > 0:28:09Otherwise the day pass! OK!
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Francesca's trees produce three different types of olives
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- and there's a simple test to see if they're ripe.- How will you know it?
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Just using the fingers. So, for example, this one...
0:28:23 > 0:28:28Oh, it comes out. A fantastic drop of olive oil and water.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Once picked, the olives are pressed
0:28:32 > 0:28:34and the oil separated from the water.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37300 years ago, the olives from the area would have been
0:28:37 > 0:28:42pressed in this mill, which Francesca has had restored.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45In the centre is the original grindstone, which was operated
0:28:45 > 0:28:48by horsepower and a huge oil press
0:28:48 > 0:28:50made from an eight-metre piece of oak.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53A perfect setting for Octave and Claire to taste the oil,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55which is an art in itself.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00So, I invite you to take the cup like I'm doing, then put the other
0:29:00 > 0:29:03hand over it and rotate it,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06because we have to warm it up.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09In order for the oil to be classed extra virgin, which is the highest
0:29:09 > 0:29:12quality, it must be below 0.8% acidity
0:29:12 > 0:29:14and not too sweet in flavour.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17OK, so we have to take...
0:29:17 > 0:29:20I will show you it first, and then you will repeat with me.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24You have to take a small amount of extra virgin olive oil,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28like a teaspoon, then rotate it in your palate.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Then like this...
0:29:31 > 0:29:33SHE SUCKS AIR INTO HER MOUTH
0:29:33 > 0:29:34Let me see!
0:29:34 > 0:29:36THEY COPY HER
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Yes, OK. And then swallow it.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41So I will do it first, and then you will repeat.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Salute.- Salute.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46The sucking action heightens taste and smell by allowing the oil
0:29:46 > 0:29:50to spread across all the taste buds in the mouth.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52SLURPING
0:29:59 > 0:30:00I don't think I drank any!
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- HE SLURPS - Don't do too strong... OK.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08SHE SLURPS
0:30:09 > 0:30:12What is the strongest sensation that you can tell me?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14In the throat, it's very strong!
0:30:14 > 0:30:18You know, this is called, technically, the peppery taste.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- Mm!- It tastes spicy.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Here, also, you catch the bitterness.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27The bitterness and peppery are the two characteristics of fresh
0:30:27 > 0:30:30extra virgin olive oil.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Having gained useful tips on olive oil farming,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34we're getting back on the road
0:30:34 > 0:30:38to find Octave and Claire a house that's ripe for the picking.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Our next house is close to the town of Penne,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48around 20 miles from the Adriatic coast.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Nothing to do with the pasta,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54the town features a well-preserved medieval centre.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Built from red brick, it's been dubbed "The Little Sienna".
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Our property sits in the foothills of the Apennine mountains,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07enclosed by beautiful olive groves.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Welcome, my lovelies, to the next property.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Your eyes cannot detract from that view, because it is pretty special.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- You've probably already spotted the lake, Octave.- Oh, yes.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Straight down into the valley, the location is on the money, really.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- Yes, it is.- But let me draw your attention to the actual property.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29This is the outside and the first good look you're getting -
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- what do you think, Claire? - Lovely, it looks a very good size.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36It looks like a traditional house but it looks like it's been
0:31:36 > 0:31:39newly done up and very well done up, by the look of it.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40It's nice and clean.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Let's go inside. I'm really looking forward to showing you this one.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Come on.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48'A more positive reaction to this traditional farmhouse,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51'which has been recently renovated and extended.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54'We're heading to the modern wing of the property,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56'where the kitchen is situated.'
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- This is very nice.- Yes, yes. - Very nice.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Look, beams!
0:32:01 > 0:32:03This is a real kitchen.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05And a fireplace.
0:32:05 > 0:32:10- Yes, the fireplace is lovely.- This is excellent. Just the right size.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15Mm-hm! I didn't even have to say anything! This is good!
