Episode 13 Escape to the Continent

What do Michelangelo's David, the Pantheon in Rome,

Marble Arch and the Oslo Opera House all have in common?

The answer is all around me.

But what lunar landscape could I possibly be on?

Join me in just a moment and I will reveal all.

Today, one man is bringing along his partner for advice

in the hope he's going to get to live out a long-standing dream.

-Amazing.

-Who wants to speak first?

I'm speechless. Which is rare. But I am.

But the peace doesn't last long.

-Help, get me out.

-As you scared of heights?

No, just this house.

Welcome to Escape To The Continent. I'm in Tuscany, in northwest Italy.

And this is one of the magnificent marble quarries of Carrara.

Dating back to Roman times,

it's the oldest continually used industrial site in the world.

Michelangelo himself, no less, used to come here

to pick his marble for his world-famous sculptures.

He used to begin sculpting them right here,

to check for imperfections and to reduce on transportation costs.

It's this and so many other cultural and natural highlights

that makes so many Brits want to carve a life for themselves

right here more than any other region in Italy.

With a flight time from the UK of just over two hours,

Tuscany is located towards the north of the Italian Peninsula.

The region's capital, Florence, which has Roman origins,

straddles the Arno River

and is famed as the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The city also boasts some of the country's finest medieval

architecture, such as the magnificent Duomo, or cathedral.

To the west of Florence is the compelling city of Pisa,

with its Leaning Tower -

the freestanding belltower of the city's splendid cathedral.

The structure may have been a dreadful architectural mistake

originally, but it has given the city worldwide fame.

A lesser-known but just striking Tuscan city is Lucca.

Situated on the River Serchio,

the city was the birthplace of the composer Puccini.

And lies within huge red brick walls built between 1504 and 1645.

They once protected the city but, today,

are surrounded by trees and provide a promenade for those

wishing to take in the sights by foot.

Stunning cities and cultural riches aside, it is

Tuscany's natural beauty and dramatic landscape,

including towering mountains, hills rich with vineyards,

and a long and beautiful coastline, that makes it a magnet not only

to holiday-makers but also those wishing to firmly set down roots.

Tuscany's enduring popularity means it is one of Italy's most

expensive regions.

And if you fancy living in one of the fashionable seaside resorts,

a home could easily reach the million pound mark.

However, if you move a little bit further out,

you could snap up a bargain.

Like in the north of Lucca, the Garfagnana hills,

you could buy a detached house for as little as £55,000,

although it probably would need a bit of updating.

Unlike the UK, the housing market here recently dropped by 5% -

that's due in part to a tax rise on properties

being used as second homes -

which means there are plenty on the market to choose from.

And we only need one to realise the Tuscan dream of today's couple.

When their paths first crossed at a theatre many years ago, Karen and

her partner, Graham, from Manningtree, in Essex,

were both acting for a living.

We have been together for 20 years. Just over, a little bit more.

LAUGHING: We met doing Peter Pan.

I was doing the King and

-then Graham joined the company as the new boy.

-Yeah.

Then, when we met, it felt like we had known each other for ever,

-didn't it?

-Mmm.

Seven years before they met,

Graham had been introduced to Italy by a friend,

and the colourful country soon became his passion.

I love it culturally. I feel at home there.

-He's just content there, aren't you?

-Yeah, pretty content.

I enjoy the whole culture and way of living, food.

You don't get bad eating places in Italy.

Graham couldn't wait to introduce his leading lady to his beloved

getaway, and she fell in love with it too.

Ever since he first visited the Mediterranean country,

he's been thinking about moving there.

Karen is apprehensive about such a big move,

but she's agreed to go along with his dream.

And after a recent family loss,

emigrating has become more than just talk.

We lost our dog fairly recently. He was 19.

e was a bit like Gnasher out of The Beano, a real little character.

And we really miss him.

But that kind of drove the notion of exploring what possibilities

Italy might have for us.

Because it had been a long-term dream to go out there

and see what it would be like to live there day by day.

And they've decided it's one of the country's cultural centres,

Tuscany, that they know so well, that they would love to call home.

But they won't be retiring.

Graham has got his finger in many business pies.

I'm an actor, writer, director, hypnotherapist

and occasionally a teacher.

Graham has a whole host of business ideas to start in Italy,

including an English-speaking theatre company.

And actress and writer Karen is hoping to help him with that

and his other new planned ventures.

I genuinely think there is a market,

both for the hypnotherapy side of things and maybe running

writing classes or writing retreats, spiritual retreats...

He has a lot of ideas.

So, with their Essex cottage on the market, these creative cash

buyers are getting ready to wave goodbye to British soil.

It's just felt like the right time to move to Italy.

-Before the Zimmer frames arrive.

-Yeah.

Karen and Graham have asked us

to direct our search in and around the city of Lucca,

the capital of the province of Lucca.

The city is brimming with the culture they are craving

and offers options for both city and rural living.

But before we start our search in earnest, I've come to Lucca to meet

the artistic pair, to delve a bit deeper into their property desires.

Graham, Karen, welcome to the citadel of Lucca.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Right now, we are standing on the city walls.

-It's gorgeous, isn't it?

-Fantastic.

-Beautiful.

Graham is at home now.

What about you, Karen?

Eh... Not as much as Graham.

-OK.

-He is so passionate about it.

Tell me why then, Graham, you want to live in this part of Italy?

It's just a place that really appeals to me.

It's stunningly beautiful.

What's not to love, really?

How do you feel about living here, though?

Living here as opposed to holidaying here might be very different.

What will you be leaving behind?

A lot. Family, friends, the auction wars.

I'm from the North and I love it so much. I'd miss London. Covent Garden.

The theatres. Quite a lot really, I suppose.

I'm sensing that one of you definitely wants to be here

-more than the other.

-Yes.

-We are here to try and...

-Persuade me, yeah.

Right, OK. Well, look, you are in one of the,

if not THE most beautiful region of Italy.

It is full of expats.

The reason they come here is because it is so gorgeous.

You have Pisa, Florence, Siena, food, wine, art, music,

everything comes from this little region.

