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A New Life in the Sun - Season 11 - Episode 18
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00:01Every year, a new wave of dreamers pack up their lives and head for the sun.
00:05It 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.
00:15This is what we've been waiting for. It's beautiful. That'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.
00:29To launching fitness retreats in Bulgaria.
00:32Secret cards!
00:34But will their gamble pay off?
00:37Absolutely bonkers, but it's what we came for, yeah?
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 feel like I'm on holiday a little bit.
00:55It's not sunk in yet, but this is my actual home now.
00:58What a lovely place to live.
01:00Today in France...
01:02As fast as I'm ticking this list off, it seems to be growing.
01:06One couple look to turn an abandoned building project into a dream business.
01:10We're taking a gamble, but everything in life for me is a gamble.
01:14In Spain...
01:16This is the only way of getting them over.
01:18Hang on, watch out, watch out.
01:19Will a Lancaster couple's new bar turn into a money pit?
01:23It needs a lot of money spending on it.
01:26And they've made the decision to just go for it and do it properly.
01:30The heat is on.
01:32And bad weather threatens the launch of a Bristol family's biker tours.
01:37The weather is absolutely dreadful.
01:39It's probably been raining for about a week.
01:41And the trails are muddy and washed out in some places.
01:45So, a little bit nervous, if I'm honest.
01:55Deep in the Dordogne Valley in south-west France lies an area known as the Golden Triangle,
02:02where castles crown the hills as reminders of battles fought between the English and French.
02:08This is why we moved to France.
02:10Yes.
02:12Amazing.
02:13Cheese, wine...
02:15Yeah.
02:16These days, the only invasion is a peaceful one.
02:19Essex was nothing like this.
02:21Where Englishman Tony and his Ukrainian-born wife Natasha
02:25have come in search of their own modern-day chateau.
02:30We feel we've made the right choice for the equivalent of a three-bed, semi-detached house in the UK.
02:37You could easily afford something like we've purchased here.
02:41The couple plan to turn this estate into a home and a cluster of luxury holiday sheets.
02:48On the surface, it's a dream come true.
02:51Alongside this expansive property is a pool and a ready-to-rent luxury two-bedroom sheet.
02:58As soon as we drove in, I just thought, this is it. It's just spectacular.
03:03I mean, this property comes with 2.4 hectares, is it?
03:08Yes.
03:09So we've got our own forest, which, you know, is unheard of in England.
03:14I'm loving France.
03:17But dig a little deeper and the fairy tale unravels.
03:21The previous owner ran out of cash before the project was finished.
03:26So the main house at the moment is just a shell.
03:29It's got services into it, like water, electric, but there's nothing in there.
03:37There's no windows or doors.
03:38There's a lot of fit out inside.
03:40But, yeah, the main structure of all the buildings was there and done to very good standards.
03:48With backgrounds in construction and property, the couple will do most of the work themselves.
03:54But with their life savings invested in the project, it's a big risk.
03:59I think it has its scary moments if, you know, we're taking a gamble.
04:04But everything in life, for me, is a gamble.
04:07Basically, there is no plan B for us.
04:10We will make it work.
04:12We're quite stubborn, both of us, and quite determined.
04:15So we will make sure we will make it work.
04:19It's late August 2024.
04:22So this is where you will be staying, lovely people.
04:27And six months into their French adventure,
04:30business at the luxury holiday jeet is off to a promising start.
04:34Two bedrooms, of course, for you to sleep.
04:37We have blinds and shutters.
04:39It's been a busy season with plenty of happy guests.
04:44After seeing the photographs, and now you're here, it's just amazing.
04:49The pool is the most amazing feature at the moment.
04:52And some people, some guests who were already booked with us,
04:56because they didn't think it was real, they said it's too good to be true.
05:00And the reviews we got from them, just amazing.
05:03Ten out of ten.
05:06But every euro of revenue is needed to fund the next stage of their plans,
05:11turning the shell of the main house into an eight-bedroom luxury retreat.
05:17We mainly decided to keep it all as one big space.
05:20So we will have big fireplace on this wall, and on that end we will have more like a dining
05:28area,
05:29because it leads to the big kitchen over there.
05:33Natasha and Tony hope to carve a niche tapping into the market for families, groups and special events.
05:40This will contain four bedrooms, all with en-suites.
05:44Yes.
05:45And then in the two wings that you see, this one will have two bedrooms,
05:50and this one will just be a one-bedroom, because in the future we may look to have this as
05:58a wedding venue.
06:00And that would be a lovely bridal suite of that one end being all on its own.
06:06The goal is to complete the work within a year, but some jobs can't wait.
06:10With autumn around the corner, their priority is to get the building watertight.
06:17And the first job we've ordered, and they're actually coming in September to be fitted, end of September,
06:22is all the windows, and that would allow us then to start the fit out inside.
06:27But to fund this massive project, they need to make sacrifices.
06:32Soon they'll be giving up their own living space to create another income-generating sheet.
06:38So, yeah, this is where we're residing at the moment.
06:40We're just about to make some changes here.
06:43We're going to put a new kitchen in.
06:45There's a staircase going in to make this a three-bedroom jeet as opposed to a one-bedroom jeet.
06:50The speed is of the essence on this one, because we do need to market this at the end of
06:55the year.
06:56This is a business.
06:57We need an income coming in in the next couple of years.
07:00We hope to have this finished by the end of November, albeit well.
07:05Natasha and Tony have a long road ahead.
07:08It will take money, determination and a huge leap of faith to pick up where others have fallen short and
07:15make this project a success.
07:24When making the decision to relocate to Spain, many are drawn to the striking azures of the south coast.
07:32But for some, the dramatic landscapes of the north hold an entirely different kind of charm.
07:37Not measured in sun-drenched beaches, but in spectacular landscapes, soaring peaks and timeless medieval villages.
07:46You know the big cross on the big hill above Potters? We're going to go there.
07:53Having made the decision to move here from Bristol, Greg, Daisy and their children, Ben and Lucy...
07:59I want to sit down there.
08:01You want to sit down there? Cool.
08:02...were attracted to a calmer way of life in the Cantabrian countryside.
08:07Can you try that one more time? Last one, Lucy.
08:09One more time. Everyone just stay still. Stay still.
08:12Stay still.
08:14Stay.
08:15We live in a lovely little quiet village, and you know, we've got no problem with just leaving the front
08:20door open,
08:20and the kids just being outside playing away.
08:22We're fully settled here. The kids are fully Spanish kids.
08:26Yeah, yeah. They speak Spanish perfectly, better than we will ever be able to.
08:29When it comes to funding their new life, they want to turn a hobby into a money-making venture.
08:35The business is going to be motorcycle tours in this area, where we do a little bit of off-road,
08:41and we've also got bikes available to rent.
08:44The on-road riding is just...
08:46I mean, there's no traffic.
08:47Well, there's no traffic.
08:48The roads are really well-maintained.
08:50Yeah.
08:50It's just so much fun. It's so much fun.
08:57It's early April, and Greg and Daisy have been advertising their motorcycle tours for several months.
09:03It's been a slow start, but things are finally looking up.
09:08Great news. We've just had some new buckings come through.
09:11We've got a guy from Holland, and then a couple of days after that, we've got three guys from the
09:15UK.
09:16Spring weather here can be unpredictable, so Greg needs to make sure that the routes are safe and passable.
09:22We've got a little bit of preparation to do when you've had a bit of rain, which we have just
09:26done over the weekend.
09:27There's certain areas that are impassable because there's too much water, there's too much mud, or maybe even a landslip
09:33or something like that.
09:34So we need to be very careful. So we're going to go and check that out today.
09:37And at the moment, it's looking like it's going to be a cracking day.
09:45Naturally carved from the Cantabrian Mountains, the Leyabana Valley is a rider's paradise.
09:52With dramatic backdrops and quiet, winding roads, it attracts bikers from all over the world.
10:01First route checked, and so far the elements have been kind.
10:08This trail's fantastic. We've managed to do, I'd say, 70% of one of our favourite routes.
10:14There's a little section that I did think was going to be a bit muddy, and it was, but it
10:17was good fun.
10:18It's a little bit of excitement for our guests.
10:21So no, actually, the trails are absolutely perfect right now.
10:25That's one route Greg can sign off ahead of his first booking.
10:29This trail here is going to be one of our sort of bread and butter trails.
10:32It just opens up into this incredible 360-degree vista, and it's just fantastic for trail riding and for our
10:41guests.
10:42But in the heart of a national park, bike tours do come with their challenges.
10:47We need to be very mindful about the trails that we pick.
10:50There's some other routes that we've got which are incredible, but at certain times of the year, we can't go
10:55there because there's nesting grounds for endangered bird species.
10:58And also, there's lots of wolves, and we have a lot of bears around here as well.
11:02And if anyone's sighted a bear in certain areas where we have routes, then we won't go there.
11:09And it's not just bears they need to stay on the right side of.
11:12To make sure their venture is supported locally, Greg and Daisy have built good relationships with the authorities.
11:20We speak with the Park National Guard on a regular basis.
11:24They're very understanding, we're trying to run a business, but as long as we're understanding towards them,
11:29you know, they have a park to protect, and yet we need to make sure that we're in line with
11:32them.
11:33Right, well, we're going to go and check out a new little section, see if we can find some new
11:37routes.
11:41Time to assess route number two.
11:44Now Greg is heading for the village of Somaniatho, where his next trail begins.
11:50And this track offers his guests very different scenery.
11:56The tracks we're doing this morning are very much sort of just in the foothills of the Picos,
12:01whereas these ones here are going through woodlands and little villages, but still some fantastic riding.
12:10Two routes trialled and two routes ticked off.
12:17That was really good, and this sign is showing me exactly what I wanted to see.
12:22So I've now got two great little routes and the connection in between them.
12:27So I am pleased as punch.
12:30Although the trail is currently passable, this one will be reserved for more experienced riders.
12:37The route coming up here is quite difficult.
12:39If I have guests who are competent riders, who are not scared of quite challenging loose rocks,
12:45scree, and also heights, I mean, it's quite steep a lot of that section is,
12:48then yeah, we can attempt that.
12:50But there's another way to access this beautiful spot here, and that's from the village of Loreto.
12:54So if we have some guys who are a bit less confident, we can still do it.
12:57It's a really, really good little route, yeah.
13:01It's been a successful day of planning, and Greg is now ready for his first tour.
13:12Hey, little buddy.
13:14But the forecast for the next few weeks is mixed.
13:18I had a great day riding today. How was your day? You had fun?
13:22Yeah.
13:22Yeah?
13:23Now Greg needs to keep his fingers crossed that riding conditions don't change.
13:29Get him on the bikes early.
13:38Coming up, the rain in Spain wreaks havoc on a Lancaster couple's new bar.
13:43We've got leaks downstairs, some of the air conditioning units, so we've got to stop that.
13:48And will a mix-up sink Tony and Natasha's plans for a summer launch?
13:53I feel a little bit embarrassed that I've let this one slip, but, well, I'm going to blame Natasha.
13:59I know she's going to blame me, but...
14:00I hope so.
14:09Benel Madena on Spain's Costa del Sol has been attracting foreign visitors since well before Roman times.
14:18Wow, this is just incredible.
14:21Look at it today.
14:22Perfect day to take the boat out.
14:24Today it's more popular than ever, with the population tripling over the summer months.
14:31We are so lucky.
14:33We are.
14:34To live in this area.
14:35Definitely.
14:37This hospitality hotspot was the ideal location for Publican Adam and his Spanish wife, Ali, when they ditched Lancaster for
14:45Spain.
14:47I think it's just so magical to come down to the sea and have a bit of a cool down.
14:54I could never die back in the UK.
14:57It's just a dream come true and it just keeps on getting better and better and better.
15:03The couple opened a cocktail bar overlooking the promenade, which over the past three years has become one of the
15:09most popular in town.
15:12It's been super busy, very rewarding, extremely tiring.
15:16Yeah.
15:17And it's given us that wake-up call to make changes for next year.
15:22After three successful seasons, Adam and Ali are putting everything they've built on the line and opening a second bar.
15:30For 20,000 euros, they've just leased a former show bar, which they plan to transform into a top destination
15:37for live music.
15:40It needs a lot of money spending on it.
15:43And they've made the decision to just go for it and do it properly.
15:47We have to make this work.
15:49Yeah.
15:52It's December and it's all hands on deck at the show bar.
15:57We've got our children with us.
15:58Our children are both here now, yeah.
16:00With Christmas only days away, Adam and Ali are pushing to finish as many jobs as they can,
16:06before their builder son, Brogan, heads back to the UK.
16:10Their youngest son, Raoul, has also flown over to help out.
16:15Raoul arrived last night and he's concentrating on the DJ Boobin stage, decorating that.
16:21We're getting the majority of things done here so that when we're left with in January and February,
16:26here is the sound system going in, the lighting system going in.
16:30The heat is on.
16:32While Raoul and friend Marcus are painting the stage and DJ booth...
16:36Just taking all the old lighting down, making sure it works.
16:41I'm going to give it a nice fresh lick of paint.
16:43Brogan and barman Nico are working on the bar.
16:47Some new holes for the brackets to go into and then some self-tappers to run through them.
16:53We're having some wine racks.
16:55Put on the ceiling here.
16:56Once the lights are up, it'll shine off all the wine glasses and give it a good effect.
17:02The exterior of the bar is also in need of a little TLC, starting with the roof, which needs weatherproofing.
17:10We've got leaks downstairs, some of the air conditioning units, so we've got to stop that.
17:17While Ali cleans the surface, Adam is applying a waterproof rubberised paint.
17:23An awful lot of jobs that still need doing.
17:26Many Spanish properties have flat rather than pitched roofs, which need regular maintenance to make sure that water drains properly.
17:34That part of the roof is all bent.
17:38I've been given this wonderful job because I am licensed, so if something happened, it will happen to me.
17:45But something is not going to happen. Fingers crossed.
17:48While Adam and Ali push on...
17:51One, two, three.
17:53..downstairs, Brogan and Nico are installing new fridges.
17:57This is the only way to get them over.
18:00Hang on, watch out, watch out.
18:01Yeah, I've got it.
18:03Can go down.
18:04And it's a job which requires patience.
18:10Yep.
18:12I'm looking at the glass and the metal.
18:16Snug as a bug.
18:18Back on the roof, Adam and Ali are making light work of the painting.
18:24The sun is setting, but the lights have come on in the community grounds here to give us a bit
18:29of extra help.
18:29We've literally got a fifth of the roof left to do.
18:33The difference is now is that there's three or four people on it, and so we're flying through it.
18:38I'm chuffed a bit, so really am.
18:40And it's going to be basically completed in the next half an hour.
18:44Today has been a huge family effort, and even granddaughter Lucia is here to offer a helping hand.
18:51Lucia, come here.
18:52Come to this bit.
18:53Come on.
18:56No thanks.
18:58No thanks.
19:01With the whole family pitching in, the roof is soon finished, and the bar should now be watertight.
19:07Thank you very, very, very much for coming in and helping.
19:11I think the future is looking very bright for all of us.
19:16Adam and Ali want to open in February, but there's still a lot of work to do before they can
19:22welcome any customers.
19:31It's September in the Dordogne, and Natasha and Tony are taking a key step in putting their new business on
19:38the map.
19:39They're looking to get certified by the French Tourist Board, and in this region's crowded rental market, it could be
19:46a game changer.
19:47I don't think we'll achieve five star because the structure of the building and the way it's done, but fingers
19:53crossed we're going for a four star.
19:56But at the moment, even four stars is out of reach.
20:00Work to upgrade their second jeet has yet to begin, and the main house is still an empty shell.
20:06Today, though, they're making progress on one major front.
20:12So, the windows have finally arrived.
20:14Yes, wow. And it's a very exciting moment for us. We've been waiting for a long time. So, yes.
20:2330 brand new windows and doors, their biggest investment yet, and Natasha's agonised over every detail.
20:31Only took me, what, three months to choose the colour? We had so many samples delivered through the door.
20:37And it's between this shade of brown and that shade of brown.
20:41So, no, I think you chose well. Thank you.
20:45Today is Friday 13th, my favourite date.
20:48So, I think it's a good date. I don't need to start on the windows.
20:53Shall we get on with it? Yeah, let's do it.
20:57With 30,000 euros worth of glass on site, a superstitious date and a perfectionist project manager, it's not the
21:05calmest start to the job.
21:08Oh, I'm not sure I'm too keen on this handle.
21:11And it looks a bit clunky, doesn't it? It is very, very big candle.
21:15Yeah.
21:16That doesn't go with the elegance of the building or the window.
21:20Are you going to be all right? I'm not sure.
21:23I'll let you go first.
21:25Tony's task now, fit the windows and try not to shatter either the glass or domestic harmony.
21:35So, once the frame's screwed in, we then put the double glazed unit in.
21:40And, yeah, then we're good to go. Then Natasha can open the window at her leisure.
21:47Yes, can't worry. Thank you.
21:50Now we're going to just drop the double glazed unit into the hinges.
21:57And then we're going to drop it down.
22:00And there we are, in position.
22:03By late afternoon, the first panes are in place and a small victory in a marathon renovation.
22:10It's a big step forward. It makes a big difference, doesn't it?
22:13But this addition raises another design choice.
22:17The colour looks perfect. I didn't want it black. I thought it would be too harsh.
22:22But it does look organic. Perfect colours.
22:25And if we go for the shatters, probably olive colour shatter.
22:30The olive shatters, that's not on my list.
22:33But as far as I'm ticking this list off, it seems to be growing.
22:37But on this ominous date, Tony's luck is about to run out.
22:41A cross wire with the fitters over some missing timber frames has brought progress to a halt.
22:48We would have had more windows fitted today.
22:51However...
22:53..slight delayed.
22:54Yes, so the guys assumed Tony is doing it. Tony assumed they are doing it.
23:02Obviously, language barrier is a little bit of an issue and I'm an interpreter.
23:10I feel a little bit embarrassed that I've let this one slip, but...
23:15Well, I'm going to blame Natasha. I know she's going to blame me, but...
23:18Of course. Who is to blame Natasha?
23:21But every delay eats into precious time, pushing back work on the second sheet.
23:27Soon, their November deadline for completion could be out the window.
23:33That's my Saturday and Sunday. Finishing... I think it's eight windows, isn't it?
23:37Yeah, eight to do, so...
23:40Here.
23:46Coming up...
23:47Who'd have thought to put marmalade in a margarita, but these guys are crazy.
23:50Adam and Ali explore the fine art of mixology.
23:54Get some great signature cocktails onto our new menu.
23:57And will bad weather...
23:59I saw the sun when I woke up.
24:01Oh, you did, did you? Well, at least one of us did.
24:04Scupper Greg and Daisy's first ever biker tour.
24:07There's a mud trap there that's just...
24:10It's unpassable.
24:18Spring has arrived in Cantabria, and while the weather is on their side,
24:23Greg and Daisy are hoping to finish work on their new Sun Terrace
24:27in time for their first motorbike tour in two weeks.
24:31But first, they need to agree on a colour.
24:34We need to make a decision.
24:36Yep.
24:36So, our options are for the colour.
24:39I quite like the grey, as it is, plain mortar.
24:43It's got a sort of industrial feel to it.
24:46Or we go for, like, the southern Spain look with a dazzling white.
24:51Well, I quite like that, cos it will be light and cool in summer.
24:55And it does get hot.
24:57OK, let's do it. We'll go with white.
24:59OK.
25:00And if it's terrible, then we'll paint over it with something else.
25:04Hot pink. Hot pink.
25:08Greg and Daisy will market the Sun Terrace alongside their rental apartment.
25:13They had hoped to start advertising their accommodation by now,
25:17but it still needs signing off by an architect.
25:21Yeah, it definitely needs a second coat, doesn't it? It's a bit patchy.
25:23I think it does need a second coat, but it looks really good.
25:25Yeah.
25:27With no bookings in the diary other than a handful of motorbike tours,
25:31the couple are relying on the income Daisy makes from working remotely.
25:35Daisy comes in at the end, scoops in and takes the glory.
25:39Daisy also earns all the money.
25:40Daisy also earns all the money.
25:44Two hours and two coats of paint later, it's job done.
25:49It looks really good.
25:51Yeah, it's a lot better.
25:52I was worried it was going to be a bit too dazzling,
25:54but actually it's a nice contrast with the wood.
25:57Yeah, it'll be a nice place in the summer for people to come and relax.
26:00Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm happy.
26:02You happy?
26:02I'm very happy.
26:03Happy days.
26:08Two weeks later and after six years of planning,
26:12Greg is preparing to host their first ever motorbike tour.
26:17Greg's guest, Shaq from Holland, is paying €150 for a one-day tour,
26:23including insurance, kit and bike hire.
26:29This is a real milestone for us now.
26:32We've, you know, the whole planning of our routes,
26:35the preparation of the bikes, the, is it going to be a success?
26:39This is the first day we are really going to test that all out
26:42and find out whether, you know, do people actually like this?
26:45This is really key for us today.
26:47So, a little bit nervous, if I'm honest.
26:50But despite months of preparations, there's an unexpected problem.
26:55The weather is absolutely dreadful.
26:57It's probably been raining for about a week
26:59and the trails are muddy and washed out in some places.
27:04So, I think we're going to have to think on our feet, really,
27:06when we get out there and try and find...
27:09There's going to be sections which we won't be able to pass.
27:12We're going to have to chop and change little bits in and out.
27:14It should be exciting.
27:16And muddy.
27:18And with no sign of the rain letting up, Greg's customer arrives.
27:23Hi, please come inside where it's dry, please.
27:26Yes, we have a nice weather.
27:27Have we got some mud?
27:28Well, we've definitely got plenty of mud.
27:31I saw the sun when I woke up.
27:33Oh, you did, did you?
27:34Well, at least one of us did.
27:36Before they get going, Greg runs through the plan with Shaq,
27:40which he's had to adapt at the last minute.
27:43There's a mud trap there that's just...
27:46It's unpassable.
27:47Fortunately, Shaq is a more experienced rider.
27:50If you're used to doing motocross stuff and sort of really exciting trials...
27:55Oh, well, I don't think you'll have a problem at all.
27:57I mean, at any point, if you don't feel comfortable on a bit of a trap,
28:00not a problem at all.
28:00Oh, you're here for me.
28:02I'm here for you, yeah.
28:06But while Shaq isn't worried about the weather, he does have one other concern.
28:13Actually, they're quite small, but it has...
28:17It also makes them light.
28:21I'm not sure about the bikes, they're quite small.
28:24So I'm more of an off-road guy endurance, but we'll see.
28:30I still think it's going to be fun.
28:34With Greg hoping the weather and smaller-sized bike don't dampen spirits,
28:39it's time to hit the trails.
28:43Yeah, keep going.
28:54In Ben al Madina, it's mid-January.
28:58You have to watch this.
29:00And after a three-week break for Christmas,
29:03Adam and Ali are back to check on progress at their new show bar.
29:09Wow.
29:10Let's hope the weather's not going like this.
29:14And after heavy rain recently flooded the terrace,
29:17it's one area Adam's keen to cast an eye over.
29:22So I was going to check outside because this is the first proper rain that we've had since we nearly
29:26flooded.
29:27But it's really heavy rain outside today, so it's a good test for the building.
29:32Yes.
29:33A lot of water coming off the roof, but it's going straight down the drains.
29:37I know now, peace of mind, that this is not going to be a problem anymore,
29:40but it's something to always keep an eye on, I think.
29:42Adam and Ali also recently resealed the roof, and water seems to be draining well from above.
29:49600 square metres of rubber paint went down on there,
29:53and I want to make sure that over the course of today that there's no more leaks coming inside.
29:58Aside from maintenance, today Adam and Ali are meeting with several new suppliers.
30:03First up, a drinks company.
30:06They desperately want our business, because they know how big a venue it is and how busy it's going to
30:11be,
30:11so this should be hopefully a really good deal.
30:14With 30 years of hospitality experience...
30:18This is the price we're paying here.
30:20Adam is a tough negotiator.
30:23Gracias.
30:25MuchĂsimas gracias, Javier, gracias.
30:29Deal done with a drink supplier.
30:31Next, the couple are meeting with a sound and lighting company to discuss a few upgrades.
30:38Please go on the 12th, the 4th, and another two going in there.
30:42OK, let's go with that then.
30:44Positive, positive, positive. This is exciting.
30:47The fact that we've got a date from them as well sticks to my timeline.
30:50That everything is done by mid-February.
30:57Renovations at the show bar are moving at a pace.
31:00Now Adam and Ali need to consider the drinks menu.
31:03What are you guys making?
31:05A cocktail.
31:07Today they've called in their whole team to pitch new cocktail ideas.
31:12Dylan, what are you making?
31:13I'm making a Rio de Janeiro.
31:16Which may make it onto the menu at the new show bar.
31:20Oh, wow.
31:22And their existing bar on the beach front.
31:25This is the really exciting part about our business here.
31:28We get some great signature cocktails onto our new menu.
31:33As well as offering well-known drinks, Adam and Ali made a name for themselves on the strip by offering
31:39signature cocktails.
31:40And their menu is constantly evolving.
31:44There's an expectation. That's what we do.
31:46It's what we do really, really, really well.
31:48So we have to have cocktails up there as well.
31:50But it's going to be a much smaller menu.
31:52They have to be better than what we're already doing.
31:55The couple's team are always coming up with new ideas.
31:59I like that.
32:00That is very nice.
32:01Very refreshing.
32:03Oh, yeah.
32:03Yeah?
32:04Very nice.
32:05That one has got Spice Gold, Midori, Malibu, pineapple juice and blue for ourselves.
32:10The Wicked High.
32:11Yeah, the Wicked High.
32:12Straight away we've got a new one for the menu.
32:13And that would work in either venue.
32:16We want to make sure that every single one of our cocktails has just got a little bit of something
32:22different.
32:22Even the ones that are well-known cocktails, we do them slightly differently.
32:26This is nice.
32:28Same colour as your top.
32:29Yeah.
32:30That's it. I think I'll keep it.
32:34Mixology is all about experimentation.
32:39We'd have thought to put marmalade in a margarita, but these guys are crazy.
32:42And barman Dylan has another inventive concoction up his sleeve.
32:47This is my signature cocktail, so it's the one I most want on the menu.
32:53Oh, wow.
32:55That's 100% a go-it.
32:58That really could be the Flaming Flamingo.
33:01The name isn't a random choice.
33:03Adam and Ali have decided to call their new show bar the Flaming Flamingo,
33:08and it looks like Dylan just created the venue's new signature cocktail.
33:13Let's test it first. Let's make sure we get it right.
33:15But before any of their new creations make it onto the menu,
33:19they need to pass the taste test with regulars Susan and Ian.
33:23If you want to try this, this is going to be the signature cocktail up at our new bar,
33:28our entertainment bar up by Bonanza Square.
33:30We're about to announce that probably over the next two or three days.
33:33It fits in with our type of branding.
33:35Something a bit daft that people will remember.
33:38So there you go. Please try. See what you think.
33:40Give us some feedback on it.
33:42That's lovely. Really nice.
33:46It's a thumbs up from Susan and Ian.
33:49Wow, that is excellent.
33:50That is really, really excellent.
33:53It's the feedback that we wanted, and that's a winner.
33:55Taster summer.
33:58With plenty of ideas for the new cocktail menu,
34:02Adam is feeling excited about the year ahead.
34:05The feedback on it is just amazing.
34:07So 100% that's going to be one of our showpiece cocktails for this year.
34:11I love what we do. I love my team.
34:16And this is just one of those highs of the year for me when we design a cocktail menu.
34:21I'm looking forward to what comes out in the next couple of hours.
34:25What are you making?
34:27A mess.
34:27I'm making a mess.
34:33Coming up...
34:34Nothing better than a little bit of demolition.
34:37It gets a hard go.
34:39..a surprise discovery for Tony and Natasha...
34:42Oh, my God.
34:44We have a staircase.
34:46..and will technical trouble...
34:48What's happening?
34:50..overshadow Greg and Daisy's first motorbike tour.
34:54So, unfortunately, this bike, the switch isn't working on it to disable the ABS.
34:58So that might be why it was going clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk.
35:06It's November in the Dordogne, and windows and doors are finally in place in what will become Natasha and Tony's
35:14largest self-catered holiday rental.
35:18Yeah, it's all going ahead pretty quick.
35:21I think it was 19 windows and doors in total that was installed, which is not only a big job,
35:27but a big chunk of our budget that was allocated to finish the works.
35:32Double that, darling.
35:33It's 30.
35:34Sorry.
35:35You lost your numbers.
35:3630 windows.
35:37It is 30 windows and doors.
35:3930 windows.
35:40Making the building watertight marks a real turning point, momentum at last for the next phase of the project.
35:48So, the inside works now are starting to begin, so we've got floors to put down in the upper level
35:53and the lower level, which I've made a start on, and also petitioning.
35:57And I'm hoping that we'll have at least three bedrooms finished and liveable by next April.
36:04And this side of the house, which is a separate jeet, will be completed, ready for the new season.
36:11They've slipped a little past their November deadline, but finishing the second jeet is top priority.
36:18The summer rental income will be vital to keep the bigger project alive.
36:22We're going to put a staircase in it.
36:24It takes us up to two further bedrooms, which is underway, which I'm doing most of the work there.
36:30Once this jeet is complete, they'll double their capacity, and with luck catch the family market that floods the Dordogne
36:37in summer.
36:39But there's still plenty of hard graft ahead.
36:42We're going to make the kitchen slightly bigger.
36:46It's going to come across from where the current kitchen is, across the other side, and down to where this
36:52alcove is.
36:54First job, removing the old wooden plinth that once held a single bed, which needs to make way for kitchen
37:00appliances.
37:01I can't believe they put big nails in this, rather than scrubbing it.
37:07Nothing better than a little bit of demolition.
37:10Gets the heart a go.
37:15But as the panels come up...
37:20Oh, my God!
37:21...something unexpected comes to light.
37:24We have a staircase.
37:27Natasha?
37:30Yes?
37:30Come in here, look.
37:31Look what I found.
37:33You won't believe this.
37:38Wow.
37:39What?
37:40What, we have a hole in the floor?
37:42What is this?
37:42And staircase.
37:45I don't get any ideas.
37:46This is not going to be my new bedroom.
37:50Hidden under the house is a concrete spiral staircase, leading to a mysterious void.
37:56Oh, wow.
37:58You can stand up, Danny.
37:59Oh, wow.
37:59OK, come in.
38:02That's cool.
38:03Wow.
38:05Ever the visionary, Natasha's mind goes straight to the possibilities.
38:09Maybe we can keep cheese here, like Cheddar Gorge or something.
38:14I've got that.
38:16Dordone Gorge.
38:17Custom no gorge.
38:19Yeah.
38:19A wine cellar.
38:20A wine cellar, yeah.
38:21Yeah.
38:22But before she gets too carried away with plans, Tony's quick to point out the practicalities.
38:29We've already put in a kitchen in that's been ordered, that's going to be sitting over this.
38:34It will sit over this.
38:34Unless we do secret wine cellar or something.
38:37Yeah, but you won't be able to access it.
38:39Because this was built on a hill, the void underneath is sloping.
38:44But what it does allow us to do is get any services or anything that you want under the house
38:51and through into the other house.
38:52But the stairs, unfortunately, are going to become redundant.
38:57It's a disappointment for Natasha.
38:59For Tony, it's just another job on the endless to-do list.
39:04I've got to make and prepare it, really, for the new kitchen.
39:07So I'm going to have to put some new beams in, slightly lower down.
39:10Put some insulation in between.
39:12And then put a new timber floor to match this up to where the units will be.
39:18I thought I might find some gold coins, but no, only this plastic one, unfortunately.
39:26A real pot of gold stashed under the floorboards might have been too much to wish for.
39:32Waterhouse.
39:33For now, their fortune rests on getting this sheet finished, booked and earning cash by summer.
39:47Back in Leobana Valley, Greg's debut motorbike tour with Dutch rider Shaq is underway.
