Asturias Escape to the Continent

Welcome to Escape To The Continent.

And you find me in a picturesque and spiritual spot

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

But which country?

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

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

and although I'm hearing positive noises...

-This is perfect.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. There's a lovely atmosphere.

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

Is it you?

Definitely. Definitely maybe.

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

Today, we're in Asturias in Northern Spain

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

that were given national park status back in 1918.

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

a historic battle was fought here in the town of Covadonga

which shaped Spain's history

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

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

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

attracts pilgrims and visitors from all around the world

to this beautiful and peaceful part of Spain.

A two-hour flight from the UK,

the principality of Asturias is an autonomous region

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

north-western terrain.

With glorious beaches outmuscled by a wild rural interior,

Asturias both embraces and rejects a classic image of Spain.

The community has no fewer than 24 nature reserves.

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

brown bears roam and 40 inches of rainfall every year,

averages to match those of Pembrokeshire, Cornwall or Devon.

To the north, the Bay of Biscay feeds fishing communities

along 180 miles of Atlantic coastline.

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

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

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

It rolls out onto the Atlantic and oozes real charm

with its smattering of imposing Romanesque architecture.

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

This mountainous barrier cuts off all access from the south,

making Asturias the most isolated part of the country.

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

here in Asturias is less prone to the seasonal fluctuations

that you might see across better-known Spanish destinations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

who live here on the busy side of Bristol.

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

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

on a Saturday afternoon dance.

He emigrated with his family to America.

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

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

where he was and I wrote to him.

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

And our intrepid lovebirds have more than one good reason

for their impending move abroad.

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

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

I like to live outdoors,

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

You know, you can't live outside here.

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

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

We have done a little bit of travelling around there.

So you've got the beach and the mountains,

so you've sort of got everything, really.

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

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

A nice way of life, I thought.

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

I wouldn't mind just a big space.

Because we've lived in a mobile home,

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

Oh, you know. Not bothered.

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

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

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

Or maybe one big family.

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

and they just take over the garden.

So we made loads of friends that way.

And they're both eager to export their favourite pastimes

to their new life in Spain.

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

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

That's me, really.

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

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

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

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

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

And whatever happens,

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

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

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

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

-Yeah.

-..in life.

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

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

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

the Asturian heartland.

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

Well, Gary and Linda, welcome to Asturias.

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

so what is the appeal?

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

-Yes.

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

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

-and people still keep ringing me...

-Do they?

-..and I keep saying "yes"!

-LAUGHING:

-You must be good!

-Oh, he is good.

-Cheap! Must be cheap!

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

-Yeah.

We thought now or never, really.

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

-Yeah.

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

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

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

-What does it consist of?

-Two-bedroom, workshop.

-For sure.

-Yeah.

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

-And what about you, Linda?

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

And I would like a vegetable plot.

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

-Are we talking a manageable amount of land?

-Definitely, yeah.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Yeah, nothing too big.

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

Inside or outside the house?

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

But definitely one outside for campers.

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

-Oh, We'd make it that way.

You could do it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

-No.

-Well, I don't.

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

Does anything make you nervous about this move?

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

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

-Are you?

-Yeah.

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

and we are trying to learn now.

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

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

-Yeah, so they're helping.

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

Probably, max 155.

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

this region and finding you that unusual home.

-Me too!

-Me too, yes.

-Good.

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

and with their £155,000 budget,

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

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

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

But this flexibility poses its own problems.

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

into a tangible list of property prerequisites.

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

to view four unique Spanish properties,

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

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

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

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

Infiesto is a humble and historic town known for its yearly

Medieval Market Festival and handy location just off

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

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

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

lies our first property.

It exists within the countryside between two mountain ranges,

offering a majesty and serenity that I hope

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

So, our very first property.

-BOTH: Wow.

-Beautiful.

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

-Yes.

Doesn't need any work.

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

Oh, OK, yeah.

-Now that's a big plus.

-Yes!

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

-I wasn't sure!

-THEY LAUGH

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

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

-Yeah.

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

-Yeah... This is lovely.

-Good for the soul, nice.

-Yeah?

-Yeah!

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

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

-Yep, great.

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

Let's see how we fare inside.

So, come on in.

-Very good.

-Yeah.

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

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

-Would that come with it?

Imagine it without any furniture, look at the space.

-Do you like what the owners have done?

-Yeah. This is perfect.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

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

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

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

-Yes.