Let's talk about the type of property you would like.

What's the house you are looking for?

Central. As long as it is central, there is a lot going on, that's fine.

I don't like rural.

Graham, I'm guessing that you probably want to live

somewhere rural.

Um... I'm easy about that. I've had my little moment of rural.

I was brought up in Norfolk, in a rural background, so...

That's what I'm used to, I guess.

That's OK. You are open-minded?

For me, it's got to have a space which I can see clients in.

Nice and quiet. Doesn't need to be too huge, just somewhere

they can sit or lie down while I talk to them and do some hypnosis.

And something that's got a bit of character to it.

Yeah, two-bedroom, garden, old.

And let's talk about the most important thing, what is the budget?

£160,000.

Which is a decent budget.

I do have some properties lined up to see, funnily enough.

-Fantastic.

-Shall we go and see the first one?

-Yes, please.

-Follow me.

-Great.

Karen and Graham have £160,000 to spend on the Italian idyll.

But it's not just pleasure they are seeking, it's business too.

They would like a two-bedroom character property

so one room can double up as a therapy room for Graham's clients.

And they would love a garden, which would be put to good

use should they acquire a four-legged friend.

Karen is keen on the buzz of the city.

And although Graham is open-minded, he is imagining a quieter life.

We've selected four fantastic Tuscan properties.

Any one of which could tempt Karen to share Graham's Italian dream.

And only after they have toured each one, will its price be revealed.

The final visit to our mystery house is definitely going to

challenge their preconceptions, but will certainly offer them

an exceptional way of life.

They will also have the chance to live like locals

when they check into their own city centre apartment.

Our Tuscan property search is beginning

right in the heart of the historic city of Lucca itself.

Lucca became a colony of ancient Rome in 180 BC.

And the town's Roman legacy is still visible in the grid pattern

within its streets.

A perfect way to soak in the city's atmosphere is on two wheels,

whilst pedalling around the cobbled lanes.

The tall buildings are a sunny mix of yellows

and oranges with flashes of green,

standing tall in the shadow of the distant hills.

And the area is a shopper's paradise.

So now we are in the heart of Lucca. This is the central shopping area.

It's gorgeous, isn't it?

And you know this area quite well, don't you?

-Yes, we do, yeah.

-What you like about it?

Stylish shops, fantastic shoes.

People are so friendly here. The colours of the houses.

I'm delighted that you know it and you love it because the first

property I'm going to show you is right here in the heart of town.

-Wow.

-Wow.

-Oh, my!

This imposing 15th century building is four storeys high

with an antique shop on the ground floor.

Right, how do you like the look of that building right there?

-BOTH:

-Wow.

-That's incredible.

-It's lovely.

It is gorgeous and it's so central.

I'm amazed. I didn't think we'd find anything with our sort of budget

in central Lucca.

Good. OK, let's see if you're still feeling the same when we go

and look at it from the inside. Follow me.

Originally, the ground floor of this building would have been

a silk merchant's shop.

The silk merchant himself would have lived on the first floor,

his brother on the second, and his staff on the third.

Right to the top.

The apartment we are showing Karen

and Graham is located up a narrow stairway on the second floor.

And today it's decorated in a vibrant Italian palette.

Come straight through this way.

-OK.

-Feels homely.

I love all these colours. Lovely.

-Full of character. I love the beams.

-Yeah.

They are original. There is lots of history here.

On my left, you've got the shower room there.

And a toilet on that side.

In the middle, you've got a bit of a utility room.

You've got a washing machine and drier there.

OK, where is the front room then? Is this the kitchen and room as well?

-Yes.

-SHE LAUGHS

So what you gain in location, you lose in space.

-But the entrance way that we walked through is rather huge.

-Yeah.

And you could easily knock that wall out.

And put a different partition in. If you wanted to.

-We will go around and you will get a feel for the space.

-Yeah.

-And you can see how you might make it work for you.

-Yeah.

Just around the corner from the living

and dining area is a compact kitchen.

-'70s looking, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-You could change it.

Yes, is the right thing to say.

It's a basic functioning kitchen. This isn't a home at the moment.

-They use it as a holiday home.

-OK.

They come here and they enjoy everything Lucca has to offer.

And live elsewhere.

You could easily get rid of these cupboards and put in a new kitchen.

This whole space is actually quite large.

You could put your dining table in that bit. Open this out a bit more.

Definitely, definitely.

The apartment is set out over just one floor,

with the sleeping quarters at the front.

Although they are overlooking the street below,

inside, it's quiet.

There is a double room currently in use as a twin for guests.

And next door, there is the master.

You did a nice intake.

The atmosphere is lovely. It's light. It's lovely.

It's beautiful in here.

It's a really, really decent-sized room.

It is. Very arty. I like all this.

Would you keep this?

Probably. Yeah.

-Change it. I'd have movie stars.

-Oh, right.

-These are traditional tiles from this area.

-Oh!

Yes. This is one of two very good-sized doubles.

So you could have...

-A consulting room.

-Yes, you could.

And that beautiful hallway area, which is huge,

you could have a little waiting area in there.

-Yes.

-Brilliant.

-There is a lot to think about with this.

-First things first, let's go and talk about price.

-Right.

The apartment doesn't come with the garden,

but it does have an enclosed balcony at the back

which overlooks an area of green and lets in plenty of light.

Come on out into this fabulous street.

So, let's start with you, Graham. How much do you think it is on for?

£155,000.

Karen, what do you think?

£165,000.

This two-bedroom property in the heart of Lucca is

actually on the market for...

£153,000.

-KAREN GASPS

-Wow.

-Graham, you were the closest.

-Wow.

So, this dream, is it starting to become a possible reality?

-Yeah.

-Already?

-Yeah.

-Karen?

SHE LAUGHS

-Yeah, maybe.

-Maybe? Have a good look around on your own

and then I will be waiting for you right here.

-Thank you.

-Brilliant.

At £7,000 under budget,

this typically Tuscan apartment may be a little more snug than

they'd hoped for, but the open plan living space provides

plenty of possibilities.

