0:00:02 > 0:00:05This fortified ring of red sandstone belongs to the best preserved
0:00:05 > 0:00:08castle in this beautiful and historic region,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11but can you guess in which country it stands?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll let you know.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36With plans to up sticks and move over 1,000 miles away,
0:00:36 > 0:00:40today we're helping a couple find their dream home in the sun...
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- That is just breathtakingly beautiful.- That's incredible.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46..though not everything on their continental journey is
0:00:46 > 0:00:47the perfect fit.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48Quite small.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52..but the fruits of our labour may just pay off.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Are we getting in danger of finding you the perfect property?
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Yeah.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Today, we're in southern Portugal, in the Algarve,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10and this is the impressive hilltop castle at Silves.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Set in one of the country's largest orange growing areas,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17the Romans were the first to build a castle here,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19but it was under the rule of the Arab Moors
0:01:19 > 0:01:24between the 8th and 12th century that this city really flourished.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Silves was at that time the capital of the region
0:01:27 > 0:01:29and it's thought that the lavish Moor kings
0:01:29 > 0:01:34imported lions that roamed freely around the castle grounds.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Today, Silves Castle is a wonderfully preserved relic,
0:01:38 > 0:01:43whose distinct architectural style showcases Portugal's diverse
0:01:43 > 0:01:48history and boasts beautiful panoramic views across the region.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52As little as a 2.5-hour flight from the UK,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56the Algarve encompasses the entire southern tip of Portugal,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58sharing its eastern border with Spain
0:01:58 > 0:02:03and featuring a dramatic coast that stretches for almost 100 miles.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Here, sweeps of golden sands and coved beaches get wilder as you
0:02:07 > 0:02:12head west and transform into dramatic rocky limestone cliffs,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14but there's more to this prime stretch of land
0:02:14 > 0:02:17than its acclaim as Portugal's premier tourist destination.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Head north and the landscape further inland
0:02:21 > 0:02:24is characterised by fruit groves and cork trees,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28for this is where more than 50% of the world's cork is produced.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Another prosperous industry is fishing,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35which has supported local communities for generations.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38But in the Algarve capital of Faro, the grander buildings
0:02:38 > 0:02:43and cobbled streets tell the story of a city even deeper in history -
0:02:43 > 0:02:45more than 12 centuries, in fact.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49For 30 years, Brits have been settling in the Algarve
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and now make up 20% of the resident population.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56And for those who need to stay connected to family or work
0:02:56 > 0:03:00back in the UK, flights to Faro are available for less than £40,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03so it's easy to understand the appeal.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Not forgetting, of course, over 300 sunny days each and every year.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16So will your money be able to buy you a dream home in the Algarve?
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Well, a consistently strong demand for homes in this region means
0:03:20 > 0:03:25that prices are relatively expensive compared to the rest of the country.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29But, that said, prices here in the Algarve are still around 30%
0:03:29 > 0:03:32cheaper than they are back home.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36And although you'd need to part with around £380,000 for
0:03:36 > 0:03:40a four-bedroom villa in one of the popular coastal golf resorts,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44a two-bedroom apartment in a historic town further east
0:03:44 > 0:03:48will set you back as little as £80,000.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50So what will make the perfect Portuguese
0:03:50 > 0:03:52property for today's couple?
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58A successful career in banking has not only dictated quite
0:03:58 > 0:04:01a number of house moves for Ian and his wife Angela,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04but was also responsible for their very first encounter.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Ian and I first met when we both worked together in the bank,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11which will actually be 30 years ago this month,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and he couldn't get me to do what he wanted to
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- and said I was stroppy and bolshie.- Bolshie.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21And the only way he could get me to do what he wanted was to marry me.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22For the last nine years,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25home has been a spacious five-bedroom bungalow
0:04:25 > 0:04:27in the Cheshire town of Bollington.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29But now their three children have grown up,
0:04:29 > 0:04:30they're getting itchy feet.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32The children are fleeing the nest, if you like,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35and this is a reasonably big property, so it's like,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37well, do we want to just stay here forever?
0:04:37 > 0:04:40And the answer to that was, well, probably not.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44So, the plan is to turn their yearly holiday into an everyday
0:04:44 > 0:04:48reality by setting up home in Portugal.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Well, we really, really love the Algarve in Portugal.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52Really love the Algarve.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55We've been there for years now,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58for about the last 19 years we've been going.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Particularly love the western Algarve.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03We've got friends over there,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Angela's am-dram connections over there,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09so there's a lot of attractions really, not just weather.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12It's all about quality of life as well.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15And for this couple, a better quality of life means
0:05:15 > 0:05:20dropping down a gear to spend more time focused on one another.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I don't know whether it's a UK thing or not,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26but it's like everything's rushed.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Everything is busy, busy, busy.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32It's like, you don't get time, we're like ships in the night at times.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35I come back to this selfish thing, I want Angela.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37We want to be together again.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41And they already have plenty of ideas for how they intend
0:05:41 > 0:05:45to share their new-found together time in the continental sun.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49We enjoy bird-watching and nature, being outdoors.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Just to be able to go for walks with Oscar, our dog,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56who will be coming with us as well.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57I like my gardening.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03I quite fancy growing salads, just pottering, really, outdoors.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08We also enjoy sampling the local cuisine and the local wines.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Going to markets and that sort of stuff.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15But the new Algarvian life won't all be about hobbies.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Ian works part-time running a business-mentoring
0:06:18 > 0:06:22company and Angela too has no intention of retiring just yet.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26It would be good to be able to continue to do my treatments -
0:06:26 > 0:06:29I'm a sports and remedial massage therapist.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I do complementary therapies and give some training.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I've got five clients and I've actually spoken to them
0:06:36 > 0:06:40about our plans to, again, gauge their reaction to it,
0:06:40 > 0:06:45and the idea is I'll come back one/two long weekends a month.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48But, importantly, those two long weekends might just happen to
0:06:48 > 0:06:51coincide with Man City fixtures, you see,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54where I've got a season ticket, so...
0:06:54 > 0:06:56It's just one of those things.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00It's an enormous undertaking, putting so many miles between them
0:07:00 > 0:07:03and their family, but their house is already on the market
0:07:03 > 0:07:06and they both seem wholeheartedly ready for the adventure.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I don't think we'll get bored. Will you get bored of me?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Let's give it a go.- Go on, then.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Ian and Angela are searching for somewhere within the western
0:07:23 > 0:07:24portion of the region
0:07:24 > 0:07:27and they have specified a location no more than an hour's
0:07:27 > 0:07:29drive from Faro airport.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Now our couple have touched down in Portugal,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35we're all meeting up on a scenic spot on the coast to finalise
0:07:35 > 0:07:39the details of their planned continental move.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- So, Angela and Ian, welcome to Portugal.- Thank you.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I'm about to ask you why you want to move here
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- and I think that view alone answers it, doesn't it?- Absolutely, yes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- It's just stunning.- Gorgeous.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54But you two know this region rather well, don't you?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- We do, quite well.- Yeah, we've been here quite a few times.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59And how are you going to cope with speaking the language?
