0:00:02 > 0:00:03Behind me, the Atlantic Ocean stretches
0:00:03 > 0:00:06uninterrupted for thousands of miles, all the way to the Americas.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09And it's thought that this particular stretch of coastline
0:00:09 > 0:00:13gets its name from the glistening of the sun against the sea.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15But where am I?
0:00:15 > 0:00:16Find out in just a moment.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Today, the house hunt prompts our couple to talk of separate living.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Six months there, six months here. - Or I could have that one,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- you could have this one. - THEY LAUGH
0:00:45 > 0:00:47We showed them the high life...
0:00:47 > 0:00:50You don't get much better views than that, really, do you?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It's beautiful.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55..but in the end, it's the simple things that matter.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- I can see a glint of blue down there.- A glint of blue!
0:00:59 > 0:01:00That's got a smile on my face.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09We're in Portugal, in the town of Peniche, an ancient fishing
0:01:09 > 0:01:14port that features this beautifully preserved fortress.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18It was built in the 16th century by order of King Joao III
0:01:18 > 0:01:22in order to protect this busy port against pirates and invaders
0:01:22 > 0:01:27that came from as far afield as France, Algeria and even Britain.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31But today, it's a different kind of traveller that's drawn to the
0:01:31 > 0:01:35charms of this region, known as Portugal's Silver Coast.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Located in Southern Europe, Portugal is less than three
0:01:38 > 0:01:41hours by plane from the UK.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44The area known as the Silver Coast begins halfway up the country
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and stretches from the capital, Lisbon,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50north for more than 100 miles towards the city of Porto.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54With no major cities, the towns and villages of the Silver Coast
0:01:54 > 0:01:57enjoy a relatively quiet pace of life,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59relying on traditional industries of fishing
0:01:59 > 0:02:02and agriculture for much of their livelihood.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The area is rich in history, with no shortage of monuments.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08From the hilltop castle in Obidos,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12built on the site of an 8th century fortification to Portugal's
0:02:12 > 0:02:16largest church, which can be found in the town of Alcobaca.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18As one of the country's first Gothic buildings,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21the medieval monastery of Santa Maria
0:02:21 > 0:02:23is now a World Heritage site.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27But of course, the main draw is the coastline, which offers miles of
0:02:27 > 0:02:31sandy beaches, from family resorts like Foz do Arelho to
0:02:31 > 0:02:34internationally famous surf spots.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38It's thought the biggest wave ever surfed was right here, in Nazare.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42With its spectacular coastline and unspoilt countryside,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45it's not hard to see why the Silver Coast is drawing potential
0:02:45 > 0:02:47escapees to its shores.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53For those who choose to relocate to Portugal permanently,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57the good news is that property prices here are still very
0:02:57 > 0:03:01competitive, despite the growing interest from discerning expats.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05And here on the Silver Coast, there are plenty of detached,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09three-bedroom properties for less than £100,000.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Now, that's way under half the national average back home
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and around 20% cheaper than the Algarve.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18But it really does depend what you're looking for.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Property along the popular seaside resorts can come on a premium,
0:03:22 > 0:03:28with buyers expecting to pay an extra 40% for a sea view alone.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31So it may be worth considering something more remote inland
0:03:31 > 0:03:33if you are after a bargain.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37So, will it be coast or countryside for today's buyers?
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Our house hunters today are Sue and Andy,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46who currently live in rural Leicestershire.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50They first became an item whilst working together at a bank.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- We met about...15 years ago now? - Yep.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And we were an office romance.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Married...- Married for how many?
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Putting me on the spot now.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- About 12-ish year.- Well done, yeah. - OK, cool.- Yeah.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Now a self-employed financial consultant,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Andy works on contracts around the world,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13a fact which means home doesn't have to be in the UK.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18With what I do as a job, it has kind of really cemented
0:04:18 > 0:04:20what we've been thinking about for the last four or five years
0:04:20 > 0:04:22about moving to Portugal.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28So, after many happy holidays in Portugal,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32last year they decided to spend six weeks north of Lisbon.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36I wanted to sort of experience what it would feel like after that
0:04:36 > 0:04:38holiday niceness has happened.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41And we just sat there one day on a terrace thinking,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43"This is true Portugal."
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- That for me was the first seed... - That was... Yeah.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46..that actually I could live here.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50And it is not just the two of them involved in this move.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53So, we will be moving with our two dogs, Bert and Ernie.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- We've got two chocolate Labradors. - Two brothers. Chaos. Mental.- Yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- But puts a smile on your face every day.- Yes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01They are our life, really, aren't they?
0:05:01 > 0:05:03So they have their pet passports ready.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Yeah, they have.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08So they have been already to Portugal twice, and they loved it.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Having left the banking world many years ago, Sue retrained as a
0:05:11 > 0:05:16yoga teacher, and it is a career she hopes to continue after the move.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So I do my own personal practise on a daily basis.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22And then I also teach various different types of classes
0:05:22 > 0:05:24during the week.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Both Sue and Andy regard it as a chance to take life down a gear.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32In the UK, you are expected to have a full diary, rush here,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- do this, do that.- Work long hours.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Work long hours and all these things,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38whereas that is not the Portuguese way.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41That, for me, is the lifestyle change I'm looking for -
0:05:41 > 0:05:44more of a slow down in pace for me.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46You know, just relaxing.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49You know? That's what we're looking for ultimately.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51And with their present house under offer,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55it's a move that could become reality very soon.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58You only have one life and you've got to grab every opportunity.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00And there's no point having a what-if moment.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02We're going to give a damn good go of it.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03And it'll be five years, ten years,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05however long it takes to make it work.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07So we're not going to give up on it.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15As Andy will need to access Lisbon Airport for work,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17we're focusing our search within a manageable hour
0:06:17 > 0:06:20and a half's drive north, in the villages around the town
0:06:20 > 0:06:23of Caldas da Rainha, on the Silver Coast.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26To get more on the detail of their proposed relocation,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29we're meeting on Portuguese soil.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Well, Sue and Andy, welcome to the Silver Coast here in Portugal.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Now, this is an area that you two know really well.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38We do, we've been 15 years, better part of,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41travelling around the area - little villages down the coastline.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It's been beautiful. We just fell in love with the area.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47But, Sue, what is it about this particular region of Portugal,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49the Silver Coast? Because lots of people come to Portugal,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52but they might not have discovered this area.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56And I think that's probably exactly the reason why we like it.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58It doesn't feel so Englishy, touristy.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Here, we could really try to become part of the Portuguese community.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04What are you looking for here in Portugal?
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I, ideally, need a pool.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09My dream is to finish work, get back to the house
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- and just dip my feet in that pool. - And we've got lots of nephews
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and nieces that are desperate to come out and enjoy having a holiday.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18And when you go on holiday to a warm country, you want a pool, don't you?
0:07:18 > 0:07:22So, now you're going to be inundated with all your friends and family...