-Yeah, OK.

-If I just point up there...

-OK.

-..and just remember that spot for me.

-OK.

-All will be revealed in a little while.

-Right.

So, this house is all on one level.

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

For the girls.

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

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

Yeah, lovely. Good size.

-Plenty of light.

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

-You like the furniture, don't you?

-Yeah, I do, actually.

-Well, it fits with the property.

-It does.

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

What are you used to?

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

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

-Yeah.

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

-and not have to do things...

-Yeah.

-..live in a mess.

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

how do you feel about this?

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

The roof space.

When we were standing in that main room,

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

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

-Ah!

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

-Oh, wow.

-I could do it myself.

-Yeah, you could do yourself.

-Great.

-Yeah?

-And I've got more to show you.

-Right.

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

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

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

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

What do you think?

-I could get a motorbike in there, yeah.

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

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

Let's take a look at the land.

-Wonderful scenery, isn't it?

-That's beautiful.

-Beautiful, fantastic, yeah.

This magnificent vista.

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

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

-I really want one!

-I'm going to do that.

-Good.

-You might've noticed behind us...

-Yeah, we did notice.

-There's your solar panel.

Really good spec. In the summer months,

that should provide you with everything.

-Great.

-It's got everything.

-Yeah.

And the family that lives next door to you,

that's actually their holiday home.

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

I think it might be 150...?

-Gary?

-Probably over budget, say, 160?

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

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

-Oh, no, really?

-Yes.

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

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

Coming in £10,000 under budget,

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

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

with the added convenience of being sold fully furnished.

Local livestock not included.

A little bit of grass hanging out of his mouth.

The price is right.

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

I am blown away really.

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

which I am prepared to do.

But to not have to do anything

and pursue my hobbies instead is a massive bonus.

Where is this loft?

-There you go. That's it.

-It would be a handy storage space.

Well, a room. Another room.

-Oh, yes. It's huge.

-Is it?

If you go straight through,

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

All of this floor space up there?

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

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

Yes. It's perfect.

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

-A very good start.

-Shall we make a move?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Ready to go.

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

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

We have brought them to the remote village of Sevares

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

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

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

-No.

-Is this where we're staying?

-You would be right.

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

So there are the keys to your accommodation.

Take the time. Relax and enjoy.

-Welcome to your new home. In you go.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

-It's really nice.

-This is nice.

I must admit, just before we came out,

I was thinking maybe it would be easier to stay.

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

-I know.

-We want to go for the adventure.

-Make life difficult for ourselves.

-No, no. Make life exciting.

-Yes, I know.

-I really want to do it.

-Let's have a look in here.

I want it to happen quickly.

And as Linda assesses the decor,

explorer Gary puts something else through its paces.

-I am going to test the bed.

-You might not get up!

-No.

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

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

in this distinctive area of Northern Spain.

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

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

Just imagining being there.

And as Gary suspected, this morning Linda is already

planning for life in that first property.

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

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

-Yes.

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

-Probably get some work.

-I don't want any work.

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

They have a vague notion of what they want

and a very positive outlook.

But have they really thought through this move?

Today, I've got something up his sleeve

that is really going to test their mettle.

-Good morning.

-Hi.

-Morning.

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

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

-Great.

-Slept like a baby.

-Did you?

-Yes.

-Come on, then.

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

Taking a northerly tangent off the main highway

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

pleasantly free of crowds and tourists.

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

The world from up here is dominated by an epic vista

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

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

It retains a continuity with the past

that many parts of Spain have lost.

In order to appreciate the location,

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

So we have brought you to this location

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

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

where you can see the orange property?

That is your next property.

-It looks big from here.

-What do you think of where it is situated?

-It's beautiful.

-Yes.

-I like the colour.

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

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

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

Let's start the viewing.

Yet more agreement from our couple.

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

The property itself lay derelict for 20 years

but it has been lovingly recrafted over the past decade.

So you have seen the house from the outside.

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

-It's got lots of character.

-Yes. And the stone.

-Big. Big kitchen.

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

-It appeals?

-Definitely.

-Yes.

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

Let's see if you like my quirky house.

-Wow! The view.

-Yes.

-It's gorgeous.

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

-It is.

I can see myself sitting in that chair

overlooking that view.

-It's a big room actually.

-The ceiling is lovely.

-Quirky.

-Yes.

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

-Yes, the glass front.

-Fabulous.

