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00:01Every year, a new wave of dreamers pack up their lives and head for the sun.
00:05It just reminds me of the Wild West. It's just stunning.
00:08It's definitely very much different from a top-floor flat in Edinburgh.
00:11And we're joining them as their adventures begin across Europe.
00:15This is what we've been waiting for. It's beautiful.
00:18That's the Atlantic Ocean.
00:20This is where the work begins, mister.
00:22Playing the part...
00:24...of chateau owners in France...
00:27We've never done this before. We're making it up as we go along.
00:29...to launching fitness retreats in Bulgaria.
00:32Secret cards!
00:34But will their gamble pay off?
00:37Absolutely bonkers, but it's what we came for, yeah?
00:41Or will they fail to hit their target?
00:44Brexit has put the complications into overdrive.
00:48As they carve out...
00:50...their new lives in the sun.
00:52I just still feel like I'm on holiday a little bit.
00:55It's not sunk in yet, but this is my actual home now.
00:58What a lovely place to live.
01:01Today, love is in the air.
01:04But can a chateau owner in France deliver a wedding to remember?
01:09I do go a bit over top sometimes.
01:11A former soap star turned holiday host
01:14plots out the next phase of his new life in Italy.
01:17It's heavier than it looks.
01:19But can he afford his grand plans?
01:23This, ultimately, is where I want the pool to be.
01:27I need to do quite a bit of saving up before then.
01:30I need to make some money.
01:32And a thing's about to become unstuck for a couple in Tuscany.
01:36Little-dee-dee. I've split the cork.
01:38As they reach the climax of their summer season for their new art business.
01:43We're just trying to make it pay for itself, really, by trying to bring a bit of money in.
01:56From the Renaissance masters who shaped history to modern creators seeking a muse,
02:03Tuscany in central Italy is a place where creativity feels as natural as the landscape itself.
02:10And for Tara and Branton from London...
02:13It's amazing how the sun's still shining.
02:15She's having the best time today.
02:18She'll sleep well this afternoon.
02:19..they've leaned into the region's artistic side
02:23by setting up a new business from their hilltop villa
02:26on the outskirts of the medieval village of Petchley.
02:29I think it just has its own little character.
02:32It's higgledy-piggledy, but it's our higgledy-piggledy.
02:35Their plan, to invite budding artists for poolside painting experiences.
02:41This is the wow factor.
02:43Yeah, it's the wow factor, it is.
02:45We set them up up here because in the distance there is the view of Petchley,
02:48which is what it's all about.
02:50And from here they've got the inspiration,
02:52whether they want to paint Petchley or whether they want to paint Rolling Hills.
02:56It's just the idea of being surrounded by nature.
03:01Having trialled the venture last year,
03:04this summer the pressure's now on for Tara,
03:06who has a background in family law,
03:08and Branton, a former lighting designer,
03:11to find out if they can make their idea into a profitable business.
03:16We're just trying to make it pay for itself, really,
03:19by trying to bring a bit of money in.
03:21Tara's the go-getter.
03:22Tara, when she wants something, she goes after it.
03:25I do.
03:26Moving here was initially my dream.
03:29I'm half Italian,
03:31and it's just something that, for some reason, I just had a passion about,
03:36and it wasn't very difficult to get Branton to buy into it.
03:41Once you've got the idea in your heart,
03:44and you can see a future here, then you go for it.
03:50It's now July in Tuscany,
03:52and after advertising their painting experiences online and locally,
03:58Tara and Branton have a new booking.
04:00But recent unseasonal weather means some tricky decisions need to be made ahead of today's session.
04:07We were debating whether to set up down here,
04:10whether to set up up by the pool,
04:13and we've just been waiting literally by the hour watching the weather forecast,
04:17and the sun's come out, so I'm hoping it's here to stay.
04:20So now we need to do a quick march and get everything ready and get everything outside,
04:24so it's all systems go.
04:27Erecting easels and prepping paint brushes...
04:30Is the wind picking up, Branton?
04:33Err, feels like it.
04:36There's almost no time for the pair to catch their breath before their guests have arrived.
04:42Chin chin, welcome.
04:45Welcome, welcome.
04:47So once we've set you up painting, we'll leave you there probably for about an hour and a half,
04:53but we will stop for aperitivi and wine tasting.
04:57Shall we get started?
05:00At €150 a head for a sunset painting experience with drinks and snacks,
05:06up at the top of the hill, Tara and Branton help get everyone set up.
05:11Choose your colours.
