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00:01For over 22 years, A Place in the Sun has been helping couples find their dream homes abroad.
00:07I'm getting a bit of a tingly feeling, isn't it? Are you?
00:10Loving it, loving it.
00:12Creating hundreds of happy households around the world.
00:15Oh, it's gorgeous, isn't it? Beautiful.
00:17Shall we do it? Yeah.
00:18Look, we're all welling up here.
00:20In this series, we'll be revisiting some of them to find out what happened next.
00:25Can I get a high five? Yeah.
00:27Oh, yeah.
00:28Today, Craig Rowe is heading to Carcassonne to catch up with Sue and Tony
00:33a year after their house hunt together in this stunning part of southwest France.
00:37Have you sort of upgraded to a bigger place?
00:39We have indeed.
00:41While Sarah Damagie makes a splash in Oliva in eastern Spain
00:45with Sheila and Pam, who bought a holiday home there three years ago
00:49with the help of Danny Mingers.
00:51So this is the life, paddling in the sea when it's raining back in England.
00:55Someone's got to do it, love, haven't they?
00:56Yeah, someone's got to do it.
00:58Yeah.
01:11Running across the river old here in Carcassonne, you cannot help but be impressed by the city's
01:17history and natural beauty.
01:19It's no wonder that Sue and Tony fell in love with this enchanting place
01:23when I had the pleasure of helping them find their perfect holiday home here.
01:29It takes about two hours to fly from the UK to Carcassonne, a picture perfect town
01:34with an old walled city at its heart.
01:37Once occupied by the Romans and famous for the medieval themed board game of the same name,
01:42Carcassonne now welcomes loads of tourists and expats particularly from the UK.
01:47And it's not hard to see why, with its slower pace of life and gorgeous Mediterranean climate.
01:55Back in 2023, learning disability nurse Sue and part-time DJ Tony, who had a budget of
02:01up to £130,000, lived together in Suffolk, having first met when Sue booked Tony for a gig.
02:08Out in Carcassonne, we started with a fact-finding chat on the bridge over the river Oud.
02:14Why have you chosen Carcassonne specifically as a place to buy a property?
02:19We came here earlier in the year and we looked at various villages around France,
02:23but they were quite quiet at that time of year.
02:25We've based ourselves in Carcassonne and the penny sort of dropped.
02:28This is really where we want to be because it's a lot more buzzing,
02:31lots going on through the year, like the festival. This is just perfect for us.
02:35So I believe you've already been doing some house hunting in Carcassonne?
02:39We have. We saw a place earlier this year that we put an offer in.
02:45Unfortunately on that occasion we were unsuccessful.
02:49Okay.
02:49So we contacted you to see if you could find us an equally lovely property
02:55and since then we've actually found that that property is back on the market
02:59to see whether you can better that...
03:03The challenge is on.
03:05They were looking for a two-bed place with a bit of outside space
03:09that was pretty much ready to go.
03:11And while the budget was tight, I was brimming with confidence.
03:14After a quick stop at the town's standout landmark, the medieval walled city,
03:19dating back to 1122 BC, we headed to our first option in the modern Etoile area of town.
03:27Right, in you come.
03:29Past the bar area there.
03:31Yeah.
03:32There we are.
03:33What's your first impressions?
03:34Very nice.
03:35Yeah?
03:36I like colours.
03:37Nice and bright, isn't it?
03:38It is.
03:39Very light in here.
03:40Yeah.
03:41Sue and Tony continued to be impressed, although not particularly excited.
03:44So whilst that went down as a contender, I knew I could do better.
03:49Whilst I had more options on my radar in Carcassonne, I thought I'd try a village location first
03:54to gauge Sue and Tony's reaction.
03:58Ali Le Bain was a 35-minute drive out and the location of this village house,
04:02again with a couple of bedrooms.
04:06Wow.
04:07Wow.
04:08That's a bigger kitchen.
04:09It's bigger than our kitchen at home.
04:11It is.
04:12Yeah.
04:13And I know it's not the most modern of kitchens, but it doesn't need that much work,
04:16looking at it to me.
04:17It looks like Mary.
04:18Good start.
04:19And once they'd seen it all...
04:21I'd say it's basically the blue apartment that we saw.
04:24Yeah.
04:25On that one, you could look at it and it could be anywhere,
04:27whereas here it's clearly a traditional French village.
04:30I think it's a potential depending on what else is on the table.
04:35Yeah.
04:36So again, there was a lot they liked about this one,
04:39but again they weren't jumping up and down,
04:41so I knew I needed to do better.
04:43I decided it was time to really push the budget
04:46to try and show Sue and Tony a house like that,
04:48but back in Carcassonne.
04:51The property I'm going to show you is the house with the green shutters.
04:56Oh, wow.
04:58The minute that we came back into the city, my heart just swelled.
05:03This is where I want to be.
05:04Yeah.
05:04Where I want to be.
05:05Yeah.
05:06This townhouse on the market over budget,
05:08but with room for negotiation, was split into two halves,
05:11with the upper two floors renovated to be a one-bedroom apartment
05:15and downstairs three more rooms that needed a complete overhaul.
05:19My only issue is the ground floor.
05:23So if I push that aside, then I think it's a really strong contender.
05:28Yeah, I don't think the fact that it's only one bedroom matters,
05:30because there's a nice big lounge air with sofa beds.
05:33The location is perfect again, because it's right slap back in the middle.
05:37Yeah.
05:37You love being here, don't you?
05:38Yeah, absolutely.
05:40I now had Sue and Tony fully on board, but their faith was soon tested
05:45when I took them to the more modern Dom Aeron part of town
05:48to view this yellow house that was on the market a touch over budget.
05:53The location and lack of character meant it was a no.
05:56I still had the townhouse in the centre of town as a strong contender,
06:00so decided it was time to head to the property Sue and Tony had seen
06:04and tried to buy before.
06:06I want to find out how it compared.
06:08It was just round the corner from our current contender on Place Carnot.
06:12So here we are.
06:14Of course, you've not been here for several months,
06:15but this is it, the final property.
06:17Through the door there.
06:18Yeah, really excited to get back in and have another look.
06:21Well, because you can't get any more central than in the town square,
06:24can you really?
