- 8 hours ago
A Place in the Sun - Season 2025 Episode 102 -
Roquetas de Mar, Spain
Roquetas de Mar, Spain
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😹
FunTranscript
00:00...around the beautiful seaside town of Pappos in sunny Cyprus.
00:05I'm Ben Hillman, home designer and property expert.
00:08For the best part of a decade I've been helping house owners find their dream properties
00:12whilst giving them a little design inspiration too.
00:16Today I'll be using all my skills to help Setara and Lee who definitely know what they want.
00:22The apartment itself is too small.
00:24You can't put our own footprint on the building.
00:25You're giving me a tough time, you are.
00:27And they certainly know it when they see it.
00:31Now here come the holiday fields.
00:34Ah, yeah, it's lovely.
00:36This is what it's all about.
00:37Definitely.
00:38I get to visit one of the most luxurious properties on the market in this area at the moment.
00:44And this is a pool you wanted.
00:45It is exactly the pool I wanted, thank you very much.
00:48It's a beautiful pool, isn't it?
00:50These amazing pebbles, then the greenery, it's lovely.
00:53But at the end of the day, will I find Setara and Lee their perfect place in the sun?
00:58You've got the sun trap, you've got the sea, you've got the space, you've got the barbecue and you've got the beer.
01:04A shared sense of humour is what sealed the deal for Setara and Lee on their very first date six years ago.
01:18They have been inseparable ever since.
01:21And after getting engaged on the island of Cyprus, they are about to tie the knot.
01:26So, what better wedding present for each other than to buy their very own holiday home in their favourite resort of Paphos?
01:35Lee, a builder from Oxford, and Setara, a dental practice manager from Iran, met online and after a few months of chatting, decided to take the plunge and meet in person.
01:44We just started talking together, I found out he's friendly, funny.
01:50I thought I'm punching my butt above my weight here.
01:54She's very beautiful and inside and out, so a very loving person as well.
01:59We had a few days after that and the rest, as they say, is history.
02:03Now engaged, they can't wait to buy themselves a holiday home in Paphos, which they visit every year.
02:10They want enough space for Lee's three grown-up children and granddaughter to stay too.
02:15They have an ideal budget of £100,000 to find it.
02:21Around a four-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK takes you to Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus.
02:26With 30 miles of stunning coastline nearby, lined with coves, beaches and rocky outcrops,
02:33Paphos is perfect for holidaymakers who want fun in the sun and crystal-clear waters to swim in.
02:39While parts of central Paphos, such as Cato, have lots going on and a bustling nightlife,
02:44there is so much more to this area, with archaeological sites such as the Tomb of the Kings and St Paul's Pillar,
02:51as well as neighbourhoods like Pea further inland, where you can also get more for your money.
02:56Rising prices in Paphos have been driving buyers to look further afield for bargain fixer-uppers.
03:05In fact, project properties for under £100,000 are extremely thin on the ground.
03:12But if you are a bit handy and willing to look a little further inland, there are still some good deals to be had.
03:19So I am confident I will find Sitara and Lee something they'll want to put their stamp on.
03:25Before we start our search, I am meeting my house hunters to find out exactly what they are looking for.
03:32Sitara and Lee, welcome to Cyprus.
03:34Thank you very much.
03:35What keeps drawing you back to this beautiful island?
03:38Weather? Yes.
03:39And food. People, they are very friendly.
03:41It's one of those places where we've been here so often, we feel, we forget where we're abroad.
03:45Yeah.
03:46It's just easy living for you guys.
03:47It's just easy, yeah, yeah, yeah.
03:49Yeah, that's so nice.
03:50And it's so lovely, you know, you've got all these memories here.
03:53Yeah.
03:53Including getting engaged.
03:54Yes.
03:55Not too far away from here, actually.
03:57Just here.
03:57You're kidding.
03:58Yeah.
03:59Yes.
04:00Seriously.
04:00Yeah, honestly.
04:01So what's your dream when you're out here?
04:04What are you going to be getting up to?
04:05What is your lifestyle like?
04:07Spend the day by the sea.
04:08Yeah.
04:08Enjoy the food.
04:10And we love the water sports.
04:14Obviously we've got to find you the right property.
04:16What are you looking for?
04:17I definitely want something with a nice view.
04:21Ideally, very close to sea.
04:23We're looking for the diamond in the rough, shall we say.
04:26Something we can add to it.
04:29Two bed flat or one.
04:30So a one bed, preferably two, or a one you can turn into a two.
04:35Could it be in an apartment block?
04:36Does it need to be a standalone property?
04:38The ideal would be a standalone property.
04:40Could it be in a block?
04:41Yes.
04:42But the block needs to have that holiday feel about it.
04:44We don't like to be too remote.
04:46We want somewhere where we can walk to.
04:49It's got to be a bit of a buzz, isn't it?
04:50Yeah, yeah, yeah.
04:51So we want something which is value for money,
04:53something we can add to it,
04:55and also to be in the right location.
04:58Yeah.
04:59We like the busyness of the city.
05:01OK. Your budget?
05:02We were looking at the 100, but it would wiggle up to 160.
05:05Yeah.
05:05£160,000?
05:07You prefer it to be around the 100?
05:09Yeah, yeah, yeah.
05:09Wouldn't we all?
05:11Hey?
05:12Everyone searching on this island is looking for a 100 grand property bargain.
05:15No pressure, man.
05:17I'll get you as close as I possibly can.
05:19Yeah.
05:20Of course.
05:21But you don't mind a bit of work and putting in a bit of elbow grease,
05:24so that is good news for you.
05:26So I've got five properties lined up for you.
05:28Wow.
05:29We can't wait.
05:30Yes, of course.
05:31Do you want to come with me then?
05:31Yes, of course.
05:32Come on.
05:33That is quite a wish list.
05:35But I'm pleased they've got plenty of wiggle room in their budget,
05:39as we're going to need it.
05:40We're kicking off this search eight miles south of here
05:43in the neighbourhood of Mandrea,
05:45a well-located suburb of Papos.
05:47Not only does it have its own beach,
05:49it also has a town square with all the essentials within walking distance too.
05:53But before I take Satara and Lee out of the central Papos area that they know and love,
05:58there's time to stop off quickly at one of the main hotspots on this part of the coastline.
