0:00:02 > 0:00:04In the 16th century, over 80 of these watchtowers were built
0:00:04 > 0:00:06to protect this island from marauding pirates,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09but what island where they so keen to plunder?
0:00:09 > 0:00:10Find out in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35Today I'm helping with an escape from Scotland to sunnier climes.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Aha. Beautiful.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41But not all goes to plan with my home-hunting couple.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- It just doesn't give me a feel. - It's leaving me cold.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Will we be able to turn things around
0:00:46 > 0:00:48and deliver more to their taste?
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Absolutely. Fantastic. Could move in tomorrow.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59I'm on the western coastline of Mallorca in Spain
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and this watchtower is the Torre del Verger,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06built in the 1500s to warn the islanders of potential naval attack.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09And if a ship was spotted, a fire would be lit
0:01:09 > 0:01:12and if that fire remained ablaze for more than 15 minutes,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16it would mean a fleet of ten or more were seen on the horizon.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Today, around 50 of these defence towers stand proud, looking
0:01:19 > 0:01:23out towards sea along this stunning and, thankfully,
0:01:23 > 0:01:24a lot more peaceful coastline.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Mallorca is as little as a two and a quarter hour flight from the UK.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32It sits off the east coast of Spain
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and is the largest of the four Balearic Islands.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39With around 300 days of sunshine a year,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43it's known as the Golden Isle and, rather surprisingly,
0:01:43 > 0:01:44the Tranquil Isle,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48despite attracting nine million visitors annually.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Palma has been the capital of the Balearics since 1983
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and it's home to almost half the Mallorcan population,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58as well as the international airport.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02The oldest part of the city features a 14th century cathedral
0:02:02 > 0:02:06known as La Seu, one of the island's most prestigious heritage sites.
0:02:08 > 0:02:09Directly opposite,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the imposing La Almudaina Palace overlooks the harbour.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Originally built as an Arab fortress,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17it became the official Mallorcan residence
0:02:17 > 0:02:20of the Spanish royal family at the start of the 14th century.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Most visitors are drawn to the magnificent beaches and coves,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31but inland, attractive villages and towns hold on to traditional roots,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34such as in the mountain town of Valldemossa,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38where the composer Frederic Chopin once rented rooms in the old monastery.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range
0:02:41 > 0:02:44forms a spine through the island.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48The dramatic landscape where pine-covered slopes overlook
0:02:48 > 0:02:50the sea, coupled with the warm climate,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53makes Mallorca an enticing destination to escape to.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57Not a bad, is it?
0:02:57 > 0:03:00But there is a premium to pay to live amongst the traditional
0:03:00 > 0:03:03villages and the beautiful beaches of Mallorca.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05The cost of an average three-bedroom property here
0:03:05 > 0:03:08is around £317,000,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10which is twice that of mainland Spain
0:03:10 > 0:03:15and about £35,000 more than a detached property in the UK.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19There's also a discernible difference between the between the west of the island,
0:03:19 > 0:03:20frequented by the rich and the famous,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and the more affordable east,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24even though the east has some of the most stunning beaches
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and a slightly better climate.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30So, which part of the island will our buyers want to put down roots and why?
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Let's meet them to find out.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Today's home-buyers, husband and wife, Paul and Fiona,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39currently live in the Glasgow suburb of Newlands,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42but aren't newbies when it comes to overseas living.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44They even have some lingo to prove it.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52That was rubbish. That was rubbish.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55We lived out of the UK for over 20 years.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00I think in that time we were in how many countries?
0:04:00 > 0:04:0211 countries.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04We are very prepared for moving to a new country
0:04:04 > 0:04:07because we've done it so many times.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Paul and Fiona may be well-travelled,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12but it was their native Scotland, 31 years ago,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15that provided their location for courtship.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16We met at college.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I kept my eye on her for two or three years
0:04:18 > 0:04:22and then one day decided it was time that I made the move.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25What I remember about Paul was he had on a very fetching
0:04:25 > 0:04:27navy blue, velvet jacket.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Mm. Very smart.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Despite having lived in several countries,
0:04:32 > 0:04:37the couple have kept their roots in Scotland with their family home.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Now businessman Paul is semi-retired.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Their youngest child is finishing university
0:04:42 > 0:04:44and they are ready to move on.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45Once our children are away,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48the house is going to be frankly too big for us.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49We like Glasgow.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51It's just in the wrong place.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55The problem with living here is you cannot plan things in advance.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57You never know what the weather is going to do.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Yesterday we had four seasons in the space of about an hour.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03They've long dreamt of retiring to the sunshine,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so after deliberating, they finally settled on a place to move
0:05:06 > 0:05:09themselves and their two spaniels.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We are looking to move to Spain, in particular the island of Mallorca.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15And ideally around a town called Santanyi.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Where we're looking at around Santanyi
0:05:17 > 0:05:22is still like it was before the big tourist boom of the '60s.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25There are some great treks in the hills of Mallorca that I intend to do.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Walking the dogs, obviously.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Just living outdoors for the 300 days a year
0:05:30 > 0:05:32when the sun shines in Mallorca.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Paul and Fiona's chosen Balearic island has another big bonus
0:05:36 > 0:05:38for the two avid golfers.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39We both play golf.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41We always play together when we go to Mallorca.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43I think I'm probably just the better golfer.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47You are the better golfer, but if you give me my handicap, I can beat you.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49That's true.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50And I've had a hole-in-one.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Golf rivals they may be, but they are both
0:05:54 > 0:05:58excited about teeing off a new Mediterranean lifestyle together.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01What I am looking forward to most about this next chapter
0:06:01 > 0:06:02is the new challenges.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Getting the new house established, meeting new people,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07certainly enjoying the climate.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I'm looking on it very much as a challenging opportunity
0:06:10 > 0:06:11at this time of my life.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Perhaps the last few years, and everybody would probably say the same
0:06:14 > 0:06:17when you get to my age, there's been a bit of stagnation
0:06:17 > 0:06:19and you just get into a routine and it's healthy and refreshing
0:06:19 > 0:06:22to have a bit of a challenge and do something new.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Paul and Fiona have asked us
0:06:28 > 0:06:31to concentrate our search in the south-eastern corner of the island
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and are particularly keen to be close to the traditional town of
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Santanyi, with its easy reach to and from the UK via Palma airport.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43To find out more about what they are after in their new island home,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46we are meeting in one of Mallorca's beautiful bays.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- So, Paul, Fiona, welcome to Mallorca.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53You are very well-travelled, aren't you? Both of you.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- We are, yes.- Yes, we've lived all around the world since about 1984.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00What is it about this Balearic island that makes you want to move here?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Well, we've been coming here since the late '90s on holiday,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04two to three times a year.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06We just love the atmosphere, the climate, the people.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- We speak a bit of Spanish. - We speak the language.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12It's accessible from the UK, so it's a nice thought that
0:07:12 > 0:07:15if you are living here, you are still going to see people from home.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Let's talk about this property. Whereabouts would you like to live?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21We discovered this part of the island last year.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22Around Santanyi.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24It's off the beaten track, relatively speaking,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27for a lot of the tourists, but you're still only 45 minutes from the airport.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31It's probably the most unspoilt part of Mallorca that we've found.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Paint a picture, Fiona, for me. Your dream house in Mallorca.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- What's it like?- Ideally, a bungalow all on one level.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Outdoor space in the form of a terrace. A swimming pool outside.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44A large kitchen and, in the sitting room, coal fires, wood fires.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- How many bedrooms? - Three, minimum.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Well, it depends because we are quite happy to have two
0:07:51 > 0:07:52if we can have additional casita,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56which is a little house where it could be transformed into an office
0:07:56 > 0:07:58if nobody is staying with us.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Similarly, it could be a little house where guests,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02if they are coming to stay, they stay there.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05They've got their independence. They're not living on top of us.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08We're not living on top of them. That would be the ideal, to have this little casita.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- What do you see yourself doing when you get here? Are you going to put your slippers on?- Certainly not.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14No, definitely not. We both play golf
0:08:14 > 0:08:16so we'll be looking to join a golf club.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19One thing I have thought about doing is to perhaps
0:08:19 > 0:08:22start up a bespoke, premium golf company
0:08:22 > 0:08:24for golfers who want to come to Mallorca
0:08:24 > 0:08:28to enjoy the best of what it has to offer in terms of golf.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Are you sure that Mallorca is the place that is going to keep you grounded?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Are you not going to want to move again after two and a half years?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Very much so.- No doubt about it. - Oh, yes, this is a long-term move.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Money. How big is your budget?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41The budget is £550,000
0:08:41 > 0:08:43but there's a bit of stretch in our budget
0:08:43 > 0:08:47so if we found the ideal house, then there's a bit of room for manoeuvre.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Brilliant. Are you ready to see the first property?
