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00:02Today I'm in Spain house hunting around the stunning northern Costa Blanca.
00:07I'm Lee Juggernaut and using my passion for interior design, I've bought, renovated and sold several properties both in the
00:13UK and overseas.
00:16Today I'll be using all my knowledge to find the perfect place for Annette and Graham and I get their
00:21pulses racing.
00:23It looks exciting. I want to get in and have a look.
00:26And emotions run high.
00:28I just can't give it the love that it deserves.
00:31I'm dazzled by this fantastic luxury thinker.
00:34Wow, wow, wow. This is just such a jewel.
00:38But in the end, do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun?
00:42Really nice. It's ticking all the right boxes.
00:49During their 40 years together, Annette and Graham have lived in various places,
00:53such as Washington DC, New Zealand, as well as the Falkland Islands,
00:57thanks to Graham's former job in the Royal Air Force.
01:00Now they've set their sights on Spain's Costa Blanca, where they're looking for a holiday bolt hole that eventually could
01:06be a permanent one.
01:08Annette and Graham, who now live in Sussex, first got together because of a mutual friend and a bit of
01:14do-si-do.
01:15Actually, we met on a blind date and I got introduced to this young chap.
01:22And we just started talking and went off to a bond dance together and that was it. History ever since.
01:27They have a budget of £200,000 to buy a holiday home in the Costa Blanca.
01:32Even though they've never been there, they feel it fits the bill for them.
01:35I think the choice of restaurants, the mix of nationalities, there's a lot of different European nationalities represented there.
01:44So it's a bit of cultural mix. And the beaches are beautiful as well.
01:58To get to this part of the northern Costa Blanca, which is situated roughly halfway between Valencia and Alicante,
02:04you can fly into either city in about two hours from the UK.
02:08And then it's around an hour's drive from the airports.
02:13Even though the northern Costa Blanca is a very popular area with holidaymakers from all over Europe,
02:17it's a bit quieter and more traditionally Spanish than its southern counterparts.
02:23And there are loads of great beaches and secluded spots as well as some lively resorts along its nearly 60
02:28miles of coastline.
02:30If you head away from the seaside, you're soon into the rolling hills and beautiful countryside the area is known
02:36for.
02:36And you'll find some lovely towns and villages which are becoming increasingly popular with second homeowners.
02:42The northern Costa Blanca offers great value for money compared to other parts of the Spanish coastline.
02:47On the Costa del Sol, prices can be up to 25% more expensive.
02:52A two-bedroom villa with a pool, detached, can start off from around £240,000.
02:58Here, a similar property can start off from around £180,000, which is great news for Annette and Graham.
03:05Before we get going, I'm meeting up with my house hunters on the Playa Els Molins just outside the town
03:10of Denia
03:11to find out a bit more about them and what they're looking for in terms of property.
03:17Graham and Annette, good morning.
03:18Good morning.
03:19Good morning.
03:19Or as some may say, buenos dias in the beautiful northern Costa Blanca.
03:25How does it feel to be here?
03:26It would be nice if the sun came out though and then I'd be totally happy.
03:29It is very early morning, so I do feel like Mr Sunshine is still waking up.
03:33Now, not your first time in Spain, right?
03:37No, it's not our first time in Spain.
03:38We've been on holiday on several occasions, but not this particular area.
03:43And what is it that appeals to you both about the northern Costa Blanca?
03:48We've been down to Malaga in the past, but I've always felt that it's a wee bit too busy.
03:53It isn't really a holiday home as such that we're after.
03:56We're looking at possibly a home, potentially, so we want a quieter area.
04:03Sure.
04:04When you do come out here to spend some time in the holidays, what do you see that looking like?
04:08What do you enjoy doing?
04:10A variety of hobbies.
04:11We both like gardening.
04:13OK.
04:14We've got a dog, so we enjoy walking the dog.
04:18Ah, what's his name?
04:19Jack.
04:19So is Jack coming out here then?
04:21Yes.
04:21OK, good.
04:22And the cat.
04:23There's a cat as well.
04:24Yeah.
04:25What's the cat's name?
04:26She's actually called Lily, but we call her Billy because it doesn't slip off the tongue quite so easily.
04:31So it's essential to have some lovely walking trails?
04:34Yes, it is.
04:35Places to walk?
04:36Yeah.
04:37So budget-wise, we are looking at £200,000.
04:41Any wiggle room?
04:42We can certainly push it up to about £220,000.
04:45OK.
04:45What are we looking for?
04:47Give me the list.
04:48Go on.
04:48It's not too much of a list.
04:50It's two to three bedrooms.
04:52OK.
04:52Ideally a villa or a finca.
04:55OK.
04:56Definitely a large-ish garden around because outside space and space within the home is essential.
05:02A pool would be great.
05:04OK.
05:04But if there wasn't a pool in place, I'd like to think there was an area that we could perhaps
05:09put one in.
05:10Right.
05:11Any work at all?
05:12Do a wrapper?
05:14Um, we could probably do a kitchen or maybe a bathroom.
05:19OK.
05:19And we can certainly paint.
05:20OK.
05:21But that would be about it.
05:22We cannot do anything major.
05:23OK.
05:24So nothing really structural, but some slight renovations.
05:26Yeah.
05:27It's in the back.
05:28Shall we get going?
05:28Yes.
05:29Come with me.
05:29OK.
05:32Well, with Annette and Graham's maximum budget of £220,000, I'm pretty confident I could
05:37find them somewhere that delivers the most of what they're after.
