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00:01For ten years, we've been celebrating plucky Brits
00:04chasing their dreams in the sunshine.
00:08Isn't this just the perfect life?
00:10Absolutely.
00:11But there's plenty more following in their footsteps.
00:14Go on, close your nose.
00:16I don't know whether I dare.
00:17These expats are flying in the face of Brexit...
00:20They have kept my passport, which is a bit of a shock.
00:25..and joining Europe anyway.
00:27Suck it and see, as they say, eh?
00:29I need a bit of luck.
00:31..investing blood, sweat and tears...
00:34Oh.
00:35Oh, no. Now, look! Oh, no!
00:37What a pine in the...
00:40..from riding centres in Bulgaria...
00:43..to antique shops in France.
00:46We'll be millionaires next year.
00:48Rodney. Rodney.
00:50..they're queuing up...
00:52Whoa! Come on.
00:54..to build their new lives in the sun.
00:57There's no going back. Not gonna happen.
01:02Today, it's all changed for British sunseekers
01:05trying to put their own stamp on properties abroad.
01:08I think that's gonna look pretty cool.
01:10Who knew you could get so excited over a toilet?
01:13A B&B in Spain faces some tricky manoeuvres.
01:16Is this gonna work? Oh, my goodness.
01:18Is this gonna fit?
01:19This is such a tight, narrow little road.
01:22A DIY job is harder than expected in Portugal.
01:30Oh, what bloody good is that?
01:32A major renovation gets underway in Italy.
01:35The risk is that we go back to England
01:38with our tails between our legs.
01:40And two rookie hosts in France are being put to the test.
01:44If I'm honest, I'm a bit anxious.
01:46I'm a bit nervous about today.
01:47A bit.
01:55With over 300 days of sunshine a year,
01:59it's no wonder why so many Brits set their sights on Spain
02:02when it comes to making a big move abroad.
02:05Oh, look at this sand.
02:07They literally have combed the beach.
02:10And Norfolk couple Tom and Terry were no exception.
02:14The first thing with Spain is the weather, obviously,
02:16because you know it's gonna be hot most of the time.
02:19Sitting down here next to the sea in shorts and T-shirts
02:21is just like paradise, really.
02:24In the UK, it's probably pouring with rain,
02:26and it's probably windy and cold,
02:28and we got to the point where we just didn't want that.
02:32And we haven't really looked back.
02:34After ditching their lives in Blighty,
02:37hairdresser Terry and gift shop owner Tom
02:40are now hard at work doing a massive top-to-bottom reno
02:44on a two-bed Andalusian guesthouse
02:46to turn it into a vegan B&B.
02:50No, the dream is pushing out our vegan philosophy, I suppose,
02:55bringing a little bit of that to Spain, isn't it?
02:58It's July, and Tom and Terry have been living
03:01at a neighbour's house during the renovations.
03:03Does it work?
03:05After nine weeks, they're thrilled with the progress.
03:09Wow.
03:10Wow, rapido, rapido.
03:12Mucho progreso.
03:14This bit's very exciting because this is actually the entrance
03:17to the B&B part of the building,
03:20so this is where people will come, so to see all of this down.
03:23And it feels like a real achievement to start getting these key areas
03:28ready for guests.
03:30The heart of the B&B will be the kitchen,
03:33where Tom will be whipping up vegan feasts.
03:37It's now fully tiled, and the lower cabinets are starting to take shape.
03:41But they've just taken delivery of another feature
03:44their future guests are sure to love.
03:47OK, so here's the delivery.
03:49Three toilets, one beige and two blue.
03:52So that was a big decision to make.
03:54Yeah.
03:54So we thought blue would be quite fun,
03:56and we thought blue toilet with this would look...
03:58Cos it's like a soft blue,
03:59we thought it would look quite nice with this, didn't we?
04:02It's being quite bold, and it comes with that thing of...
04:05It can either work really well and you think,
04:08that's amazing and it's a real talking point,
04:10or you think, oh, my God.
04:12Open the box, what's in the box?
04:14Oh, wow.
04:15Wow.
04:16Mmm!
04:18So we wanted one that was quite a modern shape.
04:21Wow, look at it.
04:22This is actually the fun bit,
04:23where you start to put the cool stuff in.
04:26But I think that's going to look pretty cool.
04:27Who knew you could get so excited over a toilet?
04:31But, incredibly, the powder blue loo
04:34isn't the best thing about today.
04:38Wow, what's going on here?
04:40It's amazing.
04:40This has been what we've been waiting for.
04:43We suddenly heard a lot of commotion.
04:46This is, like, so exciting,
04:48because the dumper truck has arrived, the mini digger,
04:50they're going to get rid of about,
04:52I don't know how many tonnes of rubble,
04:53because in the village there's nowhere to put a skip easily
04:56and so they've just filled the courtyard,
04:59literally 10, 12 feet high.
05:01It's a really momentous day today.
05:03Because it is the space of where the plunge pool is going to be,
05:07it feels like another major step forward in our plans.