05:12Put a small splodge, because otherwise it will dry quickly.
05:17This is the first time, very excited.
05:19I'm going to have to go around, because I want to do a picture of Petra, which is in front
05:22of me.
05:23I've never ever used the medium of acrylics before, so I have no idea how that's going to work.
05:29We've only got a little bit of wind, so rain's stopped, a little cloudy, so a lovely temperature.
05:37The wind's the only slight concern, but we're just getting everybody sorted now, so everybody's happy.
05:43But less than an hour later, the skies begin to darken.
05:49Well, that was a big drop.
05:51Take your drinks down to the kitchen.
05:54Going to go down, have a chat, and then come back in five minutes once it's blown over.
05:59But not everyone is keen to take refuge.
06:02I'm in my artistic flow. You don't understand. Us artists, you know, we're just in the zone. This is it.
06:10Can't let anything interrupt me.
06:13Fortunately, the rain is short-lived, and Jenny's soon rejoined by the others eager to finish their masterpieces.
06:22I'm done. I can't see how I can improve that.
06:27I'm really enjoying this, and I find it very liberating.
06:30Very therapy. Very therapeutic.
06:34I really love to paint, and that was the perfect setting and landscape to paint today.
06:39While the session's gone well, and been a good earner for Tara and Branton,
06:46it's also a stark reminder that their success will heavily rely on Mother Nature.
07:00While Tara holds a dual British and Italian citizenship, for others navigating a move from the UK to Europe post
07:08-Brexit, there can be many twists and turns.
07:12Not dissimilar to what you might encounter when hiking one of the many majestic peaks found in Italy's Piedmont region.
07:21It's a real dip here.
07:24Something Stephen from London knows all too well.
07:28I've walked through there.
07:32Now it's completely overgrown.
07:35In 2023, he left behind his life as an actor to pursue a new career as a holiday host, after
07:43buying a two-bedroom farmhouse with an adjacent property, which he converted into a pair of self-contained apartments to
07:51offer guests rural escapes.
07:54We're kind of in the middle of three cities, Genova, Turin, Milan, they form a triangle around us. And we're
08:02kind of in the foothills of the Alps.
08:05There's not a huge amount of tourism yet in this immediate area, but it's kind of growing.
08:11But Stephen's efforts to tap into that growing market have so far been thwarted by bureaucracy, property maintenance issues and
08:20visa struggles, meaning he's currently only allowed to be in Italy every 90 days.
08:28I thought that just buying a house here would get me the penmezzo di soggiorno. It doesn't. It makes no
08:39difference whatsoever whether you own property here or not.
08:42It was a massive learning curve, but, you know, I'm kind of finding ways around everything.
08:48It forces you to be creative. It forces you to really want it, because if you don't really want it,
08:56then you've got no chance at all.
09:01It's now mid-October in northern Italy.
09:05So, clearing the rest of the acacia today, you will need the chainsaw and the other sores, probably.
09:12After a challenging summer, today Stephen's powering on with his vision to create the perfect base for a break amongst
09:20nature by clearing away invasive trees on his land with help from volunteers.
09:27So, it's this little group here. We'll saw them, we'll get them down and then process the trees in the
09:36usual way.
09:38Eric, Carla and Abraham from Latin America are travelling around Europe and, as part of a volunteering scheme, are lending
09:46a hand in exchange for free bed and board.
09:50They're amazing workers and really happy and they come and work for me for five hours a day and they
09:58get the weekends off and they go and see places of local interest.
10:01They're helping me with Project Acacia. I've got an infestation of acacia trees and they're not native and they're coming
10:10to this really rich soil and loads of moisture and loads of sunshine and heat and they go insane.
10:18And they're totally outstripping all the indigenous plants I've got here. So, unfortunately, they've got to go.
10:27As Stephen checks in on mid-morning progress, the acacia trees are proving no match for his volunteers.
10:36That's so much better. I'm really glad they were able to take those without getting rid of these saplings here
10:44because I do want trees. I just don't want it all to be acacia.
10:49His new workforce have also been able to clear the back of his rental units, which he hopes will now
10:56provide a long-term fix to the damp issues he experienced earlier in the season.
11:02This whole area was full of tree and plant material. This is going to be the solution. And, to be
11:13honest, it's dried out a heck of a lot already.
11:16And it means Stephen will soon be able to have both of his rental units back online for bookings, which
11:23he hopes will signal the start of a turn in fortune.
11:31Coming up...
11:32More haze. Less speedy.
