0:00:02 > 0:00:05This picturesque valley is known as the prehistoric capital of the world,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08but where on earth could I be? Join me in a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29'After years of trying to make the move happen,
0:00:29 > 0:00:32'today's buyer is hoping to begin a new life abroad,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35'bringing her best friend along for guidance.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37'Our properties give plenty of surprises...'
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- Fantastic!- Yeah, perfect for a party. - You could play boules here!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45'..and cause something of a stir between the best buddies.'
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Is this going to turn into a competition?
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Are you actually here to try to find a house for yourself?- Could be!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It could be the end of a beautiful friendship.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I'm in the Dordogne region of France
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and this magnificent waterway is the Dordogne River
0:01:01 > 0:01:04which gives the area its name and runs for 300 miles.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06But what makes it prehistoric?
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Well, around 400,000 years ago, the first hunters settled here,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11and they made shelters for themselves
0:01:11 > 0:01:15in those magnificent golden limestone cliffs you can see all around me,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17and just beyond them,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20there are around 200 caves and archaeological sites
0:01:20 > 0:01:23making this the definitive area to study Palaeolithic man.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Well, fast-forward to the 21st century,
0:01:25 > 0:01:30and it's still a very desirable area for both modern man and woman.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Less than a two-hour direct flight from the UK,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37the Dordogne lies within the larger Aquitaine region
0:01:37 > 0:01:42in south west France, and covers an area of 3,500 square miles.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46It's comprised of four colour-coded zones, called the Four Perigords.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Each colour signifies a characteristic of the province,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52as represented by its most important cities.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57Nontron - green, for the rivers that mirror the surrounding greenery.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Sarlat - black, coming from its dark oak forests.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Bergerac - purple, for its many vineries.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07And Perigeux - white, for its limestone soil.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10The area boasts characterful properties
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and impeccably preserved architectural history
0:02:13 > 0:02:17amidst picturesque villages and authentic fortified towns
0:02:17 > 0:02:20such as Saint Junien to the north and Castelnaud over towards the east.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25More than 1,000 castles and manors are dotted around the region,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27bearing testimony to its violent past,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31including a period of incessant fighting between the ruling houses
0:02:31 > 0:02:35of France and England for the territory during the Hundred Years War.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Now a much more peaceful invasion is under way.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41With over 20,000 Brits now calling this region home,
0:02:41 > 0:02:46the Dordogne boasts more ex-pats per head than anywhere else in France.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52So how has all this British interest in this area affected the property market?
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Well, an average three-bedroom house will cost around £97,000,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00which is about a third of the price of an equivalent house in the UK,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03but, if you want even better value for money,
0:03:03 > 0:03:04the trick is to move to a more rural area
0:03:04 > 0:03:08and property prices drop by a further 10%.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Now, the Brits are by far the keenest investors in the Dordogne,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16racking up an impressive 50% of all international property purchases.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20And our buyer today? Well, she's keen to add to that statistic.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Let's meet her to find out why.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Pursuing a new life abroad is Christine from Sussex,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30who'll be accompanied by her friend Muriel,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32who's been at her side through thick and thin.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35We met about seven years ago.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38My husband was ill and Muriel knew this.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41I was a doctor's receptionist.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45She went on holiday and while she was on holiday,
0:03:45 > 0:03:46my husband unfortunately died,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49so when she came back and she found out what had happened,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52she came round to see me, which was extremely nice of her,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54and we've been friends ever since.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- And we share the same interests. - We lunch. We're ladies that lunch.
0:03:57 > 0:04:05- We shop. We chatter. We have a cup of tea, then we shop again.- Yes.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Lots of shopping. Yes.- Muriel does more shopping than I do!
0:04:08 > 0:04:10And that's about it.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- And we have a really good time together, don't we?- We do.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And for Christine, this move is no flash in the pan.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21A fresh start in France is a plan that's been long in the making.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25I've had this 40-year dream about buying a house in France,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29and now is the right time before I'm too ancient.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Yeah, if you don't go tomorrow!
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- Who knows?- She is very prepared.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- She has thought about it a lot.- I have.- In fact, it's a bit boring.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Oh, dear! Pity you didn't tell me before.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49But relocating to another country
0:04:49 > 0:04:52entails far more than simply packing a suitcase.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55There's the small matter of a foreign language to master.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59But today's leading lady is well en-route to linguistic mastery.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05Je suis tres, tres... I don't know what the word for "excited" is!
0:05:05 > 0:05:08IN FRENCH:
0:05:13 > 0:05:14'Almost.'
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I speak reasonable French, enough to get me by.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19'Christine has a much firmer grasp
0:05:19 > 0:05:22'on what she does and doesn't want from her new home.'
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Christine is very particular.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27She says what she wants, and if it's not that, she won't have it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- I don't deviate.- She is fussy. - I expect to see perfection.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So I want a characterful French house.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39When I look outside of my windows, I would love to see a perfect view
0:05:39 > 0:05:42of rolling hills in the distance.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- With a swimming pool in the garden. - Yes. You and your swimming pool!
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I can't even swim!
0:05:48 > 0:05:52But one thing that everyone agrees on is that the move has to happen
0:05:52 > 0:05:54sooner rather than later.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59I'm very excited. I can't wait to get over to see what I can find.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I think you need to go, Christine.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- I have to go.- I think you need to, if only for my holidays.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Christine would like to be close to an airport
0:06:15 > 0:06:19to be able to visit her daughter and grandson easily back home.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20So we're concentrating our search
0:06:20 > 0:06:23to within an hour and a half of Bergerac's Dordogne Airport.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Her favourite part of Dordogne
0:06:25 > 0:06:29tracks the river eastwards across the landscapes of several distinct
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Perigord regions towards Sarlat,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and it's 12 miles south of this medieval idyll
0:06:34 > 0:06:37where I'm set to meet today's buyer.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41But in an area that basks in 2,000 hours of sunshine each year,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'm meeting the ladies in the pouring rain.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Thankfully, we're able to take shelter in the sublime Chateau De Milandes.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Hello, ladies.- Hello.- Welcome to the Chateau De Milandes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- This is one of a thousand chateaux in this area!- Exquisite here.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Beautiful.- Gorgeous.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- So, Christine, it is you that wants to live here.- Yes, it is.- Why?- Why?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Well, I've had this 40-year dream and we were, my husband and I,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11were going to buy out here seven years ago,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15but unfortunately he became ill and died, so this dream never came true.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Then I had a grandson. He was born soon after.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23That kept me busy, but now he's at school and plenty of activities.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I now think that my time to come out here is just right.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- You've brought Muriel with you.- I've come to advise.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32So you're here to encourage her?
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Encourage her to buy something that I would like to come and stay in!