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- Absolutely.- Very much so. - Can't wait.- Neither can I.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57For a budget of up to £550,000,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00the couple are looking for a single-storey house with at least
0:09:00 > 0:09:05three bedrooms or two bedrooms and a self-contained casita for guests.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08They'd like a fireplace to keep them cosy in the winter whilst
0:09:08 > 0:09:11outdoor space including terraces and a pool are crucial.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16We've lined up four fantastic homes to show them,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19each of which delivers a different take on their wish list.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Our final property is our Mystery House, where we'll be putting
0:09:22 > 0:09:25a surprise twist on what they are looking for.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36We are starting our search in the coastal village of Porto Petro,
0:09:36 > 0:09:4033 miles east of the capital Palma and the international airport
0:09:40 > 0:09:43and a 13-minute drive from Santanyi.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47A fishing village which is home to 500 regular residents,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50it's the perfect place to see locals hauling their catch,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52admire yachts in the marina
0:09:52 > 0:09:55or relax in one of the restaurants or bars.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Unlike many coastal locations, Porto Petro offers facilities
0:10:01 > 0:10:05year-round, including supermarkets and a pharmacy.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07There is plenty of scenic walking in the well-marked
0:10:07 > 0:10:13trails of the nearby 2,000-acre Mondrago National Park,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15whilst the surrounding wooded hills offer pretty villages
0:10:15 > 0:10:18huddled between pine and olive trees.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The property is situated in a small residential
0:10:21 > 0:10:25development about a mile from the centre of the village.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- Come on in.- Lovely.- Very nice. Very good first impressions.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32You feel like you are in the country but there are homes around
0:10:32 > 0:10:34so you are not isolated.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Best of both worlds.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37But one of the things that I would like about a house
0:10:37 > 0:10:40is that there is what I call a flow, so you've got terrace
0:10:40 > 0:10:42and then you flow down to the pool and that's got it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- It's got the flow. I like that.- Yeah, it's got the flow.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And the house sits in a plot of just under a quarter of an acre
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- and the garden goes all the way around.- Great.- Ideal.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- So far, so good?- So far, so good. - Great.- Fancy going inside?
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Absolutely.- Let's do it.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02This detached, three-bedroom villa is currently kept as a holiday home
0:11:02 > 0:11:03by its British owners.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06We are starting off our tour at the kitchen end
0:11:06 > 0:11:09of the open-plan living space.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Let me bring you straight through.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- What do you think?- Good size.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Maybe have to do a bit of renovation but, actually, I love the sink,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20the Belfast sink. I think it could do with more cupboard space.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24It's fine as a holiday home but if you are living here all year, to me, there is not enough space.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Yes, it's a holiday kitchen and it can certainly be improved on.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Did you want to do a bit of work?
0:11:30 > 0:11:31I don't really want to be tearing down walls
0:11:31 > 0:11:34but renovating a kitchen is fine.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38I sense there is a bit of deflation from the outside.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40For me, yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43OK, well, let's go and look at the living area
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- and may be you'll get a different sense of perspective.- Sure.- OK. Great.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51And here we are. Simple as that.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53You said you wouldn't want to knock any walls down
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- but there are no walls to knock down here.- No.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56I like the sitting area.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00It's a good size and the flow of the French windows going out onto
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- the terrace there is great. - The flow.- The flow.- Yes.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07This floor also features a shower room and two good-sized double
0:12:07 > 0:12:12bedrooms with patio doors to the outside, one of which is an en suite.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Stairs lead up to a generous landing space and the master suite.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20So how do they feel about two floors rather than their requested single storey?
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- How's the flow up here? - The flow is very good.- Yes?
0:12:24 > 0:12:25Flow is good.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27This is the upstairs bedroom
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and there is a master bathroom next door.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I think we'd be downstairs. So it's fine as a guest bedroom.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34As a bedroom, adequate.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Not as big as we have at home
0:12:36 > 0:12:38but you don't find big bedrooms in Spain.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- You both took in that huge space outside?- It's lovely.- Indeed.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43A surprise.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47That could transform this whole upstairs bit of the house.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49I know I said I wouldn't be knocking down walls,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52but you could possibly make this one big area up here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- I could play with that, I suppose. - She's quite creative, isn't she?
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- She is. She comes in handy.- She's got a visual eye.- She likes flow.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Now I wanted to whisk you off to a secret destination.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Flow with me this way.- OK.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07The exterior of the property offers well-maintained gardens,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09pool and a selection of terraces,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13including a rather spectacular roof terrace.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Take that in.- Ha-ha.- That's something, isn't it?- Fantastic.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Beautiful.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I didn't expect this up here. - And the views of the mountains over there are just spectacular.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25I'm getting a sense, as we've gone around the house, that it's good,
0:13:25 > 0:13:30you like it, you are being positive but there's no, "Ah".
0:13:30 > 0:13:34There's no, "Wow". There's no, "Yes, this is it." It's kind of muted.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Am I right?
0:13:36 > 0:13:39For me, yes. It's got lots about it I like.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Has it got the wow factor?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42No, it hasn't.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- I think we've lived in about 20, 21 houses...- 21, I think. - ..something like that.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So we know what we like in houses.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51We know what we don't like in houses.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- Does that mean you are going to be hard to please?- I hope not.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57So, the price? What's this on the market for, Fiona?