0:32:15 > 0:32:16So, yes.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19You're absolutely right, this is a really large kitchen,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21a really good size, lots of light coming in.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25You've got French doors straight out onto the terrace overlooking
0:32:25 > 0:32:26the lovely garden.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Interestingly, though, this kitchen isn't part of the original house.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33It was built seven years ago, but done so tastefully.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Beautifully done.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- Can you see yourself in this kitchen?- Oh, yes.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Yes. Definitely.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Fire going. Glass of Amaretto.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Octave? To your liking, sir?
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- I'm lost for words, really! - That doesn't often happen!
0:32:50 > 0:32:52OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54I am going to have to prise you away now,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56cos there's more of the house I want to show you.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58We could just live in here, really!
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Can I encourage you both to move in that direction? Off you go.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04(Yes!)
0:33:06 > 0:33:08'It's a strong start to our house tour.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10'Have we finally found a winner?
0:33:10 > 0:33:14'But will the older part of the house provoke a similar reaction?'
0:33:15 > 0:33:19So, the living room. This is part of the original house.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22We've just walked past a utility room and shower room...
0:33:22 > 0:33:28Into this space, which has got the rustic, rural, cosy feel.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- If you look up, it's got a vaulted brick ceiling.- Yep.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34And a charming little spiral staircase to go up.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37So it's got a bit of character. What do you think of this room?
0:33:37 > 0:33:42It's a lovely room. I like the ceiling and I like the floor.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45It's a shame in a room like this not to have a fireplace or a wood
0:33:45 > 0:33:47burner or some sort of focal point.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- You've got the massive one next door!- Yes, I know,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53but you need one to sit round in here in the depths of winter.
0:33:53 > 0:33:54Despite the lack of fireplace,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58this property appears to be drawing our buyers in.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Again, this house has an unusual layout by British standards,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06with two double bedrooms on the ground floor, along with a bathroom.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09There are two further bedrooms upstairs, one with a bunk bed
0:34:09 > 0:34:13and a single and a three-piece family bathroom.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Plenty of space to accommodate the girls.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- So this is the master bedroom. - This is a good size room...
0:34:19 > 0:34:23Is a lovely room, beautifully done, the ceiling is very nice.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25We won't spend that much time in here, really.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Only when you bring me breakfast in bed!
0:34:30 > 0:34:32No, this is quite pleasant.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36I'm loving the positive vibes from Octave and Claire,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39so it's back outside to take in that view and the one
0:34:39 > 0:34:43and a half acres of land on offer, including a nice little surprise.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- Fantastic-size pool.- Very nice.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52It's lovely. It's really lovely. It's got everything.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55You've seen the house, you've taken it all in, you've seen the land,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57the pool that comes with it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00What you don't know is how much it's on the market for.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- So, Octave, what do you think?- Um...
0:35:05 > 0:35:08This is a difficult one because of the swimming pool.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09That adds value to it as well. Um...
0:35:11 > 0:35:14What if we said...
0:35:14 > 0:35:20240,000.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Claire, what do you think?
0:35:22 > 0:35:24I think it's definitely over budget,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28because it's got a lot of land as well and it's so beautifully done.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I think a bit more, 250,000, maybe?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- On the nose, lady!- 250?
0:35:37 > 0:35:43- £250,000...for this property. - Mm-hm.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- It's very interesting. - It is very interesting.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50I tell you what, why don't the two of you go back up to the house,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53take your time and really absorb everything this house has got
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- to offer.- OK.- Then I'll meet up with you in a bit.- OK, then.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- We'll go this way.- Yes!- Have a look down here.- Look at the land.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Although over budget by £40,000,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10our charming renovated farmhouse has intrigued our buyers.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13The property comes with four bedrooms,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17a light and spacious kitchen with open fireplace, and a swimming pool.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20This is the second bedroom, then. It's not a bad size.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23You'd get a double bed in here.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25But it always seems to be that with every house,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27there's two bedrooms upstairs and then one somewhere else,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31so it would be an issue with which girl got which bedroom.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34It's a compromise really, isn't it?