-Shall we continue?

-Please.

This is your master bedroom.

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

-Yes.

-Is it you?

-Definitely. Definitely maybe!

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

-Yes.

-There is storage here by the looks of it.

And I love not necessarily sleeping upstairs and different levels.

-I like all that.

-Good.

There might be something else that gets the pulses racing.

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

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

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

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

Linda.

-Here is your kitchen.

-A separate baking kitchen.

Your separate baking kitchen.

You even have a 19th century range there.

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

-He would soon get that working.

-Yes.

-I love it.

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

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

So just little people in here would be perfect.

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

And a separate entrance. Great.

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

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

propping the house up on the hill.

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

-Gorgeous.

How many tents could we put on this plot?

-Hundreds. We could have a goat.

-You could have a goat.

-That's an idea.

-There is one thing, Gary.

-Workshop.

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

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

Used to store grain. These are listed.

They are part of the heritage of this region.

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

But what you can do is modify it.

So perhaps you could put guests in there

or it could be the most marvellous workshop.

-All my tools all laid out.

-So let's see.

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

I don't know. 170?

-OK.

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

-Give me a figure?

-110.

-You are actually very good at pricing.

-Yes, I am usually.

-But not on this occasion.

-Oh, no!

-You are way out.

-Really?

-Yes.

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

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

-See, you're good at it.

-This time.

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

-Does it not?

-No. Not at all.

-You were just hoping.

-Yes.

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

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

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

It demonstrates the peak of what's available locally

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

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

-I could definitely live here.

-A little hamlet there.

That view out the window. Definitely.

I could just doze off now.

-I could.

-Yes, it's warm and gorgeous.

-The sun in my eyes.

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

-Yes.

-And the goat maybe.

We will have to call him Billy!

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

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

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

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

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

I don't want a brand-new place.

-I like this. It's got character.

-Yes.

There you are. Have you seen enough?

-Yes.

-Happy?

-Yes, fabulous.

-A lot to take in.

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

-Yes.

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

We are going to hit the road.

Life in Asturias exists at a slower, more relaxed pace

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

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

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

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

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

to see whether there was an update.

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

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

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

and there is still no good news forthcoming.

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

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

Asturian life could be like for Linda and Gary.

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

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

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

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

in Arriondas to the east of Asturias.

-Hi, Nigel.

-Hello there.

-Good to meet you.

-Really pleased to meet you.

-Can I introduce you?

-Yes. My hands are a bit dirty!

You've obviously been hard at it.

I've just been pulling out some weeds.

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

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

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

Anything else you want us to help with?

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

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

-I would love to.

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

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

Right, OK. Let's go this way.

Nigel has been in Spain for 33 years

and runs the eight hector low intensity farm and hotel

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

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

Gary and I receive our marching orders,

and with over three decades experience in Spanish agriculture,

we had better pay attention to Nigel.

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

The compost has been in here for three or four weeks

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

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

-Got it?

-Yes.

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

-Yes, please.

-There we are.

-I will give it my best.

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

Oh, the glamour!

As I toiled with the hotel's biodegradable scraps,

Gary is keen to quiz Nigel about the local climate.

Are the winters long here?

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning, isn't it?

We've got fabulous coastlines, fabulous mountains,

fabulous rural scenery and it's not that known.

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

-As we work the land...

-Hello.

-You must be Sam, Nigel's daughter.

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

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

but uses natural locally sourced ingredients.

It's time to get stuck in.

-Can I have the feel of it?

-Please do.

-That is a lovely texture.

Would you say Asturias is a foodie region?

-I would, yes, very much.

-Mm-hmm.

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

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

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

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

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

which is every Sunday, so...

-And I also makes scones.

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

OK, and jam tarts?

-No, either that's...

-And biscuits?

-No, not in the market.

-Oh, good.

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

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

and some local cheese.

So is it tricky buying property here?

-Do your homework first, check things out.

-Yeah.

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

There's a lot of unique properties

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

-Mmm, I see.

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

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

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

There's a lot of protected areas in Asturias.

Generally, in a protected area,

you cannot change the use of a building.

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

-you cannot make it into a house.

-That's good advice, that is.

-Yeah.

And you can find that out in the town hall,

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

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

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

Right.

Oh, so many questions.

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

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

You really do have to make an effort with your Spanish

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

-No.

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

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

Erm, so...

It'll suit me.

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

if you have to, and if you want to.

