- 5 days ago
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00:00Today I'm house hunting in southern Spain on the beautiful eastern Costa del Sol.
00:09I'm Jasmine Harman and for nearly 20 years I've been helping house hunters find their dream homes overseas.
00:16Today I'll be using all my skills to find the perfect place for Marlene and Jim who spots himself a bit of a bargain.
00:24For me it looks like a view that money can't buy but apparently you can.
00:29While I bring Marlene to tears.
00:32Oh, what is going on? Oh, it's stunning.
00:37I get to meet a rather formidable property couple.
00:40I'm an architect, Cecilia is an interior designer so we do things like this.
00:45But at the end of the day do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun.
00:50Oh, it's gorgeous. This is just a dream.
00:53It's driving me off.
00:55Marlene and Jim have both had busy careers working for the NHS but their holidays in Spain have made all the hard work worth it.
01:06Now they're retiring they feel the time is right to buy a holiday home where they can unwind and enjoy the Andalusian lifestyle whenever they like.
01:15And in a couple of years they hope to make them move out here permanently.
01:20Marlene and Jim from Lanarkshire are currently renting having already sold their UK property and are itching to find their slice of the Costa del Sol.
01:30We are specifically looking in the east of Malaga. We've never been there but we've been looking at it online.
01:37It just looks to us like a place where there are villages and places where people live and we want to be part of a community.
01:45And it's not just for themselves.
01:47We've got quite a big family so three kids between us. We're all growing up and lots of friends. Our friends are more excited than us I think just now.
01:58With a budget of up to 200,000 pounds I can't wait to get this show on the road.
02:05The eastern Costa del Sol stretches from Malaga with its busy airport to Nerja, a wonderfully traditional coastal town offering the exclusivity of some of the better known spots to the west such as Marbella.
02:17But with a more relaxed and residential feel away from the epicenter of the tourism industry.
02:24Stepping in from the coast the scenery here is jaw dropping with spots like Lake Vinuela and its surrounding mountain range offering a dramatic backdrop to some beautifully authentic towns and villages where you can live the laid back Spanish lifestyle that so many Brits are after.
02:40Property prices for a three bedroom, two bathroom house with a pool in seaside towns like Nerja start at just under £350,000.
02:50Not cheap but drive just half an hour inland and you can find similar spec properties that begin at around £165,000.
03:01I'm hoping Marlene and Jim will like the sound of that.
03:04But before we can get things underway I need to find out a bit more about Marlene and Jim's requirements so we're meeting in Nerja on Playa Buriana for a chat.
03:14Good morning.
03:16Good morning.
03:17How are you both? Welcome to Spain.
03:20Good to be here.
03:21Buying a place over here in Spain is something you've been thinking about for a while isn't it?
03:25More than 10 years.
03:27Waking up every morning to the rain and the drizzle back home versus this, that was enough of a catalyst to say let's try it.
03:36Really? Yeah.
03:37You're planning to move here permanently?
03:38Yeah.
03:39The plan will be for the next two years to just use it as a holiday home and then when I retire then we would come over and go down the non-lutative visa route.
03:48How are you planning to spend your time?
03:51At home we do some activities with the water so like the stand up paddle boarding and it would be really nice to be able to do more of that and actually in warmer weather it would be even better.
04:03So can you describe to me your sort of ideal property?
04:08Three bedrooms.
04:09Two bathrooms.
04:10It's because if the kids were all coming out at the same time at Christmas time or special occasions.
04:18Yeah.
04:19That would be ideal.
04:20We're willing to compromise.
04:22If the property was the right property we would go for two bedrooms.
04:27Outdoor space is really important.
04:28We've got a couple of dogs.
04:30Oh have you?
04:31Yeah and they're really a big part of our lives.
04:34Can you describe your perfect location to me?
04:36Close to the coast would be great but we do appreciate to get the type of house that we want.
04:41Further away from the coast is going to be more practical, more realistic.
04:44I'm glad to hear you say that, I've got to say.
04:47About five minutes away from amenities would be good.
04:52Let's talk budget shall we?
04:54Two hundred thousand pounds.
04:57Okay.
04:58If there was something really special we could maybe scrape together another eight.
05:03What does it mean to you, the idea of finally doing this after such a long time thinking about it?
05:08It's about achieving a dream.
05:11We've went through some difficult times.
05:13Have you?
05:14Marlene had some issues with her health.
05:16She had been diagnosed with cancer.
05:18At the same time I lost my dad to cancer also.
05:21It focuses your mind on actually going for your dreams.
05:27That must have been a really, really difficult time.
05:30But hopefully we can put that in the past and look to the future now and this new chapter of your life.
05:40Absolutely.
05:41I've got some interesting options lined up.
05:44Sounds good.
05:45Let's get started.
05:46Follow me.
05:48It feels like finding the right balance between space and lifestyle is going to be key here.
05:53And as these two are newbies to the area, we're going to sort out the lifestyle side first with a quick stop.
06:01We've come to the most famous landmark in Nerja.
06:06This is the Balcon de Europa.