05:40And get Jack's tail wagging as well.
05:43Property number one is just outside the inland town of Orba.
05:46So first, I thought we'd make a quick stop off and have a look around.
05:51So, on our journey of discovery, before we head over to our first property, I've brought
05:58us to the beautiful, quaint Spanish village of Orba.
06:03So far, so good.
06:05Yeah.
06:05And the sun is out, which is even more impressive, I think.
06:08He heard us.
06:09I think it's the authentic Spain that we actually look for whenever we come on holiday.
06:14Yeah.
06:14And we search out places just like this.
06:16And this is exactly what we're after.
06:18Really?
06:19Yeah.
06:19Impressed so far.
06:20Property number one.
06:22You ready for this?
06:23Mm-hmm.
06:24We're about a 20-minute walk away from our first property.
06:29OK.
06:29Sounds good.
06:30Or a five-minute drive.
06:32Five-minute drive, I think.
06:34Yeah.
06:34Yeah.
06:35But it's not too far.
06:36No.
06:37Shall we get going?
06:38Interesting.
06:38Yeah.
06:39Come with me.
06:40Orba is home to a roughly 50-50 mix between locals and residents from other parts of Europe
06:45with a good-sized British community, and it's becoming increasingly popular with buyers.
06:51Property prices have gone up by around 10% in the past year.
06:54So, to find somewhere I think will do the job for Annette and Graham, I've had to go
06:58pretty much to the top of their wiggle room, though I've been told there is some flexibility
07:03here.
07:05So, here we have our first property.
07:10The particular property we're looking at is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, detached house.
07:18Looks good, but because we haven't been in many Spanish homes, we don't know what to
07:23expect to a certain extent.
07:25I need to go in, because that's when you feel it.
07:28The urbanisation is great, quiet.
07:30Very small.
07:31Let's see what it's like when we get inside.
07:32There is an option to add a pool in the grounds as well.
07:37To add a pool, it could start off from around £7,500 to £25,000, depending on what suits
07:46your needs.
07:46So, that's something that you could potentially add at a later date.
07:51The property is on the market now at just under £219,500.
07:56I've had a chat with the agent.
07:58He's quite confident that we could negotiate this property to around £210,000.
08:03Sounds better.
08:03Should you be interested.
08:05Mm-hmm.
08:06So, a little bit of room left in your budget to add that pool.
08:10Okay.
08:10Do you want to get inside?
08:11Yes, definitely.
08:12We need to go and have a little shifty.
08:14Please.
08:14Let's go have a little, I love that word.
08:16Let's go have a little shifty, come with me.
08:17This house has a wraparound garden with plenty of space for Jack to run around, as well
08:22as a terrace with an alfresco cooking area.
08:25Inside, there's a living room, a dining room cum sun room with great views, a separate
08:32kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
08:39Here we are.
08:40Mm.
08:41This looks good.
08:43Yeah?
08:43Yeah, it does.
08:44I like what's in the home.
08:46Okay.
08:46But I just think it needs to be just perhaps a wee bit larger at the moment.
08:52Okay.
08:53I do like the way they've obviously looked after the house and kept it in good condition.
08:58I like the open fire back here.
08:59The dining area or stroke used as an office or whatever works quite well.
09:05Let's go see if that kitchen is up to standards.
09:09Yeah?
09:09Swing my pots.
09:10Swing your pots.
09:15I do like the units.
09:18Okay.
09:19It is workable.
09:21Great.
09:21But I just like a bit more space.
09:25Down we come into our lovely, very own oasis.
09:31Lovely actually.
09:32Right?
09:33Really nice.
09:34And the space is ideal.
09:36Good for Jack?
09:37Good for Jack.
09:38Yeah.
09:39He would probably be up there in the shade.
09:41Yeah.
09:41It's a lovely, lovely spot.
09:43Why don't you go and have a look at the rest of the property on your own.
09:47Bear all this in mind and take your time in there and then come and find me after and let
09:51me know what you think.
09:53Okay.
09:53Yeah.
09:54I'll see you in a second.
09:55Sounds good.
09:55Okay.
09:59Now I think they love the overall feel of the property but let's see if space is still an
10:03issue.
10:05Nice wardrobes.
10:06Actually this is a nice bedroom isn't it?
10:08It's a big bed.
10:09Dominates the room but it is nice and built in wardrobes behind us.
10:15And it's airy.
10:16Yeah.
10:16It is airy.
10:18It's good.
10:18Well I'd say I've had a bit of a mixed reaction to this house which is on the market for
10:23a
10:23negotiable just under £219,500.
10:27Annette and Graham seem to like quite a few things about it but also think it might be
10:31a bit small for them.
10:34Ah.
10:34Hello.
10:36The view still gets better.
10:37It does.
10:39How about your opinion of the property?
10:41We liked the property.
10:42Okay.
10:43But the flow was good for us but I just feel that it just needs to be larger.
10:50Okay.
10:50And would like a wee bit more of a back garden.
10:53What were the positives here?
10:54The house is the type of house that we would be quite comfortable in.
10:59Okay.
11:00If it was just a little larger.
11:01Is it potentially a cuttender?
11:06Probably not.
11:07Okay.
11:08Size wise.
11:09It's really the size.
11:10It's really not working for you.
11:12No.
11:12I've taken notes.
11:13Our second property awaits us.
11:16Come with me.
11:17Okay.
