0:00:02 > 0:00:04This rocky outcrop is the most south-westerly point in Europe
0:00:04 > 0:00:07and was once considered to be the very end of the world!
0:00:07 > 0:00:11So, find out where I am and which country I'm in, in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On today's show, the pressure is on to help a couple
0:00:34 > 0:00:38living out of a suitcase find the right home in the sun,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40to a very exacting standard.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42I'm just very fussy, aren't I?
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Yeah.- Yes.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46But we strive to hit that benchmark.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Come on out!
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Oh, this is beautiful!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- Very nice.- And priorities get completely turned on their head.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57This is everything I didn't want and the nicest room we've seen.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- It's beautiful!- Very nice room.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Hello and welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Today, I'm in the Algarve on the south coast of Portugal.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Now, 1,000 years ago, this coast was deemed to be the end of the world,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16as the Atlantic Ocean beyond it was considered far too treacherous
0:01:16 > 0:01:18to cross.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24But in 1433, after 15 attempts, a man named Gil Eanes finally
0:01:24 > 0:01:28navigated this feared and terrible stretch of water.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Today, the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent stands vigil over
0:01:32 > 0:01:37what is nowadays one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Huge waves and swells that were once thought terrifying
0:01:40 > 0:01:43attract thousands of surfers every year,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47who hail this part of the Algarve as the surf capital of Europe.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Covering the entire southern tip of Portugal,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56the Algarve stretches for almost 100 miles,
0:01:56 > 0:01:57starting at the Spanish border
0:01:57 > 0:02:01and running along the coast to the Atlantic.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The seaboard offers a rich assortment of wide,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08sandy beaches, protected nature reserves and rocky coves,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11sculpted by the punishing strength of the ocean.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Along the water, centuries of seafaring have founded
0:02:16 > 0:02:20villages and towns, like the vibrant port of Lagos, which is
0:02:20 > 0:02:23still enclosed within the ancient 16th-century walls.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28From the eighth century much of Portugal was under Islamic rule
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and there are still reminders of those few hundred years
0:02:31 > 0:02:33of Moorish occupation.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Places like the elegant old town of Tavira, and inland, the
0:02:36 > 0:02:42fortified town of Silves, dominated by its 11th-century Arabic castle.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Today, the Algarve prides itself on being a leading tourist destination.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51But its ever mild climate is also an increasingly sunny
0:02:51 > 0:02:56incentive for the 60,000 expats who have decided to stay for good.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03But how is all this reflected in the property prices?
0:03:03 > 0:03:04Well, you can buy a property
0:03:04 > 0:03:07in Portugal for under £50,000.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09That offers great value for money,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11when the national average back home
0:03:11 > 0:03:14is four times that amount.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17However, if you want to live in the Algarve, expect to pay
0:03:17 > 0:03:21a premium, as this is the most expensive part of the country.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25To find the best deals, head either east or west along the coast,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28away from Faro, where there are still bargains to be had.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32So, what is it about this region that so appeals to today's buyers?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Tony and wife Hilary already escaped the hustle and bustle when
0:03:40 > 0:03:44they moved from Cheshire to a small village in Devon three years ago.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But it was just the stepping stone to their ultimate goal
0:03:47 > 0:03:50of getting away to the warmer climes of the continent.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52We've sold our house
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and we're hoping to move out to Portugal very shortly.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Well, it's a dream a lot of people have
0:03:58 > 0:04:00but we're going to be living that dream.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04And after 14 years of marriage, they have called time on their careers
0:04:04 > 0:04:07to concentrate on their shared life together.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11We've gone through being tied to an area for work, for children,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15for elderly relatives, and now it's our time.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17We intend to enjoy it to the full.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20And enjoy the weather and the atmosphere in Portugal.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22With that weather,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25we will be able to do a lot more outside activities, which
0:04:25 > 0:04:31we can do in this country but it's easier to do it without a mac on.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34And a warmer, more carefree way of life should be just
0:04:34 > 0:04:36the tonic for Tony,
0:04:36 > 0:04:40who suffers from a neurological illness that causes him fatigue.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44I retired approximately 18 months ago due to ill health and think
0:04:44 > 0:04:49maybe the move to Portugal will help with rehabilitation.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51In a warmer country we're hoping we can be outside more
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and with other people and socialising.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01We like the Algarve specifically because it feels more homely
0:05:01 > 0:05:02and we feel happy there.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Both Tony and Hilary have grown-up
0:05:04 > 0:05:07children from previous relationships,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11who are also hoping to benefit from this Portuguese migration.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Between us, we have six children
0:05:14 > 0:05:17and I'm hoping that they will all come out to see us.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- They're looking forward to some nice holidays in the sun.- They are, yeah.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Free!
0:05:24 > 0:05:25THEY LAUGH
0:05:25 > 0:05:28The property they're after will clearly need space to
0:05:28 > 0:05:31fit their visiting family but ultimately Hilary
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and Tony are looking to find their dream forever home.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36We are drawn to new-build properties,
0:05:36 > 0:05:42we like the clean lines and modern look, but more than that it's
0:05:42 > 0:05:46the fact that we're just not interested in a renovation project.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48We want somewhere we can just move straight into.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51We don't want to live in an entirely expat community,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55we don't want to be inland and we don't want to be remote.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59I do all the cooking at home, so it would be very important
0:05:59 > 0:06:03to me that we have a decent-size kitchen that I can continue that.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07I enjoy gardening. I would love a garden, even if it's only a small
0:06:07 > 0:06:11area, if it only had a few pots, but I would like some outside space.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15So, with their Devonshire property all signed and sold,
0:06:15 > 0:06:20the finances are already in place for their brand-new Algarve home.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Our budget for the move to the Algarve is £180,000.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29Hilary and Tony have asked us
0:06:29 > 0:06:33to focus their house search on the central region of the Algarve
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and they've arrived in Portugal to meet me
0:06:35 > 0:06:39in a breathtaking spot, where we're going to nail down the finer
0:06:39 > 0:06:42details of their upcoming move.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45So, Hilary and Tony, welcome to the Algarve. We must have picked
0:06:45 > 0:06:49the most beautiful spot to meet possible! It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:06:49 > 0:06:50It is.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Absolutely gorgeous!
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Did you know, in the back of your minds,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56that you wanted to live and retire abroad?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58It's quite a recent decision
0:06:58 > 0:07:01because of Tony's change in health.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04When you're suddenly taken ill, it is shock to the system.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Did it make you re-evaluate your life?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Well, it did, yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I had to stop work, it's one of those life-changing moments.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15What type of lifestyle do you think you'll get out here?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17What are you hoping to achieve with this move, Hilary?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20A much more outdoors lifestyle,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23which hopefully will improve our fitness.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26So, to be able to get out and walk, swim.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29We have even talked about having bikes.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33So, what are we looking at, what's your ideal property?