06:08I think for me it feels genuinely Spanish.
06:11And that's a blister for me.
06:13Originally this was a strategic landing point for ships.
06:19But actually it was destroyed by the British in the Napoleonic War.
06:22See that statue over there?
06:24That is King Alfonso XII who restored it and nicknamed it the Balcony of Europe.
06:31This is where tourists and locals all come together.
06:35Where they have carnival, they have the fiestas here.
06:38Somewhere where we would bring the family if they were over to visit in.
06:42The property that we're looking at is 30 minutes or so to walk or about 10 minutes in the car.
06:48Brilliant.
06:49Does that sound good?
06:50Brilliant.
06:51Yeah?
06:52Yeah.
06:53Yeah.
06:58While property prices are a little lower here than in the centre of town, we're still going to need to make a few compromises to be in this location.
07:06This should be a great test of what's most important.
07:10First thing I wanted to show you at our first property is the swimming pool.
07:15I think it looks lovely.
07:17Definitely a bonus.
07:18Yeah.
07:19Yeah, I love swimming.
07:20Obviously you've got to share it.
07:22Yeah.
07:23Yeah, yeah.
07:24With the neighbours.
07:25You've got the sea not too far away as well.
07:26You can see the sea there.
07:27Yeah.
07:28Absolutely stunning.
07:29A supermarket, couple of minutes walk away.
07:31But for your main amenities, you're going to go into Nerja itself.
07:36And you can actually walk to Nerja in about 15 minutes.
07:39Oh.
07:40Yeah.
07:41Wow.
07:42Well, I'm hoping you're going to be impressed with the property I've got to show you.
07:44It's just around the corner.
07:45OK.
07:46Shall we have a closer look?
07:47Yes.
07:48Perfect.
07:49We are looking at this ground floor apartment.
07:56It looks nice.
07:58It's two bedrooms, one bathroom, so I know it's a little bit smaller than you were hoping for,
08:06but in this location, to get something with three bedrooms, two bathrooms is way beyond your budget.
08:12It's different from what we were hoping for, but as you say, we're really close to Nerja, really close to the coast, communal pool.
08:22It's got a lot going for it still.
08:24It's on the market for just over £169,500.
08:31Wow.
08:32OK.
08:33So it's under budget.
08:35Yes.
08:36OK.
08:37Let's go and have a look.
08:39Hmm.
08:40As well as that rather large communal pool, there's also a tennis court here.
08:45The property itself has a paved garden out back, with a covered terrace accessed from the living room,
08:51that's opened through an arch into the kitchen.
08:54The two bedrooms are both bright doubles, and there's a shower room.
08:59Right.
09:01Tell me what you think of this.
09:03Lovely.
09:04Do you like it?
09:05Yes.
09:06I like the archways.
09:07I like the open plan.
09:09It's in good condition, I have to say.
09:12It's a bit dark and a bit smaller than I'd hoped.
09:16Oh, no.
09:18Is it disappointing coming inside?
09:21It's OK.
09:22I'm not getting, like, amazing, this is it kind of vibes here.
09:27Has that ever happened to you before?
09:28Have you ever gone into a property and gone, this is it?
09:30Yes.
09:31Have you?
09:32My last house.
09:33Your last house?
09:34Yes.
09:35Tell me about it.
09:36The one that we just sold.
09:37Oh!
09:38And it was just going into the conservatory, and the sun was beating in, and it was quite similar
09:43to the backdrop here, and I said, see Jim, this is it.
09:47This is it.
09:54Garden-wise, come and have a look at this.
09:56Yes.
09:57It is small.
09:59Is it smaller than you were expecting out here as well?
10:01Yes.
10:02Although it would work for the dogs, and the views are stunning.
10:05It's an extra room outdoors, which is obviously what we asked for, but it won't really make
10:10me feel too excited.
10:12So, are you saying that you're writing this one off, or would you like to have a look
10:16at the rest just to see it before we move on?
10:19No, no.
10:20I think we'll have a look at the property.
10:22We'll have a look.
10:23Yeah.
10:24Go and have a look around, and then come find me when you're done, and we'll figure
10:26out where we go next.
10:28OK?
10:30See you in a sec.
10:35I mean, this one was always going to be all about the location, but I was hoping that
10:42they'd like it a little bit more than they do.
10:47OK.
10:48Well, actually, it's definitely got space for a double.
10:51And they've got a bit of storage space there.
10:54Size-wise, have we got it?
10:58This is a bigger room.
10:59Yeah.
11:00It's nice and bright, actually.
11:01Lovely.
11:02Plenty of storage.
11:03It's actually quite nice.
11:04It is.
11:05OK.
11:06Let's go and see Jasmine.
11:07OK.
11:10This apartment, just outside of Nerja, has two bedrooms and an asking price nicely within
11:15budget of just over £169,500.
11:20Hello.
11:21Hello.
11:22So, how was it?
11:25What's the overall thought?
11:27Location-wise, we'll get it.
11:30It's great.
11:31But for a long-term home, it's not quite there.
