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00:00I'm Maggie Malloy and I'm on a mission to help Irish house hunters discover the overlooked gems of affordable European
00:08property.
00:09We're on the hunt in Italy, Spain, Portugal and France for great bargains.
00:15You've definitely surprised us.
00:16Feels nicer in the sun for sure.
00:18Property experts in each country will help guide our search.
00:22Vanity and toilet, you'll be like 3,000 euros.
00:25And our very own intrepid reporters, Kevin McGahern and James Kavanagh, will be getting to know the regions we visit.
00:33Can we give it a bit of welly?
00:34I suppose we could.
00:35Clubs are a great way to connect with people.
00:38They'll be giving our house hunters a head start on local complexities, customs and most importantly, the crack.
00:45Chefe vive!
00:46Now what you just said is, I want to live!
00:48That's wonderful!
00:49I want to live here!
00:50From forever homes in Portuguese villages.
00:52Massive crack, not in a good way.
00:55To sun-drenched Spanish cities.
00:58We need to talk about this price.
00:59You could throw anything at me.
01:01I'll help find the best homes a modest budget can buy.
01:04It's a cracker of a house.
01:06It's massive inside.
01:07So grab your passport, pack your bags and join us on the hunt as we go in search of cheap
01:13European homes.
01:20This time, James is joining me in the southeast of Spain.
01:24We're beginning our adventure in the city of Murcia, capital of the Murcia region.
01:30It might not be as well known as its neighbouring regions, Andalusia to the west and Valencia to the east,
01:37but this area has plenty to offer.
01:40It's one of Spain's smaller regions with about 250 kilometres of coastline, known as the Costa Calida.
01:48Move inland and you'll find arid plains, forests, mountains and fertile valleys fed by the river Segura that also flows
01:57through the heart of Murcia City.
02:00I visited Murcia before, but it was out on the coast.
02:03So it's nice to be starting off this time inland and in a city for a change.
02:07Yeah, and it is stunning, but I'm not familiar with this part of Spain at all.
02:11Yeah, I feel this little area is a bit maybe underappreciated, you know, it just doesn't get spoken about enough.
02:16Well, I'm really curious to get going and to discover more about it.
02:20Well, you had?
02:21Yeah, we had one.
02:24This time, I'm on a property search with 47-year-old Carmel Carey and her 23-year-old daughter Cuiva
02:31from Caritoul, East Cork.
02:34Carmel is a pharmacy assistant, while Cuiva is a social media manager.
02:39Carmel and her husband Tony have been regular visitors to Spain since Cuiva was small
02:45and have a long-held dream of finding a home there.
02:49Now, Cuiva's made it her mission to help her mum's dream become a reality.
02:54I love Spain. I love the community, the people.
02:58I like the food. It's just so relaxed over there.
03:02Any time of year that we go over, there seems to be a fiesta, which is lovely.
03:07It's like all the community get to know each other and they all meet out.
03:12Even like when you go outside at any time of the day, there's always people together doing something
03:17or even going for food or drinks at every hour.
03:21It's just a really nice, positive feeling every day over there because there is so much things to do.
03:27Two of us usually would get in a car and just travel.
03:32You'll see the skinniest of roads, like the smallest of Boreens.
03:35And we'll go, will we? Yeah, we might as well.
03:38Getting lost is our main thing.
03:42We're definitely outside people because we've been road bowling all our lives.
03:47Mum was European champion in 2012 and has world record holder for the longest shot.
03:55You never know. We might bring it there.
03:58With the job that I'm at at the moment, they're looking to expand over to Spain.
04:02So I more than likely will end up living in Spain as well.
04:06The budget for our house in Spain is £150,000.
04:10That's including renovations.
04:13Minimum a two-bedroomed house.
04:15It has to have some type of space outside.
04:18It doesn't have to be a huge garden. It doesn't have to be even a garden.
04:21It's just somewhere I can sit outside.
04:22Area, I don't mind.
04:24Mercia, anywhere around.
04:26I'm really open.
04:27It doesn't have to be coastal.
04:29I'm not really a water person.
04:31Countryside would be ideal.
04:33Renovation will be no problem because Tony being in construction, he'll be doing it all.
04:38I'm really hoping that Maggie will find, if not the house,
04:42but definitely the area that I will be happy to live the rest of my life.
04:53In the past, the Mercia region has been a bit overlooked by house hunters, but things are changing.
05:00Property values have climbed significantly in the last five years, with average prices up by around 37%,
05:07though overall they remain lower than the national Spanish average, so there could be value to be had.
05:15Carmel and Cuiva are looking for a property with at least two bedrooms and some private outdoor space.
05:21They're pretty flexible about location and not bothered about being near the coast, which will definitely help to keep the
05:28price down.
05:30I'm focusing my search on an area inland, west of the city of Mercia and as far down as the
05:36border with Andalusia.
05:38The average property price in this area can range from around €158,000 to €180,000.
05:46By casting my net wide, I'm hoping to land the right property for Carmel's €150,000 budget.
05:54So I know you've been to the Mercia region before, but have you ever been to Mercia City?
05:58No, we've only done the coast, so we've never been in right in the middle of the city.
06:02There's a lot of character and all in here, isn't there?
06:04It's stunning, it's so pretty.
06:06The architecture is just gorgeous.
06:08So my plan is to help you get to know the area a bit better and meet the people.
06:12Unreal.
06:13And of course, I get to show you houses.
06:15So I've cast the net really wide and I'm sticking inland as well because I want to get the really
06:20best value for you.
06:21I have so many cool houses to show you.
06:24Can't wait.
06:25Yeah, will you go have a look?
06:26Yes.
06:30For my first property, we've headed to the town of Last Palace.
06:33This three-bed house sits on a quiet road within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants.
06:41It's about 40 minutes from Mercia City, 20 minutes to the coast and comes with an asking price of €149
06:49,000.
06:50We've met up with architect Marta Woodward, an expert in Spanish building design and construction.
06:57She'll be helping us on this search.
07:00Would this feel rural enough?
07:01Like you don't have your city, you can't see your cities from here.
07:04So it is rural.
07:05So what are your first impressions?
07:07It's a really bright house anyway.
07:08It stands out from the rest.
07:10Subtle.
07:10Yes.
07:12It looks a bit small from the outside, but obviously we haven't been inside yet.
