0:00:02 > 0:00:04This pretty renaissance town dates back to Roman times
0:00:04 > 0:00:09when it was a busy coastal port but now lies 20 miles from the sea.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Find out why and, of course, where I am in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Today, we're helping a couple from London find a new family home
0:00:37 > 0:00:40on the Continent and the properties we've got
0:00:40 > 0:00:44lined up are definitely worth making a song and dance about.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49Gosh, who'd have thought a semi in Penge to a chateau in France.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51You could search the whole of Europe
0:00:51 > 0:00:54and you probably wouldn't come up with anything similar.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Welcome to Escape to the Continent.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04We're in Western France and this is Fontenay-le-Comte.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Now, it's hard to believe but this peaceful town was once
0:01:08 > 0:01:11a busy port up until the Middle Ages.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13But when the marshlands around here
0:01:13 > 0:01:16were drained by Benedictine monks for cultivation,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20the sea gradually receded leaving miles of winding river between
0:01:20 > 0:01:25here and the coast and spelling the end to its trading prowess.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Nevertheless, with its medieval walls
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and magnificent Cathedral, this town is packed full
0:01:31 > 0:01:35of history and culture and is affectionately known as the
0:01:35 > 0:01:38jewel in the crown of this region called La Vendee.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44About an hour and a half away by plane from the UK, La Vendee
0:01:44 > 0:01:47is a department lying on France's West Coast.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's about the size of Devon but with just half
0:01:49 > 0:01:53the number of inhabitants and no major cities.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56The landscape here is dominated by flat farmland,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59often stretching as far as the eye can see,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02peppered with the occasional charming village like Vouvant.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06A microclimate blesses the region, with an average of seven hours
0:02:06 > 0:02:09of sunshine a day. So besides agriculture, La Vendee
0:02:09 > 0:02:12is also known for tourism.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Some of the most beautiful beaches in France are found
0:02:15 > 0:02:18here along with popular resorts like Les Sables-d'Olonne.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21The coastline also has a reputation as France's
0:02:21 > 0:02:24premier destination for boating.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Inland, the 5,000 hectare Mervent Forest provides excellent
0:02:28 > 0:02:32terrain for walkers and cyclists, while nearby the Marais Poitevin
0:02:32 > 0:02:37is a vast area of marshland that can be explored by canal.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39If all that wasn't enough for expats,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41there are excellent transport links
0:02:41 > 0:02:44to back home by sea and by air.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Despite its obvious visual appeal, when it comes to property,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54prices in La Vendee compare favourably with the rest of France,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59as homes here cost around 10% less than the national average.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03They're also significantly cheaper than back home,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05where an average three-bedroom detached house
0:03:05 > 0:03:08costs £270,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Here, you'll find six bedroom farmhouses on the market
0:03:12 > 0:03:14for the same money.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17But what exactly are today's buyers looking for?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Today's house-hunters are David and Elaine from south-east London.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28They've been together for 13 years after meeting the traditional
0:03:28 > 0:03:30way on a boozy night out.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33We met at a club called the Clapham Grand.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38There she was standing in the club
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and she actually deigned to speak to me and I couldn't believe my luck.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49That was 13 years ago and now we have three children.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53The oldest one, her name's Harriet, she's 11 and then there's a middle
0:03:53 > 0:03:56one, Archie who has to endure two sisters.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00He's ten and Scarlet who's six going on 16.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03For the past ten years they've been living in Penge,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05in a house they renovated themselves
0:04:05 > 0:04:08but now they're tiring of city life.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Penge is lovely but it's London
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and it's very intense,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15the pace of life is such.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Life is quite mundane really, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22You, sort of, wait for the weekend, fit in a couple of activities
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and then another week starts.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26As soon as you poke your nose out of the door,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30it costs a small fortune when there's five of you.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33As a family we belong to Penge Bike Club.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36The cycling is the one thing that they can all do together
0:04:36 > 0:04:38but, I think, we want to do more.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41They think the answer is a move abroad where they hope
0:04:41 > 0:04:44they can build a different kind of life for the children.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I think one of the attractions, hopefully,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49is that they spend more time outside.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I think you learn more from climbing trees
0:04:52 > 0:04:56and falling down and the sort of things I used to do as a child.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59You know, we're so divorced from that sort of lifestyle
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and I'd like to go back to that.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06They've got their heart set on our nearest neighbour, France.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10France is close, having been there many times you understand what
0:05:10 > 0:05:12it is you're going to do over there.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Their values are quite similar as well.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18So, the transition for a family, I think, is quite easy.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Their house is already under offer
0:05:20 > 0:05:24but with David currently working as a self-employed tiler in London,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26the move may not be that straightforward.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30We need to move somewhere that is commutable.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33David, for at least a couple of years, is going
0:05:33 > 0:05:35to continue to work in the UK.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And there's the children's education to think about.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Our main priority, when we move to France, is really to establish
0:05:42 > 0:05:45the children in schools, to make sure that the schools are suitable,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47that they're happy in the school.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I would say it is the biggest risk we've ever taken.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55We're leaving quite a reasonable lifestyle, a lovely house.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We're taking a gamble.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01If we sell up and move out of London, we're not coming back.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I think it's time to change. It's a big world
0:06:04 > 0:06:08and there's lots more out there really, so let's go and do something.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14We're focusing our search in the countryside around
0:06:14 > 0:06:15Fontenay-le-Comte,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19an area full of great properties and well-served by two airports,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23so useful for David's trips back to the UK.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24But with a whole family to think about,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27are they ready to take the plunge?
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Time to find out.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Well, David and Elaine, welcome to Western France.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Are you looking forward the next few days?- Oh, gosh, yes.- Yeah?
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- No, it's quite exciting. - How are you feeling?
0:06:37 > 0:06:41The move would mean packing up a house, shifting a house,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43so a little bit apprehensive.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I like that, the reality check straightaway.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49We know that France is hugely popular with Brits
0:06:49 > 0:06:51searching for a new life abroad.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53I think it is the number one destination.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Why does it so appeal to you as a family?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00You get so much more for your money and just the climate.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I mean, I envy the French, a 35 hour week,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I think that's a wonderful thing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Is part of this search about finding that new career over here?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Yes, I think so.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11I don't want to be too static for too long.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I think it would be nice to do something else.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Let's talk about the children because they're an important part of this move.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19They're one of the reasons why you want to try and live in France.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22How difficult do you think the move will be for them?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24I mean, they're getting older, Scarlet is still quite little
0:07:24 > 0:07:27but I think they, once set in the right direction, will
0:07:27 > 0:07:31establish themselves hopefully and then from what I know when you live
0:07:31 > 0:07:34in France, if you join associations or different clubs then that will
0:07:34 > 0:07:38enable them to get a broader range of friends and us too really.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40So let's talk about this French property,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43what exactly is it that you're after?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Nice high ceilings, a stone property preferably.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50How many bedrooms?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54A minimum of four. You know, I'm quite up for a project if possible.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58If we can expand a property and perhaps, you know, get some income.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01So if you're going to expand the property, are we talking gites,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03holiday lets, holiday homes?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Yes, something like that possibly.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09See, the impression I'm getting is that you're actually very flexible,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11nothing seems to be set in stone.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Yeah, it would have been easier had we maybe had a tick list with things to find
0:08:15 > 0:08:18and then you could have just gone straight to the source but hopefully
0:08:18 > 0:08:20a variety means that we're blown away.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Now, let's discuss your budget because it is rather healthy.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28Yes, we're looking to spend £600,000,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30ideally as little as possible.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Yes, so if we can come under that budget you'll be happy , will you?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Yes, because that would give just more money to do it up.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37And that's the game plan, isn't it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Get a perfect home in the right location, relatively close to
0:08:40 > 0:08:42a school and then David could work full-time in France?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Ideally.- Ideally.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Well, we do have some splendid properties lined up to show you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Are you keen to get going?- Yep. - Oh, yes, please.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Follow me.- Great.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58With their £600,000 budget, David and Elaine are looking for...
