Lake Constance Escape to the Continent


Lake Constance

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Transcript


LineFromTo

I'm standing at one of the crossroads of Central Europe.

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Over my left shoulder I have the Swiss Alps

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and, over to the right, is Austria.

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But I am in neither of those countries.

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So where am I? Find out in just a moment.

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On today's programme, in the quest for the perfect property,

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our house-hunters come face-to-face with some hard facts.

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Whether I can find something in my budget that I love, I don't know.

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I don't know it's possible.

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But we're not ones to give up on love, as the search continues.

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I'm a little bit shellshocked.

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It's incredible. Absolutely incredible.

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Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

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We're next to the majestic waters of Lake Constance,

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whose northern shore is in southern Germany,

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although its 150-mile coastline also touches Austria and Switzerland.

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And whereas on the land, the boundaries between

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those countries are clear, out in the lake they're not.

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There's no binding agreement between the three countries.

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So if I sailed out on a raft into the middle of the water

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I would be in no man's land.

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It's a very popular area for German holiday-makers

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but also, increasingly, for British ex-pats.

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After all, where else could you wake up and have breakfast in Germany,

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cycle into Switzerland for a hot chocolate

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and end the day with supper in Austria?

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Lake Constance is located in the most southerly part of Germany.

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To get here, it's less than a two-hour flight from the UK

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to the airport of Zurich, just across the border in Switzerland.

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The lake itself spans two German states -

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Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg.

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Lake Constance is the water's international name

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as it's known as Bodensee to the German locals.

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It's 39 miles long and over eight miles wide

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and is the third largest lake in Central Europe.

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Along the shoreline, the towns and villages are steeped in history,

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with many boasting castles, abbeys and churches.

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Where the River Rhine meets the lake

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is the thriving university city of Constance.

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Being close to neutral Switzerland during the Second World War,

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Constance was spared from bombing, which has preserved

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its beautiful cobbled streets, characterful colour-washed houses

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and a magnificent 11th century Romanesque cathedral.

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Situated on its own island in the eastern part of the lake

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is the town of Lindau.

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With records dating back to the year 882,

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the town has so many historic buildings

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that the whole area has been listed as a historic monument.

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The lake itself is a centre for watersports, sailing

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and, in summer, swimming.

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It's also just a stone's throw from the Swiss and Austrian Alps,

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whose snow-covered peaks are a great backdrop

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for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

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All this, along with spectacular rural scenery at every turn,

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makes this area an appealing region and a visual treat.

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The popularity of Baden-Wurttemberg makes it quite a pricey place

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to buy property.

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The average detached house here comes in at £247,000,

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which makes it one of the most expensive areas in Germany.

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That said, it's about £30,000 cheaper

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than the equivalent property back home.

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The thing to remember about Germany

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is that this is not a nation obsessed with home-owning.

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Unlike the UK, where two-thirds of us own our own properties,

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here in Germany, more than 50% rent, and are quite happy to do so

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without any sense that this is a lesser option.

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So here we are in Lake Constance, where renting and buying are both

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good options, but what has brought our buyers here today?

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Let's meet them and find out.

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Today's buyer is Sue, who is house-hunting with

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her daughter Amanda - one of her three grown up children.

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It's just me involved in the move but I'm bringing my daughter Amanda along

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just to show me and let me know whether I'm doing

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the right thing or not.

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I'm probably the most opinionated out of the...me and my brothers,

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erm, and the most honest, as I like to call it.

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And I will tell Mum if she shouldn't move somewhere

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or be realistic with her.

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Sue's current home is on the market. It's a three bedroom barn-conversion

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in the village of Washford in Somerset -

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a beautiful place but one she is ready to move on from.

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I have been here seven years now

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and I don't tend to live in a house more than seven or eight years,

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so I'm ready for a move on now.

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Now is the time to do it, before I get too old.

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And, erm, would just like to start a new adventure in life.

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The decision to go to Germany hasn't come out of the blue.

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Sue has lived there once before.

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We moved over there when Amanda was six weeks old

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and were there for four years.

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We actually lived in Immenstaad

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and it was a beautiful area then and really liked it.

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I don't remember much of living there

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but from previous holidays it's been just beautiful there.

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Everyone is really friendly

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and it's by the lake and the walks are incredible.

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Sue currently works as an accountant -

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something she plans to continue after she's moved.

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At present I have my own business

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and I spend two days a week working at home doing that.

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The other three days I work in Taunton for a company,

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so what I plan to do, because obviously I need some income,

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is to give up the paid employment

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and take my clients with me across to Germany

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and, erm, just carry on doing the same as I do now

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because most of it is on the internet anyway,

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so they don't actually need to see me.

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The idea is to free up much more time for her hobbies,

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in particular her passion - sewing.

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I've recently got into patchwork and quilting,

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so I've got a few quilts on the go at the moment which I'm trying to make.

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Also, I like dress-making as well.

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But, by moving away, there are big sacrifices to be made.

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The biggest concern about me moving over there

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is leaving my daughter behind.

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Obviously, I won't be able to see her as often as I do now.

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Me and my mum are extremely close

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so I am going to really miss her when she goes.

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We do spend a lot of time together

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and she supports me through everything.

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We go shopping or we do lots of activities together.

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-Spending money!

-Spending money, yeah, that we don't have.

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I know she'll never be lonely because she's such an amazing

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person that she'll always meet people and make friends,

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but I worry that she's going to miss England too much.

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And me, obviously.

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And for Sue it's a big step but the time is right to take it.

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I don't want to be in ten years' time thinking,

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"I wish I'd done that ten years ago and now I can't do it."

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So now just seems the right time to do it.

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Sue wants to be as close to Lake Constance as possible.

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Having lived in the small town of Immenstaad in the past,

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we're concentrating our hunt along this part of the shoreline.

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I'm meeting Sue and her daughter down by the lake

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to learn more about her plans.

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-Welcome to Lake Constance, you two.

-Thank you.

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We're here in November, which is way out of season,

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but you probably remember that from when you lived here.

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-Yes, absolutely. Hopefully snow next month.

-Yeah.

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Amanda, what's your role in the proceedings this week?

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Erm, to be the level head, more so.

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Mum, you're more of a... romanticise things

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and I'm here to be a bit more practical.

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Mm, probably. Yes.

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Tell me what you're looking for. Tell me the spec of the property.

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Well, I want at least two bedrooms.

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I want a little bit of outside space, even if it's only a balcony.

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I need some sort of outside space.

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And it's got to be within walking distance of the lake.

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When you say you want to be within walking distance of the lake, how far would you walk?

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-A couple of miles, I think.

-Oh, right.

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-So a 20 minute walk?

-Yes.

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Yeah, that seems reasonable.

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-Remind us again of your budget.

-£230,000.

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So this is quite a buoyant area. Prices went up 4% last year.

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-Are you aware of a pressure on your budget?

-Yes.

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I know I'm not going to be able to afford a house, it has to be an apartment.

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And if you had to compromise, what might be able to go?

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Well, I would like a lake view but I know that's probably a compromise...

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That's another thing, not a compromise.

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You've just added one more thing to your list.

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In terms of the actual finances of coming over here,

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you've got a property in Somerset which is not sold yet.

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No, unfortunately.

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Here in Germany, it's much more acceptable

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to rent a property long-term.

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Would that be an option,

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if you kept your property in England and rented here?

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Erm, I have thought about it,

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but I've lived in a house and owned my own house since I was 19, so...

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you think, it's really weird going into rented accommodation.

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OK, so we've got all our ducks in a row, as it were.

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-Now we just need to find some houses that you like.

-Absolutely.

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-We've got four lovely houses lined up, including a mystery house.

-Brilliant.

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-So, erm, gehen wir?

-Ja. Naturlich.

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With a budget of £230,000, Sue is looking for a property

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with two bedrooms to accommodate visiting family,

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enough living space to allow for her accountancy work and sewing hobby,

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she'd like some kind of outside space

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but it's the location which is key,

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in a village or small town less than a 20-minute walk to the lake.

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We've got a line-up of impressive properties,

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all of which offer something different but uniquely German.

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And we'll end up with our mystery house,

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which could put into question everything Sue thought she wanted.

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To kick off our German lakeside adventure,

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we're heading to the town of Meersburg,

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which sits right on the banks of Lake Constance.

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A beautiful medieval town,

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it has been attracting tourists for centuries.

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It boasts not one but two castles.

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The old fortress was originally built in the 7th century,

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and the newer one in the 18th century.

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There's a majestic baroque palace.

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Meersburg's cobbled streets and quiet squares are home to cafes

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and shops, which serve the population of around 5,000 people.

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It's surrounded by vineyards which produce a rose wine

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but the town's real appeal is its position

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right on the shores of the lake.

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I wanted to show you Meersburg before we look at the house.

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-This is where the first house is.

-Wow! Wow!

