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00:02Today I'm on Spain's stunning Costa Blanca, house hunting in and around the seaside town of Bram Alicante.
00:09I'm Jean Johansson and over the last 15 years I've been buying, selling and renovating properties both in the UK
00:16and overseas.
00:17Today I'll be using my skills to help Marcia, who's brought along Sister Paulette to help.
00:22And Marcia's putting family life centre of her house search.
00:26Quite a big space out here, what would you do with it?
00:29Gaming table for the boys perhaps, and all the deck chairs, the barbecue, it's lovely.
00:35And for this lady it's all about instinct where property's concerned.
00:39Aren't you the type of person that gets a feeling when you come into a property?
00:42Yes, definitely. I think we both got the feeling this is really lovely, it's fantastic.
00:47I get to look around a luxury villa with some unusual horticulture.
00:51Where do you start with this, wow, a cactus farm over there?
00:56It's very nice, it's very beautiful.
00:58But at the end of the day, will I find Marcia's perfect place in the sun?
01:02So should I just call the agent now?
01:05Almost!
01:06Oh great!
01:10Marcia has always dreamed of owning a holiday home in the sun.
01:13And now that the funds are in place, she's decided there's no time like the present to find a property
01:19that can suit her and her whole family.
01:21And she's brought Sister Paulette, who knows her better than anyone, to help with the search.
01:28Marcia, who works for a charity, and Paulette, a retired children's nurse, are as close as sisters can be.
01:34We're not argumentative, we've never fallen out.
01:39We get on really well and we like similar things, we go on vacations together.
01:44She's like the glue, so she always remembers birthdays and anniversaries and she's very organised.
01:51So I like that she's, you could call her up and you know, there's nothing that she wants, she won't
01:56say no.
01:56If she can do it, she'll do it. I love that.
01:59Paulette owns a holiday home in Valencia and Marcia has decided now is the perfect time to buy her very
02:05own,
02:05in and around Gran Alicante on the Costa Blanca.
02:08She has a cash budget of £100,000 to find it.
02:14A two and a half hour flight into Alicante and just a short drive takes you to Gran Alicante in
02:19Costa Blanca on the east coast of Spain.
02:22This fast developing town is split into three levels, top, middle and lower.
02:27And there are two beautiful beaches close by, both with blue flags and gorgeous golden sand.
02:33The area is made up of around 25 urbanisations, each with their own shops, bars and restaurants.
02:39But it's also really near to other traditional towns such as Santa Paula.
02:43This part of the coast is definitely a holiday makers paradise.
02:48This area has always been popular with European buyers looking for holiday homes.
02:53But Alicante Airport, which is just a 15 minute drive from here, is expecting its busiest season ever.
03:00Meaning prices are rising.
03:02But you can still get good value for money in this area.
03:05A two bedroom apartment close to the beach with a pool starts at around £95,000.
03:10So I should have some good options for Marcia and Paulette.
03:15Before we start the search, I'm meeting my house hunters to find out exactly what they're looking for.
03:20Marcia and Paulette, welcome to Gran Alicante.
03:22Thank you. It's nice to be here.
03:24It just puts a smile on your face, doesn't it?
03:26It does.
03:27Look, you've not been to this area before so it's going to be my pleasure to introduce you to it.
03:31Lovely.
03:31And why did you pick Gran Alicante?
03:33It seems to offer all the things that we needed.
03:37Because we are a multi-generational family.
03:39Are we talking about big broods here?
03:41Yes.
03:41Like mine?
03:42It is a big brood.
03:44I've got two other sisters besides Paulette and three brothers.
03:47I also have two sons but I do have seven grandchildren.
03:52Aww.
03:52And we do like to holiday together.
03:54Exactly the same as me.
03:55I've got three sisters myself.
03:57I have to say I probably wouldn't bring them on a house hunt with me because we're just going to
04:00argue the whole time.
04:02So is that going to happen with you two?
04:04I'm just the voice of reason and, yeah, vision.
04:08Definitely.
04:08And how will you spend your spare time when you're on holiday?
04:12I like to go out for a walk in the mornings.
04:14Yes.
04:14Keeping fit.
04:15That's my thing, so, yeah.
04:17So what are you looking for?
04:19Two bedrooms, absolute minimum.
04:21Two bathrooms, if at all possible, due to the amount of us there are, that would be visiting at any
04:26time.
04:27A sofa bed might make me, I could say, up then?
04:30Okay.
04:30Lots of outside space.
04:32So a big balcony or a solarium, a pool on site would be really nice for my grandchildren.
04:39Walking distance to amenities, if I could walk ten minutes to the beach, I would love it even more.
04:45This list is getting longer, please tell me that's it.
04:49Yes.
04:50You are really setting me a challenge there, so how are you at compromising?
04:54I'm very good.
04:55I think, you know, I do recognise that I have to be flexible.
04:59Okay, let's talk budget then.
05:00You've got £100,000.
05:03That scares me a little bit.
05:05Is there any wiggle room on that?
05:07£10,000 wiggle room, but for the perfect property.
05:10Okay, I have been coming to this area for a few years now, and what I have noticed is,
05:14A, the prices have gone up, and B, properties go really quickly.
05:18You know, the market is hot.
05:19It's a real seller's market here right now, so space does come at a premium.
05:22What I can show you is different variations of space, different ways for you to use it,
05:27and I think when you see all five properties, you'll know what you want for the family.
05:31Are you guys ready?
05:32Yeah!
05:33Excited!
05:34Let's get started.
05:35Come on.
05:36They might not have been here before, but I think they've chosen a great spot for Marcia's holiday home.