0:09:12 > 0:09:15We've got four properties lined up which we hope will give them
0:09:15 > 0:09:17everything they're looking for and more.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20At the end of each house tour I'll be asking them
0:09:20 > 0:09:22to put a price on our carefully selected offerings
0:09:22 > 0:09:25and along the way we'll be giving our buyers the chance
0:09:25 > 0:09:28to sample authentic day-to-day living in France.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Last but not least, we'll be lording it up with our Mystery House,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35chosen to challenge their property wish list.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Our first property is in the west of our search area
0:09:42 > 0:09:45in Saint-Aubin-la-Plaine.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47This remote hamlet has a shop and a bar
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and the all-important primary school.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53While, a few miles away, the larger village of Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine
0:09:53 > 0:09:56offers a wider choice of amenities.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59The house is on the outskirts Saint-Aubin,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01surrounded by fields of crops.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03So, let's introduce you to your
0:10:03 > 0:10:05first property here in Western France.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08It's a Vendeen farmhouse.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Wow!- I like it.- No, it's stunning.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15So the farmhouse itself is about 180 years old.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19It's lovely, you know, it's got a permanent feel to it.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21And just on the left there's a huge barn.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- That looks as if it's got a huge footprint.- Yep.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- You might have noticed the swimming pool behind us.- Yep.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31So you haven't looked at any French homes, how does it rate so far?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Exciting.- Very nice.- Yeah? Shall we step inside?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Yes.- Oh, yes, please.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39The classic style of the farmhouse seems to have met with
0:10:39 > 0:10:41approval from David and Elaine
0:10:41 > 0:10:45and the interior doesn't disappoint,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49with large spacious rooms and plenty of original features.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53So just off the hallway, which has a real old authentic feel
0:10:53 > 0:10:55leads us into our living room.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Lovely.- Lovely.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Look at the fireplace. - The beams are huge.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06I think with a beam in a house, it makes it feel like a home.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09It's got the feeling of the period farmhouse.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13The floor is unusual that it's concrete and not tiles.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I think I would have rather have had a lovely original farmhouse floor.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Yes, I'm with you on that.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21You can tile directly over the top, you know,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23put in nice natural stone on the top.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- You see, we have a man that does, haven't we?- Well, there we go,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28entering my field of expertise.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- I like that, I like that you see the potential straight away.- Yep.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35Excellent, that's a good start. Well, if you'd like to follow me.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39'Heading in the other direction, the hallway leads into a
0:11:39 > 0:11:43'large dining room, a useful utility room and finally the kitchen.'
0:11:43 > 0:11:47I would call this quite a typical French kitchen,
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- as in, not extremely large. - Very small.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Well, bigger than the one I've got at home.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58But you do have that utility room next-door.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00You could open it out.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04This room, I think, could work as, sort of, the utility room/larder
0:12:04 > 0:12:07and then in the room next-door, in the dining room,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10that could be a big open-plan kitchen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14You put that kitchen in the dining room and it would be magnificent.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Do you like it so far?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I'm not overly enamoured by it.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- David?- There's nothing wrong with the place at all but nothing's really
0:12:24 > 0:12:26grabbed me yet.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31But there is something special next-door that I'd love to show you.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37While the layout downstairs might benefit from a rejig,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40upstairs is perfectly formed.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45Situated off a central corridor are four good-sized double bedrooms
0:12:45 > 0:12:48and there's a family bathroom.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51But it's what's outside that I'm hoping we'll win David
0:12:51 > 0:12:55and Elaine round because behind the farmhouse is an entirely
0:12:55 > 0:12:59separate building, recently refurbished to a high standard.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03So you've probably guessed by now that the surprise is you've got
0:13:03 > 0:13:07a four bedroom gite, all en suite, beautifully appointed.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12It's still quite neutral but you wouldn't need to do a thing.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- It's nicely done.- So this is one big gite with four bedrooms?- Yes.- Wow.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19A really large kitchen and utility room
0:13:19 > 0:13:23and if that wasn't enough, they've got their own summing pool,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25which can be heated in the summer months.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Wow, fit for purpose.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It is fit for purpose. And, at the moment, the way it works is
0:13:30 > 0:13:34the owners actually rent out the farmhouse and the gite,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36only during the peak of the summer months
0:13:36 > 0:13:39and they make about £30,000 a year.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Wow, that surprises me that it's that much money.- Yeah.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44I know, we'll get a tent and we can live in a tent
0:13:44 > 0:13:47and rent out both out and
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I'll retire.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The business potential of this property has got them thinking.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55They're starting to open their minds to the opportunities
0:13:55 > 0:14:00this farmhouse offers and there are more of those to discuss.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So I've brought you to the front of the farmhouse because here you
0:14:03 > 0:14:08really can get to appreciate your land and some of the outbuildings.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13Your own pool, and the gite has its own pool, about seven acres of land
0:14:13 > 0:14:15and the barn.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Now, the barn's been renovated,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19it's had a brand-new roof put on at a vast expense.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Inside there's just storage.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25If you wanted to, you could convert that into a second gite.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I like the barn. I like the barn with the prospect of
0:14:28 > 0:14:30that being our home.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33So are we thinking, convert the barn for you and the family
0:14:33 > 0:14:35and renting out the farmhouse and the other gite?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37It's certainly a possibility.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41So starting off with this, sort of, flexible idea that you had,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45we've now got a business underway by the sounds of it, Elaine.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49This is set up perfectly that one exists separately from the other.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- But there's one part of the jigsaw that we have to discuss...- Money.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Well, that's a very good part but I was going to say the children.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Oh, oh!- Schools, you know, we've got this dream, we've got
0:14:58 > 0:15:00this adventure going on
0:15:00 > 0:15:03but they still need a little bit of an education, don't they?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06So there are quite a few schools in the surrounding areas.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10You've got three areas, Sainte-Gemme, Saint-Aubin and Lucon.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12And between them they go from primary
0:15:12 > 0:15:13all the way through to secondary.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16So now we've got to discuss money.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20How much do you think the asking price is?