0:07:33 > 0:07:35We're well aware that the weather isn't always like this,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39so I would love a wood burner, we'd like two bedrooms,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42two bathrooms, cos we're going to have a lot of visitors,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45south-facing, get as much sun as we can,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and Tony would like a really good kitchen, cos Tony does the cooking.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49Are you the chef, Tony?
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I am.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Do you speak from experience,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55cos it sounds like you know exactly what you want?
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Yes, we do. We were here in March and the apartment that we
0:08:00 > 0:08:04rented was north-facing and that apartment was quite cold.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- That was the reality check, was it?- That was the reality check.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08Remind us of your budget.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14The budget is £180,000 but we're quite happy to negotiate.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- So, we can look at properties around that figure?- Correct, yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21You've got your bargaining hat on, have you? You're the money man?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23I'd like to think I am... LAUGHTER
0:08:23 > 0:08:25The house is packed up and sold,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27what have we done with the bigger pieces of furniture?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31They are on their way to the Algarve and they'll be going into storage.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33So, they'll be all ready for when you've found us
0:08:33 > 0:08:34somewhere ideal to live.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Absolutely! I'm loving this positive spirit!- No pressure!
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Shall we get started?- Yes, please.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Let's go to our first property.- OK.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48For a budget of £180,000, with room for manoeuvre,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Tony and Hilary are after a modern home with at least two bedrooms,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56a decent-size kitchen and a manageable garden,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58preferably south-facing.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Ideally, they'd like a location close to the sea with a mixed
0:09:01 > 0:09:06community of both Portuguese locals and British expats to hand.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10As well as introducing our buyers to unfamiliar Algarve traditions
0:09:10 > 0:09:14and customs, we'll be hoping to uncover their dream home,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17from a choice range of four Portuguese properties,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21including a mystery house which, one at the water's edge,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23pushes the ocean into the distance.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27And the start of Hilary and Tony's proposed continental life,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30will get under way sooner than they imagined.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We're starting our property journey in the town of Carvoeiro,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40which is on the coast.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Carvoeiro started life as a fishing village
0:09:43 > 0:09:47but has grown into a popular tourist hot spot and, as such,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49offers a huge range of restaurants, shops
0:09:49 > 0:09:53and bars used to catering to British clientele.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Sheltered by the cliffs, the town's beach lies in a pretty,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00sandy bay but is also just a stone's throw away from beautifully
0:10:00 > 0:10:04unspoilt coastal scenery, away from the crowds.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06When it comes to residential life,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09most of the property here is of recent construction.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13The one we've chose as our first house is in a quiet street,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15tucked into the hillside.
0:10:15 > 0:10:21- So, Hilary and Tony, this is your first property.- Oh, wow!
0:10:21 > 0:10:25It looks as if it's older than we were imagining.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- This, actually, was built in 1980.- Really?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- It has a very traditional look. - It does.- It looks older than that.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33And I think that's part of the appeal.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I'll look forward to seeing what the inside has to offer.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- On that note, let's go it.- Oh, let's.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41I sense some initial trepidation
0:10:41 > 0:10:44but although this property isn't a new-build,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47it has recently been refurbished, so should provide the fresh,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49blank canvas our buyers are looking for.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Wow, it's a bigger room than I expected.- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- It seems very Portuguese.- Does it?
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Yes.- And you like that open-plan feel?- Oh, yes, we do, definitely.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- You like it to look quite modern. - Yes.- I notice one thing missing.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Fireplace.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09- Ah...- That's true, yes.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Good point, might be your first little job, mightn't it?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I wasn't going to have any jobs!
0:11:14 > 0:11:16THEY LAUGH
0:11:16 > 0:11:18So, you've got this open-plan layout, which leads us
0:11:18 > 0:11:20beautifully into the kitchen,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- which, I believe, Tony, is your domain.- Oh, yes.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29So, as you can see here, units actually pretty new.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Yes, it's very nice.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Very nice.- It's certainly bigger than I was expecting.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36You've been pleasantly surprised so far, haven't you?
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Yes, it's wider, I was expecting a narrow kitchen.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Suitable for you cooking your Portuguese dishes here, is it?
0:11:41 > 0:11:44When I start with my Portuguese dishes I'll tell you,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48but it's big enough for the English dishes that I cook, yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53The only negative I would say is, it's quite dark.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55So, it's maybe a compromise we need
0:11:55 > 0:11:58but perhaps it makes it cooler, so, yes.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I'm very impressed. This is our choice.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Let's head outside.- Yes, please.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06We have a little courtyard here.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Oh, wow!
0:12:08 > 0:12:09NICKY LAUGHS
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Come on out!- This is beautiful!
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- Yeah?- Yes.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Oh, what a lovely space.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Enough to keep you busy?- Oh, yes, yes, I can have plenty of pots.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- I can have my bougainvillaea.- Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- I could train it over here.- Perfect.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30And you mentioned about the kitchen being a little bit dark
0:12:30 > 0:12:34but it's actually been designed so it is a little bit covered
0:12:34 > 0:12:37because the sun rises in the morning and I think because it gets
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- so hot over here, they do want the shade.- Of course.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Yes, this is something we have to adjust to.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Right, do you want to follow me and we'll keep exploring.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51This is a well designed house that incorporates attractive
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and practical alfresco living areas
0:12:54 > 0:12:57which make the most of the Algarve climate.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Back inside, a beautifully tiled stairwell leads up to the
0:13:00 > 0:13:03first floor, where we're heading for the master bedroom.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Now, how did you know this is my favourite colour?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Matching your outfit.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Perfect, perfect!- The view!
0:13:13 > 0:13:15I can see the sea!
0:13:15 > 0:13:17This property has
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- four bedrooms.- No!
0:13:20 > 0:13:22You've got a bedroom downstairs on the ground floor,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25which you don't need to use as a bedroom.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27You could have it as storage or a study.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30But up on this floor, you've got three bedrooms,
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- all of a good size.- Right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- And remind me, how many bedrooms were you after?- Two.- Two.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37It's always a lovely place to be
0:13:37 > 0:13:40when you've got a few more than you needed.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43You've got a family bathroom just across the hallway.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- I didn't expect to have a view like this.- No.- That's beautiful.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48It gets better and better.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51And we've got one last space to reveal which could improve
0:13:51 > 0:13:53things even further.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Oh, Nicki.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Oh, Hilary!- Oh, this is lovely.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Yeah?- Just stunning.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05I mean, beautiful architecture, the sea there, all the trees...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08And all this space. I didn't expect this much space.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- So, do I take it that you like it up here?- Oh, yes.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Yes.- Oh, yes, you've hit the nail on the head here.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I'm speechless, it's absolutely brilliant.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22How much do you think this property in the town is on the market for?
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I think a cheeky guess - 175,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- Pounds?- Pounds.- OK.- Yes.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Mm...
0:14:30 > 0:14:34I would think it would be slightly over our budget.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Probably...