05:41I'm looking forward to showing them around almost as much as seeing the properties themselves.
05:46So first I'm taking them to Santa Paula, around a ten minute drive from Grand Alicant,
05:50to give them a bit of a feel for the area.
05:53This would be your nearest kind of hub to Grand Alicant.
05:56I've been at this square loads of times where it's buzzing with people, coffees, glass of wine.
06:02Is that the kind of thing you like?
06:03Definitely.
06:04I'd love to come and have coffee or stop for lunch, and it looks like there's enough around
06:09to actually entertain us as well in the evenings, enough restaurants and bars.
06:15It's a lovely little area, and you've got modern life happening here, and then a 16th century castle there.
06:21A chapel inside and a museum, if you like, about history.
06:25I think for the grandchildren as well, just to be able to visit and learn something more,
06:30what's going on in the area, that would be really good.
06:33Right, time to see the first property.
06:35Great, looking forward to it.
06:37Ten, fifteen minute drive back towards Grand Alicant.
06:40We are kicking off the house hunt around four miles from here in the commercial centre of Grand Alicant.
06:46I've managed to line up a fabulous property, and although it's around a 45 minute walk to the beach,
06:51I think the stunning pool that comes with this apartment will go down a treat with Marcia's grandchildren.
06:57So, I've brought you to a gated urbanisation.
06:59I really like it. It looks very nice, it's clean.
07:03I like the area around it for some loungers.
07:07It's nicely kept, isn't it?
07:08It's nice, it is.
07:09And it's nice and enclosed as well for the children.
07:11And this is one of two pools that covers all the properties in this urbanisation.
07:16Wow, that's nice.
07:17Yeah.
07:18Would you like to see the property now?
07:21Let's go back up that way, come on.
07:26So, what, we're under a two minute walk from the pool, and this property is in a great location.
07:32Look, you can see the supermarket there.
07:34You've got shops, bars, restaurants.
07:36Really short walking distance, it's great.
07:38Let's have a look at the property then.
07:40Look here.
07:41What I've got for you is a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment.
07:44You can see some nice outside space there.
07:46And it's got a solarium as well.
07:48Great.
07:49This property is on the market for just under £104,500.
07:53The agent has said that could be a bit negotiable.
07:57You've got a lot of the things that you put on your wish list.
07:59A lot of basketball, yep.
08:00Definitely, yep.
08:01Can't wait to go in.
08:02Come on.
08:04As well as the communal pools, the urbanisation has a small playground too.
08:08That I'm sure Marcia's grandchildren will love.
08:11There's a fabulous balcony overlooking the complex to the front of the apartment.
08:15And a spiral staircase up to a huge roof terrace with space for all the family.
08:21Inside is a lounge diner, a separate kitchen, two good sized double bedrooms and a bathroom.
08:28So this terrace is south-west facing, a lot of sun out there.
08:32Lovely.
08:32Come in here, tell me what you think.
08:34Not sure if I'd fit all six of us, if six of us were there.
08:38But yeah, it's a nice space.
08:40I mean, for this budget in this area, I think it's quite a good size.
08:44You've got your two bedrooms.
08:45If you get a sofa bed in here, you're already sleeping six.
08:48This space would work really just as a functional room for one thing.
08:53Right.
08:54For living, great.
08:56For living and dining, not so great.
08:58It's quite cramped.
09:00I hear what you're saying about a dining area, but you've got a great salarium upstairs
09:04that I mentioned.
09:05You could put a dining space outside there.
09:07I mean, you've got a property in Spain.
09:09How often do you eat inside?
09:12Not often.
09:14Yeah.
09:14When the sun's out, you want to be sat outside.
09:17What about the style of it?
09:19How it's decorated?
09:20The decor, it's neutral.
09:22As a starting point, I think it's actually really, really good.
09:25You seem to be on the same page with this one, which is nice.
09:28Is this how my whole search is going to go?
09:29Are you just going to agree on everything with your sisters?
09:32No.
09:33No.
09:35What are you like, personality-wise?
09:37Similar?
09:37I think Martha's really conservative.
09:39She's very conservative and she's very kind of level.
09:43Me, not so much.
09:44But so, a bit more outgoing, a bit more loud.
09:48Nice to hear that you compliment each other.
09:50So why don't you go upstairs, have a look at that space, see if that could work for you.
09:54Then come back in and look around the rest of the property.
09:57Then come and find me and tell me what you think.
09:59Yeah, great.
09:59Sounds good.
09:59Take your time, off you go.
10:04I think I've got a pair of cool characters on my hands here.
10:07I can't really tell what they think of it.
10:10Let's see.
10:16Okay, so this is a really nice space.
10:18Yeah, it's got good views.
10:20This creates that extra living space.
10:22It is, it is, definitely.
10:26It's a nice size.
10:27Really good size.
10:28Just needs refreshing, isn't it?
10:29Really to our own taste.
10:31Yeah.
10:31That's all it really needs.
10:32This Grand Alicante apartment on the market for just under a negotiable £104,500 was definitely
10:39good for Marcia on paper.
10:41In reality, will that mean I've got a contender?
10:43Yeah.
10:44So you had to look round at great solarium and the whole property, so what do you think?
10:49Yes, lovely.
10:49The bathroom size is really good.
10:51I agree.
10:51And the kitchen is ample, for my needs anyway.
10:55A solarium is a great space.
10:57Does it work for dining outside as a family?
10:59It definitely does.
11:00What about you, Paulette?
11:01What doesn't work for me is a transition point from A to B, which is a spiral staircase
11:06because we've got young children, so the biggest point is the safety aspect.
11:10Yeah, I hear you.