11:35Too small.
11:36When I spoke about this, we'll get the feeling of just not getting it with this property.
11:41Is this one going to stay on your list or is it a definite no?
11:46I think it's a definite no.
11:48Yeah, it feels like a no.
11:49Would you be happy to look at locations a bit further inland?
11:54A bit further from the coast, yeah?
11:56Definitely.
11:57Because I think that will work quite well.
11:59Absolutely.
12:00We'll be able to find a bit more space.
12:02Let's go.
12:03While that's clearly not the place for Marlene and Jim, it's been a gold mine of information
12:08for me.
12:09Our next is in an area where I've had success in the past and somewhere I think has a lot
12:14of the things these two are looking for.
12:16Half an hour from the coast at Nirgha, we've come up to Lake Vanuela.
12:23Oh, it's absolutely breathtaking.
12:25It's beautiful.
12:26This is really just the kind of thing that I was hoping to see.
12:29Really?
12:30It's even better than I had imagined it would be, yeah.
12:32I know you two love getting out on the water and getting into the water as well.
12:36And would this be quite a nice setting for you?
12:39Yes.
12:40You wouldn't need a way to sit.
12:42No.
12:44Yeah, it'd be a few degrees warmer than back home, I would guess.
12:47This could be ideal for you.
12:49The property that we're going to have a look at now is less than 10 minutes drive from here.
12:54Well, yeah, that would be brilliant.
12:56Let's go.
12:57Coming up, if it's more space that Marlene and Jim are after, I can't wait to show them my next property,
13:08which delivers exactly that, along with a private pool and these fantastic views.
13:20Today, I'm house hunting in Spain's eastern Costa del Sol with Jim and Marlene,
13:25who are looking for their dream holiday home, which in a few years they hope to make their permanent home.
13:31And my first property didn't impress them.
13:34It was simply too small inside and out.
13:38And while Marlene and Jim like the location close to Nerja and the coast,
13:42it seems heading a bit further inland is going to allow me to find them something more suitable for their budget of £200,000.
13:49We're now in the countryside at Lomas de Sabato,
13:54where the average price for a three-bed, three-bath property is within their ideal budget at around £195,000.
14:02But I've opted for a rather impressive two-bed.
14:06Come all the way round so you can see what we're looking at here.
14:12Oh!
14:14What's going on?
14:16Oh, it's stunning.
14:20You're really getting the feeling here.
14:23I'm speechless.
14:24You've got a little something in your eye as well, Jim.
14:26Yes, the wee breeze.
14:27The wind.
14:29Oh, my goodness.
14:30Yeah.
14:31This is the outside living we've dreamed about.
14:34I can see the emotion is all there, but just to sort of bring it back to the practicalities.
14:39Inside you've got much more space.
14:41However, it is still just two bedrooms.
14:45If inside is as good as outside, it won't even feel that a compromise.
14:50It's on the market for just under £201,000.
14:57The price sounds okay.
14:58I'm pretty happy with that.
14:59The price is good.
15:00Yeah, you're happy?
15:01Yep.
15:02Ready to sign your life away?
15:03Yes.
15:04Come on, let's go and take a look.
15:06The pool area, with rather spectacular views, has clearly gone down a treat.
15:11And the gardens continue around the property and lead to a lovely terraced seating area
15:16and stairs up to a roof terrace, again enjoying those views.
15:21Inside, the living room is double aspect, bringing in lots of light and open to the dining space,
15:27and in turn, the modern kitchen.
15:30The main bedroom has direct pool access and an ensuite bathroom,
15:34while the second is another big double.
15:37Finally, there's a shower room.
15:40Here we are.
15:42So, fingers crossed you like the inside as much as you like the outside.
15:47Oh, it's gorgeous.
15:49Well, I love it.
15:50Love it.
15:51I absolutely love it.
15:52The on-plan kitchen.
15:53Do you think you can see yourselves here?
15:55Very much.
15:56You've got the dream, you've got the idea in your head, you've got a vision.
15:59This is taking all the boxes.
16:01You'll be able to fit everyone in here, won't you?
16:05Oh, yeah.
16:06Yeah.
16:07They would love it.
16:08Would they?
16:09Yeah.
16:10And the dogs are going to love it too, aren't they?
16:11Absolutely.
16:12I mean, all that countryside.
16:14Amazing.
16:15Amazing.
16:16Obviously, there's more to see in the house, but do you know what I really want to show you?
16:21The roof terrace.
16:22Yeah, that would be really good.
16:23Yeah, that would be really good.
16:25So, how's this for your roof terrace?
16:30Oh, what a view.
16:33You can see the lake.
16:35Yeah.
16:36To me, it looks like a view that money can't buy, but apparently you can.
16:40Yeah, just under £201,000.
16:43Can you imagine sitting here of an evening with a glass of wine?
16:47That's why I could sleep here under the stars.
16:50This could be my bedroom.
16:52Do you want to go and have a little mooch around the rest?
16:55That would be great.
16:56And then come and find me when you're done so we can have a chat.
