0:00:02 > 0:00:04What do Michelangelo's David, the Pantheon in Rome,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Marble Arch and the Oslo Opera House all have in common?
0:00:07 > 0:00:09The answer is all around me.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12But what lunar landscape could I possibly be on?
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Join me in just a moment and I will reveal all.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Today, one man is bringing along his partner for advice
0:00:39 > 0:00:43in the hope he's going to get to live out a long-standing dream.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Amazing.- Who wants to speak first?
0:00:46 > 0:00:49I'm speechless. Which is rare. But I am.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52But the peace doesn't last long.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Help, get me out. - As you scared of heights?
0:00:54 > 0:00:56No, just this house.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01Welcome to Escape To The Continent. I'm in Tuscany, in northwest Italy.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05And this is one of the magnificent marble quarries of Carrara.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Dating back to Roman times,
0:01:07 > 0:01:11it's the oldest continually used industrial site in the world.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Michelangelo himself, no less, used to come here
0:01:13 > 0:01:17to pick his marble for his world-famous sculptures.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19He used to begin sculpting them right here,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22to check for imperfections and to reduce on transportation costs.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26It's this and so many other cultural and natural highlights
0:01:26 > 0:01:30that makes so many Brits want to carve a life for themselves
0:01:30 > 0:01:33right here more than any other region in Italy.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39With a flight time from the UK of just over two hours,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Tuscany is located towards the north of the Italian Peninsula.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The region's capital, Florence, which has Roman origins,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48straddles the Arno River
0:01:48 > 0:01:51and is famed as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The city also boasts some of the country's finest medieval
0:01:54 > 0:01:59architecture, such as the magnificent Duomo, or cathedral.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02To the west of Florence is the compelling city of Pisa,
0:02:02 > 0:02:03with its Leaning Tower -
0:02:03 > 0:02:07the freestanding belltower of the city's splendid cathedral.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The structure may have been a dreadful architectural mistake
0:02:10 > 0:02:14originally, but it has given the city worldwide fame.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18A lesser-known but just striking Tuscan city is Lucca.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Situated on the River Serchio,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24the city was the birthplace of the composer Puccini.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29And lies within huge red brick walls built between 1504 and 1645.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32They once protected the city but, today,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35are surrounded by trees and provide a promenade for those
0:02:35 > 0:02:37wishing to take in the sights by foot.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Stunning cities and cultural riches aside, it is
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Tuscany's natural beauty and dramatic landscape,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47including towering mountains, hills rich with vineyards,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and a long and beautiful coastline, that makes it a magnet not only
0:02:51 > 0:02:57to holiday-makers but also those wishing to firmly set down roots.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Tuscany's enduring popularity means it is one of Italy's most
0:03:01 > 0:03:02expensive regions.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06And if you fancy living in one of the fashionable seaside resorts,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09a home could easily reach the million pound mark.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11However, if you move a little bit further out,
0:03:11 > 0:03:12you could snap up a bargain.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Like in the north of Lucca, the Garfagnana hills,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19you could buy a detached house for as little as £55,000,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22although it probably would need a bit of updating.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Unlike the UK, the housing market here recently dropped by 5% -
0:03:26 > 0:03:29that's due in part to a tax rise on properties
0:03:29 > 0:03:31being used as second homes -
0:03:31 > 0:03:34which means there are plenty on the market to choose from.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38And we only need one to realise the Tuscan dream of today's couple.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43When their paths first crossed at a theatre many years ago, Karen and
0:03:43 > 0:03:45her partner, Graham, from Manningtree, in Essex,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47were both acting for a living.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52We have been together for 20 years. Just over, a little bit more.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55LAUGHING: We met doing Peter Pan.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57I was doing the King and
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- then Graham joined the company as the new boy.- Yeah.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Then, when we met, it felt like we had known each other for ever,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- didn't it?- Mmm.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08Seven years before they met,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Graham had been introduced to Italy by a friend,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14and the colourful country soon became his passion.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16I love it culturally. I feel at home there.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- He's just content there, aren't you? - Yeah, pretty content.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23I enjoy the whole culture and way of living, food.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26You don't get bad eating places in Italy.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Graham couldn't wait to introduce his leading lady to his beloved
0:04:29 > 0:04:32getaway, and she fell in love with it too.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Ever since he first visited the Mediterranean country,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37he's been thinking about moving there.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Karen is apprehensive about such a big move,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42but she's agreed to go along with his dream.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44And after a recent family loss,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47emigrating has become more than just talk.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50We lost our dog fairly recently. He was 19.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53e was a bit like Gnasher out of The Beano, a real little character.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55And we really miss him.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59But that kind of drove the notion of exploring what possibilities
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Italy might have for us.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Because it had been a long-term dream to go out there
0:05:04 > 0:05:07and see what it would be like to live there day by day.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12And they've decided it's one of the country's cultural centres,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Tuscany, that they know so well, that they would love to call home.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17But they won't be retiring.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Graham has got his finger in many business pies.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I'm an actor, writer, director, hypnotherapist
0:05:24 > 0:05:26and occasionally a teacher.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Graham has a whole host of business ideas to start in Italy,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32including an English-speaking theatre company.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35And actress and writer Karen is hoping to help him with that
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and his other new planned ventures.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40I genuinely think there is a market,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44both for the hypnotherapy side of things and maybe running
0:05:44 > 0:05:48writing classes or writing retreats, spiritual retreats...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50He has a lot of ideas.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55So, with their Essex cottage on the market, these creative cash
0:05:55 > 0:05:58buyers are getting ready to wave goodbye to British soil.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01It's just felt like the right time to move to Italy.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Before the Zimmer frames arrive. - Yeah.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Karen and Graham have asked us
0:06:09 > 0:06:12to direct our search in and around the city of Lucca,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15the capital of the province of Lucca.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18The city is brimming with the culture they are craving
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and offers options for both city and rural living.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25But before we start our search in earnest, I've come to Lucca to meet
0:06:25 > 0:06:29the artistic pair, to delve a bit deeper into their property desires.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Graham, Karen, welcome to the citadel of Lucca.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Thank you.- Thank you.- Right now, we are standing on the city walls.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- It's gorgeous, isn't it? - Fantastic.- Beautiful.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40Graham is at home now.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42What about you, Karen?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Eh... Not as much as Graham.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- OK.- He is so passionate about it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Tell me why then, Graham, you want to live in this part of Italy?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It's just a place that really appeals to me.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56It's stunningly beautiful.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58What's not to love, really?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00How do you feel about living here, though?
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Living here as opposed to holidaying here might be very different.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06What will you be leaving behind?
0:07:06 > 0:07:10A lot. Family, friends, the auction wars.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14I'm from the North and I love it so much. I'd miss London. Covent Garden.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16The theatres. Quite a lot really, I suppose.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I'm sensing that one of you definitely wants to be here
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- more than the other.- Yes.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- We are here to try and... - Persuade me, yeah.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Right, OK. Well, look, you are in one of the,
0:07:26 > 0:07:30if not THE most beautiful region of Italy.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It is full of expats.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35The reason they come here is because it is so gorgeous.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39You have Pisa, Florence, Siena, food, wine, art, music,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41everything comes from this little region.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Let's talk about the type of property you would like.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46What's the house you are looking for?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Central. As long as it is central, there is a lot going on, that's fine.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I don't like rural.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Graham, I'm guessing that you probably want to live
0:07:53 > 0:07:55somewhere rural.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Um... I'm easy about that. I've had my little moment of rural.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I was brought up in Norfolk, in a rural background, so...