05:12As well as clearing the rubble,
05:15the builders will also be knocking down two of the garden walls
05:18to create space for a plunge pool.
05:21But before they get started, Tom needs to go on a rescue mission.
05:24So I've got to retrieve a fire pit and a few bits and pieces
05:29from the other side of the wall.
05:30I need to just nip round the corner and pull those out,
05:33otherwise they'll end up in the skip as well.
05:35So, bear with me.
05:39So, luckily, I can get in this side.
05:42I mean, look at this rubble.
05:47It's a nice fire pit.
05:50Right.
05:51We'll sit them outside here for now.
05:57Tom's old shop sign.
05:59So this is from the UK, a bit of memorabilia from the previous life.
06:05It actually looks quite nice here.
06:07We've got no real purpose for these,
06:09but it's just nice to keep certain things,
06:11prop them up in a corner somewhere.
06:12Yeah, I think we'll find somewhere for them.
06:16With the fire pit and memories of a past life safely tucked away,
06:21it's go time for the disposal team.
06:23If they can get to the debris, that is.
06:26Is this going to work?
06:27Oh, my goodness.
06:28Is this going to fit?
06:29This is such a tight, narrow little road.
06:32Even the little dumper truck is having a problem to get to the house.
06:38I think they're worried that the weight of the front
06:40on such a steep incline will pull the vehicle down out of control,
06:46you know, on the slope, so...
06:47Pedro's not too worried because he's stood right in front of it.
06:54Finally, the digger is in position.
06:57And now here goes the first load.
06:59Here's the first load.
07:00Whoo!
07:07Wow!
07:08The dust!
07:14Yay!
07:16After over two months of renovations,
07:19seeing the back of the rubble is a major milestone for Tom and Terry.
07:30Albuferra on Portugal's southern tip is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
07:37But the beaches are so long, you don't always have to jostle for space on its Atlantic coast.
07:44The water is cold, don't get me wrong, the water's freezing.
07:47But once you're in, it's the most beautiful water you'll ever be in and you just float and...
07:51I just want to get in, actually.
07:54It's so hot, I want to get in.
07:55With an eye to scooping up the steady stream of holiday makers, Leah from Oldham and her Portuguese husband Joao
08:03have opened a cocktail bar just a stone's throw from the beach.
08:07But it's a crowded marketplace and the couple have put everything they've got on the line.
08:12Here it's very difficult to get a loan, so we had to use every last bit of our savings to
08:16open the bar, finish decorating the bar.
08:20Just little things like painting the stools, that must have cost like 80 euros just for paint and everything like
08:25that.
08:25And that's just something small, that was some stools, so it's everything.
08:28And then you need machines and...
08:29Machines, licenses, stock, we put everything we have and then we go from there, yeah, exactly.
08:34You never know what's working and what's not.
08:37Yeah.
08:38And it is a challenge, every day is a challenge.
08:42It's September and Leah and Joao are taking advantage of a thankfully rare slow day to work on turning the
08:49basement of their bar into a second western themed space featuring a new mural.
08:55Complete as we want it is obviously by next season, but as much as we can.
09:00For people to see that it's starting to get the western theme is the aim, so the more things we
09:05can do the better.
09:07Leah's prepping a wall for some timber patterned wallpaper.
09:12It's a lot more paint peeling off than I thought it was going to be.
09:16While Joao makes use of some leftover paint from the mural.
09:23But he's soon running on empty.
09:26I'm going to have to go.
09:27You're going to have to go?
09:28Yeah, I'm going to go with my paint.
09:31But little does he know that Leah's got her eye on his prized sander.
09:38Well, try it while he's not here, that's the best time to work.
09:42I guess you just go up and down, no?
09:51Well, what bloody good is that?
09:55There.
09:56How do you put it on?
09:58It turns out to be a lot trickier than she thought.
10:07Why are you not sticking, mate?
10:11So Leah turns to the internet for a little advice.
10:14How to put paper on sander.
10:20How to put paper on sander.
10:20And then has another go.
10:30It's an arm workout.
10:41I think I'm going to give that up as a bad job.
10:45So it's back to sanding by hand.
10:47And when Joao returns with the paint, he's none the wiser.
10:51I'm going to start again.
11:02How's it going there?
11:04If I give DIY a good go, it doesn't mean I'm no expert.
11:08By the end of the afternoon, Leah's managed to get some of the wallpaper up.
11:12If you come close, you can see the issues.
11:14But if you go far away, I think it looks all right.
11:16And Joao has painted most of the bar.
11:20I'm going to move this to the drive.
11:25The bar is still a work in progress.
11:27But with the summer season coming to an end, Leah's thinking positively about getting it finished over the winter.
11:34This all started from a rustic vibe two months ago.
11:37And now we're going western.
11:38So everything changes as we go along.
11:40Run with ideas and just go.
11:49Coming up, everything must go at an old textile mill on Lake Como.
11:57Ripping everything else.