16:58Okay.
16:59Yeah.
17:05This is quite a good size.
17:07Yeah, there's plenty of room in here.
17:08Oh, can you imagine waking up to that view?
17:10Yeah.
17:11Absolutely.
17:12Probably.
17:13It's great.
17:14We can really use this, basically.
17:16Ours, obviously.
17:17Yep.
17:18And the en-suite.
17:19Yeah, that'd be brilliant.
17:22What would you like to drink?
17:24I think sangria is the order of the day.
17:26I can imagine this is what it would be like, Jim.
17:29This would be where we would live.
17:31Marlene, out here, this is the dream.
17:34This Lakeview villa with two bedrooms is on the market just a touch over our ideal budget
17:40at a little under £201,000.
17:43But I'm sure that could be negotiated down.
17:47Right.
17:48Tell me the good news, fingers crossed.
17:50We could make this work.
17:52Oh, more than make it work.
17:54It feels like the dream.
17:55Are there any negatives here?
17:57Just the third bedroom.
17:58Right.
17:59That would be the only thing.
18:00I feel like this is definitely a strong contender.
18:05Definite.
18:06I don't want to leave.
18:08I really don't know how you're going to beat this.
18:10It'd be nice to see some other options to maybe give this one a little bit of competition.
18:16Yes.
18:17And you never know, something else that I show you might even top this one.
18:23Come on, let's move on.
18:25Okay.
18:26Thanks, gentlemen.
18:27I've got myself a pretty strong benchmark to beat there.
18:31So I think it's best to stay in this general area now and look at some three bed options.
18:36But first, as Marlene and Jim plan to move out here permanently with their dogs, I want to introduce them to Dawn, who knows all about the area's doggy facilities.
18:45This is a designated dog beach.
18:48Up until November, there was agility here.
18:50There were doggy showers to clean the dogs off after the walk.
18:52But there were some storms in November and a lot of the beach area got washed away.
18:57So that will be redeveloped again.
18:59Ideal for the dogs.
19:00Do you think your dogs would like this?
19:01Oh, yeah.
19:02Yes.
19:03All this space and freedom.
19:05I'm not sure what they would be like in the water, but no, I think they would love it.
19:09Is it all really doggy friendly as well?
19:11Yeah.
19:12I mean, you can, as long as your dogs behave, you know, you can take them anywhere.
19:15You can take them to the hotel, outside.
19:17Most places, well, yeah, everywhere you can take the dog.
19:21Everywhere along the front here, you can, you'll always see people sat with their dogs.
19:25The vets are brilliant here as well.
19:27Dawn, thank you so much.
19:28We're going to carry on with our house.
19:29Okay.
19:30It's lovely to meet you.
19:31Jane, you and the properties.
19:34Bye-bye.
19:35Take care.
19:36Coming up, I can't wait to see if this three bedroom villa with its own pool, a stone's
19:46throw from bars and restaurants will be just what Marlene and Jim are looking for.
19:57Today, I'm in southern Spain, house hunting on the beautiful eastern Costa del Sol, helping
20:02Marlene and Jim find their dream holiday home, which in a few years could become their permanent
20:07home.
20:08I already have one very strong contender, which I think it's going to be tough to beat.
20:13This countryside villa with views of Lake Vinuela blew their socks off and brought Marlene to tears.
20:20The only downside was the lack of a third bedroom.
20:22So my mission now is to find somewhere with just that, working with their maximum budget
20:28of up to £208,000.
20:31We're now a couple of miles south of our last location, still within reach of Lake Vinuela
20:37in Olivar de Buena Vista.
20:39Property prices are a touch higher than neighbouring villages as the developments are seen to be
20:44of a high quality, meaning I've had to push the budget just a little here.
20:49This is our next property.
20:51It looks big.
20:53That was my thoughts.
20:54The backdrop looks amazing.
20:57Seeing the mountains and it looks quite serene as well.
21:01I don't know yet if I'm getting that emotional response, but still beautiful.
21:07Really nice.
21:08It's a villa.
21:09It has three bedrooms, lots of space inside and outside.
21:16As you can see, it's all enclosed.
21:18Yep.
21:19It's safe for the dogs and you're closer to amenities.
21:22You're about a four minute walk from bars, restaurants and obviously you've got more
21:28if you want to jump in the car.
21:30So it's on the market for just under £210,000.
21:37We know that the vendors would accept an offer of around £205,000.
21:43If we get in there and it's the right property then, yeah.
21:48Shall we go and take a look?
21:50Can we.
21:51I'd call that a mixed review, but I think once they see the outside space wrapping around
21:57the property with its pool, covered seating area, fruit trees and even a garage, they're going to be impressed.
22:04There's also a small terrace off one of the bedrooms with views of the mountains.
22:08Inside the large living room is open to a dining area.
22:12There's also a modern kitchen, double bedroom and shower room here on the ground floor.
22:18And then upstairs are two more bright double bedrooms, one with access to the terrace and finally a bathroom.
22:25So starting off in the living room, you could fit everyone in here, couldn't you?