06:25So what's interesting now is actually it had been on the market
06:28for £140,000, but the owner has taken it off to sort of say
06:32he would like to enjoy one last summer here,
06:35with a view of putting it back on the market early next year
06:37at just over £130,000.
06:41However, because you two have already got a connection with the property
06:46and of course you've got a history,
06:48he actually has said he'd be willing to sell directly
06:52and that would be at least of an offer of £120,000.
06:57Okay.
06:57Let's go in.
06:58Okay.
07:00Once we got inside, we headed through the main living space to the kitchen
07:03as it was an area that Sue and Tony had concerns about.
07:07So I think there are things that you could do with this space
07:11to create more areas so that it feels a bigger space.
07:17You could take the workspace across there.
07:20Ah, I see.
07:21And then have a...
07:22Some storage covers perhaps.
07:24On the wall, higher up a little bit, yeah.
07:26Good, well that's been useful to see that again.
07:29Yeah, absolutely.
07:29Well as the outside is calling us, let's have a look at the corner guys.
07:32Mm, yes.
07:37Right, now watch your heads as you come out.
07:40Very low.
07:42So what do you think now you're outside?
07:44Because obviously you're enclosed here,
07:46but again how does it feel now you're here seeing it for a second time?
07:50I don't think it's a bad thing to be enclosed
07:51because it's more private, isn't it really?
07:53There is scope for this outside space.
07:55Well obviously you can see the two bedrooms from here,
07:57so go and have another look at those.
08:00Take a look around everything else
08:01and then come and find me outside here when you're done.
08:04Okay, thank you.
08:05All right, see you in a minute.
08:06And once I'd done just that,
08:08I was itching to find out where we stood.
08:10I very much like this property.
08:13Been thinking about it for six months.
08:16It's a tight call.
08:18I think we've got a lot to talk about later.
08:20We can catch up tomorrow and I can see if you've come to a decision.
08:24Okay.
08:24Sound like a plan?
08:25Sounds like a plan.
08:25All right, head off.
08:26Thank you, Greg.
08:27Let's go.
08:28And the next morning...
08:29We've decided to go with Place Carnot.
08:33Oh, wow.
08:35Wow.
08:35I'm happy for you.
08:36I can see you've really gone through the ringer with this.
08:39We lost that property six months ago
08:42and I didn't want to lose it again.
08:44Well of course he had told us
08:46he would consider offers from you two,
08:49given the history you've got with the property,
08:51Yep.
08:52Of at least £120,000.
08:54Yes.
08:55So what have you decided to do?
08:57We'd like to go straight in to offer what they would like, £120,000.
09:04On the nose.
09:05Yes.
09:05I made the call and it wasn't long before we heard back.
09:09It's ringing.
09:11Hello, Craig speaking.
09:13Yes.
09:13Yes, they are cash buyers.
09:16Mark, that is great news.
09:17I'll let them know and we'll be in touch to organise everything.
09:21Thank you so much.
09:22Bye-bye.
09:22Bye.
09:23You have cut your apartment in place.
09:26Oh no!
09:27You've done it!
09:32Oh Sue, Tony.
09:33Well listen, it's been a joy being with you.
09:36It really has.
09:37Thank you and you too.
09:37So thank you for sharing the journey with me.
09:39Stay in touch.
09:40Yes.
09:40And expect a visit.
09:41Yes.
09:42Please come and stay.
09:44Here's to all the new adventures in Carcassonne.
09:46Cheers.
09:47Congratulations.
09:49Oh wow, what an amazing search that was.
09:55And true to my word, a year later I'm back and excited to see how things have gone.
10:03Hello.
10:04Hello.
10:04Oh my word.
10:06How are you?
10:06Hello.
10:07Hello, Sue.
10:09Hello, Tony.
10:09How are you doing?
10:11Great.
10:12Nice, yeah?
10:13Thank you, you too.
10:14I see we both got the memo.
10:15You did.
10:17And I mean, busy as always, Carcassonne is, isn't it?
10:20Yes, it is.
10:21But actually that's what you wanted, wasn't it?
10:22Yeah.
10:23Yeah.
10:23We wanted to be in a place where there's life and vibe and you know, lots of people, lots
10:28of things going on all the time.
10:30And we found it.
10:31We're right in the heart of it.
10:32So it's wonderful.
10:33Yeah.
10:33And are you still in the apartment that I found for you?
10:35We are indeed, yes.
10:36It looks pretty different to when you last saw it though.
10:38Does it?
10:39Yes.
10:40I'd love to see it.
10:41Would you like to see it now?
10:42I'd love to.
10:42Yeah.
10:43Yeah.
10:43If you should have upgraded to a bigger place.
10:45We have indeed.
10:46All right, let's go.
10:48Come on, let's go.
10:49Coming up, let me tell you, their place is looking fabulous.
10:54Oh my word.
10:55It looks huge.
10:57It does, doesn't it?
11:05Today I'm in South West France catching up with Sue and Tony, a couple I helped secure
11:11a wonderful holiday apartment right in the centre of Carcassonne that has seemed perfect
11:16for this fun-loving pair.
11:18A year on, I'm back and excited to find out how the buying process has gone and see what
11:24they've done with that place.
11:27Yes.
11:27Look at this.
11:29Plasticano.
11:30Oh, I remember it well.
11:32I know.
11:33It's actually as busy as I remember it.
11:35Yes.
11:35It's always hustling and bustling.
11:36Yes, it's lovely.
11:37Yeah.
11:37We love coming out of our front door early evening and just coming in and having a drink
11:41and watching the world go by.
11:42Because I seem to remember your front door is just there.
11:45It is.
11:45I mean, talk about right in the middle of it.
11:47And what's going on at the moment with the stage here?
11:50This is the Festival of Carcassonne.
11:52It's on every year at this time of year, I believe, for about five or six weeks.
11:56They have paid for gigs in the castle itself in an amphitheatre.
12:00Beautiful place.
12:01And then they have free gigs set up on some stages around the parks of Carcassonne.
12:05Give me some names.
12:07Who comes and performs here?
12:08Well, last night we went to our first paid gig in the amphitheatre.
