0:00:02 > 0:00:06Here I am surrounded by some truly magnificent specimens of palm trees,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10which might lead you to conclude that I am in the tropics.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13But am I? Find out where in the world I am
0:00:13 > 0:00:14in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35After a difficult few years,
0:00:35 > 0:00:39today's buyers from Doncaster are determined to live life to the full.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- Sit up here with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.- Yeah.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Throwing caution to the wind,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45they are planning to move to the Continent, where we'll be
0:00:45 > 0:00:49giving them an idea of what property they could get for their budget.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- It's very eclectic.- Yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:00:52 > 0:00:55If you're going to be skinny-dipping in this pool, no-one,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- but nobody, will see you. - That's right.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Yes, we don't want to offend any neighbours, do we?
0:01:00 > 0:01:03And we'll be testing whether they've got what it takes to integrate
0:01:03 > 0:01:05into local life.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06SHE SPEAKS IN SPANISH
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Uh...not sure.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11THEY LAUGH
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Welcome to Escape To The Continent,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16where today we are in the south-east of Spain,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18in the region of Alicante.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22And this is the largest palm grove in the whole of Europe.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26The Palmeral de Elche, which is in the city of Elche
0:01:26 > 0:01:29and boasts 200,000 palm trees.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Built back in the tenth century by the city's Arab residents,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35it featured a complicated system of irrigation,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and gives the whole area a distinctly North African feel.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and is definitely a must-see in this beautiful part of the country.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49A two and a half hour flight from the UK,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53the province of Alicante is in southeast Spain.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Its Mediterranean coastline is known as the Costa Blanca,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59which has a long history as a popular destination
0:01:59 > 0:02:00for British holiday-makers.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03With its sandy beaches, tree-lined promenades
0:02:03 > 0:02:06and bountiful sunshine, it's easy to see the appeal,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and while it might have a reputation
0:02:08 > 0:02:11for the hordes of tourists which descend on the area
0:02:11 > 0:02:15in summer, it benefits from regular, well-priced flights.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18The city of Alicante is the province's administrative capital,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21noted for its attractive harbour,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23overlooked by the imposing castle of Santa Barbara,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Many civilisations, including the Romans and Moors,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32have at some time called this city home.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35The walled historic quarter has a network of narrow streets
0:02:35 > 0:02:37and features impressive architecture,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40such as the Gothic church of Santa Maria,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42built on top of an old Arab mosque,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44and the baroque facade of the town hall.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48In the hills to the north is Alcoy, the "City of Bridges",
0:02:48 > 0:02:52the most famous of which is the iconic Viaduct of Canalejas.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Elsewhere, much of the province is dry and mountainous,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00interspersed with intensively cultivated valleys.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03The region is known for its olive oil and wines.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Despite this cultural richness and the beautiful coastlines,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14the Alicante region is actually 13% cheaper than property prices
0:03:14 > 0:03:16across the whole of Spain.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18And if you go inland, away from the very popular resorts,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20then prices drop even more.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Here you can pick up a detached house for £70,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And to put that into context, that's four times cheaper
0:03:27 > 0:03:30than the equivalent detached property back home.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31So is it just good property prices
0:03:31 > 0:03:33that are luring our buyers here today?
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Today's house-hunters are Ian and Simon,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43who live on the outskirts of Doncaster in a former RAF house.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45They've been together for 17 years,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48after meeting in the most unpromising of locations.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Well, we met, actually, when I was in car sales.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Simon ran a petrol station, and I was one of his customers.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- You used to sign my chitty, and off you went.- Absolutely.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Simon is a keen cook,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03and this sociable pair like nothing more than playing host.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- We have had themed parties in the past, haven't we...- Yeah.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08..which were very entertaining.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09THEY LAUGH
0:04:13 > 0:04:16But then the good times came to an abrupt end.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19My sort of life has been a little bit on hold
0:04:19 > 0:04:22for the last five years or so...
0:04:22 > 0:04:23with getting cancer.
0:04:25 > 0:04:26Went through all the treatment,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and later on I got the post-trauma depression.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Simon's now made a recovery,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34but the ordeal's led the pair to take stock.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36We decided, while I was over in Spain.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40We've always been saying, "What if, wouldn't it be nice to?"
0:04:40 > 0:04:43And we said, "Let's do it."
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Lured by the prospect of sunshine and a fresh start,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50they are selling up, and the search is on for a new home in Spain.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52We want to be near Alicante.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Inland rather than on the coast.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I'm quite looking forward to a bit of land.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00To actually start doing some landscaping myself.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I've got the bug, with our garden being landscaped,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and I've got ideas whirling around in my head.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We'd like, actually, to look and find a nice, very Spanish town.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Yes, yes, something a bit more local. - Yeah.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- We don't want a place full of Brits, do we? - HE LAUGHS
0:05:14 > 0:05:16But, with Simon retired,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20they need to factor in Ian's work as a management trainer.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Actually, I still do need to work.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24But I want to branch out on my own
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and do a training business that allows me
0:05:27 > 0:05:29to train either people back in the UK,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33or get people from the UK to come out to us over in Spain.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36That's my sort of reason for going out there
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- and wanting to set up a business. - It's a big step.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42But one they're both determined to make.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44We've had a rough five years.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49And it is now time to change and have a better lifestyle
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and enjoy our twilight years.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53Speak for yourself.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54HE LAUGHS
0:05:56 > 0:05:58We are focusing our search in the Hondon Valley,
0:05:58 > 0:06:02which begins 15 miles inland, near the town of Aspe,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05and stretches westwards into Murcia.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09It's a fertile area teeming with vineyards, almonds and olive groves.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11And is growing in popularity,
0:06:11 > 0:06:16with expats lured by the peaceful location and affordable prices.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Simon and Ian are keen on this area, but what else is on their list?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- Welcome to Spain, gentlemen. - Hello.- Thank you.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24I can understand why you might want to move here. I have to say,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27the weather is distinctly better than it was when I left the UK.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Yes, that's a big bonus. - Is that the number one reason?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Well, it's the main reason and I love the outdoors.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38This is a super important move because you're actually...
0:06:38 > 0:06:39- You've sold the house. - BOTH:- Yes.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Yes, we sold it last week. - We are homeless.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43LAUGHTER
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Homeless, but I hear you've also got a Spanish account already,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47you've got your Spanish ID all lined up.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Oh, yes, we're definitely moving here.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- No pressure on us, then. - No pressure, no, no.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Good. And are you going to learn Spanish?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- I hope so, yes. - And Ian, have you got a few words?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00I've got a smattering. I like to call it tourist Spanish.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- I can order beers, that's about it. - It's a big move, but...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Cos I'm interested because you've gone through
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- a horrible time with your cancer and the depression.- Yeah.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12And this is a new page, but I know that you're also going to be
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- jetting back and forth to England. - Yeah, that's the plan.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17So, the work that I do is training
0:07:17 > 0:07:21so I could easily go back and work, but that's because I need to.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24So, how are you going to fare on your own here in Spain?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28It'll be nothing different to what I've already had back in England.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30At least here I'll have the sunshine, the pool and,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32if there's gardening to be done,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I can start my own landscaping in the plot of land.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38You've talked about gardening and you want some space outside -
0:07:38 > 0:07:41is it just for you or do you have long-term plans?
