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A Place In The Sun - Season 2026 Episode 19 (Full Episode)
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00:00Today I'm in South West France, house hunting around the banks of the stunning Gallon River.
00:08I'm Jean Johansson, and over the last 15 years I've been buying, selling and renovating properties, both in the UK and overseas.
00:16Today I'm going to be using all my skills to find the perfect place for Andrew and Pam, and I surprise them with size.
00:23It's a bit like a torridus, isn't it? It's not what you expect from the outside.
00:26Though I don't always deliver the goods.
00:29Is it for you? No. Is it for you, Andrew? It's not for me, Nick.
00:32Right. OK.
00:33I go back in time at this luxury farmhouse.
00:36I've been transported back to the 70s. I love it.
00:391974, I would say, Mediterranean cafe.
00:43But at the end of the day, do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun?
00:48You can see both of you are sort of welling up.
00:50This is the vision, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah.
00:52Happy tears? Oh, definitely.
00:54Great.
00:55Pam and Andrew first met five years ago, and their shared love of fitness and the outdoors meant they hit it off right away.
01:06They also share a passion for southern France, where they decided to spend their honeymoon.
01:11Due to retire in a couple of years, they've decided to downsize in the UK and find the perfect property here in France that can become their forever home.
01:20Engineer Andrew and special needs teacher Pam, who live in Essex, have decided that south-western France is the perfect place for them.
01:28It's not too far away because we've still got family, but we were looking for somewhere where we could have a better sort of climate because we're both outdoorsy type of people.
01:38We like to be outside.
01:39Our children have grown up and they fully appreciate that we need time now to explore and carry on with our life while they carry on with theirs.
01:51They have a budget of £200,000 to buy a property close to the River Garonne, where they can live the dream.
02:04The best way to get to this part of France is to fly to Bordeaux, which takes less than two hours from the UK, or it's about nine hours drive from Calais.
02:13The nearly 330-mile-long River Garonne actually starts in the Spanish Pyrenees, but we'll be looking much closer to where it meets the sea in south-western France.
02:24It's a beautiful and fruitful part of the country, famed for stunning scenery and gourmet food and wine, which is grown and produced in the region.
02:33And property prices are also pretty tasty here as well.
02:36This part of France offers good value for money, with average property prices 25% cheaper than a neighbouring Dordogne.
02:44Three-bedroom houses with land typically start at around £200,000, so I should have some good options for Pam and Andrew.
02:51Before we get started, I'm meeting up with my house hunters overlooking the river in the town of Mélan-sur-Garonne to find out a bit more about them and what they're looking for property-wise.
03:02Pam and Andrew, bienvenue. Welcome back to France.
03:05Merci.
03:06Merci beaucoup.
03:07How does it feel to be here?
03:09Lovely. Yeah, it's amazing.
03:11You two came to France for your honeymoon?
03:13We did.
03:14And do you think that trip sort of made you both fall in love with France a little bit?
03:18We were driving through the fields, among the roads, and the fields were full of sunflowers. It was really nice to see.
03:25So you've made that decision to have your retirement in France. That's beautiful. What are you looking for?
03:31I think we just want something, you know, sort of three-bedroomed, ideally with a pool, a nice bit of land around it because we like being outside and Andrew loves his gardening and vegetables.
03:44Yeah, and just sort of a more relaxed sort of lifestyle that we can have, yeah. We like to go on cycle rides and walking and, you know, if you have the chance to do canoeing and all those sorts of things.
03:53Yeah.
03:54But we just felt that here we would have the weather to be able to do that or slightly more guaranteed weather and things as well.
03:59I like cycling and motorbiking.
04:03Yeah. Well, you do beautiful roads here in France to get on the motorbike, so you'll be bringing one over with you?
04:08I will do, yes.
04:09A couple?
04:10Well, I'm going to get a little scooter.
04:12Yeah, yeah.
04:13That would be great. Well, it sounds as if you've got a real outdoor lifestyle.
04:16Yeah.
04:17And who will be coming over to visit you?
04:19Oh, I think we've got a long list of people, haven't we?
04:21Lovely. That's a nice thing.
04:23Yeah. Well, we've got five children between us, so they would definitely be top of the list, wouldn't they?
04:27Definitely. I've got three children. They'll be coming over with their partners to stay.
04:32Great.
04:33Yeah.
04:34And I've got twin girls who definitely will be coming over. Obviously, parents as well, and you've got siblings, and I've got a brother.
04:41And you're painting a nice picture of a place where family and friends can come, somewhere where you two can enjoy your retirement, and it seems like you really love France as well.
04:49So, let's go for that wish list. Three bedrooms?
04:51Yes.
04:52Good outdoor space?
04:53Lovely, yeah.
04:54Ideally, you would like a pool?
04:55Ideally, or a place to put one, at least.
04:57Okay, I'm glad to hear that, because your budget is £200,000.
05:00Mm-hmm.
05:01Wiggle room on that?
05:02Um, up to £250, I'd say.
05:04Yeah.
05:05Okay.
05:06Yeah, about that, yeah.
05:07And how do you feel about work?
05:08Well, we said we don't want a complete renovation project.
05:11Yeah.
05:12But we've said, you know, knocking down a wall, or having to re-plaster a wall, or like you said, about a kitchen or a bathroom.
05:19Yeah.
05:20We're happy to put those in.
05:21We can put those in ourselves.
05:22This is going to be a good search. We'll show you five properties, and hopefully within that, we'll get you very close to what you want.
05:27Brilliant.
05:28Yeah?
05:30This should be a great house hunt, but Pam and Andrew might have to make a few compromises with their maximum budget of £250,000.
05:38Though being willing to do a bit of work will help.
05:41On the way to my first property, I thought we'd make a quick stop off in the lovely town of Montflancan, one of my favourite places in this part of France.
05:49Now, I wanted to start this search with a bit of history, so I've brought you to Montflancan.
05:54It's a Bastid town. Dates back to 1256, and these types of towns are built on the top of a hill for defence.
06:00OK.
06:01But what do you think of it?
06:02It's amazing. It's just so quaint. It's got lots about it. It's got that really nice feel about it. Yeah.