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Let's talk about this friendship, this partnership.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Do you trust Muriel's advice?- Yes, I do.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Yes, cos she...- Christine's very fussy and particular.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- That sounds dreadful!- No, she knows what she likes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Tell me what precisely you're looking for.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I found a list of criteria which I'd written something like 20 years ago,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and my criteria haven't changed at all,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59so I'm looking for a...not a particularly large house,
0:07:59 > 0:08:04three/four bedrooms, two bathrooms, en-suite and main bathroom,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06preferably not too old.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11It could've been built in the last 30-40 years but it's got to look old.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16Wooden floors upstairs, terracotta tiles downstairs.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Ooh, wood-burning stove, definitely.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- That's quite some list.- It's longer.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Carry on!- Beams.- Shutters.- Yes, shutters.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Garden probably not more than half an acre, nice tiled roof,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33near neighbours preferably so that they can keep a watchful eye.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Basically everything.- Yes!
0:08:35 > 0:08:38And what about leaving your daughter and your grandson behind?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I'm not trying to put you off, by the way.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43If she doesn't do it now, she'll never do it.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46I've got to at least try it, because...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- If she leaves it any longer...- I'll be too old.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50She will be too old to do it then.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52The most important question -
0:08:52 > 0:08:55how much have you got to spend? What is your budget, Christine?
0:08:55 > 0:08:59I would have approximately £340,000 to spend.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- That's a healthy budget.- Hopefully.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- It's quite a lot for France, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Well, I've got a few things lined up to show you.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Shall we go and spend your money?
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- Yes, definitely! I can't wait. - After you. Let's go.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16'With a budget of £340,000,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Christine wants plenty for her money.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'Her demands include wooden floors,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24'terracotta tiles, beams and shutters,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27'an old-style property within a modern shell
0:09:27 > 0:09:29'as well as three to four bedrooms, two bathrooms,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31'no more than half an acre of land
0:09:31 > 0:09:34'and within close proximity to village life.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36'Over the next couple of days,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39'I'll be taking the ladies to view four stunning French properties
0:09:39 > 0:09:41'that I hope will comply with Christine's stipulations,
0:09:41 > 0:09:46'but I won't be revealing the price tag until after each tour.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48'And we'll end on the mystery property,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51'which I very much hope will enthral today's house hunter.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Our first house sits amongst the pastoral splendour of Proissans,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05four miles from the medieval town of Sarlat,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07towards the southeast of the region.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Renowned for its unrivalled representation of 14th-century France,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Sarlat is a Hollywood favourite.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Johnny Depp strutted amongst the town's sandstone buildings
0:10:17 > 0:10:19in the movie Chocolat,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and Joan of Arc rampaged through its maze of narrow streets
0:10:21 > 0:10:24in Luc Besson's 1999 epic film.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28A 12-minute drive away, in contrast,
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Proissans is a small, agricultural community, once producing tobacco
0:10:32 > 0:10:36but now dominated by sunflower seeds, corn and walnut groves,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39and with a population of scarcely over 1,000,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41I'm hoping that this could be the rural escape
0:10:41 > 0:10:43that Christine has been pining for.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Well, Christine, you said you wanted stone.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- It looks a bit like a gingerbread house, doesn't it?- It does.- Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Look at the roses on the walls.- I know. It's beautiful.
0:10:55 > 0:11:01- It's lovely stone.- The stone is from the ground the house is on.- Is it?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Yes.- Fantastic. Real character.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Both got huge grins on your faces. Well, let's have a look inside.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Having started life as a 19th-century tobacco farm,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15the property has been painstakingly transformed over the past six years
0:11:15 > 0:11:16by its present owners.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20And it looks like that sun-drenched, honey-coloured sandstone facade
0:11:20 > 0:11:23has made quite an impression on Christine and Muriel.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25But will they still be beaming once we get inside?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Wow!- "Wow" is a good reaction. - Yes. It's really, really nice.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- I think it's lovely.- Yes. Very cosy.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- I can visualise my furniture in here looking really good.- Ooh!
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- That's nice. That's promising, isn't it?- Yes.- And the floor is perfect.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- I love the old stone...- Beautiful.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- That's where they would've originally done their washing.- Yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49And the water would've just trickled out.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53The only reservation I have on this room is that it's slightly dark.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Yes.- But apart from that, all is good.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59'But is good good enough?'
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Mind your heads!
0:12:00 > 0:12:04'In addition to the living area downstairs, the rear of the property
0:12:04 > 0:12:08'houses two spare bedrooms, as well as a family-sized bathroom.'
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Next, we squeeze our way up to the master bedroom.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Very intriguing. - It's quite a challenge.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19This is when it's an advantage being small.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- The master bedroom. - Different.- It is different.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- What does that mean?- I could probably improve it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Could you see yourself coming up to bed here every night?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Cos that staircase was quite an experience, wasn't it?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Yes, it was quite an experience!- Depends how much she's had to drink.- Really!
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- Is it easier once you've had a drink?- It could be!
0:12:42 > 0:12:45But maybe there's another room I could use as a bedroom,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48and this room could be used as something completely different,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- couldn't it?- Such as?- Well, I don't know, but it could be.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Studio?- Music room?- Well, there are other rooms,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58but it does involve having to go back down those stairs.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02That's all right. As long as we don't have to come back up again!
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Having manoeuvred our way back down,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07we'll check out the all-important kitchen-diner.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10This is surprisingly large.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I mean, this table here is enormous, isn't it?
0:13:13 > 0:13:17But in fact none of this in the middle would have to be here,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20and it would open up the whole kitchen. Amazing.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- And you've got two lovely French doors.- Yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- Beautiful.- Yes.- However, if you look down, it's not terracotta.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Yes, it doesn't actually worry me that these aren't terracotta.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- They're OK.- Did you hear that?
0:13:33 > 0:13:40I did say I was flexible! If it looks good, I will agree.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- Yes.- And it does look good.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46As Christine's wish list lies in tatters on that non-terracotta floor,
0:13:46 > 0:13:47we're moving outside
0:13:47 > 0:13:50to inspect the property's sizable exterior space.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- Fantastic!- Yes.- Another outdoor bit. - Yes.- Perfect for a party.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- And you could play boules here.- Yes.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Not only that, you can also grow your own veg,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03cook in a giant outdoor oven and consume home-grown fare
0:14:03 > 0:14:06in one of several outdoor eating areas,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09but we're heading to...the pool!
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Wowee!- Yes!- Absolutely perfect.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- The pool with Jacuzzi.- Oh, really? A Jacuzzi.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20You said you wanted to be near neighbours but not too close.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- That's your neighbour.- That's perfect.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- You've got two acres of land. - Goodness!
0:14:25 > 0:14:31So now I'd like you to tell me how much you think this property is on the market for.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37- I would say, very rough guess, £375,000.- 375?
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- Muriel?- I think slightly less. I would say 350.
0:14:43 > 0:14:51- It's actually on the market at £305,000.- Mm-hm.- Are you surprised?