0:07:41 > 0:07:45If it works out right, I would like to do a little bed and breakfast.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47We'd rather it wasn't in the main building itself,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51so we're looking at maybe some lodges or log cabins or prefab buildings,
0:07:51 > 0:07:52something like that.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- So, stage one is a home for you guys?- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Stage two would be extending out for guests.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01In terms of the property, what are you looking for?
0:08:01 > 0:08:02What's the spec of the house?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Well, ideally, we would want three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08We have a lot of family and friends back in the UK
0:08:08 > 0:08:11and they're more than welcome to join us whenever they want.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15It'd be easier if we have the room to put them up.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17And, location, have you thought about where you want to live?
0:08:18 > 0:08:22We want to be within about half an hour trek of the airport.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Prefer a bit more rural, something that's not necessarily overlooked.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Want a pool and large veranda,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29cos it's all about the outdoor living here.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30And, in terms of style,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32are you looking for something traditional or...?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We quite like the traditional Spanish but it needs to be modernised inside.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36We don't want a project,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39we don't want something that we have to do a lot of work to.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- And remind me of your budget in pounds?- 160,000.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Is there any wiggle room? - THEY INHALE SHARPLY
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- Not much.- Not a lot. We want to try and keep it within that if we can.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51We have four lovely properties lined up.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52THEY TALK OVER EACH OTHER
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Well, I hope one of them's going to be the one for you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- But let's get into the coche and we'll go and visit.- Perfect.- OK.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05With a budget in the region of £160,000, Simon and Ian
0:09:05 > 0:09:08are looking for a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Outside, they'd like a pool and land.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15And, ideally, want to be within half an hour of the airport as Ian
0:09:15 > 0:09:17will need to travel for his business.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Getting all their wants within budget will be tricky but,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24as it's common in Spain to be able to negotiate
0:09:24 > 0:09:25as much as 10% on price,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28we'll be revealing properties just above their budget, too.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31The four houses we've selected should deliver on those
0:09:31 > 0:09:33longed-for outdoor spaces, but will Simon and Ian
0:09:33 > 0:09:36be able to put a price on them at the end of each tour?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Along the way, we'll also be challenging them
0:09:38 > 0:09:41to immerse themselves in Spanish life.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44We'll end with a mystery house where we'll be asking our pair
0:09:44 > 0:09:48to take a step back in time to embrace a Flintstones fantasy.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Our first property is in Macisvenda,
0:09:58 > 0:10:00at the western end of the Hondon Valley,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03just over the border from Alicante into neighbouring Murcia.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08It's a modest-sized village with a cluster of basic shops
0:10:08 > 0:10:11and cafes but it's the peaceful hilltop setting
0:10:11 > 0:10:15and wide vistas which are the draw here.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18It's further west than they would choose, ideally, but I'm hoping
0:10:18 > 0:10:19the scenery and the size of the property
0:10:19 > 0:10:21will be enough to sway them.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- You get a better view of the property from this side.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Yes, we can see. It's lovely.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Hillside and there's actually a bit of greenery there as well.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Yes, I might need to put some tall plants in there
0:10:34 > 0:10:36to hide the shed and warehouse at the back.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38What do you think of the location?
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Well, I love the backdrop there. - Yeah.- Stunning views.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45But I'm just a bit concerned how private it is
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- with the neighbours here. - Yeah, that's quite close.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51This is another English couple and it's a second home for them,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- so they're not always there. - Oh, OK.- Fair enough.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- It could work out, yeah. - What about the property itself?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Is this the sort of thing that you were looking for?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Yeah, it looks quite nice from the outside.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03I like that finish on the property,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- cos that's very low-maintenance. That helps.- Yes, that's true, yeah.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09I mean, if you don't like the colour, you're stuck with it,
0:11:09 > 0:11:10but no, it's a nice colour, anyway.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13So it's... From the outside, it looks very promising.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Let's have a look inside the conservatory.- Perfect.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20The house is just nine years old and was built by the current owners,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23who went on to extend the footprint.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Come inside.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31This is a conservatory that the present owners added.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33It was originally a terrace,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- but they kind of put a roof on. - Nicely done.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Yeah, it is, actually. I like the roof.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39The wooden beams are really quite a nice feature, actually.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41It's an interesting space.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I mean, I like the way it wraps around the house.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45This corner, that's quite a nice feature.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Of course, you're familiar that almost all Spanish properties
0:11:47 > 0:11:50are just tiled, they don't have carpets?
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Yes, that's not a problem for us.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52So this is, I imagine,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55the sort of space that you would probably use in the winter.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58It gets a bit warm in the summer. You have all these open windows.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Yeah.- Yeah. - Go out onto the pool, terrace.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04The large conservatory is a useful space,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07which enjoys far-reaching views.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08For the chillier months of the year,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13it leads on to a comfortable sitting room complete with a log burner.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Around the corner is the kitchen.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Simon, this is your realm.- Yes.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Yes, this is my bit. Yes, the kitchen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Yes, yes, very nice, actually.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I know you're not a big fan of the open-plan,
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- but is this sort of hatch acceptable?- It's a nice compromise.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Yeah, I think if it was completely open-plan, that wouldn't work for us.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39But the nice thing is you've got the hatch so you can still
0:12:39 > 0:12:42have that association if you're in here doing stuff with the dinner,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45with guests through there, so you are not away from them entirely,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- and in a completely different room. That's quite a nice feature.- Yeah.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50And I think they're in a position
0:12:50 > 0:12:52where they can't see all the dirty pots and pans.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- That's true.- That's why you need a separate kitchen. Now I understand.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Well, the bedrooms are very nice, too. Let's look at the main one.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01So far we've got a definite thumbs up and,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04heading down the hallway, there's a family bathroom and three bedrooms,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06all of a good size.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10This is the master here.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Not a massive room, but it's got a lot of storage
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- and it has got an en-suite.- Nice.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Lots of wardrobe space, which is handy for us two.- Absolutely.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I don't think I've ever seen quite so much built-in storage.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- A lot of wardrobes.- You haven't seen our house then, have you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:28The one back in the UK.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- We have all three bedrooms full of wardrobes, full of clothes.- Really?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35This is the type of house we could actually move in and
0:13:35 > 0:13:36live here for a couple of years
0:13:36 > 0:13:39without having to do anything at all, which is handy.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Well, outside, I know, is very important.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43So, let's go and talk about outside.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- You can have a look round here later.- OK.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Let's look at the garden.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50As outside space is a priority for Simon and Ian,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53I'm really hoping they're going to like what's in store
0:13:53 > 0:13:56as this property sits on a decent-sized plot of land
0:13:56 > 0:13:58with a spacious patio and pool.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- It's a very handsome pool. - Very nice.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- It's very well maintained. - Exactly. Immaculate.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- Yes. This is one of the main things. This, and that.- Yes.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11I mean, I love the Roman steps into the pool.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12I'd say that's a nice feature.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15If it's a bit cool, you can edge your way in.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- And it's quite a nice size, actually.- It is, yes.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20We have seen some with smaller pools than this.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22But then you've got all this behind,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25which is kind of an open invitation to do something with it.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- They have it done very, very low-maintenance.- Yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28No weeds or anything.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32The only thing I'm concerned about really, I suppose, is the distance.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Because it did seem quite a long way coming out.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37That is the downside of this property,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39is that we're actually a little bit out of your comfort zone
0:14:39 > 0:14:43in times of travel, because it is about 50 minutes to the airport.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Right.- So that would be a big consideration.- Yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49So what do you think it's on the market for in English pounds?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'd say probably £150,000.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I was going to say that!
