- 2 weeks ago
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00:01Every year, a new wave of dreamers pack up their lives and head for the sun.
00:06It just reminds me of the Wild West. It's just stunning.
00:08It's definitely very much different from a top-floor flat in Edinburgh.
00:11And we're joining them as their adventures begin across Europe.
00:16This is what we've been waiting for. It's beautiful.
00:18That's the Atlantic Ocean.
00:20This is where the work begins, mister.
00:22Playing the part of chateau owners in France...
00:27We've never done this before. We're making it up as we go along.
00:29..to launching fitness retreats in Bulgaria.
00:32Big red card!
00:34But will their gamble pay off?
00:37Absolutely bonkers, but it's what we came for, yeah?
00:40Yay!
00:41Or will they fail to hit their target?
00:44Brexit has put the complications into overdrive.
00:48As they carve out, their new lives in the sun.
00:52I just still feel like I'm on holiday a little bit.
00:55It's not sunk in yet that this is my actual home now.
00:59What a lovely place to live.
01:01Today...
01:04..an outdoor enthusiast from Lancashire is test-driving her new business in Bulgaria.
01:10It feels fast already!
01:13Can her Alpine hotel stay on track and welcome guests?
01:17I'm just trying to disguise all my packing boxes.
01:19I haven't got any more hiding spots.
01:22In France...
01:23Complete mess!
01:25..he!
01:26Novice hosts are hoping for a happy ending.
01:29We're up against it because we've got a million jobs.
01:32Can their grand chateau shape up before guests show up?
01:36We are literally going straight in, so that is my biggest concern
01:39and, to be honest, like, is giving me quite a lot of anxiety.
01:43And a creative couple are pulling out all the stops
01:46to make their new business work.
01:48Everybody that walks through the door
01:50will get a free glass of Dom Perignon champagne.
01:55Maybe not Dom Perignon.
01:58Can bubbles tempt students to sign up to their art classes?
02:02It's a bit of a lottery.
02:04We sort of hope we win.
02:12Nestled at the foot of Bulgaria's majestic Pirin Mountains,
02:17Bansko greets visitors with crisp air, wide-open skies
02:21and a taste for adventure.
02:24Alpine pastures give way to dramatic peaks,
02:27a natural playground for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers
02:31to enjoy all year round.
02:34Bansko has now got a very international community.
02:38It's become a real destination for digital nomads.
02:43So that's brought an influx of people here
02:45and it does have a lot to offer.
02:48It was this perfect combination that led Victoria from Lancashire
02:52to settle here permanently in 2024.
02:57The community here is really welcoming.
02:59It's a lovely place to live
03:00and there's always something going on.
03:02You can always find somebody to go and go for a hike with you
03:05or, you know, go mountain biking.
03:08Yeah, it's a really nice spot.
03:10Having snapped up the shell of a concrete apartment building
03:13for the bargain price of 80,000 euros,
03:16she's in the process of turning it into a nine-bedroom chalet-style hotel.
03:23And Victoria is hoping her previous experience in hospitality
03:27will make the business a success.
03:29I've run ski chalet holidays before.
03:34I know how it all works.
03:35I know how to make people have a really nice time.
03:39Because, you know, you want people to walk in and go,
03:41oh, this is nice.
03:42I'm comfortable here.
03:43I want them to want to stay.
03:48It's now early July and Victoria is continuing with her renovations
03:53to transform the property from concrete block to cosy alpine getaway.
03:59Eight out of the nine bedrooms are now nearing completion
04:02and a landmark moment is looming.
04:05So, today I am preparing for the arrival of some friends,
04:10a test retreat for sort of running activity holidays
04:14that we're hopefully going to start offering.
04:16When the girls arrive, we've got a sort of sunset jeep safari,
04:21which is lovely.
04:23So we'll do a bit of off-roading
04:24and the following day we're looking at yoga, going for a run.
04:29But then I'm going to treat them,
04:30I'm going to take them to the thermal mineral pools
04:32so they can relax later on in the day.
04:36With mum Jeanette over from the UK to help,
04:39Victoria's not cutting corners
04:41when it comes to the comfort of her guests.
04:44It's going to ping out, isn't it?
04:46Oh!
04:51There we go.
04:52Yeah, it's better.
04:54Mattress that fits the bed.
04:56It's a good start.
04:57With feedback expected from the test guests on the retreat activities,
05:03Mum Jeanette is rooting for good reviews on the accommodation front as well.
05:08I think they'll be pleasantly surprised.
05:12You know, I don't know whether they know what to expect,
05:16but hopefully they'll think it's all lovely and Victoria's doing a good job.
05:25Having concentrated her efforts on finishing the bedrooms,
05:28it's finally time to start furnishing the guest lounge,
05:31and some of the home comforts have come a long way.
05:35This has just come out from the UK.
05:38I just had it delivered.
05:40But we...