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- A good buy.- Yes. There's quite a lot of property there for the money.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Quite a bit of land as well.- So, I will let you go off that way.- OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- And I'll stay here.- OK.- Thank you. - We'll see you later.- See you later.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04At £40,000 under budget,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08our first house is a tour de force of stonemasonry,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10harnessing the character of the original cottage
0:15:10 > 0:15:12with the practicalities of modern living.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14In all, there are three bedrooms,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18a brand-new kitchen, a decent-sized bathroom, a large living area
0:15:18 > 0:15:23and multiple outdoor spaces as well as that Jacuzzi and pool.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26The house is beautiful, the stonework is exquisite.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29It is worth serious consideration.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33It makes me feel happy. It's a lovely, peaceful, calm house.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- From the outside, it's fantastic. You could grow a lot of stuff here.- Yes.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Pick what you want for lunch. Evening meal.- Perfect.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Don't need to go near the hypermarket.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It hasn't really changed my wish list.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Two acres is a lot of land, even if I had a gardener.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54One of the big reservations is the staircase.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56That could be a bit of a problem.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Obviously, I'm fit enough to do it, but I don't think that's ideal.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03She could be happy in a place like this.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05It's got nearly everything that she wants.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09And there's always compromise, isn't there, when you're buying a house?
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Hello, ladies!- Hello!- Come on out.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- Still smiling.- Yes, absolutely.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Happy? Think you've seen enough? - Yes.- Shall we go on?- Yes.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- Got the energy?- Yes.- Come on, then.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26As dusk dawns, it's time to give Christine
0:16:26 > 0:16:29a sneak peek into her prospective Gallic future.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31We've arranged a treat for the ladies
0:16:31 > 0:16:35in the form of their own holiday home in the historic village of Issigeac.
0:16:35 > 0:16:42- Ooh!- Oh, my goodness gracious! - I'm so glad you're excited!
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Lovely!- It's not for sale. - What a pity!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- But this is your home for the next few days.- It's beautiful.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Enjoy yourselves.- Thank you very much.- See you in the morning.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- See you in the morning!- Goodnight. - Bye.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Look at that.- Beautiful.- Look at the gazebo.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02This looks absolutely superb.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I get a really good feeling about this place.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08And the ladies are quick to get into the swing of things.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Ooh, it didn't make much of a pop!
0:17:10 > 0:17:12It's well past six o'clock.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16The sun's well over the yard arm, as they say.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18This is so nice, Christine.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22I may have to remind Muriel that the cottage really is not for sale.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25But it's good to see that its Perigordian style, wooden beams,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28terracotta and well-decorated rooms
0:17:28 > 0:17:32are keeping everyone focused on the impending move.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- Are you a little bit nervous?- Not really. It's slightly frightening,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39but if I could find something like this, it would be perfect.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41And I would move here in a flash.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Lock stock and barrel. Yes.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48How do you think you would feel waking up, thinking,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50"Golly, I'm living in France"?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53I think it will feel very strange to start with,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and I probably won't be able to believe that I'm actually here.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- I'll probably have to pinch myself. - Yes.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Here's to your new life in France. - Thank you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- Here's to a 40-year dream.- Yes.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- And here's to holidays for me in France!- Yes, definitely!
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Christine from East Sussex has £340,000 to spend
0:18:26 > 0:18:29as she seeks to establish the fresh start in France
0:18:29 > 0:18:31that she came so close to realising many years ago.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35In support is her good friend Muriel,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37who's accompanied her to the Dordogne.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40But it's morning in France, so time for...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Coffee and croissants. Nothing better.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47When you come to live in France, do you think you'll do this every day?
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Yes, I will.- Sit outside and have breakfast?
0:18:49 > 0:18:54It'll be the first thing I do, crack of sparrows, eating out here.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- Every day.- It'll be the perfect start to my day.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04After breakfast will be joining various activities. Joining in.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Finding a tennis court?- Yes, probably playing tennis. Swimming.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11So my days are going to be full of activities.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Do you think you'll have time just to sit down and relax?- Probably not!
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I could be in a field absolutely anywhere, but believe me,
0:19:21 > 0:19:22I am still in the Dordogne.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25This is just a reality of early mornings here.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29This rather beautiful, I think, and mystical mist descends.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I'm just hoping it lifts, because I've got to take two rather
0:19:32 > 0:19:35glamorous ladies to see some properties.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- Oh, here's Anita.- Hello, girls. - Hello, Anita.- Sleep well?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Very well, we slept really well. - You love this house, don't you?
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Absolutely.- It's not for sale though.- Shame.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Are you raring to go?- Absolutely. Can't wait.- Yeah.- Shall we?- Yes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Let's do it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Today, we're focusing our search on properties within a half-hour
0:19:57 > 0:20:01drive of Bergerac Dordogne Airport, easing access to
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and from the UK for Christine and her family.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08First, we look north to Saint-Felix, 12 miles from Bergerac,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10a sparsely populated historic village,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14serviced by the occasional shop and restaurant.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16This is stellar Dordogne country.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Deep cut valleys between limestone cliffs, with fields of maize
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and dense oak woodland.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26The countryside and farming marks the end of the Purple Perigord
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and the beginning of the so-called Black Country.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32And whilst the smattering of Cotswold-esque cottages and
0:20:32 > 0:20:37soft countryside can easily evoke memories of a bygone rural England,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40there is a modern gem awaiting us on the outskirts of town.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45That I suspect will astound our house-hunting duo.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Golly.- This is absolutely exquisite.- It's beautiful.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- I'm sensing that you like the look of the outside?- Definitely.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- It looks fantastic. - It looks fantastic.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Yeah, I like to call this one "the little house on the prairie".
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- Yes, I look at the wisteria. - Oh, it's lovely.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Shall we get in there? This way.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05It feels like we are onto a winner
0:21:05 > 0:21:08and we haven't even reached the front door.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- It's a real Christine type house, from the outside anyway.- Why is that?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15It's the way she likes houses to be.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19She likes them to be well maintained and tidy
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- and I just know what she likes. - I could see myself here.- Yes.- Yes.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Let's hope the inside isn't a disappointment.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- I'm sure it won't be.- This way.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33Come through to the kitchen.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Look at this, Muriel. - What do you like about this?
0:21:37 > 0:21:43It's clean lines, minimalist, like moving your house in England
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- over here and changing just a little bit.- Yes, I mean, it's a good style.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- This is nicer than mine, actually. - Just making it slightly more French.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Does this feel like the sort of house you want?- Yes. It's perfect.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- You've only seen the kitchen and the outside.- I know!
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- I know, but this... - But this is wonderful.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Oh, I love it. I want it, too.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Do you think you could live here?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- I could certainly live here. - I could certainly live here.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Is this going to turn into a competition,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- are you actually here to find a house for yourself?- I could be.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13I could be. Yes, I'm just tagging along and shall pounce
0:22:13 > 0:22:15when the right one comes up for me.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17It could be the end of a beautiful friendship.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- I think you're getting a feel for this.- I'm getting into it.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Yes!- Could we be shopping for to here?- Oh, my goodness!