11:59And then on a couple of days' time, we've got a guy turning up to take it all to the
12:02tip.
12:03And a recently completed villa in France gets a professional appraisal.
12:09We're going to be protecting the river.
12:11Yes.
12:11Yes.
12:12Yes.
12:23Towered over by a dramatic mountain range, Lake Como in northern Italy is world famous.
12:30With 100km of beautiful shoreline and vivid blue waters to explore,
12:361.4 million visitors a year come here in search of a taste of La Bella Vita.
12:42It's very different here. You wake up and think,
12:45which mountain shall we walk or which part of the lake shall we go to?
12:49And one UK couple was unable to resist its call.
12:53We came on holiday once, fell in love with the lake, didn't we?
12:56Lovely scenery, absolutely fantastic food.
13:00Most beautiful pizzas, so we've got to admit, haven't we?
13:03Pizza played a part in it. Yeah.
13:10Company director Ashley and solicitor Summer...
13:13Cheers. Cheers, big ears.
13:15..are planning to give up their day jobs in Bournemouth
13:18to move Lock, Stock and Barrel to Tremezzo.
13:21I don't want to sit behind the desk any more.
13:23You don't want to run a business forever because of the responsibility.
13:26We just want a different life.
13:29He just got to a point now where we both said that it's time for us.
13:33They've splashed out 360,000 euros on this four-storey building,
13:38which they plan to turn into a bed and breakfast.
13:41What you're looking at here is a 300-year-old silk house,
13:46which is part of the whole building, which was a textile mill for silk.
13:51It's very old and grey at the moment,
13:53but we've got big dreams and visions for it, haven't we?
13:56Hmm.
13:57The property needs a top-to-bottom renovation,
14:00as it hasn't been touched in years.
14:03With their €150,000 budget,
14:06they're hoping they'll have four en-suite bedrooms within a year.
14:10And as they've had to take out an Italian mortgage
14:13and they haven't yet had their visas approved,
14:16they're betting everything on this gamble.
14:18The risk is that we go back to England with our tails between our legs.
14:22It's a little bit frightening because it's the biggest risks we've taken, isn't it?
14:26Yeah, yeah, yeah.
14:29It's March 2023 and work on the property has begun.
14:34Right then, let's go.
14:36Summer has stayed behind in the UK to work,
14:39so Ashley has called in some extra muscle in the form of brother Matt
14:44to help him gut the house.
14:48We've got four rooms to clear, two bathrooms, ripping everything out,
14:53and then on a couple of days' time,
14:54we've got a guy turning up to take it all to the tip.
14:57So it's ready for the builders to get cracking
14:59because the quicker we get this done, the quicker they'll get done,
15:01and the quicker the neighbours will forgive me
15:03for the noise it's going to create.
15:05The construction team is due to start in a month,
15:08but as Ashley's only here for three days,
15:11he's got to get as much done as he can.
15:14Not only will it save the extra cost of the builders doing it,
15:17but it's also bringing back treasured memories.
15:22We're builder's sons, so our dad would have loved this
15:26if he'd been alive to come and help,
15:28so this would have been his element.
15:30We grew up on his building sites,
15:34and I've done a bit of work in the past,
15:36doing flats up and that sort of thing.
15:43In order to bring the building up to code,
15:46all the pipework and electrics need redoing.
15:49There we go.
15:50So even though some of the fixtures and fittings
15:53could be reusable, the builders have insisted everything goes.
15:57Yeah, fold up.
15:59Fold up.
15:59Yeah.
16:00Right.
16:02They have to put new in throughout,
16:04otherwise they can't guarantee any of their work.
16:06So it's one of those where you've just got to go for the brand new.
16:10It will be more expensive, at least you know it gets done,
16:12and it's done right.
16:13With dreams of being open for business in 12 months,
16:16the journey's only just beginning.
16:24The long British love affair with the Dordogne shows no sign of fizzling out.
16:30The climate, the landscape and the food in this little pocket of southwest France
16:35have lost none of their allure,
16:37and the long roads that twist through the lush green fields
16:41are perfect for anybody who dreams of exploring its wide-open spaces.
16:47What a beautiful day for cycling today, Harry.
16:50It's not bad at all, is it?
16:51Pretty good.
16:53It's here that Paul and Fiona from Gloucestershire have put down roots
16:57after realising that their nine-to-five lifestyle in the UK
17:00just wasn't appealing to them.
17:03We would get up in the morning, go to work,
17:05come home, have tea, go to bed, do the same the next day.
17:10They bought a rundown property
17:11and have since turned it into a luxurious six-bedroom villa.
17:15complete with a swimming pool.
17:17And they've done all of the work themselves.
17:21I'd say we're pretty good as a team.
17:23We just seem to bounce off each other.
17:25If I'm on a bit of a downer, then Paul's on a good day.
17:28So we just seem to keep each other going that way, don't we?
17:31And it's in the contract, you're not late to get things.
17:34It's in our contract, yeah.
