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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 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.
00:32Big red card!
00:34But will their gamble pay off?
00:37Absolutely bonkers, but it's what we came for, yeah?
00:40Yay!
00:41Or will they fail to hit their target?
00:44Brexit has put the complications into overdrive.
00:48As they carve out...
00:49..their new lives in the sun.
00:52I just 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, after winning a bed and breakfast in France...
01:04Bonjour!
01:06..a couple from Belfast feel the heat
01:09as they welcome their first guests.
01:11Did that pad catch?
01:13Yeah.
01:14I forgot to turn it off.
01:15..temperatures are also raised...
01:17Martin, I think I've got a problem.
01:19..as a family from Yorkshire take a gamble
01:22on a summer party at their new French pub.
01:24Maybe some people will eat, maybe everybody will eat, maybe not.
01:28And in Spain, after months of hard graft...
01:31It just seems a little bit of an endless job at the moment.
01:34..reality hits as a pair of new B&B owners
01:37switch from renovating to hosting.
01:41We're 20 minutes past the time I said breakfast would be
01:43and we're still waiting for guests.
01:45I don't get as stressed as him.
01:47I am like the balance.
01:56For anyone keen to explore the lakes of the Milvash Plateau
02:01and breathe the fresh air of the countryside in Creuse,
02:04the little village of Fennier is an idyllic spot.
02:08Oh, it's looking like we covered ball art covers.
02:11And it's here that Roy and Nicola, originally from Belfast,
02:15are about to open their dream bed and breakfast business.
02:18After winning it in a TV competition.
02:23I seen an advertisement online
02:25and I hummed and had about it, thought about it
02:27and then decided, oh, I'll go for it.
02:30So I filled it out, didn't tell Roy
02:32because I didn't think we'd ever get a call back.
02:36But Nicola couldn't have been more wrong.
02:39Not only did they get selected,
02:41out of hundreds of applications...
02:44This is our chance to shine, isn't it?
02:47Yeah.
02:48..after being pitted against five other couples...
02:51..across three weeks of challenges to find the best B&B hosts...
02:56Just come on, Roy, because they're going to be finished
02:57and these are going to eat in the throat.
02:58It looks really bad.
02:59Calm down, calm down.
03:01..in a life-changing moment, the couple came out on top.
03:04You have won a B&B in France!
03:09What?
03:10What?
03:11I won!
03:12Congratulations!
03:13We didn't win!
03:15It's won!
03:17Their prize, the keys to this stunning five-bedroom property
03:21at the heart of the village.
03:24It hasn't sunk in.
03:25We're still in cloud nine.
03:26We haven't come down to earth yet, but still,
03:28we'll walk around the house now and go,
03:30wow, we own this, and just can't believe
03:32what a prize we've won.
03:34See, even just a touch, you're touching the history.
03:37Roy is a pastry chef
03:39and Nicola has run tea rooms in the past.
03:41But life after claiming their prize B&B will be a brand new adventure.
03:47These are lovely fluffy robes we bought back home to bring.
03:51Oh, they're nice.
03:53For the guests.
03:54Oh, they're big.
03:56We've always wanted the B&B because we've both worked in hospitality
04:00and we've really enjoyed it.
04:02Yeah.
04:02And I love cleaning.
04:03You do.
04:04You do.
04:05It's really sad to say, but yeah, I do love cleaning.
04:07And we just thought the two combined and the B&B and working from home
04:11and working for ourselves would be just perfect.
04:15It's now October.
04:18And while it's only three weeks since Roy and Nicola left the UK
04:21to move to France, as most of the bedrooms of their prize property
04:26are turnkey, they're already prepping to welcome some trial guests
04:31at the end of the month.
04:32Water resistant stain I'm putting on.
04:35I've got wee bits to do on the insides here.
04:38But yeah, that's it for that coat.
04:44I think it looks well.
04:46Well pleased with it.
04:48Having begun to put their own stamp on the place,
04:51there's still plenty to learn about their new business.
04:54And today, figuring out the heating system is top of the list.
05:02How do we know how much oil we have?
05:05Is there a gauge?
05:07I don't speak English.
05:08How are you doing?
05:10How are you doing?
05:10The boiler at the B&B runs on oil that's delivered by tanker.
05:14And it's time for a restock to ensure they can give their guests a warm welcome.
05:21Have you enough stock? If we need 1,000 litres, can we go ahead at 1,000?
05:25With a little help from a stick and their translation app, their problem-solving skills that won them the competition
05:32come to the fore.
05:34Half full?
05:35Half full?
05:36Half full?
05:36Just 500?
05:37500?
05:39500?
05:39OK.
05:40OK.
05:43Oil isn't the only delivery this afternoon.
05:46Half an hour later, their neighbour has turned up with firewood at a knock-down price.