0:08:03 > 0:08:05That's what I'm used to, I guess.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06That's OK. You are open-minded?
0:08:06 > 0:08:10For me, it's got to have a space which I can see clients in.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Nice and quiet. Doesn't need to be too huge, just somewhere
0:08:13 > 0:08:17they can sit or lie down while I talk to them and do some hypnosis.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20And something that's got a bit of character to it.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Yeah, two-bedroom, garden, old.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26And let's talk about the most important thing, what is the budget?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28£160,000.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Which is a decent budget.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I do have some properties lined up to see, funnily enough.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Fantastic. - Shall we go and see the first one?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Yes, please.- Follow me.- Great.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43Karen and Graham have £160,000 to spend on the Italian idyll.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46But it's not just pleasure they are seeking, it's business too.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49They would like a two-bedroom character property
0:08:49 > 0:08:52so one room can double up as a therapy room for Graham's clients.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And they would love a garden, which would be put to good
0:08:55 > 0:08:57use should they acquire a four-legged friend.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Karen is keen on the buzz of the city.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04And although Graham is open-minded, he is imagining a quieter life.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07We've selected four fantastic Tuscan properties.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Any one of which could tempt Karen to share Graham's Italian dream.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15And only after they have toured each one, will its price be revealed.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19The final visit to our mystery house is definitely going to
0:09:19 > 0:09:23challenge their preconceptions, but will certainly offer them
0:09:23 > 0:09:24an exceptional way of life.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28They will also have the chance to live like locals
0:09:28 > 0:09:31when they check into their own city centre apartment.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Our Tuscan property search is beginning
0:09:37 > 0:09:41right in the heart of the historic city of Lucca itself.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46Lucca became a colony of ancient Rome in 180 BC.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49And the town's Roman legacy is still visible in the grid pattern
0:09:49 > 0:09:51within its streets.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54A perfect way to soak in the city's atmosphere is on two wheels,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57whilst pedalling around the cobbled lanes.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00The tall buildings are a sunny mix of yellows
0:10:00 > 0:10:02and oranges with flashes of green,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05standing tall in the shadow of the distant hills.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07And the area is a shopper's paradise.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12So now we are in the heart of Lucca. This is the central shopping area.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16And you know this area quite well, don't you?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- Yes, we do, yeah. - What you like about it?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Stylish shops, fantastic shoes.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24People are so friendly here. The colours of the houses.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28I'm delighted that you know it and you love it because the first
0:10:28 > 0:10:31property I'm going to show you is right here in the heart of town.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Wow.- Wow.- Oh, my!
0:10:33 > 0:10:37This imposing 15th century building is four storeys high
0:10:37 > 0:10:40with an antique shop on the ground floor.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Right, how do you like the look of that building right there?
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- BOTH:- Wow.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- That's incredible.- It's lovely.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49It is gorgeous and it's so central.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I'm amazed. I didn't think we'd find anything with our sort of budget
0:10:52 > 0:10:53in central Lucca.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Good. OK, let's see if you're still feeling the same when we go
0:10:56 > 0:10:59and look at it from the inside. Follow me.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Originally, the ground floor of this building would have been
0:11:05 > 0:11:06a silk merchant's shop.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09The silk merchant himself would have lived on the first floor,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12his brother on the second, and his staff on the third.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Right to the top.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16The apartment we are showing Karen
0:11:16 > 0:11:19and Graham is located up a narrow stairway on the second floor.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22And today it's decorated in a vibrant Italian palette.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Come straight through this way.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- OK.- Feels homely.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34I love all these colours. Lovely.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Full of character. I love the beams.- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41They are original. There is lots of history here.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43On my left, you've got the shower room there.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45And a toilet on that side.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47In the middle, you've got a bit of a utility room.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49You've got a washing machine and drier there.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53OK, where is the front room then? Is this the kitchen and room as well?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Yes. - SHE LAUGHS
0:11:56 > 0:11:59So what you gain in location, you lose in space.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- But the entrance way that we walked through is rather huge.- Yeah.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07And you could easily knock that wall out.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10And put a different partition in. If you wanted to.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- We will go around and you will get a feel for the space.- Yeah.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- And you can see how you might make it work for you.- Yeah.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Just around the corner from the living
0:12:18 > 0:12:21and dining area is a compact kitchen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- '70s looking, isn't it? - Yeah.- You could change it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Yes, is the right thing to say.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30It's a basic functioning kitchen. This isn't a home at the moment.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- They use it as a holiday home.- OK.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35They come here and they enjoy everything Lucca has to offer.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36And live elsewhere.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39You could easily get rid of these cupboards and put in a new kitchen.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42This whole space is actually quite large.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45You could put your dining table in that bit. Open this out a bit more.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Definitely, definitely.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51The apartment is set out over just one floor,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53with the sleeping quarters at the front.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Although they are overlooking the street below,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57inside, it's quiet.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00There is a double room currently in use as a twin for guests.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02And next door, there is the master.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07You did a nice intake.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10The atmosphere is lovely. It's light. It's lovely.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11It's beautiful in here.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15It's a really, really decent-sized room.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17It is. Very arty. I like all this.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Would you keep this?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Probably. Yeah.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Change it. I'd have movie stars. - Oh, right.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- These are traditional tiles from this area.- Oh!
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Yes. This is one of two very good-sized doubles.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34So you could have...
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- A consulting room.- Yes, you could.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39And that beautiful hallway area, which is huge,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41you could have a little waiting area in there.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Yes.- Brilliant.- There is a lot to think about with this.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- First things first, let's go and talk about price.- Right.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The apartment doesn't come with the garden,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54but it does have an enclosed balcony at the back
0:13:54 > 0:13:58which overlooks an area of green and lets in plenty of light.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Come on out into this fabulous street.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06So, let's start with you, Graham. How much do you think it is on for?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08£155,000.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Karen, what do you think?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13£165,000.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17This two-bedroom property in the heart of Lucca is
0:14:17 > 0:14:19actually on the market for...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24£153,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- KAREN GASPS - Wow.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27- Graham, you were the closest.- Wow.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32So, this dream, is it starting to become a possible reality?
0:14:32 > 0:14:33- Yeah.- Already?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Yeah.- Karen?
0:14:36 > 0:14:37SHE LAUGHS
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Yeah, maybe.- Maybe? Have a good look around on your own
0:14:40 > 0:14:43and then I will be waiting for you right here.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Thank you.- Brilliant.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47At £7,000 under budget,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50this typically Tuscan apartment may be a little more snug than
0:14:50 > 0:14:53they'd hoped for, but the open plan living space provides
0:14:53 > 0:14:55plenty of possibilities.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58The second bedroom could double up as Graham's therapy room.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01And although there is no outside space, the front door
0:15:01 > 0:15:05literally leads straight into the historic city centre.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Wow.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- This is big enough to have something.- Your hypnotherapy?
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Yeah. It's nice and quiet in here, isn't it?