17:38It's June, and while Paul and Fiona have already had their very first paying guests,
17:44they need to keep the ball rolling to get the business properly off the ground.
17:48The shirt is open, all nice and light.
17:52And today they're expecting a visit which could make or break their first summer season.
17:57And it's got Fiona's nerves in a tizzy.
18:01Can I have a glass of wine?
18:02No.
18:03No? OK.
18:04If I'm honest, I'm a bit anxious, a bit nervous about today.
18:07A bit?
18:08I think, I don't know whether it's my age as I get older,
18:11I seem to feel more anxious on certain occasions.
18:15An inspector from the French tourist office is coming to give the business its official rating,
18:21and he's expected in just a few hours.
18:25I'll carry on then.
18:26Back on.
18:28It would be nice to get as high a rating as we can get.
18:32I don't think we'll get a five star because we don't have air con,
18:36and there's a couple of other things that we don't have,
18:38which I think will affect our five star rating,
18:41but in a three or a four, it should be possible,
18:44but we'll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.
18:49The renovations have lasted eight years and cost more than they anticipated,
18:54even after doing all the labour themselves.
18:56The star rating they achieve from the inspector today
19:00could help them attract business and affect their prices,
19:03so the stakes couldn't be higher.
19:06Just making sure that everything's okay.
19:07I did a quick flip-worn this morning.
19:10Normally, we have provided two types of towels, two sizes,
19:15a big bath towel and a hand towel.
19:17Now, when I read through the list, they want three different size hand towels.
19:21So, luckily, I had these in the cupboard.
19:25And after a quick change of clothes, they're just in time for the inspector's arrival.
19:31Bonjour, monsieur, ça va?
19:33Bonjour, monsieur.
19:33OK.
19:34Bonjour.
19:34Fiona, D'Agour, et Paul.
19:36Oui.
19:37Très bien.
19:38Donc, c'est la maison?
19:39Oui.
19:39C'est cette maison?
19:40OK.
19:40OK.
19:41It's clear the inspector will leave no stone unturned.
19:45La hauteur également.
19:46On prend la moyenne.
19:48From measuring the size of the rooms, to counting the cutlery,
19:52to checking the width of the mattresses, nothing escapes his eagle eye.
19:57Donc, la largeur également.
20:00Donc, 90.
20:01OK.
20:06But he's also got a few suggestions for the newbie hosts.
20:11Lily.
20:12Oui.
20:12Vous pouvez être protégé.
20:14Oui.
20:14Donc, avec l'anèse.
20:15Oui.
20:15Voilà.
20:16Là, c'est tout neuf.
20:17Oui.
20:18Donc, il n'y a pas de soucis.
20:19Oui.
20:19Normalement, voilà.
20:21Toujours vérifiez quand vos clients s'en vont.
20:23Oui.
20:23L'état.
20:25Voilà.
20:25Parce que le problème, on peut mettre les à l'aise, etc.,
20:28mais il peut y avoir des accidents.
20:30OK.
20:30Oui.
20:31After a few nerve-wracking hours, the inspector departs,
20:35leaving his verdict behind.
20:38Merci. Au revoir.
20:43But after eight years of putting blood, sweat and tears into the property,
20:49how many stars has all that work got them?
20:52It was better than I thought, because we've now got four stars.
20:56Four stars.
20:56Four stars.
20:56Yeah.
20:57Let's get the plaque.
20:58So, we've got a plaque.
20:59We have a plaque.
21:00We want a plaque, and I'm like, yes, we want a plaque.
21:03Four stars.
21:05We were very fortunate, because he was such a nice man.
21:08He was a really nice man.
21:09He was very pleasant, very nice.
21:11Yeah.
21:11Very complimentary.
21:12Very complimentary of the work.
21:14Shall we see how much fizz we can get going?
21:15No.
21:19An official four-star rating is a huge boost for a brand new business.
21:24Paul and Fiona can use it across all the booking websites,
21:27and they'll be listed on the local tourist board's catalogue.
21:31Cheers, my lover.
21:32Lovely.
21:33Cheers to the four stars.
21:34Yeah.
21:35Hard work is paid off.
21:36At last.
21:37Dear darling.
21:43Coming up...
21:45I think it's just going to fall down.
21:49Tom and Terry come to blows.
21:51Is it possible to get divorced over the tiles around your pool?
21:55Leah struggles with technology...
21:57Come on, please work.
21:59And it doesn't help that the printer's in French,
22:01so I don't have a clue what it says.
22:03..and a miscommunication...
22:05Ferro?
22:07Er...
22:07Baño?
22:08No.
22:09..hits Ashley right in the pocketbook.
22:12So what did you have to give him?
22:14450 euros.
22:16Yeah.
22:17All right.
22:27Back in Bedar, it's day two of the rubble removal.
22:34We were awoken this morning at about eight o'clock
22:37by beep, beep, beep, and we thought,
22:40well, they've come again, that's good.