11:12I've had an active child myself, so that is a valid concern.
11:15But it's a contender?
11:17Not for me, I think.
11:18I think there's just not enough room in there.
11:21So for moving on, I want to get that contender.
11:24I can offer you a bit more space.
11:27Definitely.
11:27A bit more space.
11:28I'm working with £110,000 here.
11:31And I promise you no spiral staircases.
11:33That'd be great.
11:34That'd be great.
11:35That'd be great.
11:36Come on, ladies.
11:37I feel like I'm starting to get an idea of what Marcia is really looking for.
11:42But before we do anything else, I think there's time for a bit of a break and I have a
11:46perfect
11:46place in mind.
11:48For my next property, I had to bring you to one of my favourite beaches.
11:51This is Karabassi Beach.
11:52I really like it.
11:55I like that it's very natural still without being hemmed by little shops and things.
12:00Yeah.
12:00You've got the sand dunes.
12:01This is all protected land here.
12:03There's a great promenade so you can have some nice walks.
12:06Yeah, it's lovely.
12:06If you want to get active, I think paddle boarding's a really nice thing for kids of all ages.
12:11For about £35, you could hire a paddle board.
12:13Exactly.
12:14Have I tried that one, Paulette?
12:15Yeah.
12:16And I fell off.
12:18Well, it's nice here because it's quite shallow so it's nice for younger ones.
12:22Right, my next property is about a 20-minute walk from here.
12:24There's also a bus that can take you up the hill.
12:27An exercise coming down and a ride going up.
12:30There you go.
12:31Yes, that's lovely.
12:36Coming up, if Marcia and Paulette want something with a bit more space then this fantastic two-bedroom apartment with
12:42this huge roof terrace and no spiral staircase should be right up their street.
12:54Today I'm helping Marcia find her dream holiday home in and around Gran Alicante on Spain's stunning Costa Blanca.
13:00And she's brought her sister Paulette along to help with the search.
13:04Property one just wasn't quite right.
13:07While they both liked aspects of it, they felt the living space was too small and weren't too keen on
13:12the spiral staircase to the roof terrace.
13:14But although Marcia's budget of up to £110,000 is quite tight and her wish list rather long, I'm definitely
13:21up for the challenge to find a property that would work for her whole extended family.
13:27So I've taken them to Upper Gran Alicante on the hillside where the views are spectacular.
13:33My next property is in a complex where around 40% are permanent residents.
13:38So there's a bus here all year round.
13:41Hi, follow me.
13:42We are still only about 20 minutes from the beach.
13:45A five-minute walk from here you've got a whole strip of all kinds of restaurants.
13:48Sounds really good.
13:49What you're looking at is a two bedroom, top floor apartment and uninterrupted views.
13:54Yeah, looks good.
13:55I think you felt with the previous property, things were a bit tight.
13:58I think this one gives you just a little bit more of everything.
14:01You've got this space down here, you've got a lovely terrace and then you've got a solarium as well.
14:06I feel like the first impressions are good. Promising, OK.
14:09It's on the market for just over £108,500. Again, that is a bit negotiable.
14:16As a package, how is this sounding to you?
14:19It's sounding really good actually and I like the way the outside looks.
14:22It looks really clean and it's got a really good curb appeal.
14:26Let me take you in.
14:27Lovely.
14:29There's a fabulous communal pool in this urbanisation, perfect for Marcia's grandchildren.
14:35And the private outdoor space will also work well for the whole family with the ground floor terrace at the
14:41entrance.
14:41A large balcony and a much more conventional way up to the huge roof terrace with lovely views.
14:48Inside is a large bright open plan living area with a lounge, dining area and modern kitchen.
14:54There are two good sized double bedrooms and a shower room.
14:58Up the stairs, straight into the living room.
15:02This is lovely, what a surprise.
15:05It's really good.
15:06The zoned areas are usable.
15:08Defined.
15:09Yeah.
15:09Really usable spaces.
15:11This is really nice.
15:12I think if you've got a group of people here that is nice just to have the wider living space.
15:16You've got the kitchen open plan.
15:18I like this.
15:19You can feel the space around us, you know, it doesn't feel crammed.
15:23I think everything is just, like Paulie says, well defined.
15:26I can tell you're both happier with this one.
15:28Are you the type that gets a feeling when you walk into a property?
15:32Yes, definitely.
15:32What feeling are you getting with this?
15:34I think we both got the feeling.
15:35We both felt this and we thought, no, this is really lovely.
15:39It's fantastic.
15:41Bathroom, second bedroom across the hall.
15:44What do you think of this one?
15:45It's spacious enough.
15:46It's got the bed.
15:47It's got bedside tables.
15:49Built-in wardrobes.
15:50I love the view out the window.
15:52That is so good.
15:55Again, nice outside space here.
15:58Lovely.
15:58Would you think of these stairs, Paulette?
16:00Yeah, I like it.
16:01Good.
16:02Come on up.
16:06What do you think of this?
16:08What a great view.
16:10Fantastic.
16:11This is the Costa Blanca, you know, nice and green.
16:14You've got the mountains and you've got the sea.
16:16It's lovely.
16:17Quite a big space out here.
16:19What would you do with it?
16:20A gaming table for the boys, perhaps.
16:22And all the deck chairs, the barbecue.
16:25I'm just looking around, I don't see privacy screens,
16:27but I think that some privacy screens would be really helpful.
16:29And it's really a lot of what we've asked for.
16:33So go back downstairs, look at the second bedroom,
16:36check out the kitchen, and then you can come
16:39and tell me what I think I know.
16:42Take your time.
16:47They are all smiles.
16:48It's obvious to me they love this property.