0:07:22 > 0:07:23- We are!- ..coming to stay,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25but what else are you looking for with the property?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28We need a minimum of four bedrooms in the property, which is
0:07:28 > 0:07:30what we've got now.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32And ideally, we'd like some form of annexe so that when our
0:07:32 > 0:07:35beautiful friends and family do come, we can have a little bit of space.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- We can get rid of them. - THEY LAUGH
0:07:37 > 0:07:42I like that. You are managing their expectations from day one.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Very good. What else? - We need an area for the dogs.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Can't forget the dogs.- No.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49And then I would like to try and work the land a little bit,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51maybe have an orchard.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54So outside space is actually quite important, which is why the climate
0:07:54 > 0:07:55is so appealing for us here.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- And so you have an absolute passion for yoga as well, don't you?- Yes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I need yoga space.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I'd like my own yoga room inside the house and then also space
0:08:04 > 0:08:08in the garden to create a yoga room, if you like, outside as well.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Fabulous. And, Andy, from a work perspective,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12are you going to be looking for something locally?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Eventually, I want to be living and working in the Lisbon area.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I think for the first couple of years, I'll work in the UK.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19In terms of travel,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22one hour to one and a half hours from Lisbon Airport,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25given that when I do need to travel, it'll be once a week,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27so that is totally manageable.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Any compromises along the way?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- I personally wouldn't compromise on a pool, but...- But I would.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35All right. Well, that leads me to the next question.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37So moving is always stressful, isn't it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Moving to another country, well, it's really,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43really putting the pressure on you two. Have you thought it through?
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Is this exactly what you want to do
0:08:45 > 0:08:47100% in your minds?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50We have spent many years thinking about this, haven't we, Andy?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- We have.- I 100% feel we are making the right decision.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- I like that.- Absolutely. - Positive spirit.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Yes, we are positive people.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Determined.- And determined, yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Right, come on then, remind us of your budget.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- How much have we got to spend over here?- 250,000.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Right. We have got some splendid properties to show you.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10One, of course, is going to be our mystery house. Will it have a pool?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Will it not? Have to wait and see. So, shall we get started?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Excellent.- Absolutely.- All right. If you'd like to follow me...
0:09:16 > 0:09:17- BOTH:- Thank you.- ..we'll get going.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24For a maximum budget of £250,000,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26we are looking for a house with...
0:09:44 > 0:09:46And we've got four impressive offerings,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49all of which could deliver the way of life they are looking for.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52And to get a better sense of what it might be like to live
0:09:52 > 0:09:56here, they'll be staying in a typical Portuguese house
0:09:56 > 0:09:57rather than a hotel.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Our final property is a mystery house,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05which gives a surprise twist on what our buyers have in mind.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14We're starting in the village of Torre,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18one hour from Lisbon Airport and just 15 minutes from the coast.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20It's three miles outside
0:10:20 > 0:10:23the much larger town of Caldas da Rainha,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26which supplies amenities to the surrounding area.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30It was established in the 15th century by Queen Leonor
0:10:30 > 0:10:33when she founded a hospital on the site of some thermal springs.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Today, it is home to many museums
0:10:35 > 0:10:40and galleries as well as being a centre for shopping and socialising.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43The village of Torre itself is small and rural
0:10:43 > 0:10:46but does have some facilities of its own,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49with a church, community centre and cafe.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Down a short, quiet track is our first house.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- And this is the first property. - OK.- Lovely.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Very nice.- It's white.- Yes.- It's very traditional.- It's beautifully...
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Slightly concerned, it looks like it is semidetached...?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08It is attached, you're absolutely right. You do have neighbours.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11This is their part of the property, the pink side.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So that is your property.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16As you mentioned, a very traditional colour scheme with the yellow
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- and the white. But there is more to this house than meets the eye.- OK.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- I'm so excited.- Come on then.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29The house is 150 years old, but has been completely modernised.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Rather than go through the front door, however, we were entering a
0:11:32 > 0:11:34courtyard, which reveals a surprise -
0:11:34 > 0:11:36there's more than one building.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39So, step inside your courtyard.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40OK, wow.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Oh, that's interesting.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44THEY LAUGH
0:11:44 > 0:11:46So two separate properties.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47One of the things you asked for was
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- somewhere for your parents to come and stay.- Yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52So we're going to explore that one second,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54cos I wanted to take you into, well, your side first.
0:11:54 > 0:11:55- Yes.- Excellent.- Sounds good.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- So...- OK.- This property, very open-plan.- Yeah!- I like that.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07I like that. That's nice.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11So, the dark wood - very traditional, very Portuguese.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14How do you feel about the open-planness of it?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16I'm in two minds.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17The reason I'm in two minds is
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I don't like my dogs in the kitchen area.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Right.- So that is the only thing - we'd have to rethink our house rules.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Because Bert is a bit of a thief. THEY LAUGH
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Ah!- I think he'd be trying to get in my food cupboards.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33So, we don't have children locks on cupboards, we have doggie locks.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34That's right.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36There is always a solution we can find.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38I actually like the open plan.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40There's a lot of villas we've stayed in previously,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and it's really nice to have that kind of open space.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- We'll get round the dogs.- So, for the two of you and the two dogs?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- So far, so good.- So far, so good. OK, well, let's continue.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58And to the rear of the house is a private terrace.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01There's also a useful downstairs shower room with the main
0:13:01 > 0:13:03bathroom located upstairs.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07It's a two-bedroom property, but as the house does get rented out,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11the owners have put in an extra bed in the large upstairs landing area.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16But this could become a yoga space. And then there's the master.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18So... Come on in.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Because I want you to see that view.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- Lovely.- It's wonderful. - I like that view.- Yeah.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28You might just about see something else out there.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- I can see a glint of blue down there.- A glint of blue!
0:13:32 > 0:13:34That's got a smile on my face.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36OK. Well, we've seen where you're going to live,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- let's see where we're going to leave the guests.- OK, yeah.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Across the connecting courtyard is the second property, which is
0:13:45 > 0:13:47actually a converted barn.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53So when I say second property, in a way, I mean part two.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's really big. It's much bigger than I thought.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57This could be ours.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- We've got a choice of either or. - We've got a choice. We could swap.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Six months there, six months here.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Or I could have that one,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- you could have this one. - THEY LAUGH
0:14:07 > 0:14:09I'm guessing you're liking the look of this one.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- I like this a lot, yeah. - That's really interesting.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12Pleasantly surprised on this one.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15It is, in actual fact, smaller than next door
0:14:15 > 0:14:18because you've got one bedroom and a bathroom upstairs.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- OK.- I like it. I like it a lot.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26- Good.- And I've still got one more thing to show you.- Excellent.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29The main house and annexe have gone down very well.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Will the outside give them the whole package?
0:14:32 > 0:14:36There's just over a third of an acre of land, a spectacular pool
0:14:36 > 0:14:39and I've got a surprise up my sleeve.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- What is that?- That is a one-bedroom apartment.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- HE LAUGHS - Self-contained.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Wow, OK.- Didn't expect that.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Andy, take a step forward and just admire your pool for me.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55And it is a pool, isn't it?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58It's one I could see myself spending many happy hours in.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I'm loving all them. The trees and the shrubs...