The second bedroom could double up as Graham's therapy room.

And although there is no outside space, the front door

literally leads straight into the historic city centre.

Wow.

-This is big enough to have something.

-Your hypnotherapy?

Yeah. It's nice and quiet in here, isn't it?

It is quiet. It's lovely.

Wow. Oh, it's hot. It's lovely. Feel the sun.

-Oh!

-Yes.

-And there's green. Do you see the green down there?

-Oh, yeah.

-I wonder if you can go there with your dogs.

-Yeah, I wonder.

I didn't expect to be that close to everything.

Being in the centre, it's beautiful, noisy, I love it.

Lots of people, friendly people.

As soon as you got inside, it was really quiet.

I thought it was beautiful. Small but perfectly formed.

It's a beautiful building.

I don't know whether it would work with the clients or not.

It's just something that we would really have to think about.

I was trying to picture me

and lots of dogs there though, not sure how that would work out.

My singing might annoy the neighbours.

SHE LAUGHS

But I like being in the centre of things.

So I probably could see myself living there.

Today, we've given Graham and Karen a glimpse of what it could

really be like to call the heart of Lucca home.

Even after viewing just one property,

they've got a lot to think about.

And they are going to get the chance to mull things over whilst

experiencing a real taste of life within Lucca's city walls.

We thought that whilst you are here, what better way than to throw

you in at the deep end and immerse you fully?

So, how about for the rest of your time here, you stay right here?

-And I mean right here.

-BOTH:

-Wow.

How exciting.

-That is your key.

-Thank you.

-And I shall see you tomorrow.

-All right.

-Arrivederci. See you in the morning.

-See you later.

-Bye-bye.

Oh, wow.

SHE LAUGHS Glamorous, isn't it?

Wow. Let's have a look in here.

-It's enormous.

-Oh, it's beautiful.

Wow. You've just got all of Lucca here.

All of it. The mountains.

SHRILLY: Look at that!

Absolutely incredible.

To really feel at home here, Karen and Graham need to step outside

their new digs and no Italian night is complete without la passeggiata,

an early evening stroll to wind down from the day.

In every town and city, friends, couples and families can be

seen ambling leisurely whilst catching up on the day's events.

And our pair are no different,

as they take to the streets as night begins to fall.

-Buona sera.

-Buona sera.

-Oh.

-So many to choose from.

Un fico e nocciola.

-Grazie.

-Prego.

Grazie.

Legend has it, it was Marco Polo who first brought ice cream to Italy

after returning from travels in China.

But whether that's true or not, today it's definitely the Italians

who lay claim to producing the most delicious gelato in the world.

Karen and Graham, from Essex, have started their search

for a traditional Italian home that's going to allow them

to transfer their busy lives to the cultural region of Lucca in Tuscany.

They've got £160,000 to spend on a property

that will allow hypnotherapist Graham to work from home.

And they're also hoping to get an English-speaking theatre

company off the ground.

They've slept on their first day in Lucca

and before we get stuck back into our property hunt,

they are stocking up on Italian fuel to help them on their way.

Enjoying the view?

Ah, lovely. It's gorgeous, isn't it?

-Chin-chin.

-Chin-chin.

Bellissima!

Is it ticking your boxes?

-I'm not sure yet.

-We've still got some work to do then.

It takes time. Doesn't it?

-Sitting on this rooftop now is perfect.

-Mm.

But it still feels like a holiday.

It's not kind of sunk in yet, the idea of living here full-time.

Mm-hmm.

-Or maybe part-time.

-Mm-hmm.

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Half the time here, half the time in the UK.

We could talk about that, couldn't we?

So are you living the dream?

Yeah. I think it's going to be tough.

But starting a business anywhere is tough.

It's funny cos you always have tonnes more energy here, don't you?

-Mm. Yeah.

-You don't ever feel tired here.

-No.

I don't know. It's something in the air, I think.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Or in the water.

-It's the good food.

If Karen and Graham do decide to split their time between England

and Italy, they need to give it some serious thought.

Property taxes when buying a primary home here

are 2% of the purchase price.

If bought from a private seller, not a developer.

But if it's a second home, like a holiday pad,

the tax rockets to 9%. So, on a budget of £160,000,

that could mean a hefty hike from £3,200 in taxes to £14,000.

-Morning.

-Buon giorno.

-Come on out.

-Good morning.

-Look, you are colour-coordinated.

-Scary, isn't it?

No, it pleases me. Right, lovely evening?

-Yes, wonderful.

-Gorgeous.

Good, I'm glad. I'm back and we are going for it today.

-Fabulous.

-Excellent.

-Come on, this way.

-OK.

For our next property, we are

travelling just under two miles beyond the city walls

and popping just across the River Serchio to Sant' Alessio,

a rural community on the outskirts of Lucca.

Sant' Alessio shares the same warmly coloured

facades as the centre of the city.

Many topped with attractive terracotta tiles,

and it's surrounded by working farmland.

The area has a small but good selection of local shops

and eateries, with a footbridge connecting the locality to the city.

It's just a 20 minute walk or a ten minute drive back to the centre.

The road that leads to our second home is only

used by the residents themselves.

So, this is a private drive. And that is the property.

-Wow.

-Shutters! Pink, green, gorgeous.

The house that matches your colour palette.

THEY LAUGH

-We knew it. We knew it.

-What do you think?

-It's wonderful.

-Yeah, it is.

-How old is it?

-1698.

-KAREN GASPS

-Wow.

-You've got the best of both worlds.

You've got gorgeous countryside and you've got Lucca over there.

And this was an original farm building.

The farmer would have lived here.

There is a real sense of history here.

-And you can feel it.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

-Right, shall we go on in?

-Yes, please!

This typical Lucchese style farm worker's house

has been in the current owner's family for several generations.

It's been lovingly restored and is a cosy,

authentic home on the cusp of rural and city living.

Perfect for both Karen and Graham.

The front door leads straight into a living and dining room.

Come in, come in, come in. Shut the door.