22:32Absolutely.
22:33My head is saying that practically it's definitely more what we were looking for and more what would work for the family.
22:42But I'm not getting the same response as I had emotionally at the previous property.
22:46So you've got to decide what's more important then.
22:48Is it the feeling and the view and the relaxation or is it the kids being able to come over and visit all at once?
22:56That's a tough call.
22:58It gave us a bit of a dilemma.
23:03So a separate kitchen as opposed to open plan, which the last one was, so do you have any preference?
23:09The previous property's kitchen.
23:11Oh really?
23:12If it were more open plan and more social, it would probably work.
23:17Right, so that's one little minus point then for this property, isn't it?
23:21It's a beautiful kitchen, I must say.
23:24So you can see you've got that lovely covered terrace area.
23:28You'll probably be eating there most of the year.
23:31And then the pool is not in use at the moment, but it's in good condition.
23:36The backdrop is stunning.
23:38I'm not so sure about the house.
23:40It feels quite hemmed in.
23:42Is it a bit of a head versus heart thing?
23:45I'm actually confused.
23:47Obviously you've got the three bedrooms here, so that's a big factor.
23:49Go and have a look at them and come and find me when you're done and we'll have a chat.
23:56This is such a tough decision for them.
24:01Both properties could be ideal.
24:03It just depends what their priorities are.
24:06This is a big room.
24:07And it would be ideal for family and friends.
24:09Yep.
24:10Oh, this is another good sized room.
24:11Yep.
24:12Look at the view.
24:13The view is stunning.
24:14There's an awful lot about it that would be positive for us.
24:15This two storey villa with the three bedrooms requested has an asking price of just under £210,000.
24:22While that's a touch over our top budget, there's room for negotiation here.
24:25Hello.
24:26Hello.
24:27Oh, you're smiling.
24:28Yes.
24:29Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful property.
24:30That is a lovely property.
24:31Very well maintained.
24:32Lovely big rooms for visitors and family.
24:36This house, you could make it your home.
24:37So it sounds like this one is going to be in the running with the previous one as well.
24:39Definitely.
24:40Yeah?
24:41Yes.
24:42So now I've got two contenders to try and top.
24:43So what I need to do is get you the conversation.
24:44Yes.
24:45Yes.
24:46Beautiful, beautiful property.
24:47It is a lovely property.
24:48Very well maintained.
24:49Lovely big rooms for visitors and family.
24:53This house, you could make it your home.
24:56So it sounds like this one is going to be in the running with the previous one as well?
25:02Definitely.
25:03Yeah?
25:04Yes.
25:05So now I've got two contenders to try and top.
25:09So what I need to do is get you the combination of the practical
25:14and something that pulls at your heartstrings as well.
25:18Yeah, that's just the feeling, isn't it?
25:20And I suppose it's just about discussing and making sure we get it clear in our heads
25:23about what provides us with that longer-term future home.
25:29Maybe what will happen is that we'll find one that will completely knock these two out of the game.
25:39You never know. Let's go.
25:41Great.
25:42This search is getting better and better with a clear idea of what's needed.
25:47Next, we're heading back towards the location of our Lakeview villa.
25:52But as we've not had a chance to stop in the centre of any of the villages around here yet,
25:56that's exactly what we're going to do first.
26:00So I wanted to bring you two into the village of Vinuella where it all began
26:08and it dates back to the 18th century and it's just got a lovely feel to it.
26:12What do you two think of it walking through?
26:14Absolutely gorgeous. Picture postcard, I would say.
26:17Very traditional.
26:19It feels like real Spain, I guess.
26:22It also hosts lots of fiestas throughout the year.
26:25It's like the fiesta of raisins because the area is well-known for the vineyards and things like that.
26:31That sounds a lot of fun, doesn't it?
26:33For our next property, we're not venturing too far away.
26:37It's about a ten-minute drive.
26:39OK.
26:39Shall we go and have a look?
26:40Yeah.
26:41See if we can get you even more confused.
26:43We are heading back to Lomas de Sabato and a small development of 20 or so properties.
26:50So having somewhere like Vinuella within reach is going to be essential.
26:54Marlene and Jim got a great feeling when we viewed our Lakeview villa here earlier
26:58and I'm confident this one has a similar vibe.
27:02Let's have a look at our fourth property.
27:07It looks as if it needs a bit of TLC.
27:10It's still got some beautiful views and the pieces there.
27:15I think this one could potentially be a balance of the practicality
27:20because you've got three bedrooms, you've got two bathrooms,
27:24one of them is en suite.
27:26You are about a four-minute drive to all the bars and restaurants or, you know, a 20-minute walk.
27:31And obviously you have got a couple of, you know, things like next door,
27:36you've got an illegal building.
27:37So I don't know if that bothers you.
27:39Yes, it spoils.
27:40The surroundings of the houses.
27:44Shall I tell you something that might help?
27:47Yes.
27:48It might improve your feelings towards this property.
27:51It's on the market for just under £169,000.
27:59I like that price.