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- £195,000.- Right.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45The asking price is just over £200,000.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Is that a negotiable price? - They have intimated
0:14:48 > 0:14:52to the estate agent they would look at around £170,000.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56That would be better. Because it isn't absolutely perfect.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's close, but not absolutely perfect,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01and there are one or two things we'd like to do.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04The one thing you do just need to remember is your stamp duty
0:15:04 > 0:15:05and legal fees.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- At a property of this value, it would be around £12,000.- OK.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11All right.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- A lot of food for thought. - Yeah, definitely, yeah.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Why don't you two go back downstairs and I'll catch up with you
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- in a little while? - OK.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Well, what a brilliant start here on the Algarve.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26It is a sensational property,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29but what I particularly love about it - it's got all the space
0:15:29 > 0:15:33they need, it's got the bedrooms, it's got a great bathroom,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35but the location is first-class.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37You might be in the middle of a town, but with views like that
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and a community around you, they're not going to feel isolated at all.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44In fact, they're going to be making their friends with neighbours
0:15:44 > 0:15:45before they know it.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Over-budget but with room to negotiate,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53this smart detached villa is a few minutes' walk from the beach
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and offers spacious open-plan living,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00a kitchen leading to a patio, four bedrooms, as well as a large
0:16:00 > 0:16:06roof terrace, and all in a location at the heart of a lively town.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11When we first approached the house, I didn't like the look of it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14But I liked the town, the situation of the house.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16The views are to die for.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18There's a lot going for this house.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22I didn't expect that we would get somewhere within our budget
0:16:22 > 0:16:27as close to so many amenities, so close to the sea and the beach.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31I would quite like even more modern, but this is fine.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34No more rustic than this.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38I don't think I would ever tire of this weather. Ever.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40All right, you two, have you seen enough?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42BOTH: Yes, thank you.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- And that is only our first property. - Yes, very excited to see the rest.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Well, you're very taken with this town, aren't you?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50We are, it's beautiful.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55So how do you fancy actually staying in this town for the next few days?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Oh, yes, definitely! - It's all organised.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00We've got your bags in the back of the car.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03So I'm going to send you off. Let me know tomorrow how you get on.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- So, enjoy!- OK, thank you. - Yeah.- Thanks.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Don't stay out too late, will you? - Oh!
0:17:13 > 0:17:16We've arranged for Hilary and Tony
0:17:16 > 0:17:18to stay in a self-catered terraced villa just up
0:17:18 > 0:17:22the road from the first property, so they can experience a real
0:17:22 > 0:17:26taste of residential Algarve life 24-7.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- Oh, this is lovely. What's that room there?- It's the kitchen.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36This is nice. We could make a cup of tea and we could sit out here.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- We could.- That would be perfect.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Ooh, this is what it's all about!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So, what are we going to do later?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47I think we should go down to the beach.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- It's lovely.- We could do this every day.- Yeah, we could.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06It's the second day of our property search and our couple
0:18:06 > 0:18:10are waking up to their first morning in the coastal town of Carvoeiro
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and contemplating the houses still to come.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17I really hope that we don't see something really old.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21I'd like to walk into somewhere modern and...
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Clean lines and nothing to do.- Yeah.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Yesterday went rather well with Hilary and Tony,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32but there's always room for improvement.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37So, today, we're pulling out all the stops here on the Algarve.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Now, let's not forget, these two are officially homeless,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44so we're going to show them a house that has everything they asked for.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49The next property is in the village of Pera,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52which lies further east and further inland.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Pera is a quiet, more traditional location,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59and represents an uncommercialised, sleepier side of the Algarve.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04But this rural village does have a number of amenities,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08including restaurants that pride themselves on serving fresh fish
0:19:08 > 0:19:10caught down on the beach.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12The property we've picked was built six years ago
0:19:12 > 0:19:15and lies in a peaceful residential cul-de-sac.
0:19:16 > 0:19:22- So, Tony and Hilary, here is your next property.- Oh, wow.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Oh, I do like the look of that.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- As you can see, it's a really nice road.- It is, yeah.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- Most of the residents live here full-time.- Oh, lovely.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32All nationalities, including Portuguese.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Nice mixture.- Yes. - It's got a lovely feel.- Yeah.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Every house I've lived in, all my life, has been in a cul-de-sac.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- Has it?- Yes.- It is a good omen.- I'm very comfortable in a cul-de-sac.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Tony, what about you? What do you think?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Your first impression when you take a look at it?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49It's a typical Portuguese-type house.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Very nice. It looks OK, yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53It looks modern. It's just what we are after.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Oh, I like that!- At the moment.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Somewhere to park the car in the shade.- Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- You've got a lemon tree in the front garden.- Oh!
0:20:00 > 0:20:02The fact that you've got off-street parking
0:20:02 > 0:20:05but additional parking behind us when you have your guests.
0:20:05 > 0:20:06- Oh, right.- Right.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09That's even better. I can't wait to see what's inside.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Well, why don't we?- Ooh, let's!
0:20:13 > 0:20:16So, I'm bringing you through the French doors rather than
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- the front door.- Right.- Cos this leads straight into the kitchen.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Yes. Nice.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24As you can see, it's modern,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27and you've got granite work surfaces all along there.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Lovely work surface.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- I would've liked a bit more... - Yes.- ..work surface.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Getting the kitchen right, I think, is really important.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- It's really important to Tony, yes. - It's tiled throughout.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43And they're a nice light colour as well. I like the light floors.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- We're doing well so far, aren't we?- We are.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Let's see if it's going to continue.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53So our next stop is the sitting room.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57It's got a fireplace!
0:20:57 > 0:20:58And...
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Air cold.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Air conditioning, which you can flick over to heating in the winter.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Brilliant. Oh, it's a lovely size room.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- It's almost square, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Is this the dining room as well?- Yes.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15You've got the table behind you, but next door to us is another room.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17They use it as a bedroom/study,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20but you do have the option, if you wanted a separate dining room,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22you could perhaps have it in there.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- OK.- There's a bit of space, isn't there?- Yeah, there is.- There is.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Yeah, this is a very nice room.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31I'm just noticing that there are patterned tiles on the floor,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35which perhaps wouldn't be first choice, we would have plain, but...
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- It doesn't look too bad.- ..it works.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Yeah.- All right, well, if you'd like to follow me,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I'm going to head upstairs.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49Despite the smiles, I am concerned that it's the simple decorative
0:21:49 > 0:21:51choices, like tile colour or word burners,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54that seem to be the deal-breakers.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57And these are relatively minor details that can easily be
0:21:57 > 0:21:59altered at a reasonably low cost.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02If Hilary and Tony want to get a roof over their heads as soon
0:22:02 > 0:22:06as possible, they need to focus on the bigger picture.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12So this house has three double bedrooms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Three?- Yeah, three.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Up here, you've got two good-size doubles. This is the master.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19And another bathroom.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- Right, OK.- You've got a balcony out there.- That's a big balcony.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26So you could sit out there in the mornings.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- So, Tony, what do you think? - Very nice, yes.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- I can't see much to put me off. - No. No.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Perhaps a little bit of work in the kitchen,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37but just to make it enough work space.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40But I'm just very fussy, aren't I?
