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00:02Today I'm in Spain house hunting around the stunning northern Costa Blanca.
00:07I'm Lee Juggernaut and using my passion for interior design, I've bought, renovated and sold several properties both in the
00:13UK and overseas.
00:16Today I'll be using all my knowledge to find the perfect place for Annette and Graham and I get their
00:21pulses racing.
00:23It looks exciting. I want to get in and have a look.
00:26And emotions run high.
00:28I just can't give it the love that it deserves.
00:31I'm dazzled by this fantastic luxury thinker.
00:34Wow, wow, wow. This is just such a jewel.
00:38But in the end, do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun?
00:42Really nice. It's ticking all the right boxes.
00:49During their 40 years together, Annette and Graham have lived in various places,
00:53such as Washington DC, New Zealand, as well as the Falkland Islands, thanks to Graham's former job in the Royal
00:59Air Force.
01:00Now they've set their sights on Spain's Costa Blanca, where they're looking for a holiday bolt hole that eventually could
01:06be a permanent one.
01:08Annette and Graham, who now live in Sussex, first got together because of a mutual friend and a bit of
01:14do-si-do.
01:15Actually, we met on a blind date and I got introduced to this young chap.
01:22And we just started talking and went off to a bond dance together and that was it. History ever since.
01:27They have a budget of £200,000 to buy a holiday home in the Costa Blanca.
01:32Even though they've never been there, they feel it fits the bill for them.
01:35I think the choice of restaurants, the mix of nationalities, there's a lot of different European nationalities represented there.
01:44So it's a bit of cultural mix. And the beaches are beautiful as well.
01:58To get to this part of the northern Costa Blanca, which is situated roughly halfway between Valencia and Alicante,
02:04you can fly into either city in about two hours from the UK.
02:08And then it's around an hour's drive from the airport.
02:13Even though the northern Costa Blanca is a very popular area with holidaymakers from all over Europe,
02:17it's a bit quieter and more traditionally Spanish than its southern counterparts.
02:23And there are loads of great beaches and secluded spots as well as some lively resorts along its nearly 60
02:28miles of coastline.
02:30If you head away from the seaside, you're soon into the rolling hills and beautiful countryside the area is known
02:36for.
02:36And you'll find some lovely towns and villages which are becoming increasingly popular with second homeowners.
02:42The northern Costa Blanca offers great value for money compared to other parts of the Spanish coastline.
02:47On the Costa del Sol, prices can be up to 25% more expensive.
02:52A two-bedroom villa with a pool, detached, can start off from around £240,000.
02:58Here, a similar property can start off from around £180,000, which is great news for Annette and Graham.
03:05Before we get going, I'm meeting up with my house hunters on the Playa Els Molins just outside the town
03:10of Denia
03:11to find out a bit more about them and what they're looking for in terms of property.
03:17Graham and Annette, good morning.
03:18Good morning.
03:20Or as some may say, buenos dias in the beautiful northern Costa Blanca. How does it feel to be here?
03:26It would be nice if the sun came out though, and then I'd be totally happy.
03:29It is very early morning, so I do feel like Mr Sunshine is still waking up.
03:33Now, not your first time in Spain, right?
03:37No, it's not our first time in Spain.
03:38OK, OK.
03:38We've been on holiday on several occasions, but not this particular area.
03:43And what is it that appeals to you both about the northern Costa Blanca?
03:48We've been down to Malaga in the past, but I've always felt that it's a wee bit too busy.
03:53It isn't really a holiday home as such that we're after. We're looking at possibly a home, potentially.
04:00So we want a quieter area.
04:03Sure.
04:03When you do come out here to spend some time in the holidays, what do you see that looking like?
04:08What do you enjoy doing?
04:10A variety of hobbies. We both like gardening.
04:13OK.
04:14We've got a dog, so we enjoy walking the dog.
04:18Ah, what's his name?
04:19Jack.
04:19So is Jack coming out here then?
04:21Yes.
04:21OK, good.
04:22And the cat.
04:23There's a cat as well.
04:24Yeah.
04:25What's the cat's name?
04:25She's actually called Lily, but we call her Billy, because it doesn't slip off the tongue quite so easily.
04:31So it's essential to have some lovely walking trails?
04:34Yes, it is.
04:35Like places to walk?
04:36Yep.
04:37So budget-wise, we are looking at £200,000. Any wiggle room?
04:42We can certainly push it up to about £220,000.
04:45OK.
04:45What are we looking for?
04:47Give me the list. Go on.
04:49It's not too much of a list. It's two to three bedrooms.
04:52OK.
04:52Ideally, a villa or a finca.
04:55OK.
04:56Definitely a large-ish garden around, because outside space and space within the home is essential.
05:02A pool would be great.
05:04OK.
05:04But if there wasn't a pool in place, I'd like to think there was an area that we could perhaps
05:09put one in.
05:10Right.
05:11Any work at all? Do a wrapper?
05:14Erm...
05:15We could probably do a kitchen or maybe a bathroom.
05:19OK.
05:19And we can certainly paint.
05:20OK.
05:21But that would be about it. We cannot do anything major.
05:23OK.
05:24So nothing really structural, but some slight renovations is in the back.
05:28Shall we get going?
05:28Yes.
05:29Come with me.
05:29OK.
05:32Well, with Annette and Graham's maximum budget of £220,000, I'm pretty confident I could
05:37find them somewhere that delivers the most of what they're after.
05:39And get Jack's tail wagging as well.
05:43Property number one is just outside the inland town of Orba.