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Feels like there's lots of different little areas of the garden
0:15:03 > 0:15:05to go and explore. Good space.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- So enough space for the dogs. - Definitely.- Great place for yoga.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Yes, it is. Yeah.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15As we first approached the property, you both noticed the pink building,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17which was attached. That is your next-door neighbour.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19You can't see it at all from here, can you?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21You wouldn't even know they're there, would you?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23So we've got to put a price on this property.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Either way, I probably should be saying properties
0:15:26 > 0:15:28cos there's three in one.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Let's see how you feel. Your top budget is £250,000.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35What do you think the asking price is?
0:15:35 > 0:15:38I'm going to go for our top budget - 250.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- OK.- I think it's got to be over budget.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45We're getting three properties. I think it's 265, 270.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- Around that. Yeah.- OK.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I think you both are going to be slightly shocked
0:15:49 > 0:15:51by the asking price.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- OK...- Oh, no! THEY LAUGH NERVOUSLY
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Good shocked or bad shocked?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Just over...
0:15:57 > 0:15:59£229,000.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Get away.- No!
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Absolutely.- Really?!- Yes. - I'm liking that even more now.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Yeah.- Wow.- That's really... That's...
0:16:08 > 0:16:10That surprised me signi... That's very surprising.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- That's a lot of properties for our money.- Yeah.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16So I'm guessing you'd probably both love to explore on your own
0:16:16 > 0:16:17this time. Still got plenty to see.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- Why don't you start off with the building next to us?- Thank you.
0:16:20 > 0:16:21Let's go. Thank you.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Priced at a substantial £21,000 under budget,
0:16:28 > 0:16:29this house delivers...
0:16:46 > 0:16:47LAUGHING: OK.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Another great big area.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- That's a big kitchen as well. - Nice big kitchen.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58First impressions when we arrived, I liked the look of it, the location.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00And then it just got kind of better
0:17:00 > 0:17:03and better as kind of each surprise kind of unfolded.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I think my favourite bit is sat behind me,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09and it's a beautiful pool. It is a superb pool.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I would seriously be tempted of putting
0:17:13 > 0:17:15money on the table for this property.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17OK, I'm really liking this property.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21It's peaceful. It feels rural. It is rural.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23But not isolated.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26I'm liking it so much that we could potentially think about living
0:17:26 > 0:17:29here, cos the location feels just right.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31So if Andy got his chequebook out and said,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33"Right, so we're going to go for this house,"
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I'd be like, "OK, let's give it a go."
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Have you seen enough?- For now, I think so.- Yeah?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Pleasantly surprised.- A good start. It's only property number one.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- An excellent start, Nicki.- Let's go.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59It's the end of our first day house hunting
0:17:59 > 0:18:02here on the Portuguese Silver Coast.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05To offer our buyers a feel for what living in this region might
0:18:05 > 0:18:07be like, they're staying ten minutes up the road,
0:18:07 > 0:18:12on the outskirts of Caldas da Rainha, in a typical residential property.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Of a similar spec to the kind of house they're looking for,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19it'll give them a chance to live more like the locals.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- Very modern.- Yep.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Lovely.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- It's lovely, the pool, isn't it? - This is nice.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Having had a look round, they need to unpack before heading out.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36To explore the area and enjoy some authentic local life,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39they're going to a traditional taberna for dinner.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Unlike in the more touristy Algarve, English is not widely
0:18:42 > 0:18:46spoken in this region and often doesn't appear on menus.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51So, patinhas de bacalhau com arroz de feijao.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Not sure what that is, but I know it has something to do with cod.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Boa noite.- Boa noite.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58You go first.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Could I have the beef steak?
0:19:00 > 0:19:01Bife grande.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Mm-hm.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Um bocadinho grosso.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Mm-hm.- Sim.- Ta bom?- Yeah? Sim.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Salmao grelhado.- OK.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- Excellent.- OK.- Sim. Obrigada.- Obrigado.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17The cost of living is, on the whole, lower than in the UK.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21It's not unusual for a good two-course meal with wine to
0:19:21 > 0:19:25cost around £12, but watch out for portion sizes.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Wow, look at that. - That's a big steak.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30That's a big piece of meat.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Wow.- Hope you're not...hope you're hungry.- Obrigada.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Bom apetite.- Thank you. Obrigada.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38There's actually a steak underneath the steak.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Oh, my God. I can't even get through it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43A lesson learned, though.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46When we come out here and we've got Mum and Dad, your mum and dad,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49that'll be more than enough between the six of us.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Anyway, bom apetite.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05It's day two of our house hunt here,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09on the Silver Coast of Portugal, where we're helping Leicester
0:20:09 > 0:20:13couple Sue and Andy find a home to begin a new continental life.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17They're sampling what life might be like when they make the move.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20That property yesterday, it's going to take some beating.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23I think we've got a job on today, haven't we?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24I think we have got a job on today.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29And with more houses lined up, we've got a busy day ahead.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33I must admit, I was a little concerned yesterday,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35showing Andy and Sue our first home.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39After all, this is a couple that have vast experience in this
0:20:39 > 0:20:40region already.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44But it seems our first property, or should that be properties,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46went down really well.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48So let's see what today brings.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Good morning.- Morning.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54So what did you get up to last night?
0:20:54 > 0:20:56We thought you'd like some time on your own.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- We had some really exciting news last night.- Go on, tell me!