22:41With so many tonnes of tat to transport,
22:44the builders have been making endless trips
22:47down narrow roads from the kassa
22:49to the large skip parked on the outskirts of the village.
22:56But despite the disruption, Tom and Terry are thrilled.
23:01Wow, look at that.
23:03It's kind of like a whole timeline of the fields.
23:07We've got everything.
23:07Yogurt pots, we've got wardrobes, bathroom fittings.
23:11It's like layers of rock, you know?
23:13Like we're excavating.
23:15By midday, the digger has been working its bucket off for hours
23:19and it's time for phase two.
23:21This load is the last load, apparently.
23:24Then this big skip is full capacity.
23:27So then it's operation knock down the walls,
23:32so bring it on.
23:34This is the moment.
23:36Drum roll, please.
23:38I think it's just going to fall down.
23:42We're excited for this bit
23:43because it's the most exciting part of the renovation.
23:45Yeah.
23:46Because to think we will have our own fun school.
23:50It's like the dream.
23:51Ooh.
23:52Yay!
23:54It's down, it's down.
23:58Woo!
24:08With the courtyard almost clear...
24:11Let's have a look.
24:12Wow.
24:13Wow.
24:14Tom and Terry can finally get a proper idea
24:16of what their new plunge pool space will be like.
24:21Now the wall's been knocked down,
24:23you can see how thick it was.
24:25So it's given us that extra sort of foot, foot and a half.
24:29And this is all pool, this whole area.
24:31It's quite a big space, actually.
24:32You can really imagine it now.
24:34Just having a little drink in the pool and chilling out.
24:38Getting the last few rays of the day.
24:40Seeing all the sky and everything.
24:42It's going to be really, a really great space, actually.
24:48Nearly a month later and the plunge pool is progressing nicely.
24:53Can you believe this is so close?
24:56You just can't wait to be in.
24:58You know, dangling your legs off the edge.
25:01It's going to be amazing.
25:02Although there is one major bone of contention.
25:06Is it possible to get divorced over the tiles around your pool?
25:09Well...
25:10Maybe.
25:11Possibly.
25:11Possibly.
25:12So the big debate has been the tiles to go on this terrace.
25:18It's been really hard to find ones that we like.
25:22So I think we've come up with some, but they are a terracotta colour,
25:26which I think, actually, they're going to look amazing.
25:29It's just persuading you they're going to look amazing.
25:31Yeah.
25:32He is fussy and hard to please.
25:34No.
25:36The outdoor areas are racking up a hefty 26,000 euro tab.
25:42So it's vital Tom and Terry get the design exactly right.
25:46Ooh!
25:49And that means building the pool seating to the perfect height.
25:53I think maybe a little bit higher, do you think?
25:55Yeah, yeah, yeah.
25:56For me, only because I'm only small, so once you're sitting on the seat
26:01and then the water level here...
26:03I couldn't...
26:03You want to comfortably be...
26:05I want to be able to sit, like, just maybe water to here.
26:10Would it be this way?
26:14Try and sit on that.
26:15And then I would be...
26:17Oh!
26:19Yeah, it's good, because then it will be just here, I suppose.
26:24With each little choice made,
26:26the bed and breakfast is inching ever closer to completion.
26:31Now it's almost back to a regular house.
26:32You start to see the end and the finish
26:34and it'll be exciting to get back in there
26:37and start living our life, won't it, really?
26:39Muchas gracias!
26:40Muchas gracias!
26:42I think it's come together really well.
26:44We're really pleased with it so far.
26:45And come September, we'll be raring to go
26:48and get that last bit done.
26:49So we can then just have that final push
26:51to bring it all together.
27:01Back in Albufera, business has been slowly but steadily growing
27:05at Leah and Joao's cocktail bar.
27:08They've spent the summer trying new angles to keep their tables full
27:12and it seems to be paying off.
27:14This evening is quiz night, which has become a regular fixture in their diary.
27:22Yeah, it's been a good month so far and the quizzes are doing really well.
27:26Thursday is always a really good day that we know is going to carry on.
27:29And we're quite organised today.
27:30We have a girl on tables and we have an extra barman in today
27:33just to help draw in the back of the bar,
27:35even if it's just pouring beers or going to get ice out of the freezer,
27:39little things like that.
27:40So we're very organised today.
27:43There should be no stress.
27:43It should go nice and smooth.
27:46Fingers crossed.
27:48Come on, please work.
27:50But there seems to be a small snag with the question sheets.
27:54It's not working.
27:55And with the bar quickly filling up with quizzes,
27:58it's the worst possible time for a printer problem.
28:01I am printing my sheets, but it seems like my printer doesn't want to work again.
28:06And it doesn't help that the printer's in French,
28:07so I don't have a clue what it says.
28:09Luckily, the printer gods are smiling.
28:11It's working.
28:13And Leah gets her sheets just in time.
28:17It looks like it's going to be their busiest quiz night yet.
28:25Leah's even had to put a couple of trivia fans on the patio.