0:13:57 > 0:14:02I really don't know. If I had to bet on it I would say £480,000.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I'm going to head a bit lower than Fiona, maybe say 470.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09You're both wrong.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It's on for £525,000. - So we're under.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So it's actually under your budget
0:14:17 > 0:14:19but a lot more than you thought.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Does that surprise you? - It does a bit, Anita.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27It's a little bit over what I thought it would have been valued at, yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- OK. Well, you know, it's a lot to take in.- Sure.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32There's still more of the house that you haven't seen,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34so I'd like the two of you to go off and have a real good rummage around
0:14:34 > 0:14:36and I'll come and find you.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- OK.- Terrific.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40I'm just going to stay here and take in the view
0:14:40 > 0:14:43cos that is what it's all about really.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47At £25,000 below budget,
0:14:47 > 0:14:49this three-bedroom detached home
0:14:49 > 0:14:52offers everything they are after for outdoor living.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Whilst it's not a bungalow, it could offer them single-storey living
0:14:56 > 0:15:00on the ground floor and there is the attraction of that stunning sea view.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03My first impression when I saw the house
0:15:03 > 0:15:05was that this could be a winner.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The terrace area is absolutely ideal in terms of what we were looking for.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10The pool is a good size.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13The external part of the property is probably one of the highlights.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Ah, interesting. - I say. Four-poster bed.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19I think the bed is almost too big for the room.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22The bed's too big for the room.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23It just swamps it.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Right, let's look in here.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- A bit on the small side but it would work.- Yeah.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31This would be our bedroom because of the size of it
0:15:31 > 0:15:33and it's got its own bathroom.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35The inside space has got everything that we might look for
0:15:35 > 0:15:37but it's probably in the wrong order.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39I would like to turn the house a bit on its head
0:15:39 > 0:15:40and do different things to it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43It just needs to be stretched a bit for us.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It just needs to be a wee bit bigger.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It's great as a holiday home. Fantastic, the way it is set up.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Somewhere I could live? Probably not.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Here they are. Seen enough?
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Yes.- Yep.- Positive start?
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Absolutely.- Brilliant start. - OK, in that case, let's go. Follow me. This way.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07For our second property we are moving further inland,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09a 17-minute drive from Santanyi
0:16:09 > 0:16:14and 25 miles east of Palma airport near Campos, an agricultural town.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21Campos was founded in the 14th century on the site of earlier Roman and Arab settlements.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25It continues to cater more for locals
0:16:25 > 0:16:28than tourists with supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32It's a five-minute drive from the town centre to the detached,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35single-storey country house I want to show them.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- Open spaces.- It's a huge plot. You got 4.5 acres of land.- OK.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- There is space.- It certainly feels that we're in the countryside.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46No doubt about that.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I guess I'm a little bit put off by the garden area.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It looks a little unkept and a bit sort of shabby.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- How about you, Fiona?- Very rural.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Bars on the windows, which I don't like,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58and that's probably because it's so remote.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- What do you think about the pool? - Yeah, you see, that's lovely. That's a good size pool.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- I can sense, Fiona... - It's not grabbing me.- No.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I think you could make this fabulous
0:17:06 > 0:17:08if you wanted to live in such a remote place.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12As it stands, at the moment, no, I'm certainly not getting any wow factor.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- I want to show you the inside of the house...- Oh, yeah.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19..cos there's plenty to see inside and I think there'll be things that really stand out for you.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- So, shall we had on in?- Please.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Not the best start
0:17:22 > 0:17:26but I'm hoping the spacious interior will be more to their liking.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The main corridor leads through to a large living and dining room,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32where Fiona will surely warm to the real log fire.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Mm...- Mm.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- No?- No. Very dark.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40Small room.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Bars on the windows.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- It just doesn't give me a feel. - It's just, it's leaving me cold.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Even the wood-burning stove is not doing it for you.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- No.- Come on. Let's look at the kitchen. Let's go this way.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- To your taste, Fiona?- No.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Even that island thing or whatever it is, is far too big for the room.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- That would just have to come out. - Yep.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03No, there's nothing about this kitchen that I would want to keep.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06I can see this might appeal to some people,
0:18:06 > 0:18:11but it's certainly not how we would want to have a kitchen laid out
0:18:11 > 0:18:13or decorated, I don't think. No.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Although the decor isn't to our couple's taste,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19it is fairly neutral and would be easy to change.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Perhaps the bedrooms will get a more positive reaction.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- Master bedroom. That's a Jack and Jill bathroom.- Right.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Huge bathroom and there is another huge room there
0:18:29 > 0:18:30that's attached to it on the other side.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- So?- No.- No.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- What if the walls were white? - It wouldn't make any difference.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- No.- No?
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- What do you think?- I just don't think the layout of the room,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46notwithstanding there is a big bathroom through there.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49No, it's just doing nothing.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52What I find really interesting is that both of you seem to be
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- exactly on the same page. - Yeah. On houses, yes.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59We both know, exactly, immediately, we know whether it's good or not.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01You just know when you walk into a house.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Shall we go outside and get some fresh air?- Sure.- Let's have a look at that.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08For the right buyers, this house offers lots of potential
0:19:08 > 0:19:11with two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14It really delivers on living space.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17And it doesn't stop there.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21The four and a half acre plot includes two outbuildings,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23grazing for livestock
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and home-grown fruit right on the doorstep.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Smell that, Fiona.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- It's fantastic. - They are lovely.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32When we lived in the Canary Islands there was a lot of land
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and we had all these orange trees and lemon trees. It's beautiful.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36What did you do with them?
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- We drank lots of gin.- Of course.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41It's such a shame, isn't it, because this bit,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- look at the orange trees...- Sure. - ..and, OK, it needs some work.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47But you can't even see this bit from the house.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50There are no windows on that side of the house.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52It's just all disjointed.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54It's higgledy-piggledy.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58And the pool, I think you can only see properly from the kitchen window.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Shall we go and have a closer look at the pool?- Sure.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Now, the pool.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- It's pretty spectacular, isn't it? - Good pool.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- It's like an oasis.- Yeah. Great pool.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14You just can't see it from the house.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16What I've learned very quickly is that you do have quite
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- a specific vision in mind. - Without realising that we do.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It's only when you come and see a house like this that you then think
0:20:23 > 0:20:24I know I don't want that.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I want you to try and put a price on it for me.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Paul, what do you think this property is on the market for?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I'd say probably £500,000.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Fiona. What do you think?
0:20:37 > 0:20:38I would think it's a lot less.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41I would say £300,000.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- It's actually on for £465,000.- OK.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It's 4.5 acres of land.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51There's a whole lot of property for that amount of money.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I want you to go and have another squiz
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- and then I'll catch up with you in a bit.- OK.- Good. OK.- Thank you.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Look. At least they know this is not for them
0:21:02 > 0:21:04so they have got a definite idea in their mind, even though
0:21:04 > 0:21:08at the beginning I thought, "Oh, they're quite open to suggestions."
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Turns out, they're not.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14At £85,000 below their budget,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17this four-bedroom, detached country house
0:21:17 > 0:21:20gives Paul and Fiona one more bedroom than they asked for
0:21:20 > 0:21:24plus a generous four and a half acres of land to play with.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27The two additional buildings could be converted for a range of
0:21:27 > 0:21:32uses whilst the main house fulfils their wish for single-storey living.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34There's also a very large pool
0:21:34 > 0:21:37and a selection of outdoor entertaining areas.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40From the outside, the house
0:21:40 > 0:21:42initially looks quite attractive, actually.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47But the inside of the house, really not to our liking at all.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- Oh, dear.- Oh.- It's a very strange layout, isn't it? Dark.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56I don't think even with a coat of paint it would brighten up, Fiona.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Now, this is nice out here.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01This is lovely, Fiona, but it's the wrong side of the house.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- It all seems disjointed.- Yes.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06There are two outbuildings there which you could
0:22:06 > 0:22:08change into a casita, which was one of our ideas.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Or make two casitas, in fact.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12It could be lovely but there's just far too much work.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Hello.- Hi there.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Are you ready? You've got two choices.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21You either stay here and buy the place or we leave right now.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- I think we'll leave right now.- I think we're going now.- Seen enough?