11:18So no contender there but lots of positives to take from it and I'm getting a better sense
11:22of what Graham and Annette's perfect property looks like.
11:25And fingers crossed my next place in the coastal town of Marira will be just that.
11:31Before we go there though we're heading to the seafront to meet up with someone who can
11:34give us a sense of what it's really like to live out here on the Costa Blanca.
11:39Jane.
11:40Hello.
11:40How are you?
11:41I'm good.
11:41How are you?
11:42Annette and Graham meet the lovely Jane.
11:45Hello.
11:45Hello.
11:46Hi.
11:46Hello Annette and Graham.
11:47Hi.
11:47Jane is the season pro of this area.
11:51She is the fountain of knowledge and you moved here when Jane?
11:55About two and a half years ago.
11:56The best thing we've ever done.
11:58It's the most beautiful place to live.
12:00It's just gorgeous.
12:00Initially it will be a holiday home and then you're thinking about permanent life here.
12:06Okay.
12:06Did you find it difficult navigating the administrative side of moving out?
12:12Very straightforward.
12:14We approached an estate agent and he showed us various different things about what we
12:20needed to do and he put us in touch with people and that worked really, really well.
12:23So we went with a local solicitor type of person and they did everything including utilities
12:28for us, set everything up.
12:30We had a bank recommendation as well, where we should go, we should bank and everything
12:35worked very, very well indeed.
12:36So how long was the actual process?
12:38Much quicker than in the UK.
12:40We bought a house probably within about six weeks less, something like that.
12:44Wow.
12:44Yeah, yeah, yeah.
12:45Well speaking of properties, I do need to find you that property, don't I?
12:48You do?
12:49Most definitely.
12:50Second time lucky I say.
12:51Yep.
12:51We are a six minute drive away from all of this in our next second home.
12:59Sounds good.
13:00Shall we go and have a look?
13:01Yes, please.
13:02Jane, it's been a pleasure.
13:03Lovely to meet you all.
13:04Lovely to meet you.
13:04We'll definitely see you again.
13:06See you soon.
13:07Bye.
13:08Take care.
13:13Coming up, if it's more space that Annette and Graham are after, I'm hoping they're
13:16going to love my next property which comes with exactly that, plus this communal pool
13:20thrown in too.
13:26Today I'm on Spain's beautiful Northern Costa Blanca, helping Annette and Graham find their
13:31dream holiday home.
13:33And so far, we've got off to quite a rocky start.
13:36That's because even though my house hunters, who have a budget of £200,000 with an additional
13:41£20,000 wiggle room, liked some things about this detached house, they ruled it out as they
13:46felt it wasn't big enough for them.
13:48So finding a place with more space is on top of my list.
13:52And I reckon I've done that with property number two, in an urbanisation on the outskirts of
13:57the seaside town of Marira, which has a big and thriving British expat community, most
14:02of whom live here all year round.
14:04Frontline properties in town are understandably pretty pricey, but the further you go from
14:09the sea, the more affordable it gets.
14:11Once again though, I've had to go quite a bit into Annette and Graham's wiggle room.
14:15However, after a chat with the agent, I've been told that this price is also negotiable.
14:20Now, this is it.
14:23This is it.
14:24Looks good.
14:25It looks good.
14:26It does.
14:27It does actually.
14:28Yeah, initial reactions are good.
14:30Now, this particular property comes with a communal pool shared with 22 other properties
14:36on the urbanisation.
14:37So very small, very intimate.
14:39Consider it an added bonus.
14:42Because this particular property is a two bed, one bath, detached house.
14:48It's on the market for just under £215,000.
14:53So we're into the wiggle room.
14:54However, the agent is quite confident that we could negotiate it to around £206,000.
15:01Okay.
15:01Definitely moving up the scale.
15:03Yeah.
15:03Definitely moving up the scale.
15:04Okay.
15:05Shall we go and have a look inside?
15:07Yes.
15:07Yes.
15:09As well as access to the communal pool, this house has a terrace at the front and a larger
15:14one at the back.
15:15Inside, there's a lovely sunroom.
15:17A large light and bright open plan living, dining and kitchen space.
15:23Two good sized bedrooms.
15:25And a bathroom.
15:29Aha.
15:30Here we are.
15:33It's a lot better than the previous property.
15:35Okay.
15:36Definitely.
15:36I like the beams and I actually like the height as well.
15:41Yes.
15:41And it is nice, light and airy.
15:43Open plan kitchen doesn't worry me at all.
15:46Probably needs updating a bit.
15:48But we could live with it.
15:50Okay.
15:50So, size wise.
15:52We're bigger in here.
15:54Definitely better.
15:54Let's see if the bedrooms are bigger as well.
15:58I hope so.
15:58Yeah?
15:58Come on with me.
16:02Here we are.
16:04Bigger.
16:05Brighter.
16:06It seems airy, right?
16:08Yes.
16:09A lot.
16:10It is.
16:10It is.
16:11And a nice breeze.
16:12I know chilling out is very, very important for you both on this journey.
16:16And I have a special place where I think you could do that.
16:19Shall I show you?
16:20Yes, please.
16:20Yes.
16:21Okay.
16:26This, Graham and Annette, is what I call your lovely chill out zone.
16:30That's nice.
16:31It is.
16:31Good view.
16:32Great view, right?
16:33Yep.
16:34You can imagine at night time with a glass of wine just looking across and seeing all the
16:37little lights coming on.
16:39I think it's good.
16:40It's nice.