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- So, higher or lower? - I will go higher. £155,000.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Well, actually, this is just above your budget, actually.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's on at £165,000.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06But the owners are keen to move and you're cash buyers
0:15:06 > 0:15:09so it could be that you could negotiate it into your budget.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Maybe a cheeky offer, then? - Cash buyers.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15So you go wandering and I'll probably be by the pool.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17We will do. OK, then.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23For a touch over their £160,000 budget,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26this three-bedroom Murcian bungalow has separate living
0:15:26 > 0:15:30and dining rooms, as well as a large conservatory.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Outside there's a patio and pool,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34and it comes with just under an acre of land.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37But it is a 50-minute drive from the airport.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42What I like about this house is it's very well done,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46nice flow through the house, you know, it's decent-sized rooms.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50I quite like the way it was laid out, it has got a nice flow to it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I think, space-wise, it has got some good areas.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55It's quite a nice, big outlook. Yes, decent space.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57It's quite large, actually.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Yeah, and the outside, out here, is very nice.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I think the distance might be a deal-breaker,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- but let's see where the other ones are.- All done?- Yes.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Seen everything you want to see? - Absolutely.- Yes indeed, yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Unfortunately, we can't we can't use the pool
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- because that's not done.- Oh!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17But we've got one more thing to do
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- before the day is out, so follow me. - OK.- OK.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26We're heading back towards the coast to the city of Elche.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29As well as the site of the famous palm plantation,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Elche is likely to be the closest city
0:16:31 > 0:16:33to Simon and Ian's proposed new home.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35So it's a good place for them
0:16:35 > 0:16:38to soak up some Spanish culture during their stay.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Ta-da!- OK.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- Very nice.- Interesting. - This is not for sale.- Right, OK.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- But this is where you're going to stay.- Oh, fab.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Oh, that's all right then, yes.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- So here are the keys, look after yourselves.- Will do.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- And I will see you manana. - Manana!- Adios.- Adios.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Right, OK.- This is quite nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08Oh, this is nice.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Oh, God, look at the size of this bathroom.- Oh, my God.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- I think we're going to enjoy the next few nights here.- Yeah.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17The guys seem to be settling in fine
0:17:17 > 0:17:20and after getting their bags unpacked, they head outside.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- It's that time of the night. - Fantastic.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Outdoor living is what they want from Spain
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and this is just the place to do it.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35So with the food on the barbie, thoughts turn to the future.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I'm really looking to just be able to just chill out, relax,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41just be much more laid-back about things.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Yeah, you know, this is my lifestyle and
0:17:45 > 0:17:48if it can hopefully make you chill out a bit, you'll be all right.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Cheers to that.- Cheers to that. Yeah.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54We're in Spain,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57where we're helping Simon and Ian from Doncaster
0:17:57 > 0:18:00as they plan a new life on the Continent.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04For £160,000, they're hoping to find a three-bedroom house
0:18:04 > 0:18:06in a rural location
0:18:06 > 0:18:10and I suspect yesterday's house didn't quite hit the spot.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Another beautiful day here in Alicante under the palm trees
0:18:13 > 0:18:15and I'm going to find out how the boys did
0:18:15 > 0:18:17in their modest little rental property,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and also find out what their thoughts
0:18:19 > 0:18:20about the house yesterday was.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23My thought, really, is that we kind of got the house right,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27they loved the finish, but they weren't mad on the location.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Maybe a bit too far from the airport
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and the surrounding area not quite up to scratch. Hello!
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Morning. Buenos dias.- Hello.- Good morning. Yes, buenos dias as well.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Did you sleep well, in your little modest apartment?
0:18:38 > 0:18:39The house was lovely.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42There was a little bit of an industrial unit
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- going off next to me.- What?
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Ian was snoring.- Oh. So we have got two more houses today.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Yes!- Are you excited? - Absolutely, yes, yes, yes.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53I was just saying that I thought maybe the location
0:18:53 > 0:18:54wasn't quite right yesterday.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I mean, the property was really, really nice,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59just in the wrong location, I think. That was the only thing with it.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Well, we've got two slightly different properties
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- so it'll be interesting to see what you think.- Cool.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- Lead the way.- Vamonos.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09The first of today's properties is in Hondon de los Frailes,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11near the middle of the Hondon Valley.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Once a traditional farming village, in recent years the population here
0:19:15 > 0:19:18has been bolstered by expats from across Europe,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20who now make up half its residents.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Frailes enjoys a laid-back atmosphere,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25the cafes on this pedestrianised street
0:19:25 > 0:19:27a focal point for socialising.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31Our property is in a secluded spot on the village outskirts.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Come on in.- Wow. - Another property.- Yes.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- Another possible home for Simon and Ian.- Fantastic.- Yes.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41This looks really nice.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45This has got more appeal to me than the other house that we saw.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I like all the outdoor sort of large veranda space,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50so there's plenty of outdoor living.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53After what you said yesterday, we're thinking privacy.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Yes, definitely.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57If you're going to be skinny-dipping in this pool
0:19:57 > 0:19:58no-one, but nobody will see.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02That's right, yes, we don't want to offend any neighbours, do we?
0:20:02 > 0:20:06We're also in, I think, a much prettier bit of Spain.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- You can actually walk into the village here.- It's a nice location.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12We're close to the airport here. 35 minutes.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Yeah, that makes a lot more sense.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Well, let's have a look inside the house. It's a nice layout.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It's a positive start, but will inside match up?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Come into this corner. You get a better view...- Right.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- ..of the whole complex.- Yes. - So quite an open plan kitchen.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- The kitchen's not looking massive. - It's not huge.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- It's a little bit smaller than the property yesterday inside.- Yes.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- It's not offensively open-plan.- Yes. - "Offensively open-plan."
0:20:38 > 0:20:40I mean, the living room is a decent size.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42We can get our furniture in here.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43You've got underfloor heating
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- underneath all these tiles throughout.- Nice.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And behind you, this is actually one of the bedrooms.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50I know you don't like bedrooms off the living space,
0:20:50 > 0:20:51but that could be a great office.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Yeah, I think that would work for me,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56particularly for working from home and setting up the business.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59I think that would be where I'd look to set up an office.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02And then you've got this nice sort of formal dining room with
0:21:02 > 0:21:03a very high ceiling.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- I actually like that, it's a nice feature.- Very nice. Yeah, yeah.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12Yes, this could get used. We have a nice dining table to bring, so...