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Absolutely.- Do I need to ask?
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Follow me. Come on.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32And where we are heading is Paul and Fiona's home for the next few days,
0:22:32 > 0:22:37a traditional residential property in the heart of Santanyi.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40It's going to give them a flavour of what their Mallorcan life could feel like.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46So, here are some keys.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Through the magical gate...
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- OK.- OK.- ..awaits your abode.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50- See you tomorrow. Yeah.- Goodbye.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Enjoy your evening.- Thank you.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Look at this.- Wow.- How cute is this?
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Unbelievable. Look at the pool. - A pool.- Ha!
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- In the middle of Santanyi. - In the middle of Santanyi.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Incredible. Ha.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07Is this not just so cute.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It's like a doll's house.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12This three-bedroom detached house has been
0:23:12 > 0:23:16converted from a 600-year-old mill.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17After settling in,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Paul and Fiona are ready to make themselves at home.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- What about this place?- Well, I never thought we'd end up in a place like this. Look at it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- Apparently it's 600 years old. - It's fantastic.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- And a good day. - A very good day, today, yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37I think what today tells me is that what we're looking for is out there.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- It is finding it all in the right order.- Yeah.- And that's just time.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Yeah. It's funny actually being here now.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43It does make it all very real
0:23:43 > 0:23:46because you are actually imagining yourself living there.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50I was imagining us on the terrace overlooking the pool
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and then the top terrace overlooking the sea.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56And that's a very good sign. So, yes, it's exciting.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's the second day of our house hunt on the Mediterranean
0:24:11 > 0:24:13island of Mallorca,
0:24:13 > 0:24:18where Scottish couple Paul and his wife Fiona are looking to relocate.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23With a budget of £550,000, they are after a detached home with a garden
0:24:23 > 0:24:27and a pool in the south-eastern corner around Santanyi.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Relatively untouched by tourism,
0:24:30 > 0:24:35the resident population of around 3,500 forms a thriving community.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38And Fiona and Paul are already getting a sense
0:24:38 > 0:24:42of what life here might involve with a trip down to the centre of town.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43It's nice, isn't it?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Look at the side of the church.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48As with almost every town on the island,
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Santanyi has a weekly market.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53These are great places to pick up local specialities.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Whilst you may have the locals conversing in Mallorquin,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Spanish is also an official language on the island
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and English generally gets you by on a shopping trip.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Let's have a look at these.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08These are lovely, aren't they? The colours.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10I'd like one with a long handle.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Esparto shopping baskets are typically Spanish
0:25:14 > 0:25:16and cistelleria, or basket weaving,
0:25:16 > 0:25:20once involved over 8,000 artisans in Mallorca alone.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Now the number is closer to 1,000.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31July sees the native palm leaves harvested and dried for 20 days.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34These are later cut and woven into a variety of designs.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Formatge mallorqui, or Mallorcan cheese, is exclusively made here
0:25:41 > 0:25:43from local cow, goat or sheep milk.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Hispanic Moorish pottery has its origins in Mallorca.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Large red clay deposits are found near the village of Portol
0:26:13 > 0:26:15in the region of Marratxi,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18where pottery factories are located to this day.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29Spanish skills put to the test,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32the couple pause for a coffee and a quick debrief.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42It's a bit of a laugh, me using my Spanish
0:26:42 > 0:26:43because it's about 23 years
0:26:43 > 0:26:47since I lived in a Spanish-speaking country and used it on a daily
0:26:47 > 0:26:50basis, but it's amazing how quickly it comes back.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52People understand our Spanish isn't perfect
0:26:52 > 0:26:54but we can still communicate.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56But I think they really enjoy it that you try.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Of course they do.- That you are making the effort.- Of course.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02You come down, you do some shopping, have a coffee.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04That's got to help the integration process as well.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06It gets you out and about.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08We've done it so many times,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10moving around and making new friends and new contacts.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- Yeah.- I don't think it will be a problem here at all.- No.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- Hola, gang!- Hi there.- How are you? - Very well, thank you.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- How are you?- I'm great. You two look like locals already.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- Feel like them. - Good. That's what we like to hear.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Are you ready to see another property?- Yep.- Definitely.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Our next property is a 15-minute drive from Santanyi
0:27:32 > 0:27:36and located on the outskirts of the village of Cas Concos des Cavaller.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42The Castell de Santueri, originally of Moorish construction,
0:27:42 > 0:27:46overlooks the area and the village of 870 inhabitants.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It remains open all year with facilities including galleries,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53restaurants
0:27:53 > 0:27:55and the church of St Nicholas.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58It's a five-minute drive to the house.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- And, yes, this is the property. - Ha-ha!
0:28:00 > 0:28:01It looks like a lovely garden.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Beautiful garden.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- This is a 300-year-old traditional finca.- Wow.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Does that appeal to you? - Very much so.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11When we started the thought process it was to be a finca.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16This happens to be a particularly old building. Keen to see it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Let's see inside.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Well, the quirky exterior of this historic finca has really
0:28:21 > 0:28:23got them curious to see more.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26But will the recently renovated interior manage
0:28:26 > 0:28:28to hold their initial interest?
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Now, this looks more like it.- Yeah.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Is this something you could work in?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- Very much so. Very much so.- Yeah.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Paul, you've got a nice big smile on your face.- I'm sure I have. Yes.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Not perfect but a terrific start.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44And then you've got the dining room over there.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Yeah, it's great because it's a separate dining room but it's not, almost,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51because you've got the two archways going through from the kitchen.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- How's the flow?- Flow's there. - Flow is there.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- (That's good. The flow is there.) - Very important.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- I'm going to take you to the living room.- OK.- OK.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01It's all flowing positively so far
0:29:01 > 0:29:04and there's still plenty more to surprise them with.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- Oh.- Ha-ha.- This is lovely.- Lovely.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10This is what I've always thought of as a sitting room
0:29:10 > 0:29:13when it's off-season and it's much cooler and it's wet
0:29:13 > 0:29:15and you've got the wood-burning stove.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- If I had to imagine a room it would be something like this.- Absolutely.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20In here, there's a storage room. A very big one.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You could easily knock this wall through
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- and just turn it into a big old room.- A big room.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28So far, could you imagine yourselves living in this space?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- I could, definitely.- Absolutely. Fantastic.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Could move in tomorrow.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36But there's something even more fantastic through there so,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- yeah, lead the way Paul.- Okey-doke.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Go on through, go on through.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- This is a bonus. - They are using it as an office.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45We've always wanted an office,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49but hadn't thought that we would be able to have that space as well.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53To have an additional room like this to turn into a study or an office
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- is a real bonus. Absolutely.- It's just so unusual.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59That would have been the original fireplace.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- Behind it, what you can see is the oven.- Bread oven, yes.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05And in the corner would have been the washing machine.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- Isn't this utterly charming? - Absolutely.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- It is intriguing, fantastic.- Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- Shall we ascend and go see what's going on upstairs?- Yes.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20'Goodness! Paul and Fiona seem at home already.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23'An original flagstone staircase takes us
0:30:23 > 0:30:26'to a generously proportioned landing.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29'Two guest bedrooms, family bathroom,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33'utility room and a master en suite.'