0:36:34 > 0:36:36This property is brilliant.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39I suppose the bedrooms, we'd have to jiggle things around,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42but, um...it's a contender.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47And I know there's no river at the end of the garden,
0:36:47 > 0:36:52but there's a lake and also the swimming pool, which is good.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54It's all good, basically.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56The kitchen really makes this house,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58it's the most fantastic kitchen.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03It's huge, the biggest kitchen I've seen. And beautifully done.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06And with the two big French windows that open right up onto
0:37:06 > 0:37:09the south-facing terrace, I think it would be an
0:37:09 > 0:37:11absolutely glorious room in the summer.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14In the winter, you've got this fantastic fireplace,
0:37:14 > 0:37:20which would heat up the entire room and make it really warm and cosy.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22It feels good.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Hello!- Hello!- Still smiling? - Yes!- That's good.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- Are you ready to leave? - Not really, no!
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Has this property given you something to think about?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- Yes, it's given us a great deal to think about.- Most definitely, yes.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Wonderful.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39OK, you can keep thinking, but we do actually have to depart,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43otherwise the owner will come and have us moved off his property!
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- This way!- OK!
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Later that evening,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Octave and Claire reflect on the property search so far.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Although they are still excited about the move,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04there's some concern about the remoteness.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Glorious area, isn't it?
0:38:06 > 0:38:09So what do you think about moving here?
0:38:09 > 0:38:11I think it'll be nice. Um...
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I'm not too sure about the winter, but...
0:38:14 > 0:38:16As long as we weren't right up in the mountains...
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- Yes.- You could just have so much space here, couldn't you?
0:38:21 > 0:38:24You could have endless space, it would be lovely.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37It's the final day of Octave and Claire's property search, and as
0:38:37 > 0:38:39they spend their last few hours in Abruzzo,
0:38:39 > 0:38:43it's clear that their daughters are a big consideration for this move,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46both in terms of how they'll get here during the holidays
0:38:46 > 0:38:48and where they'll sleep when they do.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52For Octave in particular, it could be the deal-breaker.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56So before we see our final property, I'm taking our buyers to meet
0:38:56 > 0:38:59some British expats who have already made the move here,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02to find out how living in this region has worked for them.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06They now run a self-catering holiday business on the fringes
0:39:06 > 0:39:08of the Majella National Park.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Octave and Claire are also keen to grow their own produce, something
0:39:12 > 0:39:15expats David and Pauline have succeeded in doing here in Abruzzo.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- Hello, David, hello, Pauline.- Hi, Anita!- What an amazing spot!
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- And what a fabulous day for your visit.- We've timed it perfectly.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- Let me introduce you to Claire and Octave.- Guys, hello, welcome,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- good to meet you.- Thank you very much. Nice to meet you.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32They're thinking of living out here, moving permanently.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34You've been here for six years already.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36I thought it would be perfect opportunity for the two of you
0:39:36 > 0:39:39to spend some time with David and Pauline to get to know
0:39:39 > 0:39:42what it is that you're letting yourselves in for.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Sure, it would be our pleasure.- Yes!
0:39:44 > 0:39:46The four of you go off, I'll just hang out by the pool!
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- What a tough gig!- It's hard!
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- Guys, come with us and we'll show you around.- Thank you.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52- See you later!- Bye.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Before moving to Abruzzo, David was a journalist
0:39:55 > 0:39:57and Pauline worked in IT.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Their life now couldn't be more different.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Instead of being chained to a desk, they spend their days
0:40:02 > 0:40:06running their three holiday villas and tending their orchard.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11One of the great things we found coming here to Italy is that
0:40:11 > 0:40:15with a little bit of land, you can grow a huge range of fruit and veg.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- Did you start this orchard from scratch?- We did.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22We wanted to grow English fruit and veg, like, for example, damsons,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25which just don't exist here.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29And what is life without damson jam and damson crumble?!