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Yes, that would work.- Don't know if it would fit. We would need to check.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18That's all right, we'd have a bit in the living room.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21They would be sat through there, through the arch?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23They'd have to climb over.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- The bedrooms are on the cool side of the house.- All right. OK.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Next door to the dining room is a small sitting room,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34which could provide scope to extend the kitchen.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38Meanwhile, heading through the house, there's a family bathroom
0:21:38 > 0:21:40and another two bedrooms.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44This is the north side of the house, so cooler.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Quite a large space, this one. Yeah, very nice.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- You have an en-suite, a walk-in wardrobe.- Marvellous.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55It has got a lot of good features to it and, like you say,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58the whole indoor / outdoor living, I think would work here.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04This has got more potential for us to make it our own.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Well, it depends on the money, of course.- But of course, yes.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09So let's go up onto the...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12there's a rather nice roof terrace on top, so I'll show you that.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13We'll buy it straight away.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Overall, this villa doesn't come with much land,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18which could be a drawback for these two,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21but the size of the courtyard might make up for it,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23along with the roof terrace.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Here is the view.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Fantastic views.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Yes, sit up here with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35This is obviously a much smaller yard at the back,
0:22:35 > 0:22:36- all gravelled.- Yes.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- That's the limit of your land.- Yes.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42The agent was saying there's the possibility of buying this plot.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Right.- Now, of course, as soon as an English person expresses
0:22:45 > 0:22:48an interest in buying a little bit of land, it goes up in price.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- I'd suggest that's probably a bit further down the line.- Oh, yes.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55But he thought, you know, you could get it for about 5,000 euros.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- It could work. Yes. Yes.- Definitely.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01The key issue, of course, is the price.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05So how much do you think this is on the market for in English pounds?
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- I think I will go first this time. - OK.- £140,000.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14And I was going to say what I said yesterday, about £150,000.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Well, actually, this is, I'm afraid, once again, over your budget.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- It's on at £172,000.- OK.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26But we did talk to the vendors and they were keen to negotiate
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- and I think they probably could bring it down to your price.- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Why don't you go down and explore, because we have rushed round,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- and I will see you at the front. - OK.- Right you are.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42This villa offers three bedrooms and separate living and dining rooms.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Outside, there's a fabulous courtyard and pool,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47and it all sits in a secluded rural location
0:23:47 > 0:23:4935 minutes from the airport.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52On the downside, it lacks the land they had asked for
0:23:52 > 0:23:56and it's priced at £12,000 over Ian and Simon's budget.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58But as the sellers are open to negotiation,
0:23:58 > 0:24:03- a lower offer could secure it. - It was very uplifting.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07It was a very nice area, all the lovely verandas around,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10lots of nice shade. Great for the outdoor living.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13What I like about the pool area is that privacy,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15that does make it feel really nicely enclosed.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18This is the bit we could probably make
0:24:18 > 0:24:21into the extension of the kitchen.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I'd have to make the kitchen bigger
0:24:23 > 0:24:26and there is potential inside there to knock a wall out.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Yeah, but it could work for us.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Although it's not definite that we want to do a B&B,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I think I'd probably think the lack of any potential for us
0:24:35 > 0:24:39to do anything outside of the current property line would be
0:24:39 > 0:24:41a bit of a problem for us.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44All done.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49- Nice and hot outside.- Absolutely. - There's no such thing as too hot.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Well, a last glimpse of the pool, because I think this is
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- a nice property, shame about the price.- Yes.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Yeah, I'd say that's the tag line for this one.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Well, we have others in store, so follow me.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05When they move to the Continent,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Simon and Ian want to immerse themselves properly
0:25:08 > 0:25:11in Spanish life, but they've got some work to do
0:25:11 > 0:25:14in building up their language skills and confidence.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17To help with this, we've brought them to Alicante City,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19where we have arranged for them
0:25:19 > 0:25:22to meet another expat who has already made the move.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Sarah Berenguer is an interior designer
0:25:24 > 0:25:26who runs her own business in the city.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Hola.- Hi.- This is Simon and Ian. - Lovely to meet you.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- You're going to be explaining a lot about living in Alicante.- Yes.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35How long have you been here?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I've been here for ten years now and I'm completely integrated
0:25:38 > 0:25:42into the Spanish lifestyle, culture, speak the language, everything.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44You are the perfect person for us.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Because these guys, lovely as they are,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- they're slightly hopeless at speaking Spanish.- Oh, dear.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- But they do want to integrate, don't you?- Yes.- Yes.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Yeah, we want to be integrated into the Spanish culture, much like yourself.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I know you suggested it would be quite nice for us to have a meal together.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01You're going to get the ingredients, it's going to be very fresh.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04So I thought it would be quite good if you guys
0:26:04 > 0:26:06check out this amazing market.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Sarah is your guide. You can learn a bit of Spanish.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Shopping in the market is something Ian and Simon
0:26:13 > 0:26:14should try to get the hang of.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Let's go and see what we can find.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21While the cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the UK,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23food isn't as cheap as it used to be.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Visiting the market is a great way to keep costs down
0:26:26 > 0:26:29as prices here can still be less than half those back home.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33And there's an excellent range of fresh local produce.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Today's lunch will be a Spanish classic, paella.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- We need some prawns, then?- Yes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- I think we better try at least ordering some, maybe.- Very brave. OK.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- So how would you say "prawns"? - You would say "gambas".
0:26:48 > 0:26:51You will usually have about two prawns per person for...
0:26:51 > 0:26:54just to decorate the top of the rice.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58So we're doing this for four, so we'll just have the eight.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- So what is "eight"?- Ocho.- Ocho. Hola, buenos.- Buenos dias.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Ocho gambas, por favor. - Si.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Very good.- Ooh, look at you! - Trying it out, get in there.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11THEY SPEAKS SPANISH
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- Muchas gracias. - Gracias.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- - Hasta luego! - Adios.- Adios!
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Ian's got off to a flying start.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Simon, however, is taking a little longer to find his feet.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- How would we say "peppers", then? - Pimientos.- Pimientos.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31And you need the red ones, so "pimientos rojos".
0:27:31 > 0:27:38- Pimiento... rojos? - Rojos.- Rojos?- Yes.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:27:41 > 0:27:49- Do know what that is? 65 cents. - I saw the...- The display.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:27:54 > 0:27:58Shopping done, and they've come to a local restaurant run by one
0:27:58 > 0:28:02of Sarah's friends, who has offered to cook up their ingredients.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- Gracias.- Lovely.- Oh, wow!- Wow!
0:28:06 > 0:28:08As well as getting a taste of the cuisine,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10this is a chance for Simon and Ian
0:28:10 > 0:28:12to find out more about the realities of a move here.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15The business I want to set up is a training business,
0:28:15 > 0:28:17so I will probably be doing some flying back to the UK,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20but I'll want to do some training over here so,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23anything that you probably could advise me on that front?
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Um, I'd recommend getting some help
0:28:26 > 0:28:29like an accountant or an assessor just to help you
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- through the paperwork in the beginning at least. - That makes sense.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35And if it's somebody who can speak English as well,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38just to be able to translate, so you understand everything,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40I think it's well worth it.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43So how important is it to be able to speak Spanish to set up a company?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46I think fairly important.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49A lot of the functioning in Spain is who you know.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51I think if you can make friends as quickly as possible,
0:28:51 > 0:28:52that would be good.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56And try and integrate yourself as well with the local people.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59So what is the best way to learn the language, then, Sarah?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01In at the deep end,
0:29:01 > 0:29:03so try and communicate with as many people as possible
0:29:03 > 0:29:04in your daily life.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Even watching the TV is really good.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Even if it's just the news. - Oh, right.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- So it's informative as well.- Yes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Also, you probably want a language tutor, that would be a good idea.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18For the last five years I did have cancer - gone, all in remission,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21but what is the health service like here? Is there one?