0:22:40 > 0:22:41- Yeah.- Yes!
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Are you looking for a property that really needs nothing doing to
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- it at all?- Well, I think that would be preferable.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Because rather than me having to do the jobs,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56I think we'd have to get somebody in.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Of course, we're not familiar with how much it costs to have
0:23:00 > 0:23:03work done in Portugal,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06so you'd be buying unknown.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Whereas if it's all done, you know where you stand.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Well, I think
0:23:11 > 0:23:15we may have unearthed the root of our buyers' picky preferences.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18With limited language skills, they may be scared to tackle
0:23:18 > 0:23:21anything beyond the typical day-to-day tasks.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25But the reality of living abroad on a permanent basis means there
0:23:25 > 0:23:29will come a time when they'll need to deal with local tradespeople.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Now stepping outside, I have a surprise for them.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36SHE GASPS
0:23:36 > 0:23:39There's a pool!
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- Oh, wow, you kept that quiet!- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44Oh, that's it, I'll have it!
0:23:44 > 0:23:47NICKI LAUGHS
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- There's a barbecue, Tony. - Yeah.- Look.- Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I'm determined to get Tony on the barbecue, whatever happens.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Oh, that's it, just leave me here.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01You've also got enough space for sofas, chairs, dining area.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Would they like to leave all this?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- I'm sure you can negotiate. - It's fabulous.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Now, someone did say to me that it has to be south-facing.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11Yes, that was me.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15So, as the sun comes across you get it all afternoon,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18into the evening and it sets over there.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19Beautiful.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- You've done well.- The only problem is now, can we afford it?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Has the pool made it a step too far when it comes to budgets?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Let's find out.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- Who's going to go first? - I'm going to be really hopeful.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33I'll say...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36185,000.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39OK. Hilary?
0:24:39 > 0:24:40I think it's more than that.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- I'm going to say 200 and hope they take an offer.- OK.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47All right, well, the asking price is -
0:24:47 > 0:24:49I'll cut straight to the chase -
0:24:49 > 0:24:52just over £176,000.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- No!- Yeah.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- Wow!- Speechless.- We could get you a rug to cover up those tiles.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Happy days, that's it, job done.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- Why don't you have another look around the property?- Yes, please.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Off you go.- Thank you. - Take your time.- OK.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14What a fantastic reaction.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Have I found them their next home?
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I think I might've done. Fingers crossed.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Comfortably under-budget,
0:25:23 > 0:25:28this immaculate, recently built townhouse offers three bedrooms,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32two bathrooms, a lounge-diner as well as a fully fitted kitchen,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36and the icing on the cake - its own swimming pool.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38I love this house.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41It feels like home.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45It's got everything we asked for, it's just perfect.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49The best thing about this house is the pool.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Never thought we'd get a pool
0:25:51 > 0:25:54in our budget with such a lovely house.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57This house is a serious contender.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Everything on our wish list and no negatives at all.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05I would say 9 3/4 out of ten.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10I can see Tony in the kitchen, me by the pool - perfect.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Ah, you two, you love this property, don't you?- We do.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I don't want to go. Can't we just stay?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I'm afraid not because I have more to show you.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- Of course, yes.- Come on.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28Fringed by the Atlantic Ocean,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32the Algarve's prime coastal position has brought with it
0:26:32 > 0:26:36a prosperous fishing industry that dates back generations.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38And in towns such as Santa Luzia,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41fishing still remains the backbone of the community.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46But aside from fish, the Algarve is also known for its confectionery.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48So, bearing in mind Tony's love of cooking,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51we've arranged for our couple to learn about the sweeter
0:26:51 > 0:26:54side of Portuguese cuisine with Angelo Dias,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58whose family has been running a shop in Faro for over 60 years
0:26:58 > 0:27:02that's famous for highly decorative sweets called morgadinhos.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07These are our famous regional sweets.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Yeah!- Oh, they're fabulous! - All made in almond.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- Is this marzipan? - It's similar to marzipan, yeah.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- I would like to present you, and you can eat one of those.- Can I?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- You can choose what you like. - May I choose?- Yeah.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23And you, Tony, a nice fish.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26There are no bones in that fish.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28THEY LAUGH
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Inside you have some sweet eggs. - Sweet eggs?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- Yeah, the yellow thing that you see inside.- Yes.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- That's lovely, thank you.- Very nice.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Morgadinhos have been made in the Algarve since the 16th century.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Back then, almonds were very expensive
0:27:46 > 0:27:49and sweetness was associated with divinity, so marzipan was
0:27:49 > 0:27:53highly prized by the church as well as royalty and nobility,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57who used the sweets to demonstrate wealth and status.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00And now Hilary and Tony have had a taste, Angelo and his chef,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Manuel, are going to teach them
0:28:02 > 0:28:05how to make their very own mouthwatering morgadinhos
0:28:05 > 0:28:09using a pre-mixed paste of crushed almonds, sugar and egg whites,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11which are coloured with food dye.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13So can make these any colour you like.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18The challenge is to create a rose starting with the petals.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- So I have to make it really thin? - You can use this, like this.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- OK. Shall I have a go? - I'm going to use my fingers.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Once the petals are shaped, they are formed into a bud.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- Roll it, please. - I have to roll it.- Like a cigar.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38- Ah, lovely. And another one?- And another one.- And another one, OK.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44- Yes, Tony?- I think so, yeah.- Yeah? Tony is doing well.- Oh, yeah.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Good.- Now the roses are complete, it's time to add the leaves.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Now, cut in the middle. - In the middle.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53So how many of these cakes do you make a week?
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- I can do maybe 50, 60 per day. - They're very popular, then.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Yeah, very popular.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- Is that right, Manuel? - That's right. That's right, perfect.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06You are really professional.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- Thank you.- Tony, you must practise a little bit.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Thank you very much for coming. - OK, thank you.- OK.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14On this occasion, it seems it's Hilary's turn to shine with
0:29:14 > 0:29:17her lesser-known culinary skills.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21But for now, it's time to get back to the business of property-hunting
0:29:21 > 0:29:25and find out whether our next houses will come up smelling of roses.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31The next property sits up in the hills
0:29:31 > 0:29:33in a village called Patroves,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35on the outskirts of Albufeira.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Known as the capital of tourism, the city of Albufeira is
0:29:39 > 0:29:43THE main tourist destination on the Algarve coast,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46with every essential and luxury service available.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Our property lies two miles back from the coast,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53in a quiet, new development, well away from the vacationing throng.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57So, yet another beautiful day here in the Algarve.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- It's gorgeous, isn't it?- It is.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02And this is your next property.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- Ooh!- Right.- Quite different again.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- It looks very new.- Very new.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Only just been finished.- All right.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13So you've got eight properties in total,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15and this one's only just gone on the market,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17so you're going to be the first people to look around it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Oh, right. Interesting. Can we go?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22THEY LAUGH
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- Are they a mixture of nationalities? - They are.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27A British couple have just bought the one next door to you.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29They're moving in next week.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32And are they occupied all the year round or are they holiday homes?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Not all of them, it's a mixture.- That's nice.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37They're all owned, but some are holiday homes
0:30:37 > 0:30:39and some people live here full-time.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43We were looking for something a bit new and modern.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45The outside certainly fits that.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48I like the glass balustrade and stainless steel.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- I think we should start the tour. - Yes, please.- OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Got a great entrance. - Ooh! Oh, I like that.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01And take you straight through into the sitting room.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02Oh, this is lovely.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- The shiny floor.- Shiny floor, yeah.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- Fireplace.- Yes.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11The size of the room...