05:53John Mack has a farm, and he's a great, great person to know, because I just asked him yesterday, can
06:00I get some firewood?
06:01And he's brought me all this, three lots, for like 150 euro.
06:06It's for nothing.
06:09The couple's last task of the day, to build a bed, puts their teamwork to the test again.
06:15And it turns out to be a job for two pairs of hands and two pairs of paws.
06:20There he is, always there.
06:22There he is to help.
06:23Roy and Nicola's cat, Mr Morgan, has recently joined them in France.
06:28And it's no surprise he wants to help, because the B&B will be named Monsieur Morgans in his honour.
06:36Oh!
06:37Oh!
06:38You're nodding.
06:41That's good enough.
06:43Yeah, that's fine.
06:44Great.
06:45It's been a productive day, but with their first guests due in just three weeks,
06:50next time, can Roy and Nicola keep up their winning streak?
07:01Ninety miles west, in the Dordogne, the Dunn family's journey to France followed a more conventional route.
07:09No.
07:10No, no, no.
07:10You can't take your shoe off when you're horse riding.
07:12What's riding?
07:12As they decided to make the move here from Huddersfield.
07:16Put your feet straight.
07:18After falling in love with this beautiful region during four years of holidaying here.
07:23So how many are we having?
07:25Eight.
07:26Eight.
07:27I don't think our field's big enough for eight.
07:28Eight.
07:30Eight.
07:30Dave is a former car sales manager, and Emily has been working as a travel agent.
07:36Hi.
07:36But they craved a new life for their family in the French countryside.
07:42It's nice that we've got this outdoorsy type life now.
07:46Whilst it's accessible in the UK, it's high-wateringly expensive, it's not in France.
07:51Look at it.
07:51I mean, it's perfect.
07:53The pair have recently taken on an English-style pub and restaurant.
07:57Fish.
07:58In the rural village of Santestef.
08:01Fish and chips.
08:03They've been open for three weeks, but it's proving to be a steep learning curve.
08:08We've never run our own business before.
08:10We've never worked behind a bar before.
08:12We've never cooked food for lots of people before.
08:17Merci.
08:18And we're trialing food out on people, and people are giving us feedback.
08:22We're so scared of getting it wrong.
08:25People are being genuine with us, aren't they?
08:27Well, we think so.
08:28We think so.
08:29We'll find out.
08:31It's the end of June.
08:33After a number of successful events in their beer garden,
08:36and recently launching their new a la carte menu,
08:40Dave and Emily's next lunch service is another opportunity to test the waters.
08:45Whereabouts do you want to sit?
08:46I'm good here.
08:48There you go.
08:48There's your menu, sir.
08:50The pair have decided to start by offering a mix of classic pub grub and bar snacks.
08:56So, first order in is chilli cheese bites to start with, followed by a limousan burger.
09:02Not too strenuous, pretty straightforward.
09:05Helping Dave is kitchen assistant Veronique, leading to a speedy service.
09:12Enjoy.
09:12Cheers, thank you.
09:13And soon they have another order.
09:16Spring rolls and then a portion of fries, please.
09:19Okay.
09:20Veronique.
09:21Wheat.
09:21And salad entree.
09:23So far, their new menu appears to be going down well.
09:27The food here today was really good.
09:29Yeah, very much enjoyed it.
09:31Very tasty.
09:32We haven't actually had an evening meal.
09:35We've had a lunchtime meal, which was really nice.
09:38At the bar, there are also customers popping in just for drinks.
09:4350, s'il vous plaît.
09:46Yeah.
09:46C'est bien, bien, bien.
09:47Perfect.
09:48C'est très bon.
09:48Merci.
09:50However, the numbers dining with them are low, compared to what they've been experiencing
09:55in the evenings.
09:57Thanks a lot.
09:58Take care.
09:58Bye.
09:59Three people in an afternoon is definitely not enough to tide us over.
10:03It's been nice today though, because we've been able to actually speak to the people
10:06whilst they've been eating and find out if they like it.
10:09The big one at the minute has been burgers that everybody orders, hasn't it?
10:12I agree.
10:13I think we're probably going to need to push the service times.
10:17We need a buffer in the bank for winter, you know, so we do have to take advantage of
10:22the summer season and, you know, get some money in whilst it's there.
10:29Five weeks later, with temperatures in the high 20s and the tourist season in the Dordogne
10:35underway…
10:36We're going to get Mark in.
10:37No, it won't take any more than that.
10:38Dave and Emily are putting their plan to capitalise on the busy holiday months into action.
10:45It's a summer party day today, so we're just prepping.
10:49Dave's in charge of a barbecue, so we're doing burgers, English sausages with fried onions
10:56or pulled pork with stuffing and applesauce.
11:00Homemade stuffing.
11:01Homemade.
11:02The family desperately need to make a success of their first summer of trade,
11:07so it's all hands to the pump, with Hugo and Willow decorating the beer garden.