16:41There is a space that I think you would really enjoy as well.
16:43An outside area.
16:44Mm-hmm.
16:45The swimming pool.
16:46Yes, please.
16:47Sounding better.
16:48Yeah.
16:48Shall we go and take a quick look?
16:50Yes, please.
16:51Good duck.
16:52Ready to go.
16:52We're going swimming.
16:53Yes.
16:57Look, I'm giving you a pool.
17:00Yeah, that's really nice actually.
17:01Actually, it is a good pool.
17:03It is.
17:03It's lovely.
17:04Yeah.
17:04And it's nice to see proper grass around as well.
17:08Yeah.
17:08And areas to put your deck chairs out if necessary.
17:10No, very nice.
17:11Yeah, very good.
17:12No, it's really nice.
17:13But on that note, why don't you go and take a look at the rest of the property.
17:17Mm-hmm.
17:17And then you can come find me after and let me know what you think.
17:20Mm-hmm.
17:21Can we go for a swim?
17:22You can swim if you want.
17:23I'll come and find you the pool.
17:24I'd love to.
17:25See you later.
17:26Bye-bye.
17:29I mean, this is the first pool that they're seeing and what a pool.
17:32So I'm hoping they like the rest of the property.
17:36Oh, not bad size.
17:38It's similar size, isn't it, to the other one?
17:41Probably a little bit smaller, but still not a bad size bedroom for another double.
17:47Well, Annette and Graham wanted a place with more space and I've definitely given them that
17:51with this house, which is on the market for a negotiable just under £215,000.
17:56They seem to like lots of things about it, not least that communal pool.
18:01Hola.
18:01Hola.
18:02Hola, hola, hola.
18:04Como estas?
18:06Very good.
18:07Yeah?
18:08Yes.
18:09Liked it?
18:10Yes.
18:10Okay.
18:11Great improvement to the first property.
18:12The only concern I have is perhaps the lack of garden space for us.
18:18Yes.
18:19I think, as Annette said, it's just that everywhere is tiled so there's no garden for us to potter
18:25in if that's what we do eventually.
18:27Yeah.
18:28Leaps and bounds over what we saw earlier on.
18:31Does that mean we've got a bit of a contender here?
18:35Possibly.
18:36Okay.
18:36Yeah, it's definitely not a no.
18:38Right.
18:38No.
18:39I'll take that.
18:40Yeah.
18:40What could I improve on here?
18:42Icing on the cake would be to come up with another bedroom, so three bedrooms rather
18:48than two, and perhaps just a slightly larger kitchen area.
18:52Say no more.
18:54Come with me.
18:55Okay.
18:55Okay.
18:56Well, definitely not a no is better than a flat out no.
18:59And I really think we're making progress on this house home.
19:03If Graham and Annette want a third bedroom, we're going to have to look a bit further inland.
19:08And our next property is in the town of Fauna, about 20 minutes from the coast.
19:13Before we take a closer look at it, we're going to view it at a distance along with some
19:17other stunning views.
19:20I mean, guys, I may say so myself, we happen to be in heaven.
19:31Beauty, serenity, regal with the castle up there, the castle of La Forna.
19:37Lovely.
19:38Absolutely lovely.
19:39Definitely ticks all the boxes for a relaxing lifestyle, definitely.
19:43Listen, property number three that I'm about to show you.
19:47If you point your eyes in that direction, we just about see the tip of the house.
19:54Oh.
19:55Peeking out at the trees.
19:56There you go.
19:57Yeah.
19:57You like the look of that?
19:58I do.
19:59That looks promisingly.
20:00It's a 20-minute walk away uphill or a three-minute drive?
20:04Oh, I'll do the 20-minute walk.
20:06Yeah.
20:06Should we get those steps in?
20:08Come with me.
20:09Okay.
20:12Coming up, will my next property, a four-bedroom villa with a private pool, and these spectacular
20:18views be just what Annette and Graham are looking for.
20:27Today, I'm on Spain's northern Costa Blanca, helping Annette and her husband Graham find
20:31their dream holiday home to share with their dog Jack and cat Lily.
20:35And even though there's room for improvement, I've got myself my first potential contender.
20:41My house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £220,000, liked lots of things about this
20:47house, but felt it was slightly lacking in terms of outside space, and would ideally have
20:52liked another bedroom as well.
20:56So true to my word, I found them more room with property number three, in the town of Fauna,
21:01around 20 minutes drive from the nearest beach.
21:04Being that bit further inland makes this quite an affordable area, but to get the extra space
21:09for Annette and Graham means I've had to use up nearly all of their wiggle room.
21:14This is our third property.
21:17Looks interesting.
21:18Mm-hmm.
21:19I like the steps.
21:20Right.
21:21It does need a wee bit of TLC by the looks of it.
21:24It does need a little bit of TLC.
21:26Mm-hmm.
21:26But, listen to this.
21:28This is a detached property.
21:32You asked me in our previous property for more bedrooms.
21:36Mm-hmm.
21:36This particular house has four bedrooms.
21:40Impressive.
21:41Four bedrooms.
21:42Mm-hmm.
21:43Two bathrooms.
21:44One of which is an ensuite.
21:46There is a lot of outdoor space.
21:48A lot of space for you to do gardening.
21:51Whatever you would like.
21:53And?
21:54There may be a pool.
21:56Oh really?
21:56Mm.
21:58That's your very own.
22:00So, this particular property has just come on the market.
22:03You're one of the first people to see it.