06:09Yeah.
06:10Yeah, I could spend a few evenings here.
06:12Oh, definitely.
06:13Studying the culture and history.
06:15Now, by studying the culture, does that involve beer and wine and food?
06:19It's all part of that.
06:20Oh, absolutely, yes. I completely agree with you.
06:23Towns like this are great to come to because you've got that history.
06:26You know, you can see it in the architecture, it's round every corner, but then it's also a place to come to socialise.
06:31There's some fabulous restaurants round here and little boutiques and gift shops.
06:35You're maybe not expecting that from these old towns, but they offer quite a lot.
06:39It's lovely.
06:40And my first property is about a ten-minute drive from here.
06:42Great.
06:43Oh, that's fantastic.
06:44Yeah, this could be your local little Bastid town.
06:47Oh.
06:48Not bad, hey?
06:49Not bad at all, yes.
06:50Let's go and see the first one.
06:52That ten-minute drive takes us just outside the peaceful village of Montagnag-sur-Led.
06:57Despite the slightly remote location, it's a very popular place with buyers.
07:01And I've had to go into Pam and Andrew's wiggle room with my first place.
07:06So, we are in Montagnag-sur-Led, and this is the first property.
07:12Wow.
07:13Such a lovely, peaceful location.
07:15It is.
07:16I know.
07:17It is.
07:18It is.
07:19It is.
07:20It is.
07:21It is.
07:22It is.
07:23It is.
07:24It is.
07:25It is.
07:26It is.
07:27It is.
07:28It is.
07:29It is.
07:30It is.
07:31It is.
07:32It is.
07:33It is.
07:34It is.
07:35It is.
07:36It is a very modern property.
07:37It was built in 2009.
07:38OK.
07:39It has a lot of what you asked for.
07:40It has three bedrooms, one bathroom.
07:42It is spacious inside.
07:43It is also a good price.
07:45It is on the market for just over £206,000.
07:48Oh, OK.
07:49OK.
07:50Yeah.
07:51Yeah.
07:52It is taking lots of boxes anyway.
07:53Oh, that is great.
07:54I can't wait to get inside.
07:55Yeah, it is peaceful.
07:56Horses in the field, sunflowers there.
07:57Yeah.
07:58Good.
07:59I am glad that you sort of like it so far.
08:00Shall we get inside?
08:01Yes.
08:02Excellent.
08:03Yes, Mum.
08:04This bungalow comes with nearly an acre of land and has a covered and uncovered terrace,
08:09a lovely pool and even a garden shed.
08:13Inside there is a light, modern, open plan, living, dining and kitchen space.
08:17Three bedrooms where Pam and Andrew can sleep, some of the family at least.
08:22Along with a stylish shower room and a toilet.
08:27Right, straight in from the front door.
08:29Got your three bedrooms down the hallway there.
08:31Kitchen, dining.
08:33A bit of living space here but really nice area outside.
08:37It is a bit like a Tardis, isn't it?
08:39It is not what you expect from the outside.
08:41Definitely.
08:42So bigger on the inside than you expected?
08:43Yes, bigger.
08:44Good.
08:45That is a good thing.
08:46I like the open plan.
08:47You know, the dining area and the kitchen area all in the same room.
08:50I take a bit of a risk starting with this one because I know a lot of people from the
08:54UK want to walk into a French property and see beams and stonework.
08:58This is something completely different.
09:00It's very modern.
09:01It's very crisp and clean.
09:03Do you like that?
09:04Yes.
09:05It means that we haven't got to do any work.
09:06That's true.
09:07Yeah, this is the type of property where you can turn up and just start living in it.
09:11Yeah.
09:12A vision that you've got with your new life in France is having a swimming pool.
09:16Yep.
09:17Shall we go out and see this one?
09:18Definitely.
09:19After you, Andrew.
09:21Okay, so just up here is a swimming pool.
09:24I think it's a nice space to get your sun loungers.
09:27Lovely.
09:28Yeah, a good size.
09:29At least you can swim a few lengths in there.
09:31Yeah.
09:32Not just a plunge pool.
09:33Lovely.
09:34It's a bit bigger than a plunge pool.
09:35You know, I think it's just about the right size, would you think, Andrew?
09:38You wouldn't want any smaller than this, for sure.
09:40Yeah, that's what I mean.
09:41Yeah.
09:42Yeah.
09:43And it's deep enough as well, so yeah.
09:45Good.
09:46I'm really happy with how this is going, so I think the two of you should walk around the
09:49rest of the property on your own.
09:50Go in and check out the three bedrooms.
09:52We've got a nice shower room, WC, and have a wander around the land as well.
09:56Come back and tell me what you think.
09:57Okay, we'll do.
09:58All right, take your time.
10:00This is going well, and I'm glad because it is not easy to get a pool for their budget.
10:06This is a real treat.
10:09Double bedroom.
10:10Oh, yeah.
10:11Yeah.
10:12Very light.
10:13Yep.
10:14Look at the views out there.
10:15Lots of natural light coming in through the window.
10:18Anything is, where would you put anything?
10:20No wardrobes.
10:21Okay.
10:22Right, shall we take a look at the shed?
10:24Indeed.
10:25What does it hold?
10:27Well, can you get your bike in there?
10:29No.
10:30We can get the sun lounges in there.
10:31Yeah.
10:32Well, Andrew and Pam seemed fairly, if not massively, impressed by this bungalow, which
10:37is on the market for just over £206,000.
10:41So I'm interested to hear what they really think of it.
10:45Hello, you two.
10:46Hi.
10:47Hi.
10:48Did you have a good wander around?
10:49We did.
10:50We did indeed, yes.
10:51Right.
10:52Well, what do you think?
10:53We can't fault the location.
10:55For me, I think it's the living area.
10:58Right.
10:59It's sort of, we like the open plan, but I feel for me that that's sort of too much on
11:02top of each other.
11:03I'd like a little bit more space.
11:04Okay, too small in there.
11:05Yeah.
11:06I would regard this as a holiday home myself.
11:08Ah.
11:09It's not something that I would class as my home, or of a place I'd come for long holidays
11:14in the summer.