11:12Hugo, you need to put another one out.
11:15They've also booked a DJ, but as it's not a ticketed event, how much of an earner the
11:20party will be is unknown.
11:23Food-wise, we've got about 130, 140 portions of food.
11:28So, 50 burgers, 50 sausage baguettes and probably 40 pulled pork baguettes.
11:36So, it could be far too much food or it could be nowhere near enough food.
11:42Just have to see how we get on.
11:46Coming up, there are more plumbing problems at a couple's Spanish B&B.
11:51At the moment, we've got no hot water.
11:53We could be in deep trouble.
11:55While in France...
11:57Restaurants on the list?
11:58Yep.
11:58Yep.
11:59Nicola and Roy do their homework on their new surroundings.
12:03We'll have to take a picture of this and put it in the information.
12:06I wouldn't make the flat there.
12:18For Brits seeking a slower pace of life, the whitewashed village of Pelopos in the Contravesa
12:24Mountains of southern Spain is an enticing proposition.
12:29Nigel and husband Fede moved here from Bath nine months ago and have already expanded their
12:35family.
12:37A new doggy.
12:39Her name is Polly of Pelopos.
12:42She was abandoned and we adopted him.
12:47Spanish-born Fede grew up here and the couple are using his family home as a temporary base
12:53while they finish the renovations of their new B&B business.
12:58Naughty new new. Naughty new. Tickle-tum. Tickle-tum.
13:01Oh, God. Tickle-tum.
13:03We're so lucky to be able to have the opportunity of having this apartment in Fede's dad's house,
13:09to be able to stay here and work on the house at the other side of the village.
13:13The three-storey property used to be a thriving guest house. And with a background in hospitality,
13:20Nigel and Fede hope to restore it back to its former glory. With five en-suite guest rooms
13:27and a self-contained apartment for themselves.
13:31The lifestyle out here seems to be a lot slower and more relaxing, which is what we hoped for.
13:37So hopefully once the B&B's up and running, it won't change that much.
13:43I'm really looking forward to starting a new chapter in Spain.
13:49It's now late September and after a tricky summer of setbacks,
13:54Nigel and Fede have finally finished painting the exterior of their B&B.
14:01Allowing focus to shift back inside.
14:04Everything's done construction-wise, the rooms are all painted,
14:09so it's literally just now clearing the rooms downstairs and putting things in place.
14:15Having moved across all of their belongings, pressure's mounting to get unpacked,
14:20as they've decided to invite some friends and family to stay in a few weeks' time as trial B&B
14:27guests.
14:28It just seems a little bit of an endless job at the moment, but we will get there.
14:36Along with their own things, they also need to sort through leftover kitchen items from the previous owner.
14:43As it's a big job, fortunately today, Nigel's managed to recruit an extra pair of hands.
14:49You all right, love?
14:50Yes, I am.
14:51Are you ready for a busy day?
14:52Well, I'm already ready.
14:54Right.
14:56OK.
14:57Julian normally runs a bar in the village.
14:59I'll show you where we are with it.
15:01But as it's her day off, she's kindly agreed to help out.
15:07Clean stuff's already over there.
15:09Dishwasher's just finished.
15:10OK.
15:11This has all got to go through and there's piles of stuff through there and in the pantry.
15:16OK.
15:17So we've got a busy day.
15:18Let's go.
15:19Yeah?
15:19I'm into it.
15:21Julia, like a lot of the locals, is keen for Fede and Nigel to get their bed and breakfast
15:26open for business.
15:28I think it's going to be very lovely.
15:31But at the end, it's beneficial for everybody here in the village, yeah?
15:37It's going to attract more people.
15:39While Julia and Nigel tackle the kitchen, it seems Christmas might be coming early in the living room.
15:47Look what we got here today.
15:49Nigel loves Christmas.
15:51That's why we got boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations and even more than a Christmas shop.
15:59I found a tent for Christmas tree.
16:02Put it up.
16:04But if Nigel and Fede are going to be ready to receive their first guests in a few weeks' time,
16:09the festive touches will have to wait.
16:11It feels like it's never-ending.
16:14Keep loading the dishwasher, keep whipping the assistant over there and we'll soon get it all done.
16:28By October, after a Herculean effort to get their B&B in order, it's a landmark day for Nigel and
16:35Fede.
16:37We've been working over the last three weeks solid, you know, every day, all day and even weekends.
16:42And we've now got our first guests arriving today.
16:45I've heard that they've just landed in Malaga, so we've not got long.
16:50Over the next few days, all five of their new B&B rooms will be put to the test.
16:56But as Nigel and Fede do the final bit of cleaning, they've discovered a major problem.
17:03At the moment, we've got no hot water in our apartment or the main kitchen here downstairs.
17:13So Brian's going through all that today.