0:15:12 > 0:15:13It is quiet. It's lovely.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Wow. Oh, it's hot. It's lovely. Feel the sun.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- Oh!- Yes.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- And there's green. Do you see the green down there?- Oh, yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- I wonder if you can go there with your dogs.- Yeah, I wonder.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27I didn't expect to be that close to everything.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Being in the centre, it's beautiful, noisy, I love it.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Lots of people, friendly people.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35As soon as you got inside, it was really quiet.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38I thought it was beautiful. Small but perfectly formed.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It's a beautiful building.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I don't know whether it would work with the clients or not.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46It's just something that we would really have to think about.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47I was trying to picture me
0:15:47 > 0:15:51and lots of dogs there though, not sure how that would work out.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54My singing might annoy the neighbours.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55SHE LAUGHS
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But I like being in the centre of things.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00So I probably could see myself living there.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Today, we've given Graham and Karen a glimpse of what it could
0:16:06 > 0:16:09really be like to call the heart of Lucca home.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Even after viewing just one property,
0:16:12 > 0:16:13they've got a lot to think about.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16And they are going to get the chance to mull things over whilst
0:16:16 > 0:16:20experiencing a real taste of life within Lucca's city walls.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25We thought that whilst you are here, what better way than to throw
0:16:25 > 0:16:29you in at the deep end and immerse you fully?
0:16:29 > 0:16:35So, how about for the rest of your time here, you stay right here?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- And I mean right here.- BOTH:- Wow.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39How exciting.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- That is your key.- Thank you. - And I shall see you tomorrow.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- All right.- Arrivederci. See you in the morning.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47- See you later.- Bye-bye.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Oh, wow.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54SHE LAUGHS Glamorous, isn't it?
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Wow. Let's have a look in here.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- It's enormous.- Oh, it's beautiful.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Wow. You've just got all of Lucca here.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09All of it. The mountains.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10SHRILLY: Look at that!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Absolutely incredible.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20To really feel at home here, Karen and Graham need to step outside
0:17:20 > 0:17:25their new digs and no Italian night is complete without la passeggiata,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29an early evening stroll to wind down from the day.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32In every town and city, friends, couples and families can be
0:17:32 > 0:17:36seen ambling leisurely whilst catching up on the day's events.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39And our pair are no different,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43as they take to the streets as night begins to fall.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Buona sera.- Buona sera.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- Oh.- So many to choose from.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Un fico e nocciola.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- Grazie.- Prego.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56Grazie.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Legend has it, it was Marco Polo who first brought ice cream to Italy
0:18:00 > 0:18:02after returning from travels in China.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06But whether that's true or not, today it's definitely the Italians
0:18:06 > 0:18:10who lay claim to producing the most delicious gelato in the world.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Karen and Graham, from Essex, have started their search
0:18:17 > 0:18:20for a traditional Italian home that's going to allow them
0:18:20 > 0:18:25to transfer their busy lives to the cultural region of Lucca in Tuscany.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28They've got £160,000 to spend on a property
0:18:28 > 0:18:31that will allow hypnotherapist Graham to work from home.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34And they're also hoping to get an English-speaking theatre
0:18:34 > 0:18:35company off the ground.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41They've slept on their first day in Lucca
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and before we get stuck back into our property hunt,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48they are stocking up on Italian fuel to help them on their way.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49Enjoying the view?
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Ah, lovely. It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:18:52 > 0:18:53- Chin-chin.- Chin-chin.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Bellissima!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Is it ticking your boxes?
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- I'm not sure yet.- We've still got some work to do then.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04It takes time. Doesn't it?
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Sitting on this rooftop now is perfect.- Mm.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10But it still feels like a holiday.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13It's not kind of sunk in yet, the idea of living here full-time.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14Mm-hmm.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Or maybe part-time.- Mm-hmm.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Yeah.- Yeah?- Half the time here, half the time in the UK.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24We could talk about that, couldn't we?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25So are you living the dream?
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Yeah. I think it's going to be tough.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31But starting a business anywhere is tough.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It's funny cos you always have tonnes more energy here, don't you?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Mm. Yeah. - You don't ever feel tired here.- No.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I don't know. It's something in the air, I think.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- SHE LAUGHS - Or in the water.- It's the good food.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46If Karen and Graham do decide to split their time between England
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and Italy, they need to give it some serious thought.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Property taxes when buying a primary home here
0:19:52 > 0:19:54are 2% of the purchase price.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57If bought from a private seller, not a developer.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59But if it's a second home, like a holiday pad,
0:19:59 > 0:20:04the tax rockets to 9%. So, on a budget of £160,000,
0:20:04 > 0:20:10that could mean a hefty hike from £3,200 in taxes to £14,000.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16- Morning.- Buon giorno.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Come on out.- Good morning.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- Look, you are colour-coordinated. - Scary, isn't it?
0:20:20 > 0:20:23No, it pleases me. Right, lovely evening?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24- Yes, wonderful.- Gorgeous.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Good, I'm glad. I'm back and we are going for it today.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Fabulous.- Excellent. - Come on, this way.- OK.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33For our next property, we are
0:20:33 > 0:20:36travelling just under two miles beyond the city walls
0:20:36 > 0:20:40and popping just across the River Serchio to Sant' Alessio,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42a rural community on the outskirts of Lucca.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Sant' Alessio shares the same warmly coloured
0:20:46 > 0:20:48facades as the centre of the city.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Many topped with attractive terracotta tiles,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and it's surrounded by working farmland.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57The area has a small but good selection of local shops
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and eateries, with a footbridge connecting the locality to the city.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It's just a 20 minute walk or a ten minute drive back to the centre.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09The road that leads to our second home is only
0:21:09 > 0:21:11used by the residents themselves.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18So, this is a private drive. And that is the property.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Wow.- Shutters! Pink, green, gorgeous.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24The house that matches your colour palette.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26THEY LAUGH
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- We knew it. We knew it. - What do you think?
0:21:28 > 0:21:29- It's wonderful.- Yeah, it is.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- How old is it?- 1698. - KAREN GASPS
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Wow.- You've got the best of both worlds.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37You've got gorgeous countryside and you've got Lucca over there.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40And this was an original farm building.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41The farmer would have lived here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44There is a real sense of history here.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- And you can feel it. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- Right, shall we go on in? - Yes, please!
0:21:50 > 0:21:53This typical Lucchese style farm worker's house
0:21:53 > 0:21:57has been in the current owner's family for several generations.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00It's been lovingly restored and is a cosy,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03authentic home on the cusp of rural and city living.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Perfect for both Karen and Graham.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10The front door leads straight into a living and dining room.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Come in, come in, come in. Shut the door.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15KAREN LAUGHS
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Amazing.- Who wants to speak first?
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I'm speechless, which is rare. But I am.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- It's very, very creative. - It's divine!
0:22:22 > 0:22:24It looks like a sculptor or something.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27It's very Hollywood, isn't it? Sorry, I'm mad on Hollywood.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30But it is very old Hollywood. It's beautiful.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32The flooring is original.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Cotto flooring.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Isn't that fantastic?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- It's gorgeous!- It's amazing. The colour.- It's very savvy.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44If you look up, the beams, those big beams, they are original.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Sense of history.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- Yeah, very much.- You can feel it as soon as you walk in.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50It's stunning, isn't it?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Shall we now move into the kitchen?