KAREN LAUGHS

-Amazing.

-Who wants to speak first?

I'm speechless, which is rare. But I am.

-It's very, very creative.

-It's divine!

It looks like a sculptor or something.

It's very Hollywood, isn't it? Sorry, I'm mad on Hollywood.

But it is very old Hollywood. It's beautiful.

The flooring is original.

Cotto flooring.

Isn't that fantastic?

-It's gorgeous!

-It's amazing. The colour.

-It's very savvy.

If you look up, the beams, those big beams, they are original.

Sense of history.

-Yeah, very much.

-You can feel it as soon as you walk in.

It's stunning, isn't it?

Shall we now move into the kitchen?

-Yes.

-Mm.

Just behind the sweeping stone staircase is a traditional

kitchen, furnished with a beautiful sink made from stone

from the local quarry, and tiles in keeping with the region.

KAREN LAUGHS

-Look at the tiles!

-Yeah.

Here we have a fire and we've got the original bread oven.

The bread oven doesn't work any more but the fire still does.

-Oh, God!

-Brilliant!

It's extraordinary, isn't it? It's a real proper Tuscan kitchen.

It's so nice to hear the two of you talk in harmony.

-You are both there.

-Mm-hmm.

-True.

I've got this image of view, Karen,

coming down in various period costumes.

THEY LAUGH

Next to the kitchen is a large utility room

and upstairs are the bedrooms.

Master bedroom.

KAREN GASPS

Look up there! Look at those colours!

Good to notice the ceiling cos that is the original ceiling.

Wow. It's beautiful. It's a nice size.

-Yeah.

-Nice view.

-Mm-hmm.

-I am enchanted by the property.

-It's great for writing.

-Yeah.

And also, with your hypnotherapy business in mind, let me

show you this next space.

-Ah!

-Come with me.

On the other side of the stairway is a second bedroom,

even more spacious than the master.

It's got fabulous views plus the added feature of a mezzanine level.

Right, Graham, pick your jaw up from the floor, sir.

THEY LAUGH

And share your thoughts.

It's, yes, it's a perfect place to have a practice.

What would you do in this space, Karen?

I'd definitely do a lot of writing up there.

You could sing here, couldn't you? You could create. I love it.

I don't want the business here though, hypnotherapy,

I want it as a home. SHE LAUGHS

-Oh, right.

-Can you rent somewhere and I'll just...?

Cos there's so much we could do here.

-Maybe.

-This is the theatrical part of it, isn't it?

The writing and getting the theatre company up and running here.

-Yeah.

-It's a great rehearsal space.

-It's wonderful!

-That's true.

-You could do it all here, couldn't you?

-You could.

Yeah, good rehearsal space.

Also on this floor is a bright family bathroom full of character.

And outside, there is no garden as such

but a patio and small area of green in front of the house.

-Are you feeling Italy?

-Yes.

Because I have to say, I was a little bit worried - no,

I was majorly worried - when you said that this was definitely

Graham's dream and you really were unsure.

Has this has made you feel differently?

It's everything you could wish for.

That is music to my ears.

-KAREN LAUGHS

-I'm amazed.

But that just makes the possibility of it actually working that

little bit closer to fruition.

Good. Let's talk price.

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

I'm hoping it's going to be under budget. £155,000.

Graham? What do you think?

I think closer to budget. Probably about 160 grand. On the nose.

It's actually on for...

A little bit over budget. £165,000.

However, let us not screw our faces up, because we are in Italy, OK?

And the housing market is slightly different. It's negotiable.

And I think if you want it, you will get it within your budget.

-Positivity.

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

I want you to get in there and do what you do.

-KAREN LAUGHS

-Breathe it in.

-Breathe in the atmosphere.

-Yes.

-Feel the space.

Take your time and I will find you in a bit.

Thank you.

This 17th-century typically Lucchese property may

be on the market £5,000 over Karen and Graham's budget,

but in these parts, vendors expect to receive offers.

Inside, the property is just brimming with character, which is

exactly what this arty couple want.

Plus its second bedroom gives them multiple possibilities to start

one or more of their business ideas, from the comfort of their home.

And although it is located in rural tranquillity,

the buzz of the city is just a short walk away.

Ah-ha!

It's nice being rural, even though I said central.

You're not that far away, are you, really?

No. No, true. Best of both worlds.

It actually quite appeals to me, the idea of getting on

a mountain bike and going into central Lucca.

Yeah? With a dog at the back?

Yeah, with a dog running behind.

The thing is, that space down there is just the perfect size.

It's about the same sort of size as any stage...

It would be great for a rehearsal space!

This space works for me.

I don't need a huge space, I just need somewhere where somebody

can lie down and I can talk to them, so...

-Yeah.

-It works in that way as well.

When I walked through the door I thought, "This is it.

"This is everything you could wish for."

Like a little jewel. I could picture myself living here.

It's great that Karen seems to be coming on board at the moment.

There was that slight worry that she's not going to

want to come on the adventure.

I'm very much on atmosphere when I go to a place.

So, as soon as I come through the door, I either feel it or I don't.

And when I came through this door I thought, yes.

There they are, my luvvies. I know, it's gorgeous, isn't it?

-Gorgeous.

-Right, can I take you away from this property?

-If you must.

-Are you prepared to leave?

-Just about.

-I am. I can't wait to see the next one.

OK, that's the right answer. Come on, this way.

For our next Italian offering, we are travelling just over 24 miles

northeast, to the hill village of Limano.

It's around 23 miles from the centre of Lucca,

and around seven miles from the spa town of Bagni di Lucca,

which is known for its thermal springs and provides

everything locals and visitors might need, including shops and eateries.

A 12 minute drive away is the striking Ponte della Maddalena,

or Devil's Bridge, arching elegantly over the River Serchio.

Just over a quarter of an hour's drive from Bagni di Lucca is

the medieval village of Limano, home to our second property.

Its statuesque painted buildings overlook the splendid

tree-topped Apennine Mountains and the Lima Valley.

The tranquil village has one bar

and a grocery van that visits twice a week.