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Well, you don't need to shop any further, because this is mine.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- This changes by the minute.- Are you feeling a bit emotional?- Yeah.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32Oh...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Oh, Christine.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37You'll be fine. It's lovely.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Tell me what's happened, what are you thinking?- Oh, it's gorgeous.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44It's just exactly what she's been looking for.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Exactly.- And we've only seen the kitchen.- Yes!- Lead on.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50I will, come on then. Let's go and have a look elsewhere.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52You're going to start me off.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55As her long delayed dream storms into view,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Christine still has plenty of property left to look at.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01The main living space is split across a sizeable lounge
0:23:01 > 0:23:02and dining area.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Well, this is lovely. I mean, I'd take the whole lot as it is. It's...
0:23:09 > 0:23:13In fact, I don't think she's going to leave here today.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It's too perfect almost, isn't it?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- But you wanted somewhere that you could just move into.- Yes.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24This is like a magazine property, isn't it?
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- You could just bring your family photographs and then it's yours.- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33The contemporary feel downstairs has clearly struck a chord
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and appreciation abounds from Christine and Muriel.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Upstairs boasts three double bedrooms,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42all generously proportioned and coupled with their own bathroom.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45The master bedroom sits in the pigeonnier tower.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Let me take you into what would be your very own suite.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54First things first, very important, ladies, a walk-in wardrobe.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- That would be ideal.- Oh, perfect!
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- Yes, I mean, I would need that desperately.- Oh, fantastic!
0:24:00 > 0:24:08- Right, and then this way, that is your en-suite.- This is very smart.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- Oh, I love it.- Look at this. It's absolutely perfection.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15They love it so much, I could just disappear now
0:24:15 > 0:24:17and I think they'd be happy as Larry.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20And just lock the door and stay.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Ladies, shall I show you the bedroom?- Yes.- This way.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- The master bedroom. - Oh, this is very pretty.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34I couldn't do it better myself. It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39It's all light and airy. Yes. This would be my dream house.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43All that's left to find out is how much this dream house could cost.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47With a vast garage, an acre of land, a Swiss style shed, with its own
0:24:47 > 0:24:51electricity and water supply and, of course, the lovely swimming pool,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53there is plenty to add to the equation.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- And here we are. The outside. - This is also perfection.
0:24:59 > 0:25:05- Does it match the inside?- Yes.- So, that brings me to the big question.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- The price.- I would say...
0:25:08 > 0:25:11£385,000.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Well, I just think a bit more than that. I think probably 395.
0:25:15 > 0:25:21This property is on at £340,000.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- No?!- Bang on your budget.- Wow!
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- Fantastic. That is... - It's amazing.- Well, this is it.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31I want you to go and have a rummage around and if you don't mind,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I'm just going to lounge by the pool.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Is that OK?- Yes. Enjoy.- I will.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41Right on budget and, despite the lack of stone walls and classic
0:25:41 > 0:25:45French style from that original hit list, Christine is clearly smitten.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49This four bed, four bath property is boosted by modern upgrades,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52significant storage and a rural setting that is still only
0:25:52 > 0:25:55a 10-minute drive from local amenities.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I certainly could picture myself living here.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00It may be on the large size for one person,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03but rather larger than smaller.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- But you will be one person with many guests.- Hopefully.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11My goodness. This is absolutely enormous down here.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I've never seen such a large basement.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Now, where is the wine store?
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Now that she's seen something that she can really imagine living in,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22perhaps she was thinking that
0:26:22 > 0:26:26if things had been different seven years ago, she could have been
0:26:26 > 0:26:29looking at something like that when her husband was alive.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32I've never seen so many wine racks. It's absolutely fantastic.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I'd need just a few bottles to put in here, wouldn't I?
0:26:35 > 0:26:37You'd need quite a lot.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Yes, I could move in tomorrow and be perfectly happy.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Thank goodness for that. I thought you were never going to come out.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- We can hardly bear to leave it.- I know.- Oh, dear.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Genuinely, we are having to leave. How do you feel about it?
0:26:52 > 0:26:54And having to leave this house behind?
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Real shame. Yes, I love it. Yes, don't want to leave.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00I feel as though I could stay here for good.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Yes, well, you can't just yet. Just yet.- Can I?
0:27:03 > 0:27:07No, neither can you, Muriel. We've got more to see. Go on, after you.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08OK.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20WOOF
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Given Christine's enthusiasm for immersing
0:27:22 > 0:27:24herself in the French way of life,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27it's vital that she overcomes the language and logistical hurdles
0:27:27 > 0:27:31that could affect her ability to fit into the local community.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34With this in mind, I'm taking Christine
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and Muriel 15 miles south of Bergerac to Aime, a village
0:27:38 > 0:27:41brimming with Britons who have made the leap across the Channel.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45We are here to meet some expats who have made it their mission to
0:27:45 > 0:27:46integrate with the locals.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Phillipa Tielier came over with her husband in 2001,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and Simon Kenworthy made the move seven years ago.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Christine, Muriel, meet Phillipa and Simon,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58they've already been living in this area for a number of years
0:27:58 > 0:28:00and I thought it would be great to get you kids together
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and you've got something planned for us, haven't you?
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Phillipa and myself, we sing in a choir.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08And we thought it might be nice if the ladies joined us. Can you sing?
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- Well, that's debatable. We'll soon find out.- We'll try.- Well, we'll see.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Tell me more about this choir. What's the purpose of this choir?
0:28:15 > 0:28:16First of all, we enjoy singing.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18But it was really to bring together the English
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- and the French communities. So, we are a mixed choir.- Wonderful.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24It's wonderful. Yes, good for language and for singing.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- How many members in this choir?- Between 30 to 40.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- Room for another two?- Room for another two.- Oh, I think so.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- Definitely.- After you.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35The Francophile choir meets in a 13th-century building that
0:28:35 > 0:28:36now houses the tourist office.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40And thankfully, Christine and Muriel are grabbing those last two spots.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Leaving me to look on in quiet appreciation as they attempt
0:28:44 > 0:28:45a Vivaldi classic.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Christine and Muriel.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58ALL: Bonsoir.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02So, here we are. It's Gloria In Excelsis.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07There's the sopranos. There's the alto.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08And...
0:29:08 > 0:29:11# Gloria in excelsis
0:29:11 > 0:29:14# Gloria in excelsis
0:29:14 > 0:29:18# Deo. #
0:29:18 > 0:29:26Bass is just a bit flat, sorry. # Gloria in excelsis. #
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Sopranos! Altos!
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Tenors!
0:29:30 > 0:29:34Basses. Without the piano this time. Sans le piano.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36After two.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38One, two...
0:29:38 > 0:29:44# Gloria, gloria Gloria, gloria
0:29:44 > 0:29:52# In excelsis Deo
0:29:56 > 0:30:04# Gloria, gloria In excelsis Deo... #
0:30:05 > 0:30:07The Venetian harmony was lost in time
0:30:07 > 0:30:10until its rediscovery in the 1920s.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13And after a short practice and some enthusiastic guidance,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17the group soon master the rousing choral work.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23# ..Gloria in excelsis Deo! #
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Bravo!- Bravo!