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- 540,000.- That was very definite, I like that. 540,000. OK.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25500,000.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28500,000? You have been thinking about it, haven't you?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32I think you're going to be slightly surprised.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34The asking price is
0:15:34 > 0:15:38just over £416,000...
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Wow.- Wow.- ..on today's exchange rate.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43That's staggering.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Way, way under your budget.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47416,000.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Which would give us a huge amount to do the work on the barn,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- which, you know, makes it viable. - Yeah.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58There you go, ready-made business on your doorstep.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00How are you going to top it? That's going to be the problem.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Go and have another wander around, be my guest, take your time,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05enjoy, it's only our first property, remember.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07I'll see you in a minute.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Priced at £416,000, this property includes...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Coming in at around £185,000 under budget,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23even after fees and taxes
0:16:23 > 0:16:26there'd be plenty left in the pot to convert the barn.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28As for the location, it's good,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32close to schools but in a rural spot with plenty of land.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- Whoa!- Great working space.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40What I like most about the property is that you could
0:16:40 > 0:16:43live here and run a business without feeling that your business
0:16:43 > 0:16:46took over your day-to-day life.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I think the kids would love it. One, swimming pool - heaven,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53two, I think they would be ecstatic.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56The work that we would need to do to this house would please David
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- because I could see a small digger being involved.- Yes!
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Yes, I've always wanted to have a go at a digger.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06How are you feeling? You've had a little time
0:17:06 > 0:17:09to wander round on your own, got used to the shock of the price?
0:17:09 > 0:17:10Excited.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14You view it differently when you know that you've got the budget to
0:17:14 > 0:17:17make alterations and finish certain jobs.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19So, yeah, really excited.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I'm delighted us, we've started off on a high.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24We've got more properties to show you over the next few days,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27but now we're going to take you to your accommodation tonight
0:17:27 > 0:17:29because we thought, well, rather than put you in a hotel,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32it might be nice to take you to a village, a town,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34so that you can immerse yourself, have some time on your own
0:17:34 > 0:17:38and really get a flavour of what life here might be like.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- Ready to go?- Lovely.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50To accommodate our buyers during their stay, we've chosen
0:17:50 > 0:17:53a gite a few miles east of Fontenay-le-Comte.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56We're hoping a couple of days by themselves in this pretty
0:17:56 > 0:17:59stone cottage will give them a taste of their new life in France.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- There are the keys.- Thank you.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Your suitcases are already inside.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06So enjoy and I'll be seeing you in the morning to show you
0:18:06 > 0:18:08some more properties.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- Bye.- Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Oh, this is nice.- Oh, yeah, it's lovely.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Shall we have a look upstairs?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Yeah, after you, honey.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Time for our couple to get the bags unpacked,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24make themselves at home and kick back.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So I wonder how the children are getting on without us?
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Oh, I imagine they're driving everyone crazy.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32They'd enjoy that house this morning.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And we're quite near the coast as well so the opportunity to
0:18:35 > 0:18:37go to the beach each day.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Only, what, about 20/30 minutes drive?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Let's have a "cheers" to France. - Cheers.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54It's day two of our house-hunt in the La Vendee in Western France.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56With a generous £600,000 budget,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00our couple from south London are hoping to find a traditional French
0:19:00 > 0:19:02home for their family,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04preferably with business opportunities attached.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07So what will today's properties have to offer?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13When we first met David and Elaine, I got the distinct
0:19:13 > 0:19:18impression that their plans for this move were fluid, to say the least.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21But after showing them our first property,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24that splendid farmhouse with ready-made gite,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26the fact that it was a home
0:19:26 > 0:19:28and a business in one, well under their budget,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33well, I think things became a little clearer for our couple.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Yesterday's property was a rural retreat,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38today we're going to show them a town house
0:19:38 > 0:19:41in the heart of a community.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43We've come to Maillezais, a small town
0:19:43 > 0:19:47seven miles outside Fontenay-le-Comte.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49With its pretty streets lined with stone buildings
0:19:49 > 0:19:51and an impressive ruined abbey,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Maillezais is one of the most popular tourist destinations
0:19:54 > 0:19:56in the region.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58It also lies on the edge of the marshland,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00known as the Marais Poitevin.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Another big draw for visitors who can explore the area
0:20:02 > 0:20:06by boat along a network of canals.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09The village itself has a handful of amenities including
0:20:09 > 0:20:13a restaurant and a cluster of shops.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Good morning to you.- BOTH: Morning.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Now, what has happened to the weather?
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- Home from home.- Yes.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21It is a little bit but I'm feeling optimistic,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I think it's going to clear as the day goes on.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I'll cross my fingers as I say that.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Now, you might be wondering why we've brought you to this village of Maillezais
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and we're standing next to this beautiful ruined abbey.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33This is part of the story
0:20:33 > 0:20:36because your future home could be in this village.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Shall we go and take a look at our next property?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Yeah.- Yes, please.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44The property is an impressive town house
0:20:44 > 0:20:46in a great central location.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52So how about this as something a little bit different?
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- A bit different, yeah! - It is, isn't it?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57This house was actually owned by the local landowner.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00He owned 250 hectares.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02The courtyard, the building,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05I can see it being an important building once upon a time.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08A great feeling of space, you know?
0:21:08 > 0:21:12To have this amount of room in front of a house in a village.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14You can tell it was a wealthy owner, can't you?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Before we step inside, I just want to point one thing out to you.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19It was built in about 1837
0:21:19 > 0:21:24but in the 1850s the next-door neighbour built a taller property,
0:21:24 > 0:21:28so they had an extra floor put on just so that everybody was
0:21:28 > 0:21:32reminded of their wealth and status within the village.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35We have high aspirations for the two of you.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Shall we go inside?- Yep. - Yes, please.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45So come on through.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48What you get, I think, straightaway as you walk into
0:21:48 > 0:21:51this property is the elegance, the grandeur.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Just look at that sweeping staircase going up.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Much more formal than the farmhouse, you know,
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- a more elegant way of living.- Yeah.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Well, let's see if you like it as we go through.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I'll just leave my umbrella there and we'll start the tour.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11A long corridor runs along the front of the building,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15off it is an unusual octagonal study.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Further along it leads to the impressive centrepiece of the house,
0:22:18 > 0:22:23a fabulous double dining room with open fire.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26THEY GASP AND LAUGH
0:22:26 > 0:22:31This is a large property.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35We've already walked past one room and you have this magnificent room
0:22:35 > 0:22:40which, as you probably have noticed, has a real French style about it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Gosh, you don't see that from the hallway, do you?- No.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45And if you look over there, that's a pot-auge.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47That's where they would have actually cooked the food.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50So if you brought your guests in, if the knew you had one of those,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53you had serious money and status.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55You don't find many houses like this in South East London.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- No.- No. It's a bit staggering really.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Could you imagine yourselves living in here?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Yeah.- Yes.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Especially with the fire and food. Fire and food go well together.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07That's such a lovely fire place.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09All right, well, let's show you the kitchen.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11You might have to manage expectations
0:23:11 > 0:23:13a little bit with this one.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15I don't go in the kitchen.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Now, come into your French kitchen.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23ELAINE LAUGHS
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It's not quite the same as next-door
0:23:25 > 0:23:28but it has a certain amount of charm,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I think is the word I'm going to use.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Bijou.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Elaine's spellbound.- It's rotten.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38We can rip it out.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Well, you said you don't mind doing a kitchen,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42you don't mind little bit of a project.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45No, and I guess if you inherit someone else's kitchen, you live
0:23:45 > 0:23:47with it until you know that you're going to put a new kitchen in.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50You've got quite a lot of space, you've got a larder
0:23:50 > 0:23:52you've also got a utility room to your right.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54If you wouldn't mind leading the way, David.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57'Again, the kitchen has been something of a disappointment
0:23:57 > 0:23:59'for Elaine and David but I'm hoping the stately grandeur
0:23:59 > 0:24:02'of the rest of the house will make up for it.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:03So, the house...