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- In you come to the master bedroom. - Oh, terrific.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- Not huge, but well laid out. - This ceiling is new.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45The family that live here have lifted it to give it this
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- height and space. En suite. - That's great.- Very functional.- Good.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Terrific. I really like that window.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Looking out onto what looks extremely interesting.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Would you like to take a closer look?- I would love to.- Come on, this way.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03The 1.25 acre plot has beautiful, mature gardens
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and a variety of outdoor seating areas.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Just the place to entertain the Mallorcan next-door neighbours,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11or enjoy the sunshine.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Although perhaps not on this winter's day.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Right.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Glorious! You have brought the Glaswegian weather with you.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- I've never seen it...like this in Mallorca.- Putting you off?
0:31:25 > 0:31:26- No.- No.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- Because this will be a very short period, couple of months maximum.- Yes.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- And, look, you've got... Da-dun! - Lovely big pool.- Great pool.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- It is more than I was expecting to see, actually.- Yes.- OK.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Well, let's see how we do with the price.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40Fiona, we'll begin with you.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- How much do you think all of this comes for?- It is over budget.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48I would say £700,000.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Thank you. Paul?
0:31:50 > 0:31:54Likewise, probably over our budget. Not quite as high as that.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57But I'm going to probably say 640.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- You are right, in that it is over your budget...- Yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- ..by £15,000.- What?!- Really?
0:32:03 > 0:32:07It is on for £565,000.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08PAUL LAUGHS
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- That's amazing. - I'm very amazed at that.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I am amazed, I thought it would be much higher.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15So, I have the contract over here.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16THEY LAUGH
0:32:16 > 0:32:18No, listen, yes, it is good news.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21There's a lot for you to think about. I've been a bit sneaky.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25There's a little section I thought the two of you could explore on your own, that might
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- put an even bigger smile on your face.- Right.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- Off you go.- I'm intrigued. - I'll come and find you.- OK.- OK.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33They're going to love it!
0:32:33 > 0:32:36They're going to see the casita, they might even be buying it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Oh, I'm getting very excited.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Paul and Fiona have indicated they have some financial wriggle
0:32:42 > 0:32:45room for the right property, so although this fully
0:32:45 > 0:32:50renovated, traditional finca is £15,000 over budget,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54the main house offers them the three bedrooms they asked for.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57The interior boasts character features
0:32:57 > 0:33:00and a second reception room, currently used as an office.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Whilst outside, the large pool is surrounded by low-maintenance,
0:33:04 > 0:33:05mature gardens.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09But the extra surprise is it also comes with a two-bedroom,
0:33:09 > 0:33:14self-contained casita, converted from a former donkey stable.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- Oh, look.- This is amazing. With all the sitting room.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20PAUL LAUGHS
0:33:20 > 0:33:24- Wow.- Here's your casita that you need.- My casita.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- With great views into the garden. - And the pool.- And the pool.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33I didn't expect to find the second house next to the main house.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- This is amazing.- What a surprise this is.- Yes, fantastic.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- What's this?- Oh, cute. Look.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Look, the bed, it's up on the... For the kids, or whoever,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- somebody.- It is a big casita. - This is a big casita.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49'And that was a great surprise, seeing the casita.'
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Particularly given that it's got the two bedrooms.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54'From start to finish, it just looked interesting.'
0:33:54 > 0:33:58It's not sort of four rooms off a central corridor type of thing.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00That's just the charm of the house.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03We are beginning to think about, would our furniture fit?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05That seems to be a good sign, I think, when you do that.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08We certainly haven't seen the property on the best of days,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10but I think if you like a property on a bad weather day,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14you'll like it even more when the sun is shining, so that's only
0:34:14 > 0:34:17got to be good news when we come back and re-visit the house.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Hello.- Hello.- Hi.- What do you think?
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It is fantastic. Brilliant.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- Very sneaky. But well done. - Yes, it's incredible, isn't it?
0:34:27 > 0:34:28A real surprise.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31It is a fantastic house, and I know you really, really love it,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33but can I prise you away?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Just.- Come on, this way.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Paul and Fiona have spent many holidays in Mallorca,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50but living in a country is a whole different ball game.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52So I've teed up someone for them
0:34:52 > 0:34:55to meet with local knowledge, from a whole new angle...
0:34:55 > 0:34:56the air.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Pilot and manager at Sloane Helicopters,
0:35:00 > 0:35:05British expat Jonny Greenall has lived here since 1993.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09He's giving my house-hunters a tailor-made tour of their chosen area.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- Look how clear that water is. - Yes, it's gorgeous.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16And what is that over to our right, Jonny?
0:35:16 > 0:35:19This is Colonia Sant Jordi, a little town, mainly full of tourists,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- lots of hotels and very open in the summer.- Sure.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- This time of year it's a bit quieter.- What height are we flying at here?
0:35:25 > 0:35:26We are about 600 feet above the ground,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29and you can start to see a lot of these little beaches are little coves.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34I know the island's not big, but you just realise the scale of it. It is not a big island, is it?
0:35:34 > 0:35:35No.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39That area straight in front of us, on the horizon, Jonny,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- where would that be?- The white buildings in the area, that is Cala d'Or.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45OK, right. This is a great bit of coastline,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- isn't it?- It is beautiful, yes.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50You can imagine just having a little beach to yourself there.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- You just sit there and enjoy the day.- Yes.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56You can see the pathways where people obviously have...
0:35:56 > 0:35:58There are walkways.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02I think we are about to come to an area where there are lovely houses.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03Yes. A lot of these fincas you can see.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06A lot of them are old buildings that have been reformed and restored.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Yes, you can see that.- And the first thing you will notice is
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- everybody has a swimming pool.- Yeah.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13And it gives you a good perspective of how different
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- the island is from the air. - That's the best thing, I think, about coming up,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21you see the really... You talk about the different villages and towns,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24but they're not really far away at all.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28You're only a few minutes away from the nearest town.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Yes. Fantastic houses.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33No shortage of country property, that's for sure.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Absolutely. Absolutely. There are so many fincas on this island.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40It's been a fantastic opportunity to see all of this from the air.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44The bird's eye view has revealed some fresh pockets
0:36:44 > 0:36:47of property potential in their preferred location.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51But Jonny and his wife Gillian, who met in Mallorca,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53have yet more expat insights
0:36:53 > 0:36:56to share with these seasoned travellers.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00We're looking to relocate, you know, lock, stock and barrel from the UK.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Are there any pitfalls that we should be aware of in terms of coming to live here?
0:37:03 > 0:37:06The one thing I would say is there's something here called a gestor.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09They work for you, but they deal with all the government paperwork.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Right.- Get a very good one over there.- OK.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Because lots of people come out here, try and do it themselves,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16fall into all the different paperwork problems and issues.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18You're much better off to get a really good gestor.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- They'll do it all for you, for a price.- Right, sure.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23But that will make your life a lot, lot smoother.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Let's talk about local culture, then.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28How quickly do things happen?
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Well, you need to adapt to the "manana" syndrome.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33If you adapt to that, you'll not have a problem living here.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- In fact, we've got the "manana" syndrome, very much so.- Yeah.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38LAUGHTER
0:37:38 > 0:37:42If anything major breaks, just relax, and it'll happen,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44but maybe not exactly in an hour.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47It'll happen sometime that day or the next day.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Yeah, I remember we had...
0:37:49 > 0:37:52A pipe burst in the apartment years ago, on a Friday,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55and so we phoned the emergency plumber, and I was like,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57"Yeah, we've got water everywhere. We need help."
