Asturias Escape to the Continent


Asturias

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Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

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And you find me in a picturesque and spiritual spot

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at the gateway to the oldest national park in the country.

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But which country?

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I'll let you know in just a few moments.

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Today, we're helping a couple from Bristol find a sublime continental retreat,

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and although I'm hearing positive noises...

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-This is perfect.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. There's a lovely atmosphere.

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..our colourful buyers could do with being a bit more specific.

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Is it you?

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Definitely. Definitely maybe.

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Definitely maybe! Oh, I'll take definitely maybe.

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Today, we're in Asturias in Northern Spain

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at the edge of the Picos de Europa, a range of limestone mountains

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that were given national park status back in 1918.

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But even further back in time, in the eighth century,

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a historic battle was fought here in the town of Covadonga

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which shaped Spain's history

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when the ruler of Asturias became the Christian King of the region

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after his army managed to defeat the all-conquering Arab Moors.

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Now, this basilica, which was built in honour of that victory,

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attracts pilgrims and visitors from all around the world

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to this beautiful and peaceful part of Spain.

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A two-hour flight from the UK,

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the principality of Asturias is an autonomous region

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covering 4,000 square miles of Spain's most rugged

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north-western terrain.

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With glorious beaches outmuscled by a wild rural interior,

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Asturias both embraces and rejects a classic image of Spain.

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The community has no fewer than 24 nature reserves.

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Lush, green valleys where Western Europe's biggest population of

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brown bears roam and 40 inches of rainfall every year,

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averages to match those of Pembrokeshire, Cornwall or Devon.

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To the north, the Bay of Biscay feeds fishing communities

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along 180 miles of Atlantic coastline.

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And the region's most celebrated export, the 50 million litres of cider

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it yields every year, nourishes Asturias's one million citizens.

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And whilst Oviedo is the Asturian capital, Gijon is its largest city.

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It rolls out onto the Atlantic and oozes real charm

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with its smattering of imposing Romanesque architecture.

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To the east, the Picos de Europa dominate the landscape.

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This mountainous barrier cuts off all access from the south,

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making Asturias the most isolated part of the country.

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Due to the region's somewhat remote situation, the property market

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here in Asturias is less prone to the seasonal fluctuations

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that you might see across better-known Spanish destinations.

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The average price of a detached home here is £110,000.

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Now that's around £16,000 less than in Valencia in the east of the country

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and a princely £110,000 cheaper than in Malaga, down on the south coast.

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Throw in the fact that prices here have dropped around 20%

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from their height just a few years ago, and you can easily understand

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why today's buyers want to call this area home.

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Pursuing a new life abroad are retired electrician, Gary, and his wife, Linda,

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who live here on the busy side of Bristol.

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And their 43 years of marriage started with a rather unusual courtship.

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I was about 14, and Gary was 16, and we met at the Locarno in Coventry

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on a Saturday afternoon dance.

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He emigrated with his family to America.

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He didn't tell me he was going to America, actually,

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so I did a bit of detective work and found out from his brother

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where he was and I wrote to him.

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And then I went out and visited. And we got married when I was 20.

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And our intrepid lovebirds have more than one good reason

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for their impending move abroad.

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Well, we're looking to move to Northern Spain.

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Our daughters have moved to Madrid so that's a big pull for us.

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I like to live outdoors,

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so I'm looking forward to having my kitchen outside.

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You know, you can't live outside here.

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I love Bristol, but I don't like the English winters

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and now that I'm retired, there's nothing to stop us.

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We have done a little bit of travelling around there.

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So you've got the beach and the mountains,

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so you've sort of got everything, really.

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We just spent three weeks there with our daughters and just loved it.

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In the evening everybody goes out for a walk, it's just really nice.

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A nice way of life, I thought.

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But they're not quite so certain as to what their new home should look like.

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I wouldn't mind just a big space.

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Because we've lived in a mobile home,

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we've lived in a high-rise flat, we've lived in a semi and a terr...

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Oh, you know. Not bothered.

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Although Linda's forming a clearer vision of the kind of life she'd like to lead.

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Recently, I've decided to have a complete change and I'm doing camping.

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We have a micro-campsite in the back garden and that takes three tents.

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Or maybe one big family.

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That's nice, when you can get a family of Mum, Dad, grandparents and a couple of kids

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and they just take over the garden.

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So we made loads of friends that way.

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And they're both eager to export their favourite pastimes

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to their new life in Spain.

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I love tinkering. I've got a motorbike, I used to build

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old British bikes and I've got an old car that is a work in progress.

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That's me, really.

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When people think about me, they think of baking, and especially wholemeal.

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I have this sort of mini-workshop that I do,

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where you take one-and-a-half pounds of wholemeal flour

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and make two layers, a dozen scones, two-dozen biscuits, a dozen jam tarts

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and some fairy cakes, all with one bag of flour that costs £1.50.

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And whatever happens,

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they've readied themselves for the leap into the great unknown.

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You've just got to push the boat out and see how it goes.

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I can't imagine it would go wrong, but there you go, you never know.

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-You've got to be brave and take chances...

-Yeah.

-..in life.

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Linda and Gary's favourite patch of Asturias runs south-east away from Gijon,

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over towards the commanding natural border of Covadonga and the Picos de Europa.

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We are focusing our search along the Old Covadonga Road which pierces

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the Asturian heartland.

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And it's just off this route that I'm meeting up with today's prospective buyers.

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Well, Gary and Linda, welcome to Asturias.

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Most Brits haven't explored this part of Northern Spain,

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so what is the appeal?

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-Our daughters now live in Spain, so that's a big pull for me.

-Yes.

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Better weather, the main thing, and being in the north,

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you get the seasons, plus I'm a self-employed electrician

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-and people still keep ringing me...

-Do they?

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-..and I keep saying "yes"!

-LAUGHING:

-You must be good!

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-Oh, he is good.

-Cheap! Must be cheap!

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-But in a way, this is all about "You Time".

-Yeah.

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We thought now or never, really.

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-What a great time though, to have a new adventure.

-Yeah.

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Describe to me this perfect property that you're after, what does it look like?

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I don't really have a picture. I couldn't say... Do you?

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I'll know it when I see it, you know, I think.

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-What does it consist of?

-Two-bedroom, workshop.

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-For sure.

-Yeah.

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I've wanted one for years, so... I just like making stuff and...

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-And what about you, Linda?

-I'd like a practical kitchen, because I bake.

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And I would like a vegetable plot.

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And a bit of space for people to come and camp.

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-Are we talking a manageable amount of land?

-Definitely, yeah.

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-Yeah, yeah.

-Yeah, nothing too big.

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You know, I'd love to have an eco-house and I'd really like a compost toilet.

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Inside or outside the house?

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Well, actually, you can have both now, you know...

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But definitely one outside for campers.

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-And if it hasn't got that already...?

-Oh, We'd make it that way.

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You could do it?

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Yeah, because mostly, it probably wouldn't have that already.

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I would probably put solar panels, maybe, wind power.

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Yeah, and if there was water, you can use that to generate electricity.

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Project? Good with your hands, Gary, come on!

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How much do you want to get involved or are we looking at a property that's already been done?

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-You don't want a lot of maintenance as you get older.

-No.

-Well, I don't.

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But like, a new kitchen, a new bathroom, something like that.

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Does anything make you nervous about this move?

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There'll be things, I guess. Language will be a problem,

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-but it's something I'm going to get stuck into.

-Are you?

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-Yeah.

-We'll have to learn and we intend to learn

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and we are trying to learn now.

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We've got a course of CDs that we're listening to all the time.

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-Plus, our daughters are fluent, so we thought...

-Yeah, so they're helping.

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So, remind us of how much you've got to spend with this move?

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Probably, max 155.

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Well, we're very much looking forward to showing you

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this region and finding you that unusual home.

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-Me too!

-Me too, yes.

-Good.

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With their house already on the market, Linda and Gary are ready to move,

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and with their £155,000 budget,

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they're looking to invest in a whole new way of life.

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Their property needs are fairly simple - a couple of rooms,

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space for campers and that eco-loo, of course.

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But this flexibility poses its own problems.