-Right.

-There's something here called Comparte Lenguas

which they're doing a lot,

whereby Spanish people want to learn English

-and English people want to learn Spanish.

-I've heard of that.

They get together and speak half an hour together in Spanish

and the other half an hour in English.

-That's a great idea.

-It is a great idea.

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

We're lucky living here in Arriondas,

which is 3km from where we are now.

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

We've also got a medical centre,

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

We hear and read so much about the Spanish economy

-but what is its current state?

-That's difficult to answer.

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

but in this area, and the more rural areas,

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

-Mm-hmm.

-Right.

-We live in Bristol -

we live on a major road.

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

so this would be quite a contrast for us.

What do you think?

Waking up to no road or traffic noise,

or people screaming in the streets is just...

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

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

-Ooh.

-You know, you wake up with a smile.

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

-Yeah.

-Really beautiful.

-Yeah, great.

-Definitely coming here.

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

-Yeah.

Armed with all that extra information,

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

When budgeting for a house in Spain,

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

Exchange rates should also be a key consideration,

as they can hugely impact your budget.

Specialist brokers can offer forward contracts which

fix an exchange rate for a future transaction,

and avoid unpredictable and costly fluctuations.

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

with consistently high efficiency rankings.

Early retirees need to be careful, though.

The NHS no longer reimburses EU states for costs incurred

by a nonworking Brits under pensionable age,

so health insurance is highly recommended.

We're driving to Villaviciosa for the most coastal

property of our selection, six miles from the shores of

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

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

imposing peaks dwarfing unspoilt fishing towns

such as Lastres and Ribadesella nearby.

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

their journey has been littered by some contradictions.

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

a double and live on top.

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

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

-Is this...?

-Yes.

-Oh, lovely.

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

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

-Yeah,

-and a lot bigger than I was expecting.

-Yeah.

-Yeah,

-I'm dying to see it.

-Yeah, shall we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

This four-year-old property stands apart from

its more traditional neighbours, but will the modern practical style

be enough to impress our house hunters?

-So...

-Yeah.

-Yeah, this is a lovely big room.

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

-And the fire here.

-A special baking table,

-and a dining table.

-Yeah.

-I like the view out of that window.

-Ah...

-Now, why would that be, Gary?

-LINDA LAUGHS

-What have you just spotted?

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

-Yeah.

-Just before we head upstairs,

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

-Got a double bedroom downstairs...

-Oh, lovely.

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

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

'contemporary theme from downstairs'

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

-So this is your master bedroom.

-Very nice.

-It's big.

-Yeah.

-Complete with

-en-suite. Mmm.

Really modern, yeah, and that view.

-So you've actually got four bedrooms upstairs.

-Yeah.

Got plenty of room for visitors.

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

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

-Mmm.

-We were thinking of that.

-I thought that, actually.

-Yeah, you said it before, yeah.

Guessing the price is going to be interesting.

Well, it's funny you should say that,

because we are going to head outside.

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

'and having already spotted the shed,'

Gary's eagle eye spots another fixture.

It's a barbie.

Your world is complete.

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

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

are bound to appreciate.

-You might have noticed...

-Yeah.

-..the solar panels next to us.

-Oh, yes, yeah.

-I'm impressed with those.

-It saves your energy bills by about 30%.

-Yeah.

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

as well, for the electric.

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

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

I don't know. 200,000?

OK. Linda?

I'm going to say 125.

I think you two are going to be flabbergasted.

The asking price is just over...

-£95,000.

-Ooh.

What? Are you joking?

Yeah, I'm not joking.

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

-And nor can I.

We could do loads of things with that extra money.

I could do a big solar panel project.

-I honestly wasn't expecting that.

-I know.

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

-I can check out the options, now.

-You'll be looking at it in

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

A whopping £60,000 under budget,

and with a potential 40% saving overall,

Linda and Gary have been blindsided by this unconventional property.

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

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

I'm still in shock about the price.

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

your thought pattern, doesn't it?

You know, lots of things to check out

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

Gary, did you get inside the shed?

No, but I can see in it.

-Yeah?

-Yeah, it's all nice and clean.

-Looks like they store linen or something in there.

-Oh, good, good.

-So it's dry.

-Yeah.

-It's a lovely view from up here.

-Is it?

It's really beautiful.

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

Yeah, yeah, it's really long,

-so there is plenty of flat areas for tents.

-Yeah.