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I went to night school and learnt Portuguese for 12 months and then
0:08:03 > 0:08:07we didn't come out for a couple of years and sadly that slipped.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10But, when we get back here, both of us are going to take lessons,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Ian as well.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Tell me a little bit about this property,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16this perfect property that you're after here.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Well, three-bed -
0:08:19 > 0:08:21that's for people coming and staying.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Well, for the girls and Andrew.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26For the family, mainly, but friends as well. Obviously a pool.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- A bit of garden. - It's got to be private.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Yeah, not overlooked.
0:08:31 > 0:08:3510/15-minute drive to the beaches.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36Views would be wonderful.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39The outside of it is as important,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41if not more important than the inside.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Any concerns at all?
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Yes, there's obvious concerns.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48This is a huge move for us and it's not just buying a house,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51it's the process of moving abroad as well and, in a sense,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I feel like you're going to grab us by the feet,
0:08:54 > 0:08:59tip us upside down, shake us, see what falls out and,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02in the nicest possible way, interrogate us,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04but help give us clarity.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Well, we are going to hold your hand through this whole process,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09hopefully give you the clarity that you're after.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I won't shake you too much, I promise.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Remind us again of the budget we're working with.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16It's £350,000 sterling.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We do have some magnificent homes to show you because they are homes,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21hopefully part of your new life.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Shall we get started? - Yeah, fabulous.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Yes, please. Thank you.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32For a budget of £350,000, Angela and Ian have
0:09:32 > 0:09:35set their sights on downsizing to a three-bedroom property that
0:09:35 > 0:09:40has a private pool, a decent-sized plot of land for their dog Oscar,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45space to grow fruit and veg as well as outstanding views.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48The ideal location will be within a 10-to-15-minute drive
0:09:48 > 0:09:52of a beach and not more than one hour from the airport.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56And we've found a range of first-rate Portuguese properties to tempt them,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00but I won't be revealing their price tags until the end of each tour.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02To finish up, we're breaking new ground with
0:10:02 > 0:10:06the Mystery House, which is full of eastern promise.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Our buyers are familiar with the region as a holiday destination,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12but have never visited in the winter months,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15so we'll be giving them hands-on experience of everyday
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Algarve life out of season to really test their resolve
0:10:19 > 0:10:24before making a permanent commitment to this prospective relocation.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32We're starting our property journey in west Algarve,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35heading for the popular urbanisation of Quinta das Pias,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38which is about 40 minutes from Faro airport
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and around a 10-minute drive from the seaside town of Carvoeiro.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Right on the coast,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Carvoeiro started life as a traditional fishing village,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49but it's now a busy resort with a good range
0:10:49 > 0:10:51of restaurants, bars, shops
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and a pretty, sandy base sheltered by cliffs.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Just a three-mile drive away, our first property lies within
0:10:58 > 0:11:02a purpose-built development, which are popular choices for many expats,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05who are after a ready made and familiar community
0:11:05 > 0:11:06right on the doorstep.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09So, we've got to put holidays behind us
0:11:09 > 0:11:13and start thinking - new life, future home.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It's different.- Yeah.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- It's different from what we've seen. - I'm not blown away, but it's OK.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I'm liking the arch window there,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24but, other than that, it's quite flat.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Not hitting you straight away?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28It's not made me go, "Wow."
0:11:28 > 0:11:31No, but equally, it's not made go, "Uh-uh, and turn round."
0:11:31 > 0:11:35It's not made me go, "Oh, my goodness, I couldn't live here."
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Well, let's step through the doors and see what you make of inside.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Believed to have been built in the 1990s, this is a single-storey
0:11:42 > 0:11:46villa tucked back right at the end of the urbanisation.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Let's see if we can alleviate some of the initial trepidation
0:11:49 > 0:11:52with what's on offer inside.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55So we're going to start off in the sitting room.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57It's nice and bright.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00But it's cosy as well, it's quite homely.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- And I like the look with the windows.- It's quite small.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11- Is that your first impression? - Yeah, but it is open, so, yeah...
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- And I like the brightness. - Well, let's continue.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16You've got a dining room next-door, which leads into the kitchen.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21So, perhaps not the largest dining room in the world,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23but we've got to keep reminding ourselves
0:12:23 > 0:12:26it's going to be just the two of you for the majority of time.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This seems small, but, you know, we're downsizing,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32so it's something that I need to keep in mind.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I'm not sure about the colour of the tiles.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36It's things you can change, isn't it?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38But, generally, it's going to be me and you.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41This is fine for two people, a kitchen this size.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43And even that dining room, it's fine for me.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And I quite like the fact...
0:12:46 > 0:12:48I quite like that bit of wall there,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51so it's sectioned off from the lounge.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I was getting ready to knock that down.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56She's got a thing about knocking walls down.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Would you like to see a little bit more?- Yes, please.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Well, you've obviously gathered that there isn't an upstairs here,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- so we'll continue on this floor to see the bedrooms.- Lovely.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09We're not doing too badly on this, the very first property,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13but I'm not really sure how much love there is for it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Although I do admire the fact that both Angela and Ian
0:13:16 > 0:13:18both seem to have an open mind.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21There are three bedrooms in total - one with twin beds
0:13:21 > 0:13:26and another currently being used as a separate sitting room,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29and a tiled shower room serves them both.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32That just leaves the largest room.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35This is the master and it's got an en-suite as well.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42Nice patio door there, going out into the garden might be nice.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Just knock a few more walls down.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Would it be fair to say it hasn't grabbed your heart straight away?
0:13:48 > 0:13:53I think what it hasn't got for me yet is that wow factor.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It would need quite a few tweaks.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Yeah, the wow factor we haven't got.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Despite staying positive and focusing on the potential,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06the inside isn't hitting the mark,
0:14:06 > 0:14:07so we're heading back outside
0:14:07 > 0:14:10to see whether the garden will win them over.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Landscaped with a raised border, the plot also has lawned area
0:14:14 > 0:14:16and, of course, the pool.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- So, an elevated garden.- Yes.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Impressive private pool.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Quite small.- Oh, no!