0:40:29 > 0:40:32But on the other hand, you find you can grow fairly exotic
0:40:32 > 0:40:37things like pomegranates, like lovely juicy figs...
0:40:37 > 0:40:38So we grow a mixture.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42David and Pauline also grow olives, and after their visit to the
0:40:42 > 0:40:46olive mill, Octave is keen to find out how much work is involved.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Olive farm, do you tend to them yourselves?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53They're incredibly labour-intensive.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56We deliberately didn't go for too many,
0:40:56 > 0:41:01because we didn't want to be olive farmers and it is hard work.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Something wants doing to them all the time.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Right.- So just have a few.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- We've got eight.- And how many litres of olive oil would that produce?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Um... OK, from our trees last year
0:41:13 > 0:41:17we picked about 130-odd kilos of olives.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22From that, we got about 25 litres of oil. That's perfect for us.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Unless you want to be an olive farmer,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29and you will need things like tractors -
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- I'm not kidding, you really do... - The machinery...
0:41:31 > 0:41:33It's not a case of going to a tree
0:41:33 > 0:41:36and sort of picking off an olive like that.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38There's a lot of work involved.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41With Octave left mulling over the realities of olive farming,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I joined the group for lunch,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46where we're gaining further insights into life in Abruzzo.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48What about the cost of living?
0:41:49 > 0:41:54The nearest restaurant to here, you can get a two-course meal with
0:41:54 > 0:41:57as much wine as you want, water, coffee
0:41:57 > 0:41:59and it will be ten euros a head.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- And it's really good. - It's good, it's home cooking.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06On the other end of the scale, you've got, a few miles away,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09you've got a place with a Michelin star.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10So we are rural,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14but we're not, you know, Hicksville.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16We're sitting here and it's beautiful sunshine
0:42:16 > 0:42:18and this is wonderful alfresco dining,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21but this is a really rural part of Italy. Very mountainous.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26- You have to put snow tyres on...- You do.- You need to consider getting...
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Yes, there's a law that you must carry chains for your tyres.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33From November to early April.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Normally, we will get about an inch
0:42:36 > 0:42:39and a half of snow throughout the course of the winter.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40It comes in two or three falls,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44the sun comes out, melts it after two or three days, it's all gone.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46The interesting thing about Claire
0:42:46 > 0:42:48and Octave is that they know they'd like to live in Abruzzo,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51but they've only spent 24 hours here,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53so knowing exactly where you want to be...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- You're still trying to figure that out.- We are.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58We don't want to be too far from Rome airport because we've got two
0:42:58 > 0:43:01daughters in England and they would fly in and out of Rome.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03I don't know what the links are like.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05The links... Um...
0:43:05 > 0:43:06Let's get one thing...
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- Never try to come from Rome to here by train.- Oh, really?
0:43:10 > 0:43:14The connections are awful. It takes... At least five hours.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18There's a fantastic coach service from central Rome to
0:43:18 > 0:43:21a town near here which takes three hours.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24As long as my children can come and see us,
0:43:24 > 0:43:27yeah, that's the only focus for me.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31To make sure that my children can come and see us.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Me and Claire will get along fine.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- Well, you've got along fine for 20 years, so!- We should be all right!
0:43:37 > 0:43:40As long as I've got a little space to go and play records...
0:43:40 > 0:43:43An hour away from her!
0:43:43 > 0:43:47Listen, you know that if you come here, you'll have two friends
0:43:47 > 0:43:52here already, which will be two more than we had when WE arrived!
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- Exactly! You know what? Cheers to that!- Cheers, here's to friendship!
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- Salute!- ALL: Salute!