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- And look at the view, you can see the sea.- Oh, wow!
0:31:17 > 0:31:20I'm going to give you a job as an estate agent,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23because that was a brilliant introduction to this room.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24I didn't have to say anything.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- Apart from the air-conditioning unit...- Missed that.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- ..you got it all.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Tony, can you imagine yourself living here?
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Definitely.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- Just right.- Kicking back, relaxing.- Yeah.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Those winter evenings when you're not doing all your swimming
0:31:39 > 0:31:42your walking, your cycling and everything else you've got planned.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- And your cooking.- Oh, cooking as well.- Cooking, good point.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49And on that note, important room to show you, I think.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- Follow me...- OK.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56..to our kitchen.
0:31:56 > 0:32:03The space was a little bit small, but it's a gorgeous kitchen.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- Yeah, very nice. I could be happy with this.- Yes?- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09And can you see yourself in here as well, Hilary?
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Oh, if I have to, yeah.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13A woman after my own heart.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18On the ground floor, there's also a fully tiled shower room and cleverly
0:32:18 > 0:32:22conceived storage hidden behind the panelling under the stairs.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- Been looking forward to bringing you up here.- Oh, wow.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Because this is the master bedroom.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Look at all these wardrobes.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Will you fill them?- Oh, yes. I don't know what he's going to do with his.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Where am I going to put my stuff?
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- And yours can be next door in the other double bedroom.- Oh, OK.- Right.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45And it's so light.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- You've got huge views of the sea. - Wow!
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- All the way across!- Yep.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- That's Albufeira.- OK.- And then, obviously, you've got the coastline.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Yes. So, we're far enough away in the hills...
0:32:59 > 0:33:01You're in a village actually here,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04but all of that is on the doorstep should you want to go down there.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- It's very quiet here.- It is.- Yeah.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11It also has a very swish en suite.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- Does it?- Which is huge.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- And guess what, the other bedroom has its own en suite as well.- No!
0:33:17 > 0:33:18Oh, lovely.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23How much are your guests going to want to stay in this property?
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Well, that could be a problem.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- We may never be on our own.- You have a lot of children, don't you?
0:33:29 > 0:33:30We do, yes.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Tony, you're going to have the diary out, working out which weeks
0:33:33 > 0:33:35they're allowed to come and which weeks they're not.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I'm the chef, I just have to worry about feeding them all.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Feeding them all.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44And if the swanky internal accommodation wasn't enough, there
0:33:44 > 0:33:48is plenty more outside to keep their visiting family entertained,
0:33:48 > 0:33:52with a tiled patio off the living room, perfect for barbecues,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56and even a communal swimming pool, where guests can take a dip.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Is this what you dreamt of? - I think so.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02I'm getting a bit mesmerised now. We're seeing such lovely places.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05They're all lovely in their own way.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10It's for us to work out exactly what our priorities are, isn't it?
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Yeah. It does take some thinking about.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- It is a lot to take in.- It is, yes.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- I'm going to have to bring you back to reality, though.- Oh!- Yes.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22How much do you think the villa is on the market for?
0:34:23 > 0:34:24It's such a high finish.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28I think 195.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30OK. Tony?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I think this time it is over our budget.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38215.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Interesting. Tony, you are the closest.- Oh, dear.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47- The current asking price is £210,000.- Mm-hm.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- It is a spectacular property.- It is.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51And you did ask us
0:34:51 > 0:34:54to show you properties over your budget as well as under, didn't you?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- We did, yeah.- Yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58So, you can think about that now.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00So, do you want to take another look around?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02- Yes, please.- I thought you would.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Coming in over budget but brand-new to the market,
0:35:05 > 0:35:10this sleek new-built villa offers a huge open-plan living room with
0:35:10 > 0:35:14word burner, two large en suite bedrooms and grounds that include
0:35:14 > 0:35:19a private patio as well as communal spaces, featuring a swimming pool.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24The decoration here and the fact that it's brand-new is so me.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29I just love this - clean, crisp lines and everything brand-new.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32The downsides, although they're only slight,
0:35:32 > 0:35:37is the kitchen could do with being a little bigger and also
0:35:37 > 0:35:41the private outside space it would be nice to have a little bigger.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45There has to come a point where we decide what we're going to
0:35:45 > 0:35:48go for, what is as close to perfect as we can get.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51I think Tony is the one who will need persuading.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55This house did really have everything that we asked for
0:35:55 > 0:35:59and I can't really describe why it's not our dream home.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03But it just doesn't feel right.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07I think it's been built specifically for a holiday home.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I just don't think it would make a home for us.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15I'm afraid I'm going to have to disturb you two.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17How are you feeling?
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- Confused.- Really?- Yes.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- I've still got another property to show you as well.- Oh, yes.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- At least today you can take a breath. Come on.- Thank you.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37The Algarve scenery is varied,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39with the countryside blending together
0:36:39 > 0:36:42a mix of distinctive landscapes, which provide habitats
0:36:42 > 0:36:45for a diverse range of fauna and flora.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Hilary is keen to nurture her green fingers
0:36:48 > 0:36:49when she moves to Portugal,
0:36:49 > 0:36:54so I'm introducing both our buyers to British expat Rosie Peddle,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58who runs the Portuguese branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Along with her husband, Rob,
0:37:00 > 0:37:04they migrated from the East Midlands to the Algarve in 2004.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07I'm quite a keen amateur gardener.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10I expect we'll only have a small garden.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13But I'd like to know what's best to plant, OK?