0:22:52 > 0:22:53- Yes.- Mm.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Just behind the sweeping stone staircase is a traditional
0:22:57 > 0:23:00kitchen, furnished with a beautiful sink made from stone
0:23:00 > 0:23:04from the local quarry, and tiles in keeping with the region.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07KAREN LAUGHS
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- Look at the tiles!- Yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14Here we have a fire and we've got the original bread oven.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18The bread oven doesn't work any more but the fire still does.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19- Oh, God!- Brilliant!
0:23:19 > 0:23:25It's extraordinary, isn't it? It's a real proper Tuscan kitchen.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29It's so nice to hear the two of you talk in harmony.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- You are both there.- Mm-hmm.- True.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34I've got this image of view, Karen,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37coming down in various period costumes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39THEY LAUGH
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Next to the kitchen is a large utility room
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and upstairs are the bedrooms.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Master bedroom.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50KAREN GASPS
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Look up there! Look at those colours!
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Good to notice the ceiling cos that is the original ceiling.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Wow. It's beautiful. It's a nice size.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Yeah.- Nice view.- Mm-hmm.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- I am enchanted by the property. - It's great for writing.- Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09And also, with your hypnotherapy business in mind, let me
0:24:09 > 0:24:10show you this next space.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Ah!- Come with me.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17On the other side of the stairway is a second bedroom,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19even more spacious than the master.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24It's got fabulous views plus the added feature of a mezzanine level.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Right, Graham, pick your jaw up from the floor, sir.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30THEY LAUGH
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And share your thoughts.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It's, yes, it's a perfect place to have a practice.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37What would you do in this space, Karen?
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I'd definitely do a lot of writing up there.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42You could sing here, couldn't you? You could create. I love it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I don't want the business here though, hypnotherapy,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I want it as a home. SHE LAUGHS
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- Oh, right.- Can you rent somewhere and I'll just...?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Cos there's so much we could do here.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- Maybe.- This is the theatrical part of it, isn't it?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56The writing and getting the theatre company up and running here.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- Yeah.- It's a great rehearsal space. - It's wonderful!- That's true.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- You could do it all here, couldn't you?- You could.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Yeah, good rehearsal space.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Also on this floor is a bright family bathroom full of character.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11And outside, there is no garden as such
0:25:11 > 0:25:15but a patio and small area of green in front of the house.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16- Are you feeling Italy?- Yes.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Because I have to say, I was a little bit worried - no,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23I was majorly worried - when you said that this was definitely
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Graham's dream and you really were unsure.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Has this has made you feel differently?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29It's everything you could wish for.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31That is music to my ears.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- KAREN LAUGHS - I'm amazed.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36But that just makes the possibility of it actually working that
0:25:36 > 0:25:39little bit closer to fruition.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Good. Let's talk price.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45How much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:25:45 > 0:25:51I'm hoping it's going to be under budget. £155,000.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Graham? What do you think?
0:25:54 > 0:25:59I think closer to budget. Probably about 160 grand. On the nose.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's actually on for...
0:26:01 > 0:26:06A little bit over budget. £165,000.
0:26:06 > 0:26:12However, let us not screw our faces up, because we are in Italy, OK?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15And the housing market is slightly different. It's negotiable.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19And I think if you want it, you will get it within your budget.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20- Positivity.- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22I want you to get in there and do what you do.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- KAREN LAUGHS - Breathe it in.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Breathe in the atmosphere. - Yes.- Feel the space.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Take your time and I will find you in a bit.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Thank you.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38This 17th-century typically Lucchese property may
0:26:38 > 0:26:41be on the market £5,000 over Karen and Graham's budget,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45but in these parts, vendors expect to receive offers.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Inside, the property is just brimming with character, which is
0:26:49 > 0:26:51exactly what this arty couple want.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Plus its second bedroom gives them multiple possibilities to start
0:26:54 > 0:26:59one or more of their business ideas, from the comfort of their home.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02And although it is located in rural tranquillity,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05the buzz of the city is just a short walk away.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06Ah-ha!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's nice being rural, even though I said central.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11You're not that far away, are you, really?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13No. No, true. Best of both worlds.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It actually quite appeals to me, the idea of getting on
0:27:15 > 0:27:18a mountain bike and going into central Lucca.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Yeah? With a dog at the back?
0:27:20 > 0:27:21Yeah, with a dog running behind.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26The thing is, that space down there is just the perfect size.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It's about the same sort of size as any stage...
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It would be great for a rehearsal space!
0:27:32 > 0:27:33This space works for me.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I don't need a huge space, I just need somewhere where somebody
0:27:36 > 0:27:38can lie down and I can talk to them, so...
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- Yeah.- It works in that way as well.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43When I walked through the door I thought, "This is it.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46"This is everything you could wish for."
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Like a little jewel. I could picture myself living here.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52It's great that Karen seems to be coming on board at the moment.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56There was that slight worry that she's not going to
0:27:56 > 0:27:58want to come on the adventure.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02I'm very much on atmosphere when I go to a place.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05So, as soon as I come through the door, I either feel it or I don't.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08And when I came through this door I thought, yes.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11There they are, my luvvies. I know, it's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Gorgeous.- Right, can I take you away from this property?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- If you must. - Are you prepared to leave?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Just about.- I am. I can't wait to see the next one.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21OK, that's the right answer. Come on, this way.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29For our next Italian offering, we are travelling just over 24 miles
0:28:29 > 0:28:32northeast, to the hill village of Limano.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It's around 23 miles from the centre of Lucca,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38and around seven miles from the spa town of Bagni di Lucca,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41which is known for its thermal springs and provides
0:28:41 > 0:28:46everything locals and visitors might need, including shops and eateries.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51A 12 minute drive away is the striking Ponte della Maddalena,
0:28:51 > 0:28:55or Devil's Bridge, arching elegantly over the River Serchio.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59Just over a quarter of an hour's drive from Bagni di Lucca is
0:28:59 > 0:29:02the medieval village of Limano, home to our second property.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Its statuesque painted buildings overlook the splendid
0:29:05 > 0:29:09tree-topped Apennine Mountains and the Lima Valley.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12The tranquil village has one bar
0:29:12 > 0:29:14and a grocery van that visits twice a week.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16KAREN LAUGHS
0:29:16 > 0:29:18What are you laughing at, Karen?
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Nothing.- It's extraordinary. - I just feel quite scared.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25Do you? What are you scared of?
0:29:25 > 0:29:27I'm miles away from anywhere.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30This is a medieval Italian village. This is what it's all about.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31Mm. Interesting.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34There are 100 people in this village but in the summer months, it gets a
0:29:34 > 0:29:38lot busier because lots of Europeans and Italians have summer homes here.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Oh! That's interesting.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Well, we stopped here just to soak it up a bit.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44I thought this was particularly picturesque
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and typical of the village. But now let's go to the house.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49I think you might change your mind when you see it. Come on.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Ah-ha-ha.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52Come on, Karen.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54# Climb every mountain... #
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Our next property is tucked away at the end of a charming cobbled street
0:29:58 > 0:29:59in the oldest part of the village.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02With access through a gated courtyard.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Come on then.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07OK, stop right here and look this way.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- Yes, that is fantastic. - The view is amazing!