11:15It's not a contender at the moment.
11:16No, and that's, you know, you're spending a lot of money here.
11:19Yeah.
11:20So it needs to be right, and you want to feel like it can be a home because you're eventually
11:24going to move over here, so it needs to work both as a holiday home for a while and then
11:28a permanent home.
11:29Yeah, long term.
11:30As a permanent home, yes.
11:31Moving on then, offer you something with a bit more space.
11:35Will that work?
11:36I think so.
11:37Got something I think you'll like?
11:38Brilliant.
11:39Should we go and have another little stop off somewhere first?
11:40Yes, great.
11:41Come on then.
11:42Well, I'm not kicking off with a contender there, but I've definitely learnt a lot more
11:46about what Andrew and Pam's property priorities really are, and I'm confident I can deliver
11:51them something that works.
11:52Now, as well as the River Garonne, there's also a canal here with the same name.
11:56So on the way to property number two, I thought I'd show my house hunters, Le Tèvre, where
12:01they can enjoy the best of both watery worlds.
12:04Now, I've brought you to this spot because I think it shows the Garonne River in all its glory.
12:09Most definitely.
12:10Very picturesque here, yes.
12:12Yeah.
12:13Very quiet.
12:14Yeah, this is what I think of when I think of this region of France, you know, beautiful
12:18green lush trees and then just a gorgeous river running through it.
12:22And I know that you two are an active couple.
12:24So I brought you here because it's a place where you can get active.
12:27So just on the other side of here, there's a canal.
12:30Yeah.
12:31And boats go all the way to Bordeaux.
12:33You can jump on a boat there.
12:35You can take a canoe out here and you can hike.
12:38Canals up there.
12:39Looks like we've got paths that you could cycle for miles along.
12:41Exactly.
12:42Yeah.
12:43So great.
12:44Could this be a good area for you two?
12:45It definitely looks like it's got everything that we would be asking for.
12:48Oh, brilliant.
12:49Good.
12:50Because my next property is about a 15 minute drive from here.
12:51Oh, great.
12:52Yeah?
12:53Can we go and see another one?
12:54Yes, please.
12:55Let's go.
12:59Coming up, if it's more space Pamela and Andrew are after, I'm hoping they're going
13:03to love my next property.
13:04This three bedroom countryside house that offers a lot more space.
13:10Today I'm helping Pamela and Andrew find their dream property around the beautiful towns
13:19and villages of the Garon River in South West France.
13:22I haven't gotten off to the best start.
13:23They didn't love my first property, but I've got four crackers lined up.
13:27My house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £250,000, thought the first place I showed
13:33them was a bit on the small side and also felt it was too much like a holiday home rather
13:38than the permanent one they're looking for.
13:40So I'm delivering them somewhere bigger and more homely with property number two.
13:45It's in the village of Romestang, right in the heart of the countryside, though not far
13:50from two decent sized towns.
13:52This area is very popular with buyers from other parts of France and prices have remained
13:57fairly stable over the past couple of years.
14:00So my next place comes well within Pam and Andrew's maximum budget.
14:04Okay, so let me tell you where we are.
14:07So you're right in between Marmont and Castelgelu, which are bigger towns and about 20 minutes
14:12drive to each.
14:13Oh, that's doable.
14:14Yeah, does that sort of work for you?
14:15Yeah.
14:16Yes, indeed.
14:17Okay.
14:18And is this a bit more of what you're looking for?
14:20I would say so, yeah.
14:22It's got shutters.
14:23I'm thinking, wow.
14:25Yeah.
14:26Oh, great.
14:27So this is a three bedroom house.
14:28You've got two bedrooms upstairs and downstairs, you've got a self-contained apartment.
14:33I think this will give you more of the feeling of a home.
14:36A home.
14:37Separate kitchen, separate living and it's spacious.
14:40It's on the market for just under £233,000.
14:43Oh, okay.
14:44Okay.
14:45Another good price.
14:46Yeah, within the budget.
14:47Yeah, falls within the budget.
14:48Shall we get in?
14:49Yes, please.
14:50After you.
14:52This house has loads of outside space, including a big balcony overlooking more than an acre
14:57of garden.
14:58Inside, on the upper floor, there's a living room, a separate kitchen with a dining table,
15:03plus a separate dining room.
15:05There's also a spacious main bedroom, a second bedroom, a shower room and a toilet.
15:12The lower floor is a separate apartment with a living area and kitchen, one bedroom and
15:19a shower room.
15:20And there's also a garage with more than enough room to store Andrew's motorbike as well as
15:25another storage area.
15:27Living room across the hall.
15:30Let's start with the kitchen and a separate dining area next door.
15:35Much better.
15:36Yes.
15:37I like this.
15:38Very traditional, very country type kitchen.
15:41I like the fact that you can put a table here and we can have some breakfast here at
15:47the table, maybe.
15:48I like the tiles.
15:49Yeah.
15:50The previous one, you were getting that sort of holiday home feeling from it.
15:54Does this feel a bit more homely, you know, because it's conventional, your living room,
15:58kitchen, dining next door.
15:59Yeah.
16:00No.
16:01Yeah, I'm getting a good feel for this place.
16:03It's very homely.
16:05Yeah.
16:06Good.
16:07That's what you want.
16:08Across the hall is the living room.
16:09Shall we take a look?
16:10Yeah.
16:11Okay.
16:12Oh, this?
16:13Yeah, it's a big room, this isn't it?
16:16Yeah.
16:17Like the open fire.
16:18Yeah, it's got a fireplace.
16:19Nice feature.
16:20Yeah.
16:21I think having a separate lounge area to the actual kitchen diner is a good thing for
16:26us just to come away.
16:27Yeah.
16:28And just relax.
16:29Yeah.
16:30Right, let's continue and I've got a wee surprise for you, just downstairs.
16:33Oh, okay.
16:34Okay.
16:35Great.
16:36So, guest bathroom, this is the guest's kitchen and it just keeps going on.
16:43Great room here.
16:44I didn't expect it to be this size.
16:47It's like an Aladdin's cave.
16:48It's more than a self-contained apartment, it's like a little house.
16:51It is, yeah.