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It'll be up to us to translate these vaguer notions

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into a tangible list of property prerequisites.

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Over the next couple of days, I'll be taking Linda and Gary

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to view four unique Spanish properties,

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but I won't be revealing the price tag until the end of each tour.

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We'll end with the mystery house, a curveball capable of

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offering our couple much more than they could ever have imagined.

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It's over to the town of Infiesto to kick off Linda and Gary's property search.

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Infiesto is a humble and historic town known for its yearly

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Medieval Market Festival and handy location just off

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the main transit route across to the cities of Gijon and Oviedo,

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both of which can be reached within 40 minutes by car.

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Three miles and one country lane from the centre of the town

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lies our first property.

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It exists within the countryside between two mountain ranges,

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offering a majesty and serenity that I hope

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will go some way to colouring in Linda and Gary's modest wish list.

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So, our very first property.

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-BOTH: Wow.

-Beautiful.

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-It is, it's really attractive and well-maintained.

-Yes.

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Doesn't need any work.

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There's a reason for that - it's only about four years old.

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Oh, OK, yeah.

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-Now that's a big plus.

-Yes!

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Did you think I was going to start off with a project for you, Gary?

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-I wasn't sure!

-THEY LAUGH

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They got local stone, that all comes from...

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-It's reclaimed from the river you can just hear behind us.

-Yeah.

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And we are sort of nestled within a mountain range, aren't we?

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-Yeah... This is lovely.

-Good for the soul, nice.

-Yeah?

-Yeah!

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Which is a good way to start our tour, I think.

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-Do you want to follow me and we'll go inside?

-Yep, great.

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'All good so far, and that high-spec, low-maintenance finish seems to be wooing Gary.

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Let's see how we fare inside.

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So, come on in.

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-Very good.

-Yeah.

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I like one big space, kitchen and living room all in one. Yeah.

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-I like that dresser. I know that's not part of it, but...

-Would that come with it?

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Imagine it without any furniture, look at the space.

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-Do you like what the owners have done?

-Yeah. This is perfect.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

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There's a lovely atmosphere, you know. Yeah.

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Now, the kitchen is quite compact, everything that you want there.

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-I can work in small spaces. And is that an electric hob?

-Yes.

-Yeah, OK.

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-If I just point up there...

-OK.

-..and just remember that spot for me.

-OK.

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-All will be revealed in a little while.

-Right.

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So, this house is all on one level.

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And have a little poke in there, that's your spare room.

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For the girls.

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For the girls. Got a wonderful family bathroom in here.

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And then, of course, we get to your bedroom.

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Yeah, lovely. Good size.

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-Plenty of light.

-Probably the furniture isn't part of the building...

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-You like the furniture, don't you?

-Yeah, I do, actually.

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-Well, it fits with the property.

-It does.

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It's a lot more posh than we're used to. Yeah.

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What are you used to?

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Our house is a work in progress, so it wants decorating,

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-there's still things to be done, whereas this is done.

-Yeah.

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And that'll be really nice to be able to move into somewhere

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-and not have to do things...

-Yeah.

-..live in a mess.

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Here we thought we might find Gary a little project, well,

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how do you feel about this?

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If you look up there, that gives you actually access into the eaves.

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The roof space.

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When we were standing in that main room,

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and I said to you, "Just take a look up there and remember that thought,"

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-that's where a spiral staircase could go...

-Ah!

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-..and there's enough room to have a one-bedroom en suite.

-Oh, wow.

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-I could do it myself.

-Yeah, you could do yourself.

-Great.

-Yeah?

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-And I've got more to show you.

-Right.

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The house sits on 800 square metres of land to the front and rear.

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And for all their assertions to the contrary, the prospect of some DIY

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and getting his hands dirty has clearly capture Gary's imagination.

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And as we head outside, he just can't help himself.

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What do you think?

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-I could get a motorbike in there, yeah.

-Well, it's bigger then you've had.

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Look, he's more excited about that than he is about the rest of the house.

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Let's take a look at the land.

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-Wonderful scenery, isn't it?

-That's beautiful.

-Beautiful, fantastic, yeah.

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This magnificent vista.

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Perfect for camping, friends, family and put a compost toilet...

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-The famous compost toilet! Ooh, now where can that go?

-I really want one!

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-I'm going to do that.

-Good.

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-You might've noticed behind us...

-Yeah, we did notice.

-There's your solar panel.

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Really good spec. In the summer months,

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that should provide you with everything.

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-Great.

-It's got everything.

-Yeah.

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And the family that lives next door to you,

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that's actually their holiday home.

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So we're going to try and work out what we think it's on the market for.

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I think it might be 150...?

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-Gary?

-Probably over budget, say, 160?

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Well, the good news is, it's on the market for £146,000.

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And guess what? You get all the furniture thrown in as well.

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-Oh, no, really?

-Yes.

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It's a win-win, isn't it?

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It's almost like, do we need to bother looking at the other...

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Coming in £10,000 under budget,

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our four-year-old first house offers the convenience of modern living,

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outdoor spaces and plenty of scope for Gary's tinkering,

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with the added convenience of being sold fully furnished.

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Local livestock not included.

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A little bit of grass hanging out of his mouth.

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The price is right.

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The furniture, the layout, the garden, the workshop. It's all there.

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I am blown away really.

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In our price range I expected something that would need work doing on it,

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which I am prepared to do.

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But to not have to do anything

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and pursue my hobbies instead is a massive bonus.

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Where is this loft?

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-There you go. That's it.

-It would be a handy storage space.

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Well, a room. Another room.

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-Oh, yes. It's huge.

-Is it?

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If you go straight through,

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there is a huge room with a light already in it.

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All of this floor space up there?

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Linda loves this property. She would be like, "Let's go for it."

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I might have to rein her in a bit and say let's look at the others first.

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Yes. It's perfect.

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Look at you two soaking up the rays. It's a good start, isn't it?

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-A very good start.

-Shall we make a move?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Ready to go.

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With lifestyle so high on Linda and Gary's agenda,

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we've arranged a Spanish villa getaway for our couple.

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We have brought them to the remote village of Sevares

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where they can try out that authentic Spanish way of life.

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It is rather a beautiful spot here, isn't it?

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-But I bet you are wondering, why have we brought you to this little village? Any ideas?

-No.

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-Is this where we're staying?

-You would be right.

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We want you to live the experience, have some time on your own and wander.

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So there are the keys to your accommodation.

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Take the time. Relax and enjoy.

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-Welcome to your new home. In you go.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

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-It's really nice.

-This is nice.

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I must admit, just before we came out,

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I was thinking maybe it would be easier to stay.

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-Yes, but that's exactly what we don't want to do.

-I know.

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-We want to go for the adventure.

-Make life difficult for ourselves.

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-No, no. Make life exciting.

-Yes, I know.

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-I really want to do it.

-Let's have a look in here.

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I want it to happen quickly.

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And as Linda assesses the decor,

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explorer Gary puts something else through its paces.

0:17:500:17:55

-I am going to test the bed.

-You might not get up!

-No.

0:17:550:17:59

Don't get too comfy, love. We are going exploring.

0:17:590:18:02

Linda and Gary from Bristol have £155,000 to spend

0:18:150:18:19

in this distinctive area of Northern Spain.

0:18:190:18:22

The first day search had a profound effect on their feelings towards the move.

0:18:220:18:27

I woke up and I just started thinking about the house.

0:18:270:18:30

Just imagining being there.

0:18:300:18:32

And as Gary suspected, this morning Linda is already

0:18:320:18:35

planning for life in that first property.

0:18:350:18:38

If we did buy it, it is the maximum we have got really.

0:18:380:18:41

-So that's it as far as money goes.

-Yes.

0:18:410:18:44

It would be a bit of a stretch for me personally.

0:18:440:18:47

-Probably get some work.

-I don't want any work.

0:18:470:18:50

So Gary and Linda have set us a real challenge here in Northern Spain.

0:18:530:18:57

They have a vague notion of what they want

0:18:570:19:00

and a very positive outlook.

0:19:000:19:02

But have they really thought through this move?

0:19:020:19:05

Today, I've got something up his sleeve

0:19:050:19:07

that is really going to test their mettle.