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-Do you remember this from when you lived here?

-Yes, absolutely.

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-Was this a premium destination?

-Definitely. It's somewhere we'd always have a day out to.

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I love Meersburg. It's beautiful. Really nice.

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-Would you be happy leaving your mum here?

-Absolutely.

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-Happy coming over to visit me!

-Yeah, exactly.

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Let's go and look at the house.

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'Just a 15 minute walk from the lake in a quiet cul-de-sac

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'in the newer part of the town is the location of our first offering.'

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-Here we are, property number one.

-Wow.

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-Nice.

-Looks nice.

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It is an apartment, not the whole house.

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So disappointing!

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-It's this ground floor flat here.

-Oh, wow. Brilliant.

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-So you've got access to the garden.

-Yeah, exactly.

-Which is nice.

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I really like it.

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On the first look, it's a really good location for you.

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Close enough. Yeah, it's good to be on the ground as well.

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-Shall we have a look inside?

-Great. Yes, please.

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The building is about 20 years old and is kept in very good condition.

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The apartment itself was completely refurbished in 2005

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and it's a light, bright space.

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-Come in.

-Wow.

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It's tastefully decorated.

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Very nice, isn't it? Very nice.

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-Looks very neat.

-Feels really homely as well.

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Mm, it does, actually, yes.

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I see there's a little corner around there so maybe that would do for

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a desk for office space or something, or my sewing space, of course.

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Obviously, this is the kitchen and living room and dining space.

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It doesn't seem that crowded, really.

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You think, I could see myself stood there in the kitchen.

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The thing about the kitchen, you know this strange thing about Germans and their kitchens...

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They take them with them. It's very odd, isn't it?

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You could buy the kitchen

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but it would be an extra, sort of, almost £2,000.

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Yeah, for that sort of money, you'd rather go and buy your own.

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-What's good about it is it has underfloor heating.

-Ooh.

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-Yes, my feet feel warm.

-It makes your feet feel warm.

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And, as you know, in German apartments that's all run centrally

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so you pay a fee.

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It's about £160....

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a month.

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Let's move over here and we can see this space.

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It's actually quite a nice space here.

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-This would be a lovely place to work.

-It would, actually.

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I could get my desk in here and have it looking outside.

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-Your sewing machine as well, maybe.

-Maybe as well, yes.

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You do have this lovely terrace

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so you can step out and this is all yours.

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-This is actually your area.

-Oh, right. That's quite nice.

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-There isn't a second bedroom here.

-Oh, right.

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If I had two bedrooms, this would be fine, no problem at all,

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but when you think about, there's only one bedroom,

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you think, I want the children to come and stay and visit me,

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and then there's not a great deal of space for that then, is there?

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OK, well, let's look at the bedroom.

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'There is a reasonably sized bathroom,

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'which is next to the one and only bedroom.'

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It's lovely, isn't it?

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-It's a good size, actually.

-And the fire place.

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Huge cupboards as well.

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And there's still a lot of space left in the room, even with those.

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What sort of... Obviously, if there was a second room

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that would be ideal, but in terms of your bedroom, is this about the size you're looking for?

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Yes, this would be lovely. Really nice.

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I really like it. It's a shame it hasn't got another bedroom,

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but this room is really huge.

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It is. It's a good sized bedroom.

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I thought it would be quite nice to look at the communal garden and also talk about price.

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-Ooh, yes.

-Lead the way!

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'As is common in many German apartment buildings,

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'the laundry is found in the basement area,

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'where residents have their own washing machines.

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'The final internal facility provided is a lock-up bike store.

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'And outside there are more shared areas.'

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How do you feel about communal gardens?

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Well, normally they're not a problem. You never know with neighbours.

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When was the last time you lived in an apartment?

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-When I lived here.

-Do you think your mum would be good at dealing with neighbours at close quarters?

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Yeah, I think so.

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She's a really friendly person so she likes to chat.

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It would be a good way of getting your German up to speed.

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Yes, absolutely. Having to talk to your neighbours.

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At least I have the front garden if I want to be on my own.

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What do you think this is on the market for?

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Ooh, difficult.

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I think I'll go for something like 225.

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225. What do you think, Amanda?

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-215.

-215?

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Well, actually, this is on the market for...

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-155.

-What?!

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-Just over, yeah.

-Really?!

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-Yeah.

-Oh, wow.

-Wow.

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-So you would have a lot of money to play with.

-Wow!

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But, obviously, that's not quite what you wanted.

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-But just to get your bearings.

-It's a lot, lot cheaper.

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I didn't think it would be under 200.

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-Wow. Amazing.

-Go and have a look and I'll see you out the front.

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Thank you.

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For around £75,000 under budget,

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this is an impeccable ground floor apartment.

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There may only be one bedroom but the space is very generous.

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It comes with private and shared gardens,

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is located in a beautiful medieval town

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and is within Sue's limit of a 20-minute walk to the lake.

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I really like the property. It's got a lovely feel to it.

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Mum wouldn't have to do any work which would be nice.

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She could just move in and live here and it's close enough to shops and the lake.

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It's a perfect location as well for her.

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I really like this apartment. It's really nice.

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It's just a shame it doesn't have that second bedroom.

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I mean, the price is definitely a consideration.

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You think, ooh, with the money I could pay for the children

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to stay places, but I don't know, I really don't know.

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It depends what else we see, really, I suppose.

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I think it will probably be ruled out. The size is a bit of an issue.

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It's just a little bit too small for what Mum needs.

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-All done?

-Yeah.

-Didn't get lost?

-No.

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Definitely not.

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-Right, let's go.

-OK.

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For Sue, the move to this area is not a step into the unknown,

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rather a return to a place she knows pretty well

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as she lived here 26 years ago.

0:16:480:16:50

Amanda was just a small child at the time

0:16:500:16:52

but, together, they've been back and visited over the years.

0:16:520:16:55

Ooh, it's nice being back in our favourite bakers in Immenstaad.

0:16:560:17:00

I know. It's nice.

0:17:000:17:02

-Oh, danke.

-Danke schoen.

0:17:020:17:05

You probably don't remember but, when we lived here,

0:17:050:17:08

I used to cycle down here quite often in the mornings

0:17:080:17:11

with you on the back of my bike and get some nice bread...

0:17:110:17:15

for either breakfast or lunch or whatever meal was coming next.

0:17:150:17:18

-Lovely.

-Yeah, really nice.

0:17:180:17:21

Are you a bit nervous, though?

0:17:210:17:23

Erm, yeah.

0:17:230:17:25

You're bound to be, it's such a big change, isn't it?

0:17:250:17:28

And, obviously, I'm so used to having you around,

0:17:280:17:32

which you're not going to be,

0:17:320:17:34

and it's going to be all different... it's going to be very different from

0:17:340:17:38

what I'm used to at the moment.

0:17:380:17:40

But I just feel the need for an adventure.

0:17:400:17:42

-It's exciting though, coming over.

-Yes, it is.

0:17:420:17:45

-I am going to miss you a lot though.

-I know.

0:17:450:17:48

I'll miss you too.

0:17:480:17:50

-But at least I can come here a lot.

-Exactly.

0:17:500:17:52

You'll have to come for lots of long weekends.

0:17:520:17:55

Yeah, try and get rid of me!

0:17:550:17:57

I'm moving too.

0:17:580:17:59

For our next property, we're heading further east

0:18:090:18:12

along the shores of Lake Constance to the town of Friedrichshafen.

0:18:120:18:16

It's a bustling town with a population of 58,000,

0:18:160:18:19

so it's bigger and busier than the places Sue will be used to

0:18:190:18:23

but it's a great option.

0:18:230:18:25

Right on the shores of Lake Constance,

0:18:250:18:27

running out of its port are ferry services

0:18:270:18:30

to towns further up the lake and across the water to Switzerland.

0:18:300:18:34

With all the amenities you would need and just a five-minute walk

0:18:340:18:38

back from the water's edge is a modern residential estate

0:18:380:18:41

which is the location of our next offering.

0:18:410:18:43

So this is the property, this is the block, and it's on the second floor.

0:18:450:18:49

It looks fine. It looks well looked after again, doesn't it?

0:18:490:18:53

-Do you know the area?

-Not very well but we used to come here shopping.

0:18:530:18:57

It's not a small village like Immenstaad and Meersburg.

0:18:570:19:02

It's not as nice as Meersburg, obviously,

0:19:020:19:05

-but it's still near the lake so...

-Yeah, true.

0:19:050:19:08

Yes, we were inching you closer to the lake.

0:19:080:19:11

Everything that comes with that.

0:19:120:19:14

OK, let's go in.

0:19:140:19:16

'Built in 1982, this modern block is in good condition

0:19:170:19:20

'but there's no lift in the building.

0:19:200:19:22

'Access is up two floors of stairs.'

0:19:220:19:25

Come in.