05:41Well, it was originally my parent.
05:42It's so comfy.
05:44And it is.
05:45And it is lovely.
05:46I do have some leather treatment and stain that I need to do it.
05:52But that's next week's job.
05:54I'll keep the lights on low. They won't notice.
05:56But some things will be more difficult to hide.
05:59I'm just trying to disguise all my packing boxes
06:02that are still lurking in the corner.
06:04I don't think I've got any...
06:06I haven't got any more hiding spots.
06:09On the eve of hosting her first ever retreat,
06:12there's a lot riding on Victoria's careful preparation and planning.
06:17I'm quite excited.
06:18I'm excited because this is, like, sort of first proper guest.
06:22I've just got a little bit of shopping to do,
06:25just little bits and pieces,
06:26and then probably just running through my sort of schedule
06:29of what activities I want to put them through
06:32and just having a quick look at my time scales,
06:34making sure I can fit everything in.
06:36Unless I have a sudden panic first thing tomorrow morning,
06:39which could happen, that I've forgotten something.
06:41I think we've got everything.
06:43Yeah.
06:44I think I'm pretty ready.
06:52For some, embracing the simple life is enough to draw them
06:56to embark on a new adventure
06:58and go where their dreams take them.
07:00And if sampling local produce and fine food and drink
07:04is a part of that, then a new life becomes irresistible.
07:08Incredible butter here.
07:09Butter's to die for here.
07:11Yeah, and the goat's cheese.
07:12And the goat's cheese, yeah.
07:13And we do have the cockerel, which is the calvados,
07:16which Normandy is renowned for.
07:18While the tipples and the nibbles were one of the reasons
07:22Kev and Tony decided to move here...
07:24Cheers, hon.
07:26..it was the chance to start a business together,
07:29running art classes, that really sealed the deal.
07:32We work as a team, which is what we wanted to do,
07:36living together and work together, and it works well.
07:39After starting small classes in their barn at home
07:44in the small village of Millie...
07:46This is next week's soup. It's coming on very well, isn't it?
07:50They're expanding into new venues this year,
07:53and they're both bringing different skills to the table
07:56to try and keep their business afloat
07:58and their dream life in France alive.
08:01Without Tony's organisational abilities,
08:04this would never have worked.
08:05Without her amazing cake-making abilities,
08:07this would never have worked.
08:08Have I got any strengths?
08:10Erm...
08:11No? Can I think of any?
08:15Can we just scrub that bit then?
08:18It's July, and with three new venues under their belt,
08:21Kev and Tony are beginning to put their art group on the map.
08:25Today they've organised another event,
08:31which they hope will not only gain them some more exposure,
08:34but some vital new customers too.
08:37We're here today for our art exposition
08:40in the tea room at La Patisse at Landevie.
08:43It's the first time we've done this, just to promote the group.
08:47We'd also like some of our artists to sell something.
08:54The sun's failed to shine on them today,
08:56so they're hoping the dismal weather doesn't affect the turnout.
09:02The rain's put a bit of a dampener on it.
09:05It's a bit of a lottery.
09:06We sort of hope we win.
09:08And they've pulled out all the stops to impress their guests.
09:12As well as paintings, prints and pictures galore,
09:15there's food and fizz.
09:17Everybody that walks through the door
09:19will get a free glass of Dom Perignon champagne.
09:26Maybe not Dom Perignon.
09:27Christelle.
09:28Christelle, yeah. Sorry, Christelle, yeah.
09:30And there's canapes.
09:32Made by John.
09:33Made by John.
09:35Within minutes of the doors opening,
09:40there's a bit of a buzz about the place.
09:43Oh, it's champagne.
09:45Champagne.
09:46We've got a few people in.
09:47It's actually the Millie Art Group members
09:49that have arrived for support.
09:51So now we're just hoping for some general,
09:52random public people to come along.
09:55It's great to see all the painters,
09:56or some of the painters,
09:57but we need a few of the public to come.
10:01Which I'm sure they will do.
10:06Welcome, welcome.
10:07Thank you for coming.
10:08Excellent.
10:09By midday, the cafe is crammed with people.
10:12Would you like a glass of bubbles?
10:14And it's not just the free fizz and artwork
10:16that they're interested in.
10:18We want to come together.
10:20OK.
10:21The three-hour sessions are €22.
10:24The sessions here are two hours, they're €15.
10:27And that's everything you need included.
10:30We're coming to the Thursday class.
10:34I'm going to try oils, hopefully.
10:38See how I get on.
10:40Yeah, we've signed up.
10:42Three new ladies inquired about our group,
10:47which is, you know, attending our group as beginners,
10:50which was the whole idea for it really.
10:52So we've achieved that.
10:54And a couple of the girls have sold some paintings.
10:57So, all in all, the food's going down well and the champagne.
11:01So everybody's done really well, I think.
11:03You've got a sale.