05:46So first, I thought we'd make a quick stop off and have a look around.
05:51So, on our journey of discovery, before we head over to our first property, I've brought us to the beautiful,
06:00quaint Spanish village of Orba.
06:03So far, so good.
06:05Yeah.
06:05And the sun is out, which is even more impressive, I think.
06:08He heard us.
06:09I think it's the authentic Spain that we actually look for whenever we come on holiday.
06:14Yeah.
06:14And we search out places just like this.
06:16And this is exactly what we're after.
06:18Really?
06:19Yeah.
06:19Impressed so far.
06:20Property number one.
06:22You ready for this?
06:23Mm-hmm.
06:24We're about a 20-minute walk away from our first property.
06:29OK.
06:29Sounds good.
06:30Or a five-minute drive.
06:32Five-minute drive, I think.
06:34Yeah.
06:34Yeah.
06:35But it's not too far.
06:36No.
06:37Shall we get going?
06:37Interesting.
06:38Yeah.
06:39Come with me.
06:40Orba is home to a roughly 50-50 mix between locals and residents from other parts of Europe
06:45with a good-sized British community, and it's becoming increasingly popular with buyers.
06:51Property prices have gone up by around 10% in the past year.
06:54So, to find somewhere I think will do the job for Annette and Graham, I've had to go
06:58pretty much to the top of their wiggle room, though I've been told there is some flexibility
07:03here.
07:06So, here we have our first property.
07:10The particular property we're looking at is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, detached house.
07:18Looks good, but because we haven't been in many Spanish homes, we don't know what to
07:23expect to a certain extent.
07:25I need to go in.
07:26Because that's when you feel it.
07:28The urbanisation is great.
07:30Very small.
07:31Let's see what it's like when we get inside.
07:33There is an option to add a pool.
07:35OK.
07:36In the grounds as well.
07:37To add a pool, it could start off from around £7,500 to £25,000, depending on what suits
07:46your needs.
07:46So, that's something that you could potentially add at a later date.
07:51The property is on the market now at just under £219,500.
07:56I've had a chat with the agent.
07:57He's quite confident that we could negotiate this property to around £210,000.
08:03Sounds better.
08:03Should you be interested.
08:05Mm-hmm.
08:06So, a little bit of room left in your budget to add that pool.
08:10OK.
08:10Yeah.
08:10Want to get inside?
08:11Yes, definitely.
08:12We need to go and have a little shifty.
08:14Please.
08:14Let's go have a little...
08:15I love that word.
08:16Let's go have a little shifty.
08:17Come with me.
08:18This house has a wraparound garden with plenty of space for Jack to run around.
08:22As well as a terrace with an alfresco cooking area.
08:25Inside, there's a living room, a dining room cum sunroom with great views, a separate kitchen,
08:34two bedrooms and a bathroom.
08:38Here we are.
08:40Mmm.
08:41Mmm.
08:42This looks good.
08:43Yeah?
08:43Yeah, it does.
08:44I like what's in the home.
08:46OK.
08:46But I just think it needs to be just perhaps a wee bit larger at the moment.
08:52OK.
08:53I do like the way they've obviously looked after the house and kept it in good condition.
08:58I like the open fire back here.
08:59The dining area or stroke used as an office or whatever works quite well.
09:04Let's go see if that kitchen is up to standards.
09:09Yeah?
09:09Swing my pots.
09:11Swing your pots.
09:11Yeah.
09:15I do like the units.
09:17OK.
09:19It is workable.
09:21Great.
09:21But I just like a bit more space.
09:25Down we come into our lovely, very own oasis.
09:32Lovely, actually.
09:32Right?
09:32Yeah.
09:33Really nice.
09:34And the space is ideal.
09:36Good for Jack?
09:37Good for Jack.
09:38Yeah.
09:39He would probably be up there in the shade.
09:40Yeah.
09:41It's a lovely, lovely spot.
09:43Why don't you go and have a look at the rest of the property on your own?
09:47Bear all this in mind and take your time in there.
09:50And then come and find me after and let me know what you think.
09:53OK.
09:54I'll see you in a second.
09:55OK.
09:59Now, I think they love the overall feel of the property, but let's see if space is
10:02still an issue.
10:05Nice wardrobes.
10:06Actually, it's a nice bedroom, isn't it?
10:08It's a big bed.
10:09It dominates the room, but it is nice and built in wardrobes behind us.
10:15And it's airy.
10:16Yeah.
10:16It is airy.
10:18It's good.
10:19Well, I'd say I've had a bit of a mixed reaction to this house, which is on the market
10:22for a negotiable just under £219,500.
10:27Annette and Graham seem to like quite a few things about it, but also think it might be
10:31a bit small for them.
10:33Ah.
10:34Hello.
10:36The view still gets better.
10:37It does.
10:39How about your opinion of the property?
10:41We liked the property.
10:42OK.
10:43But the flow was good for us, but I just feel that it just needs to be larger.
10:50OK.
10:50And would like a wee bit more of a back garden.
10:53What were the positives here?
10:54The house is the type of house that we would be quite comfortable in.
10:59OK.
11:00If it was just a little larger.
11:01Is it potentially a contender?
11:06Probably not.
11:07OK.
11:08Size-wise?
11:09No.
11:10It's really the size.
11:11It's really not working for you.
11:12No.
11:12I've taken notes.
11:13Our second property awaits us.
11:16Come with me.
11:17OK.
11:18So, no contender there, but lots of positives to take from it.
11:21And I'm getting a better sense of what Graham and Annette's perfect property looks like.