0:19:260:19:27

-It's not on the ground floor.

-No, definitely not on the ground floor.

0:19:270:19:31

-Is it OK being up a couple of flights of steps?

-Yeah.

0:19:310:19:34

-What do you think of the living space here?

-It looks quite good.

0:19:340:19:38

There's room for everything you'd need, isn't there?

0:19:380:19:41

I like it. It's a nice, good space

0:19:410:19:43

and it's pretty blank so you could do what you want with it.

0:19:430:19:46

Yes, absolutely.

0:19:460:19:47

Also, you've got more space to eat and drink

0:19:470:19:51

so you've got a dining room here and then a kitchen...

0:19:510:19:54

Oh, yes, that's nice, isn't it?

0:19:540:19:56

-I expect that will be going.

-No, the kitchen is included.

0:19:560:19:59

-Ooh, that's good.

-Astonishingly.

0:19:590:20:01

Through here you've got a separate wing that's got an office,

0:20:010:20:05

which could also be a double bedroom and its own bathroom.

0:20:050:20:09

'Just like the guest bathroom, the en-suite to the master

0:20:100:20:13

'is slightly dated in its avocado decor

0:20:130:20:15

'but in a two-bedroom apartment it's a real bonus

0:20:150:20:18

'to have a second bathroom.'

0:20:180:20:20

-This is your bedroom - the master.

-Oh, nice.

0:20:200:20:23

A good size, isn't it? Very bright.

0:20:230:20:25

There's a lot more space. I can see where I'd put my office desk.

0:20:250:20:30

And also my sewing desk.

0:20:300:20:32

-Yeah.

-So that works.

0:20:320:20:34

Is it ringing your bells in terms of, I love it?

0:20:340:20:38

No, no. There's no, "I love..." about it.

0:20:390:20:42

It's practical, it would work fine, but I wouldn't say I loved it, no.

0:20:420:20:47

Whether I can find something in my budget that I love, I don't know.

0:20:470:20:51

-I don't know if it's possible.

-It should be a head decision but with a bit of heart as well.

0:20:510:20:56

-If you can capture both, then...

-She's very practical, isn't she?

0:20:560:20:59

Absolutely!

0:20:590:21:00

Let's go to the back and you can see what you can see.

0:21:000:21:03

'There is plenty of space within this property and there's also

0:21:040:21:07

'further storage space in a lockable room down in the cellar.

0:21:070:21:10

'In terms of fulfilling Sue's request for outside space,

0:21:100:21:13

'what this apartment has is a large balcony.'

0:21:130:21:16

You've got a balcony with real grass. Not quite real, but...

0:21:160:21:20

-Could you imagine having breakfast here?

-Yes.

0:21:210:21:24

-Sundowner?

-Yes.

0:21:240:21:25

What do you think this is, budget-wise?

0:21:250:21:28

Well, it's a lot bigger than the last one so it's more than that.

0:21:280:21:31

Erm, 210?

0:21:310:21:33

-195?

-195. Well, if you split the difference, you're about right.

0:21:340:21:38

-It's actually on the market for just a shade over £204,000.

-Oh, right.

0:21:380:21:43

-Seems about right.

-But it doesn't seem it's really plucking your heartstrings.

-No.

0:21:440:21:49

-No, I'm sorry.

-That's the most emphatic "no" I've ever heard.

0:21:490:21:52

Go and explore the other rooms. It might win you over.

0:21:520:21:55

Maybe.

0:21:550:21:57

Priced at well under Sue's £230,000 budget limit

0:21:580:22:01

and offering the spec she's after with two bedrooms,

0:22:010:22:04

good living space and a separate kitchen and dining area,

0:22:040:22:07

it also offers a nice balcony.

0:22:070:22:09

The property is just a five-minute walk from Lake Constance

0:22:090:22:13

but it is in a larger town.

0:22:130:22:15

I could see her living here but I'm not sure if she would

0:22:160:22:19

live in Friedrichshafen.

0:22:190:22:21

I think a smaller town would be more suited.

0:22:210:22:24

Erm, from a practical point of view, it works.

0:22:240:22:27

There's plenty of space.

0:22:270:22:29

Whilst it works, I don't think, this is great, I'd love to live here.

0:22:290:22:32

Obviously I need to think about it

0:22:320:22:34

because I need to know what my budget will get me.

0:22:340:22:37

Whether I can get the heartstrings as well.

0:22:370:22:39

But if all I can afford is the practical, then this does suit.

0:22:390:22:43

I'm very on the edge.

0:22:440:22:46

It would depend on the next two places that we view.

0:22:460:22:49

It is, for me at the moment, a little bit of a no.

0:22:490:22:52

-Let's draw a line under that one, shall we?

-Yes, I think so.

0:22:530:22:57

Now, it's time for you to find somewhere

0:22:570:23:00

to lay your head this evening.

0:23:000:23:02

And I know that you really wanted to be by the lake.

0:23:020:23:04

Ah, yes?

0:23:040:23:06

So how are we going to make that happen?

0:23:060:23:09

Follow me and let's see.

0:23:100:23:11

Back in Immenstaad, we've arranged for Sue and Amanda to stay

0:23:130:23:17

in a lakeside holiday apartment during our time in southern Germany.

0:23:170:23:21

Here we are.

0:23:220:23:23

-BOTH:

-Wow!

0:23:230:23:25

The sun has just about set over the lake.

0:23:250:23:28

-Yes.

-Incredible.

-Wonderful.

0:23:280:23:30

-And this is where you're going to be spending the week.

-Oh!

0:23:300:23:34

-That's amazing.

-I hope you're very happy there.

0:23:340:23:36

Yes, I'm sure we will be. It'll be brilliant.

0:23:360:23:39

Sadly, it's not something Sue's budget would stretch to buying

0:23:400:23:43

but the apartment can be home for the week.

0:23:430:23:45

The view's amazing. It will be better in the morning when it's light.

0:23:450:23:49

You can still see across the lake, can't you?

0:23:490:23:52

-Are you really excited to move back?

-Yes.

0:23:520:23:54

I am, really, yeah.

0:23:540:23:57

-Here's the new chapter in your life.

-Absolutely. Thank you.

0:23:570:24:00

It's the morning of our second day in Germany.

0:24:110:24:14

Our house-hunter Sue is planning to move here from Somerset

0:24:140:24:17

and, with her daughter, we're searching for a property

0:24:170:24:20

near their beloved Lake Constance.

0:24:200:24:22

Sue's £230,000 budget is a little tight for a lake view

0:24:230:24:28

but at least their rented apartment has one.

0:24:280:24:31

Day two on the shores of Lake Constance and I've come back

0:24:310:24:34

to Immenstaad to pick up Sue and Amanda from their rental property.

0:24:340:24:38

Ladies, are you ready to go?

0:24:380:24:39

It's a bit of a tease, giving them this apartment,

0:24:390:24:42

because this amazing view is exactly what Sue's budget won't stretch to

0:24:420:24:46

but I'm hoping today's house will give them a lot of what they want.

0:24:460:24:49

-Hello.

-Did you sleep well?

-Absolutely.

0:24:490:24:52

Very good. Well, time to get back on the road.

0:24:520:24:54

-We've got other houses to visit.

-OK.

0:24:540:24:56

'For our next option we're heading back to the town of Friedrichshafen.

0:24:580:25:03

'It's the commercial and industrial hub of the area

0:25:030:25:06

'and is world famous for one very notable export - the Zeppelin.

0:25:060:25:11

'At the turn of the century, Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin

0:25:110:25:15

'set up a factory here and produced the first airships.

0:25:150:25:19

'The industry all but ended around the time of the Second World War

0:25:190:25:22

'but, today, Zeppelins offer tourists

0:25:220:25:24

'pretty spectacular flights over the lake.

0:25:240:25:27

'On a road heading out of town is our next property.

0:25:270:25:30

'I'm starting our tour in the quieter gardens in the rear.'

0:25:300:25:34

Oh, I'm excited about this one.

0:25:340:25:36

Wow! Oh, that looks lovely.

0:25:360:25:39

-This is a historic property.

-Yes.

0:25:390:25:41

It's all been rebuilt in the '80s

0:25:410:25:43

but, actually, it's a late 19th century mill.

0:25:430:25:46

-Really?

-It was the flour mill.

0:25:460:25:48

And because this brook splits just behind there,

0:25:480:25:51

there's a mill race that flows underneath the building.

0:25:510:25:54

Wow. It's lovely. I didn't expect to find anything like this here

0:25:540:25:58

because you don't normally see very many historic places.

0:25:580:26:01

But, no, it looks lovely. It looks really nice.

0:26:010:26:04

-The setting is lovely out here.

-Amanda, what are your thoughts about the location?

0:26:040:26:09

Yeah, I think, next to the road is a problem,

0:26:090:26:11

but this bit makes up for it, I think, massively.