16:52It is a house, yeah.
16:53You need to see the whole package, so go and do that, just the two of you.
16:55Yeah, that's right.
16:56And then we'll see what you think of this one.
16:57Yes, I'll do it.
16:58All right.
17:00Check out the rest of the property.
17:01Take your time and I'll meet you outside, okay?
17:03Well, I think this is going well.
17:07It's a whole lot of house and a whole lot of land, so I really hope they like it.
17:12Oh, wow.
17:13The dressing area.
17:14This is different.
17:15It's good, isn't it?
17:17Yeah.
17:18All right, yeah.
17:19I like this room.
17:20I do, too.
17:21Yeah.
17:22All right, Andrew, this is your domain.
17:25We can definitely get at least one motorbike in here.
17:27At least one.
17:29Well, Pam and Andrew wanted somewhere bigger and more homely and I've definitely given them
17:35that with this house, which is on the market for just under £233,000.
17:40And now they've seen everything it has to offer, I'm hoping they'll be happy with it.
17:46Hi there.
17:47Hiya.
17:48Hi.
17:49How did your walk around go then?
17:50It was great, yeah.
17:52I got lost.
17:53I got lost with all the rooms and my orientation.
17:55I didn't know where I was.
17:56There's so many rooms in there.
17:58It's a lot of property, isn't it?
17:59It is.
18:00It is indeed, yeah.
18:01And you know what I'm going to say?
18:02Yeah.
18:03Stick a pool in.
18:04Okay.
18:05Plenty of room for a pool.
18:06Plenty of room and sort of within budget.
18:08You've got just about the money to do it within your budget as well.
18:11Yeah.
18:12Okay.
18:13So is it a contender?
18:14I think we might have our first contender.
18:16Great news.
18:17I think it's a good first contender.
18:19Great house, great land.
18:21Right.
18:22Moving on then.
18:23What would you like to see?
18:24What would you change about this if you had to...?
18:27I think for me it would maybe another sort of room that could be utilised for different
18:33things maybe.
18:34I'd probably say a swimming pool and a garden that's not quite on a slope like this one.
18:40Okay.
18:41I'll try.
18:42I will definitely show you properties where you can put one in.
18:44Okay.
18:45All right?
18:46Yeah.
18:47Let's go.
18:48Great.
18:49Cool.
18:50Well even though Andrew might not like the sloping garden, things are definitely on the up for
18:54me and I've got three more properties to take things even higher.
18:58While he and Pam are only looking for a holiday home here at the moment, they are hoping to
19:03make a full time move in the future.
19:05So I'm introducing them to someone who's already done exactly that.
19:09Now I've took a little stop in our search because I really wanted you to meet Cathy.
19:13All right.
19:14This is Pam and Andrew.
19:15Cathy moved here almost six years ago.
19:17Almost six years ago.
19:18It's a great chance for you two to ask Cathy any questions.
19:20I mean you've been through the whole process.
19:22Yes.
19:23Yeah.
19:24How difficult was the process of buying the property?
19:27The difficult part is actually finding the right house.
19:30That's why I'm here further away.
19:32There you go.
19:33You're in good hands.
19:34We're working on that one.
19:35Yeah.
19:36It's not difficult at all really.
19:37Right.
19:38We were asked when do you want to complete buy and we thought, in fact it was the owner
19:42who's now our neighbour, said oh will three months suit you?
19:46And we said fine.
19:47It's a very easy process.
19:48You won't have any issues at all.
19:50Great.
19:51Yeah.
19:52Thank you so much.
19:53I am going to find these two a property.
19:56I'm determined.
19:57Thanks so much Cathy.
19:58Take care.
20:00Come on you two.
20:01Bye.
20:05Coming up, if it's something even bigger Pam and Andrew are after, well my next property
20:10offers just that.
20:11And it's full of French charm too.
20:13Today I'm helping Pamela and Andrew find the dream property along the beautiful Garon
20:24River in South West France that can hopefully become their new permanent home.
20:28I got off to a tricky start but they love my second property with a self contained apartment.
20:32It's a good contender.
20:34My house hunters who have a budget of £200,000 with an additional £50,000 wiggle room liked
20:39lots of things about this house with a separate apartment but would have preferred it to have
20:44been a bit bigger and also weren't keen on the fact its garden was on a downhill slope.
20:49So I'm happy to say I won't be needing a spirit level in my next property which is in the countryside
20:54close to the lovely town of Montségur.
20:57It's a popular area with second homeowners from France and other parts of Europe.
21:01And once again I've had to use a fair bit of Andrew and Pam's wiggle room.
21:06For this one I've brought you to a little hamlet in Montségur.
21:09There is a town called Montségur which has everything you need and that's about an eight minute drive from here.
21:14Now two of the things you asked me for was more space and flat land.
21:18Yep.
21:19This has that.
21:20It looks a lot bigger, doesn't it?
21:21Yeah, than the other properties.
21:23This is a three bedroom house with potential to be a five bedroom.
21:27You've got just under an acre and a half of land as well.
21:30Plenty of room to put in a pool.
21:31It looks like it might need a little bit of TLC.
21:34It needs a bit of TLC, it needs a bit of love, it needs furniture, plastering, paint, curtains.
21:40Does it scare you?
21:42Not me.
21:43Okay, good.
21:44I can picture it.
21:45Yeah, we can look beyond it.
21:46Fantastic.
21:47It does look bigger.
21:48It's how a French house in my mind would have looked.
21:51Yeah.
21:52I can see potential here.
21:53It's on the market for just over 230 and a half thousand pounds.
21:57Yeah.
21:58It's been working on the market for over two years, so I would say there would probably
22:02be a negotiation on that.
22:03The couple that own this have been working away at it for 22 years.
22:08Wow.
22:09Okay.
22:10I think they need buyers that are going to come in and give this house the life it deserves.
22:13A bit of love.
22:14Yeah.
22:15Yeah.
22:16A bit more about it.
22:17How are you feeling about looking around?
22:18I can't wait.
22:19I just want to get into it.
22:20Very intriguing.
22:21So let's do it.
22:22Come on.
22:23This house comes with tons of outside space including a walled garden and a big field
22:30at the back.