12:11It was an incredible setting with all the turrets because we were actually outside.
12:15We saw Greta Van Fleet, who were like a modern day Led Zeppelin, if you like.
12:19Ah.
12:20So Tony was rocking on down.
12:21He was.
12:21He was.
12:22We were rocking on down.
12:22Bit of our guitar.
12:23We're seeing a bit of status quo next week.
12:25So that will be proper rock all over the world.
12:28Oh, fantastic.
12:29They've had Tom Jones and Bob Dylan headlining.
12:32Sting is headlining this year with Toto.
12:35And, yeah, some really big names.
12:37And you have it all within metres of your front door.
12:39We do.
12:40I want to see it.
12:40I want to see what you've done.
12:42Well, come on.
12:43Come on.
12:43Let's go.
12:48Oh, my word.
12:50It looks huge.
12:51It does, doesn't it?
12:52Yeah.
12:52I think what I'm surprised at is just often when you put furniture in a space, it closes it in.
12:58Yeah.
12:58It's done the opposite.
12:59It's made it seem bigger.
13:00Yeah.
13:00Doesn't it?
13:01Yeah.
13:30Yeah.
13:31This is rather cool.
13:31It's also shipped over from the UK.
13:32Was it?
13:33Yeah.
13:33We had that made for us.
13:35In those colours.
13:35In the colours that we wanted.
13:37So it was a commissioned piece of artwork.
13:40Beautiful.
13:41Yes.
13:41It's not sort of shouting at you.
13:43No.
13:43But it's all just sitting beautifully in the space, isn't it?
13:46Yes.
13:47Thank you, Craig.
13:47You should be really proud of yourself.
13:48This is a lovely room.
13:51Oh.
13:52Oh, look at this.
13:55Wow.
13:56You've maximised the space here.
13:58Absolutely.
13:58How clever are you two?
14:00And it's got my favourite thing in it now.
14:02It's got a dishwasher.
14:03Hey!
14:04Even that's a tiny kitchen.
14:05I've got to say, to fit a dishwasher in here, yeah, that was no mean feat.
14:09No, that was a cupboard before.
14:11So the builder removed that, put a dishwasher in.
14:14There was a bit of spare space at the end with a pull-out storage cover for food.
14:17But this is brilliant.
14:18You've really made use of the space, haven't you?
14:20Yes, absolutely.
14:21So what else have you been busy doing here?
14:24Well, one of the other rooms that's had major changes to it is the guest bedroom.
14:28Oh, you mean Craig's bedroom?
14:30That one?
14:30Yes.
14:33Welcome to the jungle.
14:38This is brilliant.
14:41You've even got jungle sounds.
14:43Yes.
14:44How did you come up with this idea?
14:46Where did this come from?
14:47When I was looking around for wallpaper, I found this mural.
14:51So the theme came from there.
14:53I just thought, actually, it's lovely.
14:55Fun thinking of ideas.
14:56Yeah.
14:57Yeah.
14:58And the parrots.
14:59Yeah, they're made of building blocks.
15:01Oh, it looks amazing.
15:02It's a spacious room.
15:03Yeah.
15:04As a guest bedroom.
15:05As a guest room.
15:06Yes.
15:06Yes.
15:06Your guests were too very pampered, I think, didn't you?
15:11Oh, yeah, I remember that.
15:13Oh, I like the mat.
15:14Yes.
15:15Attention à la tête.
15:16Mind your head.
15:17Ah.
15:18Do you know what?
15:18I'd sort of forgotten how private this is up here.
15:21This is lovely, isn't it?
15:22It's a royal sun trap, as you can see as well.
15:24Yes.
15:24Yeah, I can see.
15:26So, I noticed a couple of new additions to the space.
15:29Talk me through what you've done up here.
15:31So, previously, there was a couple of chairs and four plants, and that was it.
15:36Yes.
15:37Yes.
15:37We wanted to make it more of a social gathering area, if you like.
15:41Yeah.
15:41So, we've added more seats in, and obviously a table so that we can have drinks and food out here.
15:47Yeah.
15:47In fact, we've made a little cassoulet for you in a vegetarian style there.
15:50The speciality of Tony, a cassoulet vegetarian.
15:55That's the one.
15:58All right, let's get some.
15:59Yes.
16:01Watch your head.
16:03Cassoulet, a type of slow-cooked stew, is an almost sacred dish in southern France.
16:09Food writer Elizabeth David described it as a sumptuous amalgamation of beans, sausage, mutton, goose, garlic and herbs.
16:18Although, I assume Tony hasn't used all of those ingredients.
16:22So, as you sit here now and we're sort of, you know, sharing our Tony special,
16:27do you ever sort of pinch yourself that this has all happened and you actually have a property that is
16:32your own in this beautiful city?
16:34Absolutely. It's just supposed to happen, I think.
16:37Kind of now feels like it was meant to be.
16:38Yeah.
16:39In a way, doesn't it?
16:40Yes.
16:40Tony.
16:41So, once we parted the company, can you remember how long it took from when you signed on the dotted
16:47line to when you actually got your keys?
16:49It was probably about eight weeks.
16:54Well, I remember you very kindly sent me a picture.
16:57Yes.
16:57On Messenger when you got the keys and I was like, already?
17:02It was really quick.
17:03It seemed to go quite quickly, didn't it?
17:05Yeah, really quickly.
17:06Did you feel, in terms of the legalities of it all, was it fairly straightforward or did you need quite
17:11a lot of help with it?
17:12Yes.
17:12No, it was fairly straightforward, actually.
17:14It was just ensuring that we found a good notaire, which is a French solicitor, who spoke English was key.
17:23I think some of the trickier bits that Sue did really well were sorting out the utilities, the electric, the
17:28telephone, the internet, where they didn't really speak English and she had to try and get over what she wanted
17:32to do.
17:32That wasn't always easy.
17:34No.
17:34But you did well at that.
17:35Well done.
17:36Yeah, that's actually no mean feat doing it in another language.
17:39Yes.
17:40And how much do you think you've spent on sort of decoration and buying bits and the kitchen, for example,
17:46because you've done a lot.
17:46We have done a lot and I think we had about £10,000 to spend on the interior.
17:53We've come in way under budget on that.