0:26:110:26:15

It would have to depend on if it's quiet up there or in the apartment.

0:26:150:26:19

-The apartment I want to show you is at the top.

-Oh, my goodness.

0:26:190:26:23

It's going to keep you fit because there's quite a lot of stairs.

0:26:230:26:27

Oh, my goodness.

0:26:270:26:28

'This converted mill has been made into three huge apartments,

0:26:280:26:32

'each taking up a whole floor.

0:26:320:26:34

'The one we're looking at is the entire top floor, up in the eaves,

0:26:340:26:38

'and is unfurnished.'

0:26:380:26:40

-Look at this hall!

-Look at the size of it! It's huge!

0:26:400:26:43

Look at these doors as well. Oh, wow!

0:26:430:26:46

Come on to the balcony.

0:26:460:26:48

-This is incredible.

-Amazing, isn't it?

0:26:490:26:52

I wanted to bring you out here first.

0:26:520:26:55

Oh, that view.

0:26:550:26:56

Up here, on a clear day, not today, you can see the Alps.

0:26:560:26:59

-Oh, how wonderful.

-Not quite a lake view but as good as.

-Yeah.

0:26:590:27:04

It's just wonderful.

0:27:040:27:06

Better than I thought I'd ever see here.

0:27:060:27:08

-It's perfect.

-I didn't expect to find anything like this.

0:27:080:27:12

-No?

-Not at all.

0:27:120:27:13

The main room here is the one right in front of you

0:27:130:27:16

and it's got that lovely... what they call a kachelofen,

0:27:160:27:19

which is like a tiled oven.

0:27:190:27:21

It acts like a huge radiator.

0:27:210:27:24

You stoke it up with fuel and it just radiates heat.

0:27:240:27:27

But what's interesting about this property is,

0:27:270:27:30

you've got underfloor heating throughout

0:27:300:27:32

-and that's supplied by the solar panels on the roof.

-My goodness.

0:27:320:27:36

-And the electricity is supplied by the turbine from the mill.

-Wow.

0:27:360:27:40

-That makes it cheap to run.

-Cheap to run and very green.

0:27:400:27:43

One of the other great things about this flat is it's huge.

0:27:430:27:47

Oh, my goodness.

0:27:470:27:49

'The floor space of this apartment is over 1,500 square feet,

0:27:490:27:53

'which is around the size

0:27:530:27:55

'of an average four-bed detached house in the UK.'

0:27:550:27:59

Oh, wow!

0:27:590:28:00

-This is a big old kitchen.

-It's huge!

0:28:000:28:03

Look at the nice cupboards as well.

0:28:040:28:06

-And...they're staying.

-Are they?

-Wow.

0:28:060:28:09

-It's just beautiful.

-And nicely done.

-It is. It's really nice.

0:28:090:28:14

Is it the sort of place you could imagine living?

0:28:140:28:18

Absolutely. Absolutely.

0:28:180:28:20

Really. It is absolutely stunning.

0:28:200:28:23

You'll probably be more pleased to know

0:28:230:28:25

-this flat has not two bedrooms but three.

-Really?!

0:28:250:28:28

-Probably even four.

-What?!

0:28:280:28:30

Wow.

0:28:300:28:32

Two of the bedrooms are of a similar size and have skylights,

0:28:330:28:37

making them big, bright and airy.

0:28:370:28:39

All the bedrooms are served by a large WC

0:28:390:28:42

and a spacious family bathroom.

0:28:420:28:44

Upstairs, there's an enormous loft, which could give more storage,

0:28:440:28:49

an area for sewing or become the fourth bedroom,

0:28:490:28:53

but we're going to take a look at the master.

0:28:530:28:56

This is nice as well, isn't it?

0:28:570:28:59

Absolutely amazing.

0:28:590:29:00

I didn't think I'd find anything with this sort of feel or character

0:29:000:29:05

and the space as well.

0:29:050:29:08

Yeah, I'm a little bit shellshocked at the moment. It's incredible.

0:29:080:29:11

-Absolutely incredible. And it is... it's made for you, I think.

-Yeah.

0:29:110:29:16

Absolutely. It feels...it just feels right.

0:29:160:29:19

Just brilliant. It's going to be out of my price range, isn't it?

0:29:190:29:23

Let's talk about that later.

0:29:230:29:25

There would certainly be space for the family to stay.

0:29:250:29:28

Yes, which would be really nice. They could have a bedroom each.

0:29:280:29:31

You wanted some outside space. Boy, do we deliver out here.

0:29:310:29:35

-What, even more than the balcony?

-Even more.

0:29:350:29:37

'This property is set in large, mature gardens which are beautiful

0:29:380:29:42

'but must be looked after by the apartment owners.'

0:29:420:29:46

The garden is divided into three between the three apartments

0:29:460:29:49

and each one has its own little summer house.

0:29:490:29:52

-You're this little bit, including this rather nice box garden.

-Yeah.

0:29:520:29:56

-Amazing, isn't it?

-You weren't expecting this, were you?

0:29:560:30:00

Absolutely not.

0:30:000:30:01

It's huge, isn't it?

0:30:010:30:03

-It's the apartment that keeps on giving.

-Yes, absolutely.

0:30:030:30:07

How much do you think this is on the market for?

0:30:070:30:10

Erm, I would say about 250.

0:30:100:30:12

I think, yeah, 265. A little bit more maybe.

0:30:140:30:17

Wow. Look at the pain on your face.

0:30:170:30:19

LAUGHTER

0:30:190:30:21

Well, again, if you split the difference,

0:30:210:30:23

-it's actually on just over 257.

-Oh, right.

0:30:230:30:27

That's quite a bit over your budget

0:30:270:30:29

but it's been on the market for a while and the vendor

0:30:290:30:32

is open to offers, one, and, two, the turbine belongs to the property

0:30:320:30:36

and there are other people in the house who would be interested

0:30:360:30:39

in buying it off you so that could offset the price.

0:30:390:30:42

If I could get it down low enough.

0:30:420:30:45

I'm sorry it's not like a super bargain, but...

0:30:450:30:48

Yes. I didn't expect it to be.

0:30:480:30:50

Why don't you go inside and have a look or explore the garden

0:30:500:30:53

-and I'll see you out the front.

-Great.

0:30:530:30:55

'So it's over budget by £27,000 but there are negotiations to be had.

0:30:560:31:02

'This is a characterful millhouse conversion

0:31:020:31:05

'which delivers on so much of what Sue wants.

0:31:050:31:08

'It has up to four bedrooms, huge living spaces

0:31:080:31:10

'and a balcony with views out to the Alps,

0:31:100:31:13

'but it is a little further from the lake.'

0:31:130:31:16

Wow. Look at all this space.

0:31:160:31:18

Wow. It's huge.

0:31:180:31:20

It's massive.

0:31:200:31:22

You could all come and stay together at the same time

0:31:220:31:25

-and plenty of space for all of you.

-Exactly.

0:31:250:31:27

This apartment is absolutely wonderful.

0:31:270:31:30

The kachelofen and beautiful kitchen.

0:31:300:31:33

What doesn't it have?

0:31:330:31:34

Yes, this apartment has massively sucked me in as well.

0:31:340:31:38

It's just beautiful.

0:31:380:31:40

Everything about it is perfect for her

0:31:400:31:42

and it's like it's been made for her.

0:31:420:31:45

Very impressed.

0:31:450:31:47

The price could be a bit of a challenge.

0:31:470:31:49

But I am very interested in it. I love the place.

0:31:490:31:53

Aside from the price, everything seemed exciting about this house.

0:31:530:31:56

-Are you still excited now that you've seen upstairs?

-Absolutely.

0:31:560:32:00

And hopefully, with negotiation, you can find some way.

0:32:000:32:03

-There's always a way if there's a will.

-Maybe. Maybe.

0:32:030:32:06

-It would be awful to give up on the place.

-Exactly. Don't give up.

0:32:060:32:11

Come with me.

0:32:110:32:12

'Even though Sue has lived in Germany before,

0:32:190:32:21

'making this move on her own is a big step

0:32:210:32:24

'but it's one many Britons have already taken.

0:32:240:32:27

'There are currently over 100,000 ex-pats now calling Germany home.

0:32:270:32:31

'One of them set up a social group for English-speaking residents

0:32:310:32:35

'in the Lake Constance area, which now has over 250 members.

0:32:350:32:39

'She knows a lot about people's experiences settling into this area

0:32:390:32:43

'so I'm taking our house-hunters to meet Amanda Davies.'

0:32:430:32:47

So we're almost in Austria here, are we?

0:32:470:32:49

We are. We're really close to the border.

0:32:490:32:51

Right on the German-Austrian border.

0:32:510:32:54

You're an expert because your partner's Austrian.

0:32:540:32:56

He is, and I've been in Germany for 17 years now.