22:31Inside there's a very grand hallway.
22:34The main living room, a second sitting room, another currently unfurnished room, a spacious
22:41kitchen diner, along with one bedroom, a shower room and a storeroom on the ground floor.
22:47On the first floor there are two good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.
22:52Plus there's a huge attic with potential to be converted.
22:56The property also has a barn currently used for storage.
22:59Now this is probably my favourite part of the house, with these great original floors
23:06and this pretty grand hallway.
23:09You wanted a hallway, didn't you?
23:10I like a good hallway.
23:11Can you see its potential?
23:13I can, yeah.
23:14I've done three house refurbishments from literally a bare shell.
23:19So with a lot of hard work and once you've got the basic, the groundwork done, then it's
23:25painting and it just gets transformed.
23:27I'm happy that you seem like a couple that can see the potential, so let's go into the
23:32kitchen.
23:33Kitchen is a good size.
23:35Very big room.
23:36You could see it almost being like the hub of the house, couldn't you?
23:39With the cooking and table and chairs.
23:41Yeah.
23:42Spend a lot of time in here.
23:43I like how you two can use your imagination, so let's do more of that with the living room
23:46across the hall.
23:47Okay.
23:48Another nice size room.
23:52Again, need a bit of TLC, but you can see potential in this room.
23:55Yeah.
23:56I can see that you're keen to see more, right?
23:58Yes, indeed.
23:59Two bedrooms upstairs, potential for more and one downstairs.
24:03Let's start with that one.
24:04Great.
24:05Again, big size room.
24:08You can see that work's already been started.
24:11Yeah.
24:12It just needs finishing.
24:13I think I need to see the rest of it to really, you know, make a decision.
24:16There's a bit of romance to this house, so go off on a romantic walk, you two.
24:20And see if you can come to that decision, but I'm thrilled that you can see the potential.
24:25I really am.
24:26Yeah.
24:27So, yeah, take your time.
24:28Come and find me.
24:29Yeah?
24:30All right.
24:32Will do.
24:33They're so great.
24:34They can see the potential with this property.
24:36It's been started.
24:37Can these two take over the line?
24:40Have a room, bedroom, could be, yeah.
24:43Not too...
24:44Well, again, not too much to make it habitable.
24:46Or a craft room or something.
24:48Yeah.
24:49It's a huge space.
24:52Unfinished.
24:53Very unfinished.
24:54Very different to the rest of the house.
24:56Yeah.
24:57Yeah.
24:58There's a lot of work involved here.
24:59Yeah.
25:00There's no doubt that this house, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £230,500,
25:06will one day be a stunning property.
25:09So far, Pam and Andrew don't seem too put off by all the work that needs doing to it,
25:13and I hope they still feel the same way now they've seen the rest of it.
25:19Oh, tentative looks from you two.
25:22Saw the upstairs.
25:23Yeah.
25:24What's the verdict?
25:25Very different to downstairs.
25:26Yeah.
25:27Yeah.
25:28Again, lots of potential, huge room, could almost make it, you know, an apartment in itself.
25:33Yeah.
25:34Yeah.
25:35But very...
25:36Need a little bit more TLC than downstairs.
25:38I loved the style of the house.
25:40Mm.
25:41As I approached it, I kind of got a sense of, I like this house.
25:44Yeah.
25:45But then I saw that it was not a detached property.
25:49Location is not quite right either.
25:52Peaceful location.
25:53But then we came out the back and you could hear the road as well.
25:56So, yeah.
25:57Couple of things not working then.
25:58Yeah.
25:59So no contender for this one?
26:00I'm afraid so.
26:01I'm afraid not.
26:02You don't seem too scared of a renovation, a bit of work?
26:06No.
26:07No.
26:08That's good to know.
26:09What about if I show you a detached property in a better location?
26:12Yeah.
26:13Sounds good.
26:14Does that work for you?
26:15Yeah.
26:16I want you to be happy because the previous properties you've sort of been looking around
26:18and loving where you are.
26:19Yeah.
26:20So, yeah, we're halfway through the search.
26:21Let me pull some of those things together and give it another go.
26:24Okay.
26:25All right?
26:26Fantastic.
26:27Follow me, come on.
26:28Well, lots of positives from that place despite it not being a contender.
26:31And I'm still confident of finding somewhere that works in every way for Pam and Andrew.
26:36Now, this part of France is steeped in history.
26:39And on the way to my next place, we're stopping off in Mont-Crabot.
26:43A very interesting and unusual village.
26:46I wanted to bring you to another quaint little village.
26:48This is a nice one.
26:49It's called Mont-Crabot.
26:51Very quiet, very peaceful, very picturesque.
26:54Yes.
26:55It's beautiful, isn't it?
26:56But it's actually very famous because Mont-Crabot is the capital of liars.
27:00Oh.
27:01They have been telling porkies around here for centuries.
27:05Now, look at that little sort of throne seat over there in this town squares.
27:09And this is going back centuries.
27:11It's known for people who wouldn't have that much to do.
27:14So, would sit and tell stories and tales.
27:17And, you know, obviously, when you've got an audience, sometimes those tales can get embellished a bit.
27:22So, Mont-Crabot became known for its liars, basically.
27:27So much so that on the first Sunday of every August, they have a Liars Festival.
27:31And believe it or not, people come from all over the world.
27:34No worries.
27:35Sit in that chair and there's a prize for the person that tells the best lie.
27:38They become the king or queen of the liars.
27:41But it's time for us to see another property.
27:43The last one didn't go so well, so I'm hoping I'm going to hit the mark with this one.
27:48Awesome.
27:49Let's wander through the town.
27:50Come on.
27:51Well, I've been to a few strange places doing this job and that's definitely up there.
27:56No lie.
27:57Property number four is in the countryside not far from Mont-Crabot.
28:00And there's a small British community here.
28:03I've gone big size-wise but not too much in terms of price.
28:07This place is within Pam and Andrew's maximum budget.
28:10So, we're about a five-minute drive from the capital of lies.
28:14You can't fault the location again.
28:17You like it.
28:18Beautiful scenery.
28:19Fantastic views around here.