06:02What better place to start our search than here, Papos Harbour?
06:07Absolutely.
06:08You know it well?
06:09Very well.
06:10Really?
06:11Yeah, yeah, yeah.
06:11We've had many good times here.
06:13We've done boat trips here,
06:14and it's my son's, Ryan's birthday that we had in the cafe up there.
06:18There's about ten of us who came over for us for the journey, so...
06:22It was a whole family here.
06:23We had a lovely time.
06:25So is this a taste of holidays to come?
06:27Yeah.
06:28Maybe.
06:28Exactly, yeah.
06:29It is the favourite spot.
06:31It is what Papos is all about.
06:32For us, isn't it?
06:33Yeah.
06:33I don't need to tell you anything about this harbour.
06:35You know it all, don't you?
06:36You know this better than me.
06:38Shall we go and see the first property?
06:40Absolutely.
06:41Yes.
06:42Come on.
06:42Go on.
06:44They clearly love the harbour,
06:45and I'm hoping they'll feel the same about Mandaria too.
06:48The average one-bedroom apartment here is around £127,000.
06:53I know Lee and Satara ideally want more than one,
06:56but I think it's a good idea to test the water
06:58at a property within walking distance off the coast
07:00that's on for just under £118,000.
07:06All right, then.
07:07Have you heard of Mandaria?
07:08No, no.
07:09It's the first time we've been here,
07:10so I look forward to seeing the town.
07:12It's got everything you want, bars, restaurants,
07:15the best fish and chip shop on the island.
07:18What do we think of this little enclave?
07:20Is this the kind of pool area looking for?
07:22Yeah, it's lovely.
07:22Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a very nice setting with the palm trees.
07:25Plenty area to sunbathe and just chill.
07:28Exactly.
07:28Now, the property I want to show you is that first floor.
07:32One-bedroom apartment.
07:35How do you feel about it?
07:36Yeah, it's overlooking the pool.
07:37I like how they're not all together,
07:39and you've got an element of space between the buildings.
07:41Should we go and see it?
07:42Yeah, let's do it.
07:43This way.
07:47Not a bad start.
07:48Hopefully, they will like the apartment.
07:51The balcony has a great view over the pool.
07:54There's also a huge private roof terrace to soak up the sun.
07:59Inside is a bright living area with room to eat and relax,
08:03which is open to a kitchen at the back.
08:05The bedroom is a good size,
08:07with direct access onto the balcony.
08:09And there's a large bathroom.
08:12Come on inside.
08:15Oh, wow.
08:17It's nice, isn't it?
08:17It's nice, yeah.
08:18Yeah.
08:19It's very open plan, isn't it?
08:20Kitchen's not too big, but it's big enough.
08:23The balcony's amazing.
08:24The palm trees in front of the window.
08:27Feeling sort of like you're on holiday?
08:29Holiday, yeah.
08:30Yeah?
08:30Definitely.
08:31I like the holiday theme, tick in the box.
08:33Really like the outdoor space.
08:35But it's too small.
08:37This very much seems a finished article.
08:39No scope for improvement.
08:42Is that the most important thing from this search,
08:45is to be able to add value to the property?
08:47Add value to the property and buy at the right prices,
08:50I would say.
08:51And location, of course.
08:52They're the three biggies.
08:54Okay.
08:54But let's have a look around and see.
08:56Yeah.
08:56Let's check out the outside space.
08:58Let's see if I can tempt you with this.
09:03Oh, wow.
09:04It's a lovely spot, isn't it?
09:05It's lovely.
09:06It's amazing.
09:07It's very holiday.
09:07Yeah.
09:08Yeah.
09:08All they feel is so much there.
09:10Mm.
09:10Yeah.
09:11Outside space is the best part of this place.
09:13Is it really?
09:14Yeah.
09:14It's the best part.
09:15So this works?
09:16Yeah.
09:16Yeah.
09:17Yay.
09:17Yeah, yeah.
09:18In terms of location, because you've not been here before.
09:20No.
09:20No, it's the first time.
09:21How are we feeling about that situation at the moment?
09:25Yeah, it's good to go experience different areas.
09:27Yeah, I mean, you've got your work cut out, but we wait to be educated, Ben.
09:31Well, look, I'm doing my best.
09:32Waiting for you.
09:34It's just our first property, okay?
09:37So I'm going to let you head inside, have a look around.
09:41I'll make myself at home.
09:42Oh, okay.
09:43I'll see you in a bit.
09:44Thanks, man.
09:44Off you pop.
09:45Bye for now.
09:46I'll see you in a moment.
09:51Well, I suppose if I had a Venn diagram, it would be something like
09:56location versus price versus condition.
10:01As lovely as this is, it's way off the mark.
10:06Oh, wow.
10:07Yeah, a good-sized bedroom, good-sized doorway space, nice wardrobe.
10:12That looks nice over the pool.
10:14Oh, wow.
10:15It's nice, the space.
10:16Yeah, it's a great space up here, isn't it?
10:18You can put the chair, sunbed, I see it.
10:21Yeah, you can see the sea from here as well, which is good.
10:24Oh, yeah.
10:24It's lovely.
10:25So, Tara and Lee definitely liked some of the aspects of this pool view apartment
10:29on the market for just under £118,000.
10:33But have they seen anything to convince them that this could be the one?
10:37Well, hello.
10:38Yeah.
10:39Yeah, look, how did you get on with the rest of the property?
10:42Outside is lovely.
10:44It's very nice.
10:45The apartment itself is too small.
10:47You can't make any imprints into its value or put our own footprint on the building.
10:52You're giving me a tough time, you are.
10:54Look, I know it was too small for you.
10:57Yeah, it was too small.
10:58So, moving forward, more space.
11:01More space.
11:02And if possible, closer to the centre.
11:06Sure.
11:06Well, look, I will do my best.
11:07Come on.
11:08I'm clearly going to have to change tack, so I'm taking them to Tala, a much larger village
11:15a few miles closer to central Papos, with a lot more going on too.
11:19So, I'm hoping it will work better for Sitara and Lee.
11:22But before I take them there, I know that these two love their water sports.
11:25So, I want to introduce them to one half of a rather famous Cypriot father-son dance duo
11:30who put down his dancing shoes for a new life and career out here.