0:37:57 > 0:38:00And he was like, "Yeah, I'll come and fix it. I'll be there Tuesday."
0:38:00 > 0:38:02LAUGHTER
0:38:02 > 0:38:05The cost of living - what about simple things like a loaf of bread?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07It's not particularly cheaper than England,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10especially when you start putting in, you know,
0:38:10 > 0:38:12housing and taxes and all the rest of it.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14But fresh bread, fresh fruit, fresh veg, fresh fish -
0:38:14 > 0:38:16it's all absolutely fresh.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Access to health care - is that easy?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20The health care here's absolutely excellent.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Should we be looking into having private health care
0:38:23 > 0:38:24on top of the national one?
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Most of the Spanish people have both.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Most of the Spanish people have obviously the national health,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31but they also have private as well.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I have a slight reservation about living somewhere that is so rural,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36when you're living in a finca -
0:38:36 > 0:38:40that it's a bit remote, and if there was any kind of emergency,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43you're stuck in the countryside at two in the morning,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46you're on your own, the neighbours are maybe a mile away.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48If you mix with the community,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51there's such a big community that they do look out for you.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Yeah, I would not be concerned leaving Gillian here in the finca on her own.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- There's very little crime here. - It's relatively safe.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02I certainly wouldn't worry walking down a road at 11 o'clock at night.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Can you fully integrate? - Absolutely, yes.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Especially if you try just a little bit to talk in the language, though.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Oh, the Mallorquin? - The Mallorquin, yes.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12But you'll be fine with your Spanish.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16With the Spanish, 100%, because the moment you speak to a Mallorquin
0:39:16 > 0:39:19and you answer them in Spanish, they automatically switch to Spanish.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Because years ago, in Franco's days, they weren't allowed
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- to speak Mallorquin, at school or anything.- Oh, didn't know that.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27So you get the older generation that a lot of them
0:39:27 > 0:39:29don't actually speak Mallorquin.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32Now, Paul has a fantastic idea
0:39:32 > 0:39:36for a high-end bespoke golf holiday business.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38You obviously deal with a similar sort of clientele.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42So what about setting up a business here? How easy or difficult is it?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45It's fairly straightforward to set it up,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- but the big thing you'll need is what I call the network.- Sure.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50There's a small island mentality -
0:39:50 > 0:39:53it's who you know, to get the contacts
0:39:53 > 0:39:54- and get in with the right people.- OK.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Is there a market for bespoke golfing holidays?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Oh, very much so. I mean, there are 26 courses on the island,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02and this market in Mallorca is definitely increasing.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04So that's where Mallorca's going,
0:40:04 > 0:40:06that's where the future of Mallorca is.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- Are they doing the right thing wanting to move here?- 100%, yes.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10- Yeah.- Do you miss anything?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I mean, I know the two of you have lived here for a long time,
0:40:13 > 0:40:15but is there something that you think, "Oh, if only
0:40:15 > 0:40:17"they had Marmite in the local shop," or whatever it might be.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- LAUGHTER - No, you can get everything now in the local shops.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23No, no, the one thing I miss is real ale. A pint of real ale.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Cos you can't get it here. - There's a gap in the market there.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Someone should set up a little microbrewery doing real ale!
0:40:28 > 0:40:30LAUGHTER I'm sure they'll have tried.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35- Premium golfers drinking real ale. We'll have to work on that together. - There's a company there.- Can I join?
0:40:35 > 0:40:36LAUGHTER
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, if Paul and Fiona do decide to seize
0:40:39 > 0:40:41that brilliant business opportunity,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43they probably should take the advice of Paul
0:40:43 > 0:40:46and use the services of a reputable gestor.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51This is an administrator skilled in navigating through bureaucracy,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53with the contacts to get things done quickly.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56In Spain, they're used for many processes,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58from setting up businesses to buying a house.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03If Paul and Fiona opt to let out part of their property,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06they'll need a holiday rental licence.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Rental income in Spain is always subject to Spanish tax,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12even if the owner is a tax resident elsewhere.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16As they plan to move with their spaniels,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20they must be electronically chipped and have a pet passport,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23which will need updating by a qualified vet in Mallorca
0:41:23 > 0:41:25should they return to the UK.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39There's a lot to take in from the last few days of home hunting,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43and Paul and Fiona are taking the chance to share some tapas
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and reflect on their future here together.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48Boy, what an interesting time.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50I feel comfy about coming to live here.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- And retiring?- Yes, I could switch off here very easily.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Play golf.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I don't see that being an issue.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01No, I don't either. What about a business, though?
0:42:01 > 0:42:03You've often said that you would like to do something.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06But the way I'm feeling just now, after what we've seen this week
0:42:06 > 0:42:08and the environment that's here...
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- You could do it.- If there was nothing on that score,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- I don't think I would be unhappy.- Mm-hm.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16I think there's still plenty to do to keep ourselves busy.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19And you know, going back to all of our moves in the past,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22this is the big one. This is coming out here to live.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Still comfy with that idea?- Yeah.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26We didn't want to retire in Scotland,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28primarily cos of the weather.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- Yep.- So yeah, I do see it as a forever home.- Good.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Gracias.- Gracias.- De nada.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41In coming here, I don't think I would ever say
0:42:41 > 0:42:42we were complete locals,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45but I think we would be a bit more than...
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Well, I know we'd be a bit more than tourists
0:42:47 > 0:42:50because this is where we're going to put down roots.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- We'd be as local as we could be. - Yeah.- Which is great.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56I'd like to be known as from this part of Mallorca.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09We're on the Spanish island of Mallorca
0:43:09 > 0:43:12with Paul and Fiona from Glasgow, who are looking to relocate.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15They've been staying in a traditional home
0:43:15 > 0:43:18to get an authentic feel of Mallorcan life, and I've shown them
0:43:18 > 0:43:23a mix of varied properties around their budget of £550,000.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27I've still got the Mystery House up my sleeve,
0:43:27 > 0:43:29and what it has to offer may surprise them.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36Fiona and Paul indicated that they'd like an extra couple of rooms
0:43:36 > 0:43:39for the inevitable flow of friends and family
0:43:39 > 0:43:41that will be descending on their home in Mallorca.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43Well, with our Mystery House,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46let's just say space is not going to be an issue.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53The Mystery House is a 30-minute drive,
0:43:53 > 0:43:55and the furthest of our properties from Santanyi.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58It's 20 minutes by car from Palma airport,
0:43:58 > 0:44:02close to the village of Randa, the site of Mallorca's first monastery.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08On a clear day, the monastery, which dates back over 700 years,
0:44:08 > 0:44:11offers a vantage point to see most of the island,
0:44:11 > 0:44:13including 30 towns and villages.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19In 1913, the building was turned over to the care
0:44:19 > 0:44:23of the Franciscan order, and is currently inhabited by four friars.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28For those who'd like to take their time in this atmospheric location,
0:44:28 > 0:44:32it's possible to stay in the guest accommodation.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34Randa village itself offers somewhere
0:44:34 > 0:44:36to enjoy simple refreshment.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39It's a five-minute journey to the final property.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- Right, the mystery.- The mystery. - Mystery House.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48It's certainly difference to what we've seen so far.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51It looks very colourful. Trees might need a bit of pruning, I think.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53How's the wind working for you?
0:44:53 > 0:44:55The wind's working OK. I'm holding on.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- THEY LAUGH - We're about to take off!
0:44:57 > 0:45:00I've certainly seen a different side of Mallorcan weather
0:45:00 > 0:45:02thanks to you guys.