17:56Wow.
17:56I think, yeah.
17:57The kitchen was the biggest expense, which was probably about £3,000 with fitting.
18:03£3,000 with fitting.
18:04Now it's furnished and now the kitchen is done, we can just come here and holiday rather than having to
18:12deal with tradesmen and doing work.
18:15It's a lock up and leave but we don't like to leave.
18:17That's what I'm going to say.
18:18Exactly, yeah.
18:19Yeah, that's really good.
18:20Lock up and leave but we don't leave much.
18:22So this is a holiday home now.
18:24So that, of course, means you've got to work within the 90 day rule within the European Union.
18:29How has that been working out so far?
18:32It's been fine, actually.
18:33We haven't got too close to the 90 days, have we?
18:38We've spent enough time here.
18:39I think the thing is we want to be able to go to other places around the world as well.
18:44So we can balance both international travel along with the holiday home and make it work for us.
18:51It's fine.
18:52And actually, I think that's going to be quite inspiring for lots of people to hear because since the UK
18:57left the European Union, I think lots of people now think having a holiday home in a European Union country
19:01is an option.
19:03You're showing it actually is.
19:04It is.
19:05Yes, there are rules to follow and timing limits, but you can still have the best of the European Union.
19:10Yeah, you can still come in for a decent amount of time and not affect anything.
19:12Yeah.
19:12Oh, well, that was delicious.
19:14Thank you very much.
19:15I've really enjoyed that.
19:17Good.
19:17Chatting to you guys, enjoying the sun, hearing the sound check of the festival.
19:21Yeah, there's actually a band or later we're going to go and see if you'd like to join us.
19:24It's called Words of Sarah.
19:26I've never been to the Carcassonne Festival.
19:27Let's do it.
19:28Then you must come.
19:29Got yourself a date.
19:30A couple of hours later, we're out on the town.
19:34Well, about 10 metres from Sue and Tony's doorstep.
19:38Oh, this is magical.
19:40Isn't it?
19:40What an atmosphere.
19:42Yes, yes.
19:42This is a real treat.
19:44And everyone's having their dinner.
19:46They're having a glass of wine.
19:48It's a beautiful, warm evening.
19:51All relaxed, enjoying.
19:52This is the whole reason you made this move, isn't it?
19:54Totally is, yes.
19:55Totally is.
19:56Do you know what I think?
19:57She's about to come on.
19:58Oh, how wonderful.
19:59Just a bad laugh.
20:07This is the 67th edition of the Carcassonne Festival, with alongside this folk band from Missouri,
20:13over 120 performances.
20:22Good again, guys.
20:47And as the light fades and the atmosphere rises, we're slipping off for a chat.
20:53Oh, that was amazing, wasn't it?
20:55It was fantastic, yeah.
20:56What a lovely voice, though.
20:58Lovely harmony.
20:59Oh, my word.
21:00Yeah, really good.
21:00With a little bit of dance in there as well.
21:03Yeah, really good.
21:03We've got a bit rockier.
21:05That was really special.
21:06It was.
21:07It was really nice.
21:08I'm glad you enjoyed it.
21:09What's it all about?
21:10I mean, this is probably a stupid question, but have you got any regrets about buying a property?
21:13Oh, absolutely not.
21:14Probably not doing it 20 years ago.
21:16Really?
21:17Yeah.
21:17We wouldn't have had the money then.
21:18No.
21:19It's what it is.
21:19Everything happens at the right time, doesn't it?
21:21Absolutely.
21:21And for a reason.
21:22And now is our time.
21:24Yeah.
21:24You know, when you give up work and you can live a life like this, it's amazing.
21:31Yeah.
21:31And it makes...
21:32I'd recommend everyone do it.
21:33It's not as difficult as you think.
21:35And when you get to the other side and you have a life that is like this, it's just amazing.
21:41You know, it's been the most amazing day and evening.
21:44Good.
21:44Thank you both so much.
21:45Great to see you again.
21:45It's fantastic to see you again.
21:47And I did say, didn't I, when we were last together, I promise I'll come back and see you.
21:51You, you too.
21:52And I have.
21:52And you've been the most amazing host.
21:54And we hope you'll come up again when you're not working too.
21:56Oh.
21:57Yes.
21:58Now there's a plan.
21:59And the jungle room is always waiting for you, Craig.
22:01Of course, we've got the jungle room.
22:03Yes.
22:03Yes.
22:03Well, listen, I'd better head off.
22:05But thank you both so much.
22:06Oh, it's so good to see you.
22:08So good to see you.
22:09So good to see you.
22:09So come again.
22:10Don't leave it too long before you return to Garthensum.
22:12Thank you, Tony.
22:14Look after yourselves.
22:15All right.
22:15See you soon.
22:16Bye bye.
22:17Bye bye.
22:17Bye bye.
22:19Bye bye.
22:19Bye bye.
22:22Bye bye.
22:22What a wonderful day and evening with Sue and Tony.
22:25And it's been pure joy to see how having a property in Carcassonne has enhanced their lives.
22:31And they're making the most of it with each and every visit.
22:34If you've ever thought about a property abroad, you can see how Sue and Tony are living the dream.
22:40And I feel really privileged to have been part of it.
22:46Coming up, Sara Damaji is in Oliva in Eastern Spain with Sheila and Pam, who found their dream holiday home
22:53out there three years ago.
22:55I think we have picked the most perfect spot in the village, but ten minutes away from the beach.
23:01Yeah.
23:02It's just complete paradise here, isn't it?
23:04It is for us.
23:05It's our paradise.
23:06Yeah.
23:06Which is great.
23:07Yeah.
23:08Yeah.
23:10Yeah.
23:20There's nothing like the buzz of riding a jet ski.
23:23It's like a shock of pure adrenaline.
23:25It's such a thrill.
23:26And sisters Pam and Sheila were equally as thrilled when Danny Mingez found them their dream holiday home.
23:33Not only fulfilling a long-held dream, but also reconnecting them to their Spanish heritage.
23:41Oliva in Spain's Alicante province lies between the international airports in Alicante and Valencia.
23:47You can fly into both of them in around two and a half hours from the UK, then it's an
23:52hour or so's drive.