0:20:59 > 0:21:00We got a phone call from our solicitor.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02We've legally exchanged our property.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- Congratulations! One step closer to the move.- So we've got a move date.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Yes, we're very excited.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Well, we can really, really crack on today with our properties then,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- can't we?- Yes.- There's no pressure, but four weeks' time,
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- we've got no house. - THEY LAUGH
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Better find you something, hadn't I, Andy?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Please.- Shall we get started, then? - Lovely.- Yes, let's go. Thank you.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31For our second house, we're heading five miles northwest to the village
0:21:31 > 0:21:35of Campo, which is well within an hour's commute to Lisbon Airport
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and just 15 minutes from the beach.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43The name Campo means field, and this village is set in plenty of them.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Agriculture is the mainstay of the area and the small local population
0:21:47 > 0:21:50is served by a church, a community centre,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53a bakery and three cafes.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Our second property is found in the heart of the village.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01So, let's see if I can tempt you with our Portuguese home.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06OK. You come in from the road, and it's a lot bigger than you expect.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Deceptive, yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11And it's a very traditional Portuguese property, isn't it?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13With the stonework and the blend between stonework
0:22:13 > 0:22:14- and the white brickwork again.- Yes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- And you have the signature tiles on the wall.- I know, I love that.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Love the little boat tiles, the little blue tiles.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Well, let's start off with the house itself.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Let's go and see what you think inside.- OK.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29The house is just 50 years old and started life as a small,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32single-storey dwelling, which has been extended over the years.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37I'm curious to learn what our house hunters will make of the interior.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Through the beaded curtain.- OK.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I'm going to start off with the kitchen.- Ah.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44Wow, this is really nice.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- That's a really good-sized kitchen. - Yeah, I like this.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48It's a massive kitchen.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50It looks like the doors will close off,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54so we can keep our beautiful dogs from stealing our food.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- That's important. - That's quite important.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59So that's... Um, yeah, that's good.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Excellent. Right, let's keep going.- OK.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- So, keeping on the large room theme...- OK. Yes, it is. Yeah.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- We have our living room.- OK. - That's a quite open space.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Yeah, this is a good size again, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18It's a big size room. And it does look a lot of open space.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21But I'm struggling to picture it with our furniture in.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- OK.- That furniture is kind of clouding my view of the room. Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Downstairs, you've got a double bedroom. It's a small size.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32And you've got a study.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35You've got another double bedroom here with an en-suite just
0:23:35 > 0:23:36to our left.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Then on the other side, you've got the family bathroom.- OK.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- And then above us, you've got a huge bedroom.- OK.- Right.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45I'll let you explore a little bit later.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- But that would lend itself to being your bedroom.- OK.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- I want to take you outside and show you something else.- Excellent.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54Come through here.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01The main house gives three bedrooms and huge living spaces.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Out in the grounds, there are further elements to this property.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Across the front lawn is an outhouse,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10which could lend itself well to Sue and Andy's needs.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15So, here is...an outside room.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18In a way, it's like your garden kitchen.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20OK. This is nice.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22They've actually enclosed it, but I think, originally,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25it was probably just an outside kitchen area here.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- But it could be great for yoga. - Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33And then over my shoulder...something for Andy.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- You've got your own games room. - Excellent. Is that my pool?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38THEY LAUGH
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Eh... I'm not going to give too much away yet,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43but hopefully the snooker table might be a good compromise.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46THEY LAUGH
0:24:46 > 0:24:47I have got a pool table back home
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- which we'll need to find a house for.- Really?- Yeah.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Which will be coming over with us.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54I've got a games room at home which I need to replicate somewhere.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57So it seems this outbuilding has hit the spot with the two of you.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- So I do have one more thing for you to explore.- Excellent.- OK.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07To the side of the property is an almost secret archway which
0:25:07 > 0:25:10reveals the final part of the jigsaw -
0:25:10 > 0:25:12a hidden half acre of land.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16And in the first lawned section is a one-bedroom, self-contained
0:25:16 > 0:25:19villa which delivers the fourth bedroom.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22In a further section, is an orchard of fruit trees,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25extensive vegetable plots and a chicken coop.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- That's a lot of land, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30That's surprising, from when you first walk in.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Does this part appeal to you?
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Very much so, actually.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37This has all the things that were on my little vision I had of Portugal.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- You love the outdoors, don't you?- I do.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- But the garden rooms are really important to me.- Yeah.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Very much one with nature.- Yeah. - This does satisfy it, doesn't it?
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- Absolutely does, yeah.- Andy, what's going through your mind?
0:25:48 > 0:25:49There's no pool.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Now, there is no pool. I love the way you say it. "There is no pool."
0:25:53 > 0:25:54But there is so much land here.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57And if you actually look where the aviary is at the moment,
0:25:57 > 0:25:59it's actually got a pond for the birds.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- That could be the perfect place for the pool.- Yes, it would work there.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Or at the side of the property.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05You do have a lot of land, it is deceiving.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10- Just so that you know, to put in a pool, it's about £12,000.- OK.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Yeah.- Let's see how much you think it's on the market for.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16OK, I'm going to go with...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Because of this amount of land, 260.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20OK. Andy?
0:26:20 > 0:26:24I think this could be under budget, so I'll say...
0:26:24 > 0:26:26220, 225.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Andy, you actually are the closest.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32But you're still quite a bit out.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36The asking price is just over £198,000.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- OK.- OK. So 210 with a pool.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- See?- Hm!
0:26:41 > 0:26:42I like what you did there.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Well, have another wander on your own
0:26:45 > 0:26:47and I'll catch up with you in a minute. Thank you.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48- Thanks, Nicki.- Thank you.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53For a huge £52,000 under budget,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55this option comes in the shape of...
0:27:20 > 0:27:21OK, so this is a big space.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I just think, we have a wooden floor,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26wooden walls and kind of straight into a wooden ceiling.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- It just feels as if it's...- A sauna?
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Yeah, yeah.
0:27:30 > 0:27:31Yeah.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34When we first turned up and saw the initial view of the house,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37it was traditional Portuguese.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41But then, I think, the property itself didn't really live
0:27:41 > 0:27:43up to the expectations of the outside.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It doesn't have the layout that we need.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48I like the amount of land you get - the garden,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50the beautiful space, the orchards...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53What I didn't like so much, particularly,
0:27:53 > 0:27:54was the layout of the upstairs.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56As you went upstairs, you were straight in the bedroom.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59There was no closed off space there.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Well, Andy and Sue, you've had a chance to wander around on your own.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- We have.- We're on a mission.- We are. - You've sold your house in the UK.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- I've got more to show you, that's the good news.- Excellent.- Let's go.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Each year, two million Britons go on holiday to Portugal, drawn
0:28:22 > 0:28:27to its beaches, golf courses and over 300 days of sunshine each year.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32There are also over 30,000 expats who now call this country home.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36But selling up in the UK and buying property here is just
0:28:36 > 0:28:40the start of the adventure, and there's a lot to learn.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43So we're heading inland to the village of Lubases which,
0:28:43 > 0:28:45nestled up in the hills of the central region,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48is home to expat couple Kevin and Steve, who,
0:28:48 > 0:28:52along with their dog, Fred, moved here from Norfolk ten months ago.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Kevin is a horticulturalist and garden designer while Steve
0:28:56 > 0:29:00works in finance and regularly travels back to the UK on business.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Having already done what Sue and Andy are about to do,
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- they should have some words of wisdom to offer.- Hi.- Hello, Kevin.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Hi, Steve. Great to see you.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Can I introduce you to Sue and Andy?
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- Hi there, welcome. - Welcome to Cantinho da Granja.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Would you like to come have a little look around?
0:29:16 > 0:29:18We'd love to, thank you.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- Follow us.- Thank you.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22In the months since they've been here,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26they've renovated the property, turning it into a stunning home.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30And in the grounds, Kevin has created an impressive garden,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32full of colour and exotic plants,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36something budding gardener Sue is keen to find out more about.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38She's helping with some planting.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40So, Sue, this is what we're going to plant today.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- OK.- A lovely lime tree.- OK.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45They're becoming really popular in Portugal now.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- OK, so the Portuguese for lime is...? - It's lima.- Lima.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Perfect.- Is that about right, do you think?- Yep. Just offer it up.- Yep.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56Yeah, we're about good there.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59So what do you think are the main differences trying to grow
0:29:59 > 0:30:01vegetables here compared to what it would be like for me
0:30:01 > 0:30:02in the Midlands, in the UK?