11:04Oh, lovely.
11:05With a few more sales.
11:07I've just bought this lovely picture of sheep,
11:10which will just go perfectly in my house.
11:13And sign-ups during the afternoon.
11:16The event has been a resounding success.
11:19Not just raising their business profile,
11:21but their profit margin too.
11:23We're very, very happy.
11:25It's even stopped raining for about ten minutes.
11:27The day's worked well.
11:29We've got some new customers, sold some paintings.
11:31We've achieved everything we wanted to achieve.
11:35Coming up, a grand chateau comes with a grand to-do list.
11:43We've got less than two weeks to basically get the whole of the floor
11:47down here and upstairs, decorated and furnished.
11:51With guests booked, can the new host step up to the challenge?
11:55There is a lot to do.
11:57And it's a big day for Victoria.
11:59That's it, yep, nearly ready.
12:01Will her first retreat run smoothly?
12:04I'm hoping to get some good feedback from the girls.
12:08Or maybe, you know, try not to squeeze too much into one day.
12:12While some dream of spending their retirement in the sun,
12:24others choose not to wait that long,
12:26leaving city commutes for a gentler pace of life in the perfect location.
12:32Around here is really nice.
12:34They call it the kind of the Tuscany of France,
12:36because it's got those rolling hills and obviously all of the...
12:38Vineyards.
12:40Yeah, and the vineyards and stuff.
12:42Yeah, it's really nice.
12:44Making a permanent move to Gascony was a clear choice for childhood sweethearts Adrian and Serena,
12:52and their two children, Marlo and Otis.
12:56The kids, they get to run around...
12:58The lifestyle is amazing.
13:00..be outside. They're living, like, their best life.
13:02So, don't regret it at all.
13:04But it has been quite a journey.
13:06They purchased a run-down chateau with four hectares of land,
13:11and have begun the massive task of making it fit for purpose,
13:15a boutique-style wedding and events venue that will fund their new life here.
13:20I think, financially...
13:21Don't want to think about it.
13:23A lot, yeah. Financially, we've put everything into this, to be honest.
13:27I mean, everything that we do and don't have.
13:29Yeah.
13:30With a two-bedroom jeet in the grounds already renovated and receiving guests,
13:35the income generated is funding larger works in the chateau,
13:39which they're hoping can host guests on a smaller scale
13:43before the end of the summer season.
13:45I think the rooms are in a good place.
13:47It's just, like, making sure the hallway's perfect,
13:50the breakfast room is lovely,
13:51so it doesn't feel like you're within a building site, right?
13:54No.
13:55It's July, and Serena and Adrian are hard at work on the chateau.
14:00But high temperatures have been working against them.
14:04With the heat and also not moving quickly enough between coats,
14:09it's now the residue is left on the window,
14:14which we had before when we actually did the exterior paint.
14:18So, we have not learnt from our mistakes,
14:21and now we're going to have to go around and do this,
14:23which is a nightmare.
14:25With guests in the jeet, the couple must be mindful about the work they can carry out in the chateau.
14:32But so far, the group has no complaints.
14:35The grounds are stunning.
14:36They've obviously made everything so intentional,
14:38like all the flowers, all the colours.
14:40We definitely consider coming back here.
14:43The whole property's amazing.
14:45I mean, how could you look forward to going home from a place like that?
14:48As they're already interested in returning,
14:51Serena's offered them a sneak peek at the chateau,
14:54with a view to selling them on an upgrade next year.
14:57Follow me.
14:58Right, so very much work in progress.
15:01Ignore the rubbish, but yeah.
15:03This is one of the spaces that we'll be working on soon.
15:08Oh, so cool.
15:09The floors are so light.
15:11Yeah.
15:12Are these original?
15:13Yeah.
15:14So come and have a look through here.
15:16Next door is what Serena hopes will one day be the building's biggest selling point.
15:21You want to come through to the grand salon?
15:23Definitely a work in progress.
15:25So you're going to have to come back and...
15:27Yeah, I'd love to see that.
15:28Oh, they twist our arm.
15:29Yeah.
15:30I was trying to work out how many rooms you had,
15:32and trying to work out how many people we know,
15:33and I was like, can we just fill the whole thing?
15:35Can we just bring everyone we know here?
15:37I reckon we're good.
15:38Yeah, easy.
15:39Love that.
15:40A few except camping.
15:45A few days later, another set of guests have been and departed,
15:49and Serena and Adrian are grabbing the chance
15:52to get rid of some of the substantial rubbish pile
15:55that accumulates with renovations.
15:58It's been sat here for what?
16:00A week or so, ready to go, because we couldn't get it out with the guests on site.
16:06So we're seizing the opportunity, but obviously it's raining, so it's not ideal.
16:14But every second they can snatch for work on the chateau is desperately needed,
16:18as they've taken their first booking for August.