0:37:13 > 0:37:14Well, there's a lot of fun ahead.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- Oh, lovely!- I'm going to leave you lot to it! All right?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- Come with me, darling.- Thank you.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24The grounds of Rosie and Rob's beautiful Algarve home cover
0:37:24 > 0:37:27some four acres, which Rosie maintains herself,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30so she has first-hand knowledge of the challenges that come
0:37:30 > 0:37:34with the Mediterranean climate and planting in the Algarve soil.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38The advantage of gardening out here is that you don't have to
0:37:38 > 0:37:41hide away plants that would be ruined by a winter frost,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44so hibiscus, bougainvillaea,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48citrus trees and even lavender will thrive.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49However, the warmer,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52drier climate does mean you might want to think
0:37:52 > 0:37:56twice before bringing your lawnmower, as a classic English
0:37:56 > 0:38:00lawn needs constant watering, making it very expensive to sustain.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04It's best to choose drought-resistant species and,
0:38:04 > 0:38:06as a good starter shrub,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Rosie recommends an evergreen plant called lentiscus,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13which can be pruned into whatever shape our buyers might fancy.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14This is a fantastic native shrub.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16You'll see this all over the Algarve.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20You'll probably find it's around wherever you end up buying a house.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- OK.- In the UK, you're used to being busy in the summer.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28That's when you have to be active to keep the plants alive,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- to keep them in good health.- Yes.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Well, here it's the other way round.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35You have a spring in the late summer when it rains and everything
0:38:35 > 0:38:40goes green and then you get the next spring, which is February-March.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Yes.- If it's not comfortable for you to be outside, then it's probably
0:38:44 > 0:38:47not comfortable for you to be outside doing things to the plants.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Right.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52And think about the summer as the pause in the year.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Sit in the shade with a gin and tonic
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- and look at your seed catalogues, you know?- Right!- You see?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- You can manage that.- You're building a wonderful picture, Rosie.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- Yeah.- You've got me already.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06And on that note, the gorgeous weather is twisting all our arms
0:39:06 > 0:39:10to make that picture a reality over a few glasses of home-made iced tea.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So, what is the reason you're coming to the Algarve?
0:39:13 > 0:39:16What's drawn you to this part of the world that we love?
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- Well, the sun. - Seems reasonable.- Yeah.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23We've been on holiday a number of times in the last 18 months
0:39:23 > 0:39:27to the Algarve and, I must admit, I feel a lot better
0:39:27 > 0:39:29when I get home from the holiday.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Because I haven't been working for the last 18 months,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37I've been sat in at home, just waiting for the sun to come out.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40I used to suffer from...not bad asthma,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44but enough to, you know, give me some difficulties.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And really since I've been here,
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- it's not surfaced at all really, has it?- No.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Do you suppose that's down to the cleaner air or
0:39:51 > 0:39:54the combination of that and the more relaxed lifestyle?
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Probably that and the red wine, I suspect.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59THEY LAUGH
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I've got to ask you, what about health care over here?
0:40:03 > 0:40:05What's that like?
0:40:05 > 0:40:09It's very similar to the UK. There's a national health system,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12but there's also a very active private system as well.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Because there a lot of consultant specialists that come here,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19you can actually get hold of them and talk to them directly
0:40:19 > 0:40:21rather than having to go through a GP to get to them.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24It's actually very simple to just book your own appointment
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- with the specialist. - Oh, that's interesting.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- You're cutting out the middleman. - Yes.- Very much so.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Do you have to have prescriptions, are they easy to get?
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- I mean, I have a regular prescription every week.- Yes.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40Many prescription drugs, you can get repeat prescriptions by just
0:40:40 > 0:40:43going to the chemist and asking for it again.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Have you got any advice before we buy a property here?
0:40:47 > 0:40:51The main one is to make sure you have a solicitor, an abogado,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- that you trust.- Mm-hm. - What about the language?
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Cos obviously, a lot of the people that you'll be talking to
0:40:56 > 0:40:58are going to be Portuguese.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01If you're living in a country, it's actually rude not to try to...
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- Absolutely.- That's the first thing.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08But secondly, if you've got enough language to get an understanding
0:41:08 > 0:41:13and communicate the basics, you can get so much more out of the country.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Well, the one thing I have learned about Hilary
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and Tony is they really want to put 100% into this move.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- It means so much to them. - Yes, we do.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- So you're certainly going to be making the effort.- We are, yes.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28- We can't wait to get started. - Thank you so much indeed.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Good luck.- Thank you.- And have fun.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Rosie and Rob's advice from close to a decade of experience is
0:41:34 > 0:41:36invaluable, and there are a number of other practical
0:41:36 > 0:41:40considerations to bear in mind when buying property in Portugal,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43including a few hidden costs.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Firstly, the purchase process is conducted in two stages
0:41:47 > 0:41:51and typically a 10% to 40% deposit is paid at the first phase
0:41:51 > 0:41:54to secure the property.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57After completion, one of the biggest costs to consider is
0:41:57 > 0:42:00the property transfer tax, called IMT,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03which is the equivalent of stamp duty
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and is set on a sliding scale depending on the property value.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Lastly, if you choose to cash in on the prosperous tourist trade,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13remember that non-residents are obliged to pay income
0:42:13 > 0:42:16tax on any rented property.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19But most important of all is to get competent legal advice
0:42:19 > 0:42:23before signing any legally binding paperwork.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It's the very last day of our property hunt here
0:42:32 > 0:42:37in the Algarve, and with just one house left to reveal, we're making
0:42:37 > 0:42:42every effort possible to find Hilary and Tony the perfect Portuguese pad.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45But happily, our buyers are having a smoother ride getting
0:42:45 > 0:42:49stuck into the routine of residential local life.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50- Hola.- Hola.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Dois...por favor.
0:42:57 > 0:42:58Obrigado.
0:43:01 > 0:43:02Thank you.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- Obrigado.- Obrigado.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12Over the last few days, we've shown Tony and Hilary some great homes
0:43:12 > 0:43:17here on the Algarve and received some pretty favourable reactions.
0:43:17 > 0:43:18So, with our mystery house,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22we've decided to take a little bit of a risk and show them something
0:43:22 > 0:43:28they haven't necessarily asked for but will it be a step too far?
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Let's find out.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35And the secret of our mystery house is its location, for we're
0:43:35 > 0:43:39heading inland to the rural outskirts of Loule.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43Boasting a 13th-century castle, Loule is a historic
0:43:43 > 0:43:47and pretty town featuring attractive colourful architecture
0:43:47 > 0:43:52and beautifully paved narrow streets lined with smart shops and cafes,
0:43:52 > 0:43:55but on this occasion, the final property isn't a walk
0:43:55 > 0:43:58away from the town, it's definitely a short drive.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04Here it is. What do you think?
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- Different.- Very.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Any idea why we brought you here as our mystery house?
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- More property for our money? - Possibly. Tony?
0:44:13 > 0:44:17- I was going to say it's got a great big swimming pool?- Are you hoping?
0:44:17 > 0:44:19Well, I can always hope, can't I?
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- Well, with this property, we are a little bit further out.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26About four miles from the closest town.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31In front of us here you've actually got a one-bedroom apartment.
0:44:31 > 0:44:32Oh, right.