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- Oh, it's posh again.- ..keeps giving.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08It's a, you know, gorgeous light room.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13The farmhouse was rustic whereas this has elegance.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Are you sure you haven't taken us to Versailles?
0:24:16 > 0:24:17NICKI LAUGHS
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Through there you've got an orangery.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23So years ago they'd have brought it in the trees, the orange trees
0:24:23 > 0:24:28perhaps the lemon trees, olive trees in the winter months
0:24:28 > 0:24:30to keep them protected from the frost
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and then they'd have gone back out in the summer.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34But that's not all.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Upstairs on the first floor you have six bedrooms.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41If that wasn't enough, you've got an additional bedroom
0:24:41 > 0:24:43which is en suite at the very top of the house.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- So seven...- Seven bedrooms.- Yeah.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48The owner of this property has run a B&B successfully
0:24:48 > 0:24:50for many years here.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54She can earn between 45 and 50,000 euros a year.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- Gosh, they make a lot of money, don't they?- Yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04With so many bedrooms, this property does offer real
0:25:04 > 0:25:08earning potential but running a B&B is hard work and not for everyone.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10The good news with this town house
0:25:10 > 0:25:12is that there are the other options too.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19So, you also have this magnificent walled garden.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24So lots of space for the children to play, very, very private.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26You wouldn't know you're in the middle of a village, would you?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30But there's more, there's quite a lot more with this property.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34You have this magnificent home but if you look to our side,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37you can just see the door there, that's a one bedroom en suite.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44You have a workshop, it also has a gite.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48When I say gite, it's one bedroom, it's got a kitchenette,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51it does need modernisation, I'm not going to lie.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53But there's the potential to rent that out.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57But there's also a business at the moment in an outbuilding.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Over the last few years an architects has been there,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02so there's revenue there.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04You run out of superlatives.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06THEY LAUGH
0:26:06 > 0:26:07I'm sorry you do.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11But we're going to have to now try and put a price on this property,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15the town house as I like to call it.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16I don't know.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Well, I think it's got to be towards the top end of our budget.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- So I'm going to say 580,000.- OK.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I would say 540,000.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33Well, the asking price is £523,000.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- Wow.- Good Lord.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Now, that is surprising.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The icing on the cake has to be the schools
0:26:40 > 0:26:42because you've got two primary schools in this village.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45One private, one state but the secondary schools
0:26:45 > 0:26:49and further education are about 12km out and the bus stops
0:26:49 > 0:26:51practically right outside this property.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Be my guest, have a good look around, get thinking
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and I'll catch up with you when you're ready.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- OK.- Thank you.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05This really is a remarkable property.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09It's got character, it's got charm, there's history attached to it
0:27:09 > 0:27:13but it's also got bags of potential.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15On the market at £523,000,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18this extensive property has...
0:27:30 > 0:27:35It still comes in well under their £600,000 budget.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39I have never been to a house like this before.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Ah!- Oh, Look at that.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44It's a wonderful, wonderful property and the size
0:27:44 > 0:27:46and the scale of it is immense.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- Is the kitchenette in here? - Yeah, it's through that way.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I think you could live in it straight away
0:27:52 > 0:27:54but the scale of the renovations
0:27:54 > 0:27:57that you'd have to do over the course of one, two, three years
0:27:57 > 0:27:59would be immense.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Do we have enough money to do it justice
0:28:01 > 0:28:02and how would we get it to work?
0:28:02 > 0:28:06If it was just my heart, we'd buy it straight away
0:28:06 > 0:28:08but you have to use your brain.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I'm confused.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Ah, well done, you've finally looked at everything.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Well, it took some time but, yep, we had a good look around.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- It's a splendid property, isn't it? - Magnificent.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Lots of potential. - Bags of potential.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Even more to think about. Let's go.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39We're heading back into Fontenay-le-Comte where I've
0:28:39 > 0:28:42arranged for David and Elaine to meet a British couple,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Jill and Kenny Pearce,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48they're among the 400,000 expats who have already made France their home.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Kenny and Jill, great to meet you.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Thanks for inviting us here this morning.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Can I introduce you to David and Elaine.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55ALL: Hello.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58They're hoping to follow in your footsteps, not literally,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00but make the move here.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- We've been here for eight years now. - And you've got children as well?
0:29:04 > 0:29:07We have, yes, and they've obviously been through the schooling system here as well.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Well, we've organised something a little different for you.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Knowing how you love to cycle... - Did I say that?
0:29:13 > 0:29:15You must have done once because I've got the bikes behind us.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18You lead the way, we'll follow.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23In fact if David and Elaine are keen for the family to get out on their
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- bicycles more often... Everyone ready?- Nope.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31..then La Vendee could be just the place for them.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33The region has been promoting cycling heavily
0:29:33 > 0:29:36and there are over 600 miles of cycle routes.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40The one we're trying out today has only recently been designated.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43It leads from Fontenay-le-Comte to the village of Chaix
0:29:43 > 0:29:45where the Pearce's live.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Following the banks of the River Vendee,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50all the way along a quiet road, and where cars are banned.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- This is fantastic, isn't it? - Beautiful.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Is this what you had in mind, your new life over here?
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Definitely.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- It's quiet, it's beautiful, it's flat...- By water.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08..and the ease with which the children could go out cycling
0:30:08 > 0:30:10in a relatively safe environment.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Is it a lot safer? Could you send your children out cycling
0:30:13 > 0:30:14and not worry so much?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Yes.- Yes, I would say so. We have anyway.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Ready for the next stage? - Go on, then.- Lead on.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21LAUGHTER
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Kenny and Jill's children were also of school age
0:30:24 > 0:30:27when the family moved to France.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Just like David, Kenny is a tradesman, a joiner
0:30:30 > 0:30:34who's had to find work locally.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37So, as we settle down for lunch at their home,
0:30:37 > 0:30:38there's plenty to discuss.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41So the fact that you have a young family...