0:29:21 > 0:29:26Yes, it's an excellent service as well. Comparable to the UK.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28You can get a GP appointment whenever you like,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31pick up the phone, go in and you can get an appointment the next day
0:29:31 > 0:29:33if you need to see somebody.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36And as long as you're a taxpayer or you're resident here,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- then there should be no problems. - Good.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- That's quite reassuring then, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45We're obviously looking forward to more of a relaxed Spanish lifestyle.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Is that the sort of thing that you have experienced yourself?
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- There's a lot of socialising going on in Spain.- That's good.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53But if you want a nice, relaxed lifestyle,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55the quality of life is excellent over here.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59So it all sounds really positive and like you've had a great experience.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01But surely there must be some drawbacks then, about all this.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Well, with the recent economic crisis, unemployment has risen
0:30:05 > 0:30:09quite a lot, so if anybody was coming over here to look for a job,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11then they'd have to think again,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14or maybe try and start their own business up.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16If you like the culture and you can learn the language,
0:30:16 > 0:30:17I think you'll be fine.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Their meeting with Sarah hasn't dented our duo's enthusiasm,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23but there's plenty they'll have to factor in
0:30:23 > 0:30:25if this move is going to go to plan.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28In recent years, Spain has been beset with property scandals,
0:30:28 > 0:30:32with many expats falling foul of unscrupulous developers
0:30:32 > 0:30:33and local regulations.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38So it's especially important for you to do your research and get advice.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Also, the tax on property sales in Spain is high,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43especially in Alicante,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46where you can pay 10% on top of the purchase price.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48If you want to start a business,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50speaking Spanish is definitely a bonus.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54The other option is to target other expats or tourists.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Beware that the paperwork can be time-consuming
0:30:56 > 0:30:59and taxes are again high.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Expats can register for state health care
0:31:01 > 0:31:04if they're working or on a UK state pension.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07But that means early retirees are excluded,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10so health insurance needs to be thought about.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Back in the Hondon Valley,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19our property search is inching closer to the airport.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Five miles further east of Hondon de los Frailes,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27is its sister village, Hondon de las Nieves.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31The larger of the two, las Nieves still enjoys a quiet pace of life,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34but it does have a better selection of shops and restaurants
0:31:34 > 0:31:39as well as three bodegas, wine cellars which sell local produce.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Our property lies in a glorious spot
0:31:41 > 0:31:44outside the village with wide-open views.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49- Whoo! Wow, this looks good. - I love the backdrop.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52I'm looking forward to showing you this, because this, I think,
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- could be the one. - This is... this is good.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58So we're right in the Hondon Valley here.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01We've got the back of one of the ridges that separate us from the coast.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Yes.- And then here you've got the front,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- as it were, the sun-struck side. - Yes.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Unlike the other one, this has lots of land.- Right, yes.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Yes, I can sort of see that. - What are the trees?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16A grove of almond trees there, we've got pomegranates and pears
0:32:16 > 0:32:20and apples and nectarines and peaches and olive trees
0:32:20 > 0:32:22and then some more fruit trees at the back.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- You'll be able to set up your own little stall at the front. - Where do we sign?- Ahh.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- So this is what you were dreaming of?- This is my dream, yes.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- He wants a little smallholding. - Yes, well this is it.- I've got you.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36You're even closer to the airport, so less than 30 minutes.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Yes. That works for me.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41I'm hearing the sound of lots of happy...
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- Yes, very happy at the moment, yes. - Shall we continue our tour?
0:32:46 > 0:32:47Lead the way.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50With a two-and-a-half acre plot filled with orchards,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54this is a perfect place for Simon to while away his days
0:32:54 > 0:32:56while Ian is hard at work.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58The house itself is just eight years old
0:32:58 > 0:33:03and I'm hoping it will also push the right buttons with these two.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Step inside.- Oh, yes.- Oh, nice size.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- Yes, well, it's still matching up to the outside, so...- Really?- Yes.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13So it's a big space, you've got central heating,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16obviously all the mod cons. It's only nine years old.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18There's a gas fire there, but that's quite unusual.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21You could take that out and put in a log burner if you want.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- So the chimney is still actually a full working chimney.- Sure, yeah.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26I think I'd like to have a log burner or something.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30That would be more our taste than the gas fire, but again,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32it's minor details that can be fixed at a later stage.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- Yes.- I mean, some of the decoration needs changed,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38but that's only going to be expected anyway.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Actually, the vendors are moving back
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- and they're offering the whole contents.- OK, right.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- Car boot at the end of the drive, then.- As well as the fruit stall.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48As well as the fruit stall, yes.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54So far, so good, but one thing this house doesn't have is a dining room.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Yeah, so the dining table is part of the kitchen.- Right, yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03This is obviously an acid test for you particularly, Simon.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04Yes, it's a bit compact.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Through there you've got a utility space.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09It actually goes... And you've got a big window there.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Oh, right, yeah.- So it would be easy to take that wall out.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Yes, I think I'd have to take that wall out
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and just make the kitchen look and feel bigger.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Yeah, the style, I'd quite happily keep. That's not an issue.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22But it's... where do I work?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Yeah, so that would be a definite
0:34:24 > 0:34:27for me to knock that wall out, through.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31The combined kitchen diner doesn't seem to have been a deal-breaker.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Next it's the sleeping quarters
0:34:33 > 0:34:38where there's a decent-sized family bathroom, and three double bedrooms.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- And this is the master bedroom. - Right.- A view over the pool.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43- Very nice.- And an en-suite,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46so you've got an en-suite through there.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Oh, we'll have to have a look at that in the moment. Yes, very good.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- So far this is the best one. - Very good.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54And in terms of the rooms, would you use one as an office
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and have just one as a guest room?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58We'd need to probably do that to start off with.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00I mean, I may end up getting maybe an outbuilding
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and do a little shed kind of thing in the garden.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05It all depends how popular we're going to be, doesn't it, really?
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- Yes, yes.- So there will be a shed straightaway.- Right.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Well, there's a lot of scope for putting stuff out in this garden.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- So let's go and explore it. - Yes, let's do.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Off to the side, at the front of the house,
0:35:22 > 0:35:26there's a swimming pool set within an elegant sun terrace,
0:35:26 > 0:35:30which enjoys striking views of the surrounding orchards and mountains.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34For the outdoor living Simon is after, this would be hard to beat.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- It's a good view of the pool terrace.- Lovely.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Still see the mountain views. - You can, yes.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Fountain, pool, sun-loungers.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- In this nice sort of enclosed courtyard.- Yes.- Really nice.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50It's very appealing, yes.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53On a big plot like this, you can build on a certain percentage,
0:35:53 > 0:35:58so you can build 200 square metres. The house is about 160,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02so you can legally build another 40 square metres somewhere else.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07- Oh, that's good. That's handy. If there's any more to show us, don't bother.- Oh, wow.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08We do, we have the mystery house.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- You can never rule out the mystery house.- True, never rule out the mystery house.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14And besides, you don't know how much this costs.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- Well, there's that, yes.- You keep jumping in both feet, don't you?