0:45:02 > 0:45:03Very typically local.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05There's nothing typical about this property.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07- That's all I'm giving away.- OK.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10- Let's go in and it will reveal itself.- OK.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14There's plenty that's unique about this home, which was self-built
0:45:14 > 0:45:18by a design-loving German couple in the year 2000.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22With far more accommodation than they bargained for on their budget,
0:45:22 > 0:45:24it comes with an unusual interior,
0:45:24 > 0:45:28including a glass-roofed open-plan living space.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30A-ha, not what I expected.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Good. Let's get you right into this property,
0:45:32 > 0:45:35and into the huge living area.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- Yes.- Yeah. The space, the area - great.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- The decor, no, not for me. - Can you see beyond the decor?
0:45:41 > 0:45:45I have trouble seeing beyond it, because it's so vivid, but I'll try.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- This is the Mystery House, after all.- It is the Mystery House.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50- Let me show you the kitchen. - Sure.- Fine.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54- The kitchen.- Oh, dear.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- Go on, expand on "Oh, dear," please. - LAUGHTER
0:45:57 > 0:45:59This is very quirky.
0:45:59 > 0:46:03It's just, the kitchen is small, to me it's old.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05That window is a waste of a window -
0:46:05 > 0:46:07I would rather have a French door or a bigger, wider window.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11In terms of working space in the kitchen, there's hardly any.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13We'd have to wholly redecorate this big room
0:46:13 > 0:46:15and put in a new kitchen,
0:46:15 > 0:46:17so I'm struggling.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20This spacious and attractive home
0:46:20 > 0:46:22may have a more extrovert interior,
0:46:22 > 0:46:26but there's no struggle when it comes to space for guests.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29The main house comes with five double bedrooms,
0:46:29 > 0:46:33each colourfully styled and with its own en suite facilities.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37So can the generous amount of sleeping accommodation here
0:46:37 > 0:46:40brighten Paul and Fiona's opinion of this home?
0:46:40 > 0:46:43It's still not doing it for me. I'm sorry.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- THEY LAUGH - Come on! Come on, Fiona.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- What is it?- I do believe that you walk in the door of a house,
0:46:49 > 0:46:51and there's a split second, and you know,
0:46:51 > 0:46:55"I'm going to like this place," or, "I'm not going to like this place."
0:46:55 > 0:46:57Can you appreciate the size of this room, the fact that it comes
0:46:57 > 0:47:00with an en suite, that it's a five bedroom house, all with en suite?
0:47:00 > 0:47:04Five bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms, is fabulous.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07- I mean, I would love that. Just not in this house, for me.- OK.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- I think we should take you both outside.- Do that. Yes, please.- OK.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Well, lead the way. Let's go out.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16But I sense the rather individual interiors
0:47:16 > 0:47:19are failing to win Paul and Fiona over.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23Perhaps they'll find more to like in the two-acre landscaped garden,
0:47:23 > 0:47:26with patios and terraces
0:47:26 > 0:47:31plus two more en suite guest rooms with their own private access,
0:47:31 > 0:47:35all surrounded by exotic plants.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38An incredibly magical garden.
0:47:38 > 0:47:39I really love the garden.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42I can see it in the summer, when that's all in bloom. Beautiful.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44This is by far the best feature.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Manageable size pool, which looks fantastic. Lots of variety.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Absolutely. The inside is not doing it all, the outside's lovely.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53As it is, we are here -
0:47:53 > 0:47:56how much do you think it's on the market for, Paul?
0:47:56 > 0:48:00Um, I would say 440.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03You're in the right ballpark, I would say, but maybe a bit more.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- I would say 460,000.- 460.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11It's actually on for £565,000.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15I'm very surprised it's that much.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19Well, look, there is a lot of this house for you to see,
0:48:19 > 0:48:22- so go and have an explore, and I'll come and find you.- OK.- Thank you.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24- Enjoy.- Thank you.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26It's not for them.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29But you know, if you can't see beyond bright blue walls,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31then it's going to be a hard sell.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Paul and Fiona do have some financial flexibility
0:48:36 > 0:48:39should they decide to opt for this generously sized
0:48:39 > 0:48:41and highly original property.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44At £15,000 over budget,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47this country house offers a lot of property for the money -
0:48:47 > 0:48:50a five-bed, five-bath main house,
0:48:50 > 0:48:53plus two additional en suite bedrooms.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56There are unique design features such as the glass roof,
0:48:56 > 0:48:59and the two-acre plot includes a swimming pool
0:48:59 > 0:49:02and tropically planted garden areas.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04If I'd been driving past it and someone said,
0:49:04 > 0:49:07that could be your house, I guess I would have kept driving.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11This house has a huge number of bedrooms - seven of them,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13for goodness' sake, and seven bathrooms,
0:49:13 > 0:49:14which is far more than we ever wanted,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17and it would be fantastic to have that.
0:49:17 > 0:49:18- This is very pretty.- Yeah.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21This is more what I envisaged - one room with a...
0:49:21 > 0:49:24- Presumably a bathroom.- ..a sitting room and a bathroom.- Yeah.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26Absolutely ideal for guests, or...
0:49:26 > 0:49:28- See, this is lovely.- Yeah.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31- It's more toned-down. - It's toned-down. That's it.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35- Just a place to sleep and have a shower, yeah.- That's it.- Ideal.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39For somebody who likes that kind of extrovert, bohemian,
0:49:39 > 0:49:43avant-garde decor - fantastic. It certainly isn't my style.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47It influenced my overall opinion of everything else we saw.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50- How are we feeling? Zen? - Zenned out.- Yeah?- Yep.- No.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54- No?- Tell it like it is. No. - That's the Glaswegian.- Absolutely.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56- In that case, let's do one.- Yeah.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Tourism forms the most lucrative share
0:50:05 > 0:50:08of the modern Mallorcan economy, but the fertile soil
0:50:08 > 0:50:13and warm climate once made the island a boom location for farming,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15especially in the production of oranges.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19To see the influence the fruit has played here,
0:50:19 > 0:50:21I'm heading northwest to Soller,
0:50:21 > 0:50:25now a 30-minute journey by car from Palma via a road tunnel,
0:50:25 > 0:50:29but previously cut off by mountains and best accessed by sea.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35The fortified harbour walls attest to regular attacks by pirates,
0:50:35 > 0:50:38their constant threat causing the main town
0:50:38 > 0:50:42to be located a couple of miles inland.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44It's there I'm meeting Aina Mora,
0:50:44 > 0:50:47a member of an orange growing co-operative,
0:50:47 > 0:50:51to discover how selling citrus made Soller special.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Wow, Aina, what a beautiful little square.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57It doesn't feel like Mallorca. Why is that?
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Well, Soller has been always different
0:51:00 > 0:51:02from the rest of the villages of Mallorca,
0:51:02 > 0:51:07maybe because centuries ago we were trading with oranges and lemons
0:51:07 > 0:51:10with the South of Europe, with France.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12It was easier to go by boat to France
0:51:12 > 0:51:17than to go over the mountain range to Palma in the 18th century.
0:51:17 > 0:51:21Wealth and foreign influence generated by the orange trade
0:51:21 > 0:51:25lent many of the buildings an impressive grandeur.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Of note are the early 20th-century modernista facades
0:51:28 > 0:51:32of the Banco de Soller and Iglesia de Sant Bartomeu.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37- So this is very... I mean, it looks very French to me.- It's Catalan.