0:14:26 > 0:14:28I thought you'd think that was quite a good size.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35And then, just standing here, as you can see, you are pretty secluded.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Yeah, you're well-screened. - Yeah, this is quite private.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40So let's try and put a price on our first property.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I think this is going to be quite interesting
0:14:42 > 0:14:46because you've done some research in this area already, haven't you?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Well, we know this area is quite expensive,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53so I would say this is around £330,000.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55OK, Angela?
0:14:55 > 0:15:00I think it's a bit less under budget and I would go £300,000.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Would you? The asking price is...
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- £336,000.- Oh.- You were closest.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- Do you want to have another look around on your own this time? - Yes, if that's OK.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Take your time, it is only the first property.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- Sun's shining, I'm quite happy out here, thanks.- It's lovely now.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Help yourselves, have a wander round and I'll see you in a minute.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23OK, thank you.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31Comfortably under budget by £14,000, this villa has...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It hasn't got the wow factor. The bedrooms are all a little small.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49They've not got the light, the brightness.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53In this room, I would like to take out the whole of a wall,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55so I'm smashing down walls already
0:15:55 > 0:16:00and obviously you have to take that into consideration with the price.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05So, good house for number one, but I don't think this is the one for us.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07The bedrooms were average,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11the kitchen was average.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I think it's a heavy price for what is an average property.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Have you seen enough?- Yes.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21So that's our first property.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Now, no more house-hunting today,
0:16:23 > 0:16:24but I do have something else to show you.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Oh.- Oh, right.- Ready?- Yeah.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36It may have been a nonstarter for the first property,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39but we've certainly got Ian and Angela thinking about the space
0:16:39 > 0:16:44they are going to need and just how far they're prepared to downsize.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Another thing will be acclimatising to shorter
0:16:46 > 0:16:47hours of daylight.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52But, just like winters in the UK, the nights draw in very early.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54So, for our final destination of the day,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56we're already blanketed in darkness.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58So, Ian and Angela,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01a little bit earlier on, I said I had one more thing to show you and
0:17:01 > 0:17:06here it is because this is going to be your villa for the next few days.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Very nice, lovely.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12It's quite impressive-looking, really, isn't it?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15But we thought it would be nice for you to have some time on your own.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17You can go out, you can explore and,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20probably most importantly, you can talk about everything.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23It's a big step, making the move, and sometimes having a little
0:17:23 > 0:17:26bit of time on your own is the right thing to do.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30So, step inside, there's a little house-warming present for you.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Go steady on it because tomorrow morning I'm going to pick you
0:17:33 > 0:17:37up bright and early because I've got more properties to show you.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Excellent.- Enjoy, sleep well. - Thank you.- Night-night.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Staying at this villa in Armacao de Pera
0:17:44 > 0:17:46should give them a better understanding of what life is
0:17:46 > 0:17:51really like here, away from the comforts of hotels and room service.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54We've stocked the property with basic essentials and, this time,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57dimensions shouldn't be a problem.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Oh, wow, this is huge.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04And it's not long before they track down the house-warming gift.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Oh!
0:18:05 > 0:18:07I think that's ours.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10CORK POPS Whoo, love that sound.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It is a great sound, isn't it?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Cheers.- Cheers, love.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26It's an early morning start for the second day of property shopping
0:18:26 > 0:18:31in the Algarve and the day sheds light on the spacious four-bedroom
0:18:31 > 0:18:36villa that Cheshire-based Ian and Angela are temporarily calling home.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40With £350,000 to spend, they hope to make the move here permanently
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and, when they do, Ian wants more quality time
0:18:43 > 0:18:44indulging his wife by cooking more,
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- so he's preparing them both a fresh and healthy breakfast... - Bom dia.- Bom dia.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52..to enjoy out on the sun-soaked terrace.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Oh, this melon's rank.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Sadly, it's nil points for the fruit salad this time, but it's definitely
0:19:03 > 0:19:07top marks for the location of the villa and its striking views.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13So we showed Ian and Angela our first property yesterday and,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15although they were very polite,
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I don't think we got off to the best of starts.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20The sitting room, a little bit small.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23OK, what about the three bedrooms?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Quite small. The pool?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Yeah, that's quite small as well.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29So, coming from a five-bedroom property in the UK,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32they say they want to downsize here in the Algarve,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35but I don't think they've quite come to terms
0:19:35 > 0:19:37with what that actually means.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39So let's see how we get on today.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Good morning.- Ah, good morning. Hi, Nicki.- How are we?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Really good, thank you. How are you?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52I can't believe how warm it is first thing.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55And did you have a good night last night?
0:19:55 > 0:19:56Yeah, we did. It was quiet.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Are you looking forward to today?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Because I've got some more houses lined up.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Fab.- Definitely. - Come on then, let's go.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14The next property is further out west in the region,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16not far from the seaside village of Burgau,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19approximately 50 minutes' drive from Faro airport.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23With a relatively small resident population,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Burgau is a quiet and relaxed village for most of the year.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28However, during the summer,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31it's a desirable hotspot for holidaying Brits.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33But, out of season, the beach is secluded,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37save for a few fishermen mending their nets on the slipway
0:20:37 > 0:20:41and keeping the maritime heritage of the area alive.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Just a 15-minute drive away,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46the historic cobbled streets in the town of Lagos
0:20:46 > 0:20:49are lined with a variety of shops and restaurants.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52But, away from the crowds is a prestigious seafront
0:20:52 > 0:20:55development where we find our second house.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58So, for our next property, we thought we'd bring you
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- practically to the edge of the coast.- Oh, wow. Gosh.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Because here it is. What do you think?
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Fantastic location.- I like that.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09The house has a presence to it... It says something.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Do you think it's got character, charm?- Yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Even though it's obviously new. - It has something.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Now you mentioned part of the dream is to live
0:21:18 > 0:21:22the majority of your life outside rather than in,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25so I'm not going to take you through the front door on this occasion,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27we're actually going to go round the back.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Although a modern build, only constructed in 2007,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33it's a great start for the first impressions of this
0:21:33 > 0:21:36traditional villa-style property,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40and a mature palm tree in the front garden adds to its exotic appeal.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43But if our couple think it looks attractive from the street,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46wait until they see the aspect at the back.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Oh, wow.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Goodness me.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Blooming heck. I nearly swore then!
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Fantastic.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- This is what I wanted you to see. - Wow.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- That is absolutely...- That is wow. - That is so wow.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06So I take it that you like what you see?
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- It's just breathtakingly beautiful. - Oh, it's incredible.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- So this is what you could be looking at every single day.- Oh, my word.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18They certainly are magnificent views,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21let's hope that the villa is equally impressive.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Oh, this is lovely.- Very nice.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- I love it.- Very, very nice.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Do you like the idea of it being open-plan?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Love it, very much so.- We do, yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43How are you feeling about the actual space, the size of this room?