11:37Sitara and Lee, I want you to meet the legendary Demi, a.k.a. Stavros Lattley.
11:44Hiya, how are you?
11:45Well, I should show my belly, so that's it.
11:46All right, yes!
11:48There we go.
11:49We're right there.
11:50Slightly north.
11:52There we go.
11:52But, obviously, Demi, your family has originally Sitara.
11:56Yeah.
11:56How was the transition moving back here?
11:58It's the best thing we ever did.
12:00It's brought us loads of joy.
12:02And, like you said, look, they don't need to do Stavros anymore.
12:06It's been lovely, but I want to move to Cyprus.
12:08So, what's the main thing brought you here?
12:12The quality of life.
12:13The chance that I'm outdoors all day.
12:16You've got quite a successful business going on here.
12:19Water sports business.
12:20Yeah.
12:20You're here by the beach every day.
12:22The jet skiing's so much fun.
12:24The water, it's just a lovely life.
12:26You guys like a bit of jet skiing.
12:28Oh, we love a bit of jet skiing.
12:29Demi is the man to know.
12:29Oh, yeah.
12:30But before we go, would you show us just a couple, or teach us a couple of your signature dance moves?
12:36Okay, so, point, kiss.
12:39Love it.
12:40Point, point, kiss.
12:42And, uh, that's it.
12:43Yeah!
12:44Stavros, play!
12:45Coming up, will my next property, a two-bedroom fixer-upper of a house with a communal pool, be the ideal investment holiday home that Satara and Lee are looking for?
13:00Today, I'm in Cyprus helping engaged couple Satara and Lee get hitched to their dream holiday home, close to the stunning beaches of Paphos.
13:18But as it stands, that remains a pipe dream.
13:22With a maximum budget of £160,000, they're dreaming of a place with that holiday feel that Builder Lee can spruce up.
13:29And while they liked the outside space of my first property, they thought the inside of the apartment was too small, and they weren't sure about the location either.
13:38So, I've taken them to the larger village of Tala.
13:41The majority of properties in this area are private villas, and so it's harder to find anything here within Satara and Lee's budget.
13:48But we've got lucky, and I can't wait to show them what I've managed to line up next.
13:54Here we are, our second property.
13:58Oh, wow!
13:59Wow, yeah, it's lovely.
14:00It is lovely, isn't it?
14:01It's a decent size.
14:03A bit of a sun, when the sun is fully out, it is a bit of a sun trap here.
14:07Yeah, a bit of a sun trap, which is great.
14:07What is the town like here?
14:09It's not Paphos.
14:10No, no, no.
14:10Of course.
14:11No.
14:11But it's a decent size.
14:13Yeah.
14:13I'm going to call it a small town village.
14:15Right, so it's bigger than...
14:16Oh, OK.
14:16Yeah, you've got bars, you've got restaurants, all within ten minutes' stroll.
14:19Shall we get up these lovely stairs and go and look at the property?
14:21Yes, please.
14:21Let's do it.
14:22Come on, then.
14:22There we go.
14:25From the pool to the house, tucked in the corner.
14:28It is a house.
14:29Oh, wow.
14:30Is it?
14:30Yeah, not an apartment.
14:31It's a house this time, a little townhouse.
14:33That's a positive.
14:35It's a shame it doesn't overlook the pool.
14:36South facing terrace.
14:37Yes.
14:38It has got two bedrooms.
14:39It's got really good-sized living space.
14:42It needs modernising.
14:43It's priced at just under $123,000.
14:46Oh, OK.
14:47OK.
14:47What do you reckon?
14:49Good maths on that?
14:49Good results?
14:50Potentially, yeah.
14:51We'd like to get in, see what's got to be done and...
14:54Well, look, I'll find the key and we'll go inside.
14:56Come on.
14:56Let's do it.
14:58That's sounding much more positive.
15:00As well as the communal pool, just a short stroll away,
15:03the house has a private terrace at the back
15:06with plenty of space for relaxing in the sunshine.
15:09Inside is a large open-plan living area
15:11with a kitchen I think Lee will want to modernise
15:14and then there's a downstairs toilet.
15:16Upstairs, the main bedroom is a great size
15:18and has its own balcony.
15:21There's a second double bedroom and a bathroom.
15:25Oh, there you go.
15:26There's your first job, playing that door.
15:28Oh, OK.
15:29Wow.
15:30But this time, look.
15:32Decent size.
15:33Yeah.
15:34Nice size living.
15:34Make it eerie with an open, obviously, PVC door
15:37with a glazed panel.
15:38Obviously, kitchen.
15:40Exactly.
15:40All needs upgrading.
15:42What is it going to cost you, in your mind,
15:44generally speaking?
15:46If you're looking at new kitchens, new appliances,
15:49downstairs WC and new bathroom.
15:52Then you're looking at tiling,
15:53probably do the floor again.
15:55If you open the stairs up, you can make it nice and air.
15:57Enough job for you to do.
15:59Absolutely.
15:59Yeah, that's good.
16:00Probably looking at about 35.
16:01Oh, you're getting a good feeling for this.
16:04Yeah, yeah, yeah.
16:05Shall we head out to the terrace?
16:07Absolutely.
16:08Yeah.
16:08Please.
16:10Now, I think this is a pretty decent size.
16:13Oh, yeah, it's nice.
16:14Obviously, it needs a bit of TLC out here.
16:17Yeah, yeah, yeah.
16:17If you wanted to do, change the patio to bifoles.
16:21To bring outside in.
16:23Yeah.
16:24So there is certainly that potential.
16:26Well, why don't you go inside,
16:28see what work there is to do upstairs as well.
16:31Yeah, can't wait.
16:31And I'll meet you when you're done.
16:32See you later.
16:33Go on, go and get your hammer out.
16:38Oh, wow.
16:38There you go.
16:39That's a massive leap forward from our last property.
16:43Yeah.
16:44I wouldn't say I'm pleasantly surprised.
16:46I'm over the moon.
16:50Oh, master bedroom.
16:51Yeah.
16:52It's a good size.
16:55Yeah.
16:56Wardrobes will need to be modernised.
16:57It's amazing view.
16:58Yeah, yeah.
16:59Oh, balcony.
17:01Yeah, you can see the sea from here.