07:16But yeah, I can't judge it by its cover.
07:18Is this too cramped?
07:20It's like too built up?
07:21A little bit.
07:21Yeah.
07:22I think the neighbour is a tiny bit too close.
07:24Too close, yeah.
07:25We both step out of the door at the same time.
07:27You're like you're right next to each other.
07:29Yeah, yeah.
07:29You're such a gulshie.
07:31That is great.
07:32Myself and Marta had a look around inside earlier.
07:35It is a solid house.
07:36It is probably built in the late 60s.
07:40It's well maintained and it's in good condition.
07:44And it seems small, but it's bigger than you'd expect.
07:49Okay.
07:49Yes.
07:50I promise it gets better when you get inside.
07:52Okay.
07:52Okay, you ready to have a look?
07:54Yeah.
07:54Okay, here's your notebook.
07:56Any questions you have for Marta, write them down.
07:58And we will meet you out the back in a couple of minutes.
08:06Perfect.
08:07Yeah, there's a nice size room in there.
08:11Big enough room, don't you?
08:11Yeah.
08:12This room is lovely.
08:14I love the white walls.
08:15So you can add our own colours and touches to it.
08:18And it's a lot bigger than you'd think when looking outside.
08:21Yeah, it's a lot more modern, I think.
08:23And the finish is very good in here.
08:25Yeah.
08:25There is a Wi-Fi box.
08:28So there's the service and everything.
08:29And I saw the air conditioning outside, so...
08:33Yeah.
08:33Yeah, no, I like it.
08:34I like this.
08:35So far, anyway.
08:37Oh, God.
08:38I was expecting just one more room, not a big, long corridor.
08:43I love it.
08:44Nice, bright room.
08:45Yeah, it's a good size.
08:47So this is the second bedroom.
08:48And, yeah, that's one thing.
08:50The house, every room seems very bright.
08:53I like the bathroom.
08:54Bathroom is lovely.
08:55Another room.
08:56So that's what?
08:57Three rooms.
08:57Three bedrooms.
08:58Yeah.
08:58That's unreal.
09:00Oh, the kitchen.
09:01Look at the kitchen.
09:02It's beautiful.
09:03Lovely and bright.
09:04It's very nice.
09:06I love cupboards.
09:07Looks very modern.
09:08Yeah, it is.
09:09The only thing I'll write with this kind of overcrowding the kitchen.
09:13Yeah, I think it's just too big.
09:15No, but it's lovely.
09:17It's lovely.
09:17It's very, very nice.
09:18Really bright.
09:19You're getting the light in every room.
09:21Yeah.
09:22You wouldn't think it's this big from outside?
09:24No, no.
09:29Oh, my God.
09:32Now, this I did not expect.
09:34That is class.
09:35This is unreal.
09:37That's perfect where the table is.
09:39Yeah.
09:40Don't need the kitchen table.
09:41Don't need the kitchen table.
09:41Get rid of the kitchen table.
09:42Yeah, handle.
09:44I'd have to have a handle.
09:45Yeah.
09:45It's so steep down.
09:46Yeah, yeah, yeah.
09:47Do we have upstairs as well?
09:48Yeah, must be.
09:49Oh, my God.
09:50This was not what I was expecting from outside.
09:53And it looks like there's steps as well or something.
09:56Oh, yeah.
09:56Down that direction.
09:57Yeah, so maybe that's something I'll ask Maggie.
09:59What is that?
10:00Yeah, that could be some parts connected to the house.
10:02Yeah.
10:03But, like, it's huge compared to what you would see outside.
10:07Yeah, it's...
10:08I was not expecting this at all.
10:09No, not at all.
10:11There's no way this is in our budget at all.
10:15Welcome to your roof, Terrace.
10:17Beautiful.
10:18So how do you get on inside?
10:19There's a lot more going on than you think, isn't there?
10:21It is amazing.
10:23It's incredible.
10:24It's way bigger than I actually thought it was going to be.
10:27Like, I was expecting two rooms, kitchen.
10:30Yeah.
10:30That's it.
10:31That pool, too?
10:32Oh, my God.
10:33I actually, I nearly died when I saw the pool.
10:35It's not looking its best right now.
10:37You just need a little clean, that's all.
10:40Power hose.
10:41Yes.
10:41Dad would love that.
10:42Yeah.
10:42And there's, like, steps down to a garage, is there?
10:45It is.
10:46Great condition.
10:47Double garage doors at the back leading out onto a lane that you can drive a car in.
10:50And here, my God, you have such views from up here.
10:54Yeah.
10:54Do you have anything written down for Marta?
10:56Just the central heating.
10:58Is it gas or oil?
10:59Yes, it's gas for the heating and the splits for air conditioning.
11:05All right.
11:05I was just saying the only thing that I would do is maybe a railing just for the pool area.
11:09Yeah, I think it's easy to change it.
11:12Yeah.
11:12Perfect.
11:13Yeah, I think Tony would be happy potting around doing little jobs.
11:17Yeah, definitely.
11:17The only thing we were kind of saying, it's definitely above our budget.
11:21Yeah.
11:22Are you ready then?
11:24Right.
11:24It's on the market for $149,000.
11:28Oh, my God.
11:28So I'm scraping in.
11:30I'm scraping in.
11:32No, I was expecting it to be well above our budget.
11:34Yeah, nearly even double because it's just, you get so much space and so much things.
11:38So keep in mind as well that it's acceptable to offer underneath the asking price in Spain.
11:43So even if you went maybe 10%, whatever.
11:46Yes, or you can ask for 20%.
11:48Oh, perfect.
11:49Sounds even better.
11:50Great.
11:51I don't know how you're going to top this, to be really honest.
11:55If Carmel and Cuiva are looking for a home here, they'll want to know as much as possible
12:00about this area and its people.
12:01So I'm going to pick the brains of a local.
12:05Kathy McGeer moved to Spain from Dublin over 20 years ago and is now settled in Murcia with
12:12her Spanish husband and two sons.
12:14So Murcia, tell me everything.
12:16Yeah, Murcia.
12:18Murcia.
12:19Yeah.
12:19Murcia.
12:20Very good.
12:20It's like kind of starting to be discovered, you know, it's still really authentically Spanish,
12:25I would say.