11:25And fingers crossed my next place in the coastal town of Marira will be just that.
11:31Before we go there, though, we're heading to the seafront to meet up with someone who can give us a
11:35sense of what it's really like to live out here on the Costa Blanca.
11:39Jane.
11:40Hello.
11:40How are you?
11:41I'm good. How are you?
11:42Annette and Graham meet the lovely Jane.
11:44Hello.
11:45Hello.
11:46Hi.
11:47Jane is the seasoned pro of this area.
11:51She is the fountain of knowledge.
11:54And you moved here when, Jane?
11:55About two and a half years ago.
11:56The best thing we've ever done.
11:58It's the most beautiful place to live.
12:00It's just gorgeous.
12:01Initially, it'll be a holiday home.
12:02Yes.
12:03And then you're thinking about permanent life here.
12:06OK.
12:06Did you find it difficult navigating the sort of the administrative side of moving out?
12:12Very straightforward.
12:14We approached an estate agent and he showed us various different things about what we needed to do and he
12:21put us in touch with people and that worked really, really well.
12:23So we went with a local solicitor type of person and they did everything, including utilities for us, set everything
12:29up.
12:30We had a bank recommendation as well, where we should go, we should bank and everything worked very, very well
12:35indeed.
12:36So how long was the actual process?
12:38Much quicker than in the UK.
12:40We bought a house probably within about six weeks less, something like that.
12:44Really? Wow.
12:44Yeah.
12:45Yeah, yeah.
12:45Well, speaking of properties, I do need to find you that property, don't I?
12:48You do.
12:49Most definitely.
12:50Second time lucky, I say.
12:52We are a six minute drive away from all of this in our next second home.
12:59Sounds good.
13:00Should we go and have a look?
13:01Yes, please.
13:02Jane, it's been a pleasure.
13:03Lovely to meet you all.
13:04Lovely to meet you.
13:04We'll definitely see you again.
13:06See you soon.
13:07Bye.
13:08Bye.
13:08Bye.
13:09Bye.
13:09Take care.
13:13Coming up, if it's more space that Annette and Graham are after, I'm hoping they're going to love my next
13:17property, which comes with exactly that, plus this communal pool thrown in too.
13:27Today, I'm on Spain's beautiful northern Costa Blanca, helping Annette and Graham find their dream holiday home.
13:33And so far, we've got off to quite a rocky start.
13:36That's because even though my house hunters, who have a budget of £200,000 with an additional £20,000 wiggle
13:42room, liked some things about this detached house, they ruled it out as they felt it wasn't big enough for
13:48them.
13:48So finding a place with more space is on top of my list.
13:52And I reckon I've done that with property number two, in an urbanisation on the outskirts of the seaside town
13:58of Marira, which has a big and thriving British expat community, most of whom live here all year round.
14:04Frontline properties in town are understandably pretty pricey, but the further you go from the sea, the more affordable it
14:10gets.
14:11Once again, though, I've had to go quite a bit into Annette and Graham's wiggle room.
14:15However, after a chat with the agent, I've been told that this price is also negotiable.
14:21Now, this is it.
14:23This is it.
14:24It looks good.
14:25It looks good.
14:26It does.
14:27It does, actually.
14:28Yeah, initial reactions are good.
14:30Now, this particular property comes with a communal pool shared with 22 other properties on the urbanisation.
14:37So very small, very intimate.
14:39Consider it an added bonus, because this particular property is a two bed, one bath, detached house.
14:48It's on the market for just under £215,000.
14:53So we're into the wiggle room, however, the agent is quite confident that we could negotiate it to around £206
15:00,000.
15:01Okay.
15:02Definitely moving up the scale.
15:03Yeah.
15:03Definitely moving up the scale.
15:04Okay.
15:05Shall we go and have a look inside?
15:07Yes.
15:07Yes.
15:09As well as access to the communal pool, this house has a terrace at the front and a larger one
15:14at the back.
15:15Inside, there's a lovely sunroom, a large light and bright open plan living, dining and kitchen space.
15:23Two good sized bedrooms and a bathroom.
15:29Aha.
15:31Here we are.
15:32It's a lot better than the previous property.
15:35Okay.
15:36Definitely.
15:36I like the beams and I actually like the height as well.
15:41Yes.
15:41Yeah.
15:41And it is nice, light and airy.
15:43Open plan, kitchen doesn't worry me at all.
15:46Probably needs updating a bit.
15:48But we could live with it.
15:50Okay.
15:50So, size wise, we're bigger in here.
15:54Definitely better.
15:55Let's see if the bedrooms are bigger as well.
15:58Yeah?
15:58Come on, me.
16:02Here we are.
16:04Bigger, brighter.
16:06It seems airier, right?
16:08Yes.
16:09A lot.
16:10It is.
16:11Yeah, I know.
16:11And a nice breeze.
16:12I know chilling out is very, very important for you both on this journey.
16:16And I have a special place where I think you could do that.
16:19Shall I show you?
16:20Yes, please.
16:20Yes.
16:21Okay.
16:26This, Graham and Annette, is what I call your lovely chill out zone.
16:30That's nice.
16:31It is.
16:31Good view.
16:32Great view, right?
16:33Yep.
16:34You can imagine at night time with a glass of wine just looking across and seeing all the little lights
16:38coming on.
16:38I think it's good.
16:40It's nice.
16:41There is a space that I think you would really enjoy as well.
16:43An outside area.
16:44Mm-hmm.
16:45The swimming pool.
16:46Yes, please.
16:47Sounding better.