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- Oh, the Midlands, wow.- Yeah. - It's a bit chilly up there.- It is.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08I think the main difference over here is you really have to
0:30:08 > 0:30:09- work to the seasons.- OK.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- Bear in mind, the seasons are a lot earlier.- Right.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15And they last a lot longer.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18So you can actually harvest a lot more fruits and vegetables.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- So we've offered it now. We're at a good height.- Hm-mm.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- And then we just start back-filling. - OK.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26Just pushing down a little bit.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29There we go.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31Perfect.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34So, Sue, do you fancy a watermelon fresh from the garden for lunch?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- That would be wonderful. - Let's grab ourselves a watermelon.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41This one looks quite good at the moment. Very ripe.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42Very dense.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- Perfect.- How about that?- Perfect. Let's go.- After you.- Thank you.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47Great.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Cultivating produce is just one element in their planned move
0:30:52 > 0:30:54to Portugal.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Setting up a new life in a new country is a daunting prospect
0:30:58 > 0:31:03for our buyers, but maybe Steve and Kevin can allay some of their fears.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I'm mostly very keen on a pool. I really want to...
0:31:06 > 0:31:09That's my dream in terms of getting over here.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11You guys put your own in? How complicated was the process?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Well, we had the pool refurbished.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16We had major problems with the pool when we arrived here,
0:31:16 > 0:31:19so we made a decision to get a pool company.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21And that's really one bit of advice I'll give you.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26You've got builders that will build you a home or refurbish your home.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28But I must recommend you get somebody that's a pool
0:31:28 > 0:31:31company in to put your pool in.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33And the guys don't really want to take on too much of a project,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36but obviously, when you're moving, you don't have any contacts -
0:31:36 > 0:31:38artisans, builders, plumbers...
0:31:38 > 0:31:42How easy has it been for you to find great workmen here?
0:31:42 > 0:31:46We were quite lucky to stumble on a family business.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Our builders don't speak any English at all, but we get there.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51We point and we draw pictures.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- OK. That's really reassuring, actually.- Absolutely.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Cos that is a big concern for me.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I speak a little of the language, but it's random words.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Not great grammar, but I know a lot of vocab.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Given you've been here ten months now, what have struggled with?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07What have been the things that have annoyed you or you've not expected?
0:32:07 > 0:32:09There is a different speed to things out here.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12And you just have to go a little bit with the flow,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14otherwise you get very frustrated.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17The other thing you'll find is paperwork seems to
0:32:17 > 0:32:19proliferate out here as well.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22So if you want to go and open a bank account or something like that,
0:32:22 > 0:32:23you will need to take reams of paper.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Even during your escritura, which is the contract.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29When you exchange contracts at the attorney's office,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32it is all done with paper and everything is read completely,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35word for word, in English and in Portuguese,
0:32:35 > 0:32:36and takes about an hour and a half.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39It's not done immediately, like that.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43So there are certain things that will take time. And by nature,
0:32:43 > 0:32:45just ask the question, "How long is it going to take?"
0:32:45 > 0:32:48And don't expect it to happen quickly.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51One thing that is key, for both of you, is the internet,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54something that we take for granted in the UK.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56But what is it like over here? What are the speeds like?
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Cos if you're running a business,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- it's got to be first-class, hasn't it?- It has to be, yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03It tends to vary wherever you are.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08That's part of the problem. We here are getting 8MB.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Friends of ours have got 30.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13That just depends where you are in terms of where the line is.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Yeah, the boxes.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18But again, that was one of the big things that we checked
0:33:18 > 0:33:21out on before we bought the house, which is - what are the services?
0:33:21 > 0:33:24So all of those basic questions that you might probably
0:33:24 > 0:33:27take for granted in the UK, ask the questions beforehand.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Steve, you make it work successfully commuting, somewhat.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33What advice would you give to Andy?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Train journeys, brilliant. Book over the internet.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37You can get some good deals.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- And they run on time.- Thank you.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Yeah, it's making me feel even more confident
0:33:41 > 0:33:43and happy about this decision.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46And, Andy, it makes the homeward journey
0:33:46 > 0:33:48- so much nicer. - THEY LAUGH
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- The sooner you move over, the better.- Excellent.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Well, thank you both so much.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Hopefully, you're going to have some new neighbours soon.- Thank you.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Always welcome.- Hopefully. It's been a pleasure.- Thank you so much.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59It's been a pleasure.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Should Andy and Sue go ahead with their Portuguese adventure, there
0:34:06 > 0:34:10are some important considerations they'll need to factor in.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14In Portugal, one of the biggest fees is the property transfer tax, like
0:34:14 > 0:34:19the British stamp duty, which can be as high as 8% of the purchase price.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22A deposit of around 10% must be paid at the exchange
0:34:22 > 0:34:24of contract stage.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Also, getting tax advice before moving is advisable.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Even if you work and pay tax in the UK as a resident,
0:34:31 > 0:34:36you may be liable to pay a top-up to the Portuguese authorities.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39And since the European Union bailout, tax rates increased,
0:34:39 > 0:34:43with a top rate at 56.5%.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47However, commuting from the Silver Coast is relatively easy,
0:34:47 > 0:34:52with 137 direct flights from Lisbon to five UK cities each week.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03For our third house, we're heading to the village of Zambujeiro,
0:35:03 > 0:35:08which is the closest of all our properties to the coast.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12It's just over five minutes from the small beach resort of Foz do Arelho,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15which has a unique combination of rugged Atlantic beaches
0:35:15 > 0:35:17as well as a sheltered saltwater lagoon.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Zambujeiro itself is a hamlet of a few houses,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24with the nearest cafe half a mile down the road.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It's surrounded by a lovely eucalyptus forest.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Brought to Portugal in the 19th century,
0:35:32 > 0:35:36eucalyptus is an important crop used in paper production.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Set in the heart of this forest is our next offering.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44So, for this Portuguese home,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47we've brought you to a rather different setting, haven't we?
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- I'm liking this. Very pretty. - The first impression is very good.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55This is the front of the property, but guess what,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- we're going to go in round the back, as the owners do.- OK.- OK?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Go on, then.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The property is just 18 years old and is set in a plot which
0:36:03 > 0:36:07could deliver a lot of what Sue and Andy are looking for.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Now, Andy, there's certain things I'd just like to get
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- out of the way...- OK. - ..straightaway.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14And what do we have behind us?
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- It certainly looks like a pool to me.- It's a pool.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- We have your lovely pool there. - Excellent.- So, happy?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22And then, the surrounding area.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24I'm going to look at Sue because really garden is your domain,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- isn't it?- Yes. Happy with this space.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- It's really pretty.- It is pretty.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30It's like a ranch. It's got a ranch front.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Yeah, the outside terrace is nice.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36And here you really can appreciate, we are in the middle
0:36:36 > 0:36:39of a eucalyptus forest.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- The smell is beautiful.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45And so I am thinking you are at one with nature,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I'm thinking yoga retreat as well as a possible home.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- So peaceful.- Yeah?- So peaceful, yeah.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- Shall we?- Excellent, yeah. - Let's.- Let's go.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59With a peaceful garden for yoga as well as the all-important pool,
0:36:59 > 0:37:01the setting and the grounds are looking good.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04But inside, what would they make of another traditional
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Portuguese interior?