-And not forgetting the compost toilet.

-No.

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

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

It's interesting, isn't it?

Because this house isn't what they asked for.

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

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

Oh, it's certainly got them thinking.

-Oh, how are we?

-Great, yeah.

-Yeah, great.

-Have you seen enough? Are you happy?

-Yes, yeah.

-Let's hit the road.

-OK.

As night falls, Linda and Gary get to experience

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

Yay!

-Oh...

-Oh, it's nice to see you.

Thanks. Yeah, how was the journey?

-Mum, I...

-Mwah!

Their youngest daughter Jane -

whom they haven't seen for two months

since she moved to Madrid - is visiting.

We miss you...a lot.

-Oh, and all...

-Emotional blackmail, is that it?

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

-Yeah, yeah.

-That's true, that is true.

-That was useful, wasn't it?

Our landlord is useless, you must move here immediately.

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

-I've liked them all in different ways.

-Yeah...

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

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

-Yeah.

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

-Yeah, oh, yes.

-In all of them?

-Yes.

-Especially in the last one.

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

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

So if you decide on a house,

then you could be here within three or four months.

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

-Yeah.

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

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

-That's come up quite a lot today.

-Yeah, it has, actually, yeah.

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

-your priorities are your priorities.

-Yeah, and don't get, maybe,

-dazzled by other things.

-Yeah, exactly.

-The prices and things, you know.

-Yeah.

Pep talk complete, the group are free to soak up

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

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

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

Linda and Gary have sampled the rural charm

of life in the Spanish mountains in a rented property,

and with the morning off from house hunting,

Linda continues to sample the region

by heading out in search of some core baking ingredients.

Toiletries, drinks, baby food...

Oh...

Erm...

Ah, I see.

Erm...

Erm, corn.

Yeah, mai...ma...

maize.

Oh, gracias.

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

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

It's been really difficult to gauge precisely what

Gary and Linda want with this move.

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

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

In fact, this property will be literally

throwing them in at the deep end.

Today, we loop back to the central Covadonga highway

and the remote agricultural village of Sevares,

14 miles west of the Picos National Park.

The small inland community offers both practicality

and a rustic seclusion,

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

commercialism and mass-tourism have bypassed

this secluded part of Asturias.

From afar, the Mystery Property appears to reflect

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

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

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

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

-Lovely.

-Well...

-LAUGHTER

-Surprised?

-Yeah. Which part?

-All of it.

-The orio as well?

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

-Oh, yeah.

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

-Wow.

-Flipping mint!

-Can't wait to have a look.

So I think you both need to take a deep breath

and we'll start exploring.

The mill itself dates back to the 16th century,

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

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

but will Linda and Gary be quite as keen once

they take a closer look at the alfresco layout inside?

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

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

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

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

-It is.

-Is it?

-Yeah, yeah.

-It definitely is.

It definitely is, actually, yeah.

There's loads of things you could do.

It's beautiful.

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

Here is your sitting room/kitchen.

-Wow, look at that.

-Oh, it's gorgeous.

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

-Right by the fire?

-Yeah.

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

-Yeah.

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

Yeah, I'm lost for words.

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

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

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

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

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

There is also something else that, Linda,

-you're not going to believe is here.

-Not a compost toilet.

-I'm afraid so.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Honestly?

-Yeah.

-I'm worried about the price.

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

the price it means you're serious.

Yeah, yeah. Where is the toilet, then?

Communal facilities aside,

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

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

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

-And balcony.

-It's a blank canvas.

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

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

-Is it really?

-Yeah, it is. Yes.

-Gary?

-Yes.

You don't sound quite as convinced there.

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

-It is.

You're thinking of the cold, yeah,

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

Not much but to make it...

-We could probably put something across that beam there.

-Yeah, yeah.

A pleasant challenge.

Linda's clearly fallen for the property -

skeletal kitchen, windowless rooms, open ceilings and all.

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

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

It looks like there is wiring already been done.

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

-Wow.

You've always wanted a house powered by water.

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

-I know, yeah. I am a donkey.

I would be in here for days.

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

next door for all its energy?

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

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

-but I would love to do something like that.

-Yes.

-And I've noticed something else.

-What else have you noticed?

I was trying to hide it from her.

I was trying to hide it from her.

Because this is your domain.

-But you have even got your own ancient range.

-Oh, wow.

-Is that a sign?

-There are so many signs in this house.