0:30:41 > 0:30:44How difficult was it to find the school for the children?
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- Not difficult for us, no.- Was it not?- No.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50Because we liked the area and, obviously, we enquired here
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and we were accepted in there very easily.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56We just went to the mayor in the local village, in Chaix,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00and he then put us forward to the primary school in Chaix.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- It was as easy as that. - So the mayor did the introduction? - BOTH: Yeah.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09Did any of the other children speak English at the school or is it completely French-speaking?
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Completely French-speaking.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Because it was a small school as well,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14they were treated like superstars,
0:31:14 > 0:31:16you know, something different.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19They had so many friends, straightaway.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Here the children are children so much longer.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24That's what we wanted for our children.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27We wanted them to, you know, have a proper childhood.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30They're not 18 at ten, they're ten-year-olds.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Exactly, that was exactly our premise.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34How's their French?
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Our children's French is exceptional.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- They never had a problem with it, did they?- No.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42They didn't come home from school feeling a bit peculiar because
0:31:42 > 0:31:45everyone else was chatting around them and they weren't too sure?
0:31:45 > 0:31:47I think we've got to accept that they got friends quite quick.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49What about the two of you?
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- I get by.- Do you?- I've got get-by-French.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56The two main things when you move is, one, you want to
0:31:56 > 0:31:59settle your children but, two, you need to work.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02How hard have you found business over here? Because you're in quite a
0:32:02 > 0:32:04similar industry, aren't you?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- I've always found work. - Have you?- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10To be fair, though, you will find most of the work
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- is the expat community.- It's always expats.- Why is that?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16The French tend to want to give their money to their own.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19And when it comes to working, do you need to register?
0:32:19 > 0:32:21If you were to register as a tiler here,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23that is all you'd be allowed to do officially.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- You wouldn't be allowed to work as anything different.- OK.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29And you will get the gendarmes occasionally when you're on jobs,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- they will come and look for your work card...- Really?
0:32:32 > 0:32:34..to prove what you're doing.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- To make sure you're doing the skill you've got the card for?- Yes.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39So over all, are you pleased you made the move
0:32:39 > 0:32:42and quite happy with your life here?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- It's a lot slower way, isn't it?- A slower pace of life.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48I know everybody says that, it's a bit of a cliche, but it is true.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50You will have the wobbly moments
0:32:50 > 0:32:52when you may be missing family and friends
0:32:52 > 0:32:54and you have a bad day, or something,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58and you, sort of, question yourself but overall it's worth it, isn't it?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00It's a different way of life.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03It's further encouragement for David and Elaine.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07But if they do go ahead and buy in France, there are a few details
0:33:07 > 0:33:08they should bear in mind.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Fees and taxes on house-buying can add up.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14In most cases totalling between seven and 10%
0:33:14 > 0:33:16on top of the purchase price.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19If they do decide to run a gite, they must ensure it's
0:33:19 > 0:33:21registered with the local mayor.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24They should also be careful not to overestimate their likely income
0:33:24 > 0:33:27as it's a highly seasonal business
0:33:27 > 0:33:30and they can expect few guests outside the summer months.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32When it comes to the children's schooling,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35although state education in France is of a high standard,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38it could be worth considering the subsidised private schools too,
0:33:38 > 0:33:42which can cost well under £1,000 a year.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Our next house is located near Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges,
0:33:51 > 0:33:55a delightful village lying eight miles east of Fontenay-le-Comte.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Saint-Hilaire has a good selection of amenities,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00including a bakers and butchers.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03It also has two primary schools and a college.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05In the countryside nearby is our property.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Not just any old house but a chateau.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11LAUGHTER
0:34:11 > 0:34:15Now here is your next property.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- We'll stay here.- Yeah? - Yeah, that's it, done.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I like a good strong first impression.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23They just get bigger and bigger.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25I mean, there must be a limit, surely?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27I must admit as you walk round the corner,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- it takes your breath away, doesn't it?- It's vast.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34The original part of the property dates back to around the 1100s
0:34:34 > 0:34:38but the actual chateau itself was built around 1350.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Do you like the idea of being lady of the manor?- Yeah.- Yes?
0:34:41 > 0:34:42Which one of us?
0:34:42 > 0:34:44LAUGHTER
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- You can fight over that title.- OK.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- I guess you're keen to get inside? - Oh, yes.- Yes, please.- Come on.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54With centuries of history in its walls
0:34:54 > 0:34:58and built from local stone, this place has character in spades
0:34:58 > 0:35:02which recent modernisation has left unharmed.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06So, through the hallway, let's start off with
0:35:06 > 0:35:09our sitting room.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Look at it, it's huge.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14The cat wouldn't be enough, I'd need to swing a tiger round here.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- Just walking in here makes you feel good, doesn't it?- Mmm.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Great ceiling with the oak.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- How high do you think that ceiling is? 11/12 foot?- Probably more.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- You wouldn't think this dates back to 1350, would you?- Gosh, no.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- We'll have this room as well as the outside of the house.- Yes?- Yep.- Yes.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- Big thumbs up?- Mhmm.- Huge thumbs up.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- Excited?- Mhmm.- I'm excited because I'm looking forward
0:35:35 > 0:35:38to showing you the rest of this property.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Shall we?- Oh, please.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49The sitting room leads onto an impeccable dining space
0:35:49 > 0:35:51and then a kitchen which, this time,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54will surely live up to Elaine's expectation.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- Yes, it's all right, I suppose. - Yeah? Could twist your arm?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I mean, who in England could have a kitchen this size?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02I mean, this is the footprint...
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Probably even bigger than most houses.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07It's completely renovated in here, isn't it?
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Is it ridiculously large?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- No.- No, no, no. The kitchen can never be too big.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14It's a lovely size if you've got a family.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17It's just, you know, great.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21So I'm guessing this gets the thumbs up as well?
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- This is phenomenal.- Yeah. - This is perfect.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It's about to get better, as the kitchen leads through
0:36:26 > 0:36:30into a gite, attached to the house but with its own entrance.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34So, here you have a sitting room.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37In here you have...
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Wow, what a big room!