0:51:37 > 0:51:42- Catalan.- Because the architect was a pupil of Gaudi.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45So it must have been quite an affluent part of the world.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47It was. It was in the past.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49The trade is so different,
0:51:49 > 0:51:53architecture styles in Europe, and so they brought it here to Soller,
0:51:53 > 0:51:57But in 1863, the orange suffered a big disease,
0:51:57 > 0:52:00and all the orange trees died.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03They tried to replant them five times,
0:52:03 > 0:52:06but they have never been the same as before.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13Testament to the citrus growers of the area is the orange express,
0:52:13 > 0:52:17a train connecting Soller with Palma since 1912
0:52:17 > 0:52:20via many miles of orange groves.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23Aina is taking me to meet a local orange farmer
0:52:23 > 0:52:26whose family have been linked to this land for generations.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31Here ancient orange terraces dating to Roman times
0:52:31 > 0:52:35surround groves producing 100 tonnes of fruit a year,
0:52:35 > 0:52:40all tended by 79-year-old Joaquin Alcover Estades.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42I'm very pleased to meet you.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44What a beautiful spot you have here.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46This is just gorgeous.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48- Paradise.- It is paradise.
0:52:48 > 0:52:54My family rest here in 1229.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57- Since the 13th century? - Si, si.- Yeah.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59And have they always grown oranges here?
0:52:59 > 0:53:02- I think yes.- You think yes.- I think.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05So are you still growing oranges to export?
0:53:05 > 0:53:09Si. We have a co-operative in Soller.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13This co-operative each week sends to Germany.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15How many orange trees do you have here?
0:53:15 > 0:53:18- 72,000.- 72,000!
0:53:18 > 0:53:22So is it still lucrative? Are you still making money from the oranges?
0:53:22 > 0:53:24- Not very much money.- No?
0:53:24 > 0:53:29- No, Germany buys for five...centimos?- Cents.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31- De Euro.- Really? Per orange?- No!
0:53:31 > 0:53:33- Kilogram!- Oh, per kilogram, OK.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35- Wow, five cents a kilo?- Five, si.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39So why grow them? Why continue doing this?
0:53:39 > 0:53:41HE INHALES
0:53:41 > 0:53:43We hope all the time.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Do you love this land?
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Si. You must love.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50It's good to know that small farms
0:53:50 > 0:53:53and co-operatives are preserving such an ancient landscape,
0:53:53 > 0:53:58and I can't wait to taste the fruits of their labour of love.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00Do you eat oranges?
0:54:00 > 0:54:03- Not much. One in the year. - One a year?- Yeah.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05THEY LAUGH
0:54:05 > 0:54:08Si. Possibly this year, I'll eat more,
0:54:08 > 0:54:12- because now I eat.- There you go.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16Mm. Oh, that is honestly
0:54:16 > 0:54:20the tastiest orange I've had in a long time. Full of flavour.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22It's got a great sharpness.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24And look, you can tell how juicy it is.
0:54:24 > 0:54:28When Paul and Fiona do settle on their Mallorcan property purchase,
0:54:28 > 0:54:32they could be growing some of their own juicy fruit.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42As our house hunt comes to an end,
0:54:42 > 0:54:44it's time for my couple to decide which, if any,
0:54:44 > 0:54:46of the properties I've shown them
0:54:46 > 0:54:49could be their new home here in Mallorca.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55I finally get to find out what Fiona and Paul are actually thinking,
0:54:55 > 0:54:59and I've got a feeling these two Scots know their mind
0:54:59 > 0:55:01and won't be afraid to tell me straight.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Fiona and Paul, we've come to that time - the end of our time together.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12But before I leave you,
0:55:12 > 0:55:15I want to really get to the bottom of what you're thinking.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19So is this still on? Are you still planning on moving to Mallorca?
0:55:19 > 0:55:23I've always wanted to do it - we've both always wanted to do it -
0:55:23 > 0:55:27but I think the few days here made me even more keen to do it.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31Cos I love Mallorca. It's great, even with this hellish weather.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Let's talk about the first property,
0:55:33 > 0:55:35cos you were certainly quite taken with it, weren't you?
0:55:35 > 0:55:38It's a lovely house. A beautiful house for rental,
0:55:38 > 0:55:40beautifully furnished, but to live there full-time,
0:55:40 > 0:55:44I would want to change it around a bit.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46- Yes, I know. The layout. - The layout of it.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49Which takes time, it takes money - do we want to do that?
0:55:49 > 0:55:51- I don't think so.- Yeah.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54What's been the highlight of our time together?
0:55:54 > 0:55:58The one that stands out for me, and I think you as well, is the finca.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01Beautiful house. Everything we asked for.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05Beautiful garden, pool. And having first thought when I saw it
0:56:05 > 0:56:08it was too rural, having thought about it a bit more
0:56:08 > 0:56:11and also done the helicopter ride, I can see now that it's not rural.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15Nothing in Mallorca is far away from anywhere else. Lovely.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18I think because it's still early in our overall search,
0:56:18 > 0:56:23we're not going to rush into buying a 300-year-old property overnight.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26So maybe next time we're here, and if it's still available,
0:56:26 > 0:56:27we'd love to revisit it.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30If I came to knock on your door in Glasgow this time next year,
0:56:30 > 0:56:32- would you still be there? - You've got to buy the right house.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35This isn't just a holiday home that we're going to buy
0:56:35 > 0:56:38and think about selling in a couple of years - this is our home.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42And whilst we saw the finca and just loved it,
0:56:42 > 0:56:44we didn't see it on a very good day.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48We would naturally want to go back and see it again.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52You'd never buy it just first time around on seeing it.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55What will you take away from our time together, Paul?
0:56:55 > 0:56:58I'll take away two things specifically.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02One, the travelling around has confirmed that really
0:57:02 > 0:57:04nowhere in Mallorca is very far from anywhere.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08Secondly that, given the variety of properties that we've seen,
0:57:08 > 0:57:12what we want is out there. Of that there's no doubt.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15- And what about the business idea? - It's still at the back of my mind.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17It always was a very embryonic idea,
0:57:17 > 0:57:20but people that we've met this week and experiences that we've had -
0:57:20 > 0:57:23I don't think I'll have time, perhaps, to start a business.
0:57:23 > 0:57:24But still just an idea.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27Gosh, you're going to be doing some great stuff out here. I'm jealous.
0:57:27 > 0:57:31Well, I must say, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here with you, so best of luck to you.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34- Thank you very much.- Cheers. - Thank you very much. Cheers. - Chin-chin.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39When I first met Fiona and Paul, I thought,
0:57:39 > 0:57:42what new information could these two possibly learn?
0:57:42 > 0:57:46They've travelled the world, they've been coming here since the '90s,
0:57:46 > 0:57:47they both speak fluent Spanish.
0:57:47 > 0:57:51But as it turns out, after our time together, they've quite literally
0:57:51 > 0:57:53got a whole new perspective on the place,
0:57:53 > 0:57:55and I have no doubt it won't be long
0:57:55 > 0:57:59before they find their dream property here in Mallorca.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:58:04 > 0:58:07Paul and Fiona are planning their next visit to the island
0:58:07 > 0:58:10to view some of the additional properties they identified
0:58:10 > 0:58:12on their helicopter trip,
0:58:12 > 0:58:16and will view the 300-year-old finca we showed them a second time.