KAREN LAUGHS

What are you laughing at, Karen?

-Nothing.

-It's extraordinary.

-I just feel quite scared.

Do you? What are you scared of?

I'm miles away from anywhere.

This is a medieval Italian village. This is what it's all about.

Mm. Interesting.

There are 100 people in this village but in the summer months, it gets a

lot busier because lots of Europeans and Italians have summer homes here.

Oh! That's interesting.

Well, we stopped here just to soak it up a bit.

I thought this was particularly picturesque

and typical of the village. But now let's go to the house.

I think you might change your mind when you see it. Come on.

Ah-ha-ha.

Come on, Karen.

# Climb every mountain... #

Our next property is tucked away at the end of a charming cobbled street

in the oldest part of the village.

With access through a gated courtyard.

Come on then.

OK, stop right here and look this way.

-Yes, that is fantastic.

-The view is amazing!

That view is hard to ignore.

There you go. That is the next house.

Beautiful. Beautiful doors.

It is lovely.

That's going to have a view, isn't it? On the other side, I'm guessing.

-I would think.

-Shall we go in?

-Yes, please.

-Absolutely.

-Gosh.

A long hallway greets you as you enter the house.

And off to the right is a lounge/diner.

It runs the length of the property

and is decked with traditional terracotta floor tiles

and chestnut beams, which are widespread around Lucca

because of the 97,000 acres of chestnut forests in the area.

This is nice.

KAREN LAUGHS Beams.

Beams again.

Yes. Of course. Beams.

Yeah, it's got a lovely rural quality to it.

Very typically Tuscan.

I feel sort of claustrophobic, like I want to run away.

-I'm not getting the vibes, as they say. But I'm not.

-OK.

-Mm.

-What do you think?

I like what I've seen so far.

-All right, come with me, I'm going to show you more.

-OK.

The kitchen.

Also with original beams in its vaulted ceiling,

access to outside can be gained through the kitchen.

Come on in to the kitchen.

The view.

Strewth! I'm enjoying this particular space.

It's a nice, tall ceiling. And very rustic.

Can you guess what this might have been used for?

-Gosh!

-It was a chestnut store.

-Oh.

-Ah!

-And they would dry them in here.

-Right.

Well, I'm not sure Karen's going to be sharing Graham's Italian

dream in this house, but you never know, there's plenty more to see.

Up a rustic wooden stairway, there is a great family bathroom,

a beamed double bedroom, another larger double with

an adjoining dressing room, and at the back of the house is the master.

All right, look at that view.

-Waking up to that every morning.

-Yeah.

It is a wonderful view. I could see myself coming here on holiday.

But I'm concerned about business and getting people up here.

Just atmosphere wise, I just feel completely lost here.

I'm going to do something very positive and that's take us outside.

Because whether you want to live here or not,

the nature just over there...you cannot deny is beauty.

The house also comes with great storage,

a loft and two cellars under the house,

which are accessible from outside,

where there is also an olive grove, fig trees, pine trees and two

terraces, all sitting in around a third of an acre of land,

with views over the Lima Valley that money just can't buy.

-Look at the view, Karen!

-It's lovely. Help! Get me out!

-Are you scared of heights?

-No, just this house. Just... Ew!

What about that? Can you see the beauty in it though?

Yeah.

I mean, I need people. I just, you know...

SHRILLY: Where are they?

They are here. There is 100 of them in this village.

-Cor!

-Graham, you could just hypnotise her, you know.

-LAUGHING:

-I could try.

-Look into my eyes.

-He's tried for years.

-THEY LAUGH

-All right. There is a price tag.

Graham, how much do you think it is on for?

I'm going to say £157,000.

Karen?

Um, £130,000.

-It's actually on for £153,000.

-Pff!

Right.

-It's good value.

-Is it?

-Yeah, it is.

I'm going to send you off cos, you know what,

whether you want to live here or not...

-Yeah.

-..we've come all this way and let's just go off

and have a rummage around, have a look around the house.

-How do you know what you like and dislike until you see it?

-Yeah.

-It's true, isn't it?

-Off you go.

This hilltop house comes in at £7,000 under Karen

and Graham's budget.

And although it may be further from city life than Karen would

like, there is no denying it would make an idyllic Tuscan retreat.

The traditional chestnut beams are beautiful

and there is even one more bedroom than they asked for.

The additional cellars

and loft space could be utilised with Graham's business in mind.

And the land here is a rural paradise

but still less than a 20-minute drive from a town.

-Oh, this is a nice room.

-Bit lighter, isn't it?

Yeah.

-Nice view.

-Yeah, it's a nice village. Typical of its kind really.

-Mm.

Where's the people though? GRAHAM CHUCKLES

I can see the mountains are lovely, the view is lovely,

but where's the action?

I have to have lots of action, lots going on.

It's the sort of place that we would visit on holiday and really enjoy.

It's just that Karen is very much honest, in touch with her

feelings. And if she doesn't like something, then she will say so.

It's too far. It's too far for clients.

You couldn't do anything theatrical.

It's got so much going for it.

It's got grapevines, it's got olive trees,

you could even get a little bit of income from the olives, I imagine.

It just doesn't tick the boxes for us, unfortunately.

Usually, I ask if you've seen enough,

but I think I know the answer.

You'll be pleased to hear, I've got the engine running.

-Yes!

-Shall we go? Come on!

It's not just finding a house Karen

and Graham can both imagine calling home that's the challenge here.

If Graham's Italian dream is going to come to fruition,

they also need to be able to make an income when they move.

They've got a cache of creative ideas,

but perhaps the biggest is to launch an English-speaking theatre group.

Back in Lucca, I've arranged for them to meet Paula Chesterman.

She is one of around 1,500 British expats here and,

as a retired music and performing arts teacher, she set up

a website for local English speakers who, like her, appreciate the arts.

-Karen, Graham, meet Paula.

-Hello, Paula.

-Lovely to meet you.

Hello, Paula, nice to meet you.

Is it a good place for theatre directors, actors, singers?

Definitely. The Tuscan experience is all about the Renaissance.