17:16No, it's not going on.
17:19So hopefully it'll all work as planned, or otherwise we could be in deep trouble.
17:31Across in France, competition winners Nicola and Roy are also in the throes of preparations,
17:37ahead of their first guests arriving in nine days' time.
17:44Printing off the guest information leaflet that's going to go into each room so the guests know what's going on
17:51in the local area.
17:52Places that we have visited, and also places so far that we haven't visited that we need to visit, so
17:57that we can recommend them.
17:59Prior to moving here a month ago, Nicola and Roy had only spent 24 hours in the village when they
18:06ran the property as a bed and breakfast during the competition.
18:10So as well as getting their new business set up...
18:13Restaurants on the list? Yep. Yep.
18:16..they're making every effort to get to know the local area.
18:20There it is. There it is.
18:21Did you time that? About two minutes from our gorgeous beautiful home.
18:26Today they're checking out a nearby war memorial, with a view to adding it to their list of local attractions.
18:35I'll have to translate that and be able to put it in the information.
18:39I wouldn't like to fly out there.
18:42Its flying days may be over, but this former fighter jet isn't totally redundant.
18:49And here it still spins.
18:52It still spins.
18:55See someone knock back at you, well hello, can you let me out?
18:59Yes.
19:00This is definitely made to the list.
19:02We can just say to the guests after their breakfast, take a walk up to the Second World War fighter
19:09bomber.
19:10Hmm, yeah.
19:12Are they going to have a picnic?
19:13And we'll supply the picnic at a course?
19:16Yep, absolutely.
19:19The following week, Nicola and Roy are exploring other ways to extend their guest services and maximise their profits.
19:28The treasure.
19:29That's better.
19:30As the new B&B will now be their primary income.
19:34I should really have my weights on for this.
19:36Leaning into their hospitality experience and Roy's background as a pastry chef, they hope to also offer evening meals for
19:44an extra charge.
19:46This is all the recipes that I've picked up over the years over some of the good chefs I've worked
19:50with.
19:51So today, they're trialling some dishes, including the French classic, coq au vin.
19:57I'm not even sure how much I'm meant to put in, but I'm going to go the whole bottle because
20:00it's France and it's cheap.
20:03The regulations in France for B&B to serve food in the evening, which is called table d'ot, is
20:10you're only allowed to serve the guests they're staying with.
20:12You can't have outside customers coming in.
20:15Everyone has to eat at the same table and everyone has to eat the same meal.
20:19The guests can choose whether they eat here or not. It's not included in the package or anything, they don't
20:24have to.
20:25Preferably they would eat with us.
20:27As they experienced in the competition, cooking together can put any relationship to the test.
20:34Is there something burning?
20:35Would you stop asking me something burning? There's nothing burning.
20:40But to make their business a success, they'll have to pull together.
20:45What are you making, darling?
20:47I'm making frittin' nut loaf.
20:49Lovely. And that's for the cheese board?
20:50For the cheese board.
20:51OK.
20:51Yeah. What are you doing?
20:53Creme brulee, see if you play.
20:55That's the only French word you know.
20:56Je t'aime.
20:58What's that mean?
21:00It means I love you, Nicola.
21:02Well...
21:04After four and a half hours in the kitchen, what's the verdict on their sample menu?
21:10Mmm, I'm going to try your caca bat.
21:13It's shortbread.
21:15God, Nicola, how much wine have you got in that, love?
21:17A whole bottle.
21:19Mmm.
21:20That is delicious.
21:22It's a sharing dish.
21:24Oh, yeah.
21:26I think we'll be happy.
21:28So we'll just have to do it again next week for real.
21:31All over again?
21:31All over again.
21:32Only 20 times better?
21:34Absolutely.
21:35If you can better it, I don't know.
21:37There's always room for proving.
21:39Always.
21:44Coming up, Emily and Dave flip out at their summer party.
21:48Cooking them on the barbecues, just pulling them all in, so the burgers have started to shrink quite a lot.
21:54And it's the moment of truth for Nigel and Fede.
21:57Welcome.
21:58But will they secure a five-star review?
22:01It's a bit hectic, because they all seem to come together in the last half an hour, but yeah, we're
22:06pleased that everybody's in, aren't we?
22:07Yeah, very excited.
22:18In south-west France, it's early August, and almost time to light the barbecue at Dave and Emily's pub.
22:27As they prepare to host a special afternoon of music and food to capitalise on the busy summer season.
22:35This is where I find out if I set the umbrella on fire.
22:38Their plan is for Emily to man the bar, and Dave to be on grilling duty.
22:43But as a novice barbecuer, he's overdone it with the fire lighters.
22:49Yeah, that's a problem.
22:50Martin, I think I've got a problem.
22:54Go.
22:58I'll just try and get that wire out.
23:01Thanks to some quick thinking...