0:36:39 > 0:36:43..a beautifully laid out kitchen/dining area.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Yeah, I could come on holiday and be in this room
0:36:45 > 0:36:49and not feel as if you're being forced into a tiny little space.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53And this gite is large, it's been beautifully done.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56You've got three double bedrooms, all en suite
0:36:56 > 0:37:00and the income that they get in the high season is about £1,000 a week.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- I love your faces. You don't have to say anything. I can see...- Yes.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08..the penny is beginning to drop.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Back in the main house, the ground floor also offers a study
0:37:13 > 0:37:15and utility room.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19While heading upstairs, a fabulous stone staircase leads up to
0:37:19 > 0:37:23a corridor where there are two very generous bedrooms.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25In between them is a room with plumbing,
0:37:25 > 0:37:28ready to become a bathroom.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30There are also a further three double bedrooms,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33one of which is an en suite.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35This is a grand property
0:37:35 > 0:37:37and our buyers are looking a little awestruck.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- Is it a fairytale?- Yep.- It is.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Well, it's a fairytale with added extras.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46There's actually a stable block, tack room.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50How do you feel about ten acres?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Well, on top of the house it's amazing, really.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57You've also got this part of the house that hasn't been converted.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02You could actually convert that if you wanted to into a second gite.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Gosh, I mean, just that it's a house that's beautiful and stunning
0:38:05 > 0:38:09and that it has a gite, who would have thought?
0:38:09 > 0:38:12And then it has potential for another gite, amazing.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15And it's got stables, amazing.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19But this chateau, do we think it's under, on or over your budget?
0:38:19 > 0:38:21I think it's borrowed another budget.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24I think it's got our budget and someone else's.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Yeah, I think it's definitely over budget.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Well, go on, have a stab.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- I think £640,000.- OK.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Knowing that you would try and find something close to our budget,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- I'd say it's on the mark at £600,000.- OK.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41The asking price is £515,000.
0:38:41 > 0:38:4415?! Woo-hoo!
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Oh!
0:38:46 > 0:38:49We're coming to France, coming to France!
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Diddly-doo!
0:38:51 > 0:38:53That is way under your budget.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56And so much for all that budget.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Yes. You've got enough money to do it.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Gosh, who'd have thought, a semi in Penge
0:39:01 > 0:39:03to a chateau in France?
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- What a dilemma.- Yeah.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Hold those thoughts and go and take a second look on your own this time.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13Explore all there is and come and find me when you're finished.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I'll see you later.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19On at £515,000, this...
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Priced well under their £600,000 budget, what's not to love?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46This is huge!
0:39:46 > 0:39:50When I walked up the drive and saw this property the first time,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I kind of thought it was a mistake.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56But it's such a beautiful house, it defies description.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Wow.- What would Harriet make of that?
0:39:58 > 0:40:02Well, I think she'd have three horses at the drop of a hat.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I think Elaine and I are on the same page. I hope we are.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07I think he's smitten.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I'm a bit more practical and would like to know how much it would cost
0:40:10 > 0:40:13to run and how much money it would take to do the refurbishment.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16We need to talk about it independently.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19So, yeah, a lot to talk about.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21I would say it would be really hard to beat.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I think the only thing that you could beat this house with is just
0:40:24 > 0:40:28to stick a beach at the end of the road.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32I feel bad dragging you away from this magnificent property.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33You love it, don't you?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Oh, I could stay here days, weeks, months, years.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38How proud would you be to show your friends
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- and family around this chateau? - Oh, so proud.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44What I'm basically doing is working out how many people
0:40:44 > 0:40:46I could drag down here to show it to.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48You'll have more friends than you'll know what to do with.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Right, we're going to hit the road.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01As Elaine and David don't want to return
0:41:01 > 0:41:03to their family in London empty-handed,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05they've come to Fontenay-le-Comte
0:41:05 > 0:41:08for some gift shopping.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- Bonjour.- Bonjour.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13First on the list is son Archie, a keen fisherman.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- I don't think we'll take any bait home.- No.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19What about a fishing net that we saw in the window.
0:41:19 > 0:41:20Oh, that's a good idea.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- Bonjour.- Bonjour.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25And just how much French can they remember from their school days?
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Un epuisette, s'il vous plait.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- Ah, this one?- Erm, what's green?
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- It's, erm...- Vert.- Un vert.- Oui. - S'il vous plait. Merci.
0:41:37 > 0:41:44- Cinquante.- Merci, monsieur.- Merci, au revoir.- Au revoir.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48For daughters Harriet and Scarlet, it's a French speciality,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50chocolate.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51What about something like this?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Yeah, that'd go down well,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- they'd like all the different colours.- Yeah.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- Bonjour, madame.- Bonjour, madame. Bonjour, monsieur.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Combien?- Dix euro cinquante, si'l vous plait.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- Merci. Merci, madame.- Au revoir. - Au revoir.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08And last but not least, something for them.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- Let's drink to tomorrow, eh? - Cheers.- Cheers.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21It's the final day of property hunting
0:42:21 > 0:42:22in La Vendee, Western France,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26where we've been helping Londoners David and Elaine with
0:42:26 > 0:42:28their dream of moving to the Continent.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30To get a taste for life in France
0:42:30 > 0:42:34they've been staying in a typical gite. Yesterday's properties
0:42:34 > 0:42:38went down a treat and were all under their £600,000 budget
0:42:38 > 0:42:42but there's one more to go and it's our Mystery House.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45So will it tower above the rest?
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- Hello.- Good morning.- Morning. - How are we today?
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Yep, pretty good, pretty good, excited.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Well, did you have a goodnight or did you just
0:42:52 > 0:42:54dream of houses the whole time?
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Well, it was sensory overload yesterday.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Dream, talk, "Well, if you did this to this one
0:42:58 > 0:43:00"and if you could do that to that one and then this one..."
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Then it gets sort of...
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- Yeah, it's a lot to think about, isn't it?- Oh, gosh, yeah.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07And, guess what? I've got another house to show you.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11So, David, if you don't mind closing the door, we'll hit the road.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15We're heading north to Vouvant, a village claimed by its inhabitants
0:43:15 > 0:43:18to be the prettiest in the whole of France.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22An exaggeration perhaps but there's plenty about Vouvant
0:43:22 > 0:43:26that's easy on the eye, including its 11th century church.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30It also offers cafes, shops and a primary school.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32Our Mystery House is a short drive away
0:43:32 > 0:43:36and I can't wait for David and Elaine's reaction to this one.
0:43:36 > 0:43:37If you want to cast your eyes here.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39ELAINE LAUGHS
0:43:39 > 0:43:41Oh, my goodness!
0:43:41 > 0:43:45There she is, welcome to the Mystery.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Sacre bleu.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- I didn't think you could outdo yesterday.- No?- I really didn't.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Well, we've got to make you work when it comes to the Mystery.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58We can't just show you any run-of-the-mill chateau,
0:43:58 > 0:44:00oh, no, we're showing you
0:44:00 > 0:44:04a 14th century gatehouse which was part of a castle.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Whoa!
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Gosh, the houses they produce in France are a bit different
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- to the ones we get at home.- They certainly are, aren't they?