28:20It's very quiet.
28:21Very rural.
28:22It's been picturesque everywhere we've gone really.
28:24It has, yeah.
28:25This is a traditional French farmhouse.
28:28Four bedrooms with the potential of six.
28:30Wow.
28:31It does need a bit of work.
28:32It sort of had a half a renovation.
28:34Okay.
28:35But much less work than the previous property.
28:37You said you don't mind a bit so I'm hoping this property will be that kind of balance
28:41of being able to live here and doing your bits and bobs as time goes on.
28:46It is on the market for just under £232,000.
28:49Okay.
28:50Great.
28:51How's all this sounding?
28:52I think it's ticking lots of boxes.
28:55I can't stop looking.
28:56Yeah.
28:57So, go off, look around the whole property and the land, then come and tell me if this
29:01could be the one for you.
29:02Okay, will do.
29:04See you soon.
29:06That's great.
29:07Andrew said when they move here they don't mind doing a bit of work.
29:10This could be the perfect property.
29:12This detached farmhouse comes with nearly two acres of land and a couple of outbuildings
29:17for Andrew to store his motorbike.
29:20Inside on the ground floor there's a large light and bright living room, a separate kitchen,
29:27a bathroom and a toilet which are all liveable but need a bit of updating.
29:32Along with no less than five more rooms which definitely need quite a bit more work doing
29:37to them to get them up to scratch.
29:40The upstairs needs less work doing to it.
29:42It currently has four bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes, all of which have wooden floors.
29:48Along with two shower rooms and a toilet.
29:52That's a nice sized room.
29:55I love the fireplace and the beams.
29:58Yeah.
29:59That's good.
30:00Fireplace there.
30:01Not too much work I'd say.
30:02Not too good.
30:03Yeah.
30:04It's been updated hasn't it?
30:05Yeah.
30:06A good start.
30:07Okay.
30:08Wow.
30:09That's some wallpaper isn't it?
30:12You like that?
30:13No.
30:15I'd have to change that one.
30:16Okay.
30:17Yeah.
30:18But otherwise nice size.
30:19Yeah it is.
30:20Yeah.
30:21I like the features and maybe a fireplace there.
30:25Oh dear.
30:26Oh.
30:27Yeah.
30:28A little bit different.
30:29A bit more work in this room but I'm keen to go and look out in the garden.
30:32Okay.
30:33Let's go.
30:36It just goes on forever.
30:37Look at it.
30:38It does indeed.
30:39Well I'll keep you busy for a little while.
30:41Very busy indeed.
30:42Obviously it hasn't got a swimming pool.
30:44No.
30:45That's my hardest decision is where would you put it for me?
30:47Okay.
30:48Well it's got to go near to the house.
30:50Yeah.
30:51For sure so.
30:52But I think plenty of scope and space for that.
30:54Yeah.
30:55Well I think we've got a lot to think about.
30:57We have.
30:58Go and have a chat with Jean.
30:59Yeah.
31:00Okay.
31:01Alright.
31:02Let's go.
31:03This farmhouse which is on the market for just under £232,000.
31:06Certainly gives Andrew and Pam loads of space inside and out.
31:10And it's in a great location as well.
31:12But it does need a fair bit doing to it.
31:14So I'm keeping everything crossed.
31:16That won't be a problem for them.
31:18I'm intrigued.
31:19I mean when we first walked up the drive and came to the house we just sort of thought
31:25yeah it's so pretty.
31:26It is.
31:27I just felt the rooms sort of lacked if you like a purpose.
31:30You couldn't sort of identify what all the rooms were and sort of the flow and the configuration
31:34for me didn't work.
31:35Right.
31:36Okay.
31:37Andrew.
31:38I have a similar opinion.
31:39Yeah.
31:40I couldn't make out what I would want to put where for example the kitchen.
31:45I wouldn't have the kitchen where it is now.
31:47I'd have to bring it out of there.
31:49And then what room do I put the kitchen in.
31:51So the configuration of the house isn't working.
31:52Yeah.
31:53I mean does that knock it out for you or are you considering this property.
31:58Is it for you.
31:59No.
32:00Is it for you Andrew.
32:01It's not for me neither.
32:02Right.
32:03Okay.
32:04Okay.
32:05Let's just go somewhere that you can move right into.
32:06Okay.
32:07Yeah.
32:08End on a high.
32:09Yeah.
32:10You've got a good one.
32:11Come on.
32:12Coming up I hope to add a second contender to the mix with this lovely four bedroom farmhouse.
32:17It's a house that just keeps giving.
32:19Really.
32:26Today I'm house hunting in South West France on the banks of the beautiful Garonne River
32:31with Pam and Andrew who are looking for their new forever home.
32:34Now this has been a tricky search.
32:35I've got one contender but my last property is going to blow them away.
32:39My house hunters who have a maximum budget of £250,000 have only liked this house with
32:45a separate apartment so far.
32:47But I really think I've learned what their perfect place looks like and I'm confident
32:51I'm going to give it to them with my fifth and final property.
32:57But before we go there I'm heading to this beautiful converted farmhouse in the countryside
33:03near the town of Doula.
33:05A bucolic dream which comes with a whopping seven acres of land and some gorgeous views.
33:11And I'm getting the tour from the man who owns it.
33:14Who's a musician, bar owner and investment banker.
33:19Bonjour.
33:20Hello.
33:21Nice to see you.
33:22Nice to have you.
33:23Oh, what do we have here?
33:24This looks amazing.
33:25It's a 15th century farmhouse.
33:27It has five bedrooms now and you'll see it's got some lovely big spaces in it.
33:31And we'll explore all of those and show you around.
33:34Oh, I'd love to.
33:35Let's do it.
33:37So the whole idea here was that I wanted to keep the barn feel.
33:41Try to keep all these beams exposed and, you know, kind of keep the cathedral ceiling feeling.
33:46It works really well and the furniture is just exquisite.
33:50Who did your interior design?
33:51That's all me.
33:52Oh, I'm impressed.
33:53That's my thing, yeah.
33:54It's all been expertly done.
33:56I'm a fan.
33:57And that looks like a really interesting room down there.