23:03I think we're all right there now.
23:05The barbecue area is soon out of the danger zone.
23:09Thank you, Martin.
23:11You might have just literally saved my life.
23:13They still have no idea how many customers will turn up today.
23:17But with the help from new team member Fred...
23:20Yes, yes.
23:21Are you sure?
23:24Emily gets the menu board prepped.
23:31While Dave wastes no time getting the food on the grill.
23:35We've made a start a little bit behind schedule, but we've made a start nevertheless.
23:40Just about got some sausages ready.
23:42Yeah.
23:42People are starting to arrive.
23:44Almost immediately, they have their first food order.
23:48One ketchup, one mustard.
23:51And it's an opportunity to see how their barbecue offering rates against their a la carte menu.
23:58A demi-baguette from Julian in Piegu.
24:01Good baguettes.
24:02Oh, very good.
24:03There are a few people here.
24:05Maybe some people will eat.
24:07Maybe everybody will eat.
24:08Maybe not.
24:10Just done the first couple.
24:13Oh dear, there's a burnt one.
24:16And within an hour of grilling, it's not just the sausages he's worried about.
24:21They're not like a pressed burger like in the UK.
24:24So they're a little bit loose, so you've just really got to let them colour.
24:27I'm just rolling them and re-pattying them myself.
24:32Just to make them a bit more secure on the barbecue.
24:36I'll have them as they're coming off.
24:38Oh, David!
24:41But their new cooking method soon leads to a different issue for their 10 euro burgers.
24:48The burgers have started to shrink quite a lot.
24:51Cooking them on the barbecue is just pulling them all in.
24:53So they look really small on the buns.
24:55So I think that I'm going to cut my losses and start doubling them up.
24:59It's a decision that will impact their bottom line.
25:02But as the afternoon goes on...
25:05Bon appetit!
25:06..the bar gets busy.
25:09A party atmosphere fills the beer garden.
25:12Chin chin!
25:14And to their relief, Dave's barbecue food has people coming back for more.
25:20The barbecue was good.
25:21It was good, yeah.
25:22Just having an open menu.
25:24It's good to have some new energy, enthusiastic young people.
25:26The place, yeah, we like it here.
25:28They've brought life back into the Crazy Frog and into the village.
25:33With the music and food running into the evening...
25:37Is that good?
25:38That's good.
25:39As everyone enjoys themselves, Dave and Emily take a moment to reflect.
25:45It's all been good?
25:46Sold out most of what we got.
25:49I need to listen to my wife more because she was telling me it's going to be good
25:53and I was a bit worried that perhaps it wasn't
25:56and that maybe we might have made a financial mistake
25:58and not got the money in that we would if we'd have had a service,
26:01but actually we've probably done a little bit better, haven't we?
26:03Yeah, and do you know what? We've brought in loads of new customers.
26:06New faces. It's always good.
26:07Yeah.
26:08Because then they might come back for a proper meal.
26:10No.
26:11We can celebrate with some champagne.
26:14Yeah, or carver because it's cheaper.
26:16Yeah.
26:21It's been a year of huge change for Emily and Dave,
26:25but their leap of faith to move their family
26:27to a new country
26:31to take on new careers is now paying off.
26:34If you want a bathtub, that's fine.
26:37Because as their confidence grows, so is their business.
26:42We both work really hard.
26:44In every job that we've ever done, we've worked really hard
26:46and we've put 110% in, so it was only going to work.
26:50It's a strange feeling to kind of think that actually, yeah,
26:52we've not been in this industry before, but we seem to be pretty good at it.
26:59And for their family's future,
27:01they've no doubt that they made the right decision.
27:05I think this is pretty incredible.
27:07We've given it a go, haven't we?
27:08Yeah, and it's exciting about what we can do,
27:11what will change, and every day's new.
27:14Yeah. Brilliant.
27:15Every day is brand new.
27:16Ooh, let's see what this tastes like.
27:19And we see something that we've not seen before,
27:21we do something that we've not done before,
27:23and I just wish we'd have done it five years ago.
27:34Across in Spain, Nigel and Fede are also on the cusp of reaping the rewards of their hard work,
27:40with trial guests arriving soon at their new B&B.
27:45Yeah, that's good.
27:47And to their relief, builder Brian, who's also a gas engineer,
27:51has been able to take an urgent look at their boiler.
27:54We've got gas to there, so it should go now.
27:58To get their hot water supply back up and running.
28:02She is alive.
28:05Disaster averted.
28:09Plumbing problems have been a reoccurring theme
28:12during Nigel and Fede's challenging renovations.
28:15But now, after ten months of hard graft and help from friends like Brian,
28:21their once abandoned guest house is now a welcoming B&B.
28:27With five contemporary en-suite guest rooms,
28:31the ground floor also boasts a stylish communal living room,
28:36a newly decorated kitchen and a fully stocked bar.