16:21We've got less than two weeks to basically get the whole of the floor down here
16:25and upstairs decorated and furnished, and actually just clean.
16:30Like, the whole clean down is going to take us probably quite a while.
16:35A couple of days, yeah, to do like a proper clean down.
16:37Just still loads of little finishing touches for the rooms as well,
16:40so there is a lot to do.
16:42And we're always juggling everything else, and obviously guests coming and going,
16:45so maintaining the grounds, maintaining the pool.
16:48There's also trying to keep out of their way when they're here
16:50so they don't feel like they're on a building site,
16:52so I think that's also important.
16:54Yeah, we're very conscious of that, for sure.
16:57With all the constraints and a hard deadline coming up,
17:00they'll need to keep pushing to get to the finish line.
17:03In Bulgaria, preparations are at an end for Victoria,
17:12and her three fully-finished bedrooms are ready to receive guests
17:16for her very first three-day retreat.
17:20So, the girls are on their way.
17:23They're arriving in about half an hour-ish.
17:26But, yeah, my three test guests.
17:28I'm hoping to get some good feedback from the girls so they can say,
17:32oh, maybe we should have done the pools after we've been for the hike,
17:36or maybe, you know, try not to squeeze too much into one day.
17:41So, that'll be really helpful.
17:44There's a full programme of events planned for Victoria's test guests.
17:49And although parts of the hotel remain unfinished,
17:52she's not overlooked the smaller details.
17:56That's it, yeah, nearly ready.
17:58So, just cut them some watermelon and a little bit of cake.
18:02The retreat has been months in the planning.
18:05I think they're here.
18:08And Victoria can finally welcome Jinty, Chantal and Hayley,
18:13friends from her old running club back in the UK.
18:16Good. Hi!
18:18You made me!
18:19Hello, Hayley!
18:20Yay!
18:22It's the first time the communal areas have been dressed for guests.
18:27So, this is the temporary lounge that we've sort of...
18:29Temporary. Yeah.
18:30So, it'll be a bit...
18:31So, we haven't got light puttings in here yet or anything.
18:33But it could be the lounge.
18:34This is the lounge, yeah.
18:35So, it'll be a bit different.
18:36Next time you come, it'll be different.
18:38The finished bedrooms are also making a good impression.
18:42Oh, this is...
18:44But with only three to choose from,
18:46they're going to leave it to luck to divvy them up.
18:50Thanks in the hat.
18:51Oh, thanks in the hat, OK.
18:52Yeah, OK.
18:54With the accommodation going down a storm,
18:56there's already something to celebrate.
19:00Cheers!
19:01Cheers!
19:02Yeah!
19:03Nice to see you!
19:04Thank you for having us.
19:05Lovely to see you here.
19:09Yeah, it's going really well.
19:10It's lovely to have the girls here.
19:13And we've had such a positive reaction from them so far.
19:16So, that's amazing.
19:18Occupants decided and settled in.
19:20The reviews are glowing.
19:22I mean, it's great.
19:23I mean, I managed to get the full post of bed somehow.
19:27So...
19:29And it's really light and airy.
19:31The bed's actually really comfortable now that I've sat on it.
19:34And I have a lovely balcony.
19:36Yeah, it feels really homely.
19:40The bedrooms are definitely ticking boxes.
19:43But a big part of Victoria's business
19:45will be adventure holidays and retreats.
19:49The first activity on the agenda
19:51is a unique open-top tour of the National Park,
19:54given by friend Philip in his Russian military Jeep.
19:57Me too!
19:58Right.
19:59I'll do a safety talk first.
20:00Yes.
20:01Er, for the Jeep.
20:02So...
20:04There's different ways of getting into the Jeep.
20:07You can use the door.
20:08The other way of getting in the Jeep
20:09is the more military way.
20:11You can just climb in the back.
20:12And to exit the vehicle,
20:14then you just grab the vehicle.
20:16Oh!
20:17It's a good job the guests are athletic types,
20:21and after a rigorous safety briefing,
20:23it's time to hit the road.
20:26It feels fast already!
20:31As they navigate the foothills of the Pirin Mountains,
20:37it looks like it's going to be a wild ride.
20:46Taking in local churches
20:48and the rugged beauty of the National Park,
20:50the last stop on the tour is a spectacular sunset,
20:54making the bumpy journey all worthwhile.
21:01Oh, it's fab, isn't it?
21:02Really fantastic to be out here amongst all the trees
21:05with the fabulous scenery and the sunset.
21:11As the sun sets,
21:12it's all downhill to their final destination.
21:20So, ladies, this is the end of your tour.
21:30Oh, thank you!
21:34And a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant
21:36to celebrate a successful first event.
21:39Cheers, everybody!
21:41Cheers!
21:46Having started on such a high,
21:48can tomorrow's itinerary keep up the pace?
21:55Coming up...
21:57We are a little stressed.