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I'm giddy. I'm excited.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23How much do you think this property is going to cost you?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26I think it's over budget, cos it's a large plot,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29so I'm going to say £175,000.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31£165,000.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34You are both right in the sense that it's over budget
0:36:34 > 0:36:37but I'm afraid that, sadly,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Ian, you're closer.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45It's over budget and actually it's on just a shade over £177,000.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48But again, we have talked to the vendor and again,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52they're very keen to move. And they have said a deal would be possible.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57Right. Hmm. Pity. We need to think about it, don't we?
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- Yes.- Let's head back in and have a little bit of an explore.- Thank you.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07At £177,000, this three-bedroom villa comes fully furnished,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11with a swimming pool and more than two and a half acres of land.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15It enjoys a beautiful rural setting, half an hour from the airport,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18and could be developed further for a B&B.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23Although the brochure price is over their budget of £160,000,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Ian and Simon are cash buyers and the owners are again open to offers.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29It might be a stretch, but is it worth it?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32I just can't get over these views. They're absolutely stunning.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36They are, yes. This house looks like... worth a million dollars.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40It's a great location. Loads of potential.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- I mean, the plot is massive. Decent-sized plot.- It is.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47And all these fruit and nut trees...
0:37:47 > 0:37:50It's really, really nice and it's all well planted.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53It's just a vision of joy.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Decent size. Could have my office in here, I suppose.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00I think I could actually see myself living here, yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04I have to say, this, this is a very convincing view.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08I'd pay good money to see this every day. Amazing.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I was just admiring your view. It's not your view yet.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- It could be, if the money is right. - Indeed. Yeah.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16So I don't want you wearing it out.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18It would be a great thing to have every morning.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21But don't fear, because we do have the mystery house yet.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- Oh, yes, the mystery mystery. Yes. - But let's have a little rest.- OK.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Well, at least I'm going to have a rest.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33The guys on the other hand, have other ideas.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36They've headed into the nearby village to visit Bodegas Cerda.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Founded back in 1885,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41it's one of the Hondon Valley's best-known wineries.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44And a great place to sample some of the local vinos.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- Do we want a glass of red wine? - Yes, yeah, a glass of wine, yes.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- Do you want to try?- Vino tinto?
0:38:56 > 0:39:00No, we don't want the house, do we?
0:39:00 > 0:39:01No.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07Not sure.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Ian and Simon's basic Spanish has seen them through,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22but if they're going to be living here full-time,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- they know they'll have to up their game.- To us.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28So how do you think you're going to cope when I'm not around,
0:39:28 > 0:39:31with that smattering of Spanish that you've got?
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- It's going to be a struggle and it will be scary at first.- Yeah.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38But the more I immerse myself into it,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40I'm sure I'll be able to pick it up,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43the language, you know, hopefully quick enough.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45I think the phrase I have to learn first is,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48"Not very much Spanish yet."
0:39:48 > 0:39:50It is scary, you know,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53there's no denying it, but this is our choice,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57we wanted to be here, I've got to do it.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Well, they both need some practice
0:39:59 > 0:40:01and there's no time like the present,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04especially as they need to get home.
0:40:50 > 0:40:5315 minutes.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55LAUGHTER
0:40:55 > 0:40:59God. Well, get me a car, love.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Don't worry, we'll get a car very quickly.
0:41:05 > 0:41:06Oh, well done, you.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26It's our last day in Alicante, where we're helping Simon
0:41:26 > 0:41:29and Ian from Yorkshire to begin a new chapter in Spain.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31I wonder what they've got lined up for us today, then.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34With a budget of £160,000 to spend,
0:41:34 > 0:41:39they're looking for a three-bedroom house with plenty of outdoor space.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41During their visit, they've been staying in a rented villa
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and immersing themselves in Spanish life.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49We've got one more property to show them and it's the mystery house.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51It's our last day showing properties to Simon
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and Ian here in south-east Spain in this beautiful weather,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and I have to say we're going to be hard pressed to beat
0:41:57 > 0:41:59the reaction they had to the house yesterday afternoon.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02But we do have the mystery house and it always throws up surprises,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05particularly this one, because it's quite unusual.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Still, if it's good enough for a famous TV cartoon family,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11it could be good enough for Simon and Ian.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Our mystery house is in the village of La Romana,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18a few miles north of Hondon in the neighbouring valley.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Nestled in the foothills, La Romana is popular with walkers
0:42:21 > 0:42:24and mountain bikers, but otherwise it retains the feel of
0:42:24 > 0:42:28a sleepy Spanish village where life gently rolls by.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29One curiosity here, though,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32is the presence of homes which are literally built
0:42:32 > 0:42:35into the landscape, a clue for our mystery house.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37So mind your heads.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- Here is the mystery house. - It's a little...quirky.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47It's quirky. Yes.
0:42:47 > 0:42:52- This is a quirky property because this is a cave house.- Oh, right.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- Oh, right, OK.- Very common in Spain, particularly in the south of Spain.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Troglodytes you'd be if you lived here.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00I'm not sure I'm happy about that.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02What we see here is a kind of add-on.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05An amazing couple, a British couple who have lived here for 11 years,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07and they've built everything here themselves.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11- It was a complete wreck, and the cave was full of animals.- Right.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14So they've sort of built all of this superstructure on top
0:43:14 > 0:43:17of the cave and I think there's something sweet about it.
0:43:17 > 0:43:22It's very eclectic. I suppose that's a good way of saying it.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27It's a bit Steptoe's yard for me for the moment.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31- It could be a bit of a diamond in the rough, so...- Let's explore.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34If outside is a bit too higgledy-piggledy for Simon,
0:43:34 > 0:43:37I'm wondering what he'll make of the interior.
0:43:37 > 0:43:38Come inside. Right.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40Now, this is not the cave yet,
0:43:40 > 0:43:43this is still the kind of add-on at the front.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46So this is the sort of kitchen / dining room.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50It flows up into here so that's where the kitchen and stove is,
0:43:50 > 0:43:52so you've got the main cooking area
0:43:52 > 0:43:55and then to the right there's some storage up on high,
0:43:55 > 0:43:57sort of mezzanine storage.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00And then there's a bathroom through to the left. It's a sort of...
0:44:00 > 0:44:04it's quite a convoluted house, because it sort of goes in circles.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- Is it your cup of tea? - I don't know yet.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10Are you being diplomatic or you just genuinely don't know?
0:44:10 > 0:44:12I don't know. I just...
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- I'm a bit lost for words, I can't say anything at the moment.- Fine.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Well, let's go in here - this is the actual cave now
0:44:19 > 0:44:21so we're heading into the cave.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25The cave part of the house has real character and a cosy charm
0:44:25 > 0:44:28but with low ceilings and no doors or windows at all,
0:44:28 > 0:44:33will it be more than these two can handle? We are in the cave.
0:44:33 > 0:44:34Most definitely.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37And when they bought it all those years ago,
0:44:37 > 0:44:42- this was just a foot deep in kind of goat and sheep poo.- Oh, marvellous.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46It's... you've got to be a bit careful.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48We clear it just about, don't we?