0:44:00 > 0:44:01Some useful tips from David
0:44:01 > 0:44:06and Pauline on living in what is a relatively remote part of Italy.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09But before committing to a property purchase in any part of the
0:44:09 > 0:44:14country, there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18In Italy, you need to put 8% of the property price to one side
0:44:18 > 0:44:21for solicitors costs, stamp duty and agents' fees
0:44:21 > 0:44:25on top of the figure you're paying for the house.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27When it comes to business,
0:44:27 > 0:44:30be aware that the country's notoriously complicated bureaucracy
0:44:30 > 0:44:33means there's likely to be piles of official documents
0:44:33 > 0:44:37to absorb and even taxes to pay before starting up.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Finally, as with any legal transaction,
0:44:40 > 0:44:42be sure to seek sound professional advice.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49And so to work off our tasty al fresco lunch,
0:44:49 > 0:44:51it's back to the property hunt.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Our mystery house is located just outside the town of Arielli,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58a ten-minute drive from the Adriatic coast.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01The ancient hillside village was badly damaged
0:45:01 > 0:45:03by bombing during the Second World War, but many older
0:45:03 > 0:45:07buildings survived, including a now deconsecrated church.
0:45:08 > 0:45:12Octave and Claire's budget is £210,000, but they do have
0:45:12 > 0:45:15some extra cash they can dip into for the right property.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21Our mystery house, with its water-related heritage,
0:45:21 > 0:45:24might be the one they'll have to push the boat out for.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30- Oh, wow! This is lovely! - Isn't that something?
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- It's beautiful!- Yes.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Here we are, an original 17th-century water mill.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40It's absolutely gorgeous, I'm almost speechless.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43It's just beautiful, really beautiful.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44- I'll just move straight in!- Ah!
0:45:46 > 0:45:52And the river. The sound of the river. And the house looks...
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Looks nice from the outside.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Well, I'm not going to keep you out here for much longer.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Let's go inside and have a look.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00Follow me.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03Hidden away within an atmospheric forest valley,
0:46:03 > 0:46:07the property lacks the mountain view that Octave and Claire wanted,
0:46:07 > 0:46:10but that doesn't seem to be a problem at the moment.
0:46:15 > 0:46:20- And in you come.- Oh, look at that! Look at the fireplace!
0:46:20 > 0:46:22Wow, this is huge!
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- I've never seen a fireplace like that!- And the river!
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- And you can...- He's not often lost for words!- Yeah!
0:46:30 > 0:46:32It's just so...
0:46:32 > 0:46:37unexpected and so unusual. I haven't got a bad word to say about it.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- So for you, this is great? - Lovely, yes. Absolutely lovely.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Yeah, I haven't got a bad word to say about it.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50Our buyers seem a little stunned by our mystery property
0:46:50 > 0:46:55and it is a lot to take in, not least the four-metre-long fireplace.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57The spacious theme continues in the kitchen.
0:46:58 > 0:47:03- This is sweet.- A stone kitchen. - It is, yes, it's brick.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05A really decent size, lots of light,
0:47:05 > 0:47:10- doors straight outside for your alfresco dining.- I love it.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13I love the combination of traditional and modern,
0:47:13 > 0:47:16because it's a very traditional Italian style,
0:47:16 > 0:47:20but beautifully newly done out with a modern twist.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24The cooker and sink are fine, but the rest I'm not sure about.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Maybe it's just because I'm used to having work surfaces.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29So you don't agree on everything?
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Oh, no! Very few things!
0:47:31 > 0:47:34No! That wouldn't be life if we did!
0:47:37 > 0:47:40Perhaps Octave is already thinking about what this house might cost.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42But Claire is clearly enchanted
0:47:42 > 0:47:44and he'll have a job convincing her otherwise.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49There are three bathrooms in this property - one downstairs
0:47:49 > 0:47:51and two on the first floor.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55There are also four bedrooms, all on the first floor,
0:47:55 > 0:47:58offering a more conventional layout than our other properties.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02But I want to show Octave and Claire the master bedroom.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04I think it's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- Does the bed come with the house? - It does.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11It's original early 1900s antique bed.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13You could have the windows open in the summer
0:48:13 > 0:48:15and go to sleep to the sound of the river.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17The outside of the house is pretty special
0:48:17 > 0:48:19and I'm dying to show it to you.