12:26So you're fully in the lingo and...
12:28Yeah, I speak Spanish and you'd need to.
12:30There's different accents, I guess, all over Spain.
12:33What's this kind of accent?
12:34This is the strongest one, you know, like it's the strongest accent, maybe the most
12:37difficult one to understand.
12:38Okay.
12:39You just have to try, you just have to show them that you're trying to speak the language
12:43and they'll help you and they'll love you for trying as well.
12:45And what's it like to live here?
12:47Yeah, it's great.
12:48It's got a really nice, authentic feel, really family-orientated place, really laid-back lifestyle.
12:55It's really nice.
12:56I love it.
12:58So do you have any tips for settling in?
13:01Yeah, so the thing that you should say to people is to really think about what your life
13:04is going to be like once everything settles down.
13:07Concentrate on building your community, joining clubs, making friends.
13:11Yeah, people forget about that.
13:12You want to know the locals.
13:14Exactly.
13:14Is there clubs or, you know, things you could join?
13:18Loads of clubs, loads of clubs, yeah.
13:20I mean, between Spanish clubs, of course, but lots of the international people also create
13:24their own clubs, walking clubs, running clubs, bowling clubs, all sorts.
13:29And what's the cost of living over here?
13:31What's the situation there?
13:32Spain in general is not like cheap, cheap like it used to be years ago.
13:36But Mercia itself is still one of the regions where it's more reasonable to live by comparison
13:42to other places in Spain.
13:43Certainly cheaper than Ireland, probably.
13:44Certainly cheaper in Ireland, yeah.
13:49This is an interesting place.
13:51This is the Real Casino, founded in about the 1850s.
13:55It's not actually a casino, though.
13:57It's a social club.
13:58No slot machines?
13:59No.
13:59Okay.
13:59I don't think so.
14:00Let's go in.
14:01Let's have a look.
14:04So, here we are.
14:05There's a real mishmash of styles in here.
14:08You've got the Moorish style, of course.
14:10You've got the Roman style, Baroque style.
14:13Well, this is the Arabic court.
14:15They say that there's 35,000 sheets of gold leaf in here.
14:19Is that all?
14:20Amazing.
14:2035,000.
14:26Oh, wow.
14:27Stunning, isn't it?
14:28This is a bit of me now.
14:29This is the ladies' powder room.
14:31Gorgeous.
14:31You can see the woman on fire.
14:33She's intense.
14:34On fire, yeah.
14:40Would you like to waltz with me?
14:41Let's do it.
14:42Yeah.
14:49So, this is the Saouda River.
14:51It's really important in the region of Murcia.
14:54It provides the water and irrigation for all the farmland.
14:57Because Murcia City has a really unique location.
15:00It's right in the middle of what's called La Huerta de Murcia.
15:03La Huerta de Murcia.
15:04Yeah.
15:05So, it literally translates to like the orchard or the garden of Murcia.
15:08Oh, I love that.
15:09Yeah, in fact, it's even known as, this whole region is known as the garden of Spain because
15:13of all the product that's grown here.
15:15Ah.
15:15And you might even hear of people being referred to as huertanos or huertanas.
15:19So, it's like people who work the land.
15:22Ah, I love that.
15:23Yeah.
15:23So poetic.
15:24Yeah.
15:26So, this giant fish here is actually a sardine linked to the spring festivals in Murcia.
15:32Called the Encierro de la Sardina.
15:34So, the burial of the sardine, it's called.
15:37Yeah.
15:38And how does this, do they just carry a fish through the streets?
15:41Or what is it?
15:42No, it's like, it like marks the end of Lent.
15:45Ah.
15:45Yeah.
15:46And so, they bring this huge, I guess it's like a papier-mache, it's huge sardine.
15:51Like, it's colorful and a sculpture and they bring it through the streets.
15:54Okay, I was picturing a tiny fish.
15:55No, definitely it's a tiny.
15:57And then they burn it outside the town hall at the end of the, yeah, it's really unusual.
16:04I love that.
16:05I think we even Carmel would, they'd be into that.
16:08Oh, yeah.
16:08Yeah, I'd be into that.
16:09No one knows about it and once they discover it, they just can't believe it.
16:12They're really cool.
16:13Yeah.
16:13Yeah.
16:14Wow.
16:14Long live the sardine.
16:15Long live the sardine.
16:16Yeah.
16:17It's been a jam-packed first day.
16:20Time to take stock.
16:21I've brought Carmel and Cuiva for a quick catch-up with James.
16:25Okay, so first impressions, 10 out of 10, you're going to love it.
16:29There's loads of things to do, tourism, culture, history, the people are great.
16:34They're big on fiestas.
16:36Something I'm looking forward to.
16:37Yeah, I'm more siestas, but really good fiestas, yeah.
16:41And tomorrow, are you up for some exploring?
16:43Oh, yeah.
16:44I have a very good thing planned.
16:46I'm super excited.
16:47Get ready to get lost.
16:49Our favorite thing.
16:50Yeah.
16:50And I've got a really interesting property up my sleeve.
16:53I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it.
16:54All right.
16:55That way?
16:55I'm going to call it early.
16:57I think you're going to love this place.
16:58We'll see.
16:59We'll see.
16:59I think you might have a lodger.
17:01Three bedrooms we're up to now.
17:04This is the arrangement.
17:05Did you tell them that's what happens?
17:06Yeah, we share.
17:07Yeah.
17:07We're fine with that.
17:08Yeah, bunk beds.
17:09Yeah, yeah.
17:09Okay, lovely.
17:10James and Maggie.
17:11Yeah, you can just put that on the door.
17:13Yeah.
17:13Don't go in.
17:16Keep out.
17:19It's been a really positive start.
17:21Property one ticked a lot of boxes for my house hunters.
17:25But for my second, I'm going to change things up.
17:28And it has everything that you really need for a home.
17:30While James whisks Carmel and Cuiva off on a four-wheeled adventure.
17:40This week, myself and James are in the Murcia region of South East Spain with Carmel Carey and her daughter
17:47Cuiva.
17:48Carmel has a long-held dream of buying a Spanish property where herself and husband Tony can settle down.
17:54And Cuiva is giving her that all-important push to finally make it happen.
18:00They're looking for a property with at least two bedrooms and some private outdoor space.