16:51Result.
16:53This is the second bedroom.
16:55It's not a bad size, actually.
16:57It's got some wardrobes in here.
17:00They're ample.
17:00So there's plenty of storage as well, actually.
17:04And there's a nice window.
17:06So there's a lot of natural light in here.
17:09This is really nice.
17:11It's a really big, spacious kitchen for a holiday.
17:14It's got lots of countertops, plenty of cupboards.
17:18I think it's got a lot going for it.
17:20A real lot going for it.
17:22It's all here.
17:23I don't normally say this, but I'm feeling very confident
17:26about this upper Grand Alicante apartment on the market
17:28for just over £108,500.
17:32Hi, Jane.
17:33Hello.
17:33Hi.
17:34So should I just call the agent now?
17:37Almost.
17:38Oh, great.
17:39Great.
17:39What did you think when you looked round the whole thing?
17:41Really nice.
17:43Really like it.
17:44Nice and spacious, and it really does offer everything.
17:47What did you make of the pool area?
17:49It's a really nice pool.
17:51It's really clean and it's really quiet.
17:54So yeah, lovely pool.
17:55I'm really, really pleased that we've stepped it up
17:58for several notches and got it to so...
18:01No, it's a great...
18:02I think it's a great property.
18:04Excellent.
18:05I mean, this is all sounding good.
18:06So is it a contender?
18:08Definitely.
18:08Yeah, fantastic.
18:09Definitely on the list.
18:10Fantastic.
18:11I'm not surprised.
18:12It's a great property.
18:13It is.
18:13This is the one to beat now, so I'm going to take you to a new area.
18:18One that I think you'll like.
18:19Yeah, looking forward to it.
18:20Yeah.
18:21As Marcia has never been to this part of Spain before,
18:24and we now have a very strong contender in the bag in Gran Alicante,
18:28I think it's time to explore elsewhere.
18:30So I'm taking them around a half an hour's drive south of here
18:34to Ciudad Quesada, as I think it could be a brilliant alternative location.
18:38But before we see the property, I want to introduce them to Caroline,
18:42who knows this particular spot very well.
18:44Hi Caroline.
18:45Hi.
18:46Nice to meet you.
18:47I want you to start thinking about how your life can be here
18:49when you've got a holiday home.
18:51And Caroline, you've been in Quesada 10 years.
18:53I have been in Quesada for 10 years.
18:55Great person to talk to.
18:56How have you managed to sort of integrate into the community?
19:00What I found was the best way to connect in this area,
19:05because it's so multicultural and there's so many people
19:08with so many different languages, is to follow your passion.
19:12There's lots of access to hiking and walking groups, wellbeing groups.
19:16You can be on the beach in the morning,
19:18you can be in the mountains in the afternoon.
19:20Tell me how far it is to the beach, Caroline.
19:23Maximum 10 minutes.
19:24But one of the nice things about this area is you have a choice of beaches.
19:28You've got your beaches with your promenade and your restaurants,
19:31but then you've also got more rural beaches with the dunes and the pine forest,
19:36so you have the choice.
19:37You run yoga sessions here.
19:39What kind of yoga is it?
19:41I run yoga classes, wellbeing days and yoga retreats here.
19:46Yoga and brunch in summer.
19:48Oh, no.
19:49We do yin and gin.
19:50Ooh.
19:52Lovely.
19:54Sounds fun.
19:55Great chance to Caroline.
19:56We need to scoot off.
19:57We've got another property to see, girls.
19:59Thank you, Caroline.
20:00Bye.
20:01Bye, Caroline.
20:06Coming up, will my next property, which offers even more space
20:09and this fantastic communal pool, be just what Marcia's looking for?
20:20Today I'm in Spain with sisters Marcia and Paulette,
20:24helping them find the dream holiday home that can work for the whole family
20:27in and around Gran Alicante.
20:29And yes, I bag myself my first contender.
20:33They have a large family and so Marcia is looking for as much space as possible
20:37for her maximum £110,000 budget.
20:40Close to the beach as well as shops and restaurants.
20:43She loved the spacious townhouse in Gran Alicante,
20:46but as this part of Spain is totally new to both of them,
20:49I'm keen to show them some other areas too.
20:52So I've taken them around a 30-minute drive south to Ciudad Quesada
20:56and to an apartment close to a popular golf course
20:59with lovely views over the town.
21:01Slightly further from the coast, Marcia will get more bang for her buck here.
21:06And while it does mean they'd have to drive to the beach,
21:08the property has a fantastic pool.
21:10What are your first impressions?
21:12I think this is a nice area.
21:14It's got a great view.
21:16And I think while I like this pool area,
21:19I'm not sure I quite like the fact that it feels surrounded by all these houses.
21:24Yeah, I mean it is a built-up area and I think with the previous property
21:27you saw a little bit more green.
21:29But Quesada does have a lot going for it.
21:31About a 15-minute drive to Guadamara,
21:33which is a great beach with a lovely promenade.
21:35And it's a 15-minute stroll down to your nearest shops.
21:38I think my next property offers improvements on the previous one.
21:42Oh.
21:42But let's see what you think.
21:44It's right there.
21:45Let's head over.
21:46Lovely.
21:50So I've got a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, first floor apartment.
21:54Let's start with kerb appeal for this one.
21:55From the front, yes.
21:57It looks pretty tidy, actually.
21:58Yeah.
21:59Nice.
22:00Paulette?
22:01Yes, I think that the walls are obscuring
22:04and possibly some treasures behind.
22:06This is a little garden with the privacy of the wall.
22:09At the other side of the house is a nice terrace with views
22:12and then you've got a great space on the roof.