28:40In the last three weeks, we've pushed to get most of it up together
28:44and yeah, we're pleased with the outcome.
28:47It is like a dream and true to see this now,
28:51so tangible and colourful, beautiful, tidy.
28:55I love it.
28:57But will their test guests agree?
29:00You all right?
29:02First to arrive is their friend Steve and his wife Jackie.
29:07Welcome, first guests.
29:09Oh, look at this.
29:12That looks incredible.
29:14Steve also chipped in with the renovations.
29:18So there you go. Welcome.
29:20Oh, it's so light and bright.
29:23He was last here five months ago,
29:25but this time he's left his toolkit at home.
29:29Enjoy your stay.
29:31Thank you very much.
29:35Can't believe I actually got done.
29:37I think it's incredible, actually.
29:40I think it's just unbelievable what they've managed to achieve
29:43and so proud of them both, to be honest.
29:46With guests arriving over the course of the next few days...
29:50Hello!
29:51Hola!
29:52Hola!
29:52Que pasa, guapo!
29:55Welcome, welcome.
29:58Next to check in is Nigel and Fede's friend Monje,
30:02who's visiting for the first time.
30:04I didn't expect it to be at such a high level.
30:07I mean, this is absolute quality.
30:09And I didn't know Nigel and Fede had this in them, actually.
30:14I'm not looking forward to leaving.
30:15I think I might just want to stay here forever.
30:17Returning to the Finnish B&B
30:19after seeing the renovation in its early stages...
30:22Hola!
30:24..is Fede's sister, Arantra, and his two nieces.
30:28Oh!
30:29The green one with the red colour!
30:32Bring that up.
30:33I love it.
30:35Last to arrive are friends Marina and Gonzalo,
30:38with their two children.
30:40Como estas?
30:42Hola!
30:44It's the first time Nigel and Fede have had a full house.
30:48It's a bit hectic,
30:49because they all seem to come together in the last half an hour,
30:52but we're pleased that everybody's in, aren't we?
30:54Yeah, very excited and glad that they are all here now.
31:00The following morning, it's time to face their next test.
31:04Their first guest breakfast.
31:07I've come down this morning and the only carton of milk
31:10that I had chilled for cereals has been left out overnight by a guest,
31:15so I'm a bit...
31:20..um...
31:20..a bit, um, yeah.
31:22I don't get as stressed as him, so...
31:25..I am, like, the balance.
31:27And everything will...
31:29..will be fine.
31:31And it's not just the milk that's bothering Nigel,
31:34so is some of the guests' timekeeping.
31:37We're 20 minutes past the time I said breakfast would be
31:40and we're still waiting for guests,
31:43but hopefully by 11 o'clock we might be ready for breakfast.
31:47Eventually, though, all of their guests surface and begin to tuck in.
31:52Everything OK?
31:53Todo bien?
31:54Yeah.
31:55And Nigel and Fede have learned a valuable lesson
31:59for when they officially open.
32:01If this was the proper guests, then, you know, come 10 o'clock,
32:04breakfast would be finished and everything would be taken away
32:07because we can't hang around all day waiting for guests to come down.
32:11While there may have been a couple of teething problems in the kitchen,
32:15they've gone unnoticed.
32:16There was just such a variety of food to eat,
32:19croissants, bread, but also fruit and cheese.
32:23Just delicious.
32:25The trial stay has been a success,
32:27but after spending thousands of euros to renovate their B&B,
32:31what Nigel and Fede need now is a return on their investment.
32:36Bye-bye.
32:38So it's important they attract paying guests, and soon.
32:42Bye.
32:47Coming up, there's a surprise in store for Nicola and Roy's first guests.
32:52Well, they don't know it's us at one.
32:54I forgot about that.
32:55I'm actually looking to see there's chalk on their face.
32:58I forgot all about that.
32:59And it's a full house again at Nigel and Fede's.
33:02All right.
33:04As they face their biggest test yet.
33:07This is the last box of white wine, so I'm going to go to the next one.
33:21In central France, it's late October.
33:25And tensions are high as B&B winners Roy and Nicola make final preparations.
33:31ahead of welcoming their first-ever guests in an hour's time.
33:36Not on the floor.
33:38Having made the place their own, they feel ready for their next challenge.
33:42I'm very excited.
33:43I know I was a bit grumpy this morning and a bit cross.
33:46Grumpy? No, go on.
33:48And I shouted at you a lot, but I've got over that.
33:50That's because everything's done now.
33:52I'm really excited because we've met the guests before.
33:56French toast? Oh, yeah, thank you very much.
33:58Nicola and Roy played host to their upcoming guests
34:02during the competition to win their B&B.
34:05Bring your mixture slowly together.
34:08But today will be the first time they discover the result of the contest.