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- Open minds?- Open minds but I'm just worried about the price.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17Let's not worry about that until we finish the tour.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20- No, you're quite right, be optimistic.- Is that a deal?- Deal.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22Let's go in, come on.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26The gatekeeper's house is now all that remains
0:44:26 > 0:44:27of, a once, much bigger estate.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30With this property you'd be buying not just a house,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32but more than 600 years of history.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- Now, you do have to be quite fit and flexible...- And short.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38..to get up that staircase.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43It's not your norm but it does lead you into the kitchen.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47This would be on the National Trust in England.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- They'd be a coach party pulling up outside...- A coach party would be pulling up and going,
0:44:50 > 0:44:53"Oh, gosh, wonder what type of people used to live here?"
0:44:53 > 0:44:56I would like the fun and games of getting up and down those stairs
0:44:56 > 0:44:59with a bowl of soup but maybe that's why there's a table.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01You could imagine the children's reaction, you know,
0:45:01 > 0:45:06"Oh, come back and play in my castle. Daddy, please can we move to the castle?"
0:45:06 > 0:45:09It would be tough to find something like this back in the UK.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11- Well, impossible.- Yeah.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- Mind your heads. David, you'd better lead the way.- OK.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19Continuing up the tower, the stairwell leads to the
0:45:19 > 0:45:23central room above the arch, known as the guard room.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26Now, I don't think I can call this a sitting room, can I?
0:45:26 > 0:45:28The banqueting room.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33- How about the armoury there? - My uncle's got one of those.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- I'm sure he dresses up in it too. - Well, if you buy this, so can you.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Now, that's what you call a beamed ceiling.
0:45:40 > 0:45:45It's a remarkable room, isn't it? A fabulous but practical floor.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48Yeah, you know it's old but it doesn't look old inside,
0:45:48 > 0:45:50- it's not falling down.- Yeah.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52The current owners have been here, I think, about five years
0:45:52 > 0:45:56and you can see the work that they've actually done.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Could this be a home or does it feel a little bit like a museum?
0:45:59 > 0:46:02A bit like a museum.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04But you could make it a home.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07I like it a lot but I'm not sure about it as a home
0:46:07 > 0:46:10because it's, you know, obviously there's two sides to it.
0:46:10 > 0:46:11We haven't seen it all yet.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15Let's head back outside because there's still more to talk about.
0:46:15 > 0:46:16Thank you, David.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21Tucked inside the keep's towers are three double bedrooms,
0:46:21 > 0:46:25full of character in keeping with the properties long history.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Meanwhile, the whole of the top floor is taken up with a giant
0:46:28 > 0:46:33master bedroom which also features a high-speck en suite bathroom.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37But the other WC and shower room are down on the ground floor
0:46:37 > 0:46:39which could be tricky for a family.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42And there's more!
0:46:42 > 0:46:45How do you feel owning your own banqueting hall?
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Wow!
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- It's not often I can offer that to people.- Wow!
0:46:52 > 0:46:54Well, I'm sorry.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57I was expecting something so grand, so...
0:46:57 > 0:46:59Because that's all you've been giving us.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01With 14th century stones,
0:47:01 > 0:47:0414th century horses would have been tethered.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08And if you actually look up to the roof, you can see it's in rather
0:47:08 > 0:47:12good condition because this has also been replaced by the current owners.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15But let me explain the layout because you might have
0:47:15 > 0:47:18noticed to the side of the gatehouse was an additional barn...
0:47:18 > 0:47:21No, nope, sorry you can't give us another one.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24- Not another building. - I'm afraid I am and I will.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26You have a second barn.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30That one actually has planning permission attached to it
0:47:30 > 0:47:32for two, three bedroom gites.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- Wow!- Yeah.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39That gatehouse would be fantastic to rent out.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43This could be a splendid venue for weddings, birthday parties, etc.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45Perhaps rather than have the gites there,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48that's actually the family home.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51- Yeah, that would make really good sense.- Hmmm.- It really would.- Yeah.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53Come on, off we go.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57As well as the keep and the two barns,
0:47:57 > 0:48:00the property comes with an elegant landscaped garden
0:48:00 > 0:48:04and a child-safe swimming pool, all set in an acre of land.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09I wonder if we surpassed ourselves with the Mystery House?
0:48:09 > 0:48:13I mean the gatehouse to a 14th century castle.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16But for the very last time, we're going to have to try
0:48:16 > 0:48:19and put a figure on our Mystery House.
0:48:19 > 0:48:24Well, I think it has to be over. I'd have to say it's at least 640,000.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26I'm going to go 540,000.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Quite a difference there with your estimations.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33Well, it's such an immense, unique property.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35You could search the whole of Europe
0:48:35 > 0:48:38and you probably wouldn't come up with anything similar.
0:48:38 > 0:48:39So true.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44Well, let's see what you make of the price because it's on the market for
0:48:44 > 0:48:48just over £536,000.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50Yes, three out of three.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Not that your competitive.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57But how do you feel about that as a price? Because that is away under.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01I'm staggered because the amount of money that they must have spent
0:49:01 > 0:49:06doing the roofs, doing the stonework and they've done it beautifully.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10So there's enough left should you want to convert that barn
0:49:10 > 0:49:13either into gites or family accommodation.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16That's what you would need, you'd need it to be under
0:49:16 > 0:49:18- to be able to utilise that space.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:49:18 > 0:49:23Well, with that, "Wow," have another look around. Off you go.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28France has a reputation for having wonderful homes
0:49:28 > 0:49:32but I don't think we're ever going to beat this.
0:49:32 > 0:49:37For just under £537,000 the keep comes with...
0:49:55 > 0:49:57This is a bit more than King of the Castle,
0:49:57 > 0:50:01its Emperor of the Solar System, I would say.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03Look at this.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04ELAINE LAUGHS
0:50:04 > 0:50:07It's a little bedroom for a princess.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09I am kind of shell-shocked.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12- Look at this room.- Goodness me.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15You know when you look at a house and you sort of think,
0:50:15 > 0:50:18"Oh, that's a nice house, nice sitting room, nice bedrooms, nice bathroom."
0:50:18 > 0:50:22This one is not like anything you've ever seen before.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Wow.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28The potential to create a really nice family home
0:50:28 > 0:50:32- in the extension at one side... - Blank canvas, I suppose.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34It's mind-blowing really.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37I think David is head over heels for this place.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42It is a very wacky property but I like that.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46I'd probably not really go any further with it myself
0:50:46 > 0:50:49but knowing that David is so enamoured by it,
0:50:49 > 0:50:52I probably will have to give it more consideration.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56- An immense property though, isn't it?- It is. It's a unique... It's a one-off.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01But they've all been so different. So you've got a lot to think about.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04I wonder what your next move is going to be?
0:51:04 > 0:51:07Let's go and have a chat a bit later on.