21:59..a new location and changeable weather
22:01are testing the limits of Tony and Kev's talents.
22:04Now the sun is out,
22:05they'll all want to go outside now.
22:08But never mind. Calm.
22:10And Adrian and Serena's schedule is unravelling.
22:14There was definitely a better way to do that.
22:15And the jobs list isn't getting any shorter.
22:19Big clean down, get everything set.
22:22And then it's bed-making and...
22:23Breakfast.
22:25Yeah, oh, yeah.
22:26Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.
22:27Over in Normandy, Tony and Kev have now branched out
22:42into several new venues,
22:44and bookings for their classes are on the up.
22:48Today they're embarking on their biggest venture yet.
22:50Today we're at the Mont Saint-Michel,
22:53the second most popular tourist attraction in France,
22:55and we're going to be doing an art class,
22:57and there's going to be quite a few of us painting it.
23:01We've been incredibly stressed about it,
23:04because we've never had this bigger group before.
23:08We haven't met quite a few of them.
23:10We don't know if they can paint, if they can't paint.
23:13And, yeah, the weather.
23:15We've been watching the weather forecast,
23:17and we are a little stressed.
23:21Perched like a fairytale castle rising from the sea,
23:25Mont Saint-Michel is a dream subject for any artist,
23:29and Kev had planned to hold his class outdoors.
23:32But with Drizzle already in the air,
23:35they're now hoping to use an upstairs room in the cafe
23:38where they'll be having lunch.
23:40This is still part of the restaurant,
23:43but apparently it's very rarely used.
23:46We have the use of this, we have the use of the tables.
23:50And that's the view.
23:53Decision made.
23:55OK.
23:57We're now going indoor painting.
23:59But the last-minute change of location...
24:02I'm too old for this.
24:04..has left them pushed for time.
24:05And they're still setting up...
24:10Isabel, hello, how are you? Are you all right? Are you well?
24:13..when the painters arrive.
24:15Don't go in empty-handed, there you go.
24:18..with Tony at the helm...
24:20Up the stairs, first door on the right.
24:22..it doesn't take them long to get everything into place.
24:25OK.
24:27..and just as the students are cosy inside,
24:29the weather takes a turn for the better.
24:31OK, so let's get started.
24:34We've done it.
24:35Got them all settled.
24:36They're all painting.
24:38Now the sun is out,
24:40they'll all want to go outside now.
24:42But never mind.
24:43It's all fine.
24:45Calm.
24:50Kev's helpful hints and gentle guidance
24:53are definitely making the right impression.
24:56If we just create a little bit of shadow in here, like that.
25:00Some truly impressive paintings are starting to take shape.
25:04Sue, that's magnificent.
25:06But will Kevin Tony's class be seen as a masterpiece?
25:10It's very relaxing, very enjoyable.
25:13Kevin is so nice.
25:15And he's also very calm.
25:17Because I'm a stressful person
25:19and he's bringing his calmness to me.
25:21It's been fun.
25:22Really fun.
25:23And it's not just about the painting.
25:25I think it's about the therapy.
25:27It's about the fellowship.
25:29It's about all chatting with people that you don't know.
25:32Kevin and Tony that put these things together.
25:35Fabulous.
25:36My class was kind of full on and it's kind of hard work.
25:41But I think it was a good day and I think it was successful.
25:47As they look back on the last 12 months,
25:50Kevin and Tony have achieved everything they set out to do.
25:54We've had a really good season, haven't we?
25:56Brilliant, yeah. Very good.
25:58It's been our best season ever.
25:59Best season ever.
26:00It's just nice to get out to other places, isn't it?
26:04A bit further afield to bring in new customers,
26:07which is what we tried this year.
26:09It was hard and didn't know if it would work.
26:13Not a nuisance that one is, right?
26:15But we've done well on them
26:17and I think it's been very successful on those.
26:21By offering classes in local villages
26:23and raising their profile at the surrounding markets,
26:25they've put their business on a much more sound financial footing.
26:30I think financially we're fine.
26:32You know, everything's covered
26:35and as long as you're happy living this life,
26:38simple life, then it's fine.
26:40In some ways we feel, even though we don't have a lot of money,
26:43we feel quite rich.
26:46And they can look forward to plenty more years in France,
26:50enjoying the lifestyle they think is priceless.
26:53It's wonderful, I love it.
26:55It's wonderful, yeah.
26:56It's a great life for us.
26:58Here we go.
26:59Here's to you and me.
27:01Definitely here to stay.
27:03And I hope to continue it for many more years.
27:05Almost 500 miles further south at Adrian and Serena's Chateau,
27:19it's August and they're hoping to make light work of a heavy workload.
27:24I think what we're thinking is plug in each side up the gutter
27:27and then cable tie along the front.
27:29They're finally opening the doors of the Chateau to guests,
27:32but there's still a way to go before it can be deemed presentable.