22:14So how does that sound for you?
22:16Well, that sounds really promising.
22:17It sounds like you've given us what we've been asking for.
22:20Good price for this one as well.
22:22It's on the market for just under £103,500.
22:26Great price.
22:27Sounds great.
22:27Yep.
22:28Let's get into them.
22:29I think they're a bit on the fence about this property so far,
22:32but despite feeling that the communal pool area is built up,
22:36I'm hoping they'll love the private space with this apartment.
22:40There's that walled garden area at the front
22:42and a pretty balcony with room for some al fresco dining.
22:46Plus, there's a great-sized roof terrace with gorgeous views.
22:50There's a bit of a bonus space up here too,
22:52a room that could be used for storage or Marcia's grandchildren to hang out.
22:58Inside the main apartment is a kitchen and dining area open to the lounge.
23:03There are two good-sized double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
23:08Step in here.
23:09This looks very nice.
23:11Nice and eerie, bright, lots of light and a fantastic view out the doors.
23:17Told you!
23:18There's a lot of it in here. How is the space working?
23:20I like that things are compartmentalised so that actually it's proper living.
23:26Yeah.
23:26You both feel a little bit lukewarm to me, what's going on?
23:29I do like it.
23:31Mm-hm.
23:31But compared to the other property, I do feel that it feels a bit smaller.
23:37I knew I was going to have a battle on my hands.
23:40To beat that last property, I think the outside space up here does that,
23:44so let's go up and check out the roof terrace here.
23:52This is a really nice space.
23:54I can see that they've got everything, barbecue, tables and chairs, so there's day beds.
23:59So there's really plenty of room for everything here.
24:02Mm-hm.
24:02And of course it has this fantastic view once again.
24:06But to be honest, Jean, I don't feel it offers as much space on this solarium as the last property.
24:11But if you just look, there's a structure.
24:14Have a look in there, just walk round and talk to each other.
24:19Then come back and tell me what you think, OK?
24:21You will.
24:21Great.
24:21I'll see you soon.
24:25This is a great property, but it's becoming clear to me, property two is the one to beat.
24:33This is a great area, Marcia.
24:35I mean, it's a great space.
24:36Yeah.
24:37Shame about the height, but I think it's a great space for the overspill of the younger ones.
24:42I think the teenagers would love it as a hangout.
24:47This must be the master bedroom.
24:50Yeah, it's a bigger space and it is clean and it's well-maintained.
24:54Yeah, it feels like that.
24:54But I'm not getting that feeling of this is where I'd want to be.
24:57Yeah, yeah.
24:58Marcia and Paulette didn't seem to warm to this Quesada apartment on the market for just under £103,500.
25:05Has the temperature changed now that they've seen it all?
25:08Hi, Jean.
25:09Hi.
25:09Nice to see you again.
25:11I feel like you two are buttering me up with those smiles.
25:14What's the verdict?
25:14Is it a contender?
25:16While I like the property inside, I think what's outside doesn't really give me that feeling of somewhere I'd want
25:25to be.
25:26Bit too built up for you.
25:27You kind of alluded to that by the pool.
25:29Yeah.
25:29I know I've got that great contender in Grand Alicante that I have to try and beat.
25:34So how can I do that?
25:35How can I improve for my next property?
25:37Definitely a second bathroom or even a half of a bathroom or toilet.
25:41I'm hearing you, Marcia.
25:42That would be so great.
25:44There are going to be compromises.
25:45You're giving me some good notes.
25:47Let's move on.
25:48Lovely.
25:49Come on.
25:49To give Marcia that extra bathroom she'd ideally like, my next option is a little further inland.
25:56We're heading to Dianueva, a small village with all the essentials for Marcia and the family.
26:01It's a 20 minute drive from the coast but I think it has one of the best beaches.
26:05So we're going to stop off there en route.
26:08Now I wanted to bring you to the nearest beach to my next property because it's a good one.
26:12This is Guadamara.
26:13Oh, it's really fantastic.
26:16Look at this lovely sand and with the palm trees it's almost Caribbean like.
26:22It's a beautiful beach and we were at Karabassi Beach earlier which is a bit quieter.
26:27You want the hustle and bustle of July and August, come to this beach and this promenade.
26:32Yeah, there's bars and restaurants.
26:34Goes on for seven miles.
26:36Oh lovely.
26:36I know you're a walker so I wanted to bring you here to see that you can just go for
26:40some
26:40lovely nice walks.
26:42Doing a couple of miles.
26:43Just the sort of thing I like.
26:45If you want to get active with the kids you can hire a bike for about £15 a day.
26:48Have it for the whole day.
26:50Up and down you go.
26:51Fancy that Paulette?
26:52Yeah, I would fancy that actually.
26:54Yeah.
26:54It's more my kind of vibe.
26:56For my next property we're going a little bit inland but you are never too far from the
26:59beach.
27:00This is just 20 minutes away.
27:01Trust you.
27:02Yeah.
27:03That's a good thing.
27:06Further from the coast and a much smaller village, house prices in Dia Nueva can be up
27:11to 35% cheaper than Gran Alicante.
27:14So I've managed to line up a property with more space for Marcia's family to bed down.
27:19This is what I've got for you.
27:20A bungalow.
27:21This has got three bedrooms, two bathrooms.
27:25You're hitting those points.
27:28And I think this is the one of all the properties I've shown you so far that could work for
27:32you
27:33and the family.
27:34Sounds good.
27:35Why do you not look excited?
27:37Well I think because I can't see the bars and the restaurants.
27:41You've got bars and restaurants within a five minute walking distance of here.
27:45Oh, okay.
27:46Yeah.