11:34A chateau owner in France faces a staffing crisis on her biggest day of the season.
11:40I'm going to do all the checks myself. I just want everything to be perfect.
11:44And there's a difference of opinion as Tara and Branton also strive to make a good impression.
11:50Are you really going to wear that hat?
11:53Why not? One man's funny, another man's fashionable.
12:08A new chapter can start at any age. Sometimes all it takes is the courage to say yes to the
12:15life waiting for you, under the sunshine of mainland Europe.
12:20Sharon and David from Lincolnshire being prime examples.
12:24It's so nice. We can sit outside and eat.
12:27It is. The weather's beautiful, isn't it?
12:29Yeah. So much different to England, eh?
12:31Yeah.
12:32The couple are the latest owners of the impressive Chateau Les Villettes in the Haute-Vienne region of central France.
12:40Cheers.
12:41Cheers, darling.
12:44Santé.
12:44Santé, yeah.
12:45Although David, who ran a packaging company for nearly six decades, took a bit more persuading.
12:52I pushed, didn't I?
12:53Yeah.
12:54I was coming of the age to retire and I didn't envisage this, but it's great.
13:00For Sharon, a former air stewardess, gliding into retirement was never on her agenda and owning this magnificent chateau set
13:10on 62 acres of land, with grand reception rooms, 12 deluxe bedrooms, as well as three separate sheets, has allowed
13:21her to embrace her passion for entertaining.
13:24She's always been crazy on catering for people, haven't you?
13:29I've always liked hospitality. I love entertaining.
13:32Yeah.
13:33I like lots of people around. So, having a chateau was just the ultimate, really.
13:39Yeah.
13:40This season, while David's been focusing on his recovery from cancer treatment...
13:45Fessy.
13:47..Sharon's taken the lead hosting guests overnighting at the chateau and developing the events arm of the business.
13:55It's becoming quite well-known now and people are recognising us from all over the world, really, which is nice.
14:03So, we can now start thinking about holding bigger events and weddings.
14:12It's now early August, and after many months of hard work leading to this moment, it's the day before Chateau
14:20Les Villettes will play host to its very first wedding.
14:23There are 120 guests expected to attend.
14:28And while the wedding party decorate the marquee, Sharon's preparing the bedrooms for the overnight guests.
14:34It's the servants' stairs. It's closed off to guests, as you could probably tell, all the cobwebs and everything else.
14:42But we just keep all our storage up here.
14:47It's going to be a full house, plus two of the geets have been booked.
14:51But at the last minute, Sharon's been asked to squeeze in a couple of extra guests.
14:57This is just going, it's only for a child, so it's OK for that.
15:04Which, erm...
15:05I don't know how to put these up, but we'll have a go.
15:11Sharon's determined to go the extra mile, because if this first wedding goes well, it could lead to more bookings.
15:18I didn't realise there was going to be four children in here.
15:21That was sprung on me yesterday.
15:23I want everything to be nice, so they can go away and say to their friends,
15:29oh, it's nice to go there, and she's accommodating and everything else.
15:33And in one of the chateau's grandest rooms, Sharon's keen to create a bridal suite to remember.
15:41This is the first time I've ever done anything like this on a bed.
15:45I wanted to try and do a heart.
15:49I do go a bit over top sometimes, but girls like it, don't they?
15:53I would be happy if I came into this room and saw that.
15:58There's a lot still to do before tomorrow.
16:00Dressing gowns, slippers.
16:04And unfortunately for the chateau's biggest event, Sharon's a man down,
16:09as her most experienced team member, Angie, has unexpectedly not been able to make it to work.
16:16Because Angie hasn't come, I'm going to do all the checks myself.
16:20So I keep coming backwards and forwards into the room.
16:23I don't know if it's just because I'm getting older and I don't see it all the time now,
16:27but I just want everything to be perfect.
16:29And on top of an already hectic schedule...
16:33More haste, less speed, eh?
16:36..Sharon's accepted an entirely separate booking for the B&B tonight.
16:41I've got some guests arriving who are also having dinner,
16:45so they'll be arriving this afternoon, so I've got to cook for them.
16:51If increasing workload and missing staff wasn't enough, there are also some extra requests from the wedding party.
16:59They want to cut the branch because they're going to have like a big arch with a big flower.
17:05Yes.
17:05And the dead part of the tree.
17:08I know we've cut some down, but I didn't know how much. Just let me have a look.
17:14The bride and groom intend to take their vows under a floral arch, but some urgent tree surgery will be
17:21required.