0:32:560:32:59

You've brought us here. This is a fabulous looking structure.

0:32:590:33:03

-What is it?

-It's called the Skywalk.

0:33:030:33:05

It's quite a recent attraction in this area.

0:33:050:33:08

You can walk around and get some fabulous views.

0:33:080:33:10

-Are you scared of heights?

-I hope not.

-I hope not too!

0:33:100:33:13

Let's get on the top and we can talk some more.

0:33:130:33:16

'The Skywalk in Allgau is essentially

0:33:160:33:18

'a long suspension bridge 40 metres up in the air.

0:33:180:33:22

'14 poles support 3,000 metres of steel rope,

0:33:220:33:26

'creating a platform through the tree tops

0:33:260:33:28

'with views across three countries.'

0:33:280:33:31

Ah, so high up!

0:33:310:33:33

Amazing. Great views.

0:33:330:33:36

-You might notice it's quite cold up here at the moment.

-Absolutely.

0:33:360:33:40

One thing that I really like about living here is the climate.

0:33:400:33:43

In summer you get a real summer. Really hot.

0:33:430:33:46

It can get up to about 35 degrees no problem.

0:33:460:33:49

All of the towns come to life, all of the cafes are open

0:33:490:33:53

and you have this very Mediterranean feel to the towns around the lake.

0:33:530:33:57

But in the winter you get a proper winter and you get snow.

0:33:570:34:00

Most people here have a set of winter tyres and summer tyres

0:34:000:34:04

and a lot of British people have never heard of switching tyres. I hadn't when I came over.

0:34:040:34:09

-So which way is the lake?

-The lake is just over in that direction.

0:34:090:34:13

-You can just see it, yeah.

-And this is Germany spreading out behind us.

0:34:130:34:17

And then, in front of us and all around, it's Austria

0:34:170:34:20

going towards...then the Swiss Alps after that.

0:34:200:34:23

Wow. That's what I like about this area.

0:34:230:34:26

You can travel to so many different countries

0:34:260:34:29

just in an hour's car ride or whatever.

0:34:290:34:31

It makes it really interesting.

0:34:310:34:33

We go over the border into Austria to buy our petrol.

0:34:330:34:36

It's literally ten minutes down the road and it's about

0:34:360:34:39

15 to 20 cents a litre cheaper than it would be in Germany.

0:34:390:34:43

Amazing to be so close and yet so different.

0:34:430:34:45

And in the other direction, the Swiss and the Austrians come to

0:34:450:34:48

Germany to the supermarkets because it's cheaper than where they live.

0:34:480:34:52

So there's a lot of coming and going.

0:34:520:34:55

-It's getting quite nippy. Shall we head down?

-Yes, please.

0:34:550:34:58

-She's going a bit blue. Shall we find somewhere a bit more hot chocolaty?

-Yes!

0:34:580:35:03

After you.

0:35:030:35:04

'This easy cross-country living is thanks to the Schengen Agreement

0:35:040:35:08

'which abolished international borders between member states.

0:35:080:35:12

'26 countries across Europe are signed up, including some that

0:35:120:35:15

'are not part of the European Union, like Switzerland.

0:35:150:35:18

'It's one of the many things that has changed

0:35:180:35:21

'since Sue last lived in the area over 20 years ago.'

0:35:210:35:24

What changes have you noticed, because you've been here quite a while now?

0:35:240:35:27

One thing that immediately springs to mind

0:35:270:35:30

is that there was no real Internet connection when I first came over.

0:35:300:35:33

You couldn't Skype or e-mail like you can now.

0:35:330:35:36

Is the internet good everywhere or do you have to be careful?

0:35:360:35:39

I think you do. There's still some outlying villages where the coverage

0:35:390:35:43

isn't quite as good or as fast as you possibly need

0:35:430:35:46

-when you're going to be working.

-Definitely. Yes.

0:35:460:35:49

-That's a big consideration when you move here.

-Yes.

0:35:490:35:53

What else would be your tips for integrating?

0:35:530:35:55

I'd say it was crucial at the beginning, when you come here,

0:35:550:35:59

to get to grips with the language.

0:35:590:36:01

It will really enhance your experience.

0:36:010:36:03

That's perhaps your priority.

0:36:030:36:05

You can prepare for that in the UK by doing evening classes.

0:36:050:36:09

That's what I did before I moved here.

0:36:090:36:11

Whilst I speak some German, I'm not fluent.

0:36:110:36:14

And...you can...I can go and talk to people, I can go in the shops,

0:36:140:36:18

no problems at all, but when it comes to getting to know people,

0:36:180:36:22

you need more conversation and more language than I actually have.

0:36:220:36:26

If you've got existing hobbies and interests,

0:36:260:36:29

the Germans do love their clubs and societies, so I would suggest

0:36:290:36:33

getting involved with different groups of people

0:36:330:36:36

who have the same interests as you.

0:36:360:36:38

You will soon find they accept you as one of their own

0:36:380:36:41

and you'll soon find your feet.

0:36:410:36:43

They're very nice people and they're not deserving of the reputation

0:36:430:36:48

they sometimes have amongst British people.

0:36:480:36:51

They're much, much warmer and friendlier.

0:36:510:36:54

So my brother lives in Berlin and I've noticed quite a difference

0:36:540:36:57

between the people in northern Germany to southern Germany.

0:36:570:37:00

Do you think there's a difference between the locals here or...?

0:37:000:37:04

I've only ever lived in the south but I have visited the north.

0:37:040:37:08

I would say the southerners are a lot more relaxed.

0:37:080:37:10

The Bavarians, anyway, have got a reputation for being very...

0:37:100:37:14

relaxed and almost like party people, really,

0:37:140:37:16

compared to the rest of Germany.

0:37:160:37:19

They do like their tradition, but most small communities over here

0:37:190:37:22

do have their own local wine fests and beer festivals as well,

0:37:220:37:27

and the big festivals do draw out just about everybody from a town.

0:37:270:37:31

'And when Sue does come over, there are a few other

0:37:310:37:34

'logistical details she'll need to think about,

0:37:340:37:37

'particularly as she wants to continue working as a self-employed UK accountant.

0:37:370:37:42

'UK earnings must be declared to the German authorities

0:37:420:37:45

'but there is a double taxation agreement

0:37:450:37:48

'so you avoid paying tax twice.

0:37:480:37:50

'But it's a complex area so worth getting professional advice on.

0:37:500:37:53

'Medical insurance is compulsory for all residents.

0:37:530:37:57

'Usually, this is arranged by your employer

0:37:570:37:59

'so self-employed workers like Sue must arrange it themselves.

0:37:590:38:03

'It's highly recommended to use an independent broker

0:38:030:38:07

'to advise on the many options.

0:38:070:38:09

'The rental sector in Germany is huge.

0:38:090:38:12

'As rents are controlled and tenancies long,

0:38:120:38:15

'for many it's the preferred option.

0:38:150:38:17

'As a consequence, however, there's much less housing stock available

0:38:170:38:21

'in the sales market.'

0:38:210:38:23

'It's the morning of our third day

0:38:320:38:34

'here on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany.

0:38:340:38:37

'Our house-hunter Sue from Somerset, accompanied by her daughter Amanda,

0:38:370:38:41

'is looking for a property within her budget of £230,000.

0:38:410:38:45

'But as well as house-hunting, Sue and her daughter are also

0:38:450:38:48

'exploring the area for activities she could involve herself in

0:38:480:38:52

'as she plans on making the move here alone.

0:38:520:38:55

'As Sue is keen to devote more time to her quilting and patchwork hobby,

0:38:550:38:59

'we found an atelier in Friedrichshafen for them to visit.'

0:38:590:39:02

-Hello. I'm Laura.

-Hi. I'm Sue.

0:39:020:39:05

-Come in and let me show you around.

-Wow. Brilliant.

0:39:050:39:07

'Laura Comer has lived in Germany for over 30 years,

0:39:080:39:12

'settling down by Lake Constance in the mid '80s.

0:39:120:39:15

'16 years ago, she opened her quilting and patchwork atelier.

0:39:150:39:19

-I've got a little bit of fabric here.

-Wow!

0:39:190:39:22

That's amazing! All that fabric.

0:39:220:39:25

-I do have a weakness for fabric.

-Me too. I just love it.

0:39:250:39:28

'Laura's shop is a treasure trove of fabrics, ribbons and threads.

0:39:280:39:33

'She also runs courses in machine quilting.'

0:39:330:39:36

-Would you like to have a go at it?

-As long as you can help me.

0:39:360:39:39

-I'll do my best.

-Thank you.

0:39:390:39:41

-I've prepared a sample.

-OK. Brilliant.

0:39:410:39:45

'Quilting involves sewing two or more layers of fabric together

0:39:450:39:48

'with the needlework being both functional and decorative.'

0:39:480:39:52

Some people do this amazingly quickly.