16:48Yeah.
16:48Shall we go and take a quick look?
16:50Yes, please.
16:50I've got my rubber duck ready to go.
16:52We're going swimming?
16:53Yes.
16:57Look, I'm giving you a pool.
17:00Yeah, that's really nice, actually.
17:01Actually, it is a good pool.
17:03It is.
17:03It's lovely.
17:04Yeah.
17:04And it's nice to see proper grass around as well.
17:08Yeah.
17:08And areas to put your deck chairs out if necessary.
17:10Yeah.
17:10No, very nice.
17:11Yeah, very good.
17:12No, it's really nice.
17:13But on that note, why don't you go and take a look at the rest of the property?
17:17Mm-hmm.
17:17And then you can come and find me after and let me know what you think.
17:20You want to go for a swim?
17:22You can swim if you want.
17:23I'll come and find you the pool.
17:24I'd love to.
17:25See you later.
17:26Bye-bye.
17:29I mean, this is the first pool that they're seeing.
17:31And what a pool.
17:32So I'm hoping they like the rest of the property.
17:36Oh, not bad size.
17:38It's similar size, isn't it, to the other one?
17:41Probably a little bit smaller.
17:42But still not a bad size bedroom for another double.
17:47Well, Annette and Graham wanted a place with more space.
17:49And I've definitely given them that with this house,
17:52which is on the market for a negotiable just under £215,000.
17:56They seem to like lots of things about it, not least that communal pool.
18:01Hola.
18:02Hola.
18:02Hola, hola, hola.
18:04Como estas?
18:06Very good.
18:07Ya?
18:08Yes.
18:09Liked it?
18:10Yes.
18:10Great improvement to the first property.
18:12The only concern I have is perhaps the lack of garden space for us.
18:18Yes.
18:19I think, as Annette said, it's just that everywhere is tiled,
18:22so there's no garden for us to potter in if that's what we do eventually.
18:27Ya.
18:28Leaps and bounds over what we saw earlier on.
18:31Does that mean we've got a bit of a contender here?
18:35Possibly.
18:36OK.
18:36Ya, it's definitely not a no.
18:38Right.
18:38No.
18:39I'll take that.
18:40Ya.
18:40What could I improve on here?
18:43Icing on the cake would be to come up with another bedroom,
18:46so three bedrooms rather than two,
18:49and perhaps just a slightly larger kitchen area.
18:52Say no more.
18:54Come with me.
18:55OK.
18:56Well, definitely not a no is better than a flat-out no,
18:59and I really think we're making progress on this house hunt.
19:03If Graham and Annette want a third bedroom,
19:06we're going to have to look a bit further inland.
19:08And our next property is in the town of Fauna,
19:11about 20 minutes from the coast.
19:13Before we take a closer look at it,
19:15we're going to view it at a distance,
19:16along with some other stunning views.
19:20I mean, guys, I may say so myself,
19:25we happen to be in heaven.
19:31Beauty, serenity, regal with the castle up there,
19:35the castle of La Forna.
19:37Lovely.
19:38Absolutely lovely.
19:39Definitely ticks all the boxes for a relaxing lifestyle.
19:43Definitely.
19:44Listen, property number three that I'm about to show you.
19:47If you point your eyes in that direction,
19:51we just about see the tip of the house.
19:54Oh.
19:55Peeking out of the trees.
19:56There you go.
19:57Yeah.
19:57You like the look of that?
19:58I do.
19:59That looks promisingly.
20:00It's a 20-minute walk away uphill,
20:01or a three-minute drive?
20:04Yep.
20:05Oh, I'll do the 20-minute walk.
20:06Yeah.
20:06Should we get those steps in?
20:08Come with me.
20:09Okay.
20:12Coming up,
20:13will my next property,
20:14a four-bedroom villa with a private pool,
20:16and these spectacular views
20:18be just what Annette and Graham are looking for.
20:27Today, I'm on Spain's northern Costa Blanca,
20:29helping Annette and her husband Graham
20:31find their dream holiday home
20:33to share with their dog Jack and Cat Lily.
20:35And even though there's room for improvement,
20:38I've got myself my first potential contender.
20:41My house hunters,
20:43who have a maximum budget of £220,000,
20:45like lots of things about this house,
20:48but felt it was slightly lacking
20:49in terms of outside space,
20:51and would ideally have liked another bedroom as well.
20:56So true to my word,
20:57I've found them more room with property number three
20:59in the town of Fauna,
21:01around 20 minutes drive from the nearest beach.
21:04Being that bit further inland
21:05makes this quite an affordable area,
21:07but to get the extra space for Annette and Graham
21:10means I've had to use up nearly all of their wiggle room.
21:14This is our third property.
21:17Looks interesting.
21:18Mm-hmm.
21:19I like the steps.
21:20Right.
21:21It does need a wee bit of TLC by the looks of it.
21:24It does need a little bit of TLC.
21:26Mm-hmm.
21:26But, listen to this.
21:29This is a detached property.
21:32You asked me in our previous property
21:34for more bedrooms.
21:36Mm-hmm.
21:36This particular house has four bedrooms.
21:40Impressive.
21:41Four bedrooms, two bathrooms,
21:44one of which is an ensuite.
21:46There is a lot of outdoor space,
21:48a lot of space for you to do gardening,
21:51whatever you would like.
21:53And?
21:54And maybe a pool.
21:56Oh, really?
21:56Mm-hmm.
21:58That's your very own.
22:00So, this particular property has just come on the market.
22:03You're one of the first people to see it.