0:19:070:19:09

-Good morning.

-Hi.

-Morning.

0:19:150:19:18

Look at you with your stable door. You are like locals!

0:19:180:19:20

-Come on out. How was yesterday? How was last night?

-Great.

0:19:200:19:25

-Slept like a baby.

-Did you?

-Yes.

-Come on, then.

0:19:250:19:27

Today, we climb. Our next house is in Santolaya de Cabranes.

0:19:300:19:35

Taking a northerly tangent off the main highway

0:19:350:19:38

which dissects the region, we happen upon another lush hideaway,

0:19:380:19:42

pleasantly free of crowds and tourists.

0:19:420:19:45

The village bars and shops are less than 10 minutes from our next property.

0:19:450:19:49

The world from up here is dominated by an epic vista

0:19:490:19:52

of layer upon layer of mountain ranges etched upon the landscape.

0:19:520:19:56

It tells the story of a unique land that changes with the seasons.

0:19:560:20:01

It retains a continuity with the past

0:20:010:20:04

that many parts of Spain have lost.

0:20:040:20:06

In order to appreciate the location,

0:20:060:20:08

I have brought Linda and Gary to a spot just across the valley.

0:20:080:20:12

So we have brought you to this location

0:20:120:20:14

because not only is it spectacular with the most wonderful scenery,

0:20:140:20:19

but on top of that, just up on the hill on the brow of the hill,

0:20:190:20:22

where you can see the orange property?

0:20:220:20:24

That is your next property.

0:20:240:20:26

-It looks big from here.

-What do you think of where it is situated?

0:20:270:20:32

-It's beautiful.

-Yes.

-I like the colour.

0:20:320:20:35

I can see there are pylons taking the electric up to it.

0:20:350:20:39

You always see things like that, don't you, love?

0:20:390:20:42

Shall we jump in the car? It's only two minutes away.

0:20:420:20:44

Let's start the viewing.

0:20:440:20:47

Yet more agreement from our couple.

0:20:480:20:50

But will they still be on the same page once we head inside?

0:20:500:20:54

The property itself lay derelict for 20 years

0:20:540:20:56

but it has been lovingly recrafted over the past decade.

0:20:560:20:59

So you have seen the house from the outside.

0:21:010:21:04

Let's see what you think as we step inside.

0:21:050:21:08

-It's got lots of character.

-Yes. And the stone.

-Big. Big kitchen.

0:21:080:21:13

Plenty of space to bake. I like it. I actually like it.

0:21:130:21:18

-It appeals?

-Definitely.

-Yes.

0:21:180:21:21

It is an artisan's house. It's very creative, very artistic.

0:21:210:21:25

Let's see if you like my quirky house.

0:21:250:21:27

-Wow! The view.

-Yes.

-It's gorgeous.

0:21:310:21:35

-That is what you call scenery, isn't it?

-It is.

0:21:350:21:37

I can see myself sitting in that chair

0:21:370:21:40

overlooking that view.

0:21:400:21:42

-It's a big room actually.

-The ceiling is lovely.

-Quirky.

-Yes.

0:21:440:21:48

-And we've said we like those glass...

-Yes, the glass front.

0:21:480:21:52

-Fabulous.

-Shall we continue?

-Please.

0:21:520:21:55

This is your master bedroom.

0:21:580:22:00

You have probably noticed it's on the same level.

0:22:000:22:03

-Yes.

-Is it you?

-Definitely. Definitely maybe!

0:22:030:22:07

I will take the definitely! Linda? Enough storage do you think?

0:22:070:22:11

-Yes.

-There is storage here by the looks of it.

0:22:110:22:14

And I love not necessarily sleeping upstairs and different levels.

0:22:150:22:20

-I like all that.

-Good.

0:22:200:22:22

There might be something else that gets the pulses racing.

0:22:220:22:25

If you want to follow me, Linda, I think you are going to like this.

0:22:250:22:29

In addition to the bedroom and high ceilinged living space on this floor,

0:22:290:22:33

there's also a spare room with a multipurpose mezzanine upstairs.

0:22:330:22:37

But we are heading downstairs to a little surprise in the cellar.

0:22:370:22:40

Linda.

0:22:400:22:42

-Here is your kitchen.

-A separate baking kitchen.

0:22:420:22:45

Your separate baking kitchen.

0:22:450:22:47

You even have a 19th century range there.

0:22:470:22:50

At the moment it's not working, but we know Gary is very talented.

0:22:500:22:53

-He would soon get that working.

-Yes.

-I love it.

0:22:530:22:56

And also, if you were thinking of running baking parties...

0:22:560:23:01

One of your things is teaching children to bake, isn't it?

0:23:010:23:04

So just little people in here would be perfect.

0:23:040:23:06

And also, they are not then interfering with the rest of the property.

0:23:060:23:10

And a separate entrance. Great.

0:23:100:23:13

It's time to find out how much this mid-19th century property

0:23:130:23:17

could cost them as we head out to the acre of land

0:23:170:23:20

propping the house up on the hill.

0:23:200:23:22

-So, look at that. Breathtaking, isn't it?

-Gorgeous.

0:23:230:23:29

How many tents could we put on this plot?

0:23:290:23:32

-Hundreds. We could have a goat.

-You could have a goat.

-That's an idea.

0:23:330:23:38

-There is one thing, Gary.

-Workshop.

0:23:380:23:40

I can't give you a workshop but what I can give you is a Spanish orio.

0:23:400:23:46

Now that, believe it or not, is 400 years old. Far older than the house.

0:23:460:23:52

Used to store grain. These are listed.

0:23:520:23:54

They are part of the heritage of this region.

0:23:540:23:57

But when we say they are listed, it means you can't pull it down.

0:23:570:24:01

But what you can do is modify it.

0:24:010:24:04

So perhaps you could put guests in there

0:24:040:24:06

or it could be the most marvellous workshop.

0:24:060:24:09

-All my tools all laid out.

-So let's see.

0:24:100:24:13

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

0:24:130:24:16

I don't know. 170?

0:24:160:24:19

-OK.

-I don't agree. I think it will be less.

0:24:190:24:23

-Give me a figure?

-110.

0:24:230:24:26

-You are actually very good at pricing.

-Yes, I am usually.

0:24:260:24:28

-But not on this occasion.

-Oh, no!

-You are way out.

-Really?

-Yes.

0:24:280:24:33

Well, there's a price to be put on that

0:24:330:24:36

and the asking price is just under £159,000.

0:24:360:24:42

-See, you're good at it.

-This time.

0:24:420:24:45

-But it wouldn't put me off, that price.

-Does it not?

-No. Not at all.

0:24:450:24:49

-You were just hoping.

-Yes.

0:24:490:24:51

I am going to send you off to have another look. Off you go. Enjoy.

0:24:510:24:57

At a little under £159,000, this house may just stretch Linda

0:24:570:25:02

and Gary's budget but the owners are very keen to sell.

0:25:020:25:06

It demonstrates the peak of what's available locally

0:25:060:25:09

with stone walls, classic Spanish style and an ancient orio.

0:25:090:25:13

But really, it's all about that show-stopping vista.

0:25:130:25:17

-I could definitely live here.

-A little hamlet there.

0:25:170:25:19

That view out the window. Definitely.

0:25:190:25:23

I could just doze off now.

0:25:230:25:25

-I could.

-Yes, it's warm and gorgeous.

-The sun in my eyes.

0:25:250:25:29

-It's a beautiful view. It's heaven.

-Yes.

-And the goat maybe.

0:25:290:25:34

We will have to call him Billy!

0:25:340:25:37

Just thinking about the work really. Realistically, how much work is there to do?

0:25:390:25:43

I can see lots of things I would like to change.

0:25:430:25:45

I know I am my own worst enemy but that is how I am.

0:25:450:25:50

Looking at this place, it's made me think that I don't want a new place.

0:25:500:25:55

I know it's a bit contradictory really, but yes,

0:25:550:25:59

I don't want a brand-new place.

0:25:590:26:02

-I like this. It's got character.

-Yes.

0:26:020:26:05

There you are. Have you seen enough?

0:26:080:26:11

-Yes.

-Happy?

-Yes, fabulous.

-A lot to take in.