27:46I know you're a person that goes on feeling so if initially you need some time to take
27:50this in, that's okay.
27:52I think definitely.
27:53This is on the market for unbelievably the same price as Property 2.
27:58This is on for just over £108,500.
28:01Oh wow.
28:02With the extra bedroom and the extra bathroom.
28:05And the extra bathroom too, yeah.
28:06So more for your money when you come more inland.
28:08It's a little bit of a compromise because I'm working within your budget.
28:12I think it's a compromise.
28:14It's worth it.
28:14But it's really down to you too.
28:16So look round this one on your own.
28:18Then come out.
28:19Tell me what you think.
28:20We will.
28:21Yeah.
28:21Thanks Jane.
28:25Oh, I can't believe it.
28:27They seem underwhelmed.
28:29It's time to start sorting out priorities.
28:30Is it space?
28:32Or is it location?
28:34There's a great communal pool that I think Marcia's grandchildren will love.
28:38And a large private garden to the front with a dining area at one end.
28:43There's also a staircase leading up to another terrace with charming views and access to one
28:48of the bedrooms which has an en suite.
28:51Inside the main part is a bright open plan lounge diner with the largest kitchen we've seen so far.
28:57The main bedroom is a good sized double and the third bedroom is a double too.
29:03Plus there's that second bathroom.
29:07Yeah, it's a nice space.
29:08Yeah.
29:09Nice dining area.
29:10Yeah.
29:11And it looks like a really good kitchen.
29:12This looks like something that is very, very wonderful, don't you think?
29:16Very good.
29:16It is.
29:16And I think it is where the compromise comes in, in the location.
29:21Yeah.
29:23So I suppose this is the main bedroom.
29:27Master.
29:28Pretty standard bedroom.
29:28Same size as the last property.
29:30Same size, but a good size.
29:33Yeah.
29:33Yeah.
29:36This is a nice space.
29:38Of course you've got the great views of the mountains.
29:41Yeah.
29:41And I think this is really private.
29:43Yeah, it's probably one of the most private ones we've seen so far actually.
29:47And this is still usable space, isn't it?
29:49Really usable space.
29:50This is really usable space.
29:54Ooh.
29:55That's a bit of a surprise isn't it?
29:57Yes it is.
29:57Crikey.
29:58This is a really good sized room.
30:00And there's also a shower room.
30:03But I think at the moment I'm not quite feeling it.
30:06Love the space, not the location.
30:08Agreed.
30:09They seemed unsure outside this de Nueva bungalow on the market for just over £108,500.
30:16I wonder what they're thinking about it now.
30:18Hi, lovey.
30:19What did you think of my three bedroom, two bathroom bungalow?
30:22Love the space.
30:24The third bedroom and bathroom was a great surprise and an absolute bonus.
30:31The location is what's not really grabbing me.
30:34All right, okay, so the space is good.
30:36I'm glad that's what I wanted to give you.
30:38Location, you're not sure.
30:40What about you, Paulette?
30:41I'm really glad that you brought us to a property that was so different from the others.
30:45Yeah, good.
30:46Because I think it's really helped us to kind of pin down what Marcia wants and what she doesn't want
30:51and what she's willing to compromise on.
30:53Is this a contender?
30:54That's in the balance.
30:56Well, the space is great, but I'd have to really discuss it with my family to see how they
31:03would feel about this location.
31:05That is really sensible.
31:06I'd be a bit sad if you sort of threw this away because to have three bedrooms for the
31:10same price as the property you love.
31:12Definitely.
31:13Good.
31:13Just keep it on the back burner for now.
31:15I've got one last chance.
31:16I've heard about a property that has just came on the market.
31:19It's in your favourite, Grand Alicante.
31:21So let's get in there quickly.
31:23I need to show you this fast.
31:24Sounds good.
31:24Come on.
31:25Great.
31:28Coming up, will I nail it with my final property?
31:32Ooh.
31:33Very nice.
31:34I like that noise.
31:35It's looking good.
31:42Today I'm on Spain's Costa Blanca, helping sisters Marcia and Paulette find their dream
31:48holiday home in and around the popular town of Grand Alicante.
31:52Marcia is looking for an apartment with space for her whole family and she's got a big brood.
31:57She also wants lots of outside space and to be close to shops, restaurants and ideally the beach too.
32:03But with her maximum budget of £110,000, it's a lot to ask of this area.
32:09I do have a strong contender though, this spacious apartment in Grand Alicante.
32:14And this bungalow in Dea Nueva is on the back burner too, but they weren't too sure about the location.
32:20I don't think that will be a problem with my final property though, a townhouse no less, in a fabulous
32:25spot that could top the lot.
32:29Before that, I'm heading off to visit an unusual property in the heart of Alicante.
32:35This five bedroom, five bathroom home is on the market for £6 million.
32:41Set in beautiful gardens with plenty of places to choose from to relax and soak up the sun,
32:47I'm meeting Agent Aaliyah, who's going to show me around.
32:52Hi Aaliyah.
32:53Hi Jean, how are you?
32:54I'm good, wow, this is a unique property.
32:58It's called Casa del Sol, House of the Sun.
33:01Oh lovely, can I see inside?
33:03Yeah, let me show you around.
33:04Wonderful, look at this.
33:09Oh wow, I feel a real Asian influence in this room.
33:14Yeah, the owners, they travelled a lot and they brought many things from the travels.
33:19And then this marble, it goes throughout the whole house.
33:22It's Italian, it's called Arabescata.
33:24This whole place just feels very international and every piece I can tell has been picked out very, very carefully.
33:32What a beautiful job the architect has done, that sweeping staircase is just stunning.