28:00£40,000 difference to the last one.
28:02Money's not everything, Jasmine.
28:04I need to have the feel.
28:09I need to have that connection.
28:12Are you willing to go and see this one with an open mind?
28:15Yes.
28:16I think I'm going to let you two look at this one on your own.
28:19I really thought this one would give them the perfect combination of the feeling with all
28:28the views and the practicality because they've got the three bedrooms.
28:32But now I'm wondering if I was barking up the wrong tree.
28:35It's a lovely pool with views and the grounds continue around the property, including a covered terrace
28:44and driveway.
28:45Inside, the living and dining room is huge and there's a separate kitchen.
28:52The main bedroom has an en-suite shower room, whilst the second and third share a bathroom.
28:58It's a decent size.
29:00It's nice and bright.
29:01It's a workable space.
29:03You could easily get all the family in here.
29:05Oh, this is a big room.
29:12That's a lovely view.
29:13It is a lovely view.
29:13Can you imagine waking up to that the first thing in the morning?
29:16Yeah.
29:17With a two-storey property.
29:20Just about the same size bedroom.
29:23I think so.
29:23I think it's comparable, but it didn't have the en-suite.
29:27Mm-hmm.
29:29Oh, this is a good size bedroom for family and friends.
29:34Yeah, we could really put it on a stamp and get this looking great.
29:37It's just that building next door that's really making me...
29:42Question.
29:43Question, yeah.
29:45We didn't get off to the best start at this spacious villa with three bedrooms
29:49and an asking price well below budget of just under £169,000.
29:54But will the larger living space here give me a third contender?
29:59Dare I ask, how was it?
30:02I understand why you brought us here.
30:05It's got all the space that we require.
30:08It's out here in the beautiful countryside.
30:11It's just not giving either of us that emotional feeling that we're kind of in need.
30:16Mm.
30:17The house next door is kind of a game changer for me.
30:21Even when you go into the pool, that's what you would be looking at.
30:24OK, so we still have two contenders.
30:27Mm-hmm.
30:28And we've got one last one to see.
30:30I'm going to try and put it all together for you.
30:32OK.
30:33Sounds good.
30:33Nice.
30:37Coming up, can I make it a trio of contenders?
30:40The backdrop is absolutely stunning.
30:44The house looks lovely.
30:46Today I'm helping Marlene and Jim find their dream holiday home on Spain's stunning eastern Costa del Sol.
31:00And they are really torn between two fantastic properties.
31:06This Lakeview villa and this two-storey villa, both in the Vinuela area, really impressed, providing the space and relaxed lifestyle these two want for their retirement.
31:16Working with a budget of up to £208,000, I've got one more great property lined up, which I'm confident will top them both.
31:27But before heading there, I have the privilege of meeting a couple who, after finding their perfect plot, have built the most spectacular property, combining the best of modern living with traditional interior design.
31:41Hello.
31:42Hi, Jasmine.
31:43I'm Cecilia.
31:44Nice to meet you.
31:45Hi, Jasmine.
31:45I'm Lasse.
31:46Welcome to Casa Miranda.
31:48It's so amazing.
31:50Just coming through the gate, I don't know where to look.
31:52We built it about 10 years ago.
31:54I'm an architect, Cecilia, as an interior designer, so we do things like this.
31:59Shall we show you around?
32:00Yes, please.
32:02I'd love to have a look around.
32:02Follow us.
32:10Oh, look.
32:12I mean, it is just as gorgeous inside as it is outside.
32:17There's so much attention to detail.
32:19It's beautiful.
32:20Yeah, I think everything you see here has its own story.
32:23Yeah, the cabinet was planned from the beginning to have here, so it was in the drawings from an early stage as well.
32:29Was it?
32:30You saw that I was spending all the money on the buildings.
32:33Oh, really?
32:33I thought, oh, there's not going to be any money left from furniture here, so that one was going in for sure.
32:39Oh, beautiful.
32:40Yeah.
32:40Oh, another beautiful room.
32:44Oh, my goodness, look at that view.
32:46This is the view we chose to be focused on, and we sat actually on the spot here with picnic table or chairs, and we had a cooler, and we sat there sketching, thinking of what this would look like within a frame of these windows.
33:00It's very tranquil up here, isn't it?
33:02Yeah, and the mountain view changes all the time.
33:05It's spectacular.
33:09It's amazing, because the view's actually changed since we were inside.
33:18Yeah, it has.
33:18Oh, my gosh, the silhouettes of the mountains look beautiful.
33:22Very soon, we will be just in the white.
33:25You won't see anything.
33:27It's amazing, and the pool looks beautiful.
33:29I bet the kids love this, don't they?
33:30Oh, they do.
33:31They really do love it, and it's very close to the kitchen.
33:34We can always be in connection with the kids.
33:36This place has got a really lovely, comfortable, welcoming feel.
33:43Thank you for showing me around.
33:44I do have to get back to my house hunters, because they're looking for the, you know, the dream property as well.
33:50We will follow you out.
33:52With those views as inspiration, I'm itching to show Marlene and Jim my final option.