0:26:110:26:14

We have opened your eyes to the properties available, haven't we?

0:26:140:26:17

-Yes.

-I have to drag you away now, I'm afraid.

0:26:170:26:19

We are going to hit the road.

0:26:190:26:21

Life in Asturias exists at a slower, more relaxed pace

0:26:280:26:32

to what our buyers maybe used to is one of the joys of Spain.

0:26:320:26:36

And now they have formed a slightly clearer idea of what they want,

0:26:370:26:40

Linda and Gary are keen to phone their agent back home to see

0:26:400:26:43

if they are any closer to clinching a sale on their Bristol house.

0:26:430:26:47

Hi, it's Linda. I just thought I would give you a quick call

0:26:480:26:51

to see whether there was an update.

0:26:510:26:53

As they have been viewing places here, Linda hopes her agents have been just as busy.

0:26:530:26:58

And what about the couple that viewed for the second time last Saturday?

0:26:580:27:04

Try as she may, there is only so much Linda can do

0:27:040:27:07

and there is still no good news forthcoming.

0:27:070:27:10

Oh, dear. Nothing. That's a shame.

0:27:100:27:14

I'm keen to set those frustrations aside with a glimpse of what

0:27:190:27:23

Asturian life could be like for Linda and Gary.

0:27:230:27:26

Given their interest in eco-living, growing their own veg

0:27:260:27:29

and baking, I'm introducing them to Nigel Birch,

0:27:290:27:32

one of the small group of British expats in the region.

0:27:320:27:35

Nigel runs Hotel Posada del Valle, a hotel and extensive organic farm

0:27:350:27:40

in Arriondas to the east of Asturias.

0:27:400:27:43

-Hi, Nigel.

-Hello there.

-Good to meet you.

-Really pleased to meet you.

0:27:430:27:46

-Can I introduce you?

-Yes. My hands are a bit dirty!

0:27:460:27:49

You've obviously been hard at it.

0:27:490:27:51

I've just been pulling out some weeds.

0:27:510:27:53

Can we give you a hand while we're here?

0:27:530:27:56

If you want to, you can help me turn some compost.

0:27:560:27:59

That was good timing! We timed that very well, didn't we?

0:27:590:28:02

Anything else you want us to help with?

0:28:020:28:04

Actually, my daughter, Samantha, is in the kitchen about to do some bread baking.

0:28:040:28:08

-I don't know if you want to help her there.

-I would love to.

0:28:080:28:11

That is right up your street, isn't it?

0:28:110:28:12

I guess you and I are going to get dirty while she gets creative.

0:28:120:28:15

Right, OK. Let's go this way.

0:28:150:28:18

Nigel has been in Spain for 33 years

0:28:180:28:20

and runs the eight hector low intensity farm and hotel

0:28:200:28:23

with the help of his daughter, Sam, who was born and raised in Spain.

0:28:230:28:27

As Linda heads down to the kitchen to learn some Asturian culinary skills,

0:28:290:28:33

Gary and I receive our marching orders,

0:28:330:28:35

and with over three decades experience in Spanish agriculture,

0:28:350:28:39

we had better pay attention to Nigel.

0:28:390:28:41

One of the important things about the organic vegetable garden is the compost.

0:28:410:28:45

The compost has been in here for three or four weeks

0:28:450:28:48

so we're going to turn the compost from this bin over to the

0:28:480:28:50

other bin and it helps improve the property of the compost.

0:28:500:28:53

-Got it?

-Yes.

-OK. Pitchfork for Gary. Do you want to take one as well?

0:28:530:28:57

-Yes, please.

-There we are.

-I will give it my best.

0:28:570:28:59

In the middle. Well done. You're doing it fairly well.

0:29:010:29:04

Oh, the glamour!

0:29:040:29:07

As I toiled with the hotel's biodegradable scraps,

0:29:070:29:10

Gary is keen to quiz Nigel about the local climate.

0:29:100:29:13

Are the winters long here?

0:29:130:29:15

The Spanish seem to say that that Asturias has bad weather.

0:29:150:29:18

I don't think that's true. We have weather, which is nice.

0:29:180:29:22

That's one of the reasons we are looking at this area because we like seasons too.

0:29:220:29:26

When the weather is good, and there's a lot of it too,

0:29:260:29:29

I am either out working on the farm or I go out walking in the mountains because it is a fabulous area.

0:29:290:29:33

Stunning, isn't it?

0:29:330:29:35

We've got fabulous coastlines, fabulous mountains,

0:29:350:29:38

fabulous rural scenery and it's not that known.

0:29:380:29:40

It is kind of a hidden jewel, isn't it?

0:29:400:29:43

-As we work the land...

-Hello.

-You must be Sam, Nigel's daughter.

0:29:430:29:46

..Linda is embarking on the great Spanish bake off with Sam,

0:29:460:29:50

who not only makes all the bread for the hotel on site,

0:29:500:29:53

but uses natural locally sourced ingredients.

0:29:530:29:57

It's time to get stuck in.

0:29:570:29:59

-Can I have the feel of it?

-Please do.

-That is a lovely texture.

0:29:590:30:03

Would you say Asturias is a foodie region?

0:30:030:30:07

-I would, yes, very much.

-Mm-hmm.

0:30:070:30:08

I mean, we have about 40 different types of cheeses and then,

0:30:080:30:12

you know, everybody here in their own houses have a vegetable garden.

0:30:120:30:16

Yeah, I make wholemeal bread and lots of other wholemeal produce,

0:30:160:30:19

so do you think wholemeal bread would be popular to sell, maybe, at market?

0:30:190:30:24

I think so. We have a typical market in Cangas de Onis,

0:30:240:30:28

which is every Sunday, so...

0:30:280:30:30

-And I also makes scones.

-Well, no-one sells scones here yet, no.

0:30:300:30:34

OK, and jam tarts?

0:30:340:30:37

-No, either that's...

-And biscuits?

-No, not in the market.

-Oh, good.

0:30:370:30:40

Now that Linda's explored a possible outlet for her baking,

0:30:400:30:44

and Gary's worked up a sweat, we're meeting over a glass of cider

0:30:440:30:47

and some local cheese.

0:30:470:30:50

So is it tricky buying property here?

0:30:500:30:52

-Do your homework first, check things out.

-Yeah.

0:30:520:30:55

Try and make sure that you're aware of what you're buying.

0:30:550:30:58

There's a lot of unique properties

0:30:580:30:59

-and it's very difficult to put a value on them.

-Mmm, I see.

0:30:590:31:02

I'm an electrician by trade. I'm pretty hands-on,

0:31:020:31:04

so we're not looking for a property that needs loads of work

0:31:040:31:07

but I'd quite like to have a little project.

0:31:070:31:09

There's a lot of protected areas in Asturias.

0:31:090:31:12

Generally, in a protected area,

0:31:120:31:13

you cannot change the use of a building.

0:31:130:31:16

So if the building's a barn, and it's in a protected area,

0:31:160:31:18

-you cannot make it into a house.

-That's good advice, that is.

-Yeah.

0:31:180:31:21

And you can find that out in the town hall,

0:31:210:31:23

you can find out what the land usage of the area is.

0:31:230:31:25

Also, again, if you're increasing the volume, it depends on the area

0:31:250:31:28

whether they'll allow you to increase the volume of the property.

0:31:280:31:31

Right.

0:31:310:31:33

Oh, so many questions.

0:31:330:31:35

And how long did it take you to get the language?

0:31:350:31:37

That's something I'm slightly concerned...

0:31:370:31:39

You really do have to make an effort with your Spanish

0:31:390:31:42

-if you come over here, cos there's not many foreign people.

-No.

0:31:420:31:45

There is a need to be able to integrate with the people in the rural areas.

0:31:450:31:48

Your conversation points are cows, cows, cows and cows.

0:31:480:31:51

Erm, so...

0:31:510:31:52

It'll suit me.

0:31:520:31:55

I'm sure it's possible for anyone to learn,

0:31:550:31:57

if you have to, and if you want to.

0:31:570:32:00

-Right.

-There's something here called Comparte Lenguas

0:32:000:32:02

which they're doing a lot,

0:32:020:32:03

whereby Spanish people want to learn English

0:32:030:32:05

-and English people want to learn Spanish.