27:37Timescales-wise, we have less than six days
27:46till they actually check in.
27:48So really we're not going to be wanting to do anything on the actual day
27:50that they're checking in, apart from maybe making some beds.
27:53And as we can see, it's a state of chaos.
27:59Oh dear, look, we're really muddled.
28:04There was definitely a better way to do that.
28:10With so much on the to-do list,
28:12they've enlisted Serena's brother Kesta to help.
28:16And leaving the lads to untangle the outdoor lights,
28:19Serena has a project indoors of her own to tackle.
28:22I picked up this chandelier and I just wanted to give the shades
28:26a little bit of colour.
28:27With 17 rooms in the Chateau, there are lighting projects aplenty,
28:34and none within easy reach.
28:38Do you need another hook or something?
28:42No, I should be OK. It's just because it's twisted.
28:46Having failed to pass muster in the breakfast room,
28:49Serena's upcycled chandelier has been given a second chance
28:52in one of the turrets.
28:55But has it found a permanent home?
29:02I know what you want me to say!
29:05No, I actually, I probably do agree with you, I think.
29:07At once.
29:10It probably just needs to come out a little bit.
29:12I do think it needs to come down a little bit.
29:13Yeah, OK.
29:15It just feels like it's, like, wrapped up in some...
29:16Like this much?
29:18Wait, is that the only amount of cable?
29:19Yeah, but it's just the perfect size, because it's already cut.
29:22Choosing fixtures and fittings that can make an impact
29:26against the vast backdrop of the Chateau is a big ask.
29:29Right.
29:31Are we ready?
29:34Yeah.
29:36OK, just let go now.
29:40Oh, yeah!
29:43But illumination is the least of their problems,
29:45considering the rest of the to-do list.
29:48This will be one of our spaces where the guests will be having breakfast.
29:52We've got plugs still to go on,
29:54we've got something to go on the wall here,
29:56and then really cleaning and setting out the space
30:00so guests can have their breakfast.
30:02The grand salon will be closed off,
30:04so we're going to have no access in here,
30:07but obviously it's a complete mess.
30:08We need to clear everything out into the barns,
30:11and then just make sure this is a...
30:13Yeah, a respectful space.
30:15And all of these windows need to be cleaned as well.
30:19Not to mention finishing and dressing the two bedrooms upstairs.
30:23I'm most concerned about the fact that this is the first time
30:26we've had guests staying in these spaces.
30:29Unlike the cottage, we had a lot more time
30:31and we were very considerate in having other, like,
30:34friends and family come and stay, soft launch,
30:36trying out the spaces before we actually launched with real paying guests.
30:40We have not had any of that here.
30:42So we've not had the time and we...
30:44Yeah, that's how it is.
30:46So we are literally going straight in.
30:47This is my biggest concern and, to be honest, like,
30:50is giving me quite a lot of anxiety right now.
30:53In the turret, there's been a change of plan.
30:57It was wasting too much time.
30:59We're up against it, so decided to put it as was
31:03and then we'll come back and modify it later when we've got time
31:06because we've got a million jobs
31:08and there's no point wasting any more time doing this
31:11and running out of time with other stuff, so...
31:13With time running out, it's a scramble to get as many jobs
31:20ticked off the list as possible.
31:22And by 5pm, it looks like progress has been made.
31:26Feeling positive, right?
31:28Well, better. I'm feeling better than I was feeling this morning.
31:30I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and a bit anxious,
31:33so I'm still not underestimating how much we have to do.
31:36That's a big clean down.
31:38And then Sunday, we're going to clear all the rubbish out there,
31:40get everything set, and then there's a few, obviously,
31:42little fixing jobs, like putting up pictures and stuff like that,
31:46but... And then it's bed-making and...
31:48Bed-making, linen.
31:49All the pretty stuff.
31:50Breakfast.
31:52Yeah, oh, yeah.
31:53Sorry, I should have said that.
31:55It's getting worse.
31:57I'm going back to that state of anxiety from this morning.
31:59She started crying.
32:01Zoom, zoom, zoom.
32:03With less than a week to go until the guests arrive,
32:06can they transform building site chaos to boutique accommodation?
32:10Coming up, Victoria's retreat is an uphill struggle.
32:20It is pretty hot. I've made them do the hard work,
32:22so they can enjoy themselves now a little bit.
32:25Will her guests embrace the pace?
32:27Bear, you never know what you're getting when you come
32:30to visit Victoria.
32:32It's always an adventure.
32:34And in France...
32:36Oh, I see what you mean, that is a bit dangerous.
32:38With a few hours to go until their first check-in,
32:41Adrian and Serena are still working out the basics.
32:44What a silly design!
32:45You can just pour like that.
32:58In Bulgaria, with well-rested guests,
33:01it's time for Victoria and her friends to tackle day two
33:05of her test retreat.
33:07We've had our breakfast.