33:38Can I go up there?
33:39Yes, of course.
33:47So pretty, I love all the fabrics and colours here, velvet, silk, it's gorgeous.
33:53It's beautiful.
33:54Yeah, lovely desk there as well.
33:56Yeah, it's a makeup desk of the owner.
33:58That is the most fabulous makeup station I've ever seen.
34:03It is so beautiful in here.
34:05And to wake up to those views every morning.
34:08They are very beautiful.
34:09It's my favourite part of this house.
34:11Yeah, I really want to explore that garden, please.
34:14Let's go.
34:18Where do you start with this?
34:20Wow.
34:21Yeah, it's gorgeous.
34:23We've got a pool here.
34:25This has obviously been inspired by Bali.
34:28It's beautiful.
34:29And then a cactus farm over there.
34:31Yeah, it's very nice.
34:32It's very beautiful.
34:33The garden feels as international as the house.
34:36Yeah, because the trees come from all over the world.
34:39Mmm.
34:40It's so beautiful and exotic and so nicely done.
34:44Thank you so much for showing me around.
34:45Let me show you all.
34:47It's back to the house hunt and I'm taking Marcia and Paulette back to Gran Alicante
34:52as it's become clear that this has been their favourite location so far.
34:56And en route, there's somewhere really close by I want to show them.
35:00Marcia, I know you love to walk, so I had to bring you guys to El Clot de Galvanet Natural
35:06Park.
35:06This is over 300 hectares of unspoiled land that goes from the dunes near the beach up to the mountains
35:13and it is a great place for you to spend as much time as you want.
35:17It's really lovely.
35:19I like it.
35:19I could see the children sort of playing here.
35:21They'd love it.
35:22Yeah.
35:23They'd love it.
35:23If you want to learn a bit more about some of the plant life and wildlife,
35:26you can do a two hour guided tour for free.
35:28Oh, that's really awesome.
35:29Yeah, and then once you know all the info, you can pass it on to other people.
35:33That's great.
35:33And my next property is about a nine minute walk from here.
35:37Excellent.
35:38Love it.
35:38I can just picture you visiting this place.
35:40Quite a lot.
35:42Let's take a walk through the park on the way, come on.
35:45We're heading to a new residential area of Lower Grand Alicante.
35:49And while this location does mean losing that third bedroom and pushing her maximum budget,
35:53I think this property has got everything else Marcia had on her wish list.
35:57I'm excited about this one.
36:00You have a cafe within two minutes walking distance.
36:03Those great restaurants within seven minutes.
36:05The beach is within ten.
36:07Have you nailed it location wise?
36:09Definitely a great location for Marcia and great location for the family
36:11because it just offers so much of what everybody will be interested in.
36:16So I've nailed the location, I just need to nail the property now.
36:19So what I've got for you is a two bedroom, two bathroom.
36:24Okay, great.
36:25Townhouse.
36:26Yes.
36:26Very nice.
36:28Really wanted to offer you a townhouse because I think it will give you that sense of space
36:32you've been after throughout the search.
36:34It's on the market for just over £113,000 but the agent has said that they'll listen to offers
36:40around the top end of your budget at £110,000.
36:43It's in this lovely urbanisation and it's overlooking the pool.
36:48Great.
36:48Shall we?
36:51The communal pool here is set in lovely grounds.
36:55The townhouse itself has a small terrace at the front and a balcony upstairs with a gorgeous view.
37:02Inside is a lounge diner which is open to the kitchen and there's a shower room on this floor too.
37:09Upstairs are two double bedrooms and the bonus of a second bathroom.
37:15Now this terrace is north east facing so in the summer you'll get your morning sun here.
37:20What do you think of the size of this? Is it enough space?
37:23It's a nice little space actually for a table and chairs or barbecue.
37:27It's adequate, yeah.
37:28Yeah.
37:28Now look at this, a townhouse.
37:31I know.
37:31Lovely.
37:32Yeah.
37:32Let's get in.
37:37Right, in you come.
37:39Ooh.
37:41Very nice.
37:41I like that noise.
37:43Yes.
37:44There is a wee bit too much furniture in here for my liking but it is included.
37:48It means you can keep and throw away what you're doing.
37:51That's a real bonus isn't it?
37:53Yeah.
37:53Yeah.
37:54We could actually reconfigure it.
37:56Of course.
37:56And just have more space.
37:58So yeah, I think it's a nice size room.
38:00I think I'm throwing in a property that's really going to give you something to think about.
38:05Yeah.
38:05I think you have.
38:06Excellent.
38:07That's a good position to be in.
38:11Nice and bright in here.
38:14More spacious.
38:15I think by far, yeah, the biggest of the main bedrooms we've seen as well.
38:19And what about that terrace overlooking the pool?
38:21Yeah.
38:21So that is another nice place to go and sit and watch the children.
38:27Yeah.
38:27What are you thinking, Paulette?
38:28Are you happy?
38:29It feels like a really nice development.
38:31And I think the property offers the most flexibility in terms of accommodation.
38:38I'm really glad that both of you like this one because it is a great property and it is hot
38:43on the market.
38:44Look round the rest.
38:45We'll meet for a chat.
38:51So this is the second bedroom.
38:55It's not a bad size.
38:56I always think about how much time do we spend in the bedrooms.
38:59So it has what you need and you've got two beds in here.
39:03So they're not going to be quite good.
39:06They seemed excited about this townhouse in Gran Alicante on the market for just over a negotiable £113,000.
39:13I wonder if they like it enough to put it on the shortlist.
39:17How did you like the townhouse?
39:19Very nice.
39:20Love the space.