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Because it incorporates the dining room...- It's a good size really.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51It does, but it's big enough to do that without it looking cluttered.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It doesn't feel boxy.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57It feels bright, light, roomy.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Right, so far, so good. On that high note, we'll continue through
0:23:00 > 0:23:03because the kitchen is just next-door.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07So these tiles, they run throughout this property.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Very nice.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- What do you think?- It's bigger than I thought it was going to be.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15You also have a storage cupboard there
0:23:15 > 0:23:17and you've got access at the back.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19And there's also another little veranda there,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22which you could actually have table and chairs,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24if you wanted to eat out there in the mornings.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Just off the hallway is a handy downstairs shower room,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31then up a small flight of steps is the bedrooms.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Two good-sized doubles share the family bathroom
0:23:35 > 0:23:40and we're headed for the bedroom that could be Ian and Angela's.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- This is the master bedroom, it has an en-suite.- Super.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Remind me how many bedrooms you're after.- Three.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Oh, look at that, very definite.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- I can give you three and a half.. - Oh.- Three and a half is good.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Because one could be a single bedroom,
0:23:55 > 0:23:56or it could also be an office.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00No, that would be useful because an office would...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Part-time office, of course. - Part-time office.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- Or treatment room.- Oh...
0:24:05 > 0:24:07This could be the first argument of the trip.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Is it an office or a treatment room?
0:24:10 > 0:24:11So we're liking this?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Yes, a little bit of...paint.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15A little bit of TLC.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Little bit of the Angela touch? - And Ian.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22Big City flag up.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Always a good sign when our couples start visualising their most
0:24:28 > 0:24:30prized possessions adorning a property.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34So, with a pretty positive reaction to this villa so far,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38we're going back out to take in that splendid view one last time.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41And outside, there's more than one way to enjoy at the vista,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43as well as the landscape garden,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47as this place also boasts a private roof terrace.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- Now, you wanted your own pool. - Yeah.- Is that big enough for you?
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Yes, it's a good size.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57- So we've got to put a price now on this property.- I know.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- £400,000 sterling.- OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Wow, I totally disagree with you.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Ah, interesting, Ian. Please share.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12I'm going to plump for £300,000 sterling.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- Wow, so we're 100 grand apart on this one.- That's right.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21The asking price is £352,000.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- Oh, right.- Do you want to have a wander on your own?
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Think about how it might work when you have guests as well.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- Come and find me when you're ready. - Thank you.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Over budget, but only by £2,000,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42the second in our selection is a spacious detached home...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54The view is just stunning.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57It just takes your breath away.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03When we walked round the side and saw the view, it was like... Wow.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I nearly did swear.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I'm the one that votes with my heart
0:26:08 > 0:26:13and Ian is very much the one who thinks it through,
0:26:13 > 0:26:19so he will be really thinking with his head rather than his heart.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23We could certainly see ourselves living in this house.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25No problem at all.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Have you finished your personal tour?- We have, yes.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Has it whetted your appetite? - Soaked it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38I'm glad we've surprised you,
0:26:38 > 0:26:42but I am now going to have to drag you away, I'm afraid.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- Shall we?- Yes, OK.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Alongside sun-drenched beaches and attractive villages,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02the Algarve boasts natural delights which are a haven for wildlife.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05And, for a keen twitcher like Ian, the Algarve,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08with over 400 different species of bird,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11is the perfect place to indulge his passion.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14So we've come to a natural coastal park to introduce our couple
0:27:14 > 0:27:16to British expats June and Peter,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19who not only made the move to the Algarve ten years ago,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22but who made bird-watching here their business.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Peter and June, lovely to meet you. Hi, there. I'm Nicki.- Hi, Nicki.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Can I introduce you to Ian and Angela,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31who are hoping to make the move to the Algarve very quickly,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33all going to plan?
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Hi, Peter. Hi, June.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38But they're also, well, I think it'd be fair to say that Ian is
0:27:38 > 0:27:40a keen bird-watcher and we are hoping you're going to
0:27:40 > 0:27:43take them out this morning and show them the sights.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- They are certainly in the right place.- This is the Rio Formoso
0:27:47 > 0:27:49and it's full of birds all year round.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Well, I'm going to leave you to it because you can have a chat
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- and really get a great experience. I'll see you later, OK?- Thank you.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57See you later.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Voted one of seven natural wonders of Portugal,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05the Rio Formoso is an important protected wetland
0:28:05 > 0:28:09that extends along the Algarve coast for over 30 miles.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Classified as a natural park in 1987,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16there are some 18,000 hectares of salt marshes, mudflats,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20reedbeds and open water, protected by sandbanks and dunes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22And the area plays host to more
0:28:22 > 0:28:25than 20,000 birds during the wintering period.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28It may be further east than Ian and Angela's preferred area,
0:28:28 > 0:28:33but their desire to be within an hour of Faro airport means that this
0:28:33 > 0:28:36wildlife haven will never be too far away.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40So what sort of species would you expect to see here, Peter?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43There's quite a range of birds here, Ian -
0:28:43 > 0:28:47wading birds, gulls, flamingos, spoonbills.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50At this time of the year, there are thousands of birds
0:28:50 > 0:28:54come down from northern Europe and lots of them
0:28:54 > 0:28:57stay here for the winter, but some of them are just a refuelling
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and they carry on into Africa,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04they go down the west coast of Africa to Mauritania and Senegal.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08So, June, bird-watching is obviously your passion.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10What other aspects do you involve yourself with?
0:29:10 > 0:29:15- Have you got lots of friends here? - Yeah, we've got lots of friends -
0:29:15 > 0:29:17expats and Portuguese.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20And do you speak Portuguese or do you get by in English?
0:29:20 > 0:29:25Most people, younger people especially, speak English.
0:29:25 > 0:29:31We do manage, but we'd like to be better and, really, I think
0:29:31 > 0:29:36everyone should try and learn, but it's a very difficult language.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Angela is obviously keen to learn more about Algarve life
0:29:40 > 0:29:41away from the wetlands,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45so I'm rejoining both couples at a bar in the historic town of Tavira
0:29:45 > 0:29:47to get the nitty-gritty.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49When Peter and June visited this elegant town
0:29:49 > 0:29:51ten years ago on holiday,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55they quickly said farewell to Staffordshire and made Tavira
0:29:55 > 0:29:57their home within just six months.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01So I take it you had a good session birding?
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- That's the correct term, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05Yes, it was very interesting.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06What do you think, Angela?
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- Will we get you out there on the marshes again?- You never know!
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Doesn't sound entirely convinced.
0:30:13 > 0:30:19Would you say your quality of life has improved since you came here?