33:10Everybody's fuelled up and ready to go.
33:12And we're going to go off for sort of a 10-12km run.
33:16And we're going to finish the run and do some yoga.
33:19There's some nice wooden platforms there in the shade.
33:21And after that, we're going to head over to the Thermal Mineral Springs
33:27and go for a swim, have a nice relaxing afternoon by the swimming pool.
33:31After an all-important warm-up...
33:34Star jumps, yeah!
33:36Get the heart rate going.
33:38..it's time to hit the road.
33:41Watch.
33:45And they're soon at the foot of the mountain with a big climb ahead.
33:50Victoria's keen to trial the route in order to offer it to guests in the future.
33:56But although her friends are experienced trail runners,
33:59the heat and the terrain are making it hard work.
34:02We've run up quite a lot of uphill.
34:05It is pretty hot, so we have taken it slowly.
34:08We've taken it steady.
34:09We've done a bit of walking on the really steep bits.
34:11But now we've got into the trees, so this is where it gets a bit more fun.
34:14With a welcome descent and some cooling streams for the final leg...
34:20Made it!
34:22Well done!
34:24There's a mixture of achievement and relief that the run is at an end.
34:30You never know what you're getting when you come to visit Victoria.
34:34It's always an adventure.
34:36After a strenuous morning, it's time to take the weight off their feet.
34:43Everybody ready for a bit of yoga?
34:46A little bit of relaxation?
34:48Taking full advantage of the peaceful location,
34:52Yogi Victoria hopes a session in the trees will bring harmony to the group.
34:56Before we fall asleep, you're starting to wiggle your fingers a little bit.
35:02Wiggle your toes.
35:04With six years' experience as an instructor in the UK,
35:08Victoria knows how best to help recover any aching muscles.
35:13Find a comfortable position as you start to slowly wake up.
35:22So far, the day's activities have gone down well with her guests.
35:29I would definitely recommend doing what we've done today to someone else.
35:35I mean, it's wonderful.
35:37I mean, trail running, but to also finish it off with yoga in this setting is amazing.
35:43I have to say the view, if you lie down and look up, I mean, these trees are...
35:48It's just, yeah, you could just look up and do nothing and you'd be happy.
35:55It's gorgeous.
35:57As a further reward for their exertions,
36:01Victoria is taking them ten minutes down the road to some hot thermal springs,
36:06said to bring wellbeing due to their mineral content.
36:09I think the pool has gone down very well after the quite tough run this morning.
36:15And then, you know, yoga was lovely and relaxing, but this has just taken it up a notch.
36:19So, it's a lovely way to end the day.
36:21It's the end of an action-packed stay for Victoria's guests.
36:32And after three days in Bansko, it's time to return to the UK.
36:37This morning, everybody's just having a chilled out morning, getting packed up, getting ready to go.
36:42So, no activities this morning, no challenges.
36:47Having her friends over for a trial run has been invaluable,
36:52and their reaction has been very positive.
36:55Oh, it's been wonderful.
36:57Really, really lovely.
36:59Tiring, but exhilarating and just such fun.
37:04Time has flown so quickly since we've arrived.
37:07We're coming back.
37:08That's absolutely, certainly, we'll be back.
37:13With the short stay at an end...
37:16Have a safe trip.
37:17Thank you for everything.
37:19Thank you so much for coming.
37:21It's an emotional goodbye for the old friends.
37:24Aw.
37:25It's really sad to see them go.
37:27I'm going to be all lonely now.
37:29I'm like, no, what am I going to do?
37:30Having navigated a tricky renovation, and now with a successful retreat behind her, Victoria can reflect on how far she's come.
37:43This summer, it seems to have gone back in a bit of a flash.
37:47There has been a lot of work.
37:50We are getting really, really close to being finished now.
37:53Still got a couple of big jobs that need to be done, but when I look back to where we were at the start of summer, to where we are now, the end is definitely inside.
38:03Finishing work on the hotel is a must, but a big part of the business plan will be the activity holidays that Victoria will tailor to guests.
38:12I'm really looking forward to actually being able to open, and having the test retreat made me, also gave me the opportunity to get into my head how it will work and things.
38:26We can do activities, but, you know, Banskill also offers a lot of relaxation, some good food, so if people are sort of more into the wine tasting and hiking, we can do that.
38:36I think we've got a lot of different opportunities there.
38:39Having invested so much in her new life here, Victoria's banking on Bulgaria being for keeps.
38:47For me, Bulgaria's a really lovely place for me to be, and it feels like I've come home, so I'm not going to be an overnight millionaire, but I need to keep playing the lottery.
38:59Back in France, opening day for Adrian and Serena is imminent.
39:17Today we have first guests checking into the chateau, so it's a big moment, lots of work to get here, feeling pretty tired.
39:28With their guests not due to check in until 10pm, there's time for last minute prep and last minute nerves.