17:02Oh, yeah.
17:03Look at that.
17:04It's absolutely great, isn't it?
17:05Balcony is a reasonable size.
17:07It's a shame it's not a little bit bigger.
17:08It's a bit small, but we can put, like,
17:11a little sandbag maybe here sometimes.
17:14Yeah.
17:15This terraced house on the market,
17:17well under Sitara and Lee's maximum budget,
17:19just under £123,000,
17:22seem to be hitting the mark.
17:24But how do they feel now they've seen it all?
17:28Has he not fixed that yet?
17:32No.
17:33Terrible.
17:35OK, then.
17:36It's a fixer-upper, but how did you get on?
17:40It's much, much better than the first one.
17:43Yeah, so price-wise, I think it's a little bit top-heavy
17:45because the amount of work that needs to be done
17:47in terms of kitchen, bathroom, windows and the floors, of course.
17:51Right.
17:52This is a massive step forward from the first one.
17:54Good.
17:54So it potentially could work.
17:56Is it a contender?
17:57Possibly, but we've got to look at, obviously,
18:00the amount of work that needs to be done.
18:02What do we need to do to improve upon this?
18:04Merge the outdoor space from the first property
18:07with the scope of this property.
18:09It's fine.
18:09Bring that pool a little bit closer.
18:11Yeah.
18:12Yeah, make it a bit more holiday feeling.
18:14Yes.
18:14Come on.
18:16To try and find them that, I'm taking them a 15-minute drive north to Pea.
18:22This neighbourhood has a population of just over 12,000 people
18:25and around three-quarters of them are British.
18:28While it is further from Paphos, with its family-run tavernas, restaurants and bars,
18:34I think it would be a great place for Sitara and Lee to be based
18:36and there's somewhere I want to stop off to show them on the way.
18:41Guys, I have brought you to Coralia Beach.
18:43It is quite windy today.
18:45It's probably not a beach today, in all honesty,
18:47which is why I've got the jacket on for Coralia Beach.
18:50It's actually at the end of the bus room, taking me back into Paphos.
18:54So you've used the bus service a bit?
18:56Yeah.
18:57Is it good?
18:57Yeah, it's perfect.
18:58The bus service is so reliable, so it's very frequent, relatively cheap.
19:02It gets us in and out of town.
19:04Yeah, we never obviously went to the final stop,
19:06so I'm glad you brought us here.
19:08I know you guys like your water sports and you can do all of that here as well,
19:11including diving behind us.
19:13It's amazing.
19:14Yeah?
19:15Yeah.
19:15You like what you see?
19:16Yeah, I do like it.
19:17Do you wish you got off this stop before now?
19:19Yes, of course.
19:20Yeah.
19:21It's amazing.
19:21Anyway, we're going to hit the boat.
19:22We're going to go and see our next property.
19:2420-minute stroll from here or three minutes on the bus.
19:29Oh, my God.
19:29You know it.
19:30Come on, let's go see it.
19:34Well, if my last property was lacking in holiday feels,
19:38then my next one, a two-bedroom apartment overlooking this gorgeous pool
19:42and its outside entertaining space, should be set to impress.
19:46Today, I'm house hunting on the beautiful island of Cyprus
19:57with soon-to-be-married Setara and Lee
20:00in search of their dream holiday home here.
20:02But with so few fixer-uppers on the market,
20:05we are still in search of that elusive contender.
20:09After holidaying here for the last six years,
20:12they now want their own place for their maximum £160,000 budget
20:16with lots of space close to central Papos, the beach and the restaurants.
20:21But in this area, that is a lot to ask.
20:24And after two properties, this terraced house is only a possible contender.
20:29So I've taken them to Paya,
20:34a neighbourhood I know they've never been to before.
20:37Set high in the hills, 20 minutes' drive from Papos,
20:39you can get much more for your money.
20:41So I'm intrigued to see what they will make of my next property on the market
20:44for just over £127,000.
20:50Now then.
20:51Lovely.
20:52Welcome to the pool area at our next property.
20:55Outside space, really impressed with this.
20:58This is the best spot by far.
21:00It's a very contemporary look.
21:02Yeah.
21:02Given the appearance of this, it gives you that holiday feel.
21:06This area does it, with a palm tree.
21:0920 minutes' draw to the centre of Paya,
21:12but you've got bars and restaurants all the way up that route,
21:15so it's not like you have to go right in to get what you need out of it.
21:18The apartment that we're going to see,
21:21it's the first floor balcony, bigger balcony than the last property.
21:25Two bedrooms, good-sized living space, great-sized kit,
21:28modern bathroom.
21:29The only downside is that it's modern.
21:32It doesn't really need much work.
21:34Oh, OK.
21:35OK.
21:35So not too much work for him?
21:37No.
21:37OK.
21:38I'm sure you can put your stamp on it.
21:39I can find something for him, don't worry.
21:41Shall we go inside?
21:42Yes, please.
21:43Great first impression.
21:44I hope it lasts.
21:46The gorgeous pool is a hit,
21:48and the spacious private terrace will give them a view over it all day long.
21:53And the main bedroom also has its own balcony over the front of the property.
21:58Inside is a spacious open-plan living area with a large kitchen.
22:02There are two double bedrooms
22:04and a modern shower room.
22:07Right, coat off.
22:09Lovely and cosy in here.
22:11Nice living space, dining space.
22:14Amazing.
22:15Good-sized kitchen.
22:16Yeah, it's a good-sized kitchen.
22:18Yeah.
22:18Yeah, certainly scope for improvement on the kitchen.
22:21First impressions of the space itself is something we can work with.
22:25Scale it back a bit, couldn't you?
22:27Yeah, we should go.
22:27Claim a bit more living space.
22:29Yeah, the kitchen certainly needs to be modernised.
22:32It's very much 1980s.
22:34OK, great.
22:34So you are finding ways of improving this?
22:36Yeah.
22:37Yeah, yeah, yeah.
22:38Yeah, definitely.
22:39Hey, let's go and see some more.
22:40Shall we start?
22:41Yes, please.
22:42This way.
22:44Um.
22:45Oh.
22:46Can't really call it the main bedroom
22:47because they're both the same size.
22:49Size-wise, rather compact.
22:51It's good that it's got new AC installed.