0:30:30 > 0:30:32SIMON SPEAKS IN FRENCH
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Now that Christine and Muriel's vocal talents have been
0:30:36 > 0:30:37put to the test,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40our hosts are ready to offer some experiences about being a
0:30:40 > 0:30:45British expat in this beautiful part of the country over a glass of wine.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49What a wonderful experience that was.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Singing is such a good way of getting
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- integrated into the community, isn't it?- It certainly is.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59When I came to this area, I joined the choir, I joined the local
0:30:59 > 0:31:02association and I certainly got involved as soon as I came here.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Integration is very easy because it's all there.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09There are clubs for all sorts of different sorts interests.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10How important is it to speak French?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12It's absolutely essential.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Anybody who comes here who doesn't speak the language
0:31:15 > 0:31:18and has no intention of speaking the language is making a big mistake.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Now, I know that you have a lot of questions. Fire away.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Is it true that it normally takes about three months to buy
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- a house here?- Three months would be pretty quick, I would've thought.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- Would it?- Yes, I think that's pretty quick.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32It's much the same as it is in England.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35The only thing about the French system which is different is
0:31:35 > 0:31:37that you sign a compromis de vente.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Once it's signed, you have to buy the property.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Yes, you can't go back on your word.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43If you don't, you lose quite a bit of money.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45There is a seven-day cooling off period.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Yes, so ask all the questions about the property,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52about the houses around it, because one week passes very quickly.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53It does, it's a very short time.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Am I right in thinking you can collect your British
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- pension in France?- Yes.- You can.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04But do you get any increments that happen after you come to France?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- Oh, yes.- You still get the increments?- Absolutely.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10There is another issue here as well and that is the exchange rate.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12If you are being paid a UK pension,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14that can make an awful lot of difference to your income.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Now, you are fighting fit, Christine, touch wood.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21But let's talk about health care. What is the situation here?
0:32:21 > 0:32:25There is an opportunity for you to join the French health system.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27It is sort of reciprocal with the UK.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32But on top of that, you do need to take out a top-up insurance
0:32:32 > 0:32:35and that can be quite expensive.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- So, Christine, has any of that put you off?- No, not at all.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- I think you've got two new friends anyway.- I hope so.- Good to go.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- Cheers.- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Armed with that extra bit of local knowledge, Christine will
0:32:47 > 0:32:51hopefully be better prepared for an introduction into French life.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Pensioners living in European countries can currently claim
0:32:54 > 0:32:55a range of benefits.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57But under new proposals,
0:32:57 > 0:33:01they are set to lose access to the winter fuel allowance after 2015.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05The rules will apply to places where the average winter temperature
0:33:05 > 0:33:08is higher than the warmest part of the UK.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11That's 5.6 degrees Celsius in the Southwest of England.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Budgeting for a potential purchase in France, you'll also need to
0:33:15 > 0:33:20set aside 10% of the purchase price for legal fees and other costs.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Finally, if like Christine, you are planning frequent trips to
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and from the airport to visit and collect loved ones,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30do note that motorists in France are now legally required to carry
0:33:30 > 0:33:34breathalyser kits in their cars in an attempt to combat drink-driving.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Failure to do so will incur an on-the-spot fine.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It's across to the village of Bouniagues, in the heart of Dordogne
0:33:48 > 0:33:50wine country for our third property.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54This is the closest of all our houses to Bergerac which is
0:33:54 > 0:33:56a 15-minute drive away.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Built around a 19th-century church, Bouniagues is a small,
0:33:59 > 0:34:00functional village,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03providing the nearby wine community their tabac,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06supermarche and boulangerie.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Vines were first planted on the sunny slopes surrounding
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Bergerac during the 13th century.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17Now, 30,000 acres produce 530,000 hectolitres of some
0:34:17 > 0:34:20of the country's most distinguished sweet wines.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24The prominence of the Dordogne river is again in evidence here.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27As well as irrigating the vineyards, for years it offered
0:34:27 > 0:34:31passage for wine merchants ferrying their wares out to sea.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Set back from the main road, tucked away in a quiet square,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37lies our next property.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40It's handsome, rectangular facade contrasts with
0:34:40 > 0:34:43the oblique, neo-Gothic church that stands opposite.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- No, it's not the church.- Oh, right. Thank goodness for that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- It would be a bit large.- It is a curveball though.- Is it?
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- It's very quiet, isn't it?- It is very quiet.- It's extremely quiet.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- It's lovely down here.- Yes.- So, there it is. Right in front of you.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Beautiful.- It's enormous. It looks gorgeous, too.- It looks lovely.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02Look at the stonework.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- It's beautiful, isn't it? - It's really lovely.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- I love that little balcony above the door.- The windows are very nice.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- I can't wait to show you the inside. - I'm really looking forward to this.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16This elegant 19th-century property is another homage to fine
0:35:16 > 0:35:18French stonework.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Built around breeze-blocks
0:35:20 > 0:35:25encased by distinctive limestone Quercy stones and channel tiles.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- This is spectacular.- Oh! - Beautifully done.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33That wood-burning stove would heat a vast area, it would be really,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35really good. Really cosy.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- The modern parts have been put in very nicely and tastefully.- Yes.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43- Sympathetically.- But we like this space?- Yes.- Fantastic.- Come with me.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Whilst nice and tasteful is good, amazing would be better.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50The large kitchen-diner is furnished with subtle,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54functional pieces and appliances but despite the positive noises,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57I'm not convinced the ladies had been blown away quite yet.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Let's see if we can rack things up a notch in the living room.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- Why don't we sit on the sofa? - Oh, I say! This is gorgeous. - This sofa is inviting.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- Another lovely room. - Oh, this is a beautiful room.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Look at the fireplace. - It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- I can imagine it just with perhaps and candles. Yes.- A cosy room.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Lovely and cool on a hot afternoon but in the winter it will be
0:36:17 > 0:36:20lovely with the wood burner on and the lamps lit.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Before we get too comfortable, there is more to see upstairs.
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Shall we had that way?
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- Yes.- So, Muriel, straight up the stairs, please.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31The interiors were completely renovated over three years
0:36:31 > 0:36:35by the local master craftsman and it's been decorated with finesse.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Even the windows were shipped to Holland to be restored
0:36:38 > 0:36:39to their original glory.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43- Up this gorgeous wooden staircase.- Lovely staircase.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Upstairs, there are two almost identical main bedrooms with
0:36:47 > 0:36:50fireplaces and more exposed stonework.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54In addition to a smaller spare room, a very modern tiled bathroom.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Let's go this way.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02What a view of the church. It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- Against the blue sky. - It's beautiful.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Now, I can tell you that this is about to be completely
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- renovated and turned into a pedestrianised area.- Oh, is it?- Oh.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13So you won't have these cars parked here.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- Yes.- Right.- It's a very lovely church, too, isn't it?
0:37:16 > 0:37:18It's a very quiet spot actually.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21All right, let me show you the bedroom.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23So, both the house and the local village have enjoyed
0:37:23 > 0:37:27a significant face-lift, but will it raise a smile from Christine?
0:37:28 > 0:37:29Here we go.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30The master bedroom.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- It's a good size.- Beautiful room. - Gorgeous wooden floors.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- Yes, beautiful floors.- Lovely colour. - What's going through your mind?