17:22All of that.
17:23Is there somebody that can cut it?
17:25Yes, my favourite...
17:26Oh, OK.
17:28I thought he was wanting me to.
17:30He's ready to go.
17:32OK.
17:33Yeah, that's good then.
17:34Thank you very much.
17:37That's one potential crisis averted.
17:40But a lengthy to-do list remains, and without Angie to rely on, Sharon will need to pull out all
17:47the stops to ensure tomorrow runs smoothly.
17:56Across in Italy, the importance of good ground keeping is also crucial to the success of Tara and Branton's new
18:04business.
18:05I don't just want to be on the ground picking up the weeds.
18:08What have you got to do with that?
18:09As their hilltop villa, with its five and a half acres of land, provides artistic inspiration for their guests.
18:19Today we will be weeding, and there's plenty to do because we've neglected it somewhat over the last couple of
18:26months.
18:29And the Mediterranean climate, combined with recent unseasonal rain showers, means they've got a big job on their hands.
18:38Branton's the boss, and I'm just being told what to do.
18:41But it doesn't always go very well, because I'm not very good at being told what to do, and he
18:47doesn't like me asking questions.
18:49So, yeah, I've just got to be quiet and muck in, or it'll end up in a row.
18:57But they'll have to pull together today, as they've got an imminent booking.
19:01The next experience we have is tomorrow morning first thing, so today is really the last day that we can
19:07get the last bits done.
19:09When the guests come, obviously the first thing they see is the front of the house, and then we walk
19:14up to the pool, so it needs to look pretty.
19:18Are you really going to wear that hat?
19:22Why not?
19:23Because it's funny.
19:25One man's funny, another man's fashionable.
19:31Tomorrow's guests have booked through a third-party website.
19:35This is going to take ages.
19:37This is new territory for Tara and Branton, and they need to make sure they get good reviews.
19:44I think you've found your forte, Tara.
19:46Oh, shut up.
19:47You've done an excellent job here.
19:50Probably better than I would do it.
19:52Oh, behave. I know exactly what you're doing.
19:56You're just trying to flatter me so that I'm so complimented, and I think I'm doing such a good job
20:01that I'll do it all the time.
20:03I know that trick.
20:06The pathway to their poolside painting terrace winds past one of their three olive groves, and as they move through
20:14their grounds, Branton has spotted a problem.
20:16Just looking at the ends, these have been eaten. You can see where they've been munched on.
20:22I'm really disappointed because the olives are really looking not good. I don't know whether they're diseased, but these two
20:28trees that have a few amount of olives, the olives aren't great at all.
20:33But we were hoping we might get a little harvest, but now we're looking at the olives that are here,
20:36and they don't even look like we're going to be able to do that.
20:39With their own olive oil having become a stable part of their catering package for painting guests, it's a concern.
20:48Everybody loves the fact that the oil that's on the table is from the oil that's from the land.
20:54So if we don't have any oil for them to taste, it's just taking away one thing that people really
21:00enjoy and really go away talking about, which is really disappointing.
21:06Fortunately, with enough oil from last year's harvest to see them through tomorrow's booking, the couple press on with their
21:13prep.
21:14It's a gold star for Tara. She's done exceedingly well.
21:18I've got a really bad back now, though. It's not an everyday job for me. It's one of those never
21:23-ending jobs.
21:23But for now, compared to what it looked like this morning, I think this will do for tomorrow.
21:28And then through the winter, Branton, you'll just have to keep going.
21:38The following morning, with a five-star review up for grabs from today's booking, Tara and Branton are up early
21:46working on the finishing touches.
21:49I'm sure it's the right way up.
21:51However, once again, Mother Nature has other ideas.
21:56It was not good that we woke up this morning and it was raining.
22:00It looks sunny now, but it's scheduled for another downpour just as they are due to arrive.
22:06Right as rain, Tara and Branton's guests make it to the villa, a group of Americans travelling through Europe eager
22:14to enjoy their painting retreat.
22:16Nice to meet you. Hi, nice to meet you. It's Tara. Hi, hi. Hi, I'm Oliver.
22:20Hi, Oliver. Hi, Jessica. Hi, Jessica. Nice to meet you.
22:23All Tara and Branton can do is hope that the weather holds out and doesn't put a dampener on their
22:30guests' experience.
22:36Coming up...
22:37Another toss and then we're ready.
22:39Stephen cooks up a feast for his volunteers.
22:42The whole point of hospitality and cooking for me is about sharing.
22:47Whereas in France...