39:22Being on two floors, it gives you that bit of separation.
39:25Of course.
39:26But also really love being able to overlook the pool.
39:29I thought you would.
39:29And keeping an eye on the kids.
39:31Yeah.
39:31Yeah, it really does offer quite a lot.
39:34Yeah.
39:34Being on two floors just gives you that sort of feeling of space that you've been after this whole time.
39:40Is it a contender?
39:41I think it's something to be considered because it just offers so much.
39:44Yeah.
39:45So much flexible living, yeah.
39:46That's great news.
39:47I think it should be.
39:48It is a really good property for you.
39:50And what about the three bedroom on the edge of the village?
39:53You weren't too sure?
39:54Not a contender.
39:56Not in the running?
39:56Didn't like the location.
39:57Grand Alicante is the location for you so I'm glad I've got two great properties there.
40:02The favourite with that lovely roof terrace, great solarium.
40:05Yeah, it is.
40:06And then we've got this townhouse that overlooks the pool with that extra bathroom.
40:10It's not going to be easy.
40:12It's not.
40:12It's not at all.
40:12I'm going to give you the evening.
40:14Think about it.
40:15You've got your sister here.
40:16Phone home to your sons and hopefully you'll be able to make a decision.
40:19I hope so.
40:20Yeah.
40:21Come on.
40:21Thank you so much.
40:27If you'd like more information about any of the properties featured on today's show,
40:31go to aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
40:36It's been an interesting search trying to find Marcia's dream holiday home that will work for her,
40:41her children, grandchildren and Paulette too.
40:44Balancing the priorities hasn't been easy,
40:46but it became clear that being in Grand Alicante was number one.
40:50Firmly in the running are this spacious apartment with the huge solarium
40:54and this townhouse with the pool view.
40:56I'm intrigued to see what she's going to do next.
40:59Good morning.
41:00Morning.
41:00How are you both today?
41:02Good.
41:03You had a lot of thinking to do.
41:06How did last night go?
41:07A lot of talking, calling back home,
41:11spoken to my sons just to get their feelings and how they think about it.
41:17So they were quite positive.
41:19So when I left you yesterday at the townhouse,
41:21I saw a real dilemma forming, you know,
41:24because you loved that two bedroom with the roof terrace,
41:26but then you seemed like you loved the townhouse as well.
41:29Yeah, I did.
41:30So how did you come to the decision between those two great properties?
41:34The apartment with the solarium offered just way more outside space.
41:40And even though there wasn't a second bathroom,
41:42you kind of have to balance it all out.
41:44So it was all about outside space for you then?
41:47For me, yeah.
41:47But you loved the townhouse that you could look over the pool and watch the grandkids playing?
41:51Yeah, I definitely did.
41:53But having the second bathroom didn't make up for the outside space of the apartment with the rooftop.
42:00So the two bed with the solarium wins.
42:03Yeah.
42:03Yeah.
42:03So what would you like to do?
42:05I would like to make an offer.
42:07That property's on the market for just over £108,500.
42:11So what offer would you like me to take forward to the agent?
42:16£97,750.
42:18Okay.
42:18Yeah.
42:19So £97,750 and your cash buyer.
42:23So that should be in your favour.
42:25Great.
42:25I'll take that forward.
42:26Love it.
42:27Keeping our fingers crossed.
42:29Good luck.
42:31Hello Louise.
42:32It's Jean from A Place in the Sun.
42:34I have some good news.
42:35Marcia would like to make an offer on your lovely two bedroom apartment with that fabulous
42:39solarium in Grand Alicante.
42:41Marcia is a cash buyer and she would like to put forward an offer of £97,750.
42:51Okay.
42:53Thanks for that.
42:54Bye.
42:55So Louise, the agent, did say she thinks it's too low, but she will take it forward to the
43:01sale.
43:01Oh, right.
43:02Well, we'll just wait and see what happens.
43:04How are you feeling?
43:06Mervous.
43:07Definitely.
43:07I feel the butterflies going.
43:09Me too.
43:10It's because it's within touching distance.
43:14It's within reach.
43:15Yeah.
43:15Finally.
43:16You could be flying back to the UK as the owner of a Spanish holiday home.
43:22How nice.
43:23Oh, there's the agent.
43:27Hello.
43:29Okay.
43:30Ooh.
43:32Thanks for that.
43:33Okay.
43:35There's been a counter offer.
43:37Right.
43:38Of £102,000, £609.
43:42So what shall we do?
43:43Counter offer?
43:44I don't know whether they'll accept another offer for you.
43:47You can give it a shot.
43:49Going £102,000.
43:50Yeah.
43:53Last and final.
43:55Yeah.
43:58It's me again.
43:59Yes.
44:00So I have a last and final offer from Marcia and it's for £102,000.
44:09Thanks, Louise.
44:10Your offer's been accepted.
44:18Oh, that's nice.
44:19Oh, lovely.
44:20See, you're emotional there.
44:22Yeah, a little bit.
44:22A little bit.
44:24Yeah, a little bit.
44:25Yeah, a little bit.
44:25I am delighted for you because that is the perfect property for you.
44:30And I can imagine your whole family up on that roof terrace.
44:33Yeah.
44:33Huge congratulations.
44:35Cheers, girls.
44:36Cheers.
44:38Lovely.
44:42Well, it's been an incredible journey for Marcia.
44:45And with the help of our sister, Paulette, she found the perfect property in the perfect
44:49location and for a great price.
44:52I just know they're going to have some wonderful family holidays here in beautiful Grand Alicante.
44:57If you'd like to be on A Place in the Sun to find your own dream home, then go to
45:01channel4.com forward slash take part.
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