23:53Oliva has a population of around 25,000, a quarter of whom are expats and is also a popular place
24:01with second homeowners from other parts of Spain, particularly in the coastal areas.
24:07The town itself is a couple of miles inland and the jewel in its crown is this stunning and traditional
24:13old town full of winding streets and pretty squares.
24:16It was back in 2021 when sisters Pam and Sheila asked us to find them a holiday home in or
24:23close to the town of Oliva for their budget of £70,000.
24:28We get on really well as long as I know my place.
24:31And you do what you're told.
24:32Absolutely.
24:33Always good.
24:34Yes.
24:35They wanted to buy somewhere to honour their Spanish mum who was with them on the house hunt and not
24:40just in spirit.
24:42We've brought our mum with us.
24:43Right.
24:44Our ashes.
24:45Yes.
24:45So hopefully, fingers crossed, we find our property and we can have a little plot for her.
24:51That is her first.
24:52But do you know what?
24:52You obviously had such a close relationship.
24:55Oh, she was our everything.
24:56Something you wanted to do together.
24:57So it's beautiful that you brought her along for the ride.
25:00Danny's first property, this two bedroom townhouse in Oliva's old town, made a great first impression.
25:06So this is the one that we've come to look at.
25:08I like it from the outside.
25:11And the sisters were also pretty happy with the inside.
25:15What did you think when you get in here?
25:16Oh my God, it's so much bigger than I thought.
25:19I think it's a lovely size.
25:20I think it's a beautiful size.
25:22But the stairs up to its roof terrace proved a bit of a stumbling block.
25:26Oh, she's crawling out.
25:28Oh, done in style, Pam.
25:32It's beautiful, but I don't think we could do those stairs.
25:35Can you imagine that for a few drinks?
25:38So no contender there, but Danny and the girls stayed in the old town for property number two.
25:43Another townhouse, but this time with three bedrooms.
25:46So, this is the property that we've come to have a look at.
25:49Oh, my God.
25:49It's lovely. I love it.
25:51And they were feeling the love even more strongly inside.
25:55This is gorgeous, isn't it?
25:57At home.
25:58I really, really love it. I do.
26:00I'm speechless.
26:01And this is only one room we've seen.
26:04Why are you crying, love?
26:06This is beautiful.
26:06Because this is what we want.
26:08This is what we want.
26:09And we get this table.
26:10Well, it comes furnished, yeah.
26:12So, what do you think your mum would say if she was in here?
26:15Oh, my mum would love this.
26:16Would she?
26:17She'd love it.
26:18My mum would have put an offering when she was outside.
26:22The main bedroom caused a bit of a disagreement.
26:25This is my room.
26:27No, this is my room.
26:28No, it's not.
26:29Oh, no, this is...
26:30This is my room.
26:31It's so homely.
26:33I could move in now.
26:35Though they were pretty happy with the one on the top floor as well.
26:38Oh, this is lovely.
26:40Oh, I don't know which one I prefer.
26:42Oh, I'm having downstairs.
26:44It's perfect again.
26:46Not to mention the easy to access roof terrace.
26:51Oh, look.
26:52Oh, Pam.
26:53We've got room for sunbeds, barbecue.
26:57Oh, I love it.
26:58Oh, it's gorgeous.
26:59So, Dani had herself a super strong contender.
27:03You done well.
27:03Oh, we love it.
27:05You love it, love it, love it.
27:06Absolutely love it.
27:07I don't know how...
27:07It's home from home, ain't it?
27:09I don't know how you're going to beat this.
27:10I haven't a clue, Dani.
27:12Their next stop was in an area called Miramar, close to Oliva's main beach,
27:17to look at this three-bedroom apartment with a massive roof terrace.
27:22This is nice.
27:23Isn't it?
27:24Isn't it just?
27:26This is absolutely huge.
27:29You could have a club up here.
27:32And Dani was toasting another success.
27:35It's definitely a contender, I think.
27:37Yeah, definitely.
27:37So, does that mean we've got two in the running?
27:39Yeah, definitely.
27:40I think so, yeah.
27:41To polar opposite properties.
27:43Absolutely.
27:43I know, yeah.
27:43And I can't believe it.
27:44This house hunt was going really well.
27:47And Dani changed things up a bit by heading to the inland town of Palma de Gandilla
27:52to show Pam and Sheila a very characterful four-bedroom house.
27:56It does look pretty, doesn't it?
27:57Look at the balcony.
27:59Yeah, I could be singing off that.
28:01And it was definitely sweet music for Dani, as once again,
28:05she delivered a property the sisters were keen on.
28:08It's quirky, quirky.
28:10It's so right.
28:11It's massive.
28:12It's huge.
28:13Isn't it?
28:13Okay.
28:14There's so many rooms.
28:15We love it.
28:16We do absolutely love it.
28:17So, it's sounding like we've got another contender here.
28:19I think you have, girl.
28:20Yeah?
28:20Actually, you have.
28:22No thinking about it.
28:23We have.
28:23That last property that we viewed, the apartment with the huge roof terrace,
28:27is that still in the mix?
28:28No.
28:29Gone.
28:29Gone?
28:29We've decided that walking around this.
28:31Okay.
28:32Gone.
28:32So, Dani had gained a contender and lost one at the same time
28:37and headed back to Oliva to hopefully add a third one to the mix.
28:40She'd found a house on the same street as property number two, but this had an open
28:46plan layout and was priced a bit above budget, though there was room for negotiation.
28:51Come on in, girls.
28:53Okay.
28:54All right.
28:55Okay.
28:56You seem different to the other one.
28:58And different didn't mean better.
29:00This is definitely a no-no because this view is nowhere near as nice as a view that we
29:05have potentially over there.
29:07So, Dani was left with two contenders and Pam and Sheila decided to go for the townhouse
29:13in Oliva priced at just under £69,000.
29:1757,500 we want to start at.
29:19All right, girls.
29:20Shall I make the phone call?
29:22Please, Dani.
29:23Work your magic.
29:24Hi, Jane.
29:25Even Dani's magic couldn't get it at that price, but there was a counter offer.
29:30They would be happy to come down just now to just under 67,250.
29:37I can't do it.