22:48I've never rushed so much.
22:50Sharon's feeling the heat in the kitchen.
22:53I am struggling a little bit.
22:55Dave actually said to me I shouldn't have had guests tonight with all the wedding preparation and things.
23:11In Northern Italy, Stephen is continuing to work alongside his new volunteer workforce.
23:18It's heavier than it looks.
23:21To carve out areas within his woodland that guests who book his accommodation can enjoy.
23:29This area I'm going to be sowing wildflower seeds.
23:33So that hopefully by the spring we get some wild grasses and some wildflowers growing in here.
23:40And then I can start building little seating areas.
23:43But of course this ultimately is where I want the pool to be.
23:48A natural swimming pool.
23:50Somewhere in this area that's going to happen.
23:52I need to do quite a bit of saving up before then.
23:56I need to make some money.
23:58With his rental units back open for guest stays, Stephen's working with the third party booking website to try and
24:06drive reservations.
24:08I wonder if you could maybe just check that I have set the calendar correctly.
24:13And in turn start building up his swimming pool fund.
24:18Have a good day.
24:20There have been hundreds apparently of people viewing the listings.
24:26So we'll see.
24:28But until he's got paying guests to host, Stephen's set to be kept busy looking after his troupe of volunteers.
24:36And his next job today is to rustle up some lunch for them.
24:40This is actually my preserving pan.
24:43But it's the only thing that's big enough to cook pasta for five people.
24:47Be it for volunteers or future B&B guests, he's determined that anyone who stays gets to taste authentic Piedmont
24:57cuisine.
24:57For me, the whole point of hospitality and cooking for me is about sharing, making food and sharing food.
25:06And that is a huge passion of mine.
25:10And these guys are really appreciative.
25:12They love it.
25:13And I think they appreciate, I kind of instill it in them, but I think they appreciate my love of
25:20it through the simplicity of it.
25:22It's like this one, you know, you've got onionlotti, sage, butter and cheese.
25:26That's it.
25:27There's nothing else in it.
25:29After a morning of land clearance, a warm hearty meal.
25:34Another toss and then we're ready.
25:35Is just what everyone needs.
25:39Agnellotti con burro e salvia.
25:42Smell.
25:44This is so traditional for Piemontese.
25:47Agnellotti.
25:49Agnellotti.
25:50Agnellotti.
25:51Agnellotti.
25:52Yeah.
25:52A little bit of meat.
25:54Yes.
25:55Meat.
25:55Yes, there's meat inside.
25:58Cheers, everyone.
25:59Cheers.
26:00Cheers.
26:02Cheers.
26:03I'm just grateful.
26:04I tried something new and, yeah, I love it.
26:08Todo lo disfruto.
26:09Toda esta experiencia la estoy disfrutando al máximo y me encanta.
26:13Me encanta.
26:14I like it.
26:19While there's still an air of uncertainty around Stephen's future in Italy, as he works
26:26towards securing a residency permit and a steady flow of guest bookings.
26:30Let's find the right sizes.
26:35Despite all the challenges, he's got no regrets about chasing a new life and new business here.
26:42Completing all that and getting them exactly as I wanted them on my own was incredibly rewarding,
26:49actually.
26:51I came to this place and I fell in love and I thought this is my haven, this is where
26:55I
26:55want to be.
26:56This is where I feel safe, where I feel that I'm a part of nature and I can invite people
27:02here to enjoy it with me.
27:04Really welcome, guys.
27:06So happy to see you all.
27:07And so it's the fulfilment of that dream, really.
27:12All in all, the experience has been well worth it.
27:17I own this beautiful piece of land.
27:20Everyone who comes here absolutely loves it because it's a magical place.
27:25And I couldn't really ask for more.
27:29The only thing more I could ask for is a visa because when I'm here I'm living the life
27:36I want to live.
27:37I am totally committed to this place.
27:50Across at Chateau Les Villettes, with their first wedding tomorrow, Sharon and David are
27:56equally as dedicated to making a success of their new lives in France.
28:01This is the little Moroccan cottage.
28:03This morning they're prepping the Gites, which have also been booked out by wedding guests.
28:09Even in here.
28:10I mean, I know it's not the chateau, but I still want everything to be nice.
28:15With no staff available, David's doing what he can to help.
28:19I don't know where to put it because the bedrooms aren't really big enough.
28:23They're running at full capacity, so extra beds are required here too.
28:29I'm actually just going to leave it in here, so the bedding and everything is here.
28:34OK.