0:30:09 > 0:30:11That view is hard to ignore.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14There you go. That is the next house.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Beautiful. Beautiful doors.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17It is lovely.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20That's going to have a view, isn't it? On the other side, I'm guessing.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21- I would think.- Shall we go in?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Yes, please.- Absolutely.- Gosh.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30A long hallway greets you as you enter the house.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33And off to the right is a lounge/diner.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35It runs the length of the property
0:30:35 > 0:30:37and is decked with traditional terracotta floor tiles
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and chestnut beams, which are widespread around Lucca
0:30:40 > 0:30:45because of the 97,000 acres of chestnut forests in the area.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47This is nice.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49KAREN LAUGHS Beams.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Beams again.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Yes. Of course. Beams.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Yeah, it's got a lovely rural quality to it.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Very typically Tuscan.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01I feel sort of claustrophobic, like I want to run away.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- I'm not getting the vibes, as they say. But I'm not.- OK.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Mm.- What do you think?
0:31:07 > 0:31:08I like what I've seen so far.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- All right, come with me, I'm going to show you more.- OK.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12The kitchen.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Also with original beams in its vaulted ceiling,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20access to outside can be gained through the kitchen.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Come on in to the kitchen.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26The view.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Strewth! I'm enjoying this particular space.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It's a nice, tall ceiling. And very rustic.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Can you guess what this might have been used for?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Gosh!- It was a chestnut store.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- Oh.- Ah!
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- And they would dry them in here. - Right.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Well, I'm not sure Karen's going to be sharing Graham's Italian
0:31:44 > 0:31:49dream in this house, but you never know, there's plenty more to see.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Up a rustic wooden stairway, there is a great family bathroom,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56a beamed double bedroom, another larger double with
0:31:56 > 0:32:00an adjoining dressing room, and at the back of the house is the master.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02All right, look at that view.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Waking up to that every morning. - Yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09It is a wonderful view. I could see myself coming here on holiday.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12But I'm concerned about business and getting people up here.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Just atmosphere wise, I just feel completely lost here.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20I'm going to do something very positive and that's take us outside.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Because whether you want to live here or not,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26the nature just over there...you cannot deny is beauty.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30The house also comes with great storage,
0:32:30 > 0:32:32a loft and two cellars under the house,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34which are accessible from outside,
0:32:34 > 0:32:39where there is also an olive grove, fig trees, pine trees and two
0:32:39 > 0:32:43terraces, all sitting in around a third of an acre of land,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47with views over the Lima Valley that money just can't buy.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- Look at the view, Karen! - It's lovely. Help! Get me out!
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- Are you scared of heights? - No, just this house. Just... Ew!
0:32:56 > 0:32:58What about that? Can you see the beauty in it though?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Yeah.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02I mean, I need people. I just, you know...
0:33:02 > 0:33:04SHRILLY: Where are they?
0:33:04 > 0:33:06They are here. There is 100 of them in this village.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- Cor!- Graham, you could just hypnotise her, you know.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- LAUGHING:- I could try.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Look into my eyes. - He's tried for years.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- THEY LAUGH - All right. There is a price tag.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Graham, how much do you think it is on for?
0:33:17 > 0:33:22I'm going to say £157,000.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Karen?
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Um, £130,000.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33- It's actually on for £153,000.- Pff!
0:33:33 > 0:33:34Right.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- It's good value.- Is it?- Yeah, it is.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39I'm going to send you off cos, you know what,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41whether you want to live here or not...
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- Yeah.- ..we've come all this way and let's just go off
0:33:45 > 0:33:47and have a rummage around, have a look around the house.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- How do you know what you like and dislike until you see it?- Yeah.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- It's true, isn't it?- Off you go.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57This hilltop house comes in at £7,000 under Karen
0:33:57 > 0:33:59and Graham's budget.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02And although it may be further from city life than Karen would
0:34:02 > 0:34:06like, there is no denying it would make an idyllic Tuscan retreat.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09The traditional chestnut beams are beautiful
0:34:09 > 0:34:11and there is even one more bedroom than they asked for.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13The additional cellars
0:34:13 > 0:34:16and loft space could be utilised with Graham's business in mind.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And the land here is a rural paradise
0:34:18 > 0:34:22but still less than a 20-minute drive from a town.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- Oh, this is a nice room. - Bit lighter, isn't it?
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Yeah.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Nice view.- Yeah, it's a nice village. Typical of its kind really.- Mm.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Where's the people though? GRAHAM CHUCKLES
0:34:33 > 0:34:36I can see the mountains are lovely, the view is lovely,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38but where's the action?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I have to have lots of action, lots going on.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44It's the sort of place that we would visit on holiday and really enjoy.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47It's just that Karen is very much honest, in touch with her
0:34:47 > 0:34:50feelings. And if she doesn't like something, then she will say so.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53It's too far. It's too far for clients.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55You couldn't do anything theatrical.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57It's got so much going for it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00It's got grapevines, it's got olive trees,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04you could even get a little bit of income from the olives, I imagine.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06It just doesn't tick the boxes for us, unfortunately.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Usually, I ask if you've seen enough,
0:35:10 > 0:35:11but I think I know the answer.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13You'll be pleased to hear, I've got the engine running.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Yes!- Shall we go? Come on!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22It's not just finding a house Karen
0:35:22 > 0:35:25and Graham can both imagine calling home that's the challenge here.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28If Graham's Italian dream is going to come to fruition,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32they also need to be able to make an income when they move.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34They've got a cache of creative ideas,
0:35:34 > 0:35:39but perhaps the biggest is to launch an English-speaking theatre group.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Back in Lucca, I've arranged for them to meet Paula Chesterman.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46She is one of around 1,500 British expats here and,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50as a retired music and performing arts teacher, she set up
0:35:50 > 0:35:55a website for local English speakers who, like her, appreciate the arts.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- Karen, Graham, meet Paula. - Hello, Paula.- Lovely to meet you.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Hello, Paula, nice to meet you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Is it a good place for theatre directors, actors, singers?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Definitely. The Tuscan experience is all about the Renaissance.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11You have wonderful artworks everywhere.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Lucca is the home of Puccini. He is a sort of musical God here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19We've got quite a lot of expat painters and musicians.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21But the one thing we haven't got with the expats
0:36:21 > 0:36:22is a theatre group.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- That's what we want to hear. - Got your first member! Brilliant.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27And the Italian people, they are so flamboyant,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- they are quite gregarious. - Yeah, that's right.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- They don't hold back, do they? They are quite artistic.- They are.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36They love the arts. Remind you of anybody, Graham?
0:36:36 > 0:36:37Hmmm.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Yes!- I think there is an Italian spirit in you, you know.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41Yeah.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Paula has immersed herself in the Italian way of life,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49and she is also a familiar face in the expat community.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54One of her friends, also originally from the UK, runs a nearby wine bar.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56So we are off for a traditional early evening drink
0:36:56 > 0:37:00and to find out the nitty-gritty of starting a business here.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Carol's bar is right in the heart of Lucca.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Carol, you tell us a bit about aperitivo.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Aperitivo time is very important to the Italians.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13It's normally before dinner, and you come out with your friends
0:37:13 > 0:37:15and have a glass of wine.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17In Lucca particularly, they have an Aperol Spritz,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21which is an orange drink. And it is always served with snacks.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24We like to serve ours with our local pecorino cheese,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27with local honey and then our local cold meats.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30So we are having a full-on Luccan experience?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Carol, you have been running a business here for how long?
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- Five years.- Five years.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Burning to know about the bureaucracy.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Yes cos everybody says to us in the UK, "Ah, the bureaucracy."