22:53Yeah.
22:53So that's a real tick in the box.
22:55What do you think the rest of your family
22:56would make of this place, then?
22:58Yeah, I think they'd really like it
22:59in terms of its holiday appeal.
23:02Well, if it's the holiday feel you want,
23:04let's go and check out the balcony, shall we?
23:06Yeah, sure.
23:07Let's do it.
23:11Now, here come the holiday feels.
23:14Wow.
23:14Oh, yeah.
23:15Yeah, it's lovely.
23:17This is what it's all about, isn't it?
23:18It's all about the sunshine.
23:19Definitely.
23:20You can see the sea, you can see the pool,
23:22you've got the south face and balcony.
23:24You can just see yourself sitting out here,
23:27chilling out, enjoying Cyprus.
23:30Yeah, there's a lot to like about this place.
23:32Yeah.
23:33See if you can find some more to like,
23:34and I'll see you in a bit.
23:35See you later.
23:36That's a big leap forward for this edge.
23:39I would say these two are creatures of comfort,
23:43and Paya was well out of their comfort zone until now.
23:48This property has yielded dividends.
23:49Oh, it's really modern here.
23:53Yeah, nice modern bathroom.
23:55And it's a nice and decent size.
23:58Okay, bedroom two.
24:00Yeah.
24:01It's a nice, it's a good size.
24:02It's in the size room to bedroom one.
24:04This Paya apartment on the market for just over £127,000
24:08definitely got the best reaction for Sitara and Lee so far.
24:13But will it actually make it onto the short list?
24:17The apartment, what do you reckon?
24:19Yeah, very good.
24:20Amazing balcony, overlooking a great, well-looked-after pool area.
24:25Love the fact it's got a good holiday feel.
24:27Obviously, you've educated about Paya,
24:29because obviously we kind of now, this area has grown on us,
24:33so that's a big tick in the box for us,
24:35because now we don't feel remotes.
24:36So, guys, is this a contender?
24:40Yeah, potentially.
24:41It depends on what they'll come down on price,
24:43because obviously we're looking to obviously add value ourselves.
24:46It sounds like this is the best balance
24:48of all the things you want so far.
24:51Yeah.
24:52Okay, that's good news.
24:53Yeah.
24:54But let's show you a fixer-upper, shall we?
24:56Let's do it.
24:56Yeah, let's do it.
24:57Let's do it.
24:59I'm taking them into the heart of Pathos,
25:02their dream location.
25:03The property is in an area known as the Tomb of the Kings,
25:07as it's so close to this UNESCO heritage site.
25:10With history in mind, before I show them the property,
25:12we're going to stop off at another archaeological gem en route.
25:17Right, well, you do not come to Cyprus,
25:19and you do not come to Pathos without taking in some of the history,
25:22and I've brought you to the site,
25:23of an ancient basilica.
25:25It's like an old cathedral.
25:27This is called St Paul's Pillar,
25:29which is pretty much levelled these days,
25:32but 700 years ago,
25:34they built the church that you see now
25:36over the top of the old basilica,
25:38and it is still used to this very day.
25:41Sort of, what do you think?
25:42Yeah, I mean, Pathos is steeped in history, isn't it?
25:45Isn't it?
25:45And then, where you've got the Tombs of the Kings,
25:47as well as here, the archaeological digs
25:49and sites that they've got around the city,
25:51so it's very informative.
25:53Well, talking of Tomb of the Kings,
25:54we are heading in that direction now.
25:5640-minute stroll to your next property.
25:59To my castle.
25:59Yeah, just a few foundations, just like this.
26:02Come on.
26:08The Tomb of the Kings area
26:09was one of the first to be developed
26:11for tourists 30 years ago,
26:13so despite the central location,
26:14if you're willing to get stuck into a project,
26:16which I know Lee definitely is,
26:18you can get more for your money.
26:20But as ever, there are compromises.
26:23I can't wait to see if Sitar and Lee
26:24are willing to make them.
26:27Well, this is it, guys.
26:28It's right in the heart of town,
26:29the heart of Paphos,
26:31where your dream lies, really, isn't it?
26:33Yeah.
26:33The beach is a 10-minute stroll.
26:35The other reason for bringing you here
26:37is that this is a fixer-upper of a property.
26:42Oh.
26:42Brilliant.
26:43It needs a lot of work,
26:45and it's central Paphos.
26:47OK, it's a two-bed townhouse.
26:50It's got a front garden,
26:51a little terrace at the back as well.
26:52There is no pool.
26:54Oh, OK.
26:55There is no pool.
26:56That's fine.
26:56It is priced.
26:58It's just over 153,500 pounds.
27:01So what are you making of that?
27:03Yeah, I mean, it seems to be a lot of money,
27:05depending on...
27:06Let's see what's got to be done first,
27:08but I'd expected a pool for that sort of money,
27:11to be honest, but...
27:12You've got... I've given you Paphos.
27:13You have.
27:13And the beach.
27:14Yeah, yeah, yeah.
27:15You know, it's always...
27:16There's always going to be moving from one way or the other,
27:18you know?
27:18But you get your heads around...
27:20What's got to be done, yeah.
27:21What's got to be done,
27:22and what you think that is going to cost...
27:24Yeah, yeah.
27:24And then you can tell me what you think, all right?
27:26Super.
27:27Yeah.
27:27And then we'll chat when you're done, OK?
27:29Yeah, sure.
27:30Catch you in a bit.
27:31Let's go.
27:33Well, look.
27:34This is it.
27:35This is Paphos.
27:36This is where the dream lies for these guys.
27:40Now, I'm doing my best to get everything on their wish list,
27:42but at the moment,
27:43it does feel like we've visited the zoo,
27:45expecting to see a unicorn if you catch my drift.
27:48But who knows?
27:49They may come out of this property
27:51and feel like this is the fixer-upper
27:53they've been looking for.
27:56This house has a good-sized private garden.
27:59Inside is a spacious living and dining area,
28:02which is open to a kitchen.
28:05Upstairs, the main bedroom,
28:06is Brighton area with built-in wardrobes
28:08and a lovely balcony.
28:10There's a second double bedroom and a toilet.
28:15Ah.
28:16The kitchen.
28:17It's a tiny kitchen, isn't it?