22:05Been on the market for around two weeks.
22:07It's on the market for just under £219,500.
22:11Yeah.
22:12That's fine.
22:12Yeah.
22:13No, it looks exciting.
22:14Yeah.
22:14Want to get in and have a look?
22:15Yeah.
22:16That one's exciting.
22:19This villa sits on almost half an acre of land,
22:21including a private pool
22:23and lots of different terrace areas.
22:26Inside, there's a large light and bright living and dining room,
22:30a separate kitchen with an adjoining utility room,
22:34the main bedroom with an ensuite shower room,
22:37three more good-sized bedrooms,
22:39one of which is currently used as an office,
22:41as well as a bathroom.
22:45Da-da!
22:46It's a lot more modern than I...
22:48Well, not modern, but more clean lines, I think, inside.
22:52Yeah.
22:52I was expecting something a wee bit older-looking.
22:55OK.
22:56But this is well-kept.
22:57Yeah, it's pretty impressive.
22:58Shall I show you the main bedroom?
23:01Yes, please.
23:02Yeah?
23:02Yeah, that one sounds good.
23:03Yeah.
23:04This great hallway.
23:08I mean, you've got the beautiful views,
23:11but by far, this is the biggest room we have seen so far.
23:18And guys, look at that.
23:20Really nice.
23:21That's an impressive view.
23:23From your very own vet.
23:26I like it.
23:27I do like it.
23:28In order to just enjoy retirement,
23:31I have the perfect spot where you can do that.
23:34Yes, please.
23:35That's great.
23:36Good.
23:40I mean, I can finally offer you
23:42your very own private pool with a view.
23:46I'm speechless, actually.
23:47I think it's really nice.
23:49It's ticking all the right boxes.
23:52Whilst you're sitting here in the sun,
23:55you've just got a fantastic view.
23:57Yeah.
23:57It is, you know, it goes on and on, doesn't it?
24:00There's still a lot for you to discover inside.
24:03Go have a look, and then you can let me know
24:06what you think after.
24:07Yeah?
24:08Yeah.
24:08See you in the same.
24:09Bye-bye.
24:12The reactions say all,
24:14and I believe I may have myself
24:16my very first solid contender.
24:20Oh.
24:23Good-sized kitchen, actually, Annette.
24:25It is.
24:26Better than the other ones we've seen, size-wise.
24:29It needs updating, obviously.
24:31A house that just keeps giving by the looks of it.
24:33Yeah, it does.
24:33Yeah.
24:34Well, I was looking for a property with a bit of a wow factor,
24:37and it looks like I've got one with this villa,
24:39which is on the market for just under £219,500.
24:43Graham and Annette seem to really like everything about it,
24:46despite it needing a bit of updating.
24:48It ticks all the right boxes.
24:52I mean, capping it off with the view and a swimming pool.
24:57And it's got four bedrooms.
24:59You know, it goes on and on.
25:00Yeah.
25:00So it's a completely different league
25:03to the two properties that we've seen so far.
25:05I think the only thing that worries us at the moment is,
25:08yes, it needs updating a wee bit,
25:11and how much that is going to cost.
25:13But, no, very nice.
25:15Contender?
25:17Yes, actually.
25:18Yes.
25:19It's bunked the previous property off, most definitely.
25:22Oh, so that's gone?
25:23Yeah.
25:23Oh, yeah.
25:24Moving on from this,
25:25how about I just show you something different
25:28that you could compare this magnificent property to?
25:31You can try.
25:32I can try.
25:33You can try.
25:33Come with me.
25:34I can try.
25:36That view.
25:38Oh, my God.
25:39I'm really pleased Graham and Annette like that place so much.
25:42And, finally, having a Contender in the bag
25:44gives me the confidence to show them somewhere
25:46a little bit different next.
25:48Property number four is in the village of Benimarco,
25:51which is mainly Spanish but does have some residents
25:53from other parts of Europe.
25:55I've gone for a full-on country house,
25:57or as the Spaniards call it, a finca.
25:59And, once again, I'm near the top of Annette
26:01and Graham's wiggle room.
26:03But that price is up for negotiation.
26:07Now, I call it my wild card for a reason.
26:10Property number four.
26:13Wild Western.
26:15Completely different.
26:16Yes.
26:17Completely different.
26:18This property sits on half an acre of land.
26:21Plenty of room for Jack to roll around, stroll around.
26:24Plenty of room for you to garden and plant stuff in.
26:28Hmm.
26:28The property itself is three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
26:31The downfall of this, I'll be honest, is there is no pool.
26:36Because of the fact that it's rustic land,
26:38you're not actually allowed to build a pool here.
26:42There is an option of building an above-ground pool
26:45in one of the corners of the garden just there.
26:47So, it would be an elevated pool,
26:49which you could close in with decking,
26:51so it kind of looks similar to a built-in pool.
26:56OK.
26:56Properties on the market for just under £219,500
27:01and I've been told it's negotiable.
27:04OK.
27:05I call it my wild card
27:06because it is in need of a little bit of a transformation.
27:11OK.
27:11Now, you're going to have to look at this one on your own.
27:13OK.
27:14Then come and find me after
27:16and let me know what you think.
27:18OK.
27:18But remember, just see,
27:20think about what you could do inside when you go in.
27:22We'll let you know.
27:23Yeah?
27:23Yeah.
27:24Keeping everything crossed for you guys.
27:26OK.
27:26See you soon.
27:33Taking a bit of a risk with this one,
27:35but let's see if it pays off.