0:39:520:39:54

I can't, I have to do it slowly.

0:39:540:39:56

But you do get used to the sound of the machine and...the speed.

0:39:560:40:02

'In free machine quilting, rather than the machine moving the fabric,

0:40:050:40:09

'it's done by hand and is tricky to perfect.'

0:40:090:40:12

Not very curvy curves, are they?

0:40:120:40:15

As you're doing it for the first time, it's not really surprising.

0:40:160:40:20

That's really good.

0:40:200:40:22

-You've got to try and keep moving it at the same...

-Try to keep moving.

0:40:220:40:26

It's a bit like driving a car. After a while you know

0:40:260:40:29

what the sewing machine sounds like at the speed you like.

0:40:290:40:32

Ooh!

0:40:330:40:34

-Lost control there.

-You have to go home and practice 100 hours.

0:40:350:40:40

Absolutely, yes.

0:40:400:40:41

'Developing her hobbies will be a great way for Sue

0:40:410:40:44

'to begin integrating when she finally makes the move here.'

0:40:440:40:48

Well, it was really nice that you were here

0:40:480:40:50

-and I hope you'll come back again.

-Oh, I'm sure I will.

0:40:500:40:54

-OK.

-It's been absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

0:40:540:40:57

That was so much fun. I really enjoyed that.

0:40:580:41:02

Our choice of Mystery House

0:41:090:41:11

goes against everything Sue thinks she wants.

0:41:110:41:13

We're heading inland to the village of Heiligenberg.

0:41:130:41:16

Rather than a 20-minute walk,

0:41:160:41:18

it's a 20-minute drive from the lake,

0:41:180:41:20

but along that drive, the prices do drop.

0:41:200:41:23

Up in the hills, the picturesque village is dominated

0:41:240:41:27

by the Von Furstenberg family castle.

0:41:270:41:30

Dating back to the 13th century,

0:41:300:41:32

it was overhauled in the 16th into an impressive Renaissance palace.

0:41:320:41:37

Heiligenberg is known locally as the viewing terrace of the lake,

0:41:370:41:40

and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

0:41:400:41:44

I've brought Sue and Amanda to a cafe in the heart of the village

0:41:440:41:46

to talk Mystery Properties.

0:41:460:41:49

Now, can you guess why we might have brought you here

0:41:490:41:51

-for the Mystery House?

-I can't walk to the lake from here.

0:41:510:41:53

You cannot walk to the lake from here

0:41:530:41:55

but I've taken you up to a very, very charming town.

0:41:550:41:58

This was the first place in Lake Constance to have a tourist hotel.

0:41:580:42:02

-Ooh.

-Wow.

0:42:020:42:03

Is there a property that takes your fancy?

0:42:030:42:05

Well, I quite like the turrets on that building over there.

0:42:050:42:08

Ah, you have a very discerning eye, because that, in fact,

0:42:080:42:11

-is the first hotel.

-Oh, the first hotel, really?

0:42:110:42:13

That is... That is the hotel, built in 1806.

0:42:130:42:17

-Wow.

-And it is also...

0:42:170:42:20

-possibly your home.

-Really, really?

0:42:200:42:23

-Not the whole thing but...

-LAUGHTER

0:42:230:42:26

This is your Mystery House

0:42:260:42:27

because you get a lot more for your money, up here in the hills.

0:42:270:42:30

So take a final set of your coffee,

0:42:300:42:32

because we are going to explore

0:42:320:42:33

-the beautiful hotel house.

-Mmm, amazing.

0:42:330:42:38

The building is, of course, no longer a hotel.

0:42:380:42:41

In the 1970s, it was converted into luxury apartments.

0:42:410:42:44

There are 15 of them,

0:42:440:42:46

and the one we are looking at is up on the first floor.

0:42:460:42:48

It was refurbished three years ago, and is currently unoccupied.

0:42:480:42:52

Look at the size of this hall,

0:42:520:42:53

-it's even bigger than the last one.

-Yes, it's huge.

0:42:530:42:56

-Wow.

-LAUGHTER

0:42:560:42:58

This was built in the flourishing of what they called Jugendstil,

0:42:580:43:01

which was the German version of Art Nouveau,

0:43:010:43:03

and you can see this beautiful, kind of, stained-glass window.

0:43:030:43:05

-Yeah, beautiful, isn't it?

-Mmm.

-And a lot of the details

0:43:050:43:08

are from that period,

0:43:080:43:09

including the panelling, and these fabulous floorboards.

0:43:090:43:12

-Yeah, yeah, look at the size of them. They're huge.

-Yeah, amazing.

0:43:120:43:16

This wood is actually similar to

0:43:160:43:18

what wood you have in your house now.

0:43:180:43:19

Yes, it is, actually, yes.

0:43:190:43:21

Is it your sort of style?

0:43:210:43:23

Could well be.

0:43:230:43:26

Like most properties in Germany,

0:43:260:43:28

-the heating is governed by the whole house.

-Mmm.

0:43:280:43:30

-So you pay a service charge of about £300 a month.

-Great.

0:43:300:43:33

But that also includes a sink fund for any repairs and stuff.

0:43:330:43:36

Oh, right, so that's everything.

0:43:360:43:38

-Yeah, but that's for heating and water, and everything.

-Yeah.

0:43:380:43:41

Come on through here,

0:43:410:43:42

-and I want to show you the balcony.

-Ooh, balcony.

0:43:420:43:44

'Next to the living room is the dining room.

0:43:440:43:46

'This has access to the front balcony,

0:43:460:43:49

'which overlooks the pretty square.'

0:43:490:43:51

-Ha-ha.

-Wow.

0:43:510:43:53

-It's a nice view, isn't it?

-Yeah, it's very pretty, isn't it?

0:43:540:43:57

See the nice statues over there, as well.

0:43:570:43:59

-It's just really nice.

-Mmm.

0:43:590:44:01

So we've got this lovely wrought ironwork in the Jugendstil style,

0:44:010:44:04

and the shutters, but I do need to flag up,

0:44:040:44:06

this is a... This is what they call Denkmalschutz,

0:44:060:44:09

-so this is what we would call listed in the UK.

-Mmm, yeah.

0:44:090:44:11

And the facade is up for a renewal.

0:44:110:44:14

-Oh, right.

-So that will cost quite a lot, a bit,

0:44:140:44:16

-so you need to budget about £10,000.

-Ooh.

0:44:160:44:19

-Yeah, but I think you're being very unfair to me.

-Unfair?

0:44:190:44:23

Well, I wanted a place next to the lake,

0:44:230:44:26

and I wasn't going to have anything that wasn't next to the lake.

0:44:260:44:29

And now you bring me up here, and I'm thinking,

0:44:290:44:31

-"Well, it's so nice up here."

-Ah.

0:44:310:44:34

Ha!

0:44:340:44:35

-It's not fair.

-Well, that's the idea of the Mystery House, really,

0:44:360:44:39

-is to just maybe...

-Yeah.

0:44:390:44:40

-Because obviously, the lake is very expensive.

-Absolutely.

0:44:400:44:43

So you could either have something

0:44:430:44:45

-that doesn't really give you what you want, by the lake...

-Mmm.

0:44:450:44:47

..or you could come up here, and have this enormous apartment.

0:44:470:44:52

-Live in the lap of luxury.

-But let's continue with the interiors.

-OK.

0:44:520:44:55

There are two generously-sized bedrooms in this apartment,

0:44:570:45:00

that continue with those stunning original floorboards,

0:45:000:45:04

and there's a main bathroom, which has a modern finish,

0:45:040:45:06

and is fully fitted.

0:45:060:45:08

The same can't be said for the kitchen...

0:45:080:45:10

-As you can see, the kitchen is not here.

-Oh.

0:45:100:45:13

-It's a, sort of, nod to a kitchen.

-Yes, slightly.

0:45:150:45:18

But you would install your kitchen. I mean, all the plumbing is here,

0:45:180:45:21

-but it's just in terms of... put one in.

-Yeah.

-Mmm, yeah.

0:45:210:45:23

The same is true of the en-suite.

0:45:230:45:25

The master bedroom has an en-suite already there

0:45:250:45:28

-with all the plumbing, but no actual en suite.

-Ah.

0:45:280:45:31

-It's a good size, you could get a nice kitchen in here, couldn't you?

-Mmm.

0:45:310:45:34

I suppose the question is, in here, does it feel you?

0:45:340:45:36

Not sure at the moment.

0:45:360:45:38

I think I need to, sort of,

0:45:380:45:39

wander about, and sit down and have a think about it and see how I feel.

0:45:390:45:43

But I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment,

0:45:430:45:45

-cos it's not what I expected to see.

-Mmm.

0:45:450:45:48

But it is quite difficult to imagine,

0:45:480:45:50

because it's so blank at the moment, but it is a huge space,

0:45:500:45:53

which would mean you could bring all your stuff with you.