34:00Let's go see.
34:01So this is what we call the music room.
34:07See my piano there?
34:08Perfect.
34:09There's one guitar out but a few others that are lying around.
34:12Yeah.
34:13And it's a wonderful room, of course, to play and compose.
34:16It's a really inspiring room and this is just a wonderful home.
34:20I'd love to see more.
34:21Sure.
34:24I've been transported back to the 70s.
34:27I love it.
34:281974, I would say, Mediterranean cafe.
34:32That was what I was trying to do.
34:34So wonderful that you've recreated that.
34:36This is a really fun room and I spot a little bit of blue out there.
34:39Is that the pool?
34:40Yes, it's the pool and this is the bar for the pool.
34:43So it leads straight out there.
34:45It's a pretty cool pool bar.
34:46I'd love to see it.
34:47Sure.
34:48The pool just goes on and on and on.
34:51This is not a plunge pool.
34:53It's about 14 metres and designed really to do small laps.
34:57It's an amazing property, Ashley.
35:00What's it on the market for?
35:01It's just under £1.3 million.
35:04And worth every single penny.
35:06Thank you so much for showing me around.
35:08Thank you very much.
35:10Well, I'd be more than happy to stay for a dip and a drink afterwards in that retro bar.
35:15But I need to be fully compass mentis to hopefully end this house hunt on a high note, like I promised Andrew and Pam.
35:22My fifth and final place is very close to the lovely and lively town of La Réole.
35:27I wanted to bring you to a bigger town away from the little hamlet and this is La Réole.
35:32It's known as the town of art and history.
35:35Do you like this kind of thing, Andrew?
35:37I can see us coming here for sort of an afternoon.
35:40Yeah.
35:41Yeah.
35:42It's just nice to have somewhere that's got a bit more hustle and bustle.
35:44A lot of the properties I've shown you have been in smaller little hamlets and things.
35:48So, you know, this is somewhere you could come, go for a nice long watch.
35:52There's loads of bars, restaurants, people around.
35:54There's festivals.
35:55I mean, you can see they've got these lovely art installations around the town.
35:59So, it's kind of an all year round town.
36:01Oh, OK, yeah.
36:02And it's about a 10 minute drive to my next property.
36:05Oh, right. Great.
36:06This could be a good option for you.
36:07Sounds that way.
36:08Let's see the last one.
36:10My final property is on the outskirts of the village of Bourdel, right on the banks of the Garon River.
36:16That great location makes it very popular with buyers from all over Europe.
36:20And I'm going out on a bit of a limb here, stretching their budget over the max.
36:25But I just had to show this place to Pam and Andrew as I think it could really work for them.
36:30So, that was about a 10 minute drive from lovely La Réole.
36:34Nice to have a big town close by and we're right on the edge of the village of Bourdel.
36:39Again, lovely location.
36:40Yeah.
36:41Yeah.
36:42Peaceful.
36:43Good. So, you like the location.
36:44Well, I mean, what do you think of this?
36:46Love the chateaus.
36:47It's just a pretty little house, yeah.
36:49I think this style of house looks very lovely, really.
36:53So, what we've got here is four bedrooms, three bathrooms, lots of space, charm throughout.
36:59There's lots of pros with this property.
37:01There's a few things you should know.
37:03You can't put underground pool with this property.
37:05Okay.
37:06But there are some great overground options.
37:08Okay.
37:09And one of the reasons for that is because the village of Bourdel there is on a flood plain.
37:12Okay.
37:13What that means for you is that properties that are on the outskirts like this you can pick up for a better price.
37:19Okay, yeah.
37:20So, this property is actually on the market for just over £276,500.
37:25The agent is willing to listen to offers just under £254,000.
37:30Okay.
37:31So, would you be happy to see this knowing that it comes in £4,500 above budget?
37:36I think so.
37:37Yeah, definitely.
37:38Yeah.
37:39You know, it's not that far over what we wanted.
37:41Like the second property that you like, this one has been very, very loved and I think you'll see that when you get inside.
37:46Okay.
37:47Follow me.
37:48This farmhouse comes with just over an acre and a half of land and has a lovely terrace overlooking the garden.
37:55The inside is spread over three floors.
37:58The ground floor has a living room plus a lovely light and bright kitchen.
38:02On the middle floor there's a landing, one bedroom with an ensuite shower room and another bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
38:12The top floor is a separate apartment with a living, dining and kitchen space, another two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom.
38:23There's also an adjoining building currently used as a gym and a big out building used for storage.
38:30Wow.
38:31Did you see yourself working away in here, Andrew?
38:33Yeah, this is good. I like this.
38:35I like it?
38:36A lot, yeah.
38:37Yeah.
38:38And it's not just the kitchen again.
38:39Like we say, we feel that, you know, it's somewhere that's a hub of the home and here you could have people sitting, couldn't you?
38:44Yeah.
38:45And chatting and, yeah.
38:46Yeah.
38:47This is a great family house.
38:48Let's nip across to the living room.
38:49Great.
38:54Wow.
38:55Another lovely large room.
38:57Love all the stonework.
38:58Yeah.
38:59It's nice, isn't it?
39:00Yeah.
39:01We've certainly looked after this place.
39:02Yeah.
39:03Yeah, I felt that.
39:04The type of thing that we envisaged, yeah.
39:05It's living up to that beautiful facade outside.
39:07Yeah.
39:08Okay.
39:09It is.
39:10Let's keep that going.
39:11Let's head upstairs.
39:12Lovely little area of the window there.
39:13There's another bedroom across the hall that's got a non-sweet with a bath.
39:16This one's a non-sweet with a shower.
39:18Again, the size of the rooms, the high ceilings, the sort of things we're after really, isn't it?
39:23I'm kind of speechless here.
39:24Knock the others out of contention.
39:26Really?
39:27Yeah.
39:28Okay.
39:29You can see both of you are sort of welling up.
39:31Yeah, this is the vision, isn't it?
39:32Yeah.
39:33Yeah.
39:34Happy tears?
39:35Oh, definitely.
39:36Great.
39:37So we've got two bedrooms on this floor.