18:06They're not too worried about location, so I'm searching away from the coast where there's better value for money.
18:13Our first property was a three-bed house that had plenty to offer and an asking price of €149,000.
18:21It's way bigger than I actually thought it was going to be.
18:24For my next property, we've made our way to the quiet hamlet of Los Arroyos.
18:29It's a five-minute drive to the nearest village and around 25 minutes to the coast.
18:35This four-bedroom house needs a bit of attention but has plenty to offer, including just over six and a
18:41half acres of land.
18:43And comes with a guide price of €139,000.
18:48I feel like this is like a little hamlet. Marta, what would you call this in Spanish?
18:53It's a aldea.
18:54Aldea.
18:55So what do you think, guys?
18:56Yeah, there is a lot to take in in this one. It's definitely kind of more traditional. Bigger building as
19:02well.
19:02Yeah, I think a lot more stuff to be done. A lot of gardening for Dad to do.
19:06Or tiling to get rid of the gardening.
19:09Yeah.
19:09Yeah.
19:10You'd be nearly better just having a nice surface that fitted in with the style of the building.
19:14Yeah, yeah.
19:15But it's robust. Like, I mean, the roof looks good, Marta, doesn't it?
19:17Yes. I think it's renovated because the house is old. But as you can see, the roof is...
19:23It's newer.
19:24Isn't it?
19:24Yes.
19:25I feel like I could do with maybe a little bit of TLC on the front. What do you think?
19:29Yeah, definitely a bit of plaster or paint or...
19:32I recommend to use a lime mortar.
19:34Lime mortar.
19:35Yes, as it will bring a unique, like, facade. And it also works very good for the character of the
19:43Murcia area.
19:45Okay.
19:45So that new coat of lime plaster would take care of all of the roughness, the little bits in around
19:51the reveals, the windows, you know where you can see the bricks?
19:53Yeah.
19:53It would tidy up everything.
19:55Okay.
19:55But it would also make the building a lot more breathable and a lot more kind of in character with
20:00what should be.
20:00What should be.
20:01Yeah.
20:01Okay.
20:01Yeah.
20:01Maybe it's 10, 20% more than the traditional painting.
20:07Okay.
20:08Yeah.
20:08Will we take a look inside?
20:09Yeah, we will.
20:10Go on.
20:13So we have a great size living room and kitchen back here. We have a bedroom up at the front
20:17door. Another two bedrooms down the corridor and a bathroom. So there's a lot down here.
20:23Yeah, it's definitely a bigger, bigger field house. Yeah. And this living space is spacious too.
20:28It is. Yeah. And Scrant laid out tiles, everything. Kind of has everything that you really need for a home.
20:34Doesn't it? I mean, even the size of the kitchen. Definitely more like a cottage than your average kind of
20:39Spanish holiday home that you see.
20:41Yeah. Yeah.
20:42Any issues, Marta, that you can see?
20:44The only thing that I see is the rising down, but you can remove it and put the lime mortar
20:51the same as the outside.
20:53Okay. Because you probably wouldn't change much else, would you?
20:56No, it has the tiles. It has the kitchen. It is perfect as well. So it's a bit of, as
21:01you said, TLC.
21:02Yeah.
21:05So we're upstairs now in the bedroom slash study. It's got a nice view.
21:11It has a beautiful view.
21:13It's kind of a waste using it as an office.
21:16Yeah.
21:16What would you use with us?
21:18A closet, walk and wardrobe. 100%.
21:22Wardrobe, walk out, open up, look out in the view.
21:25Yeah.
21:25I think dibs have been called.
21:28It's a bit fresh up here today, ladies, isn't it?
21:30Definitely, yeah.
21:31Well, the main reason I brought you out here is actually to show you the terrace area below.
21:36It's actually classed as urban.
21:38So, Marta, do you want to explain what that means?
21:40Yes.
21:40You can do an extension or a pool or a garage so you can build in this building.
21:48So, yes.
21:49So it's a bit like what the neighbours have done.
21:51Exactly.
21:52I mean, you have a substantial house here.
21:54You might need it.
21:55Obviously, the people who own it didn't need it.
21:57But you have the choice.
21:58Yes.
21:58I think that's probably the biggest thing.
21:59Well, I have one more thing to show you.
22:01Can we get down out of the wind?
22:02Yes.
22:05So, from the edge of the road, across from your front gate, you have six and a half acres
22:11that stretches right up to the top of that mountain and it is full of olive and almond
22:17trees.
22:18The land goes up to up here?
22:20Right over the top.
22:21Right over the top?
22:22Yeah, yeah.
22:24Wait, do you mean as in the mountain included?
22:26Yeah, yeah.
22:26What?
22:26Oh, my God.
22:28Carey's Mountain?
22:29There you go.
22:30Carey's Mountain.
22:31We have our little farmyard with all our pigs and our chickens.
22:35Okay, let's talk about this price.
22:37All right.
22:38Okay.
22:38I'd forgotten about that.
22:39It's on at $139,000.
22:42Okay.
22:43And I'm thinking you could probably be a bit cheeky because there's a bit of work to
22:46be done here.
22:47Yeah.
22:47You know, go in under, account for all the jobs and maybe get a bargain.
22:52Yeah.
22:52So, overall, what do you think?
22:53The area, absolutely beautiful.
22:55Yeah.
22:56If you could pick up house one and drop it here.
22:59Okay.
22:59Yeah.
22:59Would be ideal.
23:01Hey, all good information to know.
23:06Carmel and Cuiva have said they love adventure and exploring.
23:10So, I've taken them at their word and brought them to one of Murcia's many national parks.
23:17So, you guys love exploring, taking a spin when you're in a new place, don't you?
23:21Yes, we just go down a road, see where it will take us.
23:25Kind of our way of discovering the area.
23:27We call it getting lost.
23:29Okay.
23:29Well, you could definitely get lost here at Sierra Espuna Regional Park because it's 178 square
23:36kilometers.
23:36Wow.
23:37Yes.
23:38And I have the perfect activity so we can see everything.
23:42Unreal.
23:42Ready?
23:43Yes.
23:43Sounds great.
23:44This is Mark Langton.
23:46Originally from Devon in the UK, he's been running adventure tours here for over 22 years.
23:52And today, he's going to show us around on these bad boys.