29:3962 final offer.
29:41Leave it on the table.
29:41It's not done, girls.
29:42Take a deep breath.
29:43Let me call her back and see if she'll put that forward to them.
29:47Then all they could do was wait.
29:49They've said if you can get 62,500, they'll do the deal.
29:53Yeah.
29:56Yeah?
29:57Are you going to make me cry?
30:00Shall I call her?
30:02Hi, Jane.
30:03It is a big...
30:04Yay!
30:05Yes!
30:06Oh, God.
30:07That was so...
30:08Bye.
30:09It's been an absolute pleasure doing this with you and being a part of the journey.
30:14Raise your glasses to you, your mum, your family and your house and space.
30:28It's so calm and quiet here in the heart of Oliva and I believe Pam and Sheila are somewhere
30:34around here.
30:36Sarah.
30:37Oh, my God.
30:38I think there she is.
30:39Hello, my love.
30:40How are you?
30:41Oh, lovely.
30:42To meet you both.
30:43Mwah.
30:44Mwah.
30:44Hello, my love.
30:47How are you?
30:48I'm good.
30:48Danny sends her love.
30:49Oh, bless.
30:50I've been watching your show.
30:52Have you?
30:52Did you like it?
30:53Yeah, I loved it.
30:54Did you like our house?
30:54I loved the house.
30:55I'm so excited to see it.
30:57We've done a few changes.
30:58Have you?
30:58Yeah.
30:59We just absolutely love it.
31:00Every time we come here, it just gets better, better and better.
31:03To the extent that we want to move.
31:05Yeah.
31:06Give it two years.
31:07Eventually, yeah.
31:08Eventually, yeah.
31:08Two years and it'll be me and her and her husband move together.
31:12Oh, amazing.
31:13So, you're out here on holiday now?
31:15Yeah.
31:15With our son as well.
31:16So, you get to meet Mark and Charlie.
31:18Oh, perfect.
31:18Do you want to come to the house?
31:19Love to.
31:20Come on to my lovely.
31:26Coming up, I take a tour of Sheila and Pam's townhouse and find out how having a holiday
31:31home here has changed their lives.
31:34It's still hard to believe we actually own this.
31:36Yeah.
31:36So, you're still like the pinch yourself.
31:39I mean, we say, oh yeah, we've got a house in Spain.
31:41Don't believe it.
31:42But sometimes you think you're going to wake up and it was all a dream.
31:50Today, I'm in Oliva in Eastern Spain with Sheila and Pam.
31:55Three years ago, they were house hunting with Danny Mingus and ended up buying this three-bedroom
32:00townhouse.
32:00I'm really looking forward to having a good look around it and finding out how their lives
32:05have changed since.
32:07So, this is the Hof.
32:08It's the oldest street in Oliva.
32:11It is beautiful.
32:11And we've got kids playing.
32:14You can see everyone's got all the plants and the flowers, which we can't have at the
32:17moment because we don't live here.
32:18Okay.
32:19But when we do, we will.
32:20And this is our house.
32:22Oh, wow.
32:22This is our casa.
32:24So, I remember your reaction when Danny first brought you here.
32:27I know.
32:27I couldn't believe it was the whole house.
32:30I know.
32:30We was expecting this to be like one apartment.
32:32Never thought we'd get a house like that, would we?
32:34It's not on our budget.
32:35But you did buy this property in honour of your mum, didn't you?
32:38We really did.
32:39It's all about mum and the family and our family, isn't it?
32:41It really is.
32:41We're going to be having a placard outside.
32:43It's going to be called, in honour of my mum, Casa de Amelita.
32:46Aw.
32:46Right.
32:47Come on into our house.
32:48Vamos a la casa.
32:50This is it.
32:51And this is the living room.
32:54Do you know, I remember this is where you originally came in and you got very emotional.
32:57You're starting feeling emotional again.
33:01Well, it just brings back so many memories.
33:03It's still hard to believe we actually own this.
33:05Yeah.
33:05So, you're still like the pinch yourself.
33:07Pinch yourself.
33:07Yeah, yeah.
33:08We've done it.
33:09I mean, we say, oh yeah, we've got a house in Spain.
33:12Don't believe it.
33:12But sometimes you think you're going to wake up and it was all a dream.
33:15Yeah.
33:15And it's not true.
33:17I know it came furnished, but you've added so much here.
33:21Sofas, all mum's ornaments, all mum's pictures.
33:24Every room you'll go into, it's mum, isn't it?
33:26And in fact, our mother is in front of the deli.
33:29Oh.
33:29Same pot of ashes.
33:30She stays here, looks after the house when we're not here, doesn't she?
33:33She does.
33:34Right.
33:34So this is the main bedroom, which is mine and Mark's.
33:37So you won the argument.
33:39Of course.
33:39Because I remember you both wanted this room.
33:41We did.
33:42How did she win?
33:43Because, obviously, she's the one in charge.
33:45It's the main bedroom.
33:46It's got a bigger bed and there's two of us in it.
33:48Okay.
33:49No, but it's a lovely room, isn't it?
33:50As you can see, we kept the furniture and the bed frame because, for one,
33:55you would never be able to move it and, two, it's so traditional.
33:58And it's just in keeping with the property.
34:00It is, yeah.
34:01And it would be a travesty to get rid of it.
34:03It would.
34:04It would.
34:04It's just so nice.
34:05So what room did you end up having then?
34:08Obviously not this one.
34:09No.
34:09So I am upstairs.
34:11Okay.
34:11Let's go and have a look, shall we?
34:13Go on.
34:16Wow.
34:17So is this like an ensuite payoff where you get a sitting room and a bedroom?
34:22You would think so, but no, it is.
34:24You'll be lucky.
34:25This is a chill out area.
34:26Okay.
34:26So when it gets really hot upstairs or downstairs, this is where everyone comes,
34:31well, most of the children come and sit here.
34:34Yeah.
34:34Yeah, they love it here.
34:34We've sort of got plans for this.
34:36So what's your plans then?
34:37So a shower and a toilet here.
34:40And then I'm thinking maybe a bit of a summer kitchen going where that sofa is there.
34:45Okay.
34:45So you haven't got to carry things up two flights of stairs.