28:18Yeah, it's very small.
28:19It needs completely changed.
28:21Yeah, definitely.
28:23And it's a living room.
28:25Yeah, it's very dark.
28:27Yeah, it is.
28:27Isn't it?
28:28There's no natural light at all in the space.
28:30We'd have to take this completely back to its shell
28:32and start again.
28:33Certainly a blank canvas, shall we say.
28:36Oh.
28:37Oh, no, I like it.
28:38Yeah.
28:39Yeah, I like the space.
28:40You're not too much overlooked.
28:41Trees obviously need to be chopped.
28:43You've got to let the sun in.
28:44Again, the scope to be done here.
28:47Yeah.
28:48I like the fact we've got the high ceilings.
28:50Obviously lots of work to be done.
28:52Double glazing.
28:53Not to mention the electrics.
28:55Look at that.
28:56There's a nice view here.
28:58Yeah.
28:58It's more light here than downstairs, I think.
29:01Wow.
29:02It's nice room.
29:03Main bedroom.
29:04Yeah.
29:05And there's a nice balcony.
29:06Overall, I think this is the best room of the property.
29:09Yeah, it's the best room.
29:11Well, they wanted to be central and they wanted a project.
29:15So will this house in Pathos on the market for just over £153,500 be a contender?
29:21Hello.
29:23Well, it's definitely a sun trap.
29:25Hello.
29:25Hello again.
29:26Oh, well, what did you make of my fixer-upper, eh?
29:29We'll start with a good, which is obviously we love the location.
29:33Mm-hm.
29:34We love the size of the property.
29:35We're only eight minutes from the beach, so I don't think we'd need a pool actually here.
29:39So there are three big wins that we've got.
29:43Obviously, we look at the bad aspect.
29:45The price nowhere near reflects the amount of work that needs to be done in the property.
29:48But on that side of things, there's massive scope.
29:52It sounds like you like it.
29:53Yes.
29:54It's just the price that's the issue.
29:55Yeah, yeah, yeah.
29:56Is it a contender, first and foremost?
29:58It is the contender.
29:59It is the contender?
30:00Yeah, it is.
30:00This is the one to beat, then.
30:02It is.
30:02Yes.
30:03Where do you go from here, Ben?
30:05So far.
30:06Not into Pathos again, that's for sure.
30:10Come on.
30:13Coming up, will my final property top the lot?
30:17Amazing.
30:18Oh, it's amazing, isn't it?
30:20Can't say anything.
30:20You're almost touching the sea, you're that close.
30:22Gosh, that's lovely.
30:32Today, I'm with soon-to-be-married couple, Sitara and Lee,
30:36in search of their dream holiday home on the glorious island of Cyprus.
30:41And with only one tentative contender, there's a lot riding on my last property.
30:47They've spent many holidays here, always in central Pathos.
30:53But for their maximum £160,000 budget, getting a renovation project close by with two bedrooms
30:59has proven to be tricky.
31:01It's fair to say their expectations aren't quite matching up with the property market here.
31:06And although this house in Pathos is in the running, I don't think it's quite hitting the spot.
31:10But I'm hoping my final property, with all the space they want and fabulous sea views, might just be the one.
31:19Before that, though, I'm getting to visit one of the most luxurious properties in this area at the moment.
31:25Worth just under £800,000, this three-bedroom villa has been completely renovated
31:31from a small stone cottage into a contemporary villa.
31:35The sleek interior is matched outside and there's a pool and some incredible views too.
31:41I'm meeting interior designer Anita, who has agreed to show me around.
31:45Oh, yes. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
31:48I'm liking this.
31:49I love the ceiling. I love the walls.
31:52How have you arrived at this palette of materials?
31:54Because it was an old stone cottage, we decided to use concrete just to make it more sturdy.
32:02That's really interesting.
32:04This was actually inspired by the original stone property.
32:07By the original stone property, yeah.
32:09So it's a 21st century take on an old house.
32:15Should we go up the stairs and see what it's like up there?
32:17Let's go up to the bedrooms.
32:20This is great. This is really good.
32:23This is the bedroom.
32:23Yes. I just love the textures all around this room.
32:27The texture of that headboard.
32:29That board's custom made.
32:30That's custom.
32:31With little pieces of thick wood.
32:34Oh, it's beautiful.
32:35Very tactile.
32:37And you can see that we've used the natural wood on the floor.
32:42Yeah, it's got a lovely warm feel.
32:43Gives you that feeling, yeah.
32:44Tell you what else has got a warm feel.
32:45That lovely, sunny balcony.
32:48Should we go and check the view?
32:49Yes, you will love the view.
32:50That is a lovely view.
32:54And that is Paphos.
32:55That is Paphos.
32:57So we're in striking distance.
32:59Of eight kilometres.
33:02That's not bad, is it?
33:03No.
33:03I could be very happy out here.
33:05This is your spot.
33:07Hideaway area from everybody.
33:09You really must go and see that pool,
33:11because I'm just getting a glimpse of it,
33:12and it looks rather good.
33:14Let's go.
33:14All righty.
33:17Oh, look at this.
33:19And this is the pool you wanted to see.
33:21It is exactly the pool I wanted.
33:23Thank you very much.
33:24It's a beautiful pool, isn't it?
33:26And then this almost soak away around the edge
33:28with these amazing pebbles,
33:29then the greenery.
33:30It's lovely.
33:32Well done.
33:33Thank you very much, Ben.
33:33It's an absolute success, this place.
33:36But I should probably get on with my search,
33:37so thank you once again.
33:39Thank you very much, Ben.
33:40It was lovely having you.
33:41I'd better hit the road.
33:42Let me show you out.
33:43Thank you, Anita.
33:45For my final property,
33:47I'm taking Satara and Lee to Clorica,
33:49a village only three miles north of Paphos.
33:52So I'm hoping the location will work for them.
33:55With a charming combination of traditional churches,
33:58tavernas and houses,
34:00Clorica stretches from the central square on the hillside
34:03right down to the coast,
34:04which is where we're going to stop off first.
34:07Well, guys,
34:08I am going to end on a wonderful love story.
34:13Oh, wonderful.
34:14I'm going to tell you about the myth,
34:15the legend of Barakas.