23:58We're going to go on a gentle quad bike tour today.
24:00We're going to go on to the Brancas Tehebas, which is a protected park area.
24:05It's a moonscape type landscape, phenomenal views.
24:09So, are we good to go?
24:10Yep.
24:11We were born ready.
24:12Let's do it.
24:56This is magnificent.
24:58I feel like I'm on the moon or something.
24:59Yeah.
25:00Could you see yourselves coming up here for a walk?
25:02Oh, yeah.
25:03Definitely.
25:04Yeah.
25:04I think Dad would like this as well, definitely.
25:07How is the landscape formed?
25:09It's basically mineralized clay.
25:12Heavy rains can change the format of the whole thing.
25:15Is this park open to the public?
25:17Yes.
25:17Yes, it's open to the public.
25:19Are there any, like, vineyards or do people grow food here or anything like that?
25:23Well, Murthia is Europe's salad bowl.
25:25Oh.
25:25So, you get, obviously, oranges, lettuces, tomatoes.
25:29All the citrus fruits are grown here.
25:31Olives, of course.
25:32Then all your nuts.
25:34So, you could come on a hike and get your bits for a picnic on the way.
25:38On the way, yeah.
25:38Yeah, sure.
25:39I love it here.
25:40I'm not sure that would be legal.
26:02Mark, I can see why you love it.
26:04That view is incredible.
26:06I'm in awe of it every day, and yet I see it every day.
26:09Yeah.
26:09So, it's just a fantastic place to live.
26:12Guys, what do you think?
26:13Yeah, I could definitely see myself here.
26:15It's lovely.
26:16Views, definitely.
26:17It was amazing.
26:18Yeah.
26:18Absolutely amazing.
26:19And do you have any tips for people thinking of moving over here?
26:23Just don't take too long before you do it, because property prices in Murthia are rising.
26:29It's always been a little bit forgotten, because it's the least commercialised area along the costas, but not anymore.
26:35It's starting to rise.
26:37So, if you're going to do it, do it quick.
26:41It's time to hit the trail in search of my next property for Carmel and Cuiva.
26:46For house number three, I'm taking them just over the border, from Murcia into the Andalusia region, but for very
26:54good reason.
26:54I think this five-bed, four-bathroom house is a great find.
26:59It sits in a rural location, close to the town of Veles Rubio, and is on the market for just
27:06€99,950.
27:10This house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms.
27:14Oh, wow.
27:15It feels rural, but we're still only about 15 minutes away from a very large town.
27:20All right.
27:21Yeah.
27:21So, what do you think?
27:22Yeah, the house, it looks huge.
27:24Big.
27:25Yeah.
27:26Can't wait to see what's inside.
27:27It is an old house, but it is in a good condition.
27:31As you can see, the roof is new, but let's see inside how it is.
27:39So, we've come in through a lovely covered porch with a barbecue, seating area, great kitchen here.
27:45We have a double bedroom to the left, bathroom, and a great-sized lounge as well over there.
27:51Whoa.
27:52That room looks very nice.
27:54Yeah.
27:54Were you expecting this?
27:55No.
27:57And it's bright, too.
27:58It's nice.
27:58Honestly, the decor in here is really nice.
28:00I think they've done a good job.
28:02Love the table.
28:03Love the table.
28:04I mean, I'm not seeing anything even that needs to be done.
28:06What about you, Marta?
28:07No, it seems like someone lives here, so it's in a good condition inside.
28:13It looks more modern than you would think from the outside looking in, but yeah, no, it's
28:18nice and kind of spacious.
28:20Everything's kind of where it needs to be.
28:22It's lovely.
28:24So, we've just come through your lovely lounge.
28:26The sitting room area is amazing.
28:28The sitting room area is amazing.
28:29It's lovely.
28:29And this then, the dining area is good as well.
28:32I love the ceiling.
28:33It just adds such character to the house.
28:35Marta, is it original?
28:36Yes, and they cover with a lime mortar.
28:39Lovely.
28:40Are you still seeing good condition?
28:42It is in a good condition.
28:44There's no humidity or cracks.
28:47You feel very good inside.
28:49Yeah, because you can't see any dampness or anything.
28:52No.
28:52Which is good.
28:53Do you think you keep this as a dining room?
28:54It's a bit of a trek from the kitchen.
28:56I don't know.
28:57I don't know what else you could do with it, you know?
29:00Craft room.
29:01Okay.
29:01Yeah, done.
29:02We call it first.
29:04Okay, girl.
29:04So I'm going to send two of you upstairs and myself and Marta will meet back up with you
29:09in a little while.
29:11Another lounge area here.
29:14That's lovely.
29:15Double bedroom, bathroom.
29:17There's loads of space.
29:18And it looks like there's another two bedrooms down there.
29:21Yep.
29:22And the size, it's really big in here.
29:24Yeah, it's actually huge.
29:26In fairness.
29:26Different type of beams here, they've left them exposed.
29:29I do like the walls.
29:30I like the walls, yeah.
29:31It adds more character.
29:32It's very nice.
29:33And then there's an outside area.
29:37That's a good-sized terrace.
29:39Yeah.
29:39Nice view as well.
29:41This is extra.
29:42Yeah.
29:42A third floor we have.
29:44Not used to it living in a bungalow for your whole life.
29:47Wasn't really expecting this.
29:48Thought it was just a sun terrace.
29:50Yeah.
29:51It's like a self-contained studio.
29:53Mad.
29:53It does still have the character of the world.
29:55And it's still in very good condition.
29:57Yeah.
29:58It could be like a guest house, though.
30:01Kind of fish.
30:02Airbnb type thing.
30:04But I think it's a lot, since we already have three or four rooms below.
30:08Yeah.
30:08A bit overwhelming, really.
30:11Yeah.
30:11It is a lot.
30:14How'd you go on?
30:15Good.
30:16Yeah.
30:16Big.
30:17A lot of house.
30:17A lot of house.
30:18There's a lot going on.
30:19There is.
30:20You have to almost filter it back a little bit.
30:23I think it goes against everything we believe in to pair stuff back.
30:26We always feel like, as Irish people, we need to improve stuff.
30:29But this has a lot going on.
30:31Yeah.
30:31Yeah.
30:31And I think you could probably simplify it.
30:33Like, it is very, very comfortable, especially the, like, the ceilings and just the character.