27:38This finca has tons of outside space
27:40with lots of different terraces
27:42and places to sit in the sun.
27:43And the shade too.
27:45Inside, there's a very spacious living room.
27:48The main kitchen, which has its own sitting area.
27:50Another large living area, which isn't being used.
27:54Plus a second summer kitchen and a WC downstairs.
27:59Upstairs, there's the main bedroom, which has its own balcony.
28:02Along with two more bedrooms.
28:04And a bathroom.
28:07One step.
28:10Not what I expected.
28:12Completely different.
28:13It's definitely a larger space
28:15than we've seen before in any of the others.
28:18Different space.
28:20Fireplace is nice.
28:21I like the beams.
28:25This is quite a cosy little area.
28:28I've got a snug area.
28:29Snug area.
28:30So I can watch you cook for me.
28:32And give you instructions at the same time.
28:34Hmm.
28:36We'll see.
28:37I like this.
28:37Actually, it is different, isn't it?
28:39Yeah.
28:43Like the pantry, actually.
28:44Yeah.
28:46Okay.
28:47I think there's probably too much work to do.
28:51I don't know whether there's much point in seeing much more at this point.
28:54So I think we'll just go off and see if we can find Lee now.
28:58Yeah.
28:58This country house, or Finca, which is on the market for a negotiable just under £219,500,
29:04is a bit of a risk because even though it offers a lot to Annette and Graham,
29:08does need a fair bit doing to it.
29:11So I'm waiting to find out whether it's a risk that's paid off.
29:16This is quite abrupt.
29:18It is.
29:19Quite quick.
29:20It is.
29:21Well, we didn't go upstairs.
29:22Okay.
29:22But I love the...
29:25I do like the house, but I don't think we've got necessarily the time or perhaps the money
29:32to do the justice it deserves.
29:36What did you make of the downstairs?
29:37Liked it.
29:41No?
29:42Wasn't for you?
29:43Nope.
29:44It's a bit much.
29:44We can't...
29:45No, no, no, no, no, no.
29:46We just can't give it the love that it deserves.
29:49Okay.
29:50We don't want to spend all the time doing it up.
29:52Yeah.
29:52And not being able to really enjoy it once it is done.
29:57Yeah.
29:57Quite overcome by emotion.
29:58Yeah, not like me.
30:00So it's a big decision, isn't it?
30:01It is to say no to something, but yes.
30:05I love how you bring the humour to it as well.
30:07Bless you.
30:08It's been four houses down, but it's quite a big decision, isn't it?
30:11It is.
30:12So no pressure.
30:12Yeah.
30:13Does it feel quite overwhelming?
30:16It is, because obviously I'd love a house out here, but...
30:20Not meant to be.
30:21Just not meant to be.
30:22Not this one.
30:22Okay, so this one isn't quite the one.
30:26Mm-hmm.
30:26One last chance.
30:27No pressure.
30:29No pressure?
30:30No.
30:31Okay.
30:31Let's do this one last time.
30:33Okay.
30:33Yeah?
30:34Yeah.
30:34Would you like to come with me?
30:36We'll go find that last house.
30:37Yes.
30:38Excuse me.
30:39Come on then.
30:41Coming up, I hope to get this house hunt moving back in the right direction with my fifth
30:45and final property.
30:47Looks good.
30:48It looks very good actually.
30:49Yeah?
30:50Nice flow to it.
30:57Today I'm in Spain with Annette and Graham house hunting on the glorious northern Costa Blanca.
31:01And so far I've bagged myself one solid contender, a four bedroom detached house, and I'm hoping
31:08to get myself another one.
31:10My house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £220,000, really like this house in the
31:15hillside town of Fauna, despite it needing a bit of updating.
31:20But I reckon my fifth and final place, this Finca with a pool that's ready to move into,
31:25will impress them just as much, if not even more.
31:30But before we go there, I'm looking at the top end of the property market here in the
31:34northern Costa Blanca.
31:35And I've come to the countryside close to the town of Benitochel to check out this funky
31:40Finca with four beds, four baths and some stunning outside space.
31:45I'm meeting the agent for a tour.
31:47Ah, Romy, how are you?
31:49Hi, Lee, fine, nice to meet you.
31:51I've got to say, this is quite a unique property.
31:54I know.
31:55Yeah, it's called Finca El Escondite.
31:57It is Spanish for the hideaway.
32:00And once I show you inside, I think you will understand why it's called like that.
32:04So.
32:04Please, let's have a look.
32:05Of course.
32:06Yeah.
32:07Wow.
32:11Certainly a hideaway.
32:13I can see why you said that.
32:14I know.
32:15And this is the kitchen.
32:16It's really the heart of the property.
32:18So as you can see over there, you have a living room.
32:21There's four bedrooms and there's little hallways.
32:24And so it's really a hideaway.
32:26So that's one living space.
32:28Yeah, that's one of the two living spaces.
32:30What I will show you now is the second one, which is mainly used in summer.
32:34Yes, please.
32:40My, my, my.
32:42Wow.
32:43I think the great thing about this property is the fact that it's just oozing with character.
32:48I know.
32:49Wow.
32:49I mean, I love it.
32:50It is fantastic.
32:51And those doors lead to?
32:52Lead to the pool terrace.
32:54So I can't wait to show you that as well.
32:55Yes, yes.
32:56The pool, please.
33:02I mean, there is literally only one word to describe this.
33:07And I've said this many times today, but wow, wow, wow.
33:11This is just such a jewel.
33:13Yeah.
33:13It really is.
33:14And how much is this property worth?