You have wonderful artworks everywhere.

Lucca is the home of Puccini. He is a sort of musical God here.

We've got quite a lot of expat painters and musicians.

But the one thing we haven't got with the expats

is a theatre group.

-That's what we want to hear.

-Got your first member! Brilliant.

And the Italian people, they are so flamboyant,

-they are quite gregarious.

-Yeah, that's right.

-They don't hold back, do they? They are quite artistic.

-They are.

They love the arts. Remind you of anybody, Graham?

Hmmm.

-Yes!

-I think there is an Italian spirit in you, you know.

Yeah.

Paula has immersed herself in the Italian way of life,

and she is also a familiar face in the expat community.

One of her friends, also originally from the UK, runs a nearby wine bar.

So we are off for a traditional early evening drink

and to find out the nitty-gritty of starting a business here.

Carol's bar is right in the heart of Lucca.

Carol, you tell us a bit about aperitivo.

Aperitivo time is very important to the Italians.

It's normally before dinner, and you come out with your friends

and have a glass of wine.

In Lucca particularly, they have an Aperol Spritz,

which is an orange drink. And it is always served with snacks.

We like to serve ours with our local pecorino cheese,

with local honey and then our local cold meats.

So we are having a full-on Luccan experience?

Carol, you have been running a business here for how long?

-Five years.

-Five years.

Burning to know about the bureaucracy.

Yes cos everybody says to us in the UK, "Ah, the bureaucracy."

You need to have people behind you who understand the rules

and regulations. If it's Lucca that you want to have your business in,

you need to live here in Lucca.

They need to have the experience. You need to be confident.

But there are people who could introduce you to people like that.

-I can certainly help you. I've been there.

-Thank you.

-So we can help you to do that.

-That's lovely.

-Thank you.

-It's hard work.

-Yes.

-But it's worth it in the end.

-I think.

-If you've got the passion,

which a lot of really arty people do have, then go for it.

What about the overall cost of living?

-I think it is cheaper than living in the UK.

-Right.

Apart from - you might agree with me or not - electricity and gas.

-Definitely.

-Electricity and gas is very expensive over here.

As a result of that, we have actually just installed

a wood burner last winter to help with our costs.

-Yeah, everybody has a wood burner.

-Most houses have a wood burner.

-You can live very simply.

-Yes, you can.

-Italian cuisine is wonderful but very simple.

-Very simple food.

If you happen to buy a property with a lot of olive trees, fruit trees,

that sort of thing, what happens in that sort of circumstance?

-OK, well, we have olive trees, actually, in our garden.

-Right.

You have to pick and press as quickly as possible.

It's best to do it within 48 hours.

We use it here in the bar and we also sell it to our customers.

How much oil would you get from an average tree?

-Um...we got 120 litres of olive oil and we have 30 trees.

-Blimey!

So that was a good return. And the quality is excellent.

Really, really good.

Karen and Graham will be in good company starting up

their own business here, as Italians love an entrepreneur.

Of the four million businesses in Italy,

98% employee less than 19 people.

In fact, the average is just four employees.

And when they buy their Tuscan home,

they will be able to find plenty of advice and tips online.

Plus there is a free property buying guide available.

Like anywhere, it is necessary to factor in extra

costs for solicitor's fees, stamp duty and agent fees.

In Italy, that is around 8% of the price of the property.

But the good news is, when British nationals register as a resident,

they'll pay reduced taxes when buying a property.

-ALL: Salute.

-Thank you.

Karen and Graham have received

invaluable advice from Paula and Carol.

But now the business talk is over, it is

time for a taste of local fare

and a sip of local wine before we cross the piazza to the

San Giovanni church for a live performance,

featuring the music of Puccini and Verdi.

It doesn't get much better than this.

HE SINGS OPERA

Amazing. If that doesn't seal the deal for Karen,

I don't know what will.

It is the final day of our property search in Tuscany,

where our dramatic duo are searching out the Italian dream -

a property full of character in a location that allows them

to bring their business ideas to fruition.

They have taken in the sights and experienced Luccan

life at grassroots level in their own city centre apartment.

But the final act in this production is a visit to our mystery house.

And they've absolutely no idea what to expect.

What we have firmly established is Karen is not going to hold back

and she doesn't want to be anywhere too remote.

Well, today, it is mystery property day.

And it is in the middle of nowhere!

But I am hoping the house itself is going to appeal

to their creative sides.

Wish me luck.

For our fourth and final visit, we are travelling just over 21 miles

west to the village of Molazzana,

which sits in the Garfagnana mountains.

7.5 miles from Bagni di Lucca and 23 miles from Lucca,

this serene, hilltop village is nestled amongst a dense

collection of trees with dusky pink, orange

and white traditionally painted houses staggered on the hillside.

There are a handful of amenities including a cafe, supermarket

and pharmacy.

And the village sleeps at siesta time before reopening

later in the day.

Just over a mile from the centre of Molazzana, a fourth house is

perched on the hillside at the end of a gravel track.

Its isolated location has earned it the title of our mystery house

as it certainly is going to challenge Karen, but I am hoping

the sheer beauty on offer here will capture her city-loving heart.

OK, I want you to...

stop here.

-Before we look at the house, check out that view.

-That's extraordinary.

-Yeah.

-Absolutely amazing.

-Karen.

-SHE LAUGHS

Yeah, it's quite sweet, isn't it? You hear the birds singing.

So you are not terrified by the fact that we are somewhere quite

-rural, even though we're not that far way from anywhere.

-No.

But it does feel like we could be in the middle of nowhere.

No neighbours. So you can sing to what you like.

You could sing at the top of your lungs.

Do you know what, you can have loads and loads of animals, couldn't you?

-Yeah, it is great.

-Well... You have got six acres of land.

SHE LAUGHS

Really?! Wow!

Let me tell you something, this is the mystery property

and I cannot wait to show you around this one.

I'm very excited. Come on.

This house was built in the 1930s and renovated in 1998.

It is now an eco home, whose sedate exterior hides what lies within.