28:29News okay outside?
28:31After nearly three months of quizzes...
28:34Has everyone got a team name?
28:36Leah's got her patted-down pat.
28:42So we have three different rounds.
28:44This is your school bit,
28:45so remember what you learnt in school.
28:46I don't know how many years ago,
28:48because some of you look a bit old, no offence.
28:51Okay, so question one.
28:53How many wives did Henry VIII have?
29:03Question five.
29:05Who discovered the wreckage of the Titanic?
29:09To add a fun and fresh twist to the bog-standard pub quiz,
29:13Leah's added a cocktail-tasting round.
29:16Right, your first drink is going to start coming round as I go.
29:19It's a cocktail.
29:20And unsurprisingly, it's proving pretty popular.
29:26Okay, so the one Katerina is bringing around is number one.
29:30The one I bring is number two.
29:36What we say in Alvaria?
29:39I'll go.
29:41By the end of the quiz, Leah's got a bar full of happy customers
29:45and a winning formula for Thursday nights in Albuferra.
29:50And in first place, with 61 points,
29:55so not that much difference,
29:57Supermarket Heroes!
30:02It's nicer around here.
30:04It's more kind of relaxed.
30:05We were down this trip that night,
30:06which was a little bit more madness, I suppose,
30:09for younger people.
30:10It's a far-age group.
30:11It's perfect in Brooklyn.
30:14Beautiful, lovely cocktails, nice and clean.
30:17We had great food.
30:19Lovely service, lovely staff.
30:22Yeah, all very friendly.
30:24We've had a brilliant night.
30:25We came last week and we just loved it so much.
30:27So, yeah.
30:29But it's not just about filling the bar once a week
30:32for an hour or two.
30:34Leah and Joao are trying to build on each success
30:37because every drink or dish they sell
30:39will help them get through the winters.
30:42Now people stay after the quiz
30:44and they don't just finish the quiz,
30:47get the prize and leave.
30:48No, they stay for another hour or two.
30:50We have customers still there.
30:53So, yeah.
30:54But it's massively made a difference to us.
30:56Like, we have tables outside, tables sat at the bar.
30:58We never had that on a quiz night.
31:00I'm just really hoping next year we can do two quiz nights.
31:03At least two.
31:04At least two.
31:12Back in Tremezzo, the clear out of Ashley and Summer's property
31:16has continued apace.
31:20With help from his brother Matt and friend Andy,
31:23every room has been gutted.
31:25But choosing to renovate a 300-year-old silk mill
31:29in a charming old town
31:30does come with a drawback or two
31:33when it comes to waste disposal.
31:36We're in a small little village with narrow streets.
31:40Great for a moped, but you ain't getting any else bigger down there.
31:44So, Paolo, our guy who's going to ferry backwards and forwards
31:46the tip's turned up.
31:48The Piazza is the nearest place where he can park the car,
31:51which is about a two, three minute walk.
31:52So, it's just a case now of the largest task of backwards and forwards
31:56of all of us getting rid of all the waste.
32:01Ashley's agreed on a price of 450 euros
32:04for Paolo to take all the waste to the tip today
32:07in multiple trips.
32:11Ciao.
32:13And after half an hour of back and forth...
32:16Life is just a little bit sweeter
32:17now that I remembered this trolley was there.
32:19..a sizeable dent has been made.
32:21We're whistling through it, which is great.
32:23Hopefully we can get all the wood on this one
32:25and then we'll get all the appliances and metal and all that
32:28on the next one.
32:29But just as Ashley's feeling good about the clear-out,
32:33a problem arises.
32:34Un poco leño lascia, cosí ferro, baño.
32:43This hip closes at 12, so that's now 10,
32:46so he doesn't even have to get back in time to do the rest today.
32:50I said, well, we're not back until next month.
32:53So, yeah, we're just now discussing what we're paying him today
32:56and what we're paying him next time,
32:57but I just wanted to get everything clear, but it's one of those.
33:01And to rub more salt in the wound,
33:03there's also been a miscommunication about the scope of the work.
33:08Yeah, £4.50 for everything.
33:09Yeah, £4.50, great, OK.
33:10He went, right, so that's it, that's good.
33:12I went, yeah, but you're going to come back and get the rest, aren't you?
33:14I'm just holding the cost. I don't think so.
33:16Well, I agreed, £4.50, all of it.
33:18I want it all gone.
33:19Yeah.
33:20Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
33:21Well, I'll speak to the boss.
33:23How much do you have to give him?
33:24£5.50.
33:27Yeah.
33:29All three of the lads are heading back to the UK tomorrow,
33:33so Ashley has no choice but to leave the rest of the rubbish in the house
33:37and hope the builders will clear it out.
33:40I'm just going to stack all of it now up against there,
33:43so at least it's out of the way.
33:45And that's pretty much all we can do.
33:47It's over to them to start knocking walls and channelling,
33:50wiring in and putting the new stuff in.
33:57A few months later, it's all change at the house.