28:35As the wedding party add the finishing touches to the marquee,
28:41Sharon has dashed across the grounds back to the chateau to welcome her B&B guests.
28:48She just loves people and children.
28:50Yeah, look.
28:53Meaning for the rest of the day, she must juggle wedding duties with hosting this entirely separate booking.
29:01You can sit in the bar or you can sit in the Grand Salon.
29:06It's up to you.
29:07I'll just get you the menu for the drinks.
29:10May I take a glass of champagne?
29:12Yes, of course.
29:13Apple Spritz.
29:15OK.
29:16I'm finding it difficult at the minute because with them wanting drinks and champagne,
29:22and I've got the cooking to do as well.
29:25So I am struggling a little bit.
29:28While guests Stefan and Anna-Marie, who've travelled from Belgium,
29:32have a front row seat to watch the prep,
29:35it's not just Sharon who's feeling under pressure.
29:38So are bride and groom-to-be, Celia and Pierre.
29:42Qu'est-ce qu'on ressent? Un peu de stress? Beaucoup, peut-être.
29:46But knowing Sharon's on-hand to help is reassuring.
29:50Well, it looks like I may have to have a glass of champagne tonight.
29:55She's very, very nice.
29:57She says...
29:59She's always agree with our ideas.
30:01She says yes to a lot. She's very, very nice.
30:04She's a very good host.
30:06We're happy to share this moment with all our family and friends.
30:11Yeah, that's right.
30:12As the groom's father makes a start cutting back the troublesome tree branch...
30:19..to make way for a flower arch next to the ceremony seating...
30:26..Sharon and David hit the kitchen,
30:28as the B&B guests have also booked an evening meal.
30:32I've never rushed so much.
30:34I'm trying to make sure they get their dinner on time.
30:38Dave actually said to me I shouldn't have had guests tonight.
30:42..with all the wedding preparation and things.
30:45But these guests had booked quite a while ago.
30:48So I felt as though I couldn't cancel them.
30:53So I thought, in my wisdom, yes, everything will be fine.
30:57And it is.
30:59Just a little bit stressed trying to get the food on the table.
31:04In between courses, Sharon nips outside to check on progress.
31:09I've just cleared the chainsaw,
31:10so I'm going out there just to inspect to see what's going on.
31:15Oh, so the tree's down.
31:17Yeah, it's good, yeah.
31:19Good?
31:19Good, yeah. Très bon. Oui.
31:21You've done a good job, thank you.
31:24I'm going to leave these girls to it now, actually,
31:27because I've got to go and cook.
31:30So I would like to stay here and watch how they're going to do this arch,
31:33but I can't.
31:35But the flowers look beautiful.
31:38On the eve of the chateau's biggest and most important event to date,
31:43Sharon's had a lot on her plate.
31:46Fortunately, in their grand salon,
31:49her guests are pleased with what was on theirs.
31:51Everything okay?
31:53Well, your plates are clear.
31:55More than okay.
31:56More than okay, because we couldn't finish this.
31:59Congratulations, the cook.
32:01That's me.
32:03Congratulations, too.
32:05While Sharon's efforts have been well-received,
32:08she's been pushed to the limit.
32:10It's been quite hard tonight having other guests arrive.
32:14It's been a bit stressful,
32:15but I'm under control now and everything's good.
32:19The marquee is all finished, it looks beautiful.
32:22But I can tell you something, I can't wait for my bed tonight.
32:25I'm really tired.
32:27With the main event yet to come,
32:30Sharon will have to dig deep to make sure it's a day to remember.
32:38Coming up...
32:39Bye.
32:41Oh, he's such a man!
32:44Branton's given the run around
32:45as he and Tara go the extra mile for their guests.
32:49The supermarket doesn't have the pickles.
32:52So he's now off on a mission
32:54to find some pickled onions and pickled cucumbers.
32:57And in France...
32:58I have just seen this.
33:00Sharon's left picking up the pieces on the big day.
33:03We don't usually have that issue.
33:04So I'm just going to go and check round now.
33:17In Tuscany, it's September,
33:19and Tara and Branton are hosting their first guests,
33:23who booked one of their painting experiences
33:25through a third-party website.
33:27You know what I love is that you've each done a different medium,
33:31and I like that.
33:32The four-hour painting session, costing €175 each,
33:37includes all the art materials
33:39and a selection of Tuscan food and drink.
33:42So this is the vineyard at the bottom of the driveway there,
33:46La Palaya.