0:44:32 > 0:44:33Now the building is complete
0:44:33 > 0:44:36and you can see the windows look practically brand-new and the
0:44:36 > 0:44:41doorway so inside you'd need to fit floor, bathroom and a kitchen.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- Right.- So that could be a project.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46Further down the line, if you fancied renting it out,
0:44:46 > 0:44:50and making a little bit more money, could be an option there for you.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54Food for thought.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- Always nice to have in your back pocket, isn't it?- More money?
0:44:57 > 0:44:59- Yes, definitely. - We all like that.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01THEY LAUGH
0:45:01 > 0:45:05Dating back to 1953, the walls of the mystery house do hold
0:45:05 > 0:45:09some history but the property has recently been updated
0:45:09 > 0:45:13and offers over 2,500 square feet of living space.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18Entering the house, there's a modern kitchen that lies next to
0:45:18 > 0:45:21a spacious open-plan dining and living room.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26I'm going to start us off in our sitting room...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28complete with wood burner.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30I have already seen this.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34This is a beautiful room.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39This is everything I didn't want... and the nicest room we've seen.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- It's beautiful.- Yeah, a very nice room.- It feels homely.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45The decoration is perfect.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51- Wood burner. Love it.- It's got a lot going for it.- It has, hasn't it?
0:45:51 > 0:45:57And what this house has, it is an Algarvian home and I wonder
0:45:57 > 0:46:00if it's the character that you're both warming to?
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I've always thought I didn't want character particularly.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05We've always had really modern homes.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08I think I've always thought they would be very dark
0:46:08 > 0:46:11and dismissed them but this isn't dark.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14I still have concerns about where it is...
0:46:14 > 0:46:18but I'm itching to see what else there is inside, and outside.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21- Well, if you'd like to follow me... - OK.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28Now, this is just one of the bedrooms
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- and you've probably noticed we are still on the ground floor.- Yes.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35So, you've got this one on this side then you've got another one
0:46:35 > 0:46:40- just behind us. About the same dimensions.- It's a nice size.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42- It's a fair size.- Nice square room.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- So, you could use one of the ground floor bedrooms as an office.- Yeah.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48Somewhere to go and hide away from me.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52Yep. THE LAUGH
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- You've also got two bathrooms. - On the ground floor?
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- On the ground floor. - That's greedy.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- Yeah, so if you don't want to go up those stairs...- You don't have to.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02..you don't need to.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Up those stairs lie a further two bedrooms
0:47:05 > 0:47:09both of which are good-sized doubles making a grand total of four
0:47:09 > 0:47:13bedrooms, leaving plenty of elbow room for visitors.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Also up here on the first floor is a special
0:47:15 > 0:47:20and particularly sunny spot I'd like to share with Tony and Hilary.
0:47:20 > 0:47:25- It's bright up here, isn't it?- Very, yeah.- Yes. That is a lovely view.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- Yeah, gorgeous.- Much more remote than we've been before.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30And it's not built-up.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- You haven't got neighbours on your doorstep, have you, Tony?- No.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Does give you room to breathe here.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Yes, yes, it does. Yes.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40OK, well, let's head back downstairs
0:47:40 > 0:47:42because there's still more to this house.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- Wow, there's a pool. - Oh, that's fabulous.
0:47:51 > 0:47:57- Another little surprise for you. - Yeah.- Can I jump in, please?
0:47:57 > 0:48:00- It's certainly warm enough today, isn't it?- It is.
0:48:00 > 0:48:05- Yeah.- Yeah.- All round here...- Oh, and a garden.- ..you've got gardens.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09Got all this entertaining space, too. Has it taken your breath away?
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- Yes, yes.- It has really.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16Yeah. There's a lot of space here and a lot of potential.
0:48:16 > 0:48:20How much do you think the mystery house is on the market for?
0:48:21 > 0:48:26- I'm going to say 180, our budget. - OK. And Hilary?
0:48:27 > 0:48:31I'm going to be hopeful and say 185,000.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33The asking price is...
0:48:33 > 0:48:38- just over £155,000.- Oh.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41Oh, well, that makes a difference.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44You do have some money left in your pocket.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- Why don't you go and have another look.- OK. Thanks, Nicki.
0:48:47 > 0:48:48See you in a minute.
0:48:50 > 0:48:55You see, the mystery house, it's got us all thinking once again
0:48:55 > 0:48:58and it really does pay to look further inland,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01away from that congested coast, because look what you
0:49:01 > 0:49:05get for your money here. It is a fabulous property.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10Very comfortably under-budget, the mystery property
0:49:10 > 0:49:13is a Portuguese-style, detached country house
0:49:13 > 0:49:16sitting on higher ground away from the coast.
0:49:16 > 0:49:21It has an open-plan reception, four bedrooms, two bathrooms
0:49:21 > 0:49:23and a roof terrace with views towards the sea
0:49:23 > 0:49:27and across the grounds that feature mature gardens,
0:49:27 > 0:49:31a large swimming pool, as well as a potential one-bedroom apartment.
0:49:32 > 0:49:34This house has given us a bit of a quandary.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38It's what we didn't want but actually we like it.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43I thought I wanted a brand-new house but seeing this has made me
0:49:43 > 0:49:44question that.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47Perhaps we do want something with a little more character.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49I was surprised at this property.
0:49:49 > 0:49:56When we realised it was out, way out in the country,
0:49:56 > 0:49:59I didn't really want to like it,
0:49:59 > 0:50:02but the property's brought me round, definitely.
0:50:02 > 0:50:08When Nicki told me the price, I must admit I was quite gobsmacked.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14It did mean that what I was thinking wouldn't be possible
0:50:14 > 0:50:16could be possible.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20We would never be able to afford something like this on the coast,
0:50:20 > 0:50:23so, I think we need to widen our search.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29Ah, here they come. How are you feeling? Cos that's it.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32We've shown you all our properties.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36- If we were confused before, we're even more confused now.- Really?
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- Yeah.- Yes.- You two need some time to have a chat on your own.- We do, yes.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42- Collect your thoughts. OK, let's go.- OK.
0:50:49 > 0:50:53Head even further north inland towards the Serra de Monchique
0:50:53 > 0:50:56mountains and Algarve's landscape opens into a vast
0:50:56 > 0:51:00expanse of fig, almond and orange groves,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03where some 3,000 hours of yearly sunshine
0:51:03 > 0:51:07ripens 400,000 tonnes of the citrus fruit,
0:51:07 > 0:51:11accounting for 70% of Portugal's total orange production.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14As well as fruit trees, another defining
0:51:14 > 0:51:18feature of the Algarve countryside is its cork trees, which have
0:51:18 > 0:51:22been harvested commercially in Portugal for about 300 years.
0:51:22 > 0:51:26Sofia Carrusca comes from a family of cork farmers
0:51:26 > 0:51:29and she runs tours that highlight the tradition of this unique
0:51:29 > 0:51:31local and sustainable industry.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36So, Sofia, this is one of the many oak trees that I've seen
0:51:36 > 0:51:39throughout the Algarve but this one seems bigger than most.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42How long have there been cork trees in this region?