0:48:19 > 0:48:24- I think I've saved the best bit till last.- OK.- Off you go.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27The garden extends to 2½ acres
0:48:27 > 0:48:29and is entirely surrounded by trees.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32There's an outside bread oven, a large pond
0:48:32 > 0:48:35and plenty of room to build a swimming pool.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38And of course, the river that would have once powered the mill.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41The lower-ground floor of the mill with its classic arched
0:48:41 > 0:48:45entrances is now divided into a garage and store rooms.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48This is a unique property,
0:48:48 > 0:48:51but there's still the small matter of cost to consider.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57- What do you think?- About 300,000? - And Claire?
0:48:57 > 0:49:00How much has this house been valued for?
0:49:00 > 0:49:03I'd go a little bit higher, 320,000.
0:49:04 > 0:49:05OK. The actual price is...
0:49:07 > 0:49:12You're good at this! 320, goes to Claire. 320,000.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15That's another Amaretto you owe me!
0:49:15 > 0:49:17- That is a lot.- It is a lot.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20It's over your budget, it is.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24But you have that pool that you've got, to potentially
0:49:24 > 0:49:27tap into, of £100,000.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30We thought it's the mystery. It's got so much to offer,
0:49:30 > 0:49:35it's got land, the river, rustic charm, it's been modernised,
0:49:35 > 0:49:37it's got all of those things.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39But, yes, the price reflects it.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43Now that you've seen it all, Octave, what do you think of it?
0:49:45 > 0:49:47- I can see that Claire likes it! - What do YOU think of it?
0:49:47 > 0:49:50- What do- I- think of it? Um...
0:49:51 > 0:49:53It's got potential.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57What do you NOT like about it? What's the question mark, then?
0:49:57 > 0:50:00It's how much work I'd have to do.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03You would have to clear some of the trees out,
0:50:03 > 0:50:06- just to make it a bit more light. - Easily done. Yes.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08I mean, it would all be yours to do whatever you wanted to.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11You could have your donkeys, chickens and whatnot.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15Why are you looking at Claire so much, Octave?
0:50:15 > 0:50:16Are you worried?
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Because...
0:50:18 > 0:50:19We have to come to an agreement about it,
0:50:19 > 0:50:22that's why I have to keep looking at her!
0:50:22 > 0:50:25Maybe a little bit of reassurance that she's not goading me
0:50:25 > 0:50:30into doing something! No, it's a nice property.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33I want you to go off and have a think, really take your time.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Go and look at the property, enjoy the fire and I'll see you in a bit.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38- All right, then.- Thanks.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Over budget by a significant sum,
0:50:43 > 0:50:46our converted water mill would mean Claire and Octave
0:50:46 > 0:50:49spending all of their extra savings.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52The accommodation includes a spacious open-plan living area
0:50:52 > 0:50:55with a stone fireplace and four bedrooms
0:50:55 > 0:50:59and all in a secluded forest location.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03There's a lot to think about, ie,
0:51:03 > 0:51:07OK, if we were to buy this property, then...
0:51:09 > 0:51:12..we would definitely have to consider the weather.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16I know the property is not too far from the village, which is good.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19If it snows, do we get trapped in?
0:51:19 > 0:51:22This is the other thing.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25The pros...
0:51:25 > 0:51:26I've got a river!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31The curious thing is that having seen the other houses, I really thought
0:51:31 > 0:51:35I wanted a view of the mountains, because they're so spectacular here.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39Some of the houses we've seen have had fantastic views.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42But quite honestly, all that has gone, looking at this house.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45I'm sure there's all sorts of other things
0:51:45 > 0:51:48I should be thinking about, that are negatives with the house,
0:51:48 > 0:51:51but I'm so completely in love with it, I don't really care!