34:18There was once, many, many moons ago,
34:21a beautiful lady that used to come down
34:24to the edge of the cliff here,
34:26gazing out to sea,
34:27dreaming of the day
34:28when she would meet her Prince Charming.
34:30And here I am.
34:33Beautiful lady.
34:34Yes, yes.
34:36Yeah, a lot of similarities.
34:38Anyway, one day,
34:39she spotted a young man off to the Crusade.
34:42His name was Barakas.
34:44And they instantly fell in love
34:46when they saw each other.
34:47And whilst he was away,
34:48she was bitten by a snake.
34:50She fell desperately ill
34:51and lost all of her beauty.
34:53Oh.
34:54Yes.
34:55But when Barakas returned,
34:57he saw the pain she was in
34:59and married her.
35:01All her beauty came back
35:02and they would then come down
35:05to the edge of the cliff every day
35:07and thank the sea
35:08for bringing them together.
35:09That was lovely.
35:11And that's what I'm going to read out
35:12on your wedding day.
35:17Have you heard of Clorica?
35:19Yes.
35:19Yes.
35:20That's where we're going next.
35:21Oh, Parakas.
35:22Let's go and see her.
35:22Let's go.
35:26So close to Pathos
35:27and on the coast.
35:28Getting a property here in Clorica
35:30will really push
35:31the Tara and Lee's budget.
35:32With the average house
35:33with a sea view
35:34on for just under £160,000.
35:37But with all the space
35:38and potential they asked for,
35:40my final property
35:41is an absolute corker.
35:43I can't wait to see
35:44if they think
35:44it's worth stretching for.
35:48This is it.
35:49Last property.
35:50Wow.
35:50Wow, look at that.
35:52Yeah.
35:52It's not bad, is it?
35:53Yeah, very good.
35:55Very great location.
35:56The closest property
35:58to the beach,
35:59by far six-minute stroll.
36:01Yeah.
36:01And your feet are in the water.
36:03I'm going to show you
36:04this semi-detached,
36:06heart-modernised,
36:07one-bedroom house.
36:10Wow.
36:10Oh, wow.
36:11A house.
36:12A house.
36:12Top to bottom,
36:13the whole thing.
36:15Wow.
36:16I think this property
36:17has a tonne of potential.
36:19You could maybe
36:20incorporate the garage
36:22into the property
36:24by dropping a spiral staircase
36:25down into it at the back.
36:27Okay.
36:27It is the most expensive property.
36:30I've got to show you.
36:31It's priced at just over
36:32£166,500.
36:35The agent seems to think
36:36you could get it
36:36at the top of your budget.
36:38So that's the £160 mark.
36:39Okay.
36:40Okay.
36:41Right at the top end
36:43and beyond.
36:44Come on, then.
36:44Let's go and have a look.
36:46The outside space here
36:48is huge
36:49with a patio area
36:50that wraps around the house
36:51and fabulous views.
36:53Inside,
36:54the main living area
36:55is currently arranged
36:56as a dining room
36:57and bedroom
36:58and is spacious and bright.
37:00There's a separate modern kitchen
37:02with room to sit and eat too
37:04and a utility and toilet.
37:06Upstairs,
37:07the main bedroom
37:07is a great size
37:08and I think
37:09Satara and Lee
37:10will love the balcony
37:11and the views from here.
37:12And there's a family bathroom.
37:16There is a garage
37:17under the property
37:18which has already been converted
37:19into a little studio apartment
37:21with a second bedroom
37:22and there's more storage
37:24down here too.
37:25Come on, then.
37:27We're using the patio doors
37:28instead of the front door
37:29because it needs a new lock.
37:32What do you think
37:32of this space, then?
37:34Yeah, I kind of...
37:35It's unusual.
37:36The size is great.
37:38It's a good size
37:39for a living room.
37:40Yeah.
37:41It brings a lot of light
37:42through into the space.
37:42It's got lovely light.
37:43Absolutely fantastic.
37:45Potentially make this
37:46into bedroom two
37:47or subdividing.
37:49French door
37:50or patio doors
37:50out to your terrace.
37:52So...
37:53But then we'd have to
37:54compromise with the living space.
37:55It's food for thought, isn't it?
37:57Yeah, absolutely.
37:58Lots of potential.
38:01Let's go see it.
38:01Let's go.
38:04How about this
38:05for a snazzy little kitchen, hey?
38:08I like the kitchen.
38:09It's nice.
38:10Yeah, it's nice.
38:11So it's all newly built
38:13by the looks of things.
38:14It's newly put in.
38:16Yeah, I love the layout.
38:18Obviously, it needs light brought in,
38:22which you can do from above,
38:23skylight above it.
38:24But do you feel like
38:25it has got the potential,
38:27this place?
38:27Yeah, I love the flow of it.
38:30And beautiful view as well.
38:31Beautiful view, yeah.
38:32Yeah, exactly.
38:33It's lovely.
38:34Tell you what then, Lee,
38:34lead the way.
38:35Let's go to the Barbie, mate.
38:36Yes.
38:40Oh, wow.
38:41Mm-hmm.
38:41Look at that view.
38:42Oh, yeah.
38:43It's amazing.
38:44And it's a good-sized space.
38:45Look at that.
38:46Nice.
38:46This is what it's all about.
38:48You've got the sun trap,
38:49you've got the sea,
38:51you've got the space,
38:52you've got the barbecue,
38:53and you've got the beer.
38:54You know what we're on top of,
38:57don't you?
38:59Oh, yes.
39:00The garage.
39:00The garage.
39:01This is the garage,
39:02directly beneath us,
39:03which is a really good size.
39:05That's where you could get
39:07that good-sized bedroom.
39:08Yeah, yeah.
39:09How will the family feel about this?
39:10Oh, my God, it's perfect.
39:12I can't wait.
39:14The family sun trap.
39:15Oh, my God, yeah.
39:17Go and subdivide
39:18to your heart's content.
39:19Come on.
39:20Let's go.
39:21Let's do it.
39:21So, yeah.
39:22If he keeps subdividing,
39:24there's not going to be
39:24anything left of this house,
39:26but all said,
39:28it's a great property
39:30with bags of potential
39:32everywhere.
39:34But it is at the top of the budget.