-I've heard of that.

0:32:050:32:08

They get together and speak half an hour together in Spanish

0:32:080:32:10

and the other half an hour in English.

0:32:100:32:12

-That's a great idea.

-It is a great idea.

0:32:120:32:14

The health service, I believe it's very good.

0:32:140:32:17

We're lucky living here in Arriondas,

0:32:170:32:19

which is 3km from where we are now.

0:32:190:32:20

We've got the hospital for the whole of the eastern area of Asturias.

0:32:200:32:23

We've also got a medical centre,

0:32:230:32:25

so we're certainly happy with the public health here.

0:32:250:32:27

We hear and read so much about the Spanish economy

0:32:270:32:30

-but what is its current state?

-That's difficult to answer.

0:32:300:32:33

According to the government, things are getting much better here,

0:32:330:32:36

but in this area, and the more rural areas,

0:32:360:32:38

there was never a real boom and there's never been a real collapse.

0:32:380:32:42

-Mm-hmm.

-Right.

-We live in Bristol -

0:32:420:32:44

we live on a major road.

0:32:440:32:46

It's always busy. We're just a mile or so from the city centre,

0:32:460:32:49

so this would be quite a contrast for us.

0:32:490:32:52

What do you think?

0:32:520:32:54

Waking up to no road or traffic noise,

0:32:540:32:57

or people screaming in the streets is just...

0:32:570:33:00

Well, for me it's lovely, I love it.

0:33:000:33:02

You know, you just wake up in a good mood.

0:33:020:33:05

-Ooh.

-You know, you wake up with a smile.

0:33:050:33:07

-Sounds perfect, the way you put it, that was beautiful.

-Yeah.

0:33:070:33:10

-Really beautiful.

-Yeah, great.

-Definitely coming here.

0:33:100:33:14

-You want that quality of life, don't you?

-Yeah.

0:33:140:33:16

Armed with all that extra information,

0:33:160:33:19

Linda and Gary appear keener than ever to make the move.

0:33:190:33:22

When budgeting for a house in Spain,

0:33:220:33:25

you should set aside 11% of the price for fees and taxes.

0:33:250:33:28

Exchange rates should also be a key consideration,

0:33:280:33:31

as they can hugely impact your budget.

0:33:310:33:34

Specialist brokers can offer forward contracts which

0:33:340:33:37

fix an exchange rate for a future transaction,

0:33:370:33:39

and avoid unpredictable and costly fluctuations.

0:33:390:33:43

Spain's health care is among the most efficient in Europe,

0:33:430:33:46

with consistently high efficiency rankings.

0:33:460:33:49

Early retirees need to be careful, though.

0:33:490:33:52

The NHS no longer reimburses EU states for costs incurred

0:33:520:33:56

by a nonworking Brits under pensionable age,

0:33:560:33:59

so health insurance is highly recommended.

0:33:590:34:02

We're driving to Villaviciosa for the most coastal

0:34:110:34:14

property of our selection, six miles from the shores of

0:34:140:34:17

the Bay of Biscay, and a 35-minute drive from Gijon.

0:34:170:34:21

It's a prime example of the Asturian marriage of mountain and sea -

0:34:210:34:25

imposing peaks dwarfing unspoilt fishing towns

0:34:250:34:28

such as Lastres and Ribadesella nearby.

0:34:280:34:32

And whilst Linda and Gary seem to have decided on old rather than new,

0:34:320:34:36

their journey has been littered by some contradictions.

0:34:360:34:40

We used to draw what our ideal house was and it was a garage,

0:34:400:34:44

a double and live on top.

0:34:440:34:46

We didn't realise, you know, that there was all of this in Spain.

0:34:460:34:50

So I'm taking a chance with this next more modern house.

0:34:500:34:54

-Is this...?

-Yes.

0:34:540:34:56

-Oh, lovely.

-Yeah, I wasn't expecting it to be this.

0:34:560:35:00

-No, because it's so peaceful and quiet.

-Yeah,

0:35:000:35:02

-and a lot bigger than I was expecting.

-Yeah.

-Yeah,

0:35:020:35:05

-I'm dying to see it.

-Yeah, shall we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:35:050:35:08

This four-year-old property stands apart from

0:35:080:35:10

its more traditional neighbours, but will the modern practical style

0:35:100:35:14

be enough to impress our house hunters?

0:35:140:35:16

-So...

-Yeah.

-Yeah, this is a lovely big room.

0:35:160:35:19

You could sit and have your snacks there, couldn't you?

0:35:190:35:22

-And the fire here.

-A special baking table,

0:35:220:35:25

-and a dining table.

-Yeah.

0:35:250:35:27

-I like the view out of that window.

-Ah...

0:35:270:35:30

-Now, why would that be, Gary?

-LINDA LAUGHS

0:35:300:35:32

-What have you just spotted?

-I think it might be a garage or a workshop.

0:35:320:35:37

-Yeah.

-Just before we head upstairs,

0:35:370:35:39

there's a little bit of geography for the ground floor.

0:35:390:35:41

-Got a double bedroom downstairs...

-Oh, lovely.

0:35:410:35:44

..and I wonder how many we've got upstairs.

0:35:440:35:47

'Well, there are four more up here, all continuing the villa's

0:35:470:35:50

'contemporary theme from downstairs'

0:35:500:35:53

but will Gary and Linda know what to do with so much space?

0:35:530:35:56

-So this is your master bedroom.

-Very nice.

-It's big.

-Yeah.

0:35:570:36:02

-Complete with

-en-suite. Mmm.

0:36:020:36:05

Really modern, yeah, and that view.

0:36:050:36:08

-So you've actually got four bedrooms upstairs.

-Yeah.

0:36:080:36:12

Got plenty of room for visitors.

0:36:120:36:14

Should you want a little bit of extra during the summer months,

0:36:140:36:18

-you could actually do a B&B in this property.

-Mmm.

0:36:180:36:20

-We were thinking of that.

-I thought that, actually.

-Yeah, you said it before, yeah.

0:36:200:36:24

Guessing the price is going to be interesting.

0:36:240:36:26

Well, it's funny you should say that,

0:36:260:36:28

because we are going to head outside.

0:36:280:36:30

'The rear opens out to a patio space and sizeable garden,

0:36:310:36:35

'and having already spotted the shed,'

0:36:350:36:37

Gary's eagle eye spots another fixture.

0:36:370:36:40

It's a barbie.

0:36:400:36:41

Your world is complete.

0:36:420:36:44

'The big house lies in just under half an acre of land,'

0:36:460:36:49

and offers up one more useful feature that our eco-aware couple

0:36:490:36:52

are bound to appreciate.

0:36:520:36:55

-You might have noticed...

-Yeah.

0:36:550:36:56

-..the solar panels next to us.

-Oh, yes, yeah.

0:36:560:36:58

-I'm impressed with those.

-It saves your energy bills by about 30%.

0:36:580:37:01

-Yeah.

-I'd probably do some kind of a solar panel system,

0:37:010:37:04

as well, for the electric.

0:37:040:37:06

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

0:37:060:37:09

It's got to be way over our budget, I would guess.

0:37:090:37:13

I don't know. 200,000?

0:37:130:37:15

OK. Linda?

0:37:150:37:17

I'm going to say 125.

0:37:170:37:21

I think you two are going to be flabbergasted.

0:37:210:37:23

The asking price is just over...

0:37:230:37:26

-£95,000.

-Ooh.

0:37:260:37:29

What? Are you joking?

0:37:290:37:30

Yeah, I'm not joking.

0:37:300:37:32

-Shocked, I am. I can't believe that.

-And nor can I.

0:37:320:37:36

We could do loads of things with that extra money.

0:37:360:37:39

I could do a big solar panel project.

0:37:390:37:41

-I honestly wasn't expecting that.

-I know.

0:37:410:37:43

I bet you want to have another look round now, don't you?

0:37:430:37:45

-I can check out the options, now.

-You'll be looking at it in

0:37:450:37:48

more detail, I know you will. Off you go.