0:30:19 > 0:30:23It's a slower pace of life here.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28- It's much more relaxed.- No stress.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31I don't think I was patient when we first came here,
0:30:31 > 0:30:36but I think I've learned patience from the experience.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41The choice is either accept it as it is or get wound up by it.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42So have you got a lot of patience?
0:30:42 > 0:30:44I am.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I love you, you're so honest.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- You're going to learn, yes? - I'm going to learn.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55So you have this wonderful life,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but you also have a successful business that you set up over here.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Was that easy to do from scratch?
0:31:01 > 0:31:03It can be quite difficult.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06The bureaucracy is the biggest problem.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10We were lucky because we have a Portuguese friend,
0:31:10 > 0:31:15who actually helped us set up and sorted licenses and things.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17I think, if you're looking to set up a business,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20look for some help right from the outset.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24And how do you find the cost of living over here compared to the UK?
0:31:24 > 0:31:27A lot of things are a lot cheaper here.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Utilities are more expensive, so your electricity, your gas,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34your water, that's all more expensive than in the UK.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37When we get to the checkout at the supermarket...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40I'm always surprised at the result
0:31:40 > 0:31:44because it's never as much as I think it's going to be.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Do you find that's because you buy local produce
0:31:47 > 0:31:48rather than buying imported goods?
0:31:48 > 0:31:50JUNE: Yes.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It's interesting, isn't it, because in a way,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Ian, you're practically here, aren't you?
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I mean, mentally, you're already living in Portugal,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00though physically you're still back in the UK.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01Would it be fair to say for you, Angela,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03there's that period of adjustment?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Yes, definitely.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08I mean, it's not always sunny like this,
0:32:08 > 0:32:14we do, believe it or not, have rainy days and it can be cooler.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17But we don't really have a long winter.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20It's very short.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- We did have a frost here once, didn't we?- I think so.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26I think I remember one. Seriously, one day.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30The climate is wonderful here at this time of year.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35This is a St Martin's summer, when it's extending into the winter.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I'd take this any day. Well, Peter and June, thank you so much.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41It seems that you're very comfortable in your home here in the
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Algarve, and I'm hoping Angela and Ian will be following you very soon.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48At least they'll know where to come to see some great birds, won't they?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Oh, yes.- Thank you both very much indeed.- Thank you, good luck.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Yeah, best of luck. - Thanks very much.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Peter and June's advice from near on a decade
0:33:00 > 0:33:03of direct experience is invaluable.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05But, before committing to a move abroad,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07there are a few things to bear in mind.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11If you intend to take your dog overseas, all animals travelling
0:33:11 > 0:33:15within the EU must have a pet passport issued by a licensed vet.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19When it comes to home buying, the purchase process is done in two
0:33:19 > 0:33:24stages and typically a 10-to-40% deposit is paid at the first stage.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29Then, after completion comes the property transfer tax, called IMT,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33which is set on a sliding scale depending on the property price,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36so it's crucial to consult a competent registered
0:33:36 > 0:33:39professional before signing any legally binding paperwork
0:33:39 > 0:33:41and handing over any money.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46Our last port of call today
0:33:46 > 0:33:49is an exclusive development in Serra e Mar.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53We're still just 45 minutes' commute of the airport
0:33:53 > 0:33:56and just over a 10-minute drive from the seaside town of Alvor,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59where you'll also find the nearest amenities.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03There's a good choice of shops, restaurants and cafes in Alvor,
0:34:03 > 0:34:07as well as a marina and a long, sweeping, sandy beach.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10But our third property is far from the coastal throng,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14surrounded by green belt land in a residential urbanisation
0:34:14 > 0:34:17with a mix of local professionals and expats.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22So with this house hunt, we like to show you a real
0:34:22 > 0:34:26variety of properties, different architectural styles
0:34:26 > 0:34:29and here is, potentially, your new home.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- This is very different, isn't it? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39- Yeah.- Quite difficult, I think, to gauge standing here.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Intrigued at the moment, I think would be my response.- Good start?
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- Good start.- Yeah.- Let's see what you make of inside.- OK.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49This detached property may appear to be a modest villa,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52but downsizing it is not.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54So Ian and Angela better prepare themselves,
0:34:54 > 0:34:58for we have over 3,000 square feet of house to explore.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04So...come on in...
0:35:04 > 0:35:08Wow. Goodness.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10..and the tour will start.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12So, a little bit of geography for you.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16You've got a large double bedroom here...
0:35:16 > 0:35:20with en suite, beautifully done.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21A good-sized tiled kitchen...
0:35:23 > 0:35:26..all fully fitted, everything that you want there.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30Go through these glass doors...
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Jeanie Mac.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36..and you come to this space.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Wow, wow, wow.- Goodness me.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Wow.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46You see, we thought we'd show you something a little bit different.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48It's impressive.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Wow.- Your faces, they're a delight. - It's incredible.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Speechless, actually, speechless.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00You've got a wood burner over there.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02You've got another seated area there,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04you've perhaps got the more formal seated area.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08And just behind us, I've already mentioned there's one
0:36:08 > 0:36:12large bedroom, but you've got a smaller bedroom behind,
0:36:12 > 0:36:17- but we're thinking perhaps a treatment room/office.- OK.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20I just love the beams and the openness there.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- Absolutely stunning.- Amazing.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28These reactions are fantastic. I've still got so much more to show you.
0:36:30 > 0:36:31Highly deceptive,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35this labyrinthian property is laid out over three floors.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Off the main living area is another hallway that leads to more bedrooms.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43One is a twin room with en suite that could be ideal for guests,
0:36:43 > 0:36:48as it benefits from a seating area and doors out to its own terrace.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Then up the main flight of stairs is the master bedroom.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Oh, my goodness!