22:05Been on the market for around two weeks.
22:07It's on the market for just under £219,500.
22:11Yeah.
22:12That's fine.
22:12Yeah.
22:13No, it looks exciting.
22:14Yeah.
22:14Want to get in and have a look?
22:15Yeah.
22:16That one's exciting.
22:19This villa sits on almost half an acre of land,
22:21including a private pool and lots of different terrace areas.
22:26Inside, there's a large light and bright living and dining room.
22:30A separate kitchen with an adjoining utility room.
22:34The main bedroom with an ensuite shower room.
22:37Three more good-sized bedrooms,
22:39one of which is currently used as an office,
22:42as well as a bathroom.
22:45Da-da!
22:46It's a lot more modern than I...
22:48Well, not modern, but more clean lines, I think, inside.
22:52I was expecting something a wee bit older-looking.
22:55Okay.
22:56But this is well-kept.
22:57Yeah, it's pretty impressive.
22:59Shall I show you the main bedroom?
23:01Yes, please.
23:02Yeah?
23:02Yeah, that one sounds good.
23:04This great hallway.
23:08I mean, you've got the beautiful views,
23:11but by far, this is the biggest room we have seen so far.
23:18And guys, look at that.
23:20Really nice.
23:21That's an impressive view.
23:23From your very own bed.
23:26I like it.
23:27I do like it.
23:28In order to just enjoy retirement,
23:31I have the perfect spot where you can do that.
23:34Yes, please.
23:35That's brilliant.
23:36Good.
23:40I mean, I can finally offer you your very own private pool with a view.
23:46I'm speechless, actually.
23:47I think it's really nice.
23:49It's ticking all the right boxes.
23:52Whilst you're sitting here in the sun, you've just got a fantastic view.
23:57Yeah.
23:57It is.
23:58You know, it goes on and on, doesn't it?
24:00There's still a lot for you to discover inside.
24:03Go have a look, and then you can let me know what you think after.
24:07Yeah?
24:08Yeah.
24:08See you in the same.
24:09Bye-bye.
24:10Bye-bye.
24:12Their reactions say all, and I believe I may have myself my very first solid contender.
24:20Oh.
24:23Good-sized kitchen, actually, Annette.
24:25It is.
24:26Better than the other ones we've seen, size-wise.
24:29It needs updating, obviously.
24:31A house that just keeps giving by the looks of it.
24:33Yeah, it does.
24:34Well, I was looking for a property with a bit of a wow factor, and it looks like I've
24:38got one with this villa, which is on the market for just under £219,500.
24:43Graham and Annette seem to really like everything about it, despite it needing a bit of updating.
24:49It ticks all the right boxes, capping it off with the view and a swimming pool.
24:57And it's got four bedrooms.
24:59You know, it goes on and on.
25:00Yeah.
25:00So, it's a completely different league to the two properties that we've seen so far.
25:05I think the only thing that worries us at the moment is, yes, it needs updating a wee bit
25:11and how much that is going to cost.
25:13But, no.
25:14Very nice.
25:16Contender?
25:17Yes, actually.
25:18Yes.
25:19It's bunked the previous property off, most definitely.
25:22Oh, so that's gone?
25:23Yeah.
25:23Oh, yeah.
25:23Definitely.
25:24Moving on from this, how about I just show you something different that you could compare
25:30this magnificent property to?
25:31Sounds good.
25:32You can try.
25:32I can try.
25:33You can try.
25:33Cover me.
25:34Thanks.
25:35I can try.
25:36That view.
25:37Oh, my God.
25:39I'm really pleased Graham and Annette liked that place so much.
25:42And finally, having a contender in the bag gives me the confidence to show them somewhere
25:46a little bit different next.
25:48Property number four is in the village of Benimarco, which is mainly Spanish but does have some residents
25:53from other parts of Europe.
25:55I've gone for a full-on country house, or as the Spaniards call it, a finca.
25:59And once again, I'm near the top of Annette and Graham's wiggle room.
26:03But that price is up for negotiation.
26:07Now, I call it my wild card for a reason.
26:11Property number four.
26:13Wild Western.
26:15Completely different.
26:16Yes.
26:17Completely different.
26:18This property sits on half an acre of land.
26:21Plenty of room for Jack to roll around, stroll around.
26:23Plenty of room for you to garden and plant stuff in.
26:28Hmm.
26:28The property itself is three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
26:32The downfall of this, I'll be honest, is there is no pool.
26:36Because of the fact that it's rustic land, you're not actually allowed to build a pool here.
26:41There is an option of building an above-ground pool in one of the corners of the garden just there.
26:47So it would be an elevated pool, which you could close in with decking.
26:52So it kind of looks similar to a built-in pool.
26:56Okay.
26:56Properties on the market for just under £219,500.
27:01And I've been told it's negotiable.
27:04Okay.
27:05I call it my wild card because it is in need of a little bit of a transformation.
27:11Okay.
27:11Now you're going to have to look at this one on your own.
27:13Okay.
27:14Then come and find me after and let me know what you think.
27:18Okay.
27:18But remember, just see, think about what you could do inside when you go in.
27:22We'll let you know.
27:23Yeah?
27:23Yeah.
27:24Keeping everything crossed for you guys.
27:26Okay.
27:26See you soon.
27:33Taking a bit of a risk with this one, but let's see if it pays off.
27:38This finca has tons of outside space with lots of different terraces and places to sit in the sun.
27:44And the shade too.