0:37:07 > 0:37:11We're going to start the tour off with a sort of living/dining room
0:37:11 > 0:37:13complete with bar.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15OK. Yeah.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I am quite liking this space, actually.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22It does feel a little bit dark. Only the one window and this one here.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25I think it's got...options.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- As a living space, it's quite large.- Yeah.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- Yeah.- It's a good size.- It's nice. - You're absolutely right.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Now, there is a staircase leading, funnily enough, upstairs.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Just hold that cos I want to show you the downstairs of this
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- property first.- Yeah.- Thank you.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44The living room could do with some updating,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47but the kitchen is a much brighter prospect.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Here we've got a little bit of blue. We've got marble work surfaces.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- A fairly good-sized kitchen. - Yeah, it's OK.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I think the kitchen would need replaced, if I'm honest.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00I think I could live with this for a small amount of time,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03but I don't know, I just get a sense that I'd want to rip this out.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And start again, yeah. I agree with Andy.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08I'd feel that I'd want to redo this.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11So on this floor, if you like, it's got another wing,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14you can see, just going down the hallway there.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17You've actually got three bedrooms, all on the ground floor.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22How do you feel about all the bedrooms being downstairs?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24That's not an issue to me.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25It's not an issue to me.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I think if there's only three bedrooms,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29then that may be the family issue.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30That's an issue, yeah.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35But as we see some surprises, I'll reserve judgment
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- until we've seen the rest of it. - THEY LAUGH
0:38:38 > 0:38:40You've got the full picture now, haven't you?
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Let's head up those stairs, see what's up there.- After you.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47The three ground-floor bedrooms comprise of a master with
0:38:47 > 0:38:51en-suite, two further spacious bedrooms and a family bathroom...
0:38:52 > 0:38:56..which means upstairs is reserved for a substantial living space.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- So, up here...- OK. - Bet you weren't expecting this.- No.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08- A little living room, basically. - Another living room. Yep.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09A room for a pool table.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Yeah, you've got your little pool table space.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I would struggle to see what the function of this
0:39:14 > 0:39:16room would be as it stands now.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19For me, this would have to be additional bedroom space.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22We wouldn't use it otherwise, cos the dogs are downstairs.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23The dogs wouldn't be up here.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26The main house might need some changes to make it as Sue
0:39:26 > 0:39:30and Andy would like, but in the meantime, it is habitable as it is.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Outside is another building with potential.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38You've got a building here.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Now, when the owner bought the land, she actually lived in this property.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- OK.- It is basic, I'm not going to lie.- OK.- It's got a bathroom.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's got a very small kitchenette.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51So you would need to absolutely transform it, is the truth.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54It wouldn't be up to scratch for your parents.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57But that could be the annexe for the parents, for family,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- for friends when they came to stay. - Yep.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03So it does come to that time when we have to try and put a figure on it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I'm feeling it's going to be more than I'd want to pay,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08so I'm going to say 260.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- Andy?- I'd say 250.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12The asking price is just under
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- £155,000.- That's amazing!
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- I guess now you want to have another wander around.- Yes, please.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- Excellent.- Thank you. - Thank you.- Thanks a lot.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Just shy of a significant
0:40:26 > 0:40:28£100,000 under budget...
0:40:51 > 0:40:53OK, so... Funny little space.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56For me, this wouldn't be conversion.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- I think this would be demolish and build again.- Yeah.- To be honest.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It's a really weird one. It's, um...
0:41:01 > 0:41:04You can really, really see the potential.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06And the overriding factor is that you'd live in a location
0:41:06 > 0:41:09which is absolutely like a dream location.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11But in the back of my mind, I was thinking,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13"Project, project, another project."
0:41:13 > 0:41:17That is all about time and how quickly we could do that.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I love the location. I love the sound of the trees.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23I love the size of the boundary.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28I really need to sit and reflect, I think, on how I would feel
0:41:28 > 0:41:33taking on some project work to the building to make it fit for purpose.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39Well, tell me, a second viewing, has it made any difference?
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- I think it's just added to the confusion, really.- Really?!
0:41:42 > 0:41:45OK. Well, we're going to leave it there, then, for today.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48That'll give you even more to think about tonight.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- Cos we do have one more property to show you tomorrow.- OK.- Excellent.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- Shall we hit the road? - Yes, probably.- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It's the end of a busy two days property shopping
0:42:03 > 0:42:05on the Silver Coast.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08With so much to think about, it's a chance for our house hunters
0:42:08 > 0:42:13to take some time out, recharge and contemplate their move.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- Hello.- Ola.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- How was your yoga?- Blissful. - Yeah?- It was lovely.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Do you know, it was really lovely, just with the sun setting...
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I was timing my breathing to the sounds of the waves.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- Quite a beautiful setting, isn't it?- Wonderful.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- So, would you do this on your own when I'm away?- Yeah, definitely.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33This is such a peaceful spot.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36It's strange, it's one of the things I'm not worried about, about you...
0:42:36 > 0:42:38I know what you're like when you're on your own.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41There will be little windows when I'm, obviously,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- back in the UK or on some gig somewhere.- Yeah.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47But I don't worry about you being here on your own.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49I understand it will feel a little different.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51We're in a foreign country,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54I've not quite got a grasp of the language yet. Um...
0:42:56 > 0:42:59But... I'll go with the flow.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- So, full speed ahead?- Yes.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- No looking back. - THEY LAUGH
0:43:13 > 0:43:17We're house hunting in Portugal with Leicestershire couple Sue and Andy.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20They've been staying in a local villa to get an authentic
0:43:20 > 0:43:25taste of Portuguese life, something that's fast becoming a reality.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28News that the sale of their house is going through means there's
0:43:28 > 0:43:29no time to waste.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34So, it's the final day of property hunting here on the Silver Coast,
0:43:34 > 0:43:36and we've had a bit of a mixed reaction from Andy
0:43:36 > 0:43:38and Sue on the homes that we've shown them.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42But what has transpired is what they're really after is
0:43:42 > 0:43:45somewhere in a peaceful and rural setting.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50So today, I'm hoping our mystery house is going to provide just that.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56For our mystery property, we're heading out of the Silver Coast
0:43:56 > 0:43:59region to central Portugal and the village of Dornes.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04It's an hour's drive inland away from Sue and Andy's beloved coast.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06There are no beaches here.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10Instead, the real draw is Castelo de Bode lake,
0:44:10 > 0:44:12the country's second largest reservoir and an area
0:44:12 > 0:44:17popular for swimming, fishing and all types of water sports.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21With glorious view of the lake and wooded hillside, this more
0:44:21 > 0:44:24mountainous region provides a very different landscape to the
0:44:24 > 0:44:27coastline Sue and Andy are used to.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30The village of Dornes, with its church and cafe,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32is the closest to our final property.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Five minutes up the road, down a secluded driveway,
0:44:35 > 0:44:38is a charming, rural retreat.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43- This is your mystery house.- Oh, my goodness.- That looks, uh...- Wow.
0:44:43 > 0:44:44I love it.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- That looks beautiful, doesn't it? - Mm!- Yeah?- I'm really intrigued.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- Stunning to the eye, first impression, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- We've taken you slightly more inland.- Right.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55That's why it's the mystery house.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58OK. How far away are we here from...from the airport?