33:58But with that Mediterranean lifestyle key here, I want to head down to the coast first to remind them it's not too far away.
34:06So, we've come down to Torre del Mar, because this is your closest beach resort to both of your favourite properties.
34:16It's lovely, lovely.
34:18There looks as if there's plenty to do.
34:21I can hear the tennis.
34:23Paddle, yeah.
34:24Feeding the birds.
34:25Feeding the birds.
34:25The parakeets, the parakeets, a lot of people walking their dogs.
34:29It'd be a great place to bring the families where when they're out, is it?
34:32I thought it would be nice for us to just take a moment, come down to the coast, reflect a little bit on our house hunt so far.
34:40How are you two feeling about the two properties that we've got in the running?
34:45Still very confused.
34:46They've both got their own merits.
34:49Some of it's driven by the heart, some of it's driven by the head.
34:53I've got another option, which I'm hoping will make your lives much more straightforward.
34:59Yeah, me too.
35:00Oh, dear.
35:01We're going to head back up to Viñuela.
35:04It's about half an hour from here.
35:05Uh-huh.
35:06And see what you think of this last one.
35:09Yeah.
35:09Sounds great.
35:10It's in Olivar de Buena Vista, also home to the two-story villa we viewed earlier.
35:16So I know location won't be an issue here.
35:19I also know my finale has everything they've asked for and it's a bit of an exclusive.
35:26Here we are.
35:28Final property.
35:30So this is my last chance to pull it out of the bag for you two.
35:33The backdrop is absolutely stunning.
35:37The house looks lovely.
35:40We are looking at a three-bedroom house.
35:45Two in the main house and one is like a separate little annex.
35:48Three bathrooms.
35:50It's just come onto the market today.
35:54Okay.
35:54Right?
35:55We are the first people to view it.
35:58Okay.
35:58Okay.
35:59The asking price is just under £205,500.
36:07I'm allowing myself to get a bit more excited.
36:10Are you?
36:10Yeah.
36:11Yeah.
36:11I don't know how negotiable it would be.
36:13Obviously it's just come on the market.
36:15So I would say probably not much at this stage.
36:19The great thing about this location is obviously it's lovely, it's quiet, it's tranquil, you're
36:24not isolated, you've got neighbours.
36:26But it's actually a few minutes walk to Tapas Bar.
36:30There's an Indian restaurant.
36:31It's the same amenities that you were close to with property three.
36:36That's brilliant.
36:36Have I missed anything?
36:39No.
36:39I've got to be keeping us out here.
36:41Come on then.
36:42Let's get inside.
36:43I think this could be the one.
36:47Built onto a slope, the main house is on the first floor with a terrace that gets the best
36:52of those views and looks over the beautiful pool area.
36:55Inside, with all the furniture included, is the living space.
37:00Separate kitchen with a pantry across the hall.
37:03Two good-sized double bedrooms, one with an en suite and a bathroom.
37:08Down below is the annex with an en suite bedroom next to a storage space.
37:13Right, come through.
37:15You've got your pantry there.
37:17Kitchen.
37:20Come through the arch.
37:21Yes.
37:24To the living room.
37:26I love it.
37:28Do you?
37:28Yep.
37:29It's gorgeous.
37:31I love the character.
37:33The beams, the slot and ceiling.
37:35Size-wise, it's definitely smaller.
37:38But for the family to come with it, it's big enough.
37:41Are you getting any special feelings here?
37:44I'm trying to compose myself, Jasmine.
37:48So you can see yourself here, Jim?
37:50Yeah.
37:51You reckon?
37:52Yeah.
37:52No, definitely.
37:55Look at this.
37:56You've got amazing outside space.
38:00And look at those views.
38:02Oh, it's gorgeous.
38:03This is just a dream.
38:05You're starting me off.
38:08It's lovely, isn't it?
38:09It is.
38:10You can see this place will not stay on the market for very long.
38:13No.
38:14I really didn't think this was possible.
38:16Shall we go downstairs and we can see a little bit more of the outside space from there?
38:20Please, Jasmine.
38:21This way.
38:22So how do you like it from down here?
38:27This is the biggest pool of all the properties we've seen.
38:31You could just sit here all day.
38:34Do you think the dogs would like it out here?
38:36They would love it.
38:38They would love it.
38:39See that little door?
38:40That's where your third bedroom is with its own bathroom.
38:44That was a dream.
38:45I think I'm going to let you two go and see the rest of it.
38:49And I'll be waiting for you in the sun.
38:52Thanks, Jasmine.
38:56This feels like all of their dreams are coming true.
39:01And actually, it feels like a bit of a dream come true for me as well,
39:05to find them the place that has the perfect balance of everything they're looking for.
39:11Oh, this is amazing.
39:13And it's a good size.
39:14It is.
39:15This would be for family and friends.
39:18Yeah, it would be for the family and friends.
39:20And this would give them a wee bit of their own space.
39:22It's brilliant.
39:23It's absolutely brilliant.
39:26Wow.