0:37:36 > 0:37:41- Nice. I love the style.- How do you feel about it being in a village?
0:37:41 > 0:37:42Not sure, actually.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47I do tend to go for more rural, but this is certainly
0:37:47 > 0:37:49food for thought because the style is so nice.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51And there is a little bit more to show you
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- because this house is very deceptive.- Mm-hm.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Right, that's intriguing. - Yeah. Wait till you see this.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02The intrigue continues downstairs and out to the front,
0:38:02 > 0:38:06so our ladies can experience this property's unique layout.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09There is a sizeable barn attached to the rear which you need to
0:38:09 > 0:38:12negotiate to reach the garden and patio.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- This is it.- Oh, it's exquisite.- Oh, how lovely!- How pretty.- I love this.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- Lovely.- Let's get a better perspective of the whole property.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- Love the lantern.- Come with me.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- The oasis.- It is actually. It's very unexpected.
0:38:26 > 0:38:32- How much you think it's worth? - I think about £285,000.- Muriel?
0:38:32 > 0:38:37I'm going to go a little bit higher, I think £305,000.
0:38:37 > 0:38:43It's actually on the market for £275,000.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44Unbelievable!
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- What was that gasp? Are you surprised?- Oh, it's very, yes...
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- For quality. Because it is quality.- Yes.- Superb quality.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56- So, go and have an explore and I'll catch up with you soon.- OK.- OK.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00Under budget by £65,000, this three bed,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03two bath period property offers Christine all the comforts of
0:39:03 > 0:39:08village living with plenty of funds left over to transform the barn.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I'm slightly confused now.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13And maybe I've changed my ideas slightly now just to what
0:39:13 > 0:39:15I exactly want.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18I don't think she was bowled over by it.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Her reaction, it was sort of slowly, yes,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- I like this and this and that is nice.- What a vast space, isn't it?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- It's huge.- I shall put my gym equipment in here.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Which gym equipment is that exactly?!
0:39:31 > 0:39:33All this gym equipment that I'm going to acquire.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Oh, you haven't got it yet?- Well, I have got some.- OK.- I've got...
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I forgot what...- An exercise bike? - No, I haven't got an exercise bike.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- Rowing machine?- No! I can't remember the name of it. It's...
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- Two dumbbells?- No. Oh, it's a cross trainer I have.- A cross trainer.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Yes.- That would be good, yes.- Do not laugh.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- You're talking as if you had a fully-equipped gym.- Do not mock me.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Where is your cross trainer at the moment?- Claire's got it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02This house relates to what I had in my diary all those years ago
0:40:02 > 0:40:04very well.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08It's got most of the points that I wanted
0:40:08 > 0:40:11but maybe the location isn't right.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16So Christine had a definite list of what she wanted and I think
0:40:16 > 0:40:20showing her this house has proved that that list means nothing.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25- Ladies, are you ready?- Yes.- Yes. - Shall we?- We are.- Onwards.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Come on then, Christine. - Ready to go.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Christine and Muriel are making the most of the glorious weather
0:40:42 > 0:40:44to visit Bergerac.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47The town is dissected by the Dordogne River
0:40:47 > 0:40:51and characterised by its elegant Renaissance buildings.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53They are so old, these buildings.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- And the roofs!- Lovely. - It's all so ancient.- Lovely.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Bergerac also offers our ladies the perfect opportunity to
0:41:01 > 0:41:03practise their favourite pastime.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09- Oh, look at this.- It's...- Two of those. Just think what we could buy.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12When I'm living here, we can do all sorts of shopping.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- This is a nice shop.- It is very nice. We must come back here.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18There are gastronomic experiences
0:41:18 > 0:41:21to suit any budget in this popular region.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25You can get a good meal with wine for as little as £9-£12.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27And after a spot of sightseeing and window-shopping,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Christine is hungry to master her language skills.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH:
0:41:46 > 0:41:47- Bon appetit.- Merci.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Gosh, Christine, you speak French really well.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I didn't realise you were so good, actually.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55It's just by accident, I think. I've remembered it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58You actually do speak French well.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01And I'm really looking forward to perfecting it.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Evening dining complete,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07the ladies are free to soak up another Perigordian sunset.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16There is one last day of house-hunting here in the Dordogne.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Where figuring out how to best spend a £340,000 budget has
0:42:20 > 0:42:25proved to be an emotional task for Christine from East Sussex.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28She is relying on friend Muriel for support and advice.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31The ladies have been staying in a rented gite to experience
0:42:31 > 0:42:34everyday life in the area, where trusted lieutenant Muriel's
0:42:34 > 0:42:37duties include making the morning coffee.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- Christine, what are you doing? - I'm doing my hair.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Well, that will take a long time, won't it?
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- That usually takes a good ten minutes.- It will.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Christine's clearly in no rush,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51which isn't too big a problem as today's mystery house is
0:42:51 > 0:42:54hidden just around the corner in the centre of town.
0:42:56 > 0:42:5720 years ago,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Christine wrote a list about her dream property in France and
0:43:01 > 0:43:05she told me, "Anita, that list has not changed in all that time."
0:43:05 > 0:43:07I showed her a few properties, they didn't quite match,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10but she's loved them regardless which tells me that Christine
0:43:10 > 0:43:13is flexible and a little bit unsure about what it is she actually wants.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Today is mystery property day.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Now, she said she has no desire to live in a village.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23But there are villages, and then there's Issigeac.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28We remain in the Purple Perigord for our mystery house,
0:43:28 > 0:43:33located 12 miles south of Bergerac in the village of Issigeac.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38Issigeac is one-of-a-kind, it doesn't have an obvious town centre
0:43:38 > 0:43:42rather its series of narrow, winding streets and ancient buildings
0:43:42 > 0:43:46suggests a cross between a simple village and a medieval museum.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50It's laid out in spiral
0:43:50 > 0:43:53and concentric circles, with a 16th-century church
0:43:53 > 0:43:57and 19th-century mill and hosts a nationally renowned market
0:43:57 > 0:44:00that flows through the cobbled streets every Sunday.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05Should Christine be wooed by Issigeac's archaic charm,
0:44:05 > 0:44:10she could officially become resident number 716 of this quaint village.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- Let's have a look at these whilst we are...- So pretty.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- Look at the timber. - It's a medieval village.- Yes.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22And it's one of the most desirable villages in this entire area.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- It is.- It's got so much character, hasn't it?- Yes.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30- This building is incredible, isn't it?- It is.- Very old.- Absolutely.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32It's gorgeous, yes.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35I was reading somewhere that about 50 houses
0:44:35 > 0:44:39burnt down in something like 1300 and they've all been rebuilt
0:44:39 > 0:44:44- since then but obviously they are ancient.- This is 14th century.- Yes.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46And I'm really pleased that you like this one
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- because this is the mystery property.- No!- Yes!- It isn't?