33:47Despite a few drops of rain,
33:49as the group are quickly in the zone,
33:52their creativity isn't dampened.
33:56They're quite easy going.
33:57They're not too worried about the spits of the rain.
34:00Branton's gone to get some of the fresh meats and cheeses,
34:04and I'm going to prepare some food inside,
34:07go up and set the table,
34:08and hopefully the sun will be properly out by then.
34:12There's Branton calling me from the supermarket.
34:15Hi.
34:17If today's session goes well,
34:19it could lead to more reservations from the same booking site.
34:23They'll probably be near the olive oil.
34:27So the pair are aiming to pull out all the stops,
34:30if Branton can find all the ingredients.
34:34Bye.
34:36Oh, he's such a man!
34:40The supermarket doesn't have the pickles.
34:43So he's now off on a mission to find some peopled onions and peopled cucumbers,
34:48so it'll be about an hour.
34:51With Branton held up at the shops,
34:54Tara checks in with their budding artists.
34:57Wow.
34:58These look very impressive.
35:01This is the Volterra sunset, then.
35:03It's something.
35:04We don't know what it is.
35:05It could be, like, Mars.
35:11As Branton is the resident wine expert,
35:14in his absence, it's down to Tara to top up everyone's glasses.
35:18He's normally the sommelier of the experience, yes.
35:22But he's otherwise engaged with pickles.
35:29So I'm going to open the red from a different vineyard.
35:34So you've got Petchley there, and the other side of that is their vineyard.
35:38Yeah?
35:41Oh.
35:42Biddle-dee-doo.
35:43No, I've split the cork.
35:45That's OK.
35:45It's fixable.
35:46No, is it?
35:47I knew I shouldn't have given Branton the hour off.
35:51OK, that's not happening.
35:52I'll just go and get another one.
35:57Fortunately, Branton's soon back at the villa to help out.
36:01And as Tara had hoped, the son makes an appearance,
36:05just as their table of local delicacies is ready for their guests
36:09to take a break from their easels.
36:13We've got here typical Tuscan snacks, all from the butcher,
36:17and the cheeses from a farm.
36:20And the only supermarket thing is the pickles!
36:23Hey, I didn't see the pickles.
36:25Yeah, we got the pickles.
36:26Going the extra mile for their guests today has paid off.
36:30It's a good one.
36:31With glowing reviews.
36:33They went out of their way to get, like, really good wines and pickles,
36:37and they make their own olive oil.
36:39Like, that's everything that we live for,
36:41is just making everything from scratch.
36:43It was very good.
36:45And the pair feel hopeful that more bookings could soon follow.
36:51Thank you so much for having us in your home.
36:53Not at all.
36:54Not at all.
36:54Nice meeting you.
36:55Come back.
36:56We will.
36:56Nice meeting you.
36:58Bye.
37:00I think today went really well, actually.
37:02I was quite pleased with that.
37:04Yeah, there was ripples of laughter.
37:06It was a lovely day.
37:07Yeah, I think considering it was raining and really dark clouds,
37:12and it could have gone horribly wrong, but yet again,
37:15Tuscany just throws luck our way.
37:17Yeah.
37:21At the start of the season, Tara and Branton set out to determine
37:25if their artistic venture could become a viable business.
37:30And while luck has played a part, their own hard work has undoubtedly led
37:35to their success, having now hosted over 50 budding painters.
37:40The high points for me are seeing people arrive slightly sheepish and then leave with such
37:46confidence and really proud of themselves.
37:48It is rewarding.
37:49We've done more than broke even.
37:51We've made a small, small, tiny profit.
37:54We're not ready to retire yet, but...
37:56We're still together.
37:59Yes, we've achieved our goals.
38:01High five!
38:04As their business grows, the couple are also becoming more involved in local life.
38:10Can you hear me?
38:11Yeah.
38:11I've got quite a loud voice.
38:14And the village of Petchley is feeling more like home every day.
38:18Yeah, living here is just completely different.
38:21I don't feel as frantic as I used to.
38:23And the people here are just so nice.
38:27The last thing in my mind is moving back to England.
38:31This is our home.
38:32This is where I want to be.
38:34I have no regrets at all.
38:46Back in central France, and set to start their own new and exciting chapter in life,
38:52are bride and groom-to-be Celia and Pierre.
38:56But after many months of hard work to get the chateau ready for such a special event,
39:02it's also a big day for David and Sharon.
39:06Would you like scrambled egg and smoked salmon?
39:09A little, uh, eggs.
39:11Just eggs? No salmon?