0:37:480:37:50

A whopping £60,000 under budget,

0:37:500:37:53

and with a potential 40% saving overall,

0:37:530:37:57

Linda and Gary have been blindsided by this unconventional property.

0:37:570:38:01

If anything, it could be a tad more than they bargained for,

0:38:010:38:04

but at this price, can they really afford to ignore it?

0:38:040:38:08

I'm still in shock about the price.

0:38:080:38:12

So affordable, it kind of makes you change your...

0:38:120:38:15

your thought pattern, doesn't it?

0:38:150:38:16

You know, lots of things to check out

0:38:160:38:18

and lots of things to talk about, especially the price.

0:38:180:38:21

Gary, did you get inside the shed?

0:38:210:38:24

No, but I can see in it.

0:38:240:38:26

-Yeah?

-Yeah, it's all nice and clean.

0:38:260:38:27

-Looks like they store linen or something in there.

-Oh, good, good.

0:38:270:38:30

-So it's dry.

-Yeah.

0:38:300:38:32

-It's a lovely view from up here.

-Is it?

0:38:320:38:34

It's really beautiful.

0:38:340:38:37

Did you say you've been to the bottom of the garden?

0:38:370:38:39

Yeah, yeah, it's really long,

0:38:390:38:41

-so there is plenty of flat areas for tents.

-Yeah.

0:38:410:38:44

-And not forgetting the compost toilet.

-No.

0:38:440:38:47

We're not people who have stocks, shares and savings - that's it.

0:38:470:38:51

So the most you can do with it, you know, the better.

0:38:510:38:54

It's interesting, isn't it?

0:38:540:38:56

Because this house isn't what they asked for.

0:38:560:38:58

It's large, it's modern and it's got five bedrooms,

0:38:580:39:02

but when it comes with a price tag like that...

0:39:020:39:04

Oh, it's certainly got them thinking.

0:39:040:39:06

-Oh, how are we?

-Great, yeah.

-Yeah, great.

0:39:090:39:12

-Have you seen enough? Are you happy?

-Yes, yeah.

0:39:120:39:14

-Let's hit the road.

-OK.

0:39:140:39:15

As night falls, Linda and Gary get to experience

0:39:210:39:24

the best of what life could be like for them in northern Spain.

0:39:240:39:27

Yay!

0:39:270:39:28

-Oh...

-Oh, it's nice to see you.

0:39:280:39:31

Thanks. Yeah, how was the journey?

0:39:320:39:35

-Mum, I...

-Mwah!

0:39:350:39:36

Their youngest daughter Jane -

0:39:360:39:38

whom they haven't seen for two months

0:39:380:39:40

since she moved to Madrid - is visiting.

0:39:400:39:42

We miss you...a lot.

0:39:420:39:45

-Oh, and all...

-Emotional blackmail, is that it?

0:39:450:39:47

Yeah, it's all those jobs that Dad did in the flat for you.

0:39:470:39:50

-Yeah, yeah.

-That's true, that is true.

-That was useful, wasn't it?

0:39:500:39:54

Our landlord is useless, you must move here immediately.

0:39:540:39:58

No, but we do miss you. Have you seen anything you like?

0:39:580:40:01

-I've liked them all in different ways.

-Yeah...

0:40:010:40:03

It's almost like you can make any of them fit.

0:40:030:40:06

-You've got a positive attitude, that's right...

-Yeah.

0:40:060:40:08

-..but is there an extra room for me and Amy?

-Yeah, oh, yes.

0:40:080:40:12

-In all of them?

-Yes.

-Especially in the last one.

0:40:120:40:15

But the one thing that I'd really like, with...

0:40:150:40:18

you know, we've got more to see... is to be a bit closer to here.

0:40:180:40:23

So if you decide on a house,

0:40:230:40:26

then you could be here within three or four months.

0:40:260:40:29

Make sure that you get the things that are important to you.

0:40:290:40:32

-Yeah.

-I know sometimes you can change your mind about what you think is

0:40:320:40:36

important, cos you've waited so long to have the space.

0:40:360:40:38

-That's come up quite a lot today.

-Yeah, it has, actually, yeah.

0:40:380:40:41

That's... just making sure that you...

0:40:410:40:43

-your priorities are your priorities.

-Yeah, and don't get, maybe,

0:40:430:40:46

-dazzled by other things.

-Yeah, exactly.

0:40:460:40:48

-The prices and things, you know.

-Yeah.

0:40:480:40:50

Pep talk complete, the group are free to soak up

0:40:500:40:53

another lovely Asturian evening, and a bit more local cider.

0:40:530:40:57

It's morning in Asturias, where our couple from Bristol are

0:41:100:41:13

looking for a bohemian getaway that fits within their £155,000 budget.

0:41:130:41:19

Linda and Gary have sampled the rural charm

0:41:190:41:22

of life in the Spanish mountains in a rented property,

0:41:220:41:25

and with the morning off from house hunting,

0:41:250:41:27

Linda continues to sample the region

0:41:270:41:30

by heading out in search of some core baking ingredients.

0:41:300:41:33

Toiletries, drinks, baby food...

0:41:330:41:38

Oh...

0:41:400:41:42

Erm...

0:41:430:41:44

Ah, I see.

0:41:570:41:59

Erm...

0:41:590:42:00

Erm, corn.

0:42:060:42:08

Yeah, mai...ma...

0:42:080:42:09

maize.

0:42:090:42:10

Oh, gracias.

0:42:150:42:16

This particular search may have come to a fruitless end, but hopefully

0:42:170:42:21

we can steer things back on course with today's Mystery Property.

0:42:210:42:25

It's been really difficult to gauge precisely what

0:42:280:42:31

Gary and Linda want with this move.

0:42:310:42:33

They've seen good and bad in each of our properties, but today,

0:42:330:42:37

with our Mystery House, we're really going to test their eco-credentials.

0:42:370:42:41

In fact, this property will be literally

0:42:410:42:44

throwing them in at the deep end.

0:42:440:42:45

Today, we loop back to the central Covadonga highway

0:42:470:42:51

and the remote agricultural village of Sevares,

0:42:510:42:53

14 miles west of the Picos National Park.

0:42:530:42:57

The small inland community offers both practicality

0:42:570:43:00

and a rustic seclusion,

0:43:000:43:02

and although epic views of the Picos are a mere 30-minute drive away,

0:43:020:43:06

commercialism and mass-tourism have bypassed

0:43:060:43:09

this secluded part of Asturias.

0:43:090:43:12

From afar, the Mystery Property appears to reflect

0:43:120:43:14

this peacefulness, but once they get a glimpse of its incredible scope,

0:43:140:43:19

our buyers will see that there's much more here than meets the eye.

0:43:190:43:22

So I'm sure you both realise with our Mystery House, it's got to

0:43:220:43:26

be something a little bit different, here in northern Spain.

0:43:260:43:31

-Lovely.

-Well...

-LAUGHTER

0:43:310:43:33

-Surprised?

-Yeah. Which part?

0:43:330:43:35

-All of it.

-The orio as well?

0:43:350:43:37

-So you've got the orio, you've got a watermill...

-Oh, yeah.

0:43:370:43:42

-..and you've got a house, as well.

-Wow.

0:43:420:43:45

-Flipping mint!

-Can't wait to have a look.

0:43:460:43:49

So I think you both need to take a deep breath

0:43:490:43:51

and we'll start exploring.

0:43:510:43:53

The mill itself dates back to the 16th century,

0:43:550:43:58

and in more recent times, operated as an eco-museum.

0:43:580:44:02

It's now part of a self-sufficient eco-home,

0:44:020:44:05

but will Linda and Gary be quite as keen once

0:44:050:44:08

they take a closer look at the alfresco layout inside?

0:44:080:44:13

Well, the only thing I can say is, "Welcome."

0:44:130:44:17

Oh, it's fabulous, cos it's like an open-air kitchen,

0:44:170:44:20

which is something I've always wanted, believe it or not.

0:44:200:44:23

I think this is more what we had in mind, really.

0:44:230:44:25

-It is.

-Is it?

-Yeah, yeah.

-It definitely is.

0:44:250:44:27

It definitely is, actually, yeah.

0:44:270:44:28

There's loads of things you could do.

0:44:280:44:30

It's beautiful.