0:45:530:45:56

-Wouldn't have to downsize.

-Obviously, yes.

0:45:560:45:58

-Which would be nice.

-Yeah, very nice.

0:45:580:46:00

-It is lovely, but it's just a bit overwhelming at present.

-Mmm.

0:46:000:46:04

-Well, let's go out the back and I will tell you the price.

-Right.

0:46:040:46:08

The style of this apartment is called Altbau,

0:46:080:46:11

which is the old German style of high ceilings,

0:46:110:46:13

big doors and large spaces,

0:46:130:46:15

and out the back, there is an extra outdoor area.

0:46:150:46:18

-So this is all yours, this area at the back.

-Oh, wow.

-Wow, it's huge.

0:46:200:46:23

Nice little extra space, you could have a barbecue here.

0:46:230:46:26

Oh, easily, yes. You could have a few tables, couldn't you?

0:46:260:46:29

I think this is the sort of place that you need to wander around

0:46:290:46:31

-and imagine what you could do in these spaces.

-Yes,

0:46:310:46:33

yeah, absolutely.

0:46:330:46:34

-Cos it is a lot of space.

-Yeah.

0:46:340:46:37

How much do you think it costs?

0:46:370:46:40

Well, it's going to be cheaper than being down by the lake,

0:46:400:46:45

so that brings the price down, but then, it's a listed building

0:46:450:46:48

and it's very big...

0:46:480:46:49

So I would say about 215.

0:46:500:46:52

Erm, about 200, 205?

0:46:540:46:57

In this instance, you're both wrong,

0:46:570:46:58

because it's on at 210.

0:46:580:47:00

-Oh, right, wow. A surprise.

-That's amazing.

0:47:000:47:02

So, well under budget,

0:47:020:47:03

-and there's a bit of space for negotiation, perhaps.

-Yes.

0:47:030:47:06

-Yeah.

-It's been on the market for a year.

0:47:060:47:09

-Mm-hmm.

-And you do have to budget in the things like

0:47:090:47:11

-putting in the kitchen, putting in the bathroom...

-Yeah, so...

0:47:110:47:14

-Mm-hmm.

-..and also that facade money.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

0:47:140:47:17

So that would probably take you up to your budget.

0:47:170:47:19

-Yes, it would, wouldn't it?

-Mmm.

0:47:190:47:21

-But at least there's enough in the budget to cover it all.

-Yeah.

0:47:210:47:24

-Think so?

-Yeah, which is good.

0:47:240:47:26

So it's doable.

0:47:260:47:27

-Yes, absolutely.

-But is it... Is it desirable?

0:47:270:47:29

That's what you have to decide.

0:47:290:47:31

Well, go inside and get more inspired.

0:47:310:47:34

Perfect. That is like a perfect Mystery House.

0:47:340:47:37

You see, it's not what Sue wanted

0:47:370:47:39

but it might be what she begins to want.

0:47:390:47:43

For £20,000 under budget,

0:47:430:47:45

this huge Art Nouveau apartment

0:47:450:47:47

offers almost twice the space

0:47:470:47:49

of a similar-priced flat

0:47:490:47:50

down by the lake.

0:47:500:47:52

With two large bedrooms

0:47:520:47:53

and two living rooms,

0:47:530:47:54

there's space for guests,

0:47:540:47:55

an office and a sewing area.

0:47:550:47:58

It needs kitchen and bathroom

0:47:580:47:59

units fitting,

0:47:590:48:00

but there is money in the budget for that.

0:48:000:48:03

The two outside spaces

0:48:030:48:04

have nice views,

0:48:040:48:05

and whilst it's not within

0:48:050:48:06

walking distance from the lake,

0:48:060:48:08

it is located in a beautiful village.

0:48:080:48:12

I like the character of it.

0:48:120:48:14

I mean, there's the lovely stained glass, the huge rooms,

0:48:140:48:17

the beautiful floorboards...

0:48:170:48:19

And it's just full of character and it's got loads of space.

0:48:190:48:22

I think, practically,

0:48:220:48:23

this apartment is the best apartment we have seen so far,

0:48:230:48:26

although, it has massively thrown a spanner in the works for her.

0:48:260:48:30

The only problem is that it's not walking distance to the lake.

0:48:300:48:33

-So this is the master bedroom?

-Mm-hmm.

0:48:350:48:37

-Nice panelling.

-It's a huge space.

0:48:370:48:39

Could fit your huge bed in here, also.

0:48:390:48:41

-My huge German bed.

-Yes, yeah.

-LAUGHTER

0:48:410:48:44

-Amazing.

-And this is the en-suite.

-Mmm.

0:48:440:48:48

-Bit of a shortage of bath and sink, and whatever, but...

-Yeah,

0:48:480:48:52

-yeah.

-Plenty of space to put them in, though.

0:48:520:48:54

This apartment does have some downsides, of course.

0:48:540:48:56

It's not totally ready to live in, so it would be extra work to do,

0:48:560:49:01

and it's not by the lake,

0:49:010:49:03

which obviously is the biggest downside of it.

0:49:030:49:06

But it is a beautiful apartment, so it sort of...

0:49:060:49:08

is a lot if I start to think,

0:49:080:49:10

"Maybe I could live here. Maybe this could be the one."

0:49:100:49:14

I'm just totally confused.

0:49:140:49:16

I know I have thrown eine katze among the pigeons

0:49:180:49:21

-with this one but...

-Absolutely, yes.

0:49:210:49:22

..it is the last property I've got to show you

0:49:220:49:24

-so we can find a place to get a little kaffee...

-Mm-hmm.

0:49:240:49:28

..and think things through.

0:49:280:49:30

-Mmm, good idea.

-Right, got lots of thinking to be done, I think.

0:49:300:49:32

-Mmm.

-Good, follow me.

0:49:320:49:34

Lake Constance is home to three main islands,

0:49:410:49:44

the largest of which is Reichenau.

0:49:440:49:47

With a population of 3,500,

0:49:470:49:50

it appears a largely agricultural place,

0:49:500:49:52

but in the year 2000, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site,

0:49:520:49:57

due to its important religious and artistic past.

0:49:570:50:00

Reichenau means "blessed land", and in the Middle Ages,

0:50:000:50:03

it was an influential Benedictine monastic base.

0:50:030:50:07

Known for its scholastic and cultural significance,

0:50:070:50:10

the religious order was founded here in 724,

0:50:100:50:13

and in the 200 years that followed,

0:50:130:50:15

it became a world-famous centre for painting illuminated manuscripts,

0:50:150:50:20

something that has become known as the Reichenau School Of Painting.

0:50:200:50:24

The monastery operated for 1,000 years,

0:50:240:50:27

until it was closed in the 19th century.

0:50:270:50:30

I'm meeting guide Gunther Anders to learn more about this special place.

0:50:300:50:33

Gunther, so you get a good view of the whole island, 360?

0:50:330:50:36

-Ja.

-Ah...

-GUNTHER LAUGHS

0:50:360:50:38

So just get my bearings here, what's that over there?

0:50:380:50:41

Well, that's Switzerland.

0:50:410:50:42

-Oh, so Switzerland's that way, and so that's Germany over there.

-Ja.

0:50:420:50:45

So tell me, when was the, kind of,

0:50:450:50:47

the great historical flourishing here?

0:50:470:50:49

Well, that was at the turn of the eighth and ninth century,

0:50:490:50:55

but the foundation of the monastery goes back to 724.

0:50:550:51:01

And what sort of activities did they do?

0:51:010:51:03

At the beginning of the ninth century,

0:51:030:51:06

they started wine-growing here.

0:51:060:51:08

Is there a, kind of, monkish liqueur that they...

0:51:080:51:11

-No, no, no.

-No Benedictine?

0:51:110:51:13

Not... Not here, no. No, they were just interested in...

0:51:130:51:17

in wine-growing, here. Ja, probably.

0:51:170:51:19

Now, of course, they had vegetables,

0:51:190:51:21

they had gardens and it's the first herbal garden here.

0:51:210:51:26

This herb garden actually is a model.

0:51:260:51:30

In many monasteries,

0:51:300:51:31

you find the kind of garden with 24 plants,

0:51:310:51:35

mostly medicinal plants, ja.

0:51:350:51:38

So essentially, it was a centre of learning.

0:51:380:51:40

Ja, I'm going to show to you.

0:51:400:51:42

Since the monastery's foundation in the eighth century,

0:51:440:51:47

25 religious buildings were built on this sacred island,

0:51:470:51:50

and a few are still standing.

0:51:500:51:52

One of them is the ninth-century church of St George,

0:51:530:51:56

and it's what's inside this building that is most significant.

0:51:560:52:00

These murals are the oldest wall paintings north of the Alps,

0:52:000:52:04

and it's almost a miracle they have survived.