The front door leads straight into the dining room.

Hoo-hoo!

-It is very bold, isn't it?

-But I love bright colours.

-The brighter the better for me.

-Let me tell you bit about the house.

-The walls are made with hemp.

-Oh, right.

-It is fuelled by biofuel.

-Wow.

-It is a 100% eco-home.

-Oh, wow.

-Right.

Oh, it is fantastic.

I've always wanted a sort of eco-friendly

-and everything like that.

-Yeah?

-Yeah. He's quiet, isn't he?

He's going, "Eh..." and I'm going, "Yeah!"

Come on, Graham, you talk. Tell us some stuff.

It is a lovely open space. I really like it.

And the fact that you just open the door

-and look at that glorious view is just amazing.

-I love it.

Without even having a therapy session,

-you feel quite chilled out here, don't you?

-Yeah, was thinking that.

Yeah, taking in the atmosphere. You know me and my vibe.

And I just think, gosh, this feels really positive.

-Very spiritual, doesn't it?

-Hm.

-Aaah...

-Shall we see the kitchen?

-Yeah.

-Yes, please.

-Through this arch here, come on. It's just here.

-The kitchen! This is it.

-Oh, it is cute!

-A room with a view.

-It's dinky.

-Yes, bijou.

It's so cute.

Can you extend it anywhere? SHE LAUGHS

I think I love this place so much I don't care.

If you love a place, atmosphere wise, I think that is

the most important thing. I'm coming to that conclusion. I am.

But you like hustle and bustle.

-So what has happened to that?

-I know!

-What has happened to that Karen?

-I know, isn't it weird?

I just feel... I just... I don't know, I feel sort of cleansed here.

You can go out to get the hustle and bustle, can't you?

Well, what a turnaround. Karen overwhelmed by rural retreat.

Also on this vibrant floor, there's a living area with a wood burner

which feeds all the radiators in the house, making it cost effective.

The floating stairway leads us to the first floor, where we

are heading to the front of the house and the master bedroom.

What do you think?

It's really nice. It is a bit more claustrophobic up here.

Maybe it is the colour of the walls.

-Maybe it is as something as simple as that.

-Yeah.

-Cos it is very dark.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, I think you are right.

I think it needs lightning up here, doesn't it?

Graham, are you as surprised as me at this?

I am, yeah, completely gobsmacked.

THEY LAUGH

I thought the face would set on a frown and, "Oh, no, I'm in the

"middle of nowhere and there's nobody up here..."

Instead, the face lit up.

As well as this really good-sized double bedroom, you've got

another really good-sized double bedroom

and a large bathroom up here.

-Fantastic.

-Fantastic.

-And I did mention the six acres, didn't I?

-Shall we go and have a look?

-Yeah, let's.

-Come on.

The extensive land with its far-reaching and beautiful

views here includes both hillside slopes and level patches.

And there is also an outhouse attached to the property.

-You've got 20 fruit trees.

-Right.

-Apples, figs, Sharon fruit...

-Oh, wow!

-Wow!

-And 60 olive trees.

If you wanted to, you could start producing your own olive oil.

It's really fertile land up here.

I hadn't really thought of myself farming here,

-but I come from farming stock in Norfolk, so...

-Yeah!

It's in the blood there somewhere.

It is good that you are thinking. Ideas are coming to the front.

There is a price.

How much do you think the house, the outhouse, the six acres,

the trees, the view costs?

Probably...£160,000.

I'm going to say...

It's above budget - 165.

So the actual price of this house

and all the land is

£150,000.

-Wow.

-So under budget.

-Mm!

It has got a lot of potential. Awful lot of potential.

You have done so well!

I'm enjoying looking at your face, cos you are just beaming.

-It's a completely different person.

-Hm.

-It's lovely.

So there's a lot to think about. I'm going to send

you off to have an explore on your own while I meditate on the view.

-Off you go.

-Thank you.

Would you be OK without a bath? Because you like your baths.

I do, but I would be.

-Blimey, how flexible you are suddenly becoming.

-I know!

I love this house. I love everything about it.

The fact that you've got six acres, the atmosphere... It's gorgeous.

It is so positive.

This property is a complete curveball.

Karen's heart has become engaged with this one,

which was a complete surprise. This is got me thinking...

I've got to think about things in a different way.

I doubt I could have my practice up here.

But I could run retreats up here maybe with some yurts

if we could hire them.

All stuff we'd have to look into.

I don't think he is so keen as I am. He's got his practical head on.

And I am letting my heart rule. But I love it.

You just know when it is right. To me, this feels right.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Suits you.

-SHE LAUGHS HAPPILY

-Right. Have we seen enough?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, I'd like to stay here.

-Aww!

That's good, that's good.

Well, let's go off and talk about, you know,

the whole experience somewhere.

-Yeah?

-OK.

-Come with me.

The olive grove and fruit trees in the grounds here aren't

an unusual sight in Tuscany due to its incredibly fertile soil.

And the area around Lucca has hosted a variety of crops over the years.

Today, one of its most abundant yields is flowers.

I've come to meet Luciana Romiti in the medieval village

of Montecarlo, in the heart of Tuscany's flower-growing region.

She works for a cooperative made up of 150 flower producers who grow and

nurture their blooms before they're sold on in the local flower market.

-Luciana, it's so beautiful!

-It is. It is, isn't it?

And we all know that about Tuscany.

But tell us about some of the economical history.

Well, this area has always been famous for its industry in the silk

and cotton factory.

In fact, it was called Little Manchester because of that.

And so, slowly, the production changed

and they got into fruit and vegetable production.

And in the early 1920s, they began with flowers. Standard carnations,

that was the first crop that was being cultivated in this area.

And today we have over 1,000 groves,

over 1,000 hectares of not only standard carnations

but other flowers such as chrysants, lilies,

gerberas and even pot plants.

Oh, lovely!

Just the images of all those flowers you named, all grown here in Italy.

Yes.

As one of the most important dates in the Italian flower grower's

calendar approaches, it is

the busiest time of year for Luciana and her fellow co-op members.