0:37:40 > 0:37:43You need to have people behind you who understand the rules
0:37:43 > 0:37:46and regulations. If it's Lucca that you want to have your business in,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48you need to live here in Lucca.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52They need to have the experience. You need to be confident.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56But there are people who could introduce you to people like that.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- I can certainly help you. I've been there.- Thank you.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- So we can help you to do that. - That's lovely.- Thank you.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- It's hard work.- Yes. - But it's worth it in the end.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- I think.- If you've got the passion,
0:38:06 > 0:38:11which a lot of really arty people do have, then go for it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12What about the overall cost of living?
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- I think it is cheaper than living in the UK.- Right.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21Apart from - you might agree with me or not - electricity and gas.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Definitely.- Electricity and gas is very expensive over here.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26As a result of that, we have actually just installed
0:38:26 > 0:38:29a wood burner last winter to help with our costs.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- Yeah, everybody has a wood burner. - Most houses have a wood burner.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- You can live very simply. - Yes, you can.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- Italian cuisine is wonderful but very simple.- Very simple food.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42If you happen to buy a property with a lot of olive trees, fruit trees,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45that sort of thing, what happens in that sort of circumstance?
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- OK, well, we have olive trees, actually, in our garden.- Right.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51You have to pick and press as quickly as possible.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54It's best to do it within 48 hours.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57We use it here in the bar and we also sell it to our customers.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00How much oil would you get from an average tree?
0:39:00 > 0:39:06- Um...we got 120 litres of olive oil and we have 30 trees.- Blimey!
0:39:06 > 0:39:10So that was a good return. And the quality is excellent.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Really, really good.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Karen and Graham will be in good company starting up
0:39:15 > 0:39:18their own business here, as Italians love an entrepreneur.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Of the four million businesses in Italy,
0:39:21 > 0:39:2498% employee less than 19 people.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27In fact, the average is just four employees.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29And when they buy their Tuscan home,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32they will be able to find plenty of advice and tips online.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Plus there is a free property buying guide available.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Like anywhere, it is necessary to factor in extra
0:39:38 > 0:39:42costs for solicitor's fees, stamp duty and agent fees.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45In Italy, that is around 8% of the price of the property.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48But the good news is, when British nationals register as a resident,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51they'll pay reduced taxes when buying a property.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- ALL: Salute.- Thank you.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Karen and Graham have received
0:39:56 > 0:39:58invaluable advice from Paula and Carol.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00But now the business talk is over, it is
0:40:00 > 0:40:02time for a taste of local fare
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and a sip of local wine before we cross the piazza to the
0:40:05 > 0:40:08San Giovanni church for a live performance,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11featuring the music of Puccini and Verdi.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14It doesn't get much better than this.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18HE SINGS OPERA
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Amazing. If that doesn't seal the deal for Karen,
0:41:00 > 0:41:01I don't know what will.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11It is the final day of our property search in Tuscany,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15where our dramatic duo are searching out the Italian dream -
0:41:15 > 0:41:18a property full of character in a location that allows them
0:41:18 > 0:41:21to bring their business ideas to fruition.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24They have taken in the sights and experienced Luccan
0:41:24 > 0:41:28life at grassroots level in their own city centre apartment.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32But the final act in this production is a visit to our mystery house.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36And they've absolutely no idea what to expect.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40What we have firmly established is Karen is not going to hold back
0:41:40 > 0:41:43and she doesn't want to be anywhere too remote.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Well, today, it is mystery property day.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47And it is in the middle of nowhere!
0:41:47 > 0:41:50But I am hoping the house itself is going to appeal
0:41:50 > 0:41:52to their creative sides.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53Wish me luck.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00For our fourth and final visit, we are travelling just over 21 miles
0:42:00 > 0:42:02west to the village of Molazzana,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05which sits in the Garfagnana mountains.
0:42:05 > 0:42:107.5 miles from Bagni di Lucca and 23 miles from Lucca,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14this serene, hilltop village is nestled amongst a dense
0:42:14 > 0:42:17collection of trees with dusky pink, orange
0:42:17 > 0:42:21and white traditionally painted houses staggered on the hillside.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25There are a handful of amenities including a cafe, supermarket
0:42:25 > 0:42:27and pharmacy.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30And the village sleeps at siesta time before reopening
0:42:30 > 0:42:31later in the day.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Just over a mile from the centre of Molazzana, a fourth house is
0:42:35 > 0:42:38perched on the hillside at the end of a gravel track.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43Its isolated location has earned it the title of our mystery house
0:42:43 > 0:42:47as it certainly is going to challenge Karen, but I am hoping
0:42:47 > 0:42:51the sheer beauty on offer here will capture her city-loving heart.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53OK, I want you to...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55stop here.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- Before we look at the house, check out that view.- That's extraordinary.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- Yeah.- Absolutely amazing.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02- Karen. - SHE LAUGHS
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Yeah, it's quite sweet, isn't it? You hear the birds singing.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09So you are not terrified by the fact that we are somewhere quite
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- rural, even though we're not that far way from anywhere.- No.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14But it does feel like we could be in the middle of nowhere.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17No neighbours. So you can sing to what you like.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19You could sing at the top of your lungs.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Do you know what, you can have loads and loads of animals, couldn't you?
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- Yeah, it is great.- Well... You have got six acres of land.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28SHE LAUGHS
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Really?! Wow!
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Let me tell you something, this is the mystery property
0:43:33 > 0:43:36and I cannot wait to show you around this one.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38I'm very excited. Come on.
0:43:39 > 0:43:44This house was built in the 1930s and renovated in 1998.
0:43:44 > 0:43:50It is now an eco home, whose sedate exterior hides what lies within.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52The front door leads straight into the dining room.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Hoo-hoo!
0:43:56 > 0:43:59- It is very bold, isn't it? - But I love bright colours.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03- The brighter the better for me. - Let me tell you bit about the house.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05- The walls are made with hemp. - Oh, right.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- It is fuelled by biofuel.- Wow.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- It is a 100% eco-home. - Oh, wow.- Right.
0:44:13 > 0:44:14Oh, it is fantastic.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16I've always wanted a sort of eco-friendly
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- and everything like that.- Yeah? - Yeah. He's quiet, isn't he?
0:44:19 > 0:44:22He's going, "Eh..." and I'm going, "Yeah!"
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Come on, Graham, you talk. Tell us some stuff.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27It is a lovely open space. I really like it.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29And the fact that you just open the door
0:44:29 > 0:44:33- and look at that glorious view is just amazing.- I love it.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35Without even having a therapy session,
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- you feel quite chilled out here, don't you?- Yeah, was thinking that.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41Yeah, taking in the atmosphere. You know me and my vibe.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43And I just think, gosh, this feels really positive.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48- Very spiritual, doesn't it?- Hm. - Aaah...- Shall we see the kitchen?
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- Yeah.- Yes, please.- Through this arch here, come on. It's just here.
0:44:52 > 0:44:58- The kitchen! This is it. - Oh, it is cute!- A room with a view.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00- It's dinky.- Yes, bijou.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02It's so cute.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Can you extend it anywhere? SHE LAUGHS
0:45:05 > 0:45:07I think I love this place so much I don't care.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11If you love a place, atmosphere wise, I think that is
0:45:11 > 0:45:14the most important thing. I'm coming to that conclusion. I am.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16But you like hustle and bustle.