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- Lisbon Airport. - Right on the edge of your request.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- We are an hour and a half from Lisbon.- OK.- OK.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06And once you get past the little winding routes around the lake,
0:45:06 > 0:45:09- it's motorway the whole way down. - Right, OK.- Quite handy, really.- Yeah.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12I'm looking forward to getting inside now. I'm excited about seeing...
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- Shall we start, then? - Yeah, let's go.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19This restored stone farmhouse is very different from the modern
0:45:19 > 0:45:21Portuguese villas we've been looking at.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25It's 70 years old but is packed full of rustic features.
0:45:25 > 0:45:30- So if you want character, if you want charm...- OK.
0:45:30 > 0:45:31Step inside this kitchen.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34THEY LAUGH
0:45:34 > 0:45:36That's really cool.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- Is that a real oven?- Yeah. - Wow, is it really?- Uses hot water.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42I can see us going down to antique markets,
0:45:42 > 0:45:45trying to find furniture bits to add into this.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- You like it so far? - I liking so far, yeah.- I am.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50I could see myself cooking in here.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52I'd be interested in seeing you cook with that.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54I could make some bread, actually!
0:45:54 > 0:45:56THEY LAUGH
0:45:56 > 0:45:59- Have a go at that.- Already getting creative, right. Follow me.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01Let's go.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05So this is your dining-cum-sitting room.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08With a huge fire.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12And then you have an additional room through there, which is
0:46:12 > 0:46:14a lot lighter. Three window panes.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17So you could have a winter room and a summer room.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Yes, this feels very cosy, like a little snug.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23There's lots of little nooks and crannies and features.
0:46:23 > 0:46:24It's got lots of character.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- It has.- It's really interesting. - Character, yeah.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29That's the word, character, isn't it?
0:46:29 > 0:46:31So the bedrooms are really on this level.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Actually, you go down just a couple of steps there.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36There's a family bathroom and two bedrooms.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38The furthest bedroom, when you open the door,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- actually reveals a third bedroom. - OK.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- Interested?- Yes, I am. - You're waiting, aren't you?
0:46:43 > 0:46:47I am waiting, cos that's only three bedrooms. What have you got hidden?
0:46:47 > 0:46:49You know me too well now!
0:46:49 > 0:46:52You're absolutely right, we've got something else.
0:46:52 > 0:46:53- OK.- Let's go back outside.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58The main house has a basement with a utility room
0:46:58 > 0:47:00and an area for storage.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03But outside, an adjoining annexe is where the extra guest
0:47:03 > 0:47:05accommodation can be found.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11Now, I know an important part of this move is the annexe.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15So here, separate from the house,
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- you've got a one-bedroom, self-contained flat.- OK, wow.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20- That's a good size. - That's really good.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- It is.- The fact that it is completely self-contained...- Yes.
0:47:24 > 0:47:29- If this wasn't enough, you've got the same again upstairs.- Really?
0:47:29 > 0:47:31- Yep.- So another bedroom, another bathroom?
0:47:31 > 0:47:35- Another one-bedroom apartment.- Wow. - That one actually has a balcony.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37It's got a nice feel about it, this property.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- It just needs a lick of paint and... - Yeah.- It's charming.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- "Charming."- Hm. - That's a good word for it.
0:47:45 > 0:47:46It's charming.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50- And I've got one more thing to show you.- BOTH:- OK.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55Being so close to the lake, there's no swimming pool,
0:47:55 > 0:47:59but there is plenty of room if Andy wanted to put one in.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03Up on the rooftop terrace of the main house is the final surprise.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07- There isn't a ladylike way of getting up here, but...- OK.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Sue, it's worth the effort.- OK.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15Just take a look at this.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18- Wow, it's gorgeous. - Isn't it beautiful?- Yeah.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- You don't get much better views than that, really, do you?- No.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23It's beautiful.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26And you can actually see your land from here
0:48:26 > 0:48:29because you've got about 2.2 acres in total.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31- Right, OK.- OK.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33It's terraced going down, so there's olive trees,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36you've got a few eucalyptus trees.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40Just behind this annexe, there's a huge shed. Massive, it is.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42You could convert that.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45And also, just off the courtyard, there's another shed. It's open.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49- It's actually a double garage, but they use it as a workshop.- Right.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53- OK.- Yeah?- So lots of buildings, again. We have opportunity again.
0:48:53 > 0:48:58- Got to put a price on this property. - I'm going to say 270.
0:48:58 > 0:49:03- I think it's going to be over budget. - I think it's going to be 210.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06It is actually under budget.
0:49:06 > 0:49:11The asking price is just over £194,000.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14- OK. - SUE LAUGHS
0:49:14 > 0:49:17I was thinking, "I can't afford it, so don't worry about it."
0:49:17 > 0:49:21So that just gives us another dilemma. Thank you(!)
0:49:22 > 0:49:26- So now you know you can afford it, go and explore.- OK. Thank you.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30- I'm staying up here. Careful going down those stairs.- Yeah.- Thank you.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34For £56,000 under their budget...
0:49:57 > 0:50:01I think my instincts on this property - it is
0:50:01 > 0:50:06a project that I would seriously have to give some thought.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09You see that view and you can really see yourself really ending up
0:50:09 > 0:50:11with something that could be quite special.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14So this property has led me to two decisions, really.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Um...
0:50:16 > 0:50:20It's helped me understand that it's OK to take on a project, to see
0:50:20 > 0:50:23something that is tired with lots of potential.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27But there's something about this particular building that isn't
0:50:27 > 0:50:28right for me.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Would I be prepared to take on a property in this area that's similar?
0:50:32 > 0:50:33Yes, I think so.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38So that's it, you've seen our properties here,
0:50:38 > 0:50:39on the Silver Coast,
0:50:39 > 0:50:42but I wonder, have we given you clarity or have we confused matters?
0:50:42 > 0:50:45- I think a bit of both for me.- Yeah? - You've definitely helped us, though,
0:50:45 > 0:50:47- Nicki, so thank you very much.- Good.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50I guess you guys want some time on your own to have a think.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52And when I next see you, you can tell me
0:50:52 > 0:50:53what your next move is going to be.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55- OK.- Excellent.- Thank you. - Let's hit the road.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Portugal is known for its ceramic heritage.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10From glazed wall tiles to dinnerware,
0:51:10 > 0:51:14it's found in and on homes all over the country.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16One of Portugal's most famous ceramicists,
0:51:16 > 0:51:18Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro,
0:51:18 > 0:51:21founded a factory in Caldas da Rainha
0:51:21 > 0:51:23over 125 years ago.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29Today, I'm meeting marketing director Nuno Barra to find
0:51:29 > 0:51:33out more about this unique artist and his work.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37So again, this was the factory of Bordallo Pinheiro.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39- Let's take a look.- I'd love to.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44Working in the late 19th century, Bordallo Pinheiro produced
0:51:44 > 0:51:48highly glazed pottery, a technique known as majolica.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50My word!
0:51:50 > 0:51:54As you walk in, I wasn't expecting something on that scale to
0:51:54 > 0:51:58greet me as you come through the door. So many different designs!