34:48So it's all making it that easy, isn't it?
34:51Yeah, totally.
34:53Okay.
34:53So this is my bedroom.
34:57It's really light and bright, isn't it?
34:58It is beautiful.
34:59But unfortunately, after we bought the property in September, in January,
35:04I was diagnosed with something called functional neurological disorder.
35:09So my brain doesn't talk to my body.
35:11Oh my goodness.
35:12So they had to teach me how to walk because my brain could not understand how to walk.
35:17It's been awful.
35:18But on the plus side of things, coming to a lever has made it so much better.
35:25When I come here, I don't have seizures.
35:28I can walk better.
35:30I just feel better.
35:32I feel less anxious.
35:34So have you done your future proofing?
35:36Because obviously there's lots of stories here.
35:38Yeah.
35:39So literally I sleep on the ground floor.
35:41So there is a toilet downstairs.
35:44Hopefully, when I get better, this will be my bedroom and I'll have a toilet and shower there.
35:50Yeah.
35:51Okay, Sarah, here is our lovely terrace.
35:54This is it.
35:55Our chilling space.
35:57Wow.
35:58What do you think?
35:58Oh, isn't it gorgeous?
36:00It is beautiful, isn't it?
36:01It looks really beautiful.
36:03What changes have you made up here?
36:04So we have the...
36:05The awning put up, didn't we?
36:07And it twinkles.
36:08It's silvery at night.
36:09It's beautiful.
36:09It's got little sparkles in it, isn't it?
36:11So to bring the property up to the standard that you've bought it to now, how much do you
36:15reckon you've spent?
36:16Four and a half thousand.
36:17Yeah.
36:17Yeah.
36:18Yeah.
36:18But that includes the furniture that we've bought.
36:21Some painting that we had done on the third level.
36:23Yeah, because there was a leak, which we already knew when we bought the house.
36:27Got to get that done.
36:28So we already had a quote for that already.
36:29And you bought the property for...
36:32$62,500.
36:34It was up to $70.
36:35However, we have spoken to the estate agent since and she said we could probably get £100,000
36:42for it.
36:43That's amazing.
36:43I know.
36:44Which is nearly like $40,000 profit in two and a half years.
36:47And we've hardly spent anything on it.
36:49So we're really pleased with it.
36:50So shall we go down, get a few nibbles and everything, bring them up, then Mark and Charlie
36:54will be back with some more.
36:55Yeah.
36:55Perfect.
36:56Perfect.
36:59I'm so pleased to see how happy Pam and Sheila are with their home in Oliva.
37:04So much so that they're thinking about moving out here permanently.
37:07Now it's time to find out more about how much they and the rest of the family enjoy
37:12the Spanish lifestyle.
37:15So, here we are.
37:16All of the lights are on.
37:18Oh, that's pretty, isn't it?
37:20It is.
37:20So you sit up here and you have your tapas, do you?
37:23Help yourself, Sarah.
37:25Dad stands on ceremony.
37:26The Russian salad.
37:28Beautiful.
37:28I love Russian salad.
37:29So do we.
37:30Hey, ladies.
37:31Oh, here they are.
37:32Sarah, that's Mark.
37:33Oh, nice to see you.
37:34Nice to meet you.
37:35Nice to meet you.
37:35Nice to meet you.
37:36Hi, Charlie.
37:37How are you doing?
37:38Nice to meet you.
37:38Oh, thanks for bringing that up.
37:40Sit yourselves down, boys.
37:42There you go.
37:42We're going to make you some Tinto Verano.
37:45So I've heard about this, but I've actually never had it.
37:48Well, this is our version, isn't it?
37:49It is our version of it.
37:51Oh.
37:51We like it like this.
37:51You can put other things in it.
37:53Some people put spirits in, but we don't really need that.
37:56It's like a different version of sangria.
37:58Okay.
37:58Okay.
37:59So we've got red wine.
38:01You've got lemonade.
38:03Yeah.
38:03And just fresh lemons.
38:05Or oranges.
38:06All right.
38:07Try that and see what you think.
38:08Lovely.
38:09You haven't got to be polite, Sarah.
38:10Okay.
38:11It's fine.
38:12Oh, it's lovely.
38:13It is beautiful, isn't it?
38:14It is refreshing, isn't it?
38:15It is very refreshing.
38:16Salud.
38:17Salud.
38:19To the dream that you're living.
38:22A new beginning.
38:22A new beginning and the long-term dream now.
38:24It's going to turn into like the forever home, isn't it?
38:27It is.
38:27It really is.
38:28It's the plan.
38:29So obviously because of Brexit, usually you'd need a visa to come out here permanently.
38:34But your mum was Spanish, wasn't she?
38:36Yeah.
38:36Yeah.
38:36We've spoken to our cousin who's a solicitor in Madrid.
38:39And he's told us that we can get Spanish passports and we would be able to live here.
38:45Children can, like Charlie, my Ashley and Ray can.
38:49Mark's application is slightly different.
38:51Yeah.
38:51Yeah.
38:51If I've got a Spanish passport and if he's coming here with me, he doesn't have to do
38:58the 90 days.
39:00Okay.
39:01So obviously the first time you came here was with Danny.
39:04You'd not been to a Lever before, had you?
39:06No, no.
39:06We'd been close, but never to a Lever.
39:09I mean, when we can, we love to go to the beach.
39:11It's completely mad because when you go on holiday, it's fight for space.
39:16And here you can have the pick of the beach and it's miles and miles of golden sand.
39:21The sea is beautiful.
39:22So obviously your parents enjoy it.
39:25Yeah.
39:25And all the rest of the family, but you're a lot younger.
39:28How do you find this area?
39:29I'm reaching an age in my life where I'm kind of slowing down now as well.
39:33So I do like to relax.
39:34I do like to take time out.
39:36So there is quite a lot for me to do.
39:38Bars, restaurants.
39:39There's so much beautiful Spanish food here, isn't it?
39:41And it's all so close as well.
39:43Yeah, we're so lucky where we are.
39:44Within a five minute walk, you could hit probably four or five different restaurants,
39:47couldn't you?
39:48Yeah.
39:48The location for us is amazing.