0:45:17 > 0:45:18- So what has happened to that? - I know!
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- What has happened to that Karen? - I know, isn't it weird?
0:45:22 > 0:45:26I just feel... I just... I don't know, I feel sort of cleansed here.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29You can go out to get the hustle and bustle, can't you?
0:45:30 > 0:45:35Well, what a turnaround. Karen overwhelmed by rural retreat.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39Also on this vibrant floor, there's a living area with a wood burner
0:45:39 > 0:45:43which feeds all the radiators in the house, making it cost effective.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47The floating stairway leads us to the first floor, where we
0:45:47 > 0:45:50are heading to the front of the house and the master bedroom.
0:45:50 > 0:45:51What do you think?
0:45:51 > 0:45:54It's really nice. It is a bit more claustrophobic up here.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Maybe it is the colour of the walls.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58- Maybe it is as something as simple as that.- Yeah.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- Cos it is very dark.- Yeah. - Yeah, I think you are right.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I think it needs lightning up here, doesn't it?
0:46:03 > 0:46:05Graham, are you as surprised as me at this?
0:46:05 > 0:46:08I am, yeah, completely gobsmacked.
0:46:08 > 0:46:09THEY LAUGH
0:46:09 > 0:46:12I thought the face would set on a frown and, "Oh, no, I'm in the
0:46:12 > 0:46:15"middle of nowhere and there's nobody up here..."
0:46:15 > 0:46:18Instead, the face lit up.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22As well as this really good-sized double bedroom, you've got
0:46:22 > 0:46:24another really good-sized double bedroom
0:46:24 > 0:46:26and a large bathroom up here.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31- Fantastic.- Fantastic.- And I did mention the six acres, didn't I?
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- Shall we go and have a look? - Yeah, let's.- Come on.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41The extensive land with its far-reaching and beautiful
0:46:41 > 0:46:45views here includes both hillside slopes and level patches.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49And there is also an outhouse attached to the property.
0:46:49 > 0:46:55- You've got 20 fruit trees.- Right. - Apples, figs, Sharon fruit...
0:46:55 > 0:46:59- Oh, wow!- Wow!- And 60 olive trees.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02If you wanted to, you could start producing your own olive oil.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04It's really fertile land up here.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06I hadn't really thought of myself farming here,
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- but I come from farming stock in Norfolk, so...- Yeah!
0:47:09 > 0:47:10It's in the blood there somewhere.
0:47:10 > 0:47:15It is good that you are thinking. Ideas are coming to the front.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17There is a price.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21How much do you think the house, the outhouse, the six acres,
0:47:21 > 0:47:24the trees, the view costs?
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Probably...£160,000.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29I'm going to say...
0:47:29 > 0:47:31It's above budget - 165.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34So the actual price of this house
0:47:34 > 0:47:36and all the land is
0:47:36 > 0:47:39£150,000.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42- Wow.- So under budget.- Mm!
0:47:42 > 0:47:45It has got a lot of potential. Awful lot of potential.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48You have done so well!
0:47:48 > 0:47:51I'm enjoying looking at your face, cos you are just beaming.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- It's a completely different person. - Hm.- It's lovely.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57So there's a lot to think about. I'm going to send
0:47:57 > 0:48:02you off to have an explore on your own while I meditate on the view.
0:48:02 > 0:48:03- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Would you be OK without a bath? Because you like your baths.
0:48:36 > 0:48:37I do, but I would be.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- Blimey, how flexible you are suddenly becoming.- I know!
0:48:42 > 0:48:46I love this house. I love everything about it.
0:48:46 > 0:48:51The fact that you've got six acres, the atmosphere... It's gorgeous.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53It is so positive.
0:48:53 > 0:48:54This property is a complete curveball.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Karen's heart has become engaged with this one,
0:48:57 > 0:49:00which was a complete surprise. This is got me thinking...
0:49:00 > 0:49:03I've got to think about things in a different way.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05I doubt I could have my practice up here.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08But I could run retreats up here maybe with some yurts
0:49:08 > 0:49:09if we could hire them.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11All stuff we'd have to look into.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15I don't think he is so keen as I am. He's got his practical head on.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17And I am letting my heart rule. But I love it.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21You just know when it is right. To me, this feels right.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23- Hello.- Hello.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27- Suits you. - SHE LAUGHS HAPPILY
0:49:27 > 0:49:32- Right. Have we seen enough?- Yeah. - Yeah, I'd like to stay here.- Aww!
0:49:32 > 0:49:33That's good, that's good.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Well, let's go off and talk about, you know,
0:49:36 > 0:49:38the whole experience somewhere.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39- Yeah?- OK.- Come with me.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48The olive grove and fruit trees in the grounds here aren't
0:49:48 > 0:49:52an unusual sight in Tuscany due to its incredibly fertile soil.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57And the area around Lucca has hosted a variety of crops over the years.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01Today, one of its most abundant yields is flowers.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04I've come to meet Luciana Romiti in the medieval village
0:50:04 > 0:50:08of Montecarlo, in the heart of Tuscany's flower-growing region.
0:50:08 > 0:50:13She works for a cooperative made up of 150 flower producers who grow and
0:50:13 > 0:50:18nurture their blooms before they're sold on in the local flower market.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21- Luciana, it's so beautiful! - It is. It is, isn't it?
0:50:21 > 0:50:23And we all know that about Tuscany.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26But tell us about some of the economical history.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31Well, this area has always been famous for its industry in the silk
0:50:31 > 0:50:32and cotton factory.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35In fact, it was called Little Manchester because of that.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37And so, slowly, the production changed
0:50:37 > 0:50:41and they got into fruit and vegetable production.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46And in the early 1920s, they began with flowers. Standard carnations,
0:50:46 > 0:50:49that was the first crop that was being cultivated in this area.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52And today we have over 1,000 groves,
0:50:52 > 0:50:56over 1,000 hectares of not only standard carnations
0:50:56 > 0:50:59but other flowers such as chrysants, lilies,
0:50:59 > 0:51:01gerberas and even pot plants.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Oh, lovely!
0:51:03 > 0:51:06Just the images of all those flowers you named, all grown here in Italy.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08Yes.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11As one of the most important dates in the Italian flower grower's
0:51:11 > 0:51:12calendar approaches, it is
0:51:12 > 0:51:17the busiest time of year for Luciana and her fellow co-op members.
0:51:17 > 0:51:20All Saints' Day is a religious holiday in November,
0:51:20 > 0:51:22which celebrates all Catholic saints.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25It is also time people place flowers on the graves
0:51:25 > 0:51:27of their loved ones.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30I am meeting Lorenzo Franceschini, one of the co-op members,
0:51:30 > 0:51:32at his flower farm five minutes away.
0:51:32 > 0:51:37His family business was started by his grandparents half a century ago.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Today, All Saints' Day preparations are in full swing,
0:51:40 > 0:51:42and it is chrysanthemums that are the symbol
0:51:42 > 0:51:44of this national festival.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47- Hi, Lorenzo.- Hi.- Pleased to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Wow! It's beautiful!
0:51:50 > 0:51:52Three generations of Lorenzo's family look after
0:51:52 > 0:51:56the 200,000 stems growing here.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58Flowers are very much in your blood, aren't they?