0:44:50 > 0:44:55- It really is.- Oh, goodness gracious. Fantastic. I mean, I love it.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- Genuinely?- Yes. - Because we are in a village.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- But it's a lovely village. - You've always said you like this one.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03I've always talked about this village.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06All right, well, you think this is nice? Wait until you get inside.
0:45:06 > 0:45:07Come on.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Christine's always wanted bags of character.
0:45:10 > 0:45:11Come on in.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14Well, the mystery house delivers it by the cartload.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Let's see just how much she can handle.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- It's gorgeous, isn't it?- Yes.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- And this is just the entrance. - Right.- Follow me.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27Impeccably furnished and loved by its present owners,
0:45:27 > 0:45:30this ground floor has a fully-fitted kitchen with an extra exposed wood
0:45:30 > 0:45:35oven and opens out onto a sumptuous and multifunctional living space.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- It's absolutely gorgeous.- I never expected anything like this in here.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- No.- Very French, too.- It is. Yes.- Where do we even begin?
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Beams, staircase.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49It's very cleverly done. Lovely home.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- Muriel?- I think... I think I might be speechless.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59- For a change. Oh, that's incredible. - I am.- It's gorgeous.
0:45:59 > 0:46:00It's just such a surprise.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- And you haven't seen anything yet.- Really?!- Yes. Upstairs.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- Lovely staircase. - This is a beautiful staircase.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Superb.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15We have a lovely little area here that they have as their TV area,
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- which I think is charming. - It's a good idea, isn't it?
0:46:17 > 0:46:19It's such a good idea.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23But I'd like you to step into that room which is the master bedroom.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- This is lovely.- Yes. - Isn't it?- Beautiful.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- My goodness, lovely and sunny, too.- The dreamy bedroom.- Yes.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36The room next door is the dressing room attached to this room.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- Christine needs a dressing room. - Definitely!
0:46:39 > 0:46:40What do you need, Muriel?
0:46:40 > 0:46:43Well, I hope there is a spare bedroom somewhere for me.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Well, it's funny you should say that. Come on.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49There are in fact two fully-fledged spare rooms on this floor but
0:46:49 > 0:46:53before Muriel can call dibs, things are getting a little bit heated.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- Whoa. This is big.- This is mine.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- This is my room. - Yes, it is your room.
0:47:00 > 0:47:01And I'll show you what's brilliant.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05Look, this room, if you shut the door, it's got a lock on it
0:47:05 > 0:47:10so then it's a self-contained flat. It has an en-suite.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13And this staircase leads down into that entrance, the foyer.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17- Oh, it's ideal, isn't it? That will be your escape down there.- Yes.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21- Muriel, this is your annexe.- Yes. So, I can live here all year round?
0:47:21 > 0:47:23All year round.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25I would have this as the master bedroom.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28Although it's not quite so sunny, but I think this is larger.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- It's mine.- No.- Muriel, you know, you could...
0:47:32 > 0:47:33I can have that other lovely room.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Yes, you'd have the dressing room as well.
0:47:36 > 0:47:37- So, we like this?- We love this.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39You know, you don't have to argue over this room
0:47:39 > 0:47:43- because there are more rooms in this house.- Are there?- No?!- Yes!
0:47:43 > 0:47:46- Yes, there are. Would you like to see something else?- Yes.- Yes.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48All right, come and have a look.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51If Muriel manages to muscle in on the arrangement, she'd gain access
0:47:51 > 0:47:55to a period property concealing several nifty conveniences.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58There's underfloor heating, a wine cellar in the basement
0:47:58 > 0:48:01and significant storage throughout.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04There's also an ample office space
0:48:04 > 0:48:06and quite the history lesson upstairs.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11In we come, we are stepping back into the 14th century.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15This is untouched. They have preserved this area.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20So, this bit of wall here is exposed and you can see that this is
0:48:20 > 0:48:24how they would have originally built the walls. It's chalk and straw.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26- And you know you mentioned the fire?- Yes.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31- You can see the charred wood and that is from the original fire. - Really?
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Yes, it is.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- Fantastic, isn't it?- It is.- Amazing.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40Right, so, from this dark 14th-century attic,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43- shall we step out into the sun?- Yes.- Yes.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46There are plenty of decisions for Christine to make within this
0:48:46 > 0:48:49vast property, including which part to take as her own
0:48:49 > 0:48:51and which to hand over to Muriel.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53But how much could all of this cost?
0:48:53 > 0:48:58I'm going to go for £310,000.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01This is really difficult for me.
0:49:01 > 0:49:06I would say £295,000.
0:49:06 > 0:49:11- Muriel, you are bang on the money. - Really?- Brilliant.- £310,000.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14- Mm...- Good!
0:49:14 > 0:49:17Is that good? I mean, it's more than you thought it was worth.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Yes, but it's quite difficult to judge, really.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23It's a whole lot of house, there is lots to explore,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26so off you go, have a good look around. I'll see you in a bit.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31The mystery property, there is no doubt about it, it's fantastic.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34But I've got a sneaking suspicion that Muriel likes it more
0:49:34 > 0:49:36than Christine.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38Maybe we'll have a double sale.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44At £30,000 under budget, this house,
0:49:44 > 0:49:47and in fact the entire village, is a slice of French history.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50From the antique canvas wallpaper adorning the reception room
0:49:50 > 0:49:53to the gold lining of the downstairs loo,
0:49:53 > 0:49:56it fulfils its mystery property title to a T.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58I think it's too big for Christine.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00I don't think she would be able to utilise all
0:50:00 > 0:50:02the space that there is in it.
0:50:02 > 0:50:07I may be wrong, but I just think it's a bit too big for her.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09It could be what I'm looking for.
0:50:09 > 0:50:16Yes, because although it is an old style, it has got modern amenities.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19So, I have now got to make my mind up
0:50:19 > 0:50:24whether I like more modern or whether I like old French style.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30Suits you. You look very good there. You look very comfortable.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32- It's very nice.- But that's it.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34All the houses have been seen,
0:50:34 > 0:50:37now I want to take you away to find out what you really think. Shall we?
0:50:37 > 0:50:40- Excellent, yes.- Certainly. - Let's do it. This way.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47Drive through the verdant valleys of the Perigord Noir
0:50:47 > 0:50:52and you cannot help but be struck by the majestic grooves of walnut trees
0:50:52 > 0:50:54that grace the landscape.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57Although the trees you see today are newer, there is evidence that the
0:50:57 > 0:51:02walnut has existed in this corner of the world for at least 17,000 years
0:51:02 > 0:51:07and that the nuts figured in the human diet up to 50,000 years ago.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10Today, walnut oil is a thriving local product
0:51:10 > 0:51:13and I have popped down to meet Katja Veri at Ecomusee de la Noix
0:51:13 > 0:51:16in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18We are in a forest full of walnut trees.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21- This has been growing here for how long?- 12 centuries, I think.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24So, walnuts really do flow through the veins of the Dordogne?
0:51:24 > 0:51:28Yeah, we have walnuts until the beginning of the medieval age.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- So, it's rooted in the culture here.- It's a culture. Really.