0:44:48 > 0:44:51This is actually the smallest... This is the little snug area,
0:44:51 > 0:44:52so you've got a wood burner at the back
0:44:52 > 0:44:55and then these two little bedrooms, guest bedrooms.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58It's really just a taster to give you the kind of feeling
0:44:58 > 0:45:01of the cave because now we're going to go upstairs to the master.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- OK.- Right, then.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08Also on the ground floor is the main sitting room,
0:45:08 > 0:45:10again part of the original cave house.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Upstairs is the master bedroom.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20We've come up above the superstructure outside the cave.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24This is the latest addition that they've put on. The master suite.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27- A decent size.- Yeah, it's actually quite a nice space.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30So you've got the pitched beams,
0:45:30 > 0:45:32and as with everywhere in this house,
0:45:32 > 0:45:34there are lots of little storage cupboards,
0:45:34 > 0:45:38so that's a sort of airing cupboard built around the chimney stack.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40Oh, right.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43And then down here you've got a brand-new en-suite.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46I'll let you explore in your own time, but what are your feelings?
0:45:47 > 0:45:52I must admit I don't think I could live here. Not 24/7.
0:45:52 > 0:45:53I would love to live here...
0:45:53 > 0:45:56come here for a holiday, as an experience.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Yeah, I think that's the sort of feeling I would have with this place.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- Is it the cave?- Erm, no.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05No, I don't think that's too much of an issue.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09But overall, I think everything put together probably just makes it
0:46:09 > 0:46:10not quite right for me.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Well, let's go back into the garden
0:46:12 > 0:46:15and we can talk about price. Mind your head.
0:46:15 > 0:46:20At the front of the house, there's a courtyard area with a swimming pool and a built-in barbecue.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23While out the back there's another garden on a higher level.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25There's also a handy triple car port.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- Let's settle by the pool.- Yes.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31It's a plunge pool, really.
0:46:31 > 0:46:32So it's definitely...
0:46:32 > 0:46:35it takes a massive amount of vision to do all of this.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38The mystery house is always a bit of a gamble.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40I'm not sure it's really paid off.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43No, I think you've bet on red and it's come up black.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45I know it might not be the house for you,
0:46:45 > 0:46:47but what do you think it's on the market for?
0:46:47 > 0:46:53I think... I'd say this one is under budget, at £155,000.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- He's always stealing your guess. - Again, again.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02We've lived together too long. I'll do £150,000.
0:47:02 > 0:47:03Well, in this case, you're both wrong,
0:47:03 > 0:47:09- because it's actually on the market for £130,000.- Right.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- A lot of property for that money. - It's a lot of cave.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- A lot of cave, yes. - Why don't you go and explore
0:47:14 > 0:47:16and I'll see you later, OK?
0:47:16 > 0:47:20Coming in way under their £160,000 budget,
0:47:20 > 0:47:23the cave house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27Outside is a pool and garden spread over two levels
0:47:27 > 0:47:31and for Ian's work it's just over half an hour from the airport.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33But while its authentic features
0:47:33 > 0:47:35and topsy-turvy charm might appeal to some,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39I think, even at this price, the cave's left Ian and Simon cold.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42This house is the mystery house
0:47:42 > 0:47:45and it's not a mystery why it's the mystery house.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47I mean, this space has got a lot of potential.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51- I mean, obviously, it's got its own entrance up there.- Yeah.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54I didn't like the size of the pool, it was more of a plunge pool
0:47:54 > 0:47:56and I do like to have a swim.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00- I think I'm struggling to see myself living here.- Yeah.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04I liked the flow of the house, it does feel really homely.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08- Yep, definitely a full kitchen.- Yes.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11But to get from one room to another room,
0:48:11 > 0:48:14bending up and down through little doorways,
0:48:14 > 0:48:17I find I would soon get tiresome of.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22Quirky is great, but this is just stepping the boundary
0:48:22 > 0:48:25into really, really quirky.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28Right, so you're not going to be the new Flintstones.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33- No, not for me.- Probably not.- Or Los Flintstones, as they say here.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- No.- Well, that's all the houses we have on offer.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39So let's go and find you somewhere to kind of mull them over.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51While the Alicante countryside is renowned for producing olive oil
0:48:51 > 0:48:54and wine, the city of Elche has a reputation
0:48:54 > 0:48:56for a different kind of product.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59It's home to a footwear industry which sprang up
0:48:59 > 0:49:03in the 19th century and is now known worldwide.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Half of all Spain's shoemakers are based here.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08And there are as many as 1,000 factories
0:49:08 > 0:49:10producing all manner of footwear.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13I have come to one of them to meet Gloria Sanchez.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15- Hola, Gloria!- Hello.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18I'm hoping to find out about a traditional shoe design
0:49:18 > 0:49:21which is still made here today, the espadrille.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24Gloria, I remember when I was a teenager I wore espadrilles.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26- They were very fashionable. - Oh, really?- Yes.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30I kind of thought they might have been French, but they're Spanish, are they?
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Yes, they are. They started in the 19th century.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36The farmers, they were using hemp plant.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39- So instead of using leather, they used a plant?- Yes, exactly.
0:49:39 > 0:49:44Who were they made for? Were they fashion shoes or were they...
0:49:44 > 0:49:48Oh, they were for farmers, for military as well.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50Right, so soldiers wore them as well.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52So what makes an espadrille an espadrille?
0:49:52 > 0:49:57- It has to have a jute sole. - Jute. So that's this stuff here? - Yes.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59And the top bit is canvas, is it?
0:49:59 > 0:50:03Canvas, natural cotton, and now, with fashion, it's changing into
0:50:03 > 0:50:07some leather uppers, but traditionally it's cotton.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Is it the same traditional method?
0:50:09 > 0:50:12Yes, it has not been changed in the last century.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14The industry originally developed here
0:50:14 > 0:50:19because hemp was being grown by local farmers keen to diversify.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22Today, another natural fibre, jute, is used instead.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27Rope woven from the plant is lightly coated in glue
0:50:27 > 0:50:32before the soles are fashioned by hand - something I'm keen to try.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34So where do I start?
0:50:34 > 0:50:36HE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:50:37 > 0:50:41I see, so it sticks together. That is the sole, that's the shoe.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44- Oh, it is quite tricky. - Yeah, always there.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47What happens if you want a bigger shoe?
0:50:47 > 0:50:50Oh, then, you have just to move this. Here are the sizes.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54Oh, I see. Oh, that's clever. So now I'm making a size 41.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59And then you cut it. Like this?
0:51:01 > 0:51:04- Brilliant.- Ta-da!
0:51:04 > 0:51:06My first espadrille.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10And then what happens next?
0:51:10 > 0:51:14It's compressed and then a rubber sole on it.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16- Oh, so they're rubberised?- Yes.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19So how many soles can they make in a day?
0:51:19 > 0:51:24With these, they're doing around 200 pairs per day.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29And what are the qualities of jute particularly, why use this material?
0:51:29 > 0:51:33100% natural, it absorbs the sweating.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36- Ah, so good for sweaty feet. - Yes. And no smell.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40I tell you, what is not to love about the espadrille?
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- It's a wonder shoe. - It's a wonder shoe.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:51:47 > 0:51:50This factory specialises in making just the soles.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The second part of the process is carried out at home
0:51:54 > 0:51:57by women who juggle their work with looking after their children.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59So to see the finished product,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Gloria's taking me to meet one of them.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:52:06 > 0:52:10So is that typical, that ladies like Mercedes will do everything by hand?