0:44:300:44:32

Now, if you like this, you're going to LOVE this.

0:44:320:44:35

Here is your sitting room/kitchen.

0:44:360:44:40

-Wow, look at that.

-Oh, it's gorgeous.

0:44:400:44:43

I'm going to sit on that stool all day.

0:44:430:44:45

-Right by the fire?

-Yeah.

0:44:450:44:47

-It's beautiful, I think it's really, definitely us.

-Yeah.

0:44:470:44:51

Just the feel of it... It's beautiful, I love it.

0:44:510:44:54

Yeah, I'm lost for words.

0:44:540:44:58

How much work do you think is going to need to be done in here?

0:44:580:45:00

We might do some kind of, like, secondary double glazing.

0:45:000:45:04

We would have to see how it goes in the winter, I guess.

0:45:040:45:07

It's not the sort of place you'd put matching curtains...

0:45:070:45:09

No, no, I wouldn't have curtains or anything.

0:45:090:45:11

There is also something else that, Linda,

0:45:110:45:14

-you're not going to believe is here.

-Not a compost toilet.

0:45:140:45:16

-I'm afraid so.

-Really?

0:45:160:45:20

-Yes.

-Honestly?

-Yeah.

-I'm worried about the price.

0:45:200:45:24

I think that's a good sign though, if you're already worrying about

0:45:240:45:27

the price it means you're serious.

0:45:270:45:29

Yeah, yeah. Where is the toilet, then?

0:45:290:45:31

Communal facilities aside,

0:45:330:45:35

the main house consists of around 100 square metres across two floors.

0:45:350:45:39

But upstairs, there is just one bedroom. Well, of sorts.

0:45:390:45:43

-Here is your fully fitted bedroom with all mod cons.

-And balcony.

0:45:430:45:49

-It's a blank canvas.

-It's gorgeous. It's almost perfect.

0:45:490:45:54

-You know, it's the sort of thing that I exactly wanted.

-Is it really?

0:45:540:45:58

-Yeah, it is. Yes.

-Gary?

-Yes.

0:45:580:46:02

You don't sound quite as convinced there.

0:46:020:46:04

-I am. It's just so different that I don't know.

-It is.

0:46:040:46:08

You're thinking of the cold, yeah,

0:46:080:46:11

because Gary always thinks about being cold. So that would be a bit of work.

0:46:110:46:15

Not much but to make it...

0:46:150:46:16

-We could probably put something across that beam there.

-Yeah, yeah.

0:46:160:46:20

A pleasant challenge.

0:46:200:46:22

Linda's clearly fallen for the property -

0:46:220:46:24

skeletal kitchen, windowless rooms, open ceilings and all.

0:46:240:46:28

And I'm willing to bet that her enthusiasm is set to be

0:46:280:46:31

matched by Gary once he gets a look inside that mill.

0:46:310:46:35

It looks like there is wiring already been done.

0:46:360:46:39

-You would be right because this can provide all the energy for the house.

-Wow.

0:46:390:46:44

You've always wanted a house powered by water.

0:46:440:46:46

-You've talked about that for donkey's years.

-I know, yeah. I am a donkey.

0:46:460:46:50

I would be in here for days.

0:46:510:46:53

How long do you reckon it would take you to hook up the house

0:46:540:46:57

next door for all its energy?

0:46:570:46:59

Well, if this is generating enough energy, a week.

0:46:590:47:02

You know I said I didn't want a big project,

0:47:020:47:05

-but I would love to do something like that.

-Yes.

0:47:050:47:08

-And I've noticed something else.

-What else have you noticed?

0:47:080:47:11

I was trying to hide it from her.

0:47:110:47:13

I was trying to hide it from her.

0:47:130:47:14

Because this is your domain.

0:47:140:47:17

-But you have even got your own ancient range.

-Oh, wow.

0:47:170:47:21

-Is that a sign?

-There are so many signs in this house.

-Yeah.

0:47:210:47:26

Linda may have a battle on her hands if she thinks

0:47:260:47:29

she is going to be able to share the mill's work space with Gary.

0:47:290:47:32

But for now, it's time to see what the ancient orio holds in store.

0:47:320:47:36

-So, your very own orio.

-Wow, it's fabulous.

0:47:360:47:40

-We've always looked at these, haven't we?

-Yeah, it's big.

0:47:400:47:44

-It seems bigger than normal.

-It's a good space, isn't it?

0:47:440:47:47

Yeah, it's like another house, really.

0:47:470:47:49

Because you use it for so many things.

0:47:490:47:51

-Well, what would the two of you do with it?

-Backpackers, things like that.

0:47:510:47:55

-It's like a barn, you know, barn camping.

-It's beautiful, isn't it?

-I love it.

0:47:550:47:59

Let's head outside because we still need to talk about the land.

0:47:590:48:03

Mind your heads.

0:48:030:48:05

At every turn, this property gives Linda and Gary

0:48:050:48:08

more and more to get excited about but as evening sets in,

0:48:080:48:11

they are about to realise just how much land there is to manage

0:48:110:48:14

with the terrain, crops and orchard.

0:48:140:48:17

It works out to about 1.6 acres.

0:48:170:48:22

There is so much land and it's so beautiful,

0:48:220:48:25

-it must be quite expensive.

-I know, I'm thinking price...

0:48:250:48:28

-Are you itching now?

-Yes, yes.

-To talk money.

-Yes.

0:48:280:48:32

-Is it under, on, or over your budget?

-Over.

0:48:320:48:36

You look really worried.

0:48:360:48:39

-Well, I'm thinking, like, a couple of hundred thousand.

-OK.

0:48:390:48:44

-That's what I'm thinking.

-I would say, pure guess really, 180.

0:48:440:48:49

-And would 180 be worth it for you, for this project?

-Oh, yes.

0:48:490:48:53

-Should we all put our fingers like this?

-Yes, cross everything.

0:48:530:48:56

The asking price is just over...

0:48:560:49:01

£126,000.

0:49:010:49:03

-We'll have it.

-Yeah.

0:49:040:49:06

-Really, yeah.

-Really?

-Yeah.

0:49:070:49:10

That would leave us some money to do the electrics

0:49:100:49:13

and to do lots of things.

0:49:130:49:14

-So do you fancy having a quick look around?

-I do.

-Be my guest.

0:49:140:49:19

Off you go.

0:49:190:49:20

Nearly £30,000 under budget, this mill

0:49:200:49:23

and its entire way of life suits Linda and Gary to a T,

0:49:230:49:27

leaving enough in the budget for the renovations needed.

0:49:270:49:31

To most, this would be little more than an engaging

0:49:310:49:33

piece of history, but Linda and Gary simply aren't most people.

0:49:330:49:38

But, yeah, I love modern, new, pristine...

0:49:380:49:41

for somebody else.

0:49:410:49:43

But for me, this is it.

0:49:430:49:46

I could see myself pottering around in here and getting stuff done.

0:49:460:49:51

You'd get a lot of satisfaction out of doing this.

0:49:510:49:53

It would be a labour of love.

0:49:530:49:55

It kind of looks like what I had in my mind's eye, you know.

0:49:550:49:59

Yeah, definitely.

0:49:590:50:01

-Are we all done?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-You have enjoyed that, haven't you?

0:50:030:50:08

And this is our final house, so you two have plenty to think about.

0:50:080:50:12

-Loads.

-Let's go.

0:50:120:50:13

With over 100 varieties of apple grown on the Atlantic coast

0:50:260:50:28

of northern Spain, it's little wonder that cider-making

0:50:280:50:32

and its consumption is a regional obsession,

0:50:320:50:35

with the average Asturian purported to consume up

0:50:350:50:38

to 54 litres of cider every year.

0:50:380:50:41

I've been invited to experience this historic trade

0:50:410:50:44

by third generation producer, Marta Miralda from Sidra Real Castanon.

0:50:440:50:50

Cider is produced in big mills and small garages alike,

0:50:500:50:53

with family run apple orchards littering the countryside.

0:50:530:50:57

Marta's family mill chomps through a staggering 1.5 million apples

0:50:570:51:01

every year en route to producing one million litres of premium Asturian cider.