0:36:58 > 0:37:01So this is the master because you've got the en-suite,
0:37:01 > 0:37:06but also what you do get with this room is that magnificent view.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- I mean, just look at that palm tree for a start.- Yeah.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13It's got a sort of ranch-style feel to it.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15It has, yes, you're right.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- It's big.- It is big.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Are you quite overwhelmed by this property,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25or does it actually feel like something you could own?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30It definitely feels like something we could own,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34but I'm not sure if it's the right step to take.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I love it.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Looks like there's a role reversal here.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Angela is clearly thinking with her head,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51but the property has captured Ian's heart - hook, line and sinker -
0:37:51 > 0:37:55though it's very important to keep his wife just as happy.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57So we're going to head downstairs,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00as I have much more to show them both outside.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Back on the ground floor, the doors from the living area lead
0:38:03 > 0:38:05out onto a large terrace and barbecue area.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Then down on the lower ground and into the back garden,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13you can really take in the scale of this wonderful property and,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16not forgetting, the rather inviting heated pool.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24See, you can't take your eyes away from that pool, can you?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- How fantastic is that? - It's a gorgeous pool.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30But you also have all of this,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- and it's fenced in because I'm thinking of Oscar.- Yes, good point.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35So you've got lawn here,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38mature trees all the way down to the boundary.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Then you've got a summer house in the corner by the cypress trees
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and then it goes up the other side, and you've got a driveway as well.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- Fabulous.- Fabulous garden.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50But if you just take a look behind you,
0:38:50 > 0:38:55because underneath the property on this level is a self-contained
0:38:55 > 0:38:58flat with a kitchenette, living area.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01So we're thinking, either one of your daughters,
0:39:01 > 0:39:05perhaps Mo might want to come out and have her own space,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08treatment rooms, and it won't affect the rest of the house.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- It's not downsizing, is it? - No.- No, it's not downsizing.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Not at all.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21Yeah, I just can't imagine this is going to be within budget at all.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24How much do you think this property's on the market for?
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I think this is...
0:39:27 > 0:39:31getting on for £500,000.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33OK.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35I would go £395,000.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42Would you both be surprised if I said it was under your budget?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Gobsmacked.- I'd throw myself in that pool.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50Hang onto him, Angela, because the asking price is...
0:39:50 > 0:39:53£348,000.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54- Wow.- Oh, my word.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- Gosh, that is unbelievable. - I'm seriously surprised.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03Are we getting in danger of finding you the perfect property?
0:40:03 > 0:40:04Yeah.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Well, he thinks so!
0:40:09 > 0:40:12I think you two need to have a wander round on your own because
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I know Angela has reservations, and I haven't really bought into that.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18And I'm going to let you explore and I'll catch up with you later.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- OK. Thanks, Nicki.- Thank you.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28At £2,000 under budget, this beautiful and palatial villa has...
0:40:38 > 0:40:42But I sense that, now we've unearthed a property that presents
0:40:42 > 0:40:46a real possibility, Angela is beginning to have her doubts.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50At the moment, a bit of the Hollywood glamour is coming here
0:40:50 > 0:40:55with the pool and the outdoor living and the entertaining.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57My mind is all over the place.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01The house is huge, the area is huge.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05So, to be honest, this really has thrown me.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09It's stunning, it's an amazing property. A truly amazing property.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13And the value for money is just...awesome.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15I think this is a serious contender for us.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21If we did go for this house, the next chapter would become
0:41:21 > 0:41:25completely different from the one that we envisaged.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Have you explored enough?
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- Yes, thank you.- Got over the shock?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31What, of the cost or the size?
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I think it's both really, isn't it?
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- It's a lot to think about though, isn't it?- Yes.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38There is a lot to think about.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Well, it is the end of the day, so you can really ponder that
0:41:40 > 0:41:44tonight because I do have one more house to show you tomorrow.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Let's hit the road.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58It's another beautiful day in the Algarve and although the
0:41:58 > 0:42:02temperatures are a far cry from the summer highs of 30, the daytime
0:42:02 > 0:42:06temperatures rarely fall below 12 degrees Celsius in the winter.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10So, by making the move from Cheshire to Portugal,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Ian and Angela hope that alfresco dining
0:42:13 > 0:42:15will be on the menu all year round.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19If this is your typical November day, it's not bad, is it?
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Hola.- Hola.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24THEY ORDER IN PORTUGUESE
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Angela is taking every opportunity to practise her language skills
0:42:30 > 0:42:32and even hubby is having a go.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Muito obrigado.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37I spoke Portuguese there, did you notice that?
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- Do you think you will learn it? - Yeah, I do actually.- Good.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48I think Ian and Angela have been taken aback by the range
0:42:48 > 0:42:50and differences in properties that they can afford
0:42:50 > 0:42:53here in the Algarve on their budget.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57We've certainly had some hits and misses.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Now, we know their preferred search area is west of Faro,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04so guess what? For today's Mystery House, we're going to head east.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Our final property stop will take us
0:43:10 > 0:43:13to the rural foothills north of Faro airport.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Further inland in the outskirts of Santa Barbara de Nexe,
0:43:16 > 0:43:19towards the eastern portion of the Algarve,
0:43:19 > 0:43:20which is an area Ian and Angela
0:43:20 > 0:43:23don't know and have always discounted.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26Basic groceries can be picked up
0:43:26 > 0:43:28in the charming village of Santa Barbara de Nexe,
0:43:28 > 0:43:32whose main landmark is a pretty 400-year-old white walled
0:43:32 > 0:43:36church with a bell tower that can be seen for miles.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39The majority of property here is Portuguese owned
0:43:39 > 0:43:42and so the whole area retains a traditional feel and style,
0:43:42 > 0:43:47including the house we've saved until last.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51So the final treat we have in store for you is...
0:43:51 > 0:43:53Our Mystery House.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- That's impressive. It's got a presence, hasn't it?- It has.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59Very imposing.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01It's not a very old property actually,
0:44:01 > 0:44:04it was built around, I think, 2007, and it is immaculate.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08You can see from the outside the high standard of workmanship.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12I'm going to call this property the 20-minute Villa.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- 20 minutes to the airport and 20 minutes to the beach.- Ah, OK.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21- Shall we step inside? - Yes, please.- Thank you.
0:44:21 > 0:44:22Set well back from the road,
0:44:22 > 0:44:26the mystery villa is approached from a large blocked paved driveway
0:44:26 > 0:44:29in a quiet, idyllic setting with views all around.
0:44:32 > 0:44:38So, Mystery House time, the tour begins.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40- The beams.- Oh, I like my beams.
0:44:42 > 0:44:47It's a large room. I like the stone on the feature wall.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- Yes, exposed. - Yeah, and the lovely doors.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55So you've got three sets of patio doors going out onto that veranda,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58so you'll get the cool air coming through,
0:44:58 > 0:45:00which will be lovely if you don't want to put the air conditioning on.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- Shall we continue? Would you like to see a little bit more? - Yes, please.- Yep.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12So here's the kitchen.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14OK, yep.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- That's a nice view out of there. - Yeah.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21A bit of granite.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- We like a bit of granite, we like the tile.- We do.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26The floor tiles are nice.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Next-door to this, you've got a large utility room with access
0:45:29 > 0:45:33into the garden and then, past that, there's an additional room.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Now, it could be a bedroom if you wanted it to be,
0:45:36 > 0:45:40but it would make a great office. Or if you want to have the therapies
0:45:40 > 0:45:43actually here, run the business from home, you could do that because it's
0:45:43 > 0:45:44got a separate entrance,
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- so customers could come through, or guests.- Oh, OK.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52All right, well, shall we go and have a look at a bit more?