39:51We're not far from, like, Gandia, so you can get a train from Gandia all the way to Valencia.
39:57So you don't have a car out here, do you?
39:59No, not at all.
40:00So you got down with all the bus routes and everything else?
40:03Yeah.
40:04I mean, the buses, from June till September, they're sort of like every 15 minutes.
40:10And it's just over a euro to go to the beach.
40:12We all like the beach.
40:13We love it.
40:14We do.
40:14We are the beachy people.
40:16So that's how you spend your days and sunny days.
40:19Yeah, well, you could come visit tomorrow if you want.
40:21Oh, I'd love to.
40:21Should we do that tomorrow?
40:23I think that sounds fabulous.
40:24We'll take you to Pam Beach.
40:25It's lovely.
40:26Is it?
40:26That's the one that we've been talking about.
40:27That's the beautiful one, yeah.
40:28I'd love to see that.
40:29That was a lovely evening and it was great to meet Mark and Charlie as well.
40:34Now I'm really looking forward to spending the morning with Pam and Sheila on the beach,
40:38which is just ten minutes on the bus from their house.
40:42Isn't this beautiful?
40:43It is.
40:43Do you think we're going to be able to find a spot?
40:46I think we'll manage.
40:47There's not a person on the beach, is there?
40:49No.
40:50We've got our chairs and everything.
40:52Yeah.
40:52I think we should sit out, don't we?
40:53Yeah, where do you want to go?
40:54We should go by the sea.
40:55Yeah, let's go.
40:55Let's see.
40:56Lovely.
41:01Lovely.
41:01It's gorgeous, isn't it?
41:02Beautiful.
41:03So what have you brought along?
41:05Just a few nibbles, my dear.
41:06Oh, lovely.
41:07Nothing too heavy, because it's really early.
41:09Do you want to pass Chris?
41:10Oh, thank you.
41:11Some hummus?
41:13Yes.
41:13That's my fave.
41:14Is it?
41:15Yes.
41:15Chips and dips.
41:16So we used to do this growing up, didn't we, she?
41:18Yeah.
41:19Mum, literally, where we used to go to Calipair, there was nothing in Calipair at all, apart
41:23from one little shop.
41:25And they used to go down there in the morning, ask them to make a pile.
41:28Like, they would literally bring it on the beach, with bottles of Calipair.
41:32Yeah.
41:32They would bury the Calipair.
41:34By the sea to its sake, hold.
41:35And then we would just sit there until the sun went down, kids and cousins all playing.
41:40Basically, this is what we do, because this is all we know.
41:43But it's amazing that you've got this now, where you can relive all of those lovely memories.
41:49Yeah, it is.
41:51We just love it, don't we?
41:52We do.
41:52I think we have picked the most perfect spot.
41:56Yeah.
41:56In the village, but ten minutes away from the beach.
41:59Yeah.
42:00It's just complete paradise here, isn't it?
42:02It is for us.
42:03It's our paradise.
42:04Yeah.
42:04Which is great.
42:05Yeah.
42:06Not in a month of Sundays we thought we'd ever be able to afford a house in Spain.
42:12Crazy.
42:13Everyone that comes loves it.
42:15Yeah.
42:15So if you could bottle everything up, you'd make yourself a fortune.
42:20Yeah, I agree with that.
42:21That it's got to offer.
42:21But I do advise that if anyone's buying in Spain, then you do need to do some research
42:26and to keep an open mind as to where it could be.
42:31Because you say you want to go and stay in one place, and then they'll go and show you
42:36a place that's five miles away and you'll fall in love with it.
42:39Yeah.
42:39So just as you're doing in England, you must keep an open mind.
42:43So what would be your top tip, your top advice for people as well?
42:47Go with your heart.
42:48Go with your heart.
42:50People doing this.
42:51It is about a dream.
42:53It is about the heart.
42:54Yeah.
42:54It's about that feeling amazing and doing something for yourself.
42:58It was the best thing that we ever did was to get in touch with a place in the sun.
43:03Yeah.
43:04It was meant to be.
43:05It really was.
43:06So thank you for that.
43:07Yeah, thank you guys.
43:08Totally, yeah.
43:09Yeah.
43:09Oh, it's just so lovely to see you out here living it and you're just so happy.
43:13I'll tell you what.
43:15Who fancies dipping their toes in the sea?
43:18Definitely.
43:18Yeah.
43:18But dipping my toes in.
43:19Come on then girls.
43:20It's going to be cold.
43:20It will.
43:22It will be cold.
43:24Let's do this.
43:30Oh, lovely.
43:32So this is the life, isn't it?
43:33It really is.
43:34Love it, don't we?
43:35Paddling in the sea when it's raining back in England.
43:38Someone's got to do it, love haven't they?
43:39Yeah, someone's got to do it.
43:41No, I think I know the answer to this, but do you have any regrets?
43:45Oh, let's think about it.
43:46No.
43:47No.
43:49But there must have been some challenges.
43:51For me, personally, it was my health.
43:53Yeah.
43:54Buying the property and then becoming really ill and not being able to go to it for ages.
43:59But now look at you, you're on your feet, you're in the sea.
44:02Yeah.
44:02And like you said, this place has such a positive effect on you and your health.
44:06Yeah, I mean, I don't do this in England.
44:08No.
44:10So when I'm here, I just feel so much better.
44:12Yeah.
44:13I'd love to spend all day on the beach with you, having a giggle, but I've got to love
44:18you and leave you.
44:19Oh, lots of love, my darling.
44:20I've had such a laugh, honestly, had such a good time with you.
44:23Thank you, you too.
44:24Thank you, my darling.
44:26And keep in touch with the permanent move as well, let me know what happens.
44:28Oh, 100%.
44:29100%.
44:29See you soon.
44:30Take care.
44:31Bye.
44:37It's been an absolute pleasure meeting Pam and Sheila here in Oliva,
44:42achieving their long-held dream has been an incredible journey.
44:46And the fact that they're deciding to move out here and make it their permanent home
44:50in a few years, well, that truly says it all.
44:56If you'd like to be on a place in the sun to find your own dream home,
44:59go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:14Until next time.
45:16Bye.
45:20Bye.
45:26Bye.
45:27Bye.
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