33:16So it's currently on the market for just over one million pounds.
33:19Okay.
33:20And it is such a unique property.
33:22Honestly, Romy, I don't want to leave.
33:24I forget that.
33:24But I've got to head back.
33:25Thank you so much.
33:26You're welcome.
33:27It's lovely to meet you.
33:27Of course.
33:28You're going to drag me away.
33:29Go on then.
33:30Go on.
33:31Well, I think that thinker was pretty blooming special.
33:34And I reckon Graham and Annette would thinker the same thing.
33:37But enough of that.
33:38It's time to head to our fifth and final property in the town of Parsent.
33:42After a quick stop off in a place close by, which I think my house hunters, not to mention
33:47their four-legged friend Jack, will really love.
33:50On our final stop, I've brought us to the beautiful village of Parsent.
33:55Nestled in this beautiful valley, surrounded by greenery.
33:59Sounds like a dream, doesn't it?
34:00It does.
34:01And it looks like a dream as well.
34:03Yeah?
34:03It really does.
34:04It is beautiful, isn't it?
34:05There are local groups here that walk their dog.
34:07Every Thursday they all meet up.
34:09And they meet up in Denya Beach to walk their dogs.
34:12Jack can find a few friends.
34:13And you guys can meet a few people here as well.
34:16Is that something that would be up your street?
34:18We've always noticed that, you know, if you've got a dog, it's easier to make friends because
34:23the dogs go to each other and you automatically start talking to the people who own them.
34:28So it is a way of getting into a local community.
34:32It's a good way of meeting people, definitely.
34:34The fifth property is a three-minute drive from here or a 20-minute walk.
34:41Let's get going.
34:41Come on, guys.
34:42Final one.
34:44Passant is a mainly Spanish town with less than one in ten of its population coming from
34:49other parts of Europe.
34:50And we're around half an hour's drive from the nearest beach.
34:53Prices here have gone up by more than 10% in the last year.
34:56So to end with a real cracker, I've had to go over Annette and Graham's maximum budget.
35:00Though I've had a chat with a seller who's assured me there's flexibility on the price.
35:05You've got a glorious pool right there.
35:08A glorious view.
35:10This finca is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom finca.
35:17I like the view.
35:19You've got the town in between us and the hills.
35:23And it's quiet.
35:24This is a nice area, definitely.
35:26This property, because of the location, because of its condition,
35:31it is on the market of just over £241,000.
35:35But because it is being sold directly by the vendor, I've had a chat with him.
35:41And he would be willing to look at offers at the top end of your wiggle room.
35:44OK.
35:46So, we obviously have one contender, which is that great four-bed detached property in La Forna.
35:54How do they compare?
35:55Right.
35:56Right.
35:57This is where we tell you the property in La Forna is not in the running anymore.
36:02How?
36:03It is the one in Mariah.
36:06A total 360 change.
36:08When did that happen?
36:09Yeah, on the way here, we had a quick conversation and decided that the four-bedroomed house in La Forna
36:18was probably a bit too much of a money pit
36:21and would probably take us too long to get it up to the standard that we would be happy with.
36:26Right.
36:27So, therefore, we suddenly decided to go completely 180 out back to the house in Moreira,
36:33which would be more of a holiday home, would probably be a better bet than the four-bedroomed property.
36:41So, really, you're now looking at this property compared to the one in Moreira.
36:47We have a new contender.
36:49Yes.
36:49To be clear.
36:50Yes.
36:51It's the property back in Moreira.
36:53Yes.
36:53Shall we go and take a look inside at this one, then?
36:56Yes, please.
36:56That'll be good.
36:57Come with me.
36:58Before you tell me anything else.
36:59Yeah.
37:00Well, that was a bit of a surprise.
37:01Anyway, this Finca has a private pool with surrounding courtyard and an outdoor kitchen area,
37:07as well as another terrace and some land next to it which the current owner has access to but doesn't
37:13own.
37:14Inside, which is all on one level, there's a light and bright living and dining room with an adjoining sunroom,
37:20a separate galley kitchen, the main bedroom with an ensuite shower room,
37:25along with two more bedrooms, both of which have ensuite shower rooms.
37:31Here we are, my lovelies.
37:35Again, we've got, I don't know how I've done this, but I've managed to find wooden beams everywhere I go.
37:39You have?
37:40You obviously take them from one place to the other.
37:42It's very hard work.
37:43I think it looks good, I must admit.
37:46It's the old charm that we like.
37:49It looks good.
37:50It looks very good, actually.
37:51Yeah.
37:51Nice flow to it.
37:53So, carrying on with the theme of the wooden beams on the ceiling, this is the main bedroom.
37:59Lots of light coming through as well, and it is quite a nice size.
38:03It is, because it allows you to do other things in it.
38:07Yes.
38:07Yes.
38:08It would benefit with different colour coming in, I think, as well.
38:12Just to warm it up a bit.
38:13Shall we go and take a look at the courtyard?
38:15Yes, please.
38:16After you guys.
38:19And we move out here to our beautiful courtyard.
38:25Nice for Jack as well.
38:27It is.
38:27Yeah.
38:28It's a lovely area.
38:29You also have the use of this land next to you right now, which is rustic land.
38:35So, as far as we know, but that may change, the Spanish government has protected this,
38:40so no one would ever build on this.
38:41Good.
38:42Currently, this property has access to it.
38:45It's quite a significant amount of land.
38:49Yeah.
38:50Well, why don't you go and discover the rest of the property?
38:52And then, for the final time, you can let me know what you think and if I have a new
38:56contender.