0:51:58 > 0:52:00Like a brother for me, OK?
0:52:02 > 0:52:06I have a big family, OK? This is my grandfather, Enzo.
0:52:06 > 0:52:10- Hello, Grandfather! - My dad, Antonio.- Antonio!
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- OK, my uncle.- Uncle! - Franco.- Hey, Franco.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16Family businesses, family culture is
0:52:16 > 0:52:20- so important to Italians, isn't it? - Yeah.- So, big families...
0:52:20 > 0:52:23- Mothers are very important.- Yes. - Food is very important.- Yes.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26But of course the flowers, these beautiful flowers...
0:52:26 > 0:52:29- Like, is this the same flower?- No.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32The first year that I cultivated
0:52:32 > 0:52:35- this type of chrysanthemum. - So you've brought this one!
0:52:35 > 0:52:38I think it is beautiful. This is something really different as well.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- I've never seen it.- It is another type of bulb, OK?- Yeah.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43- It feels really hard. - It's name is Chirone.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Oh, look, the sunlight is coming through.
0:52:45 > 0:52:49What a lovely place to work, Lorenzo. It is so beautiful in here.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Well, I'm not very green fingered, it has to be said,
0:52:55 > 0:52:58but I'm going to have a go at helping Lorenzo harvest
0:52:58 > 0:53:01some of these beauties in preparation for sale.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05This is great, walking through these flowers. It is so magical.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10First things first, I need to know what is ready to cut.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14- This is ready, OK?- OK.- So I cut.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18But there is still some... This.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- OK. Shall we do this one?- Yeah. - I'm cutting it. I'm going in.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25- Good luck.- Thank you. First incision. Oh, hang on.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30I'm not doing very well. Right, here we go. One, two, three.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32- SNAP - There we go.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35First chrysanthemum cut. Oh, I could get used to this.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Come up to the table.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40The flowers we have just harvested have taken four months to
0:53:40 > 0:53:42grow from seed and Lorenzo is going to show me
0:53:42 > 0:53:45how to arrange them into a bunch ready for sale.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Grandad is watching, so there's a lot of pressure here, Lorenzo.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- What about this one?- Oh, yeah. - I mean, that has got to be...
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- So, how many we got there? Seven? - Yeah, seven. And...
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- That is a nice one there. Eight. - Eight, nine and ten.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02With the ten best selected,
0:54:02 > 0:54:06the stems are secured with a rubber band before being cut to length.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10- Hey, done. Is that OK, Enzo?- OK, OK.
0:54:10 > 0:54:14OK. The pressure is on when the man who started the business is
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- watching you. - In a plastic bag, OK.- OK.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Three bunches of ten are secured with more bands,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21and they're good to go.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24In just two days' time, they will be in the hands of customers.
0:54:24 > 0:54:25- Lorenzo.- Yes.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29- Here's a bouquet. - You shouldn't have. Grazie.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Mille grazie.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33A handsome Italian man giving me flowers. Look at that.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35That is amazing.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Not only has Lorenzo trusted me with his flowers,
0:54:37 > 0:54:41he has given me the keys to his tractor to take us to market.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45Here we go, Lorenzo. Woo-hoo! And we're off!
0:54:45 > 0:54:48- It's OK, OK.- It's all good.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51I don't actually know how to stop this. We are off to market!
0:54:51 > 0:54:53Let's go to the market.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02At the end of their final jam-packed day,
0:55:02 > 0:55:06Karen and Graham are looking forward to unwinding with a hearty dinner.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08- Table for two?- Yes, please. - Grazie.- Grazie.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10A three-course meal will cost them
0:55:10 > 0:55:13around 25% more in Lucca than at home.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15But when they get their business off the ground,
0:55:15 > 0:55:19I'm sure they'll enjoy a few culinary treats.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23Can I have the mixed salad and the chickpeas in olive oil, please?
0:55:23 > 0:55:25- Yeah, sure.- Thank you. - You're welcome.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29- Peposo dell'Impruneta.- Mm-hm.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32We are going to have to get on top of the Italian, aren't we?
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Some places, they don't speak English.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38- The language is going to be a barrier if we don't.- Yeah. Chin-chin?
0:55:38 > 0:55:40Chin-chin. Here's to us.
0:55:41 > 0:55:42Oooh!
0:55:42 > 0:55:44Grazie.
0:55:47 > 0:55:48It's nice, isn't it?
0:55:48 > 0:55:50Perfecto!
0:55:50 > 0:55:52It's always good to make an important decision
0:55:52 > 0:55:53on a full stomach.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01With all four houses toured, the time
0:56:01 > 0:56:04has come for our innovative pair to say ciao to their Luccan lair
0:56:04 > 0:56:07and consider if la dolce vita is really for them.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12We've arrived at the final scene.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15And now I get to pick Karen and Graham's brains about what
0:56:15 > 0:56:19is going on, cos at the minute, I can't call it either way.
0:56:19 > 0:56:20Let's ask them.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25Karen, Graham, what an amazing view.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27- Oh, it's gorgeous. Gorgeous! - Incredible.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30So let's get down to business, and I want to go straight for it.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32Out of the properties you've seen,
0:56:32 > 0:56:34is there one that you think could be for you?
0:56:34 > 0:56:36- BOTH:- Yes.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40- SHE LAUGHS - Well, well, well...
0:56:40 > 0:56:44We think the house beyond the city walls we really liked.
0:56:44 > 0:56:48It has to be head over heart because the one that was way
0:56:48 > 0:56:51up in the mountains, the mystery house, was beautiful.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55But just couldn't see a business working there.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57So it has to be somewhere that works as a business for us
0:56:57 > 0:56:59as well as somewhere that's lovely to live.
0:56:59 > 0:57:04After this time together, how do you feel about the move here?
0:57:04 > 0:57:07I'm still not 100%.
0:57:07 > 0:57:12What I'd like to do is probably rent for a few months to get things
0:57:12 > 0:57:14- started.- There's so much to consider.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17And having met the expats, Carol and Paula,
0:57:17 > 0:57:20they've told you how difficult it can be setting up a business
0:57:20 > 0:57:22here, the bureaucracy you've got to deal with.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25How will it go from being this pipe dream to something more concrete?
0:57:25 > 0:57:27Every expat that we spoke it, they all said the same thing.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30They said, "Oh, sounds like a wonderful idea.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32"Here's my e-mail, get in touch.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34"We'll help you, you know, as much as we can."
0:57:34 > 0:57:37Because a lot of them arrived with nothing,
0:57:37 > 0:57:41and they managed to get businesses going, thriving businesses.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43You want to both be in a position where you can live the life
0:57:43 > 0:57:46that you want to live and make it work for you.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48And I just want to wish you the best of luck.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50Thank you so much, it's been great.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55What a week it's been with Karen and Graham.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58I am completely baffled by the whole thing.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00What I know for sure is that the two of them
0:58:00 > 0:58:02have got a heck of a lot of talking to do.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06Let's hope Act III is both of them sharing the same dream.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09It's been dramatic if nothing else.
0:58:09 > 0:58:13Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:58:13 > 0:58:16Karen and Graham are in talks with Paula's business partner
0:58:16 > 0:58:19about getting an English-speaking theatre company off the ground.
0:58:19 > 0:58:23And while they do, they've decided to rent in Lucca as a trial run
0:58:23 > 0:58:24before buying.