30:38They've kept, yeah, they've kept the tradition, you know, of Spanish tradition and that, and the roof and everything.
30:43I've just given you too much house, basically.
30:44You have.
30:45Yeah.
30:45Yeah.
30:46It's a casual problem.
30:49So, what about the outside space?
30:51Because we don't technically have a garden here.
30:54No.
30:54How are you feeling about what you have?
30:56I have no problem.
30:57I'm not green fingers.
30:58So, the top part, because it's covered, I wouldn't be able to kind of use it as my sun terrace.
31:04You can remove the beans and the cover and have an open terrace.
31:10Yeah.
31:10That would be something that we'd like.
31:11Okay.
31:12So, what are you thinking about the price on this one?
31:14I'm going to put it around our second house.
31:16So, I'm going to say the $1.39.
31:19Okay.
31:20I think it's a little bit over our $1.50, but just.
31:23Okay.
31:24It's on the market at the moment for $99,950.
31:27Oh, wow.
31:28And, apart from a couple of personal possessions, everything is included.
31:33Oh, God.
31:35The table in the kitchen is included.
31:37The table in the kitchen.
31:38That's all you needed, really.
31:39Oh, my God.
31:41What?
31:42No, I was not expecting that at all.
31:44Yeah.
31:44No.
31:45You get a lot of value.
31:46Yeah.
31:47Once you come out into the countryside, though, don't you?
31:49Yeah, definitely.
31:49Definitely.
31:50You've definitely surprised us.
31:52Again.
31:55It's been quite a day for Carmel and Cuiva.
31:58They ventured further afield and made some great discoveries, but there's still plenty to look
32:04forward to.
32:05So, you're happy Cuiva's given you that push to come over and see somewhere like this?
32:08Yeah, I think I needed it.
32:10So, is she kind of good at encouraging you to maybe broaden your horizons a little bit?
32:13Yeah.
32:14I think because we do so much together, she actually knows me so well that she knew that
32:19it was time to give me the extra push.
32:22Gentle parenting, in a way, from your daughter?
32:25Exactly.
32:25Yeah.
32:26Gentle daughtering.
32:27Yes.
32:27Yeah.
32:28So, I think we should focus more on community and the locals now.
32:32Would you be up for something tomorrow that's very much focused on that?
32:35All right.
32:35Yeah, yeah.
32:36Sounds intriguing.
32:37Yeah, yeah, yeah.
32:39They've been talking about coming over here for so long, but now that we're kind of over
32:44here, we've seen the areas.
32:46I can definitely see Dad walking around, doing his long trekking like he normally does, and
32:51Mom just traveling out and getting lost along the views and the mountains.
32:55Like, it's definitely a second home to them at this stage.
32:58It definitely gives you a lot more color and a lot more perspective when you're outside
33:02of the kind of the coastal area, doesn't it?
33:04Yeah.
33:04Yeah.
33:04Like, we're very country people at heart.
33:07So, we like the valleys and kind of the mountains and stuff.
33:10So, it does feel like home, especially kind of what we've seen so far.
33:14Well, it's been a great search so far, but we've still got lots more to do.
33:18Yes.
33:19Yes.
33:19We do.
33:19Can we drink to that?
33:20Cheers.
33:20Cheers.
33:22We've got just one more property for Carmel and Cuiva to see.
33:26First thing I noticed was the fireplace.
33:28It's just, I love that.
33:29And Carmel is bringing her champion skills to a local sport.
33:34Oh!
33:41I'm house hunting in the Murcia region of South East Spain with Carmel Carey and her daughter
33:47Cuiva.
33:47With a budget of €150,000, they're looking for a home with a minimum of two bedrooms and
33:54some private outdoor space.
33:56So far, I think I've delivered.
33:59We've seen three great properties.
34:02First, a three-bed home in Las Palas for €149,000.
34:08Second, a four-bed house in need of some TLC for €139,000 in Las Arroyas.
34:16And third, a five-bed, four-bath property near Veles Rubio for just €99,950.
34:25While James takes Carmel and Cuiva on his final escapade, I've seized the chance to visit
34:31a 200-year-old farmhouse nestling in the hills above Murcia that's being restored by Sharon
34:38Wyler and Andy Thieker.
34:40Well, this is a gorgeous area.
34:42When did you buy here?
34:432019.
34:44Great.
34:44What kind of condition was it in?
34:47Well, you'd have four walls and a roof, basically.
34:50Yeah, they had no windows, no electric, no water, no waste, no sewage.
34:55And you thought, this is my dream house?
34:57He did.
34:58I was up for the challenge, yeah.
35:01We spent the first, was it two years or so, travelling back from where we used to live
35:05to convert the haylough there into a self-contained apartment.
35:09I just would not move in until I'd got a bathroom and a clean bed to sleep in.
35:14You're like camping, too.
35:14No.
35:15Well, I'm dying to see this little apartment.
35:17Can we have a look?
35:18Of course.
35:18Go.
35:25This is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be.
35:27Really?
35:28I think you undersold it.
35:29Yeah.
35:30There's only three rooms.
35:31Yeah, but they're good rooms.
35:33I love the character.
35:34I love how much like a hayloft it still is.
35:37And I love how kind of all the different levels and the quirky shapes.
35:41Not a square wall in here.
35:43This used to be a door where they used to bring the goats in.
35:46There's an animal toss there.
35:48You can see the ring.
35:49Oh, yeah, yeah.
35:49Okay.
36:18And that used to be a separate part of the building.
36:20Let's go to the house now.
36:20Would we have a look?
36:21Let's go.
36:23Wow.
36:24Another big-sized room.
36:25You have a great-sized utility as well.
36:27Yes.
36:27Off to the side.
36:28Yeah, that was the old corral that we were talking about upstairs.
36:31So talk to me about your kitchen and things like that.
36:34The back wall where the cooker is now, that's underground.
36:37It's a bit strange.
36:39Oh.
36:39But that wall is all underground and it was so damp because it was plastered.
36:44There was just soil on the floor.
36:46There was no glass in the window.
36:48No window yet.
36:49We rebuilt all the walls.
36:50It took a year.
36:52Really?
36:53But now that we've pointed it with lime, mortar, we've not had any problem with that.
36:58See, it's absolutely bone dry.