0:51:17 > 0:51:20France and great food go hand in hand and in most towns
0:51:20 > 0:51:24and villages, the day begins with the smell of baking croissants,
0:51:24 > 0:51:27pastries and baguettes wafting through the streets.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31But in the Vendee, one item is in a class of its own, the brioche.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34Although this sweet bread is made all over France,
0:51:34 > 0:51:37its hugely popular here and the unique Vendeen brioche
0:51:37 > 0:51:40is protected by a regional trademark.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42To learn more about this sweet treat,
0:51:42 > 0:51:45I've come to the village of L-Orbrie.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48to visit La Lutine bakery run by Patrice Guitton and his daughter Marie.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50- Bonjour.- Lovely to meet you.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54- I understand this is the famous bakery that your grandfather started.- Yes.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58- How many years ago?- He built it in 1952.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03My goodness, a long time producing this very famous brioche
0:52:03 > 0:52:06that I am so looking forward to trying.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08Is it possible to see the whole process?
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- Yes, that's possible. Come with us.- Thank you. Merci.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14Every morning here hundreds of brioche are baked in time to
0:52:14 > 0:52:17send out to the local shops and businesses.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22Master baker Patrice is that the helm
0:52:22 > 0:52:25making sure everything runs like clockwork.
0:52:26 > 0:52:31But what is the special recipe which makes a Vandeen brioche so popular?
0:52:31 > 0:52:34So roughly what do we have here to make this famous brioche?
0:52:34 > 0:52:37Now, what's this?
0:52:37 > 0:52:42This is flour with water and then you have the sugar, the flour...
0:52:42 > 0:52:45- A lot of flour.- Yeah. Butter and you have eggs.
0:52:45 > 0:52:49So, Patrice, if you wouldn't mind starting.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52So they're our 12 eggs.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56- Mix it all up?- Yeah!- Squeeze.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00- Is that right?- Yes.- Another one.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Why is the Vandeen brioche different from the other brioches?
0:53:05 > 0:53:09- Because there is a lot of butter. - A lot of sugar.- A lot of sugar.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12Oh! That is tough.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Oh! Patrice...
0:53:14 > 0:53:16- Non!- No.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19Once the dough is ready, it's left to rise for eight hours.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22Oh, my word!
0:53:22 > 0:53:25And only then can it be rolled into shape.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28After a demonstration from Patrice, it's my turn.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- So...- Yeah.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Yours, mine.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40- Not good.- Beautiful.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45It turns out baking brioche isn't that simple and, in fact, each one
0:53:45 > 0:53:50takes 48 hours to make because the dough is left to rise three times.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54Alongside the everyday brioche, there is also more eye-catching
0:53:54 > 0:53:57fare, like these giant ones baked especially for weddings,
0:53:57 > 0:53:59a unique local tradition.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02- How heavy are they?- Ten kilos.
0:54:02 > 0:54:07My goodness! Grande brioche. What happens to them during the wedding?
0:54:07 > 0:54:09We dance with the brioche.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12- So all the guests...- Yeah, all the guests.- Dance with the brioche?
0:54:12 > 0:54:16- Yes.- And then what happens? - And then we eat the brioche.- Good.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19- A fantastic tradition.- Yes.
0:54:21 > 0:54:26'It's about time I got a taste of this famous brioche
0:54:26 > 0:54:29'and I'm joining the Guitton family for afternoon tea.'
0:54:31 > 0:54:35I am looking forward to this.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39- Is it that large?- Yeah, in Vendee it's like that.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41I like Vendee.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43You eat like that.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Oh, OK. Here we go.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48Are you ready?
0:54:48 > 0:54:53- Bon appetit.- Oh, that really is delicious.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55Everyone else should have theirs now.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Delicious dinner.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07At the gite, David and Elaine are preparing to head home but
0:55:07 > 0:55:12has this house-hunt made their plans for a move any clearer?
0:55:12 > 0:55:15It's not often our couples are lost for words when we show them
0:55:15 > 0:55:20the properties, yet yesterday we really did leave them speechless.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22Although, I'm still not sure whether we have found them
0:55:22 > 0:55:25that perfect French home or not.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Let's go and find out.
0:55:32 > 0:55:37Well, you two. We've had a great time, haven't we, in La Vendee?
0:55:37 > 0:55:40So, hopefully, the properties we've shown you have given you
0:55:40 > 0:55:43a little bit of a flavour of what you could achieve.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46Well, that was certainly my intention,
0:55:46 > 0:55:50to give you a free rein and just see what you could come up with
0:55:50 > 0:55:53and it's been an amazing collection of properties.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56La Vendee, is it the area that you want to live in?
0:55:56 > 0:56:01It's an area that I do like and the houses I do like.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05- Were you surprised at what you can buy for your budget.- Gosh, yeah.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10Absolutely. I mean, it's a lot more than I ever expected.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14Has it given you more confidence with this whole idea of moving
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- and leaving London behind?- Oh, yes.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19I think it was really interesting talking to Ken and Jill...
0:56:19 > 0:56:23- Our expats.- How well their children have assimilated, which is great,
0:56:23 > 0:56:27and their ease at picking up the language.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Right, so out of everything we've shown you,
0:56:29 > 0:56:32did we get close with any of our properties?
0:56:32 > 0:56:37Certainly the chateau and the keep were beautiful, beautiful properties.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41So, come on then, which one does your heart cry out for?
0:56:41 > 0:56:42The keep.
0:56:42 > 0:56:47- Elaine?- No, not practical for a family at all.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Beautiful, but not practical.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52I think the big house on the hill, the chateau.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56One of the biggest pluses, I think, with the chateau is that you have
0:56:56 > 0:56:58- a ready made business already attached.- Yeah.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02And then you can concentrate on the schooling, the priorities. That's just a thought.
0:57:02 > 0:57:06But your heart isn't always practical, that's the thing.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08You do have some discussing to do, don't you?
0:57:08 > 0:57:11It's been brilliant but it's also so confusing
0:57:11 > 0:57:14because there are just so many possibilities.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17Do you think you'll go for a second viewing on both of those?
0:57:17 > 0:57:19I think we just need to talk and decide
0:57:19 > 0:57:22if we both think that either one could work for us.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25So let's talk about timeframes.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28How quickly do you think you want to make this move?
0:57:28 > 0:57:30I would hope within six months.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34Little Harriet got an A star in her French while we were away.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38- Did she?- She did and so I think that's a very positive sign.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40It's a very positive sign.
0:57:40 > 0:57:44Well, on that note, all the very best and let us know how you get on.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52So, I think the last few days here in La Vendee
0:57:52 > 0:57:56have demonstrated that David and Elaine can get what they want
0:57:56 > 0:57:59and need with this move, plus a few business opportunities
0:57:59 > 0:58:02thrown in for a way under their budget.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06It seems the sticking point is now making a decision
0:58:06 > 0:58:08and that final leap of faith.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12I wonder how brave they are going to be?
0:58:12 > 0:58:14I'll see you again on Escape to the Continent.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Sadly, since filming, the sale of Elaine and David's
0:58:19 > 0:58:21London house fell through.
0:58:21 > 0:58:24So, for now, they've had to put their house-hunt on hold.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27Their plan to move to France remains.