38:57OK.
38:58Yeah?
38:58Yeah.
38:58Right.
38:59This one is a contender, not another one.
39:02OK.
39:02See you later.
39:07I mean, they seem to like it, but who knows?
39:10So, let's see how they get on with the rest of the property.
39:13Hmm.
39:15A kitchen.
39:16Hmm.
39:16It's a wee bit smaller than I expected, I must admit.
39:19But, it's user-friendly.
39:22Yeah.
39:22It looks...
39:23It looks alright.
39:25This finca, or country house, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £241,000,
39:31gives Graham and Annette the space, the views and the finish they've asked for.
39:35And they seem to like it.
39:37So, I think I could be ending this house hunt on a high note.
39:41Oh, coming out of the hideaway.
39:44Oh, yes.
39:45I am eagerly awaiting your response as I take in this breathtaking view.
39:50OK.
39:50We like the area.
39:51We like the main part of the house.
39:54Uh-huh.
39:54It's excellent.
39:55The only bit that was a wee bit odd for us was the piece of land out the back.
40:01OK.
40:02If we knew we could definitely kind of have it with the property, that would be a deal-changer
40:08for us, but it's too uncertain.
40:10We're ruling this one out?
40:12Yes.
40:13No.
40:14Yes.
40:15Don't do uncertainty.
40:17OK.
40:17And I think if we're here during the winter period, I think there's more going on in Moreira
40:23probably during the winter period than there might be up here.
40:27OK.
40:27So, I think Moreira has pulled us that way.
40:30OK.
40:31Even though there's more work to do in the property to get it up to where we would like it
40:36to be.
40:36I can't believe I'm saying this.
40:37But the one that we love is the one that we rejected before.
40:42It is the two-bed in Moreira.
40:45Yeah.
40:45So, we'd like to go back, if possible, and have a look at it.
40:48Want to have a second look at it?
40:49Yes, please.
40:50OK.
40:50I'll get that second viewing arranged and then see you in the morning.
40:54Sounds good.
40:55Yeah, definitely.
40:57Oh, yes.
41:05If you'd like more information on any of the properties featured on today's show, visit
41:09aplaceinthesun.com forward slash programs.
41:12We've now shown Graeme and Annette all five properties here in the northern Costa Blanca
41:17for their budget of £200,000 with an additional £20,000 wiggle room.
41:22And after a bit of a turnaround at the end, we've ended up with just one contender.
41:26This two-bedroom house in Moreira, which they previously rejected.
41:30They went to have another look at it yesterday, so I'm really interested to find out how that
41:35went and what they want to do next.
41:39Graeme and Annette, good morning.
41:41Morning.
41:41Morning, Lee.
41:42So, when we finished our search, you did a 180 on me.
41:46The property in La Forna, that great four-bedroom, you fell in love with it instantly as soon
41:50as we kind of walked in and around.
41:52But then, when we got to our last property, you told me that that had now disappeared in
41:58terms of contender, and we had a new one, which was the two-bedroom house in Moreira.
42:06You went back, you saw the property for a second time.
42:11We went back, and we still liked the property.
42:15Yeah.
42:15We still liked the area.
42:17Yes.
42:18But for us, coming out here, it's about the countryside, about the views, and we just felt
42:25that the garden perhaps wasn't quite large enough for us.
42:29There was kind of three main areas that you could just sit in, have your breakfast, have
42:35your coffee, but there wasn't any views.
42:36We were pretty well surrounded.
42:39But also, we have a dog, and we couldn't see him pacing around, I would say, a large garden.
42:48It was just a seating area, effectively.
42:51Yeah.
42:51And that, for us, would have been too much of a compromise.
42:54It is about the outside as well.
42:57And what it actually tells us is that what we are looking for isn't really achievable in
43:06our budget at the moment.
43:08Right, right.
43:08So, we've either got to make horrendous compromises that we would have to live with and probably
43:14wouldn't make it as an enjoyable experience.
43:17Or, we've got to look at perhaps extending our budget somehow.
43:21So, I think we'd rather go back home, lick our wounds, and start saving again.
43:28Right, okay.
43:29But, we're going to come back out probably towards the end of this year, beginning of
43:34next year, rent a property in the Mariah area for two to three months.
43:40And we'll just move forward from that once we've saved some more money.
43:45So, we now know Mariah is where you want to be?
43:47Yes.
43:47It just comes across as a clean, lively town.
43:51This area is very, very in demand.
43:53So, if you do find something, my only piece of advice would be to move quickly.
43:57But, to get kind of everything that you guys are after, I mean, it would be looking at
44:03possibly another 70,000 or more.
44:06I hope you've learned something from this.
44:09And eventually, I really hope to hear that you found your dream property here.
44:13Keep me in the loop.
44:14Good luck in your future.
44:15It's going to be great.
44:17Wherever you find.
44:18Good luck.
44:18Cheers.
44:19Thank you very much for all your help.
44:26What a shame.
44:26We were so close.
44:28But I do understand that it has to be the right property for them.
44:31But I am glad that I've helped them find the right location that they want to be in.
44:34And I wish Annette and Graham all the very best for their future here in Northern Costa Blanca.
44:40Annette and Graham have stayed in touch with agents we introduced them to.
44:43And are looking for properties online ahead of their planned visit later in the year.
44:47Fingers crossed they find their perfect place in the sun.
44:53If you'd like help with your property search and want to be on a place in the sun.
44:56Then go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:21Bye.
45:21Bye.
45:22Bye.
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