27:45Inside, there's a very spacious living room.
27:48The main kitchen, which has its own sitting area.
27:51Another large living area, which isn't being used.
27:54Plus a second summer kitchen and a WC downstairs.
27:59Upstairs, there's the main bedroom, which has its own balcony.
28:02Along with two more bedrooms and a bathroom.
28:07One step.
28:10Not what I expected.
28:12Completely different.
28:12It's definitely a larger space than we've seen before in any of the others.
28:18Different space.
28:20Fireplace is nice.
28:21I like the beams.
28:25This is quite a cosy little area.
28:28I've got a snug area.
28:29Snug area.
28:30So I can watch you cook for me.
28:32And give you instructions at the same time.
28:34Hmm.
28:36We'll see.
28:37I like this.
28:37Actually, it is different, isn't it?
28:39Yeah.
28:43I like the pantry, actually.
28:44Yeah.
28:46Okay.
28:47I think there's probably too much work to do.
28:51I don't know whether there's much point in seeing much more at this point.
28:54So I think we'll just go off and see if we can find Lee now.
28:58Yeah.
28:58This country house, or Finca, which is on the market for a negotiable just under £219,500,
29:04is a bit of a risk because even though it offers a lot to Annette and Graham,
29:08does need a fair bit doing to it.
29:11So I'm waiting to find out whether it's a risk that's paid off.
29:16This is quite abrupt.
29:18It is.
29:19Quite quick.
29:20It is.
29:20Well, we didn't go upstairs.
29:22Okay.
29:23But I love the...
29:25I do like the house, but I don't think we've got necessarily the time or perhaps the money
29:32to do the justice it deserves.
29:35What did you make of the downstairs?
29:37Liked it.
29:41No?
29:42Wasn't for you?
29:43Nope.
29:43It's a bit much.
29:44We can't...
29:45No, no, no, no, no, no.
29:46We just can't give it the love that it deserves.
29:49Okay.
29:50We don't want to spend all the time doing it up.
29:52Yeah.
29:52And not being able to really enjoy it once it is done.
29:57Quite overcome by emotion.
29:59Yeah, not like me.
30:00So it's a big decision, isn't it?
30:01It is to say no to something, but yes.
30:05I love how you bring the humour to it as well.
30:07Bless you.
30:07It's been four houses down, but it's quite a big decision, isn't it?
30:11It is, so no pressure.
30:12Yeah.
30:13Does it feel quite overwhelming?
30:16It is, because obviously I'd love a house out here, but...
30:19Yeah.
30:21Not meant to be.
30:21Just not meant to be.
30:22Okay, so this one isn't quite the one.
30:26Mm-hmm.
30:26One last time.
30:27No pressure.
30:29No pressure?
30:30No.
30:31Okay, let's do this one last time.
30:33Okay.
30:33Yeah?
30:35Would you like to come with me?
30:35We'll go find that last house.
30:37Oh, yes.
30:38Excuse me, Greg.
30:39Come on then.
30:41Coming up, I hope to get this house hunt moving back in the right direction with my fifth and
30:46final property.
30:47Looks good.
30:48It looks very good, actually.
30:49Yeah?
30:50Nice flow to it.
30:57Today I'm in Spain with Annette and Graham house hunting on the glorious northern Costa
31:01Blanca, and so far I've bagged myself one solid contender, a four bedroom detached house,
31:07and I'm hoping to get myself another one.
31:10My house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £220,000, really like this house in the
31:15hillside town of Fauna, despite it needing a bit of updating.
31:20But I reckon my fifth and final place, this Finco with a pool that's ready to move into,
31:25will impress them just as much, if not even more.
31:30But before we go there, I'm looking at the top end of the property market here in the
31:34northern Costa Blanca, and I've come to the countryside close to the town of Benita Chell
31:38to check out this funky Finca with four beds, four baths, and some stunning outside space.
31:45I'm meeting the agent for a tour.
31:47Ah, Romy, how are you?
31:49Hi, Lee.
31:50Fine.
31:50Nice to meet you.
31:51I've got to say, this is quite a unique property.
31:54I know.
31:55Yeah, it's called Finca El Escondite.
31:57It is Spanish for the hideaway.
31:59And once I show you inside, I think you will understand why it's called like that, so.
32:04Please, let's have a look.
32:05Of course.
32:06Yeah?
32:07Wow.
32:11Certainly a hideaway.
32:13I can see why you said that.
32:14I know, and this is the kitchen.
32:16It's really the heart of the property.
32:17Yeah.
32:18So as you can see over there, you have a living room.
32:21There's four bedrooms, and there's little hallways, and it's really a hideaway.
32:26So that's one living space.
32:28Yeah, that's one of the two living spaces.
32:30Yeah.
32:30What I will show you now is the second one, which is mainly used in summer.
32:34Yes.
32:35Please.
32:40My, my, my.
32:42Wow.
32:43I think the great thing about this property is the fact that it's just oozing with character.
32:48I know.
32:49Wow.
32:49I mean, I love it.
32:50It is fantastic.
32:51And those doors lead to?
32:52Lead to the pool terrace.
32:54So I can't wait to show you that as well.
32:55Yes, yes.
32:56The pool, please.
33:02I mean, there is literally only one word to describe this.
33:07And I've said this many times today, but wow.
33:10Wow.
33:11Wow.
33:11This is just such a jewel.
33:13Yeah.
33:13It really is.
33:14And how much is this property worth?