All Saints' Day is a religious holiday in November,

which celebrates all Catholic saints.

It is also time people place flowers on the graves

of their loved ones.

I am meeting Lorenzo Franceschini, one of the co-op members,

at his flower farm five minutes away.

His family business was started by his grandparents half a century ago.

Today, All Saints' Day preparations are in full swing,

and it is chrysanthemums that are the symbol

of this national festival.

-Hi, Lorenzo.

-Hi.

-Pleased to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

Wow! It's beautiful!

Three generations of Lorenzo's family look after

the 200,000 stems growing here.

Flowers are very much in your blood, aren't they?

Like a brother for me, OK?

I have a big family, OK? This is my grandfather, Enzo.

-Hello, Grandfather!

-My dad, Antonio.

-Antonio!

-OK, my uncle.

-Uncle!

-Franco.

-Hey, Franco.

Family businesses, family culture is

-so important to Italians, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-So, big families...

-Mothers are very important.

-Yes.

-Food is very important.

-Yes.

But of course the flowers, these beautiful flowers...

-Like, is this the same flower?

-No.

The first year that I cultivated

-this type of chrysanthemum.

-So you've brought this one!

I think it is beautiful. This is something really different as well.

-I've never seen it.

-It is another type of bulb, OK?

-Yeah.

-It feels really hard.

-It's name is Chirone.

Oh, look, the sunlight is coming through.

What a lovely place to work, Lorenzo. It is so beautiful in here.

Well, I'm not very green fingered, it has to be said,

but I'm going to have a go at helping Lorenzo harvest

some of these beauties in preparation for sale.

This is great, walking through these flowers. It is so magical.

First things first, I need to know what is ready to cut.

-This is ready, OK?

-OK.

-So I cut.

But there is still some... This.

-OK. Shall we do this one?

-Yeah.

-I'm cutting it. I'm going in.

-Good luck.

-Thank you. First incision. Oh, hang on.

I'm not doing very well. Right, here we go. One, two, three.

-SNAP

-There we go.

First chrysanthemum cut. Oh, I could get used to this.

Come up to the table.

The flowers we have just harvested have taken four months to

grow from seed and Lorenzo is going to show me

how to arrange them into a bunch ready for sale.

Grandad is watching, so there's a lot of pressure here, Lorenzo.

-What about this one?

-Oh, yeah.

-I mean, that has got to be...

-So, how many we got there? Seven?

-Yeah, seven. And...

-That is a nice one there. Eight.

-Eight, nine and ten.

With the ten best selected,

the stems are secured with a rubber band before being cut to length.

-Hey, done. Is that OK, Enzo?

-OK, OK.

OK. The pressure is on when the man who started the business is

-watching you.

-In a plastic bag, OK.

-OK.

Three bunches of ten are secured with more bands,

and they're good to go.

In just two days' time, they will be in the hands of customers.

-Lorenzo.

-Yes.

-Here's a bouquet.

-You shouldn't have. Grazie.

Mille grazie.

A handsome Italian man giving me flowers. Look at that.

That is amazing.

Not only has Lorenzo trusted me with his flowers,

he has given me the keys to his tractor to take us to market.

Here we go, Lorenzo. Woo-hoo! And we're off!

-It's OK, OK.

-It's all good.

I don't actually know how to stop this. We are off to market!

Let's go to the market.

At the end of their final jam-packed day,

Karen and Graham are looking forward to unwinding with a hearty dinner.

-Table for two?

-Yes, please.

-Grazie.

-Grazie.

A three-course meal will cost them

around 25% more in Lucca than at home.

But when they get their business off the ground,

I'm sure they'll enjoy a few culinary treats.

Can I have the mixed salad and the chickpeas in olive oil, please?

-Yeah, sure.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

-Peposo dell'Impruneta.

-Mm-hm.

We are going to have to get on top of the Italian, aren't we?

Some places, they don't speak English.

-The language is going to be a barrier if we don't.

-Yeah. Chin-chin?

Chin-chin. Here's to us.

Oooh!

Grazie.

It's nice, isn't it?

Perfecto!

It's always good to make an important decision

on a full stomach.

With all four houses toured, the time

has come for our innovative pair to say ciao to their Luccan lair

and consider if la dolce vita is really for them.

We've arrived at the final scene.

And now I get to pick Karen and Graham's brains about what

is going on, cos at the minute, I can't call it either way.

Let's ask them.

Karen, Graham, what an amazing view.

-Oh, it's gorgeous. Gorgeous!

-Incredible.

So let's get down to business, and I want to go straight for it.

Out of the properties you've seen,

is there one that you think could be for you?

-BOTH:

-Yes.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Well, well, well...

We think the house beyond the city walls we really liked.

It has to be head over heart because the one that was way

up in the mountains, the mystery house, was beautiful.

But just couldn't see a business working there.

So it has to be somewhere that works as a business for us

as well as somewhere that's lovely to live.

After this time together, how do you feel about the move here?

I'm still not 100%.

What I'd like to do is probably rent for a few months to get things

-started.

-There's so much to consider.

And having met the expats, Carol and Paula,

they've told you how difficult it can be setting up a business

here, the bureaucracy you've got to deal with.

How will it go from being this pipe dream to something more concrete?

Every expat that we spoke it, they all said the same thing.

They said, "Oh, sounds like a wonderful idea.

"Here's my e-mail, get in touch.

"We'll help you, you know, as much as we can."

Because a lot of them arrived with nothing,

and they managed to get businesses going, thriving businesses.

You want to both be in a position where you can live the life

that you want to live and make it work for you.

And I just want to wish you the best of luck.

Thank you so much, it's been great.

What a week it's been with Karen and Graham.

I am completely baffled by the whole thing.

What I know for sure is that the two of them

have got a heck of a lot of talking to do.

Let's hope Act III is both of them sharing the same dream.

It's been dramatic if nothing else.

Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.

Karen and Graham are in talks with Paula's business partner

about getting an English-speaking theatre company off the ground.

And while they do, they've decided to rent in Lucca as a trial run

before buying.