0:45:54 > 0:45:57That wraps up the kitchen and living accommodation.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00But also down here, on the other side of the hallway,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03are two well-proportioned double bedrooms
0:46:03 > 0:46:05that sandwich a tiled family bathroom.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08The third and final bedroom is the master,
0:46:08 > 0:46:10which is upstairs on the first floor.
0:46:11 > 0:46:16It has fully fitted solid wooden wardrobes, its own en suite...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19And that view.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21Well, we asked for a view...
0:46:21 > 0:46:26SHE LAUGHS ..and that is a view.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31- It is very impressive, it really is.- It's beautiful. Very nice.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35You can't see any other buildings, but what you do have is
0:46:35 > 0:46:38a fabulous pool and, what's more,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41just behind us there's a hot tub.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44It fits six people, so I hope you've got some friends.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47We might get some.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- Do you fancy your own hot tub?- Yeah.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52Yeah, I'm sure the girls will as well.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56You'd have to bring me my cup of coffee out here in the morning, Ian.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58As usual.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01And on that note, I'm going to move on.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05As we make our way back downstairs,
0:47:05 > 0:47:08I must admit that I really can't gauge
0:47:08 > 0:47:12Ian and Angela's true reactions to this property and whether
0:47:12 > 0:47:16they are quietly contemplating its potential or just being polite.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19But since this move centres on the great outdoors,
0:47:19 > 0:47:22we're going to get up close and personal with all this
0:47:22 > 0:47:25villa has to offer in the beautiful landscaped grounds.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- Oh, wow.- Pretty impressive up here, isn't it?
0:47:32 > 0:47:36Wow, this is lovely, this is so lovely.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Yeah, you've given us a Mystery House.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42It's nice to throw something in that you wouldn't have considered,
0:47:42 > 0:47:45although I think it'd be fair to say that with all our properties,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48- we do seem to have surprised you. - Absolutely.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51- I wonder if we're going to surprise you with the price.- Hmm.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56I think it's below, I would say it's £310,000.
0:47:56 > 0:48:02I'm going to say bang on budget, £350,000.
0:48:02 > 0:48:03Angela's closest.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05In actual fact, she's nearly on the money
0:48:05 > 0:48:09because the asking price is £348,000.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12I just want to research the area a bit,
0:48:12 > 0:48:14to understand the relativity of that.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16So, for the final time, I'm going
0:48:16 > 0:48:20to send you off on your own to explore the house and the gardens.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24- Take your time and I'll see you in a little while. - OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29£2,000 under budget, the mystery option is a modern villa
0:48:29 > 0:48:31built in a traditional rustic style...
0:48:48 > 0:48:53When I saw the property, I was very pleasantly surprised
0:48:53 > 0:48:57and, even though I decided it wasn't going to be the property for me,
0:48:57 > 0:49:01once I actually saw it and saw the gardens and the beautiful stonework
0:49:01 > 0:49:06and the property, then I did start having a very quick
0:49:06 > 0:49:10rethink about our required property area,
0:49:10 > 0:49:14and this one has really got me thinking outside the box.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18Definitely coming into new territory for us,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21so it's certainly added to the mystery.
0:49:21 > 0:49:27If we'd done research into the area and it's all pretty strong,
0:49:27 > 0:49:29you're not expecting 100%, obviously,
0:49:29 > 0:49:30but it's all pretty strong
0:49:30 > 0:49:34and it's looking favourable, then this would be a pretty
0:49:34 > 0:49:39serious contender for our home over in Portugal.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Ah-ha!
0:49:42 > 0:49:46Well, you're both still smiling, so I haven't worn you out.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50- No, no.- It's been brilliant, really good.- Really, really nice property.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52Well, that's it.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Our Mystery House tour is over.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56You've seen all our properties here in the Algarve,
0:49:56 > 0:49:59so I think you two need to have a chat between yourselves,
0:49:59 > 0:50:03and then we'll sit down and find out what your next move is going to be.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04- Happy with that?- Yep.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18As the seasons change from high summer into the winter,
0:50:18 > 0:50:20when tourism has died down,
0:50:20 > 0:50:23there is one cottage industry in the mountains of the Serra de Monchique
0:50:23 > 0:50:25that's in full swing.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28And it's something that might make the cooler months, well,
0:50:28 > 0:50:30a little warmer.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32Affectionately known as fire water,
0:50:32 > 0:50:36it's a rather potent spirit made from the fruit of the evergreen
0:50:36 > 0:50:40medronho tree, which is similar in appearance to a strawberry.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43I'm heading up into the mountains at the start of the harvest to
0:50:43 > 0:50:46meet medronho distributor Elena Marceneiro,
0:50:46 > 0:50:51whose family have been producing the liquor here for over 100 years.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- Elena, good to meet you. I'm Nikki. - Nice to meet you too.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59And this is the most perfect spot. It's worth the journey up, isn't it?
0:50:59 > 0:51:02The Monchique mountains are quite fabulous,
0:51:02 > 0:51:03even in dodgy weather like today.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05Yes, but it's good for the trees.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07So is this an indigenous fruit to the region?
0:51:07 > 0:51:10Yes, and it's been used here for centuries.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14- So can you actually eat the berry itself?- Yes, of course.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16See, the red ones are the best.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19No peel, no seeds, you can eat it like that.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23That's nice, I would eat it.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26But the skin is very hard, but inside it is fleshy.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28It tastes a bit like a nectarine.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- Yes, yes.- That's very pleasant.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34But the drink is even better, I understand.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Yes, the drink is very good.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38And it's all done by hand?
0:51:38 > 0:51:40Yes, all done by hand.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44A relatively small-scale operation, some 70 distilleries in Monchique
0:51:44 > 0:51:47are responsible for producing
0:51:47 > 0:51:50around 20,000 litres of medronho each year.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The fruit is traditionally harvested between October and December,
0:51:54 > 0:51:58and back at the family farm it's left to ferment in huge wooden vats.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00So this is where it all happens?
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Let's see this barrel.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07It's already full.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09- You feel the smell? - Wow, it hits you.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12I mean, you get a fragrance as you walk into the barn,
0:52:12 > 0:52:13but that is something else.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16So do we add our fruit that we've picked in the rain,
0:52:16 > 0:52:20- do we add it to this lot?- Not here, we put it in the other one.- OK.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23'The fruits ferment in the barrels with a little added water
0:52:23 > 0:52:26'and sugar, which reacts with the natural yeasts.' This one?
