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A New Life in the Sun - Season 11 - Episode 28
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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.
00:16This 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...
00:24...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.
00:34But 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 still 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.
01:01Today...
01:03...an outdoor enthusiast from Lancashire
01:06is test-driving her new business in Bulgaria.
01:10It feels fast already.
01:12Can 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.
01:21In France...
01:23Complete mess!
01:26...novice 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, it's 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.
01:49Everybody that walks through the door will get a free glass
01:53of Dom Perignon champagne.
01:57Maybe not Dom Perignon.
01:59Can bubbles tempt students to sign up to their art classes?
02:03It'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,
02:20wide-open skies and a taste for adventure.
02:24Alpine pastures give way to dramatic peaks,
02:27a natural playground for thrill-seekers
02:30and nature lovers to 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
02:51from Lancashire to settle here permanently in 2024.
02:56The community here is really welcoming.
02:59It's a lovely place to live and 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,
03:16she's in the process of turning it into a nine-bedroom chalet-style hotel.
03:21And Victoria is hoping her previous experience in hospitality will make the business a success.
03:30I'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,
03:41this is nice. I'm comfortable here.
03:44I want them to want to stay.
03:48It's now early July and Victoria is continuing with her renovations
03:52to transform the property from concrete block to cosy alpine getaway.
03:58Eight out of the nine bedrooms are now nearing completion
04:02and a landmark moment is looming.
04:04So 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.
04:23And so we'll do a bit of off-roading.
04:25And the following day, we're looking at yoga, going for a run.
04:29But then I'm going to treat them, I'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 when it comes to the comfort of her guests.
04:44It's going to pin out, isn't it?
04:46Oh!
04:50There we go.
04:53Yes, better.
04:54Mattress that fits the bed.
04:56It's a good start.
04:59With feedback expected from the test guests
05:01on the retreat activities,
05:04Mum Jeanette is rooting for good reviews on the accommodation front as well.
05:08I think they'll be pleasantly surprised.
05:13You know, I don't know whether they know what to expect,
05:17but hopefully they'll think it's all lovely
05:21and Victoria's doing a good job.
05:24Having concentrated her efforts on finishing the bedrooms,
05:27it'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, but we, well, 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.
05:55They 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, I 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 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, I 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.
07:19While the tipples and the nibbles were one of the reasons
07:22Kevin Toney decided to move here...
07:25Cheers, hon.
07:26..it was the chance to start a business together,
07:29running art classes, that really sealed the deal.
07:33We work as a team, which is what we wanted to do,
07:36living together and work together, and it works well.
07:40After starting small classes in their barn at home
07:44in the small village of Millie...
07:46This is next week's soup.
07:49It's coming on very well, isn't it?
07:50..they'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
07:59and their dream life in France alive.
08:02Without Toney's organisational abilities, this would never have worked.
08:05Without her amazing cake-making abilities, this would never have worked.
08:09Have I got any strengths?
08:12Erm...
08:12No? Can't think of any?
08:15Can we just scrub that bit then?
08:18It's July, and with three new venues under their belt,
08:22Kev and Toney are beginning to put their art group on the map.
08:26Woo-hoo!
08:28Today they've organised another event,
08:30which 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
08:39in the tea room at La Patisse at Landivy.
08:43It's the first time we've done this.
08:44Just 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,
08:57so 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.
09:29Sorry, Christelle, yeah.
09:31And there's canapes.
09:32Made by John.
09:38Within minutes of the doors opening,
09:41there's a bit of a buzz about the place.
09:43Oh, champagne, champagne.
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 random public people
09:54to come along.
09:55It's great to see all the painters, or some of the painters,
09:57but we need a few of the public to come.
10:01Which I'm sure they will do.
10:05Welcome, welcome.
10:07Thank you for coming.
10:07Excellent.
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.
10:20Right, okay.
10:21The three-hour sessions are €22.
10:24The sessions here are two hours, they're €15.
10:28And that's everything you need included.
10:32We come into the Thursday class.
10:35I'm going to try oils, hopefully.
10:38See how I get on.
10:40Yeah, we've signed up.
10:44Three 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,
11:00and the champagne.
11:01So everybody's done really well, I think.
11:03You've got a sale.
11:04With a few more sales...
11:07I've just bought this lovely picture of sheep,
11:10which will just go perfectly in my house.
11:12..and sign-ups during the afternoon.
11:16The event has been a resounding success.
11:18Not 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.
11:28We've got some new customers, sold some paintings.
11:31We've achieved everything we wanted to achieve.
11:38Coming 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 hosts step up to the challenge?
11:55There is a lot to do.
11:56And it's a big day for Victoria.
11:59That's it, yeah, nearly ready.
12:01Will her first retreat run smoothly?
12:04I'm hoping to get some good feedback from the girls
12:07or maybe, you know, try not to squeeze too much into one day.
12:21While some dream of spending their retirement in the sun,
12:25others choose not to wait that long,
12:27leaving city commutes for a gentler pace of life
12:30in the perfect location.
12:33Around here is really nice.
12:34They call it the kind of the Tuscany of France
12:37because it's got those rolling hills and obviously all of the...
12:40Vineyards.
12:41Yeah, and the vineyards and stuff.
12:44Yeah, it's really nice.
12:45Making a permanent move to Gascony was a clear choice
12:49for childhood sweethearts Adrian and Serena
12:52and their two children, Marlo and Otis.
12:57The kids, they get to run around.
12:59The lifestyle. The outside.