0:52:040:52:07

Gunther, these are amazing. And it's incredible, all the colours.

0:52:070:52:11

Has this been restored, or has this always been this bright?

0:52:110:52:13

Well, in 1878, the paintings were rediscovered.

0:52:130:52:18

They had been whitewashed over in the baroque period,

0:52:180:52:22

and the baroque period, wanted to have more light.

0:52:220:52:26

-So they whitewashed all over the paintings?

-Ja.

0:52:260:52:28

-These are incredible, the colour and the detail is amazing.

-Ja.

0:52:280:52:32

The intensity of colours is not so good as it was, of course.

0:52:320:52:38

-It's still pretty striking.

-Ja.

0:52:380:52:40

Erm, the images are depicting what?

0:52:400:52:42

What's the story?

0:52:420:52:44

-Well, the north side shows us Christ's miracles.

-Right.

0:52:440:52:52

Also, one of the most striking things are these...

0:52:520:52:54

This very, kind of, abstract... the sort of, three-dimensional

0:52:540:52:57

kind of detail all the way around the bottom.

0:52:570:52:59

Ja, now this is a meander, a decoration, ja,

0:52:590:53:04

which dates from early Greek art,

0:53:040:53:08

and was, in the Carolingian Renaissance,

0:53:080:53:12

was brought back to Europe.

0:53:120:53:13

OK, it's very striking.

0:53:130:53:15

But the Reichenau monastery wasn't just about art and learning.

0:53:150:53:19

The monks cultivated the land

0:53:190:53:21

and granted fishing rights to the vast lake.

0:53:210:53:24

'When it closed, the Reichenau fishermen inherited rights

0:53:240:53:27

'to their section of the lake,

0:53:270:53:29

'and today, fishing is still a part of the island's economy.

0:53:290:53:32

'I'm meeting local fisherman Urs Riebel.'

0:53:320:53:34

-Urs, hello.

-Hi.

-Hi.

0:53:340:53:37

I see people are fishing already.

0:53:370:53:38

Yeah, I think they are fishing pikes.

0:53:380:53:41

So this is the bit of the Bodensee where you can still fish?

0:53:410:53:43

-Right, right.

-Ah.

0:53:430:53:45

But here's just an area for the people who live on Reichenau.

0:53:450:53:49

What about if you were a pleasure angler, if you wanted to

0:53:490:53:51

come and just do some fishing on the lake, is that a possibility?

0:53:510:53:54

-Sure, yeah, sure, that's possible.

-Is that popular?

-Yeah.

0:53:540:53:57

How is the current, kind of,

0:53:570:53:59

-situation for fishermen on the island?

-Yeah, it's getting harder.

0:53:590:54:02

100 years ago, it was about 200 fish here,

0:54:020:54:06

and now it's about 40.

0:54:060:54:07

-Did you grow up on Reichenau?

-I grew up here, yeah.

-Ah...

0:54:070:54:10

And my dad, my grandpa, and everyone.

0:54:100:54:13

So it goes back how many generations?

0:54:130:54:15

-I don't know, nobody knows.

-Ah...

0:54:150:54:17

-It's...

-Maybe even back to monastic times.

0:54:170:54:20

Maybe.

0:54:200:54:21

-Anyway, thanks very much, I'll let you get back to fishing.

-Thank you.

0:54:210:54:24

-Thank you.

-Thanks, bye.

0:54:240:54:25

'As I leave this holy island,

0:54:250:54:27

'with its traditional local industries and artistic treasures,'

0:54:270:54:30

we are coming to the end of our time here on Lake Constance.

0:54:300:54:33

Tomorrow will be our final day.

0:54:330:54:35

It's our last morning on the shores of Lake Constance,

0:54:450:54:48

and time for Sue and Amanda to leave their lakeside apartment.

0:54:480:54:51

-It's a glorious view, isn't it?

-Mmm.

0:54:510:54:54

-It's been such a great week, though.

-Ah, I've really enjoyed it.

0:54:540:54:57

Yeah, but a shame the mountains haven't appeared on our last morning.

0:54:570:55:00

-Mm-hmm.

-But never mind,

0:55:000:55:03

-it's been just absolutely wonderful.

-Mm-hmm.

0:55:030:55:05

Ah, well, bye-bye, Immenstaad, and bye-bye, Lake Constance.

0:55:060:55:10

-Till next time.

-Yes.

0:55:100:55:13

All that remains is to pack up and think about

0:55:130:55:15

what are the next steps in making Germany Sue's future home?

0:55:150:55:19

We're almost at the end of our adventures

0:55:230:55:25

looking for property around Lake Constance,

0:55:250:55:27

and although we haven't found Sue that beautiful property

0:55:270:55:30

right on the lake, cos it's just too expensive,

0:55:300:55:32

I think we've got two strong contenders.

0:55:320:55:35

I'll be interested to see how she and Amanda feel this morning.

0:55:350:55:38

Well, we managed to get you to the lake one more time.

0:55:450:55:47

Sadly, not a property on the lake. Sort of a foregone conclusion,

0:55:470:55:50

-cos we knew the budget was not quite there for that.

-No, definitely not.

0:55:500:55:53

But of the properties that we showed you, which ones are the contenders?

0:55:530:55:57

-I have an idea.

-I'm sure you do.

0:55:570:55:59

It was the mill property, cos that was wonderful,

0:55:590:56:03

and of course, the Mystery House.

0:56:030:56:04

-Mmm, so the Mystery House really threw a cat among the pigeons?

-Yes.

0:56:040:56:08

Right, and any clear winner of those two?

0:56:080:56:11

Oh, I don't know, I've been, sort of, thinking about it half the night

0:56:110:56:15

and I just can't quite get my mind around it, really.

0:56:150:56:19

The mill was beautiful, but I think practically, the garden was too big.

0:56:190:56:23

Really, so the garden was too big in the mill property?

0:56:230:56:25

Well, I mean, it would take an awful lot of work,

0:56:250:56:28

cos it was huge, wasn't it?

0:56:280:56:29

And whilst I'm hoping to have more time,

0:56:290:56:32

I don't really want to spend my time gardening.

0:56:320:56:34

-I'd rather spend it sewing.

-Mmm.

0:56:340:56:35

And I think the Mystery House is

0:56:350:56:37

definitely a more practical option for you.

0:56:370:56:39

Yeah, it was a bit too far away. It's...

0:56:390:56:41

We're back to that same dream again,

0:56:410:56:43

and that is part of the dream, is to be near the lake,

0:56:430:56:46

so that would be giving up one part of the dream, moving out there.

0:56:460:56:50

Amanda, having spent some time looking at properties,

0:56:500:56:54

I mean, are you a bit worried about your mum coming out on her own?

0:56:540:56:57

At the beginning of the week, I was a little bit more worried

0:56:570:57:00

but after meeting Amanda, it was quite nice

0:57:000:57:02

and it shows there's a lot of other English people here, as well.

0:57:020:57:06

And at least you've got people that you can talk to,

0:57:060:57:08

-and, you know, join in to clubs, and...

-Mmm.

0:57:080:57:11

I think it really shows that it is feasible that you can move here,

0:57:110:57:14

and I think there's a lot of different options.

0:57:140:57:16

And it's shown us different areas, as well,

0:57:160:57:18

that we wouldn't have necessarily looked at, I think, which is good.

0:57:180:57:22

I still love the area,

0:57:220:57:23

and we've met some really nice people this week,

0:57:230:57:26

and talked to other people.

0:57:260:57:28

And you'd think, "Oh, right, OK, I still can do it."

0:57:280:57:31

-It is possible.

-It feels like the right place?

0:57:310:57:33

Yeah, it still feels like the right place to come.

0:57:330:57:35

I might not be able to find anything for a little while,

0:57:350:57:38

but it is possible, there are places out there.

0:57:380:57:40

-So the dream is still alive but it's just a little slower, perhaps.

-Yes.

0:57:400:57:43

Yes, yeah, it's going to take a bit longer, I think.

0:57:430:57:46

It's been lovely showing you around this area,

0:57:460:57:48

and I do hope that when you get home,

0:57:480:57:49

there'll be a phone call saying "Your house is sold...

0:57:490:57:52

-We can only hope, can't we?

-"..proceed to Germany."

-Wow, yes.

0:57:520:57:56

-Vielen Dank.

-Bitte schon.

0:57:560:57:57

Even in winter, with the Alps still stubbornly hidden from view,

0:58:030:58:07

Lake Constance has proved a delightful place to

0:58:070:58:09

look for property, and I do hope Sue finds a way of squaring the circle

0:58:090:58:12

and getting her house by the lake -

0:58:120:58:14

either by rental or by selling her home back in Somerset.

0:58:140:58:17

And I hope that you stay tuned

0:58:170:58:19

and watch us next time on Escape To The Continent.

0:58:190:58:22

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