0:52:26 > 0:52:30This one here. You see, it's not full yet.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32Not full at all.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34If you pass me the basket, I'll add them in.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39After fermenting for around three-to-four months,
0:52:39 > 0:52:41the distillation process happens using the compact
0:52:41 > 0:52:45boiler on site, typically between March and May.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48The spirit distilled from the bright red fruits are used
0:52:48 > 0:52:53in a variety of local products, from cakes to jam and even sausages.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57But there's no easing me in gently, I'm going in neat,
0:52:57 > 0:52:59straight from the bottle.
0:52:59 > 0:53:04- My goodness. Right, are you going to join me in a toast? Cheers.- Cheers.
0:53:04 > 0:53:05Let's see how we get on.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13Oh! That is fire!
0:53:14 > 0:53:17- Now, you are warm. - I'm definitely warm.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20My cheeks on glowing, aren't they?
0:53:20 > 0:53:22The locals in Monchique say that medronho
0:53:22 > 0:53:25is taken in the morning to waken the spirits,
0:53:25 > 0:53:29after meals to ease digestion and in the evening to aid the sleep.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33Actually, I like the aftertaste that you get with it.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35It's nice, the mouth is...
0:53:35 > 0:53:37It's smooth, isn't it?
0:53:37 > 0:53:41Though I think it's best I save it for special occasions.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47Back at the rental villa, our buyers are packing up to leave
0:53:47 > 0:53:50and it could be that the dip in temperature is also
0:53:50 > 0:53:54cooling down their potentially life-changing plans.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56So how are you feeling today?
0:53:56 > 0:53:58Erm, a bit subdued.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01Well, probably reflective is the right word.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04This morning, when I woke up, I thought, "I'm glad to be going back
0:54:04 > 0:54:08"and seeing how the girls are and what they're up to."
0:54:09 > 0:54:13But, I suppose, if it was absolutely blazing sunshine, I'd be saying,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15"Ach, I don't want to go home."
0:54:17 > 0:54:20But it's certainly a lot of food for thought anyway.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24Our couple have seen all of our properties here in the Algarve,
0:54:24 > 0:54:27and we've had great reactions from both of them,
0:54:27 > 0:54:32so I'm intrigued to find out just what their next move is going to be.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35Well, Ian and Angela, it's certainly been an eventful few days,
0:54:35 > 0:54:38- hasn't it?- It certainly has, yeah.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40I'm hoping that we've helped you somewhat.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43Now, before we talk about the properties in any detail,
0:54:43 > 0:54:48Angela, would it be fair to say that there perhaps are some reservations?
0:54:48 > 0:54:53Yes, these last few days have been a little bit of an internal turmoil,
0:54:53 > 0:54:57a little bit of bringing out feelings
0:54:57 > 0:55:00that I wasn't even sure about.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04I can see there is a slight struggle, even when you're talking to me.
0:55:04 > 0:55:05You want it to be right,
0:55:05 > 0:55:09you want to make Ian happy, and you're so close as a couple.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13Interestingly, this is news to me as well.
0:55:13 > 0:55:17That's something we'll need to discuss and sort through.
0:55:17 > 0:55:22I do, I do want to come, but I have to make sure everything is right
0:55:22 > 0:55:24and the timing is right.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28Now we've really pushed you, suddenly it's the reality, isn't it?
0:55:28 > 0:55:32This is it, you are scarily close to buying a property
0:55:32 > 0:55:34and do you think that's what it is?
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Now we've taken you right to the edge, you are suddenly going,
0:55:37 > 0:55:40"Actually, there are things I haven't sorted out in my head."
0:55:40 > 0:55:46You know, I worked hard to build up my talents for the
0:55:46 > 0:55:51sports and remedial massage, so it's something I don't want to just let go
0:55:51 > 0:55:53and not be able to do any more.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56I do really want this, and I passionately want it,
0:55:56 > 0:55:57and that's come across, I think.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04Knowing it's within our grasp has made me want it even more.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07In a way, I've sort of dangled the house keys, haven't I?
0:56:07 > 0:56:11That's right, the carrots have been there and it's been like yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15So talking about the properties, any houses that you both love?
0:56:15 > 0:56:18- The mystery one.- The Mystery House, yes.- Really?- Yes.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21Go on, why? Tell me, tell me.
0:56:21 > 0:56:26The size is just right for us. It's cosy for the two of us and Oscar
0:56:26 > 0:56:30when it's just us there, but it's got the capacity to accommodate
0:56:30 > 0:56:32the visitors that we know we'll get.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34So you love the Mystery House, but what's next?
0:56:34 > 0:56:35How are you going to proceed?
0:56:35 > 0:56:38I think our next step is to just research the area a bit
0:56:38 > 0:56:42and get a feel for the area, if it's what Angela wants though.
0:56:42 > 0:56:47- We would never force it. - No, we both...yeah.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50We've just got to overcome those little wobbles.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54You wouldn't want to do anything, Ian, without Angela being happy
0:56:54 > 0:56:56and vice versa, it has got to be right.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59And hopefully with another visit out here, taking a second
0:56:59 > 0:57:02look at the Mystery House, you can explore drama groups,
0:57:02 > 0:57:05being able to practise everything that you've learned,
0:57:05 > 0:57:10all your therapies et cetera, and having that peace of mind,
0:57:10 > 0:57:14because if you want it to work, Angela, I know you can make it work.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17- Thank you both.- Thank you. - I have so enjoyed your company...
0:57:17 > 0:57:19Thank you, it's been great fun.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22..and I really hope we have got you a massive step closer to this
0:57:22 > 0:57:24new exciting life.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27- Thank you. Thanks you very much.- Thanks.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34Showing Ian and Angela around the Algarve has been a delight.
0:57:34 > 0:57:35But it's interesting,
0:57:35 > 0:57:39when we have these exciting plans of a new life abroad
0:57:39 > 0:57:42and then when faced with turning that dream,
0:57:42 > 0:57:44that plan, into a reality,
0:57:44 > 0:57:48suddenly the seriousness of making such a huge decision
0:57:48 > 0:57:51begins to dawn - that's what happened with Angela.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55Now, Ian, he's been sold on a life here from the very beginning,
0:57:55 > 0:57:58but I truly think that Angela needs just that little bit more
0:57:58 > 0:58:02time to work out how her hobbies and her career, which,
0:58:02 > 0:58:04let's be honest, is really important to her,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08can fit into this exciting new way of life.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11I'll see you again on Escape To The Continent.
0:58:11 > 0:58:15After much soul-searching, Angela and Ian have decided to
0:58:15 > 0:58:18put their Portuguese move on hold for a couple of years,
0:58:18 > 0:58:19as this week made them realise
0:58:19 > 0:58:22that they're not ready to leave the family just yet.
0:58:22 > 0:58:27And whatever their next move may be, we wish them both all the very best.