39:27Yeah.
39:29This is big.
39:30That's plenty of big space all around the bed.
39:33It's actually getting on sweet.
39:35Excellent.
39:36Oh, another good size room.
39:39Absolutely perfect.
39:40Right.
39:41I think we need to go and find Jasmine.
39:43I want to see you.
39:44Yes.
39:44Lead the way.
39:46This two bedroom villa with its views and one bedroom annex is on the market within Marlene
39:54and Jim's maximum budget at just under £205,500.
39:58As it's fresh to the market, if they like it as much as it seems, it might be best to act quickly.
40:05Oh, I'm just taking it all in.
40:07It's the real sun trap here, isn't it?
40:09Oh, it's amazing.
40:11This has just blown us away.
40:13There's actually things within this property that we wanted but didn't think were possible
40:18within our budget.
40:19So we didn't even mention them.
40:21And yet, they're here.
40:22So are we saying that the other two are out the window?
40:27Yes.
40:28We stripped away all the compromises that were causing the back and forth between the other
40:32two, brought what we liked about the other two and brought them together in this one property.
40:37We're hoping to make an offer in.
40:40Yeah?
40:41Today, Jasmine.
40:42Today?
40:43Yes.
40:44We don't want to lose this.
40:45This is...
40:46It's everything.
40:47It's everything that would be...
40:48It's the dream.
40:49The dream that we spoke about.
40:50Mm-hmm.
40:51This is it.
40:52Oh, my word!
40:54This is...
40:55You said you would bring it all together and you have...
40:59You've done that and more.
41:01Let's go and find somewhere to sit down, take a breath and let's do this.
41:07OK.
41:08Yeah.
41:09Sounds like a plan.
41:10If you'd like more information on any of the properties featured on today's show, visit
41:18aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
41:21We've come to the end of a pretty remarkable search along the eastern Costa del Sol with
41:27Marlene and Jim searching for a holiday home that they can move to permanently once
41:31they're both retired.
41:33We have a standout winner in this two-bedroom villa with a one-bedroom annex on the market
41:38a couple of grand below their top budget at just under £205,500.
41:44I already know they want to make an offer, but will it be enough to make it theirs?
41:49So, guys, this has been a bit of a whirlwind, hasn't it?
41:53Hasn't it?
41:54Have you had a bit of time to have a breather and get your thoughts all straight?
41:59Yes.
42:00Yeah.
42:01Do you think you've had enough time?
42:02Absolutely.
42:03What is it that's given you that push to say, right, we want to do this right now?
42:07Because it was everything and more that we've dreamed of and it felt right.
42:12So tell me what you want to do.
42:14Well, we want to make an offer on it.
42:16What do you want to offer?
42:18We've discussed it and I think that the price that they've come on at feels like a fair price for what you're getting.
42:24Yep.
42:25So actually, as much as I like a bargain, I wouldn't want to lose the property.
42:30I'd be inclined to say let's just offer them their asking price.
42:33Their asking price, Jasmine.
42:34Really?
42:35Yes.
42:36They've got goosebumps.
42:37So, shall we make the call?
42:41Please.
42:42Yeah.
42:43Oh my word.
42:44This is so exciting.
42:46Deep breaths.
42:49Hello, Tim, it's Jasmine.
42:51I have got some absolutely fantastic news for you.
42:55Jim and Marlene would like to make an offer on the property that we showed them this afternoon.
43:00They would like to offer the full asking price of just under £205,500.
43:11Okay.
43:12We'll wait for your call.
43:13Brilliant.
43:14Thanks.
43:15Bye-bye.
43:16He said that sounds great, but he's going to obviously go back to the vendors and get their go-ahead as well.
43:21You feeling all right now, Marlene?
43:23Nervous.
43:24We'll be in a minute when he finds back.
43:27Have you told the kids or anyone yet?
43:29No.
43:30What are they going to say?
43:32They'll be delighted.
43:33They're well.
43:34They'll be delighted.
43:35Yep.
43:36Phone's ringing.
43:41Hi, Tim.
43:44Yeah?
43:47Okay.
43:48Thank you, Tim.
43:49I'll speak to you soon.
43:51They've accepted your offer!
43:55Yes!
43:57It's yours!
44:01Congratulations!
44:04Congratulations!
44:05It feels like it's meant to be, doesn't it?
44:10It's about the dream coming true.
44:12It's about...
44:13Yeah.
44:14It's about this next chap for...
44:16Having that.
44:17Yeah.
44:18Outdoor living and using the legs.
44:20Got a pool there.
44:21I'm not going anywhere.
44:22He's not moving.
44:23He's not moving.
44:25So, congratulations.
44:26Cheers!
44:28Cheers.
44:35What a magnificent result for Marlene and Jim.
44:38Right at the beginning, they said they would know if they saw the perfect property.
44:43And true to their word, as soon as they walked through the door of that final place, it just felt right.
44:49I wish them the very best of luck.
44:54If you'd like to be on a place in the sun to find your own dream home, go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:13Bye.
45:14Bye.
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