39:35So there's still lots of things that we could either have not thought about that goes wrong.
39:41You know, we're operating in a really old building, so these things are inevitable.
39:46So that's my biggest, biggest worry. But what can you do?
39:49While they've been hosting guests in the self-catering cottage for weeks now, this is the first time they'll be serving breakfasts.
39:59We're still trying to work that one out, how we do the breakfast.
40:02We'll probably put a few things up here that are communal to share, you know, individual croissants, bread and things.
40:09That's what we've decided. I don't know. We're learning. We've never done this before.
40:13We're making it up as we go along, so we'll see.
40:17Opening the chateau means exposing parts of the grounds previously on scene by guests.
40:23And Adrian is mindful that they look their best.
40:26It's one of those things we never come round here that often.
40:29Well, we haven't been until recently, so you kind of forget about it.
40:34Hence it's so dirty.
40:36I want to try and get it looking nice.
40:38And Serena's taken delivery of a rather important package.
40:45Don't ask if this hadn't arrived what we would have done.
40:47I mean, honestly, there was like hair dryers, kettle for the room, salt and pepper for breakfast, little salt and pepper mills.
40:57Yeah. Last minute, Larry.
41:00To make sure they get the chateau over the line, Serena's brother Kester is handling some of the cleaning.
41:08And four-year-old Otis is keen to pitch in.
41:12Have you...
41:14You want to help me? Would you like to do some...
41:16You said you were going to help me.
41:17Yeah, I'll help you.
41:19Do you want to help me do this, Otis?
41:21I want to do the breakfast.
41:22So, you put one flavour in there.
41:26Yeah, and you go just like that.
41:29Yeah, you can fill it up to the top.
41:32Is that enough of coffee?
41:33I think go as high as you can, like up to...
41:36Like there. One more.
41:37That's it, that's perfect.
41:43Don't you...
41:44OK.
41:45In addition to a selection of tea and coffee in the breakfast room, each of the bedrooms will have its own hot drink station.
41:53But there's a snag.
41:55Oh, I see what you mean. That is a bit dangerous.
41:57That kettle is like right on the edge.
42:00The cord on the kettle barely reaches the plug.
42:05What a silly design!
42:07I bought this from that wholesaler that does all like hotel stuff.
42:12OK, so they both work.
42:14Kinda.
42:15You can just pour like that.
42:18But there's a bigger problem that needs fixing fast.
42:22Yeah.
42:24Yeah.
42:26I could put a little tiny little nail or screw up in there and then it won't fall forward.
42:32I think it's going to be better than having nothing.
42:37So it's Adrian and Otis to the rescue.
42:41This way.
42:44And there you can't jump on the deck.
42:47I don't know how she'll do this.
42:48Yeah.
42:49You already can't take it out.
42:50Hang on.
42:55It's much easier if you do a hole.
42:59You do a hole by itself and then you put the screw in.
43:06You're not wrong.
43:12By 5pm the to-do list has finally been conquered.
43:20Super.
43:22It's been a lot of late nights, early mornings.
43:26Feeling absolutely knackered and now we have to host our first guest.
43:28Yeah, no, it's great.
43:30This is a good moment but...
43:33It's a big moment, right?
43:34Yeah.
43:35Really big.
43:36A lot of hard work has gone into this.
43:37Yeah.
43:38It's good to finally be having guests who are not friends, not friends of friends.
43:44Feeling anxious.
43:46Full paying guests.
43:47I'll feel much better tomorrow.
43:48I think it's once we get our first real, genuine feedback from paying guests then I start to feel more and more confident about what we've created and the product and what we're doing.
43:59So in three days down.
44:01Yeah.
44:02Get through the first few nights of having people.
44:05Yeah, the breakfast format is new.
44:07Doing the breakfast and having people checking in room by room.
44:10We've never had that before.
44:12Yeah, we're literally learning as we do.
44:14Next time, Jim and Sally are taking on Transylvanian tourism.
44:27One of the reasons we started doing jam was because there were no gifts other than a Dracula t-shirt or a Dracula mug.
44:34Can Adrian and Serena battle the elements in France?
44:38The weather's coming in.
44:39I think I'm making the decision to please trust him, even though that doesn't look great.
44:42And in Spain.
44:44Three, five, seven.
44:47Paddy is hoping to get members off the beach and into the ring.
44:51When I first landed here sort of four years ago, there was no boxing clubs.
44:54There's a lot of MMA clubs, kickboxing clubs, but no actual academies.
44:57So I thought there's an opening here.
45:12So stay the place for Societown Plus.
45:14Where do we go?
45:16And we're going to sink to Team next to all of ourpora.
45:21Can a second snack plus that will stay sooner enough?
45:29As a kid has lots of criticize, we'll be in thoroughly with it.
45:32And there's a lot of different technical accompanies.
45:34He's probably with the plant.
45:35A day of experience is to have people with different interests.
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