0:52:10 > 0:52:13It's still really traditional to make this kind of espadrille,
0:52:13 > 0:52:15all stitched by hand.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17We would call that piecework.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20So they send out a load of soles to the house.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23So, it's a handmade traditional art and I was wondering,
0:52:23 > 0:52:25how many shoes can you do in a day?
0:52:25 > 0:52:27THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:52:27 > 0:52:30One pair takes around half an hour.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33I remember when I was a teenager, espadrilles were very popular
0:52:33 > 0:52:34and then they went out of fashion
0:52:34 > 0:52:36and then they came back into fashion.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Yeah, I think at this moment we're going back to fashion.
0:52:39 > 0:52:44It's again fashion but has never stopped. It's a classic item.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46So, I have to ask now, can I have a pair?
0:52:46 > 0:52:48SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
0:52:48 > 0:52:50But I have very big feet.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:52:53 > 0:52:5446, yes.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58THEY SPEAK SPANISH
0:52:58 > 0:53:01- You are going to be lucky today. - They're so fashionable.- Oh, nice!
0:53:01 > 0:53:04- Now, is this next year's fashion? - Yes.- Very good.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07- It's for next summer. - I'm going to be ahead of the curve.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13- Good, they're perfect. And they go with my trousers.- Yes.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15Thank you so much. Muchas gracias.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26After three days of property hunting in Spain,
0:53:26 > 0:53:29it's the evening before Ian and Simon are due to head home.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31They've come to the city of Alicante for a stroll
0:53:31 > 0:53:33on the beach to collect their thoughts.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38So, is this going to be the lifestyle
0:53:38 > 0:53:40that we've got all the time now, really?
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Well, yeah, if you think about it, you know,
0:53:42 > 0:53:46once every two weeks, we used to get this once a year.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48And now I can have it most of the year.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51I know you're just such a different person
0:53:51 > 0:53:53when you're over here.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56You know, you enjoy the warmth, you enjoy the sun,
0:53:56 > 0:54:00- I think it's just great for your... - For my wellbeing.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02For your whole wellbeing, yeah.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm really looking forward to it.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08I know we've got, obviously, concerns about how our family will miss us
0:54:08 > 0:54:11- and in fairness, we'll miss them too.- Of course we will.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14But, you know, who's not going to want to come out here and visit us, really?
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- Everybody will be wanting to come and visit.- Yeah, true.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20I mean, show them this.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33On the morning of their departure, Ian and Simon are packing up,
0:54:33 > 0:54:37but have they come to any decision about any of the houses we've shown them?
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Right. It's the moment of reckoning here in Alicante.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43The boys are all sold up, packed up and ready to move,
0:54:43 > 0:54:45but have we found them the right house?
0:54:45 > 0:54:47My money's on the big house with the orchard,
0:54:47 > 0:54:52but after some thinking, do they still agree? Let's go and find out.
0:54:57 > 0:55:02- Look at you two by the pool. - Well, where else would we be?
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Very lovely. Nice.
0:55:04 > 0:55:09- So, guys, we got to the end of the week intact.- Yes, finally.- Yes.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11And I'm really keen to know what the next step is.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15I mean, I thought you liked the big house with the orchard best,
0:55:15 > 0:55:20- but have you changed your mind? - No.- It's definitely that one.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23The orchard house gives us pretty much everything that we wanted.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26Simon actually welled up, didn't you? You had a tear in your eye.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30- I certainly did, yes. - What was it that affected you?
0:55:30 > 0:55:33I think that was the property that we'd been looking for,
0:55:33 > 0:55:35that was like the dream, you know,
0:55:35 > 0:55:38when you sort of envision living out in Spain
0:55:38 > 0:55:40and you see your property,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43and it was a driveway lined with palms and I'd moved in.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46I have to say it was very beautiful sitting on that veranda,
0:55:46 > 0:55:47looking out over the mountains.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50Yeah, the mountains at the back of the house were stunning
0:55:50 > 0:55:53and then you turn round and you've got another mountain view.
0:55:53 > 0:55:54Fantastic.
0:55:54 > 0:55:55So, let's talk nuts and bolts,
0:55:55 > 0:55:57because that was right at the top of your budget.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59- In fact, over your budget.- Yeah.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01So with negotiation, you might be able to get it
0:56:01 > 0:56:04within your budget. That doesn't leave you much money to play with.
0:56:04 > 0:56:08No, but we have been talking about this last night
0:56:08 > 0:56:10and can we live with that property
0:56:10 > 0:56:13for the next, say, two years, as it is,
0:56:13 > 0:56:17until we've got some money behind us again to make it more liveable for us?
0:56:17 > 0:56:20The big expense for me, really, is to have a...
0:56:20 > 0:56:22to double the size of the kitchen, if possible
0:56:22 > 0:56:24and that's the only major thing.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26I think taking out those walls would be a good step,
0:56:26 > 0:56:30- but that's relatively cheap. - Yes.- Yes.- So, what happens next?
0:56:30 > 0:56:33If you are interested in the orchard house, which I hope you are,
0:56:33 > 0:56:36what happens? Are you going to go and view,
0:56:36 > 0:56:37are you going to put an offer in?
0:56:37 > 0:56:40- Yeah, I think we need a second viewing.- Yeah.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44And just look over the finer details and, yeah, all being well,
0:56:44 > 0:56:46if we can get it for the right price,
0:56:46 > 0:56:48and see if we can barter them down.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50Now, there was a bigger picture, obviously -
0:56:50 > 0:56:52you moving over here is a big event for both of you.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55I know that you kind of enjoyed going round the market.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58Yes, it was a real confidence booster.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01Actually, to order... I know it was only a red pepper,
0:57:01 > 0:57:03but it was, "I can do this."
0:57:03 > 0:57:07So yes, I'm ready and raring to go.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11- If you want a red pepper, I'm the man.- I was really proud of him.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14- He did so well.- Well, it has been great showing you around, it's been great fun.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18- And also lovely that you've had cash in your pockets and are so ready to buy.- Absolutely.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21So do keep us in the loop and let us know as soon as you put that offer in.
0:57:21 > 0:57:23- Will do.- Will do.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29Quick as a flash, our trip to Alicante is over
0:57:29 > 0:57:32and we're going to have to leave the splendours of south-east Spain
0:57:32 > 0:57:33but not, I think,
0:57:33 > 0:57:37without having done some sterling work for Simon and Ian.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40I was particularly happy that Simon, after a tough few years,
0:57:40 > 0:57:42managed to challenge some of his fears
0:57:42 > 0:57:44about coming here without much Spanish,
0:57:44 > 0:57:47and also that we found them that lovely orchard house.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50So, fingers crossed that all goes through and I hope that you join us
0:57:50 > 0:57:54next time for more Escape To The Continent.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59Simon and Ian did make an offer on the orchard house,
0:57:59 > 0:58:02but, unfortunately, the sellers couldn't lower their price
0:58:02 > 0:58:07as far as the couple needed in order to fund the renovations they wanted to make.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11However, they have now moved to Spain
0:58:11 > 0:58:14and have placed an offer on another house in the Hondon Valley.