39:12No.
39:13This is Sharon's last breakfast order.
39:16But due to the impending wedding, today she has to share her kitchen with the caterers.
39:23Excuse me, I have to just make some scrambled egg.
39:27Yes?
39:27Can you give me five minutes?
39:30I've never had to share my kitchen before.
39:33If we had future weddings, and we had quite a few of them,
39:37I'd like to think we could have some sort of kitchen downstairs.
39:41If it really took off for weddings, that's what I would like to do.
39:46As the couple share their final meal together before tying the knot...
39:51Just put this here and then you can just help yourself.
39:55Sharon nips outside to the marquee,
39:58which is now set up for the afternoon celebrations for 120 guests.
40:04It looks so pretty.
40:06I want to be able to put these pictures on my website
40:10because with it being the first wedding we've had,
40:13people can see that's what we're going to be doing in the future.
40:16Now I'm just going to go outside and take some of where they'd be going to do in their vows.
40:21However, by the aisle there's something not so picturesque.
40:25I have just seen this.
40:28I'm just going to go and get a shovel.
40:30The couple's I-do's could be in serious danger of being derailed by Cocker Spaniel Betsy's doo-doos.
40:40And nobody wants to put their foot in it on their wedding day.
40:44We don't usually have that issue because we have so much ground.
40:48And it's not very often I see it.
40:50So I'm just going to go and check ground now.
40:56With the aisle clear, the red carpet rolled out.
41:00That's better.
41:02And the guests starting to take their seats.
41:05All the wedding now needs is a bride and groom.
41:16It's lovely to see. Really nice. For me and for them really.
41:21In the French sunshine and surrounded by family and friends,
41:26after an emotional ceremony, Celia and Pierre become Mr and Mrs.
41:31the family member she has been with.
41:34That's what we wanted.
41:38We had a beautiful time, and we had the people we like.
41:42Everything went well. We cried a lot. Especially me.
41:47And today we had a lot of compliments on the club.
41:50Everyone said it was beautiful.
41:53Not only has today been the fulfilment of a dream for the happy couple,
41:58but also for Sharon,
41:59who's had special events like this in her sights
42:02ever since moving to France.
42:04It's great to see the chateau being used as a wedding venue.
42:08It's what I've always wanted to do,
42:10and this is the first and hope not the last.
42:13It's so lovely. It's really nice.
42:16Hooray!
42:20After starting the season with a goal
42:22to put Chateau Le Villettes firmly on the map,
42:25as not just a place to stay, but also an events venue,
42:29Sharon's vision is now a reality.
42:32Nice to see you. Thank you, and you too.
42:36While her endless drive and determination
42:39played a huge part in that success,
42:42so did the support from new staff and loyal friends,
42:46allowing David the space to focus on his recovery.
42:50I'd like to thank everybody
42:52for everything that they've done at the chateau,
42:55all your help that you've given me.
42:57I'm very grateful, and I couldn't have done it without you all.
43:00We couldn't have done it.
43:01Sorry.
43:02We couldn't have done it without you all.
43:05Thanks, everybody. Thank you.
43:09Because of what happened when we arrived here,
43:12Dave's illness,
43:14things haven't always been easy.
43:16It's been really unbelievable the way he's coped,
43:21because, I mean, we've had some bad times, you know.
43:27Sometimes he's been so ill,
43:28but he's still, like, been lighting the fires
43:31and doing things like that.
43:33When I think back to how that was,
43:36to what he is now,
43:38he's done remarkably well.
43:41As David continues to make strides forward,
43:45their events business is also going from strength to strength,
43:48having taken an inquiry for another wedding booking.
43:52I'm hoping things will just get better and better and better.
43:56I can't believe what we've achieved.
43:59OK, cheers, everybody.
44:00Cheers.
44:02Cheers.
44:07Next time...
44:08This is my very professional work space.
44:13..an outdoor enthusiast from Lancashire
44:15is hoping she can build a new life in Bulgaria.
44:18I have one very tight-fitting boiler,
44:21one step closer to some hot water in the rooms.
44:23We meet the childhood sweethearts
44:25turning their hand to hospitality in France.
44:28The door handle's just fallen off of one of the doors
44:30and our guests are due to arrive in probably two minutes.
44:34And a creative couple from Scotland
44:36are hoping their art classes stand out in the crowd.
44:40I've just made a complete wally of myself
44:42to a thousand French people.
44:46MUSIC PLAYS
44:57International
44:59To be continued...
45:13Holiday
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