0:51:58 > 0:52:01He did a lot of different pieces.
0:52:01 > 0:52:06He was a naturalist and he did plates, animals...
0:52:06 > 0:52:09In totally different sizes - small things...
0:52:09 > 0:52:12It's a feast on the eyes, isn't it? An absolute feast.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14I can see some more through here.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Bordallo Pinheiro's rural and naturalistic influences
0:52:18 > 0:52:22came from his strong association with the peasant working classes.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27He was also a journalist and satirical cartoonist who lambasted
0:52:27 > 0:52:30the social and political elites and was ground-breaking in bringing
0:52:30 > 0:52:34this political comment to his works with ceramics.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37This is a character he created.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40- His name is Ze Povinho.- Ze Povinho?
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Yes. And he represents the Portuguese people.
0:52:44 > 0:52:49This character was very critical, again, against Portuguese politics.
0:52:49 > 0:52:54He created this character that is one of these iconic pieces.
0:52:54 > 0:52:59- And what's this expression called in Portuguese?- Toma.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Toma, which means no.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04- In a rude way. - SHE LAUGHS
0:53:04 > 0:53:09Bordallo Pinheiro also created a unique range of homeware with
0:53:09 > 0:53:13many of the rustic vegetable designs becoming cult classics today.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16Now, Nuno, I find this piece particularly exciting.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19I'll tell you why. Because we have one of these at home.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22Now, I don't know whether it's an original or not. It belonged
0:53:22 > 0:53:24to my grandmother and my mother still uses it,
0:53:24 > 0:53:26and we have jam in it.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29It's a slightly smaller version.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33And I didn't know where it came from, and I now know today.
0:53:33 > 0:53:34It's not surprising
0:53:34 > 0:53:38because it's one of the most popular pieces of his work.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41The cabbage is a symbol of rural peasant life,
0:53:41 > 0:53:45so getting it into the households and onto the dinner tables of the
0:53:45 > 0:53:46bourgeoisie was all part of
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Bordallo Pinheiro's subversive humour.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53The factory is still in production today, manufacturing
0:53:53 > 0:53:57many of the classic designs, some from the original moulds.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00But it is also developing new projects, such as a series
0:54:00 > 0:54:02of hand-painted sardines,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05the fish so intricately linked to Portuguese culture.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08- And I'm going to have a go. - So we start with the moulds.
0:54:08 > 0:54:13And we have to put the liquid ceramic inside these moulds
0:54:13 > 0:54:16to produce, for example, in this case, it's a sardine.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19- But we have to close the mould first.- OK.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22And then we take one of those cups.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25So has this changed, this process, much over the years?
0:54:25 > 0:54:29Well, the change...it changed a bit, but we keep some of the most
0:54:29 > 0:54:33important parts of the production exactly how Bordallo used to do it.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36- So they look level, what's the next process?- Everything is perfect.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39Right, now you have to take the liquid ceramic.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41This is why I've got the apron on, isn't it?
0:54:41 > 0:54:46- Just in case.- And you have... With your left hand, you...
0:54:46 > 0:54:47Exactly.
0:54:50 > 0:54:51That's OK.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53- Next one?- Next one.
0:54:53 > 0:54:58And then how long will it take for the moulds to set?
0:54:58 > 0:55:01It takes around one hour and 15 minutes
0:55:01 > 0:55:04until you can take the sardines out.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08In another mould already prepared, the ceramic is now set
0:55:08 > 0:55:10and the fish ready to be taken out.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13I'm going to be very gentle as I do this.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15I don't want to ruin anybody's work.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22- And there they are. - So we have now four new sardines.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28- There we have it.- Here you are.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30I'm quite pleased with him.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34The sardines, like all the ceramics, are then fired in the oven
0:55:34 > 0:55:37and hand-painted, making each one unique.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40With many of Bordallo Pinheiro's original designs
0:55:40 > 0:55:43still in production today, the legacy of this irreverent
0:55:43 > 0:55:47artist lives on in homes and on dinner tables across the globe.
0:55:53 > 0:55:57We've come to the end of our Portuguese house hunt
0:55:57 > 0:56:00and it's time for our buyers to pack up and gather their thoughts.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03All right. Let's go catch up with Nicki.
0:56:06 > 0:56:07We've now shown Andy
0:56:07 > 0:56:11and Sue our homes here, on Portugal's Silver Coast.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13Now, we know this couple are primed to move,
0:56:13 > 0:56:17but have they been tempted by any of our property offerings?
0:56:17 > 0:56:18Let's find out.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25So, Andy and Sue, we've had a fabulous few days here, haven't we?
0:56:25 > 0:56:29- We have.- You know the Silver Coast extremely well, however,
0:56:29 > 0:56:33it's the first time you've ever been out here with fresh eyes.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36It isn't a holiday, it's about finding your future home.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38So out of all the properties we showed you,
0:56:38 > 0:56:41have we got close with any of them?
0:56:41 > 0:56:43I think the answer to that is yes, isn't it?
0:56:43 > 0:56:46- It is.- Yeah.- Absolutely. - We loved the first property.- Yes!
0:56:46 > 0:56:47Yeah, that particular house,
0:56:47 > 0:56:49it's the one that impressed us both the most.
0:56:49 > 0:56:54What is it about that house that works so well for you both?
0:56:54 > 0:56:56It was ready to go
0:56:56 > 0:57:00and also the location was almost perfect from what we'd ask for.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02- And the pool for me. - Oh, I was going to say...
0:57:02 > 0:57:03You've got to say that.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06So we're going to sort out financials in the next four weeks
0:57:06 > 0:57:10whilst our house completes and we'll arrange for a second viewing
0:57:10 > 0:57:13and I think we'll look to buy it.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17- My goodness! This is serious talk, isn't it?- It is, it is.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20So my last question to you is -
0:57:20 > 0:57:23timeframe, what are we looking at?
0:57:23 > 0:57:27- Well, four weeks before we complete on our house and then ASAP.- Yes.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29Back home, check the diary, book the flight.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32- Great. Let us know how you get on. - We will. Thank you.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35All the best with your new life here, on the Silver Coast.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38- Thank you, Nicki.- Thank you for this experience, we really appreciate it.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40- Yeah, thank you.- Most welcome.
0:57:43 > 0:57:45Having sold their home in the UK, there was
0:57:45 > 0:57:47really never any doubt of Sue
0:57:47 > 0:57:51and Andy's commitment to living on the Silver Coast,
0:57:51 > 0:57:54but I do think the last few days has cemented for them
0:57:54 > 0:57:59in their hearts that the Portuguese way of life is truly for them.
0:57:59 > 0:58:03Who knows, our three-in-one first property that we showed them,
0:58:03 > 0:58:06that could be their new rural retreat.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09I truly hope so. I'll see you again soon, bye-bye.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Sadly, Sue and Andy missed out on the first house,
0:58:13 > 0:58:16which sold just before their second viewing.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20However, they have agreed the purchase of a similar property ten
0:58:20 > 0:58:24minutes up the road and are planning to move in in the next few months.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26We wish them the best of luck in their new life.