-Yeah.

Linda may have a battle on her hands if she thinks

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

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

-So, your very own orio.

-Wow, it's fabulous.

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

-Yeah, it's big.

-It seems bigger than normal.

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

Yeah, it's like another house, really.

Because you use it for so many things.

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

-Backpackers, things like that.

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

-It's beautiful, isn't it?

-I love it.

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

Mind your heads.

At every turn, this property gives Linda and Gary

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

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

with the terrain, crops and orchard.

It works out to about 1.6 acres.

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

-it must be quite expensive.

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

-Are you itching now?

-Yes, yes.

-To talk money.

-Yes.

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

-Over.

You look really worried.

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

-OK.

-That's what I'm thinking.

-I would say, pure guess really, 180.

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

-Oh, yes.

-Should we all put our fingers like this?

-Yes, cross everything.

The asking price is just over...

£126,000.

-We'll have it.

-Yeah.

-Really, yeah.

-Really?

-Yeah.

That would leave us some money to do the electrics

and to do lots of things.

-So do you fancy having a quick look around?

-I do.

-Be my guest.

Off you go.

Nearly £30,000 under budget, this mill

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

leaving enough in the budget for the renovations needed.

To most, this would be little more than an engaging

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

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

for somebody else.

But for me, this is it.

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

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

It would be a labour of love.

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

Yeah, definitely.

-Are we all done?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-You have enjoyed that, haven't you?

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

-Loads.

-Let's go.

With over 100 varieties of apple grown on the Atlantic coast

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

and its consumption is a regional obsession,

with the average Asturian purported to consume up

to 54 litres of cider every year.

I've been invited to experience this historic trade

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

Cider is produced in big mills and small garages alike,

with family run apple orchards littering the countryside.

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

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

They source the apples from all across the region.

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

It's like a family business.

In Asturias, we have so many different apple varieties.

And do you take all those different varieties of apples?

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

Now this, this is a lot of apples.

What is actually going on here, Marta?

We get the apples and we wash it.

-So how important is cider to this region?

-It's in our lives.

-Cider is in our blood in Asturias.

-You are passionate about it.

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

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

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

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

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

The apples are sorted, crushed and pressed.

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

While sweet and bitter varieties produce its variations in taste.

Sidra here is fermented and matured in metallic tanks for several

months until its alcohol content is around 5%.

It's then transferred to vast chestnut wood barrels.

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

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

At maximum capacity,

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

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

-You are ready?

-I'm ready.

-Please.

THEY SPEAK SPANISH

He is going to serve it.

It's strictly served in small sampling portions

poured from high up to oxygenate the beverage.

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

HE SPEAKS SPANISH

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

-In one go?

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

-In one.

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

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

-Yes, yes, enough.

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

That's tasted even better than the first time.

-Thank you very much indeed. Thank you.

-That's the taste of Asturias.

-Cheers.

-Enjoy it.

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

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

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

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

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

-a trip on the high seas.

-We've never done this before.

-No, no.

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

-Yeah.

Your dad had a little one.

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

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

perspective on his life back in the UK.

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

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

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

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

Nothing holding us back.

So there you have it.

We have shown Gary and Linda our properties here in Asturias

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

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

However, that mystery house literally blew their minds.

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

Let's go and find out.

So Gary and Linda, tell me,

how do you feel the last few days have gone?

-What do you think you have learned?

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

You know, the properties are entirely different.

It seems like you get loads more for your money.

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

That would be correct.

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

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

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

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

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

-Come on, then. Come on, then.

-A certain property.

-The last property.

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

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

always wanted, like energy from water, growing things,

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

I guess what we should have done was said

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

-With no windows.

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

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

-Yes, yes.

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

-Maybe when we get home.

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

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

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

-in Bristol to secure the mystery house?

-Yes, definitely.

Now, this mystery house with all its merits,

we know it is a working museum.

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

-Being a museum piece myself, it is perfect.

-Never.

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

What different is it going to make to your lives?

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

And Gary?

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

Gary's workshop.

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

And I'm delighted it is the mystery house.

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

-Thank you.

What a great ending to our search here in Asturias.

Now, Gary and Linda's outlook on life,

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

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

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

I'll see you again soon.

Although their house in Bristol is still on the market,

Linda and Gary have arranged to visit the mystery house once

again to start negotiations with the owner.

They've even booked a room at

Nigel's mountainside hotel for the trip.