34:00The rubbish has been cleared and the renovation has started in earnest
34:04and Summer and Ashley are over to check on the progress.
34:08So we've started on the second floor,
34:11working our way down through the development
34:13and here is going to be the new en suite bathrooms
34:16which is channelled all the things in for the electrics
34:19and in for the plumbing.
34:21We're running all the pipes in the wall
34:22because the floor we discovered as we go through this project
34:25is only 12cm thick and not thick enough
34:28to actually run the pipes through the floor
34:30without them dropping through to the room below.
34:33So this is the second bedroom.
34:36That's had a lot of work done as we can see.
34:41We're going to have hopefully a big lovely king size bed here,
34:45shelves on either side.
34:47This bedroom's en suite will feature a unique quirk.
34:51You show everyone your favourite feature of the room.
34:55So we've positioned this because the window is going to be here.
35:01It's a loo with a view.
35:04Plan is contemplation moment while you're on holiday.
35:07Look up at Mont Craccione.
35:09Let's hope the neighbours don't own any binoculars
35:12as they're already up in arms about the project.
35:15Building noise and drills isn't going down well.
35:17We were told that.
35:18No, we were told that we had to work within...
35:20after half 9 to half 12, after half 3,
35:23and our build has been doing that.
35:25But, er...
35:26It's still too noisy.
35:27But we've got to do the work and we've got to get it done
35:29and hopefully by the end of the year we'll get it done.
35:32And, er, ready for next season, weren't we?
35:34Yeah.
35:39Coming up, there's no rest for Paul and Fiona,
35:43or their friends.
35:44OK, there.
35:45Straight it up a bit, eh?
35:47Yeah.
35:47Which is your work experience in French.
35:50And Joao test drives the new basement bar.
35:54Brought bottles last night.
35:55Mixers, cocktails, and, er, for drinks.
35:58I don't think I need anything else.
36:09It's June in the Dordogne.
36:12Let's go.
36:13Let's go.
36:13Aw.
36:15And although it's not quite the weather for it,
36:18Paul and Fiona have a job to do outside.
36:20They've been awarded four stars by the local tourist board
36:24and the plaque is getting pride of place.
36:27And it's still raining.
36:28Even more rain.
36:29Even more rain.
36:31That one?
36:32Yeah.
36:32That one there.
36:38Any publicity I'm putting out on social media now, it's all advertising the fact that we've just been accredited with
36:45four stars.
36:46So we're getting it out there, slowly and surely.
36:53And with a bit of drill handiwork, the plaque is up for all to see.
36:59How are you?
37:00How's that?
37:05Good job, Bob.
37:07Four stars.
37:08We are officially...
37:10Look at that, Harry.
37:11Four stars.
37:13Even with their official four stars, Paul and Fiona are still investing time and money into adding new features to
37:21bring in the guests.
37:22We need some entertainment for anyone in the state.
37:25So the idea is, is this area here, one of the favourite pastimes in France, is Petonc.
37:31So this would give them an area here where they can play Petonc.
37:34Paul dug it out a few days ago.
37:37So after a bit of eco-friendly weed killer...
37:41This is white vinegar washing up liquid and something else she puts in it.
37:47The next step is a membrane to stop any other vegetation.
37:51OK, job done.
37:53So, that'll do now.
37:55Just waiting for the weather to change.
37:56Yeah.
37:57Dry up and we can get some gravel down.
38:00The next job requires heavy equipment and some drier weather, so instead it's time for lunch.
38:07Thank you very much.
38:10And a catch-up with their friends Anthony and Ruth, who are visiting from the UK.
38:16Cheers, everybody.
38:17Cheers, everyone.
38:18Lovely to see you.
38:19Life in France and good friends.
38:25But there's no such thing as a free lunch.
38:28The sun's come out and the grain's dried up nicely.
38:31So Anthony and Ruth are put to work on the Petonc pitch.
38:35Which is your work experience in French.
38:39Ruth even gets the chance to try her hand at driving the telehandler.
38:43You just keep washing in your mirrors.
38:45Yeah, right there.
38:46Yeah.
38:46OK, there.
38:47Straighten it up a bit now.
38:51Straighten up now.
38:53Yeah.
38:53This way a little bit.
38:55But it does take some getting used to.
38:59Just getting ready to push the rod on the bridge.
39:00Oh!
39:01Sorry.
39:04They're quite vicious.
39:14After the gravel is spread out, Paul gives it a pass with his whacker plate to flatten it.
39:32The Petonc pitch will still need another layer of finer gravel and some finishing touches.
39:39But soon enough, Paul and Fiona are sure they'll have another outdoor amusement to market to their guests.
39:45We've had a good team today.
39:47Yeah, we've had a brilliant team today.
39:48That's why people don't come and stay on holiday with us.
39:50Because every time they stay on holiday we put them to work.
39:52We make them work.
40:01It's October.
40:02And although the summer tourist season is over, it's still buzzing at Leah and Joao's Cocktail Bar.