13:00They're living, like, their best life.
13:02So I don't regret it at all, but 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
13:17that will fund their new life here.
13:20I think financially...
13:21Don't want to think about it.
13:23A lot, yeah.
13:25Financially, we've put everything into this, to be honest.
13:27Everything that we do and don't have.
13:29Yeah.
13:29With a two-bedroom jeet in the grounds already renovated
13:33and 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.
13:56It's July, and Serena and Adrian are hard at work on the chateau.
14:01But high temperatures have been working against them.
14:05With 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.
14:26With guests in the jeet,
14:27the 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.
14:41We definitely consider coming back here.
14:43The whole property is 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.
14:58Follow me.
14:59Right, so very much work in progress.
15:01Ignore the rubbish, but yeah.
15:04This is one of the spaces that we'll be working on soon.
15:08So cool.
15:09The floors are so...
15:11Yeah.
15:14So come and have a look through here.
15:16Next door is what Serena hopes
15:17will one day be the building's biggest selling point.
15:20You 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 could.
15:39Love that.
15:40Do you accept 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
16:04with the guests on site.
16:06So we're seizing the opportunity but obviously it's raining.
16:10It's not ideal.
16:14But every second they can snatch for work on the chateau
16:17is desperately needed as they've taken their first booking for August.
16:21We've got less than two weeks to basically get the whole of the floor
16:25down here and upstairs decorated and furnished
16:29and actually just clean.
16:30Like the whole clean down is going to take us probably quite a while.
16:35Couple 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.
16:43And 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.
16:56With all the constraints and a hard deadline coming up,
17:00they'll need to keep pushing to get to the finish line.
17:08In Bulgaria, preparations are at an end for Victoria.
17:12And her three fully finished bedrooms are ready to receive guests
17:17for her very first three-day retreat.
17:20So the girls are on their way.
17:23They're arriving in about half an hour-ish.
17:27Yeah, my three test guests.
17:29I'm hoping to get some good feedback from the girls
17:32so they can say, oh, maybe we should have done, like,
17:34the pools after we've been for the hike
17:37or maybe, you know, try not to squeeze too much into one day.
17:41So that will be really helpful.
17:43There's a full programme of events planned for Victoria's test guests.
17:48And although parts of the hotel remain unfinished,
17:52she's not overlooked the smaller details.
17:55That's it, yeah, nearly ready.
17:58So, she's got some watermelon and a little bit of cake.
18:02The retreat has been months in the planning.
18:05I think they're here.
18:07And Victoria can finally welcome Jinty, Chantal and Hayley,
18:13friends from her old running club back in the UK.
18:16Good, hi!
18:22It's the first time the communal areas have been dressed for guests.
18:26So this is the, um, temporary lounge that we've sort of...
18:29Temporary. Yeah, so it'll be a bit...
18:30So we haven't got light fittings in here yet or anything.
18:33But it will be the lounge. This is the lounge, yeah.
18:35So it'll be a bit different. Next time you come, it'll be different.
18:37The finished bedrooms are also making a good impression.
18:44But with only three to choose from, they're going to leave it to luck to divvy them up.
18:49Taint in the hat.
18:50Taint in the hat.
19:04Taint in the hat, okay.
19:08Yeah, 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, so that's amazing.
19:18Occupants decided and settled in, the reviews are glowing.
19:21I mean, it's great. I mean, I managed to get the full post of bed somehow.
19:27So, um, and it's really light and airy.
19:31Um, bed's actually really comfortable now, so I've sat on it.
19:34And I have a lovely balcony. Yeah, it feels really homely.
19:39The bedrooms are definitely ticking boxes.
19:42But a big part of Victoria's business will be adventure holidays and retreats.
19:48The first activity on the agenda is a unique open-top tour of the national park,
19:54given by friend Philip in his Russian military jeep.
19:57Right, I'll do a safety talk first.
20:00Yes.
20:03So, there's different ways of getting into the jeep.
20:06You can use the door.
20:08The other way of getting in the jeep is the more military way.
20:10You can just climb in the back.
20:12And to exit the vehicle, then you just grab the vehicle.
20:18It's a good job the guests are athletic types.
20:21And after a rigorous safety briefing, it's time to hit the road.
20:29It feels fast already.
20:33As they navigate the foothills of the Pirin Mountains,
20:36it looks like it's going to be a wild ride.
20:46Taking in local churches and the rugged beauty of the national park,
20:51the last stop on the tour is a spectacular sunset,
20:54making the bumpy journey all worthwhile.
21:00Oh, it's fab, isn't it?
21:02Really fantastic to be out here amongst all the trees with the fabulous scenery and the sunset.
21:10As the sun sets, it's all downhill to their final destination.
21:26So, ladies, this is the end of your tour.
21:29How are you doing?
21:33And a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate a successful first event.
21:38Cheers, everybody!
21:40Cheers!
21:45Having started on such a high, can tomorrow's itinerary keep up the pace?
21:54Coming up...
21:56We are a little stressed.
21:58A new location and changeable weather are testing the limits of Tony and Kev's talents.
22:03Now the sun is out, they'll all want to go outside now.
22:07But never mind. Calm.
22:10And Adrian and Serena's schedule is unravelling.
22:13There was definitely a better way to do that.
22:16And the jobs list isn't getting any shorter.
22:19Big clean down, get everything set.
22:21And then it's bed making and...
22:23Breakfast.
22:24Yeah, oh, yeah.
22:26Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.
22:38Over in Normandy, