- 22 hours ago
A New Life in the Sun - Season 11 - Episode 13
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00:01From the glistening waters of the Med to the mountainous Alps,
00:05all across Europe, brave Brits are chasing new beginnings.
00:09Let's get this show on the road, huh?
00:11I mean, just look at this backdrop here.
00:13Essex was nothing like this.
00:15The stakes are high.
00:17This is definitely a gamble. I put everything in.
00:19All my life savings.
00:21We've got a lot riding on this.
00:22Our futures, our children's futures.
00:24We have to make some money.
00:25As they launch B&Bs...
00:27Service!
00:28..and pubs in France...
00:30We're very new at this.
00:31Wow.
00:32Good job the wines, Chi.
00:34..to wellness retreats and holiday parks in Bulgaria.
00:38It's not big enough.
00:39We measured it. I don't understand.
00:41It's a journey into the unknown.
00:44Whoa.
00:44That's cool.
00:46Boo!
00:47But we're joining them for the ride.
00:50As they tee off...
00:52..their new lives in the sun.
00:55I just walk around with a smile on my face all the time.
00:58This line, Bev!
01:00Today, a couple racing to complete renovations
01:04to their Spanish rental property...
01:06This is how Bev believes you should store paint and paintbrushes.
01:10..find themselves in a sticky situation.
01:12Look at the state of that.
01:14You're joking me.
01:15..a family in France are unpacking more than just boxes.
01:18Ooh!
01:20It's push, isn't it?
01:21..as the launch of their bespoke kitchen business edges closer.
01:25We had three kitchens delivered.
01:27Everything came out perfectly, apart from the top of this unit.
01:30Meanwhile, for another couple in Spain...
01:33We're just trying to work out where the hatch is for the septic tank.
01:37..building a zen yoga space...
01:39It looks like that's not the right tile.
01:42Oh, well, that'll be the next one, then.
01:44..is fast turning into a real test of calm.
01:47Fingers crossed!
01:55Tucked away in the rolling hills of Andalusia,
01:59the quiet village of Chorvitgon
02:01is a world apart from the hustle and bustle
02:03of Spain's tourist hotspots.
02:05No high-rises, no crowds,
02:08just the charm of authentic rural life.
02:11This is, yeah, stunning.
02:13There's nothing not to like, is there?
02:14The view across the Rambler to the village is really nice.
02:18And it was this gentle pace of life
02:20that attracted Ian and Bev from Lancashire.
02:23In England, I frown all the time.
02:25And here, I just walk around with a smile on my face all the time.
02:28Just, I don't even mean to do it.
02:30My cheeks ache that I'm smiling all the time.
02:34Really, seeing you be more carefree as well,
02:39and more relaxed in life,
02:41it's just been a blessing as well.
02:43It just flipped on its head,
02:44and now I don't even know what time of day it is.
02:47Electrician Ian and Bev, who worked in child services,
02:51gave up work and bought a hillside property for €56,500.
02:56We've left the house back in the UK,
02:58which was only an old traditional two up, two down.
03:01And this property in its entirety is five bedroom, two kitchen, two lounge, two terraces.
03:11And it's for approximately 25% of the price of the house we sold for in the UK.
03:18I mean, what's not to love about that?
03:21The couple are converting part of the building into self-catered accommodation in order to sustain the lives they've always
03:28dreamt of.
03:30Well, our house is there. You can see our house.
03:33It's stunning, isn't it, from here.
03:36Really, really beautiful.
03:37It's just as nice of an evening as well when the lights are on.
03:41We sit here overnight and look at the views and have to say, like, we live here.
03:45I know.
03:46I love waking up to the cockerel.
03:49I love waking up to the donkey noise.
03:51No cars.
03:52Yeah.
03:53I absolutely love it.
03:59It's now August, and Ian and Bev are working non-stop to complete their two bedroom rental apartment, keen to
04:07start bringing some income in.
04:08Been working on this bathroom, trying to get it finished, waiting on delivery of some items, which have now all
04:17arrived.
04:17All the main tiles are in. I've just got some edging to finish, and then the new unit and sink
04:24are here. They will go in there.
04:27With work to the guest bathroom ongoing, the couple have been without hot water in their own home. One key
04:34motivator spurring Ian on today.
04:37Bev will fill a bucket full of warm soapy water, and we'll kind of wash and shower in that.
04:44If I can just get the bathroom finished, I can get the hot water back on, and me and Bev
04:50can take advantage of getting a nice hot shower.
04:53By tomorrow night, that bathroom will be finished, and it'll be operational. So tomorrow night, warm shower for the Bev.
05:01Although work in their own home may have taken a back seat, Ian and Bev have found some time for
05:07one project that serves them and their guests alike.
05:10So this is the big thing we've done this week. Put the big shade roof on the pagoda. The rental
05:17property is above our house, so that overlooks our balcony.
05:20So their balcony, they can see over into ours, and we can see into theirs. So the shading gives us
05:26both that bit of privacy.
05:27The dogs can stay out here, and we can sit out here longer through the day when we get seats,
05:32obviously.
05:35We both did this job together. I am proud of the work, because it's things that you don't do at
05:40home, isn't it?
05:41I mean, I wouldn't have done that at home. So, to be fair, we work quite well as a team.
05:46Ian and Bev need their rental open and generating an income as soon as possible.
05:51But despite the five weeks of non-stop graft, they're loving the challenge.
05:56I can't remember the last time I was as content and as happy as I am now.
06:02I know that sounds a bit corny. We've not had a day off, but I'm absolutely loving it because it
06:07doesn't feel like work.
06:09But there's something deeply satisfying about just working away without anybody telling you what they want you to do.
06:16It's great for your stress levels and your anxiety levels, because you just don't have any here.
06:21Ian and Bev may be relishing the experience, but with their apartments set to be their sole income,
06:27staying on schedule is essential if they want to catch the summer trade before the season slips away.
06:34And that... Oh, I didn't measure that, and it must be my lucky day, because that's pretty perfect. Nice.
06:42As long as you're far enough away that no tile can see it, I'm happy with that.
06:54Just 25 kilometres up the road from Ian and Bev lies the Al Pohara,
06:59home to over 50 traditional Berber-style villages perched on steep hillsides.
07:04It's a region full of rustic charm.
07:09Wow! It's so lovely to be walking by water and hear the sound of water.
07:16Having met working in hospitality together 28 years ago, yoga instructor Sharon and Chef Bongo
07:23were seeking a quieter pace when they first stumbled across this hidden gem on holiday.
07:30We've always come out here and we felt more at home here than we did in Edinburgh.
07:34We were there for 25 years.
07:35It's so welcoming and so safe and so comfortable and so natural.
07:42Feels like home.
07:43A world away from the city life they left behind,
07:47Sharon and Bongo are now proud owners of this three-bedroom cortillo in the hills.
07:52It's the perfect spot. Absolutely perfect spot.
07:55Yeah, you couldn't ask for more. We have everything around us.
07:58We have peace, tranquility, mountain views.
08:02Paradise.
08:04Another day in paradise.
08:08Alongside the rental income from their two spare rooms
08:11and self-contained apartment below the house...
08:14Everything's looking nice. Cushions are nice and plump.
08:17Sharon teaches yoga in a nearby town
08:20while Bongo puts his chefing skills to good use.
08:23That'll do.
08:24Cooking for guests and also running a fortnightly takeaway business.
08:29Bongo's food is really good.
08:30Why do you think I married him?
08:31Obviously other reasons.
08:32Thanks dear.
08:33I'm only joking.
08:36But despite running three businesses,
08:39Sharon and Bongo haven't quite made ends meet yet.
08:42So this season they're combining their skills
08:45to launch fully catered yoga retreats,
08:48hoping it'll help balance the books.
08:51The challenges out here are quite difficult,
08:53just the fact that you've got to realign your goals
08:57every couple of months because something doesn't work
09:00or it's not adaptable here or it's different, you know.
09:03So we've done that quite well, but we'll keep going
09:06and eventually we'll find our niche.
09:09It's early May on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
09:13And for Sharon and Bongo, today is a big step towards their dream goal.
09:20So today we're doing our first trial day retreat at Casa del Bienestar.
09:26We're doing a chocolate and a chakra day retreat.
09:29So we're doing a yoga practice that I'm leading
09:32and then my friend Katie that lives up the mountain
09:35is doing a chocolate and chakra meditation.
09:38And then we go for a little walk around in nature
09:40and then we come back and have some lunch with some wine tasting as well.
09:44Sharon and Bongo's day retreats are the perfect way
09:46to showcase everything they have to offer.
09:49They say the life of a yoga teacher is a glamorous one.
09:52It's not.
09:54And though they've hosted retreats elsewhere before,
09:57it's the first time they're opening their own doors.
10:01Heavy.
10:03For Sharon and Bongo to build their reputation,
10:07it's crucial today's a success.
10:09But one key element hasn't been finished in time.
10:12The yoga platform isn't ready yet.
10:15We've got the actual base of it, but we still have to do the rest.
10:18We've still got a lot to do,
10:19but we thought we would just give it a go anyway and see what happens.
10:22Once complete, Sharon and Bongo's yoga platform
10:25will offer an outside space for year-round retreats.
10:29But without the funds to complete it, work has stalled.
10:32So they're hoping events like today's will help fund its completion
10:36and get their business off the ground.
10:38We have six coming today, which is not a bad number, really,
10:42for our first retreat.
10:44So we could probably do a bit more, but six is a nice number, actually,
10:48especially since it's a trial.
10:49So, yeah, I'm quite happy with that.
10:52Today's retreat costs 60 euros per head,
10:55and that includes a three-course lunch being prepped in the kitchen
10:59by Chef Bongo, all infused with one key ingredient.
11:04Chocolate in the beef. We've got a veggie option.
11:07We've got a fish chocolate option for a starter.
11:11Beef shin, that's definitely got chocolate in.
11:13Ooh, and chilli.
11:14And I'm going to do a flourless chocolate cake,
11:16so, yeah, it's going to be good.
11:18The event isn't all Sharon and Bongo have on their plate today.
11:22With guests staying in their rental apartment,
11:25there's plenty to juggle.
11:26Definitely a busy day.
11:27We still have our guests that arrived the other day.
11:31They are checking out today as well,
11:33so we just did breakfast for them
11:34and then straight down to do the set-up for the yoga.
11:37So never a dull moment here.
11:39And with the sun peeking out,
11:41Sharon can only hope their unshaded platform
11:43doesn't cause any problems in the midday sun,
11:47as her guests have just started arriving.
11:50Good morning, good morning, good morning.
11:52I'm good, how are you?
11:57Coming up...
11:58Bev has turned up, so chaos will reign.
12:02Ian and Bev's holiday rental creeps closer to completion.
12:05I just want it done now.
12:07I can't make him work any harder.
12:09While a family in France take on building a home
12:12and a business together.
12:14Push it, push it, push it, push it.
12:16That's it.
12:17OK, Finn?
12:18Are we going to get through the gap?
12:18This is really dangerous.
12:30France's largest region, Nouvelle-Aquitaine,
12:33is a sprawling canvas of historic cities,
12:36endless vineyards and spectacular scenery,
12:40shaped by dramatic mountains and meandering rivers.
12:44Bonjour.
12:45Bonjour.
12:46Ça va?
12:47Oui, ça va.
12:48Bien, merci.
12:50For Brits seeking a new home in France...
12:53Le dernier, oui.
12:54Oui, c'est tout.
12:56It's the perfect spot.
12:58Merci, monsieur.
12:59Bonne journée.
13:00Au revoir.
13:00Au revoir.
13:01Au revoir.
13:02When Carpenter Craig and Marketing Director Emma
13:05left Hertfordshire with their two children
13:07to put down roots in the 13th century town of Aimée,
13:11they were drawn to the calmer pace of life.
13:14I think it's more relaxed socially.
13:16You can tend to see people a lot more than you would
13:19when we were in the UK.
13:20Walking out the front door, turning left,
13:22and I don't think it's double figures in the amount of steps
13:25I have to take to be sitting down having a coffee or a beer
13:28with my friends in a cafe.
13:29It's fantastic.
13:32Life here hasn't all been cafes and coffees.
13:35The couple took on a mammoth project
13:37when they bought this dilapidated former hotel
13:40for €48,000.
13:43Craig and Emma originally wanted to turn this old hotel
13:47into two holiday rentals to generate income.
13:50But they recently changed tack
13:52and now plan to move into the upper two floors
13:55and use the ground floor as a commercial space,
13:58building a showroom for their existing bespoke kitchen business.
14:03Obviously the renovation of the house for ourselves,
14:05the starting of the business,
14:06trying to fit everything in, it's been exceptionally manic.
14:10We're hoping now that we'll be a bit more structured
14:13and we can get a nice balance
14:15and maybe have a bit more of a French life.
14:21It's March.
14:23Right.
14:24And two years after taking on their mammoth restoration project,
14:28today marks a huge milestone.
14:30So today is move-in day finally after, I don't know, over two years.
14:34It'll be nice to spend a night here rather than driving away from it,
14:37which is what I've been doing every day for the last couple of years.
14:39So yeah, I'm actually quite looking forward to waking up here tomorrow morning.
14:42Ready for a new chapter, I think.
14:43It's quite surreal.
14:44I think once it's all set up, it'll feel like home.
14:46Whilst work on the showroom downstairs continues,
14:50the floors above have been completely transformed.
14:53Once a crumbling shell,
14:55there are now four en-suite bedrooms for the family
14:58and a stunning open-plan kitchen and living area,
15:02with their expertly designed and fitted kitchen taking pride of place.
15:07All that's missing now are their belongings to truly make it home.
15:11Right, guys, let's start with this.
15:13Let's just start grabbing stuff.
15:15Oi, oi, oi!
15:16Come here!
15:18You just think, the more...
15:20Let's go off.
15:21Is that it?
15:21Yeah.
15:22Right, there you go. Take that, sweetheart.
15:23Oh, Finn, you're going to be there.
15:26Got the big TV back, guys.
15:29Van offloaded, it's time to get their new furniture unpacked.
15:32Careful of the walls, because these walls are completed, yeah?
15:35I don't want to have to paint these again.
15:37And with two storeys to climb...
15:41Oh, we really need to be careful of the walls.
15:44..it's not an easy task.
15:47Emma!
15:47Yeah?
15:48I think we need help.
15:50We need to lift this.
15:53Emma, can you go on the landing?
15:55This way?
15:56Yeah.
15:57And Emily, you can be my wingman.
16:00So we've got to try not to hit the back wall again.
16:02I'm going to push this up to Finn, OK?
16:04Like that, through the gap.
16:06Make sure it doesn't hit the wall.
16:08It's touching the wall.
16:09All right, then, hold on.
16:10Push it to me, Emma.
16:13Come on, push it.
16:15Go on a bit more.
16:16Push it, push it, push it, push it.
16:18That's it.
16:19OK, Finn?
16:20Yeah.
16:20Are we going to get through the gap?
16:21This is really dangerous.
16:22All right, OK, that's good.
16:24There we go.
16:26Teamwork makes the dream work.
16:28With all of the essentials sorted...
16:31Ooh!
16:33It's push, isn't it?
16:35After standing empty for a decade, the former hotel is finally ready to welcome its new residents.
16:42The day's gone pretty well.
16:43There's been some ups and downs.
16:45There's certainly some scuffs on the walls.
16:47But I think we've worked well as a team.
16:48It's looking good.
16:50Really pleased.
16:50It's finally becoming a home and we can finally, like, settle in.
16:55Despite plenty more work unpacking ahead, not to mention the installation of their new showroom downstairs,
17:03the family can take a well-earned break this afternoon as they finally settle into their new home.
17:10Me first.
17:13Is there room for me?
17:15Maybe.
17:15There's room for my mate.
17:18Oh!
17:19Oh!
17:21Oh!
17:21Oh!
17:21Oh!
17:21Oh!
17:22Oh!
17:24Oh!
17:30Back in the sleepy town of Torbithkon, after working six weeks straight, Ian and Bev are making strides with their
17:38rental apartment.
17:40With the bathroom tiling complete, unit installed and a shower screen on order, today Ian has his sights set on
17:48the kitchen.
17:48Today is quite a big day.
17:50It's the last big job to do.
17:51Everything after this will be cosmetic.
17:53And we've been looking at the state of the way the kitchen looks for weeks and weeks, because that's been
17:57put on the back burner.
17:58But now the bathroom is pretty much finished.
18:01I really want to get this kitchen in and done.
18:04But the rental I really want up and running for the end of the summer, because we need to be
18:08bringing in that income.
18:10Health and safety.
18:13I don't want to splinter in the eye.
18:14Ian's first task of the day is to fit the new worktop.
18:17And I'm already deaf enough, so I don't want to get my hearing any worse.
18:33So this now, hopefully, should fit snug and allow space for what will be the cooker.
18:40My cut is straight, but the wall is not.
18:44So it may look a little bit out, but my cut is straight.
18:47Whoever built the kitchen walls, they may well have had one eye higher than the other.
18:55Perfect.
18:57Whilst Ian focuses on the building work...
19:00So, sink has to go in now.
19:03Bev is out on a mission picking up some decorative pieces for the rental.
19:09Makes no sense to me, any of that. I'll just go for it.
19:12And luckily, this isn't handyman Ian's first rodeo.
19:16You draw around the outside of the sink, which is fine, but you've got to not forget that you need
19:22to cut within that in order for the sink to sit in it and not fall straight through.
19:29It's happened before.
19:41There we go.
19:44Hold prepared, it's time to see if Ian's measurements add up, as the sink is lifted into position.
19:53That's a relief.
19:55Right on cue for Bev's return.
19:58Hi.
19:59Here's trouble.
20:00And for Ian, it's the perfect opportunity for a little wind-up.
20:04I've made a mistake on the worktop.
20:06Why?
20:08I cut a pencil round the edge and then I jigsawed round the edge and forgot you had to take
20:1310mm off and it just fell straight through.
20:16I've got to go and get another one.
20:18Are you joking?
20:19No.
20:20Here's my jigsaw gun. I'll show you all. You best have a look.
20:23There's nothing I can do about it now.
20:26Yeah, I'm only kidding.
20:27No!
20:30I'm only kidding. Stop visiting, yeah, it's just got to be...
20:32Well, that looks fun, doesn't it?
20:34As Bev checks out her haul of house interiors and supplies, it seems the decorating phase couldn't come soon enough.
20:41I'm sick of all the work now.
20:44I'm sick of all the rubbish around the house.
20:47I want all the nice bits to put all my bits together.
20:50But I know I can't do that until Ian's finished.
20:53After working together for a month and a half on their first renovation project...
20:58Bev has turned up.
21:00So chaos will reign.
21:02Ian and Bev are learning their work styles don't always match up.
21:06This is how Bev believes you should store paint and paintbrushes. You ready?
21:11Ready?
21:13Hang on. One sec.
21:16Like that.
21:17Look at the stakes of that. You're joking me.
21:21Whilst Bev unpacks, Ian pushes on.
21:25And before long, it's time to put his plumbing skills to the test.
21:30This will be the moment of truth now.
21:32So we'll be paddling around on the kitchen floor if it's not done right.
21:39No leaks.
21:41All good.
21:43Don't map her there now.
21:45So pleased.
21:48But Ian's working day isn't over just yet.
21:52Can I have my shelf up now?
21:53No.
21:54Why?
21:55I just thought I was going to put one more bracket in.
21:57And then my shelf.
21:58Then I'll do your shelf.
21:59Yeah.
21:59Yes.
22:00This is where we differ.
22:02I have about 15 jobs until I go at once and Ian likes them done like that.
22:06I like them completed.
22:07It drives me insane.
22:10Everything's half finished.
22:12The back's been broken of the big jobs now, so...
22:17There's an end in sight.
22:21I just want it done now.
22:23I can't make him work any harder.
22:27Oh, look at that now.
22:29Perfecto.
22:31With a few finishing touches, it's pride of place for Bev's new purchases.
22:38It's the only one to me that's recognisable as a useful implement.
22:42Because I don't know what they are.
22:44And with another job ticked off the list, the couple are edging closer to their goal of opening for guests
22:50just eight weeks from now.
22:52Ta-da!
22:54There you go. It's all coming together now.
22:57I'm glad to see you've contributed.
22:59I think I've helped.
23:04Coming up...
23:05Why in chocolate?
23:06I mean, it's a match made in heaven.
23:09Sharon and Bongo's chocolate and chakra retreat heats up.
23:12Yeah, it's melting a bit.
23:14And Craig and Emma's kitchen business becomes a family affair.
23:18Finn's now 16, nearly 17, and nearly as big as me, so his muscle comes in quite handy.
23:25I do all the things that they don't want to do.
23:27He goes down there and probably couldn't get back up.
23:37Over in the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, things are getting started at Sharon and Bongo's chocolate and chakra
23:46yoga retreat.
23:47OK, Katie, are we ready?
23:49Hoping their unfinished yoga platform will be up to par for the day's activities, Sharon and Bongo leave their guests
23:56to settle in with a warm glass of cocoa.
23:58Is that you heading off?
24:00Meanwhile, others are checking out.
24:02Raj and her daughter, who've spent three nights in Sharon and Bongo's rental apartment.
24:07Thank you so much. It's been lovely to see you again.
24:11Thank you. Enjoy your retreat.
24:15Bye-bye. Lovely to meet you.
24:17And we'll see you again soon, yeah? Yeah, you gonna come back?
24:21Yeah. Yeah.
24:22But there's no rest for Sharon.
24:26With all her day retreat guests having now arrived, she can finally begin her chakra-inspired yoga class.
24:34So for those of you that aren't aware, the chakras are energy points in the body.
24:38We have our root chakra right at our base.
24:41So as you stand here, maybe you start to feel that grounding energy.
24:45Our heart open to the joys of being outside in nature.
24:50Today's retreat offers more than just a chance to impress guests.
24:54The €100 it brings in helps edge them a little closer to funding a roof to complete their platform.
25:00So as the final stretches finish...
25:04Thank yourself for taking time to come here today.
25:08Sharon is feeling optimistic they've got off to a flying start.
25:12The wind died down a bit, the sun came out, we could hear the birds chirping.
25:16Oh, it was beautiful. It was so nice actually being able to use the platform.
25:20Oh, it felt so amazing.
25:22Next on the agenda, Sharon's friend Katie is leading a meditation session, combined with some chocolate tasting.
25:30As we move through this meditation, you'll be guided to taste a piece of chocolate aligned with the chakras.
25:39Though chocolate and chakras may go well together, chocolate, the midday sun and a roofless yoga platform do not.
25:47It is melting a bit.
25:49And it's not long before the guests are feeling it too.
25:52Now the sun is coming out, we really need to get that platform finished.
25:56And this is our goal for the year is to actually get it properly made and have a cover over
26:00the top so we can have a bit of shelter from the sun.
26:03Despite Sharon's worries, her guests seem unfazed.
26:07That was amazing. That was really, really good yoga. And I love the chocolate, of course.
26:11It got a little bit warm towards the end, to be fair. A bit of sun cream needed. But, yeah,
26:16it was good. Really good.
26:19A short while later, and as the guests return from their country walk, some are even brave enough to check
26:26out the other amenities on offer.
26:30Oh, it's lovely. It's really, really warm.
26:35Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Bongo has been hard at work preparing the three course chocolate inspired lunch.
26:42Why in chocolate? I mean, it's a match made in heaven.
26:48Right, please stay in one piece.
26:55Ooh!
26:58Bonza!
26:59After a morning of hosting for Sharon, it's now Bongo's turn to take the spotlight.
27:05Right, so we've got, like, a Mediterranean ragu with sherry in it, pickled salted beetroot, a little sherry caramel, and
27:14some hake, or...
27:16Halloumi. Halloumi. For the vegetarians.
27:17Yeah.
27:18..and it's rave reviews all round.
27:21This is...amazing.
27:23You know, whatever you've done, it's perfect.
27:26With Bongo's lunch rounding off the trial day, their guests are ending on a high.
27:34Chocolate, wine, food, and yogurt. I mean, perfect. Perfect combination.
27:43Oh, there you go.
27:45One for you guys.
27:47Oh, it's been incredible. All the elements just made it an incredible day. I would definitely do this again in
27:53a heartbeat.
27:55Today's retreat has provided Sharon and Bongo a much-needed financial boost. It's also been a hugely encouraging start for
28:04the couple's new concept.
28:06I think it's gone really well. I think it's been such a fantastic day, and everyone's already talking about how
28:12it would be nice to have another one.
28:15I'd really like to get the platform finished. We're going to hopefully get that started in the next month, and
28:20then I really want it ready for the summer.
28:22This is what we're working towards. Watch this space.
28:25Salut!
28:27Salut!
28:31Back in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it's been five months since Craig and Emma moved into their new home, but progress on
28:39the downstairs showroom has come to a standstill.
28:42That's easy.
28:44Thankfully, for a good reason, their bespoke kitchen business has been going from strength to strength.
28:49We could pull this base out more and have a deeper top by 45mm.
28:57Today, Craig is on-site fitting a brand-new bespoke kitchen for a client.
29:02Is that good? Yeah, that's it. Right, that's good.
29:06When we started the business, we didn't really know how it was going to grow or how successful it could
29:11be.
29:11We knew there was a gap in the market, and it's going really well. We've got a lot of potential
29:15clients.
29:16We've done a lot of designs, of which I'd say at the moment 90% of them have come to
29:20an order.
29:21Orders like today's can take months to complete.
29:25Ready? One, two, three.
29:27But the team now has ten projects under their belt.
29:31That's sitting nicely there.
29:32With prices generally starting at €10,000.
29:36Yeah, I mean, we're kind of at the numbers I'd hoped for, but I think we're going to go beyond
29:40that next year.
29:41I'm pretty confident.
29:42We're going to be busy.
29:44I'm pleased with that.
29:47And as the business grows, so does their team.
29:50Not only is colleague Julian on-site at today's job, but also Craig and Emma's son Finn.
29:57Finn's now 16, nearly 17, and nearly as big as me, so his muscle comes in quite handy.
30:04Is that up? No, I'm going down.
30:07What did I say?
30:08Up. Yeah, up.
30:09You didn't know I was going down?
30:12It is good.
30:13Good? Yeah.
30:15I do all the things that they don't want to do.
30:18He goes down there and probably couldn't get back up.
30:22With Emma's 22 years of marketing experience driving the online side of the business, she's also taken on an apprentice
30:31in her 15-year-old daughter, Amelie, who's juggling her studies with helping mum.
30:36So it's a family business now.
30:39Amelie's getting involved with all the social media.
30:43She's looking through and making sure we are adhering to EU regulations, which is really quite crucial.
30:52She's obviously on the payroll as well as in education as well, so that's quite a good balance, made sense.
30:59Even with business thriving, Craig and Emma know the showroom is key.
31:03And with a grand opening now two months away, there's no time to waste if they're to turn their empty
31:09shell back home into the centrepiece of their growing business.
31:13We're putting out all the stops to get the showroom up and ready.
31:18It's really pressured for Craig and the team.
31:21But I feel that we're going to meet the deadline.
31:37It's now mid-September.
31:39One, two, three.
31:41That will be good.
31:43And there's just one month to go until Craig and Emma's showroom opens.
31:48Today is a big day for us.
31:50We've started to actually install the kitchen for our showroom.
31:53To finally be putting the show kitchen in to have raised the funds so we can afford to put the
31:58show kitchen in from working with clients is really, really good.
32:02But Craig has already spotted a problem.
32:05We had three kitchens delivered on one lorry and everything came out perfectly apart from the top of this unit.
32:12Obviously you've got damage in transit, but luckily it doesn't matter because I can re-fix it.
32:16It wouldn't have accepted it for a client's house, but for the show kitchen you're just not going to see
32:22it.
32:23Building their kitchen showroom is a costly investment and every penny counts if Craig and Emma want to make their
32:30fledgling business a success.
32:32So while Craig gets to work downstairs, Emma is under pressure to secure the next clients.
32:38I'm in a bit of a rush because I'm going off to see another client.
32:41I need to make sure I've got my big box of tricks with hundreds of different handle samples.
32:49Time spent on the showroom is time Craig could be earning elsewhere.
32:53Right, Uncle. See you later.
32:55OK, darling. Have a good night.
32:57Thank you and have a good night.
32:58So the coming weeks will require some careful juggling if they want to ensure all of their hard work pays
33:04off and they can make a splash with their big opening.
33:07Getting everything to come together properly is really, really important because we've been working towards this for so long and
33:14deadlines slip.
33:15So now we set ourselves a hard deadline. We don't want to let anything else get in the way and
33:21make things go slower.
33:24Coming up, with summer fast approaching...
33:2730 degrees, it really does dry quickly. You've got to work, work, work.
33:31...Sharon and Bongo race to complete their yoga platform.
33:34I'm making a right mess of it.
33:37...and eight weeks of renovations...
33:39You need to be this side, Ian.
33:41...tests Ian and Bev's patience.
33:44If he had life insurance, I might move that.
33:47I'm worth more to it alive than dead.
34:00It's the end of August at Ian and Bev's.
34:03So if nails go in, you'll bend.
34:06I know. This one might bend.
34:08And eight weeks since moving in, the couple have hit a huge milestone in the renovation of their guest apartment.
34:17It's nice and bright though, isn't it?
34:18Yeah, absolutely.
34:20Just makes a difference. Puts a bit of colour on the wall, doesn't it?
34:23All of the major work is now complete.
34:26There's two bright and clean bedrooms.
34:28The bathroom now boasts a brand new suite and fresh tiling throughout.
34:33While the once-tired traditional kitchen is now a welcoming space that flows through to the cosy furnished lounge.
34:43We only rocked up the beginning of July.
34:45There was a hell of a lot of work to do.
34:46So it's gone really, really smooth.
34:48We can't really complain, can we? No.
34:49It's just finishing touches now.
34:51All the hard work's been done by yours truly.
34:55Now the pretty bits are going to be done by the Bevster.
34:58No, don't be taking all the credits.
35:01Though only a few finishing touches remain, there's one key factor that is stopping them taking bookings just yet.
35:08We have to apply for our tourist licence in order to rent out the property.
35:14But we can't apply for that till mid-September because we have to get our identity cards for Spanish residents.
35:21So we've got another few weeks to go here, haven't we?
35:23Yeah.
35:24And then we can start marketing it and hopefully get people to come and stay in it.
35:28Until everything's in place, today Ian and Bev are pressing on with the last few jobs around the apartment.
35:36I'm going to write out a snag list for the house.
35:40All the last few bits now.
35:43I need cushions.
35:45Three of them.
35:47Oh, bedding.
35:49As Bev checks off her to-do list, Ian has been tasked with fixing the TV aerial for the holiday
35:55let.
35:56I'm just making sure I can make it as safe as possible.
36:00But with the village perched close to 700 metres above sea level, it makes for a challenge.
36:06See, the great thing about the design of these Moorish houses is they have a flat roof so you can
36:12get on.
36:13The downsides is they're all built on a hillside, so there's never any straight piece of land for you to
36:19get your ladders on.
36:20Bev, I'm going to need to borrow you.
36:22Oh, yeah, that's health and safety at its best, innit?
36:25I know.
36:26You need to be this side here, OK?
36:29Just give me a sec, cos I've just got to go and get the cable.
36:32They're not going to move them, are they?
36:34Well, if they do, I'll be falling off them, so hopefully not.
36:36Have you got life insurance?
36:38Not now, no.
36:39Oh! It's dangerous, that, innit?
36:41If they had life insurance, he might move that.
36:45I'm worth more to it alive than dead, so...
36:48So, I trust that's going to be enough.
36:50Ian first needs to adjust the direction of the aerial to pick up a signal,
36:55and then run a new cable from outside into the lounge below.
36:59Make sure I don't fall off this ladder.
37:04See?
37:06Maybe this way I should stand?
37:08No, no, no, no.
37:09Have you got it?
37:10I've got it.
37:12Right, we're up.
37:17The views up here are fantastic.
37:23I think I might have overestimated the cable we need.
37:26With the cable connected, Ian carefully runs it along the roof towards the window.
37:32You're above the window now.
37:33Am I? OK.
37:35It's hard to tell up here.
37:36Yeah.
37:37That won't go anywhere now, that.
37:39Challenge complete, Ian is not willing to take his chances on the way down.
37:44There we go. Done.
37:46Did you notice I was a more comfortable jumper for me life than relying on Bev to make sure I
37:52got down safely?
37:54Now that Ian and Bev are finally able to turn their attention to renovating their own home...
38:00There we go.
38:02...for Bev, there's one job that is priority number one.
38:06I'm looking forward to my kitchen because I am working on a work surface of this size.
38:12I've got no cooker, I'm sick of living off bread, I'm sick of living off microwave meals, I'm sick of
38:17living off processed food.
38:19Hopefully I'll have kitchen in the next couple of weeks.
38:22Whoa! A couple of weeks?
38:23Are we in? Yeah, a couple of weeks.
38:25We're not messing around now.
38:27Look at me, there's only so much I can do.
38:29Just more work to add to the list.
38:32Despite the never-ending list of jobs, Ian and Bev's hard work is starting to pay off.
38:37And as their business nears opening, the couple are ready to embrace the next chapter.
38:43It's an amazing view that you look out on every day, and I don't take it for granted, I really
38:48don't.
38:49I'll put up with the kitchen for a few more weeks.
38:52You'll have to.
39:00Just a 45 minute drive north-east at Sharon and Bongo's.
39:04Not a bad day again, eh?
39:07Another day in paradise.
39:10Three weeks after their trial day retreat, the couple have successfully raised the funds for a team of builders to
39:16tackle the next stage of work to their yoga platform.
39:20We've got the base that we had made when we first came here, but we've never actually managed to do
39:24anything else to it since then.
39:27We had to dismantle the frame of the old one.
39:30It was starting to kind of crack and bow, and we decided to get something that's a little bit more
39:35solid that's going to last us.
39:38As well as replacing the framework, the couple plan to add a roof to the structure that will allow the
39:44space to be used all year round, maximising their earning potential.
39:48Once we get the yoga platform actually done and up, we can take some photos, and then we can start
39:54advertising to do retreats here.
39:56Proper weekend week retreats, we can do more outside yoga, we can maybe rent the place out to other teachers,
40:02and it could really open up a whole new world of possibilities for us.
40:06They're doing anything they can to help keep costs down, and for Bongo that means staining the new beams ready
40:13to install.
40:1430 degrees, it really does dry quickly. You've got to work, work, work.
40:19I'm making a right mess of it.
40:22It's always money and money out here. As soon as we have any money in the bank account, there's always
40:27something to spend it on, repairs, maintenance.
40:29I definitely think it's worth doing, and I think we will make the money back. It might take a little
40:34bit of time, a little bit of advertising, but yeah, I think we will. I think we'll get there.
40:39But just as the building team start to make progress, there's an unexpected issue with the recently constructed flooring.
40:47Just trying to work out where are the hatches for the septic tank.
40:57We need to have access in the platform, in case we ever need to empty the tank.
41:02Though the previous builder left some markings, they're proving difficult to find.
41:07Hmm. It's only that big. Like a tiny little thing.
41:12Wait.
41:14Oh, hi.
41:15There's one there.
41:16Took a long time to find them, they're not exactly visible.
41:23Markings located, the team begin lifting up the tile to create an access hatch.
41:30Oh, no.
41:32Looks like that's not the right tile.
41:36Oh, well, that'll be the next one, then.
41:39As the flooring cost 800 euros, Sharon and Bongo can't afford to lose unnecessary tiles.
41:46I just lost. Second time lucky.
41:51See?
41:53It looks like we found it, yes.
41:55Found it.
41:56As more tiles are removed and all the hard work on the brand new flooring is undone,
42:01it looks like the hole may be slightly bigger than they first hoped.
42:06Ah, I see.
42:08We found the poo hatch, which is good, but there's now a gaping hole in the opal.
42:15Way bigger than I expected.
42:17With mountain life, you have one problem, you fix another, and then another two appear.
42:22So, here we go.
42:24Despite the building work ongoing, the couple still need to keep their income flowing,
42:29and today that means welcoming guests.
42:32Lucky for me back in the kitchen, where I belong.
42:36Hey, Shaz.
42:36Yes, and I'm doing washing and cleaning.
42:40Their guests are staying in their two spare rooms tonight and have requested a massage with certified masseuse Sharon.
42:47I'm just going to get some mellow music to drown out the sounds of drilling.
42:54Along with an evening meal prepared by Bongo.
42:56I'm doing a vegan tagine with some flatbread, some couscous.
43:01Yeah, never stop, which is good. Keep the bills at bay.
43:05Add-ons like this provide a much needed boost to Sharon and Bongo's income.
43:11So it's important that they get them right, and with the guests just arriving, the couple have no time to
43:18waste.
43:19Hi, how you doing? I'm Sharon. Nice to meet you.
43:22As Sharon shows them around the house...
43:25So this is the single rooms, single beds here.
43:29..it's an encouraging start, and thankfully their guests seem unfazed by the noisy building work outside.
43:37First impressions of this place is fantastic, it's amazing, it's very much a homely feel.
43:44I've heard wonderful things about Bongo's food as well.
43:47So, yeah, really looking forward to my night here and wishing that I could stay longer.
43:51As the guests settle in, Sharon and Bongo still have plenty to do,
43:56but with the terrace starting to take shape, they're feeling optimistic they'll meet their summer deadline
44:01and soon be able to offer outdoor yoga classes to their guests too.
44:06Feeling really good. I think in the next few days it's going to look completely different.
44:10It's going to look amazing.
44:11This is the last step to making this the place that we always dreamed of having.
44:18Next time...
44:19I think we've found a replacement for tiles.
44:22Sharon and Bongo's relaxing yoga retreat is proving anything but...
44:26Very annoying to just throw money down the pan.
44:29Tensions flare...
44:30Are you going to stand there now, Beverly, and tell me where I'm going wrong?
44:33Yep.
44:33As Ian and Bev rush to open for guests.
44:36That looks sloppy to me.
44:38The nerves are kicking in at Craig and Emma's showroom launch.
44:41It feels too calm.
44:43My biggest concern is that no one's going to turn up.
44:46And in France...
44:47I'm worn out already.
44:48A couple flex their muscles building a golf course.
44:51Hey, you said, what do you want for Christmas so they have a chainsaw?
44:53I wanted diamonds, personally.
44:55I'll see you later.
44:55Bye.
44:56Bye.
45:05Bye.
45:07Bye.
45:13Bye.
45:15Bye.
45:17Bye.
45:18Bye.
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