40:09There's a group booked in for bottomless brunch and a hendoo is coming in later for a cocktail-making class.
40:16It's nice to be still so busy, almost the middle of October, because not everyone gets the luxury of still
40:22having the customers this late on in the summer.
40:23So it is really nice.
40:25We are really grateful for everyone that still books in with us so late on and even so early on
40:29in the season.
40:30So, yeah.
40:31Makes me happy.
40:32But I am ready for it to end now, the season.
40:36Joao's in charge of the lesson and he's holding it in their newly redecorated basement bar.
40:43I'm just finishing preparing what I need to bring down.
40:45I brought bottles last night.
40:47Mixers, cocktails and drinks.
40:50I don't think I need anything else.
40:52Feels nice.
40:53Yeah, it's the first time that I'm going to work behind this bar downstairs.
40:57So, yeah, I'm excited.
41:00Leah and Joao have spent the summer trying out new ideas to make their bar competitive.
41:06And Leah's latest is to add to the options for bottomless brunch.
41:10Not only can guests choose from charcuterie, but they can now opt for a dessert board too.
41:16So, the dessert boards are just kind of like an after thing.
41:19It's got a little bit of chocolate in the middle on the teller and they can dip it all in.
41:23A bit like you'd have a chocolate fountain, but on a board.
41:26And I always go get fresh cakes from the bakery in the morning, make them a bit smaller to put
41:30on the board.
41:31Loads of different things, biscuits, doughnuts, pashdaldi nachos, which are a local delicacy.
41:36And I made sure to get an extra one of this for myself.
41:40I always do, I love it.
41:42There you go, loves.
41:45If you want another pot of chocolate, just let me know.
41:48It's a different, OK?
41:49And it seems like the combination of tasty cocktails and sweet and savoury treats has hit the spot for these
41:56brunches.
41:57Same again.
42:01The cocktail-making classes have been another big draw for the bar.
42:05Oh, the actual bride I've been messaging!
42:08Are you all right?
42:09Let's head in.
42:10And Joao's students have just arrived for their lesson in mixology.
42:15Woo!
42:17Woo-hoo!
42:19Thank you, what's your man again?
42:25Very welcome!
42:28While Joao has to pop upstairs just a few times to raid the main bar for ingredients,
42:33having the class in the basement is otherwise a success.
42:45Having a separate space felt kind of like a VIP space.
42:48It was just us.
42:49Just us.
42:50Yeah.
42:50I feel like everything was just for us, so...
42:52Yeah.
42:53I'm sorry.
42:54Yay!
42:55Yay!
42:58I think the fifth was the Amarata Sour from us.
43:01Yeah, the Amarata Sour from us.
43:01Yeah, the Amarata Sour from us.
43:02And you enjoyed Joao?
43:03Erm, I can't remember what mine was called, but it was like, erm...
43:06Kokoloko.
43:07Kokoloko.
43:08Kokoloko.
43:08Like, it was beautiful.
43:10Well, I've never drunk it.
43:11It was really nice.
43:12It's gone.
43:13It's been a make-or-break summer for these two new business owners.
43:17They've thrown everything they have at it, including their life savings.
43:22And now, at the end of the season, they've surprised even themselves.
43:27It's been really busy.
43:28A lot busier than we expected it to be, which is really good.
43:32I have no idea who was going to turn out like this.
43:34We have done amazing this summer.
43:36Like, so much better than we could have thought.
43:40That was well cheesy.
43:43Their guiding principles of hard work and innovation have taken them far.
43:48And they've got big plans for the future, including finishing up the basement bar.
43:53This year, we've recovered our investment.
43:55We've made some profit.
43:56Next year, hopefully, we'll be better.
43:58And the year after, and the year after, and it's just like that.
44:01With big dreams for their cocktail bar, and newfound confidence in their business skills,
44:06Leah and Joao couldn't have picked a better place to build their future.
44:11It is beautiful here.
44:12Recommend it to anyone.
44:14Counterparge.
44:20Next time.
44:23There's no end in sight for Summer and Ashley.
44:28Once you remove one bit, you notice three other jobs that need doing.
44:31But there's light at the end of the tunnel for Tom and Terry.
44:34Oh, we have a wall.
44:36A big wall.
44:37A big wall.
44:37Quite a big wall.
44:38While new arrivals in Portugal get stuck in...
44:42Try to do it like this.
44:43Do it like this.
44:44OK?
44:45And move it from the side.
44:47And the game's afoot for Paul and Fiona.
44:51Ooh!
44:51Competition on.
44:53That's mine.
44:54That's yours, isn't it?
44:55Yeah, you pick your own up.
44:56Excuse me.
44:57Check this out.
44:57Bye.
45:07You're welcome.
45:07You're welcome, Amy.
45:07Bye.
45:08Bye.
45:08Bye.
45:09Bye.
45:09Bye.
45:10Bye.
45:11Bye.
45:11Bye.
45:23Bye.
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