33:16So it's currently on the market for just over one million pounds.
33:19Okay.
33:20And it is such a unique property.
33:22Honestly, Romy, I don't want to leave.
33:24I get that.
33:24But I've got to head back.
33:25Thank you so much.
33:26You're welcome.
33:27It's lovely to meet you.
33:27Of course.
33:28You're going to drag me away.
33:29Go on then.
33:30Go on.
33:31Well, I think that thinker was pretty blooming special.
33:33And I reckon Graham and Annette would thinker the same thing.
33:37But enough of that.
33:38It's time to head to our fifth and final property in the town of Parsent.
33:42After a quick stop off in a place close by, which I think my house hunters, not to mention
33:47their four-legged friend Jack, will really love.
33:50On our final stop, I've brought us to the beautiful village of Parsent, nestled in this
33:56beautiful valley, surrounded by greenery.
33:59Sounds like a dream, doesn't it?
34:00It does.
34:01And it looks like a dream as well.
34:03Yeah?
34:03It really does.
34:04It is beautiful, isn't it?
34:05There are local groups here that walk their dog.
34:07Every Thursday, they all meet up.
34:09And they meet up in Denya Beach to walk their dogs.
34:12Jack can find a few friends.
34:13And you guys can meet a few people here as well.
34:16Is that something that would be up your street?
34:18We've always noticed that, you know, if you've got a dog, it's easier to make friends
34:23because the dogs go to each other and you automatically start talking to the people who own them.
34:28So it is a way of getting into a local community.
34:32It's a good way of meeting people, definitely.
34:34The fifth property is a three-minute drive from here or a 20-minute walk.
34:41Let's get going. Come on, guys.
34:42Final one.
34:44Passant is a mainly Spanish town with less than one in ten of its population coming from other parts of
34:49Europe.
34:50And we're around half an hour's drive from the nearest beach.
34:53Prices here have gone up by more than 10% in the last year.
34:56So to end with a real cracker, I've had to go over Annette and Graham's maximum budget.
35:00Though I've had a chat with a seller who's assured me there's flexibility on the price.
35:05You've got a glorious pool right there, a glorious view.
35:10This finca is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom finca.
35:18I like the view. You've got the town in between us and the hills.
35:22And it's quiet. This is a nice area, definitely.
35:26This property, because of the location, because of its condition, it is on the market just over £241,000.
35:34But because it is being sold directly by the vendor, I've had a chat with him.
35:41And he would be willing to look at offers at the top end of your wiggle room.
35:45OK.
35:46So we obviously have one contender, which is that great four-bed detached property in La Forna.
35:54How do they compare?
35:55Right. This is where we tell you the property in La Forna is not in the running anymore.
36:02It is the one in Moriah.
36:06A total 360 change.
36:08When did that happen?
36:09Yeah, on the way here, we had a quick conversation and decided that the four-bedroomed house in La Forna
36:18was probably a bit too much of a money pit and would probably take us too long to get it
36:24up to the standard that we would be happy with.
36:27Right.
36:27So, therefore, we suddenly decided to go completely 180 out back to the house in Moriah, which would be more
36:34of a holiday home,
36:36would probably be a better bet than the four-bedroomed property.
36:41So, really, you're now looking at this property compared to the one in Moriah.
36:47Yeah.
36:47We have a new contender.
36:49Yes.
36:49To be clear.
36:50Yes.
36:51It's the property back in Moriah.
36:52Yes.
36:53Shall we go and take a look inside at this one then?
36:56Yes, please.
36:56That would be good.
36:57Come with me.
36:58Before you tell me anything else.
37:00Well, that was a bit of a surprise.
37:02Anyway, this Finca has a private pool with surrounding courtyard and an outdoor kitchen area,
37:07as well as another terrace and some land next to it which the current owner has access to but doesn't
37:13own.
37:14Inside, which is all on one level, there's a light and bright living and dining room with an adjoining sunroom,
37:20a separate galley kitchen, the main bedroom with an ensuite shower room, along with two more bedrooms,
37:27both of which have ensuite shower rooms.
37:31Here we are, my lovelies.
37:35Again, we've got, I don't know how I've done this, but I've managed to find wooden beams everywhere I go.
37:39You have.
37:40You obviously take them from one place to the other.
37:42To the other.
37:43It's very hard work.
37:44I think it looks good, I must admit.
37:46It's the old charm that we like.
37:49It looks good.
37:50It looks very good, actually.
37:51Yeah.
37:51Nice flow to it.
37:53So, carrying on with the theme of the wooden beams on the ceiling, this is the main bedroom.
37:59Lots of light coming through as well, and it is quite a nice size.
38:03It is, because it allows you to do other things in it.
38:07Yes.
38:07Yes.
38:08It would benefit with different colour coming in, I think, as well.
38:12Just to warm it up a bit.
38:13Yeah.
38:13Shall we go and take a look at the courtyard?
38:15Yes, please.
38:16After you guys.
38:19And we move out here to our beautiful courtyard.
38:25Nice for Jack as well.
38:27It is.
38:27Yeah.
38:27It's a lovely area.
38:29You also have the use of this land next to you right now,
38:33which is rustic land.
38:35So, as far as we know, but that may change.
38:37The Spanish government has protected this, so no one would ever build on this.
38:41Good.
38:42Currently, this property has access to it.
38:45Quite a significant amount of land.
38:49Yeah.
38:50Well, why don't you go and discover the rest of the property,
38:52and then, for the final time, you can let me know what you think,
38:55and if I have a new contender.