34:12They don't know it's us at one.
34:15I forgot about that.
34:16Yeah, so I'm actually looking to see there's chalk on their face.
34:20I forgot all about that.
34:22First to arrive are Anne and Andrew.
34:26Bonjour!
34:29Hello, how are you?
34:31How are you?
34:32I'm fine.
34:32How are you?
34:34For you, how's it going?
34:35Oh, thank you so much.
34:37Well done.
34:38Congratulations.
34:39Were you shocked?
34:39No.
34:41Really?
34:42You were shocked to see us?
34:43Really?
34:44Oh, thank you.
34:45You're going to cry now?
34:47Now that the game is over, this day is for real.
34:52Is it too small for you?
34:55Gosh!
34:56And their feedback will be crucial ahead of opening to paying guests in a few months' time.
35:04There's a little sweet treat there for you.
35:06They're a tray bake we make in Northern Ireland.
35:09All right.
35:09So, yeah.
35:10Don't tease me, don't.
35:11No.
35:12Get him out.
35:14Their next guest, Julian, was left high and dry last time Nicola and Roy played host.
35:21So, you didn't have a towel in your bathroom?
35:24I hope you didn't see me.
35:25Did you actually go downstairs in the nude?
35:28Yeah.
35:29Volunteer.
35:31Yay!
35:32What a surprise!
35:34Julian!
35:36This time round, they've made sure to cover all bases.
35:41Oh.
35:41Bathrobe.
35:42And your bathroom's just across the way.
35:45Ah, this is beautiful, huh?
35:47And this time I left towels.
35:48Because last time I forgot the towels.
35:51Do you remember?
35:53In all the excitement of their guest's arrival...
35:57He's my friend, though.
35:59Oh, yeah.
36:00..something very important has slipped through the net.
36:04Did that pot catch?
36:05Yeah.
36:06I forgot the turn door.
36:08..the couple's cocker van has caught on the hob.
36:12Have we any more chicken?
36:14No.
36:15And an inedible main course could spell disaster.
36:25Who's having to think you'll get away with it?
36:27Shut up.
36:28You're lucky.
36:28What's up?
36:29Very lucky.
36:33After serving up, everyone sits down for dinner.
36:40Yay!
36:42Nicola and Roy's home-cooked food soon leads to empty plates.
36:47Delicious.
36:48Very good beginning for the...
36:50..for the guest house.
36:52Couldn't be better.
36:53Yes, brilliant.
36:54It would be better.
36:59The following morning, it's time for breakfast,
37:02and the praise for Nicola and Roy's prize B&B continues.
37:07Really comfy.
37:08A lovely duvet.
37:09We did turn the radiators off, so it was nice and chilly,
37:12so it's nice to snuggle under the duvet.
37:15The questions are really good.
37:17And it's good coffee.
37:19As their guests head for home,
37:21Nicola and Roy reflect on their stay.
37:24I think things up for the last 24 hours
37:27have been absolutely amazing.
37:29I slightly burnt the main course for dinner,
37:32but I think I might have got away with it.
37:33I think my only other worry would be Mr Morgan.
37:37The guests last night seemed to enjoy his company.
37:40I mean, we did say, you know, put him down if you don't,
37:42and they didn't, they were happy enough.
37:43But future guests, I'm just not sure.
37:46He's part of our lives, this is his home,
37:48and I don't want to lock him away.
37:50But I don't want them to annoy guests either.
37:53Despite a few teething problems,
37:56this trial stay has filled the pair with confidence.
38:00I'm mostly looking forward to getting guests,
38:02getting paying guests in.
38:03I do love having people in the house and entertaining them,
38:06and it's even better when they're paying.
38:11The past three months have been a whirlwind
38:13for Nicola and Roy since winning their prize B&B.
38:17Isn't this lovely?
38:18It is.
38:19Oui.
38:20Oui.
38:22But just as they did throughout the competition,
38:25they're determined to embrace every opportunity
38:28as they settle into their new lives in France.
38:33I just can't believe it.
38:34I'm still waking up every morning, pinching myself.
38:37It's just beautiful.
38:39Complete madness that we are now in France living.
38:41I'm so glad we won.
38:43I really am.
38:44Cheers.
38:45If you had said to me this time last year,
38:47you're going to be giving the B&B as a competition prize,
38:51I'd say no.
38:53I'm so happy here.
38:55Yeah, love it here.
38:56Dream come true.
39:07Back in Spain, Nigel and Fede are also finding their feet
39:10as new B&B hosts.
39:13Do you need a spirit lever?
39:15You'll be all right.
39:17And with a successful trial stay with friends and family under their belts,
39:22today, with help from Brian and friend Manger,
39:25they're prepping for an open house event.
39:29We've got a big celebration ahead tonight.
39:31We expect between 40 to 50 people.