0:51:54 > 0:51:58I feel like a pixie of the woods down here. I'm in a fairy tale!
0:51:59 > 0:52:04- Hello!- Hi, Anita!- That's it, that's all the properties, seen.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06Are you ready to go and sit down and powwow
0:52:06 > 0:52:08and dissect what you're thinking?
0:52:08 > 0:52:09- Yes.- Yep.- Let's go.
0:52:14 > 0:52:19CLASSICAL WALTZ
0:52:19 > 0:52:21In the centre of the Abruzzo region,
0:52:21 > 0:52:25the ancient city of Sulmona is famous as the birthplace of
0:52:25 > 0:52:31Latin poet Ovid, whose presence is still felt in its historic squares.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35But it's also well known throughout the world for its confectionery,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39specifically sugared almonds, known as confetti
0:52:39 > 0:52:42and traditionally given out at weddings and baptisms.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46The British adopted the concept at the end of the 19th century,
0:52:46 > 0:52:49using shreds of coloured paper rather than real sweets,
0:52:49 > 0:52:54but for Italians, confetti are both an art and a tradition.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57I've come to one of the oldest confetti factories,
0:52:57 > 0:52:59dating back to the 18th century,
0:52:59 > 0:53:02to find out more about the city's links with the sugared almond.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05I'm meeting factory owner Mario Pelino.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09- Anita, good morning!- Pleased to meet you, what a fantastic building!
0:53:09 > 0:53:11And it's your family business?
0:53:11 > 0:53:16It's a family business with no discontinuity from father to son,
0:53:16 > 0:53:20started in a small village not too far from here, Introdacqua,
0:53:20 > 0:53:23and then they moved to Sulmona centre and then here.
0:53:23 > 0:53:24And how do you feel,
0:53:24 > 0:53:27carrying on your family tradition after all these years?
0:53:27 > 0:53:32Well, I feel honoured, also it's a very heavy load on the shoulders!
0:53:32 > 0:53:35But it's a pleasure, we love what we do.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40The production process
0:53:40 > 0:53:43and the recipes have changed little in 200 years.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46The almonds rotate in huge copper drums
0:53:46 > 0:53:49and the sugar solution ladled in.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52Over time, layer upon layer is added.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56A metal pipe pumps hot air into the drum to speed up the drying process.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01The sugar coating process takes four days for one batch of almonds.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05The factory's museum houses many of the original apparatus used
0:54:05 > 0:54:08when it first opened.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10How did they originally make the confetti,
0:54:10 > 0:54:14before they had electricity, before they had steam?
0:54:14 > 0:54:19Before the electricity, it was done by hand.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22They had a big copper pan, they shake it by hand,
0:54:22 > 0:54:24with some heat on the bottom
0:54:24 > 0:54:27and that was the procedure.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30It took six or seven days. Very hard work.
0:54:30 > 0:54:35- Who would make the sugared almonds? - The strong men.- The men?- Sure.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39- Not your great-great-great-great grandmother?- No, I don't think so.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43Probably she made the sugar, but the movement was done by hand.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45In Italian culture,
0:54:45 > 0:54:48there are varying coloured almonds for different occasions.
0:54:48 > 0:54:53Green for an engagement, white for a wedding and red for a graduation.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58They're then sold in batches or made into flowers for gifts.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Such is the popularity of sugar-coated almonds from Sulmona
0:55:04 > 0:55:07that this factory produces six to seven tonnes each week.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10A centuries-old industry that is still going strong in this
0:55:10 > 0:55:12historic city of sweets.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17But now let's catch up with our buyers and see
0:55:17 > 0:55:21whether any of the properties have given them a sugar rush.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25- So, Claire, Octave - all the properties have been viewed.- Mm-hm.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28- Yep.- So now, obviously, I want to know what you're thinking,
0:55:28 > 0:55:31- because it's been a real roller coaster.- Yes.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34It's been ups and downs, emotions have been this way, that way.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38What about your favourite? Octave, what's your favourite?