0:51:31 > 0:51:37And this farm is very famous for walnut oil and every year
0:51:37 > 0:51:44they make over 14,000 litres of walnut oil, so it's very important.
0:51:44 > 0:51:45So, what are they doing over there?
0:51:45 > 0:51:48- They are collecting the walnuts. - So, they are harvesting?- Yes.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Right, I will go and talk to the chaps over there
0:51:51 > 0:51:53- and catch up with you in a bit.- OK!
0:51:53 > 0:51:56It's time to get hands-on as I pop across to meet Xavier,
0:51:56 > 0:51:58one of the senior walnut farmers.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00Hello, bonjour.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04- Bonjour, Anita. How are you?- I'm very well, how are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08Pleased to meet you. So, tell me about this tractor, Xavier.
0:52:08 > 0:52:13We are collecting walnuts and this is for shaking the tree.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16- So, you literally shake the tree?- Yes. You want to try?
0:52:16 > 0:52:18- I would love to try.- Yes.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22Merci. Wow.
0:52:25 > 0:52:26And we're off.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29Now what?
0:52:37 > 0:52:39That's a good shaking.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- That's it. Wow.- Superb.- Brilliant.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50And that's it. A walnut. Let's see how strong you are now.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53Try the nut first. My first-ever walnut, straight of a tree.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56- The freshest walnut...- They are the best.- Are they?- Yes.- Let's see.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58I do love walnuts.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00- Take the skin off.- Yeah.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07- Mm!- It's wonderful. - That is delicious.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10That's really good. I wasn't expecting that at all.
0:53:10 > 0:53:11What happens then?
0:53:11 > 0:53:16You clean, you dry and after you make oil with a very,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18very ancient process.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- And you can see the moulin if you want to.- Lead the way.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25And Xavier is eager to show me exactly how this humble nut gets
0:53:25 > 0:53:29turned into the oil that is such an important part of Dordogne cuisine.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31It's an ancient process,
0:53:31 > 0:53:36first mastered by the Egyptians, who used the oil to embalm bodies.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40The fresh walnuts are ground to a fine paste in a 500-year-old moulin.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45I'm fascinated and terrified by this machine.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47They are then roasted up to 60 degrees to get the best
0:53:47 > 0:53:50flavour possible and to optimise release of the oils.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53In we go. In it goes.
0:53:53 > 0:53:5420 minutes later,
0:53:54 > 0:53:59and the nuts are finally ready to be pressed into oil. And this is it.
0:53:59 > 0:54:04The nectar is coming out. Fresh, organic, walnut oil.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08- I have to try this. Shall we?- OK.
0:54:08 > 0:54:1213th-century merchants considered it as precious as gold.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15In the 18th century, it constituted a thriving trade along the river
0:54:15 > 0:54:19and beyond, towards the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23And in parts of Europe, artists even used walnut oil for painting.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26Traces have been found in the French Impressionist
0:54:26 > 0:54:29paintings of Monet, Cezanne, and Pissarro.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Back on the farm, I've been invited to taste this hallowed nectar
0:54:33 > 0:54:36with owner Jean-Pierre and the rest of the team.
0:54:36 > 0:54:42- Bon appetit.- Merci! Right, so, shall I try the oil?
0:54:42 > 0:54:45Some bread with walnut oil.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48My first taste of organic walnut oil in Dordogne.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51- The flavour is so... - The perfect setting.- Yes.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54THEY SPEAK IN FRENCH
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Oh, my goodness. That is heaven.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00So, Katja, Jean-Pierre, Bertrand, Xavier,
0:55:00 > 0:55:03thank you very much, what an incredible experience.
0:55:03 > 0:55:04You are welcome.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07You are just going to have to trust me that this is delicious.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09Mmm...!
0:55:09 > 0:55:11OK, what shall I try next?
0:55:18 > 0:55:20It's the end of the French house hunt.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22Time for Christine to pack up her things
0:55:22 > 0:55:25and finally decide what her next step will be.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33Christine's dream has been 40 years in the making and finally
0:55:33 > 0:55:37she has come to the Dordogne, we have shown her some properties
0:55:37 > 0:55:40and she had that very definite list at the beginning of this experience.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42I've got a feeling that that might have gone out of the window,
0:55:42 > 0:55:46I can't wait to hear what she and Muriel have to say about it all.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54- Hello, ladies.- Good morning.- Hello. Look at this. This is gorgeous.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56Isn't it beautiful?
0:55:56 > 0:55:59- Is this the life you are hoping to have, should you move to France? - Yes.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02I can imagine myself sitting out on the terrace somewhere,
0:56:02 > 0:56:04eating breakfast just like this.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- Do you have a terrace in mind? - I certainly do.- You do?!- Yes!
0:56:07 > 0:56:12- I think she has.- Well, it could well be the house with the tower.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14It was me exactly. This is what I wanted.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16And this is what I would be happy in.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19- You could just visualise living there, couldn't you?- Yes.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Opening the door and this is home. Fantastic.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25- That would be a dream come true. - But it's not the magic list house.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29- I know. But I've changed. - So, what's happened?
0:56:29 > 0:56:34I don't know, I mean, when I saw it I thought, "Wow, this is it."
0:56:34 > 0:56:37And yet, beforehand, I'd have probably gone for an older property.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41We've been trying to find a fault with it and we can't.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45I think, Christine, you've got to do it now if you're going to do it all.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47- Because if you don't, you... - I'll regret it.
0:56:47 > 0:56:52In two years' time, back in East Sussex, we'll be saying,
0:56:52 > 0:56:54"I wish I had bought that house."
0:56:54 > 0:56:57- How soon will you do that? - Sooner rather than later
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- because I don't want to miss it. - This is very exciting.
0:57:00 > 0:57:04I'm terribly excited. And I'll be terribly upset if she doesn't go for it
0:57:04 > 0:57:07- because I want to go there.- Are you ready to start a brand-new life,
0:57:07 > 0:57:10- a new adventure, Christine? - Yes, absolutely. I'm up for it.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13Show all those old people out there that it can be done.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15Life, it's just too short.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17Life begins at 70. Definitely.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20We'll drink to that. There we go.
0:57:25 > 0:57:29I am absolutely thrilled for Christine.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32What a journey she's been on and I don't just mean in the last week.
0:57:32 > 0:57:36This is a dream she's had for 40 years
0:57:36 > 0:57:39and finally, she is going to make that dream come true.
0:57:39 > 0:57:43In that time, she's brought up her daughter, she sadly lost
0:57:43 > 0:57:46her husband eight years ago and then she had the joy of a grandson.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49But now it's time for her to live her life for herself
0:57:49 > 0:57:54and, as she said herself, "Life begins at 70." Why not?
0:57:54 > 0:57:57Join us again for another Escape To The Continent.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02Christine remains besotted with that house with the tower.
0:58:02 > 0:58:04Within days of flying back to the UK,
0:58:04 > 0:58:07she put her house on the market in order to make an immediate offer.
0:58:07 > 0:58:09Fingers crossed everything falls into place,
0:58:09 > 0:58:14so that Christine gets that dream home she so thoroughly deserves.