39:56After this morning's downpour, the tracks are muddy.
40:00There's some surface water, but they're passable.
40:12Greg makes a quick pit stop to check in with Shaq.
40:18So, how was it?
40:19How was the bike?
40:19Everything comfortable with the pace there?
40:21Yeah, very good.
40:23It's very slippy in places.
40:25There's lots of mud.
40:26But that's okay, because we've got plenty more routes to do.
40:28So it's, yeah.
40:29And the weather has suddenly improved for us.
40:31So perfect.
40:33While Shaq has adapted to the lighter bike, he has found some issues.
40:38I have some complaints about the suspension, but for the rest, it's okay.
40:43Suspension's probably a bit soft on the front and not enough travel.
40:46Yeah.
40:47And the other change I want to make is, obviously, the tyres need to get something a bit more
40:50suitable for the conditions out here.
40:53And his bike hasn't quite stayed in one piece.
40:57One of the rubber pads has come off the foot peg.
41:00So, I proved you don't need them.
41:05You've got good boots, that's the thing.
41:08Nice.
41:12Back on the move, it's not long before there's another issue.
41:16This time with Shaq's brakes.
41:19So, unfortunately, this bike, the switch isn't working on it to disable the ABS.
41:23Yes.
41:23So, this one will have had ABS on it.
41:25So, that might be why it was going clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk.
41:27Yeah.
41:28That's why.
41:28Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned.
41:30I thought you had a flat tyre.
41:32No, no.
41:32So...
41:33What's happening?
41:34Well, you handled it perfectly.
41:37I had to.
41:37I was on my way.
41:41It's been a shaky start, but by the next stop, the bike is behaving and the stunning landscape
41:48has won Shaq over.
41:51I really like it.
41:53In Portugal and in Holland, it's not like this.
41:59What I like about Spain is that you can drive legally in nature.
42:04In Holland, you're not allowed.
42:06And despite the morning's nerves, Greg's feeling positive too.
42:10The trails have dried out.
42:12The last section we did was perfect, I would say.
42:15And looking back in that and seeing you smile is a great feeling.
42:19It feels like, yeah.
42:21It feels like there could actually be a business in this, I hope.
42:27Next on the agenda, Greg has chosen one of his favourite lunch spots
42:31to showcase the local Cantabrian cuisine.
42:36It's nice to stop in little places like this
42:38because we're bringing a little bit of business up to these villages
42:41that people don't normally come to.
42:43Despite some earlier bumps in the road,
42:46Shaq's already planning his next visit.
42:49I definitely will come back.
42:52I can bring some friends here.
42:55I'll be the guy who found it.
42:57Salud.
42:59No alcoholic wine and beer.
43:01Of course.
43:04After their stop to refuel,
43:06it's time to get back on the road for the home stretch.
43:13As Greg's debut tour draws to a close,
43:18while there have been some teething problems,
43:21overall it's a positive first review.
43:26The experience was great.
43:28Nothing more, nothing less. Great.
43:31Greg is a great guy.
43:33He knows a lot about things around, from nature to culture.
43:37Just being yourself for him is okay.
43:39But for the motorbike, it's small, some small things.
43:43But it does small things.
43:45Thank you very much. I've really enjoyed today.
43:47It's been a great day.
43:48And anytime you're back in the area, please give me a call.
43:51I will go for a ride.
43:52Definitely will be back.
43:53Thank you very much.
43:54That's good to hear.
43:55Thank you very much for your patience and all of your feedback.
43:58It's very much appreciated.
43:59With his first bike tour under his belt...
44:02I'm really pleased.
44:03We got some valuable feedback.
44:05I'm excited for the next opportunity.
44:07There, see you. Well done.
44:10Greg now has four days to prepare for his next.
44:13And this time, he's hosting three guests.
44:17That's it, Lucy. Thank you.
44:22Next time, the pressure is on.
44:25The time is ticking there.
44:26I want everything done in two weeks' time.
44:28As Adam and Ali push to open their new show bar.
44:31I just can't wait for all of this to be over.
44:33In northern Spain...
44:35We've got plans for a nine-bedroom bed and breakfast.
44:38Greg and Daisy try to steer clear of the road to nowhere.
44:42The guys we just had today, you know,
44:44I had to send them somewhere else to stay.
44:46And it's frustrating.
44:48And will Tony and Natasha finish their epic renovation in time for summer?
44:53A lot of people think we are either very brave or stupid.
44:59That's it?
45:01We're also havingatha's epic renovation in time.
45:05We are of a great
45:07time of breaking this!
45:08That's all!
45:17I'm really excited!
45:17And we'll be until then,
45:18last week,
45:19we'll go back later.
45:23Bye-bye!
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