39:35It's a little bit over the budget,
39:37so I'll be interested to see
39:39what they have to say
39:40when they're seeing the rest.
39:42Oh, my God, it's amazing, Keir.
39:45Yeah, wow.
39:46What a view to die for, isn't it?
39:48It's amazing.
39:49In a good space,
39:50lovely fitted wardrobes as well.
39:52So, you've got the sea one side,
39:54the hills the other,
39:55and the sun trap awaits.
39:58Oh, my God.
40:00Amazing.
40:01Oh, it's amazing, isn't it?
40:03Can't say anything.
40:04You're almost touching the sea,
40:05you're that close.
40:06That's lovely.
40:08Unreal.
40:09They were getting very excited
40:10about this house
40:12with sea views.
40:12On the market,
40:13over budget,
40:14just over £166,500.
40:17Have I cracked it?
40:18Well, hello.
40:21Well, hello.
40:22I saw you enjoying the balcony
40:24and the view.
40:25Yeah, I didn't want to come down
40:26to see you.
40:27Did you not?
40:27No.
40:28You didn't have to.
40:29How are you feeling about this one?
40:31Yeah, that is really
40:32our dream holiday home.
40:34You think it's all workable?
40:35Yes.
40:36Yeah.
40:37I mean,
40:38put my building hat on.
40:41House looks great superficially,
40:43but the finishes aren't brilliant.
40:45We need to take it away
40:46and think about it
40:47because, yeah,
40:49there will be a lot
40:49to do here still.
40:50So it's definitely
40:51a contender then, is it?
40:52Yeah.
40:52I think this is the only one now.
40:54I know we said that before,
40:56but obviously we hadn't seen this one,
40:58but it's dependent
40:59on budgetary constraints.
41:01Okay.
41:02You'd better think about it then,
41:03hadn't you?
41:03Yeah.
41:03Yeah.
41:04You'd better think about it tonight.
41:05Yeah, yeah, yeah.
41:05Why don't you, yeah, exactly,
41:07take the evening,
41:08meet up tomorrow
41:09and see if the calculator
41:10says you can buy it or not.
41:12Shall we?
41:13Yeah.
41:13Come on then.
41:18If you'd like more information
41:20on any of the properties
41:21featured on today's show,
41:22you know what to do.
41:23Go to aplaceinthesun.com
41:25forward slash programs.
41:27It's been a tough search
41:28trying to find
41:29Satara and Lee's
41:30dream holiday home.
41:31Somewhere with enough space
41:33for the family to visit
41:34in a location
41:35close to central Papos
41:36that they know and love,
41:38all for their maximum
41:39£160,000 budget.
41:42And, after all five properties,
41:44just one is in the running.
41:45My final house,
41:47which gave them all that
41:48and sea views,
41:49but stretched the budget.
41:51I can't wait to find out
41:52what they're going to do.
41:56Morning, guys.
41:57Good morning, man.
41:57Yeah, how are you today,
41:59this morning?
42:00Lost the thing last night.
42:01There's loads to think about.
42:03You had a heck of a lot
42:04to think about.
42:06What's it been like
42:07for you both?
42:07You showed us different
42:09areas which we've never been.
42:11That has enlightened us.
42:13We've been so focused
42:15on this one area
42:16because this is all we spent.
42:18And when we went to
42:19Paya the other day,
42:20an area we thought
42:21we wouldn't like,
42:22we really loved the place.
42:24We did really love, yeah.
42:25Do you know what?
42:25That is great.
42:26That is really great.
42:27And am I seeing, like,
42:28cracks in the armour here?
42:29I think you are.
42:30I think, because at the start
42:32of the search,
42:33it was all about value
42:34for money and a family home.
42:36This is where the family
42:36came on holiday.
42:37This is where we all enjoyed
42:38and everyone loved this area.
42:40So that's what focused
42:41our search into this area.
42:43But you will make memories
42:44wherever you are together,
42:46won't you?
42:46Yeah, of course.
42:47Well, when I left you yesterday,
42:49you discounted everything
42:50apart from our very final property.
42:53It was always property five
42:54after yesterday
42:55because, obviously,
42:56that view was so breathtaking.
42:58It was a case of,
43:00do we go for the slow burner?
43:01Because we want this
43:02to be a family home.
43:03And for a family home,
43:04we need two bedrooms.
43:05Obviously, a lot of work
43:06there to be done.
43:07Or what we've learned
43:08through this journey
43:09is we look farther afield.
43:11We sacrifice location
43:13for value for money.
43:15And this is what we've,
43:16I think we've come to
43:17the conclusion
43:18which is better for us
43:19is we bring the family over,
43:21we experience different areas
43:23of the island
43:23and we see where the best value
43:25in different parts of the island.
43:27This is music to my ears.
43:28I mean, do you know what?
43:29A successful property search
43:31isn't always about resulting
43:33in buying a property.
43:35Sometimes it's about
43:37breaking you out
43:38of your comfort zone
43:39and letting you know
43:41that there's more out there
43:42which you hadn't considered before.
43:44Absolutely.
43:44And there is so much out here
43:46on this island.
43:47Is that what you're thinking now?
43:48It is.
43:49Now we know
43:50we can find different areas
43:52and maybe better
43:54than what we taught before.
43:56Yeah.
43:57It's been a big old learning curve,
43:58hasn't it?
43:58Oh, it's been huge.
43:59But many thanks
44:00for your education
44:01and the journey.
44:02Look, I'm actually
44:03delighted for you both.
44:05Here's to a very fun
44:07and informative search.
44:09And here's to your wedding
44:11and future holiday home
44:12in Cyprus.
44:13Happy holidays.
44:14Thanks, Ben.
44:18Well, that concluded
44:19our search here
44:20on the original
44:22Island of Love.
44:24But unfortunately,
44:25sparks didn't quite fly
44:26for any of our properties.
44:28But with Lee and Satara's eyes
44:30now open to a broader search area,
44:32I'm sure the next time
44:33they return,
44:34they will find
44:35their dream holiday home here
44:37for them
44:37and their entire family.
44:39And I wish them
44:40all the best.
44:41If you'd like help
44:42with your property search
44:43and want to be
44:44on A Place in the Sun,
44:46then go to
44:46channel4.com
44:47forward slash
44:48take part.
45:07Bye.
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