37:00Yeah.
37:00Like, the building still works.
37:01It still functions.
37:02It's, a lot of the time, it's just what people have put on it in maybe the 70s or the
37:0680s.
37:08Yeah, we reckon we're about halfway through.
37:10We've been five years.
37:12Five.
37:12Just over five years now.
37:13Using lime and stone and traditional things, it's so time-consuming.
37:18It is.
37:18And if you can't do it yourself as a result, massively expensive as well.
37:24This is so cozy.
37:25It's lovely, isn't it?
37:27We think this was the original house.
37:29The shepherd's, little shepherd's hut with the fireplace and the sleeping loft up there.
37:34And then the rest of the building's kind of organically grown as families got bigger.
37:40This canopy is completely original.
37:43That's original, yeah.
37:43Oh, that's so cool, isn't it?
37:45Yeah.
37:45And you could never remake that to look that good.
37:48You just couldn't.
37:49No.
37:49It's stunning.
37:51OK, so what did you buy the place for?
37:5430,000 euros.
37:5530,000.
37:56That's so cheap.
37:57Yeah.
37:58So how much do you think you've spent on it so far?
38:0050,000 euros.
38:02You think about 50,000 so far.
38:03OK, so far.
38:04We've still got a lot.
38:05Bearing in mind, we can pick up a lot of the raw materials from just by walking around and
38:10that.
38:1080,000 euros for what you have here at the moment.
38:14Yeah, I would say.
38:14We have actually looked into it and if we'd have had to pay somebody to do the work, we'd
38:21be up to about 200,000 now.
38:23Well, thank you so much for showing me around.
38:25You're very welcome.
38:26Thank you for coming.
38:26It's an absolutely stunning house.
38:29Hats off to Sharon and Andy.
38:31They've poured all their know-how experience and time into this renovation.
38:36And what they've achieved is all down to them.
38:39What a beautiful job.
38:42Mercians are very proud of their region and a history rooted in agriculture.
38:47Ertano or Ertana was the traditional inhabitant of the Huerta de Mercia, the agricultural areas
38:55surrounding the city.
38:56Today, it's a term for people who participate in the regional traditions like this unique
39:02form of bowling.
39:03With Carmel's road bowling experience back home in Ireland, this could be an ideal opportunity
39:10to mix with the locals and to get to know them a bit better.
39:14Hola.
39:17Hi.
39:18Hi.
39:18Hello.
39:19What is this?
39:20This game is bolos huertanos.
39:22Bolos huertanos?
39:23Bolos huertanos.
39:24Okay.
39:24Yeah, it's a traditional game here in Murcia.
39:27This starts in the fields, you know?
39:30Okay.
39:30It's like the farmers start playing this game and now we are trying to keep alive.
39:36Why you don't try?
39:37I would love to try.
39:39I actually, I have two friends, Carmel and Cuiva, and I think they would like to play.
39:43Do we have a match right?
39:45A match?
39:45Okay.
39:45Yeah, later.
39:46Lock us in.
39:47Yeah, of course.
39:48Love to.
39:48Of course.
39:50The chance to bowl with the locals is too good to turn down.
39:54I think Carmel and Cuiva will really benefit from it.
39:58And I brought along my new friend, Cathy, to help us with any translation.
40:03Now, Carmel, I know you're pretty good at bowels.
40:06We are going to try some traditional Murcian bowling.
40:10Are you up for it?
40:11I'm definitely up for it.
40:12I've done German lofting and I've done Dutch, so I've never tried the Murcian, so we'll give it a try.
40:19What do you think she'll be like?
40:20She'll be a pro, a pro.
40:22I think so.
40:23Cathy has been getting the lowdown, so she can fill us in.
40:26Okay.
40:27This is the ball.
40:29That's it.
40:29I've worked that much out.
40:31And it has these grooves in it.
40:33That's to aid the spin on the ball when they throw it.
40:36It's made from tropical hardwood.
40:37There's nine pins, and the aim of the game is to knock down as many pins as you can.
40:42Okay.
40:43Oh, it's heavy.
40:43Heavy enough.
40:44Want to have a go?
40:44What's that in comparison to your ones?
40:46Yeah, it's bigger.
40:48It's definitely bigger, but it's not as heavy as the Irish one.
40:51So that's a bit lighter.
40:52It's lighter.
40:52Oh, okay.
40:53You should be better then.
40:54Don't worry about that, James.
40:56Let's go.
40:57Yep.
41:03Fire.
41:04Fire.
41:12Fire.
41:29Cuiva and Carmel are totally, like, making friends here without even communicating through Spanish.
41:41Now I have to go after that.
41:43Just to follow.
41:45These kind of clubs are a great way to connect with people, even if you don't really speak
41:49the language that well, they're still a sort of...
41:58So I think if you move somewhere like this, join a club, join a sports club, join Bowles
42:03and you can make friends without even speaking.
42:08How did you find that?
42:09I know it's not totally the same, but did you get similarities?
42:12Yeah, it's definitely because they were asking to twist.
42:16So to pull the bow, say, left or pull the bow right.
42:19So that would be similar, but still totally different.
42:23Yeah, yeah, yeah.
42:24And you're only here, what, like two minutes, five minutes?
42:26And they've already kind of, you're a part of the community.
42:28Like they're totally wrapped up.
42:29Yeah, they were like, they were telling us exactly what we were doing wrong or what,
42:33if we got something right.
42:34Yeah.
42:34And they were cheering us on as well and like giving us high fives and being like, yes!
42:39Yeah.
42:50I wasn't great at that stuff now, but I'm great at that.
42:53It's eating and drinking and having the crack.
42:55That seems to be what it's mainly about, isn't it?
42:57Yeah, it's community, the family, the friends all gathered together.
43:01It's great.
43:02And I think that's why we like Spain so much.
43:04It's so community first, that seems.
43:07Yes.
43:07It's a relaxed pace of living.
43:09The stress levels are low because fun is high on the agenda.
43:13Yeah.
43:13Thank you so much for all your help.
43:15It has been great.
43:16You're welcome.
43:16It's been unreal.
43:18Yeah.
43:18Well, cheers.
43:19Cheers.
43:19Cheers.
43:22For my last property, I'm taking Carmel and Cuiva to the hilltop village of Tapares,
43:28situated on the border between Murcia and Andalusia.