0:55:38 > 0:55:40Why don't you ask Claire her favourite?!
0:55:40 > 0:55:42I don't want ask Claire her favourite!
0:55:42 > 0:55:46I would have to say yes, the last one we saw.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49How much of you saying you like the water mill most is
0:55:49 > 0:55:51because Claire loves it?
0:55:51 > 0:55:55- And it's fine if that's the reason, but is that the reason?- Um, no.
0:55:55 > 0:55:59Basically, the river for me, the river is there.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Also, the option of having a swimming pool as well.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06I think we're going to have to go back and have another look.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08How interested are you in the water mill?
0:56:08 > 0:56:12It's no good asking me because I'd go and sign the papers right now!
0:56:12 > 0:56:13Really?
0:56:13 > 0:56:16Yes, and I know that's probably far too impulsive, which is
0:56:16 > 0:56:19why it's good that Octave is much more practical than me.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21- That's so exciting!- I know, but...
0:56:21 > 0:56:23Tell me what's going through your mind.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26I'm besotted with it. It's perfect.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29So potentially, Claire,
0:56:29 > 0:56:32- could we have found your dream home in Abruzzo?- Possibly, yes.
0:56:33 > 0:56:39But I know what I'm like and I'm inclined to jump before I think.
0:56:39 > 0:56:44Which is where I need Octave to bring me down to earth a bit.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47I'm sure there's all sorts of things we would need to think about,
0:56:47 > 0:56:52not least of which is the price of it, because if we managed to
0:56:52 > 0:56:55get the money together to pay for it, we'd have nothing left.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58If we've got the finances to do it, then yes.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02- It could be the one? - It could be, yes.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06As we'll be coming back in a week's time,
0:57:06 > 0:57:09hopefully one of the girls will come with us
0:57:09 > 0:57:12and we'll have a third eye...
0:57:12 > 0:57:15- Whose side will she take, Mum's or Dad's?- She won't, she's normally...
0:57:15 > 0:57:17I know exactly what she'll say.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19She thinks we're old and decrepit
0:57:19 > 0:57:21and couldn't cope by ourselves in the forest.
0:57:21 > 0:57:23She'll think it's far too remote!
0:57:23 > 0:57:26But she's quite romantic, isn't she?
0:57:26 > 0:57:29- I think she'd like it. - That's really thrilling.
0:57:29 > 0:57:34I think the two of you have got an amazing adventure ahead of you.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37In six months' time, if I come to the South Downs, will I still
0:57:37 > 0:57:39see you there?
0:57:39 > 0:57:43Um, you can phone and it may be redirected to Italy!
0:57:45 > 0:57:48- Let's drink to that.- Cheers!
0:57:48 > 0:57:50- Good luck.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59Claire and Octave had only ever spent 24 hours in Abruzzo
0:57:59 > 0:58:01before their time with us
0:58:01 > 0:58:04and now they know for certain that this is the region
0:58:04 > 0:58:07they want to spend the rest of their lives, and who could blame them?
0:58:07 > 0:58:10It's got everything - mountains, the sun, the sea.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13But in terms of properties, what a turnout!
0:58:13 > 0:58:15From telling us they wanted to be on a hill with a view
0:58:15 > 0:58:19of the mountains and olive groves in front of them, to falling in love
0:58:19 > 0:58:23with that water mill at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by forest.
0:58:23 > 0:58:27Do join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:58:28 > 0:58:31If you wish to escape to the continent
0:58:31 > 0:58:32and would like our help,
0:58:32 > 0:58:33please apply online
0:58:33 > 0:58:36at bbc.co.uk/beonashow