39:39Another two bedrooms upstairs, plus a great guest area for all the folk that are going
39:43to be coming over to your place.
39:44Okay, great.
39:45Have a look up there, see how that area could work.
39:49Get yourself some tissues and come and meet me.
39:54But I think I know how you feel about this one.
39:56Yeah.
39:57Go off and see the rest.
39:58Let's go.
39:59Cheers.
40:01That is just wonderful.
40:02This property has brought them both to tears.
40:05I think it could be the one.
40:06This house just keeps giving.
40:07Independent apartment.
40:08Yeah.
40:09We can just send the children up here, can't we?
40:10Yeah.
40:11And then they won't be annoying.
40:12Or us.
40:13Yeah.
40:14Another lovely size room.
40:15High ceilings.
40:16The little cubby hole up there.
40:17Oh, okay.
40:18Yeah.
40:19Yeah.
40:20Well, it's always nice to save the best till last.
40:21And I reckon I've done that with this farmhouse, which is on the market for a very negotiable,
40:37just over £276,500.
40:38It brought Pam and Andrew to tears of the good kind, of course, and I hope those happy feelings
40:44keep flowing.
40:46Wow.
40:47That's given us food for thought, isn't it?
40:48It has indeed.
40:49Yeah.
40:50Well, what's the one thing we need?
40:51Oh, a pool.
40:52Okay.
40:53But, you know, I think I'm happy to compromise and have an above-ground pool.
40:54We can do that?
40:55Yeah, we can do that.
40:56Oh, okay.
40:57Good.
40:58I just heard the magic word there.
40:59Compromise.
41:00How did the rest of the viewing go?
41:01Well, what can we say?
41:02Yeah.
41:03It's a house that just keeps giving, really.
41:04Lovely.
41:05So much to see, and I don't think we've seen it all just yet.
41:06Yeah.
41:07We need to go in again.
41:08Yeah, I'll organise that for you.
41:09Okay.
41:10You can go in, just the two of you, and really explore the whole property, because I think
41:12you really like it.
41:13We do.
41:14Yes.
41:15Yeah.
41:16Yeah.
41:17So it's the front runner?
41:18It is indeed, I think.
41:19I'm really, really pleased for you to, I'm going to organise for you to come back and
41:24come back.
41:25Yeah.
41:26Yeah.
41:27Yeah.
41:28Yeah.
41:29So it's the front runner?
41:30It is indeed, I think.
41:31Yeah.
41:32Yeah.
41:33Great.
41:34You'll have a whole evening to think about.
41:35Okay.
41:36Think about everything, really.
41:37Yeah.
41:38And I'll meet you tomorrow.
41:39Okay.
41:40See if you've made any decisions.
41:41Great.
41:43I said we'd end on a hike.
41:44You did, yeah.
41:45You did.
41:46You did.
41:47You did.
41:48Come on.
41:49If you'd like more information about any of the properties featured on today's show,
42:00go to a placeinthesun.com forward slash programs.
42:03We've now shown Pam and Andrew all five properties close to the Garon river for their budget of
42:09£200,000 with an additional 50,000 wiggle room.
42:13And after quite a difficult search, we've ended up with one contender.
42:17This lovely farmhouse with separate guest accommodation on the top floor.
42:21They went back after we finished filming last night to have a really good look round.
42:26So, what do they think?
42:29Pam and Andrew, good morning.
42:30Good morning.
42:31Good morning.
42:32Did you have a nice evening last night?
42:33Very much so.
42:34Yes, thank you.
42:35I bet you had a lot to talk about.
42:36Yeah.
42:37Yeah.
42:38Have you made any decisions?
42:40I think we've come to a decision.
42:41We have come to a decision, yes.
42:43Would you like me to take an offer forward to the agent?
42:46I think on this occasion, it's going to be a no.
42:49It's going to be a no, I'm afraid.
42:51Yeah.
42:52Oh, that property that brought you both to tears.
42:54I know.
42:55Yeah.
42:56What happened after the revisit?
42:58One of the factors about the area is that it's next to the river and there is, it's on a flood plain and we just felt that we didn't want to purchase a property and always be thinking that maybe one day our dream home will be flooded out.
43:18I understand what you're saying and that property was such a reasonable price because it was next to the village that's on a flood plain.
43:27Yeah.
43:28But I understand that the amount of money that you're going to spend, it's not a risk you're willing to take.
43:32No.
43:33I mean, we know that you'd have to accept and some people do accept that if you're on a flood plain you will get flooded but it's something that we can't accept ourselves.
43:42Yeah.
43:43I understand.
43:44But it's, you know, the process, everything, it's made us realise that actually what we want is out there.
43:50We now know this is the area that we want to stay in.
43:52Great.
43:53So it's really, you know, been so helpful for us, isn't it?
43:56Yes.
43:57Yeah.
43:58So it's helped you cement the location?
44:00Yes.
44:01Helped you realise what kind of property you want?
44:03Yes.
44:04You've got that much to go.
44:05You're almost there.
44:06Yeah, we're almost there.
44:07And I wish you all the luck in the world.
44:09You've got this friend's dream.
44:10It won't be long before it's a reality.
44:12No, we can see that now.
44:13We can indeed.
44:14Yeah.
44:15Let's drink to that.
44:16All right.
44:17Great.
44:19Cheers.
44:20Cheers.
44:21Fronte.
44:22Fronte.
44:23Well, it's been a tricky search but Pam and Andrew have learned so much.
44:29They've now cemented where they want to be.
44:31They know what kind of properties they like.
44:33So it won't be long before they're living their dream life here in beautiful France.
44:37Pam and Andrew stayed in touch with the agents we introduced them to and went back out to France a couple of months after we finished filming.
44:45But they haven't found the perfect property yet.
44:48If you'd like help with your property search and want to be on A Place in the Sun, then go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:07So we are forward to going safety.
45:20What was it like?
45:21What was it like?
45:22Were you thinking about the otherous actions moving forward?
45:23What was it like to run through with you?
45:24I'm sure I was gonna talk to him and tell a few things, and I was thinking about the suffering.
45:28Once the YEES of this era that still was an incredible energy inymung.
45:31If I had loved and realised, I got worried about it!
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