43:32This five bedroom, two bathroom house sits in the centre of the village.
43:36It comes with a large courtyard to the rear, plus a private garage, and is priced at 135,000
43:44Euro.
43:45So another big one.
43:46Yes.
43:47Do you like the look of it?
43:48Oh, I do.
43:48The little balconies.
43:50Yes.
43:51The door, the door.
43:52I like the door.
43:52Yeah, the door is lovely.
43:54Marta, does it get your seal of approval?
43:56Yes, for sure.
43:57Okay.
43:58This is a traditional village house, late 1800s.
44:02It is in a good condition.
44:05The roof is new, and it's a double glazed window, and it's very pretty.
44:12Yes.
44:13Yes.
44:17This is lovely.
44:19It's stunning.
44:20It's a bit nice, isn't it?
44:21It is.
44:22First thing I noticed was the fireplace.
44:24It's just, I love that way that you can see the shape of the chimney and everything.
44:27I love the open plan space, so you have your dining, living area kind of as one.
44:33It's great, yeah.
44:34When you walk into the front door, you have the first of those five bedrooms downstairs
44:39here.
44:39Then you've got living room, dining room combined, like you said, which is so handy.
44:45Yeah.
44:45And I don't know, the finish is just everything, isn't it?
44:47Yeah.
44:48I love the ceiling, and the light coming in from both directions is beautiful.
44:52Yes, I really like it, and also it has a patio in this side.
44:57It brings light, privacy, secure, and cross ventilation also.
45:04Yes.
45:05The only thing I can see is it needs just a lick of paint.
45:08That's all.
45:09Yeah.
45:11So we have a great kitchen in here.
45:13Then down the corridor, we have a good size utility room.
45:16Then we have a double bedroom, and two nice bathrooms as well.
45:20Lovely.
45:21Very good.
45:21Yeah.
45:22And this is a lovely kitchen, grand and bright again.
45:24Plenty light coming in.
45:28So, we have three very good sized bedrooms up here.
45:32One double bedroom, two double bedrooms.
45:35This is by far the biggest one.
45:38It's huge.
45:39It's huge.
45:40It's lovely.
45:40Yeah, you can have the other bedroom.
45:42Yeah, I want that bedroom.
45:44Maybe you can have a bathroom here, because you don't have in the second floor.
45:50But you still have a big, big bedroom.
45:54And again, you still have those two lovely doors.
45:56Your balconies.
45:57Yeah.
45:58Go in my room.
46:00Stop.
46:00No, you chose the other one.
46:04So, now we have a really big private terrace out here.
46:08We have a beautiful garage to the side that links out onto the street.
46:12Lovely barbecue area.
46:14You could do so much out here.
46:16So much.
46:17My only recommendation maybe is to plant a tree or something to bring more life to the courtyard.
46:26Yes.
46:27What a great to-do list for your husband.
46:29Yeah, that's great.
46:30So, this house is on the market for 135,000.
46:34Okay.
46:34And that includes the furniture.
46:37Wow.
46:38No, it's stunning.
46:39Yeah.
46:40For what you're getting, there's so much you're getting.
46:42Marta, do you feel like this is good value for Spain?
46:45Yes, it is.
46:46You can ask for less price.
46:49Oh, yeah?
46:49Yes.
46:50Even better.
46:51Marta's a hard negotiator.
46:55Right.
46:55Well, we've seen all four houses.
46:56You have a lot to think about.
46:58So, why don't you go off and have a chat and I'll catch up with you later.
47:01Great.
47:02Perfect.
47:02Yeah.
47:04We've had a packed few days in Spain and viewed four great properties.
47:10First was this three-bed house in Las Palas for €149,000.
47:16Next was this four-bedder for €139,000.
47:22Third was a five-bed, four-bath property near Veles Rubio for €99,950.
47:30And finally, this five-bed village house in Tapares for €135,000.
47:39Let's see if any of them have proved a hit with Carmel and Cueva.
47:43So, four great houses.
47:45But was there a favourite?
47:47Yeah, I think definitely.
47:48We fell in love with house one.
47:50I'm not too surprised with that now.
47:52Was it the pool?
47:53No, it wasn't.
47:55I think it was just, it was everything.
47:56Like, we were saying that there were so many boxes that were ticked that we didn't even know existed.
48:00Yeah.
48:01I think it was just the fact that you could just walk in and you're at home.
48:05Great. So, we have a house. What's the plan?
48:08So, I've spoken to Tony.
48:09We're going to come back within the next couple of weeks.
48:12If he loves it as much as I love it, we're going to make an offer.
48:14Sounds like you have everything worked out.
48:17Hopefully.
48:17Yeah.
48:18Well, I'm delighted. Best of luck with it.
48:20And I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed that Tony loves it as much as we all did.
48:24Yeah.
48:24Come on, we hit the road.
48:29What I really enjoyed about this house hunt was that I didn't feel shackled by a huge wish list and
48:36exact locations.
48:37And that gave me the ability to go find some great value homes.
48:41On top of that, Carmel and Cuiva's positivity shone through.
48:45And if they manage to secure house one, I think they'll make a great go of it.
48:55Well, James, this has been such a great trip.
48:57It has.
48:58I have been so impressed by the value of the houses.
49:00And it takes a lot for me to say that now.
49:02You know, my bar is set quite high or low.
49:06Low in a good way.
49:07Yeah, exactly, exactly.
49:08But it just shows that if you're willing to move in from the coast, you can get so much.
49:12Yeah, you can.
49:13And for me, it's been the people.
49:14I've loved meeting all sorts of people over here.
49:17They love their traditions, culture.
49:19I love the landscape, you know.
49:21It's like the moon in parts.
49:23It's a really beautiful place.
49:24I think not a bad place to live.
49:26Have I convinced you to buy a house?
49:28100%.
49:28Will I go find you one?
49:29Yeah, let's go.
49:46The challenge of turning a dream into reality.
49:49The Great House Revival is at 9.30 tonight here on RTE 1 and RTE Player.
49:55And if you missed it, you can stream all episodes of Turbulence,
50:00the story of Ryanair on RTE Player now.
50:08The Great House Volcanoving, and I will say A Ciara on the Wheelhouse of刀 Park.
50:12You will see how no one happens.
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