0:51:42 > 0:51:46Since 3,000 BC that we have cork oaks in this area.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50- Nowadays, cork oaks are our national trees.- Are they protected?
0:51:50 > 0:51:53They are, it's a tree that represents our economy,
0:51:53 > 0:51:55our culture and our identity, too.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58Now, you mentioned oak, so it's cork oak trees, is it?
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Cork oak, it's from the quercus suber.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Cork, it's the bark of the tree.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06We undress the tree each nine years.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08So we never undress the whole tree.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10You can just see on the top trunks that we are still
0:52:10 > 0:52:13having the first cork, the virgin cork.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16- So you only harvest every nine years?- Yes, always.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19It's a period of renovation of the cork oak.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23- How do you actually get the cork from the tree?- We arrive with axe.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27No machines to do this work. Just with an axe and your hands.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30Paying attention that we must take out the bark
0:52:30 > 0:52:31without touching the trunk.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35So, Sofia, the court that we find in our wine bottles that we see
0:52:35 > 0:52:39- every day of our lives...- Yes? - It comes from a tree like this?- Yes.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42How many corks would it have produced in its lifetime?
0:52:42 > 0:52:46You see by the size of the trunk, principle trunk, and the
0:52:46 > 0:52:50secondary trunks, for sure we can get half a million from this tree.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55- And the tree continues to flourish. - The tree never dies.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58Cork, it's like our hair or our nails.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00If we cut it we are still growing.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06Portugal produces more than 50% of all the cork
0:53:06 > 0:53:09consumed in the world, with the finest quality wine corks
0:53:09 > 0:53:12sourced and manufactured in the Algarve.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Used to plug wine bottles since the 17th century, today this
0:53:16 > 0:53:20precious and natural resource lends itself to a diverse range of
0:53:20 > 0:53:25industries, including construction, insulation and even fashion.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28But before industrialisation,
0:53:28 > 0:53:32the earliest uses of cork were for buckets or basins, and local crafts
0:53:32 > 0:53:37woman Urcelia Marti is going to demonstrate how they're created.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40- Urcelia.- Sofia.- Hello.- Hello.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Here we have the knuckle and of course we are able to make,
0:53:43 > 0:53:46you see the cork spoons to drink water in the fountains.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49- Am I able to have a go? - Let's go, let's work.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51So, what do I need to do?
0:53:51 > 0:53:53Well, gently with the knife you start
0:53:53 > 0:53:58cutting around the external part of the knuckle.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02300, 400 years ago, people were just doing these same
0:54:02 > 0:54:06things in the same way that we are doing now with
0:54:06 > 0:54:09the knife and, well, the knuckle. It's amazing.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12We never have lost our traditions.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15We are still using this on fountains so it's amazing product.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19I tell you what, Sofia, I'm never going to look at the humble cork
0:54:19 > 0:54:20in quite the same way.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Yes, yes, I think so.
0:54:22 > 0:54:26- And I'll probably know the tree it's come from as well.- Yes.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32There's been a lot of pressure this week finding Tony
0:54:32 > 0:54:35and Hilary their future home here in Portugal
0:54:35 > 0:54:37because, let's not forget,
0:54:37 > 0:54:40they don't have anywhere to live and finding them
0:54:40 > 0:54:44that perfect property on their budget, well, it has been a tough
0:54:44 > 0:54:47task and I think the mystery house -
0:54:47 > 0:54:49well, that's confused them even more.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52I can't wait to hear what they're thinking now.
0:54:54 > 0:54:59- Hello, you too.- Hello.- So, come on, have you enjoyed yourselves?
0:54:59 > 0:55:03- Oh, immensely.- Yes?- It's been great fun. Sorry it's over.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05Oh, well that's a good sign, isn't it?
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- We'll have to see what you've got to say as well, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11What do you think you've learned over the last few days
0:55:11 > 0:55:13about this house search?
0:55:13 > 0:55:15I think we've learned to be a bit more flexible.
0:55:15 > 0:55:21Certainly look at houses that perhaps we would've just turned down.
0:55:21 > 0:55:22At least consider them.
0:55:22 > 0:55:26It's made us see that we could look further inland
0:55:26 > 0:55:30- but perhaps look for a newer property inland.- Yes.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33- And get better value for money. - Have we got close with any of them?
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Cos I remember some fantastic comments from the two of you.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41We probably would've bought any of those and enjoyed living there
0:55:41 > 0:55:45but none of them particularly felt like home except perhaps
0:55:45 > 0:55:47the one at Pera.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51That is the one that has come closest to perhaps what
0:55:51 > 0:55:54we had in our minds to feeling like a home.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57And I think probably we would go back and have a second viewing.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59- Would you really?- Yes, I think so.
0:55:59 > 0:56:03And that represented good value for money, didn't it?
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Very good value for money, yes.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09Did you have any doubts at all, because honestly, it's a huge change
0:56:09 > 0:56:12and I know there's very good reasons why you want to make this move.
0:56:12 > 0:56:18- No, I don't know of any negatives. - Hilary, you've only just retired.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21- Yes, yes.- So not only are you having spare time for the first time
0:56:21 > 0:56:25in your whole life but also you're moving countries as well.
0:56:25 > 0:56:30Yes, no reservations at all and even less having spent the week
0:56:30 > 0:56:34with you because we've seen so many more areas than we'd seen before.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37We've seen even more beautiful places, which just makes it
0:56:37 > 0:56:40all the more confusing. We've met more lovely people.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42The weather's been fabulous.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45So, no, it's just confirmed that this is the right thing for us.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49So, do you think you will find that perfect forever home,
0:56:49 > 0:56:50here on the Algarve?
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Everything you want out of it on your budget?
0:56:53 > 0:56:58Yes, I believe we will. I think it's there and we can't wait.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Let us know how you get on, won't you?
0:57:02 > 0:57:06And I hope the lifestyle out here is everything that you want it to be
0:57:06 > 0:57:08- because I know you deserve that. - Thank you very much.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10Thank you very much indeed.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17This has been a tough week because for Hilary and Tony it isn't just
0:57:17 > 0:57:23about finding a new home, it also represents a brand-new way of life.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26Now, they're coming back to the Algarve next week
0:57:26 > 0:57:29and I really wish it was to put an offer in on one of our houses
0:57:29 > 0:57:33but their search continues, and I so hope
0:57:33 > 0:57:35they manage to find that perfect property
0:57:35 > 0:57:38here in the Algarve somewhere.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40See you next time.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45In their search for the perfect Portuguese property,
0:57:45 > 0:57:49Tony and Hilary looked at another 20 houses before falling
0:57:49 > 0:57:50for their dream home in Lagos.
0:57:50 > 0:57:54And it turns out that it was completely off-brief,
0:57:54 > 0:57:59being a modern two-bedroom apartment without a garden or even a fireplace
0:57:59 > 0:58:01but we wish them both all the best
0:58:01 > 0:58:04for a sunnier, healthier life in the Med.