39:34We want to show the villagers and the locals
39:36what we've actually been doing over the 10-month period
39:39when we've been walking through the village covered in paint.
39:42It's an end of one chapter but a beginning of another
39:45and hopefully the mayor and the deputy mayor
39:48will be joining us this evening as well.
39:50Not only are they expecting a VIP guest,
39:53but the evening holds special meaning for Fede.
39:57Most of them are friends of my parents
40:00and they have seen me growing up in the village
40:03so it's not just people that we just met,
40:06it's part of my childhood.
40:10It'll be an emotional evening.
40:12Yeah.
40:14Their guests have been invited to arrive from 7pm
40:18but as Nigel and Fede's B&B restoration
40:21has long been the talk of the town,
40:24two hours early,
40:26some of the locals can't wait a minute longer
40:28to see the result.
40:31Hello.
40:33Help yourselves to drink in the bar
40:35and there's a cocktail bar at the top
40:38with gin and things, all right?
40:42Fede's just out walking the dog
40:43so everybody's turning up
40:44and I've not even showered
40:46and I don't speak or into Spanish
40:48so I've just let the English ones through
40:49and I'm going to now try and deal with the Spanish.
40:52Help.
40:53Some of the first guests in
40:55are Alice, Mariceli and Magdalena,
40:58family friends of Fede.
41:01Uy, esto es un cambio total.
41:03Esto no parece lo mismo.
41:04Bonito, bonito.
41:05Está precioso.
41:07Si no lo vemos,
41:08vamos, no, no, no lo hubiéramos creído.
41:11As the drinks flow...
41:13There's plenty here.
41:15..the B&B soon fills up.
41:18Oh, my goodness.
41:20You want the swimming pool you like?
41:22You said you wanted a pool.
41:24Oh, you wanted the swimming pool.
41:25That's it.
41:26Fortunately for Nigel,
41:28Spanish-speaking Fede is back just in time
41:31to give the mayor of Pelopos a guided tour.
41:35We've decorated it all,
41:37we've recovered the old furniture that you had already.
41:41Yes, yes, yes.
41:42Very beautiful, very luminous too.
41:45A fantastic view, very wide.
41:48Thank you very much.
41:49Thank you for coming.
41:51Securing the mayor's seal of approval
41:54is a major milestone.
41:56As is seeing the B&B so full of life once again,
42:00even if it is keeping them on their toes.
42:03I think it's going very well,
42:05even though it's hard to provide everybody at the same time,
42:11but they know that it's a lot going on.
42:13This is the last box of my wife.
42:15It's going to be bad.
42:18Nigel has not got ready,
42:19but he always looks good,
42:21so he's all right, he's fine.
42:24As the sun sets,
42:26the party is showing no signs of slowing.
42:30Paella is dished out,
42:32and it's also a proud moment for their friend and builder, Brian,
42:36who's been by their side throughout the project.
42:40Everybody's been happy with what they said and complimented on it.
42:44It's been a long haul,
42:45but it's come out nice.
42:47It's a perfect job.
42:49As word of mouth can be crucial to new businesses,
42:53they hope their successful open house will help bring in bookings.
42:58Everybody that is here this evening has touched our hearts in one way or another.
43:03You're always welcome, the door's always open.
43:05So from our hearts to yours,
43:07we thank you, everybody, for being here this evening,
43:09and we appreciate the welcome that we've received.
43:25Ten months ago, Nigel and Fede set out with a clear vision
43:30for their new lives in Spain.
43:32Wake up.
43:33While it's been a tough journey battling bureaucracy
43:37and difficult renovations,
43:39they never gave up on their dream.
43:42I think what we've done to the house
43:44and, you know, the reaction that we've got from the village now,
43:48they've seen it, was really great.
43:51Looking forward to make a living out of this beautiful lifestyle.
43:57With B&B enquiries already coming in,
44:01the pair look set for a bright future ahead.
44:04I'm really looking forward to getting the doors open to the general public
44:07and sharing what we've done now.
44:09And where would you rather be?
44:11In England, in the rain, or here at home, in the sun?
44:23Next time...
44:24Shall I give it a whirl?
44:25Goal!
44:30Can a glamp sight in Italy get off the ground?
44:33Trying to keep everything going is really hard.
44:36It's good, but there's a lot.
44:37It's exciting and nerve-wracking.
44:39We meet a family banking on a fresh start in France.
44:43Every single penny we have is in this project.
44:48It's in France.
44:48So it has to work.
44:49And an antiques dealer opening a shop in B&B is making his presence felt.
44:55Well, I was going to introduce myself to the neighbours,
44:57but I don't think I have to now.
45:12I love you.
45:16Bye-bye.
45:17Bye-bye.
45:19Bye-bye.
45:20Bye-bye.
45:22Bye-bye.
45:23Bye-bye.
45:25Bye-bye.
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