38:57Okay.
38:58Yeah?
38:58Right.
38:59This one is a contender, not another one.
39:00No.
39:02Okay.
39:02See you later.
39:07I mean, they seem to like it, but who knows?
39:10So, let's see how they get on with the rest of the property.
39:13Hmm.
39:15A kitchen.
39:16It's a wee bit smaller than I expected, I must admit, but it's user-friendly.
39:22Yeah.
39:22It looks, it looks alright.
39:25This finca, or country house, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £241,000,
39:31gives Graham and Annette the space, the views, and the finish they've asked for.
39:35And they seem to like it.
39:37So, I think I could be ending this house hunt on a high note.
39:41Oh, coming out of the hideaway.
39:44Oh, yes.
39:45I am eagerly awaiting your response as I take in this breathtaking view.
39:50Okay.
39:50We like the area.
39:51We like the main part of the house.
39:54It's excellent.
39:55The only bit that was a wee bit odd for us was the piece of land out the back.
40:01Okay.
40:02If we knew we could definitely kind of have it with the property, that would be a deal-changer
40:08for us, but it's too uncertain.
40:10We're ruling this one out?
40:12Yes.
40:13No.
40:14Yes.
40:15Don't do uncertainty.
40:17Okay.
40:17And I think if we're here during the winter period, I think there's more going on in Moreira
40:23probably during the winter period than there might be up here.
40:27Okay.
40:27So, I think Moreira has pulled us that way.
40:30Okay.
40:31Even though there's more work to do in the property to get it up to where we would like it
40:36to be.
40:36I can't believe I'm saying this.
40:37But the one that we love is the one that we rejected before.
40:42It is the two-bed in Moreira.
40:45Yeah.
40:45So, we'd like to go back if possible and have a look at it.
40:48Want to have a second look at it?
40:49Yes, please.
40:50Okay.
40:50I'll get that second viewing arranged and then see you in the morning.
40:54Sounds good.
40:55Yeah, definitely.
40:57Oh, yes.
41:05If you'd like more information on any of the properties featured on today's show, visit
41:09aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
41:12We've now shown Graham and Annette all five properties here in the northern Costa Blanca for their budget of £200
41:18,000 with an additional £20,000 wiggle room.
41:22And after a bit of a turnaround at the end, we've ended up with just one contender.
41:26This two-bedroom house in Moreira, which they previously rejected.
41:30They went to have another look at it yesterday, so I'm really interested to find out how that went and
41:35what they want to do next.
41:39Graham and Annette, good morning.
41:41Morning.
41:41Morning, Lee.
41:42So, when we finished our search, you did a 180 on me.
41:46The property in La Forna, that great four-bedroom, you fell in love with it instantly as soon as we
41:51kind of walked in and around.
41:52But then when we got to our last property, you told me that that had now disappeared in terms of
41:59contender and we had a new one, which was the two-bedroom house in Moreira.
42:07You went back, you saw the property for a second time.
42:11We went back and we still liked the property.
42:15Yeah.
42:15We still liked the area.
42:17Yes.
42:18But for us, coming out here is about the countryside, about the views, and we just felt the garden perhaps
42:26wasn't quite large enough for us.
42:29There was kind of three main areas that you could just sit in, have your breakfast, have your coffee, but
42:35there wasn't any views.
42:36We were pretty well surrounded.
42:39But also, we have a dog, and we couldn't see him pacing around, I would say, a large garden.
42:48It was just a seating area, effectively.
42:51Yeah.
42:51And that, for us, would have been too much of a compromise.
42:54It is about the outside as well.
42:57And what it actually tells us is that what we are looking for isn't really achievable in our budget at
43:07the moment.
43:08Right, right.
43:08So, we've either got to make horrendous compromises that we would have to live with and probably wouldn't make it
43:16as an enjoyable experience.
43:17Sure.
43:17Or, we've got to look at perhaps extending our budget somehow.
43:21So, I think we'd rather go back home, lick our wounds, and start saving again.
43:28Right, okay.
43:29But, we're going to come back out probably towards the end of this year, beginning of next year, rent a
43:36property in the Mariah area for two to three months.
43:40And we'll just move forward from that once we've saved some more money.
43:45So, we now know Mariah is where you want to be.
43:47Yes.
43:48It just comes across as a clean, lively town.
43:51This area is very, very in demand.
43:53So, if you do find something, my only piece of advice would be to move quickly.
43:57But, to get kind of everything that you guys are after, I mean, it would be looking at possibly another
44:0470,000 or more.
44:06I hope you've learnt something from this, and eventually, I really hope to hear that you've found your dream property
44:12here.
44:13Keep me in the loop.
44:14Good luck in your future.
44:16Yeah.
44:16It's going to be great.
44:17Wherever you find.
44:18Good luck.
44:18Cheers.
44:19Thank you very much for all of you.
44:26What a shame.
44:26We were so close, but I do understand that it has to be the right property for them.
44:31But, I am glad that I've helped them find the right location that they want to be in.
44:34And, I wish Annette and Graham all the very best for their future here in Northern Costa Blanca.
44:40Annette and Graham have stayed in touch with agents we introduced them to.
44:43And, are looking for properties online ahead of their planned visit later in the year.
44:47Fingers crossed they find their perfect place in the sun.
44:53If you'd like help with your property search and want to be on a place in the sun, then go
44:56to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:06Let's get!
45:17We'll see you next time.
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