0:51:010:51:06

They source the apples from all across the region.

0:51:070:51:10

So you buy the apples from all the locals? They will bring them here?

0:51:100:51:14

It's like a family business.

0:51:140:51:17

In Asturias, we have so many different apple varieties.

0:51:170:51:20

And do you take all those different varieties of apples?

0:51:200:51:24

For the cider, natural cider, we need acidic, not sweet apples.

0:51:240:51:29

Now this, this is a lot of apples.

0:51:320:51:35

What is actually going on here, Marta?

0:51:350:51:37

We get the apples and we wash it.

0:51:370:51:39

-So how important is cider to this region?

-It's in our lives.

0:51:390:51:44

-Cider is in our blood in Asturias.

-You are passionate about it.

0:51:440:51:50

It's our passion. You can see cider everywhere in Asturias.

0:51:500:51:56

So Marta, Asturian cider is famous, but what is the difference?

0:51:560:52:01

The taste is different. It's not sweet at all.

0:52:010:52:05

It's a natural taste and we can drink it.

0:52:050:52:10

That sounds good to me. I want to see the whole process.

0:52:100:52:14

The apples are sorted, crushed and pressed.

0:52:140:52:17

The smaller sour varieties of crab apple give the cider its freshness.

0:52:170:52:21

While sweet and bitter varieties produce its variations in taste.

0:52:210:52:26

Sidra here is fermented and matured in metallic tanks for several

0:52:260:52:29

months until its alcohol content is around 5%.

0:52:290:52:34

It's then transferred to vast chestnut wood barrels.

0:52:340:52:38

Samples are then mixed by one man, senior taster, Julian Castanon,

0:52:380:52:42

whose job it is to produce the mill's trademark taste.

0:52:420:52:45

At maximum capacity,

0:52:450:52:47

they can produce up to 6,000 bottles of cider per hour here, but for now,

0:52:470:52:52

it's time to meet Julian to see the best tradition of them all.

0:52:520:52:55

-You are ready?

-I'm ready.

-Please.

0:52:550:53:00

THEY SPEAK SPANISH

0:53:000:53:01

He is going to serve it.

0:53:010:53:03

It's strictly served in small sampling portions

0:53:060:53:09

poured from high up to oxygenate the beverage.

0:53:090:53:12

Here, you don't ask for a glass, you request a trademark cooling.

0:53:120:53:16

HE SPEAKS SPANISH

0:53:160:53:19

-He said that you have to drink it in one go.

-In one go?

0:53:190:53:24

-This is the first time I will have tried Asturian cider. In one, yes?

-In one.

0:53:240:53:29

Mmm... That's delicious. Could I have a go? I'm going to get covered.

0:53:310:53:37

-That wasn't too bad at all. Was that a good one?

-Yes, yes, enough.

0:53:400:53:45

Enough? It's all in the taste, isn't it?

0:53:450:53:48

That's tasted even better than the first time.

0:53:500:53:53

-Thank you very much indeed. Thank you.

-That's the taste of Asturias.

0:53:530:53:58

-Cheers.

-Enjoy it.

0:53:580:54:01

As the mists sweep up through the mountains, we're reaching

0:54:040:54:08

the conclusion of Linda and Gary's stay in northern Spain.

0:54:080:54:12

It's time for our buyers to pack up and decide on their next move.

0:54:120:54:15

But before making their final decision on the right rural hideaway,

0:54:170:54:21

they're taking one last opportunity to soak up the region with

0:54:210:54:25

-a trip on the high seas.

-We've never done this before.

-No, no.

0:54:250:54:29

-I know you like the water, you've always said about boats.

-Yeah.

0:54:300:54:34

Your dad had a little one.

0:54:340:54:36

Yeah, we are approaching a lovely beach by the looks of things.

0:54:360:54:39

And for Gary, it has been an opportunity to gain a fresh

0:54:390:54:42

perspective on his life back in the UK.

0:54:420:54:45

I feel the need to get rid of our house because it's just...

0:54:450:54:49

Every room I walk into, I can see lots more work.

0:54:500:54:54

It represents a sort of freedom, doesn't it?

0:54:540:54:56

Yeah, that's what I meant. Get rid of that and then I'll feel more free.

0:54:560:55:01

Nothing holding us back.

0:55:010:55:03

So there you have it.

0:55:070:55:08

We have shown Gary and Linda our properties here in Asturias

0:55:080:55:12

and although they've been very positive about all our houses,

0:55:120:55:15

I think on reflection, they've had some doubts.

0:55:150:55:18

However, that mystery house literally blew their minds.

0:55:180:55:23

I wonder if they still feel the same way about it today.

0:55:230:55:26

Let's go and find out.

0:55:260:55:28

So Gary and Linda, tell me,

0:55:310:55:33

how do you feel the last few days have gone?

0:55:330:55:35

-What do you think you have learned?

-It is so different here, isn't it?

0:55:350:55:38

You know, the properties are entirely different.

0:55:380:55:41

It seems like you get loads more for your money.

0:55:410:55:43

In a way, I got the feeling that not a lot of homework is done.

0:55:430:55:46

That would be correct.

0:55:460:55:47

I suppose we were kind of thinking in terms of what we're used to

0:55:470:55:51

so we weren't even 100% sure of what we wanted, I don't think.

0:55:510:55:55

You weren't sure, we certainly weren't sure.

0:55:550:55:58

So have we got a little bit closer to what you actually want?

0:55:580:56:01

-I think we've got exactly what we wanted.

-Come on, then. Come on, then.

0:56:010:56:06

-A certain property.

-The last property.

0:56:060:56:09

I don't think we knew it, but that was exactly what we were looking for.

0:56:090:56:13

Yeah, yeah, it means that we can put into practice all the things that we

0:56:130:56:16

always wanted, like energy from water, growing things,

0:56:160:56:20

I'm now getting a bit tired of saying this, but the compost toilet.

0:56:200:56:23

I guess what we should have done was said

0:56:230:56:26

we want a watermill with an orio and somewhere to live.

0:56:260:56:29

-With no windows.

-That would have saved us a lot of time, wouldn't it?

0:56:290:56:34

-So, are you going to put an offer in?

-Yes, yes.

0:56:340:56:37

I mean, we haven't sold our house yet but we expect it to be sold.

0:56:370:56:41

-Maybe when we get home.

-Yeah, it is a possibility. We will sell it.

0:56:410:56:44

Even if we have to drop it a bit, you know.

0:56:440:56:46

So you are actually prepared to drop the price of your home

0:56:460:56:49

-in Bristol to secure the mystery house?

-Yes, definitely.

0:56:490:56:52

Now, this mystery house with all its merits,

0:56:520:56:55

we know it is a working museum.

0:56:550:56:57

In a way, you are going to be living that life.

0:56:570:56:59

-Being a museum piece myself, it is perfect.

-Never.

0:56:590:57:03

What do you think, personally, for each of you, this move will make?

0:57:030:57:07

What different is it going to make to your lives?

0:57:070:57:09

I'm going to spend all day, every day, outside doing things.

0:57:090:57:14

And Gary?

0:57:140:57:15

I'm going to tinker about in the watermill and get electric shocks.

0:57:150:57:19

Gary's workshop.

0:57:200:57:22

Can I just say, we are thrilled that we have found you that perfect ideal property.

0:57:220:57:29

And I'm delighted it is the mystery house.

0:57:290:57:32

-All the best and enjoy your new life over here.

-Thank you.

0:57:320:57:36

What a great ending to our search here in Asturias.

0:57:410:57:45

Now, Gary and Linda's outlook on life,

0:57:450:57:46

that spontaneity, that wonderful naivety, it is so refreshing,

0:57:460:57:52

and I'm delighted they found what they are after.

0:57:520:57:55

Something in fact, they didn't even know they wanted. What a couple.

0:57:550:57:59

I'll see you again soon.

0:57:590:58:02

Although their house in Bristol is still on the market,

0:58:020:58:05

Linda and Gary have arranged to visit the mystery house once

0:58:050:58:08

again to start negotiations with the owner.

0:58:080:58:11

They've even booked a room at

0:58:110:58:12

Nigel's mountainside hotel for the trip.

0:58:120:58:15

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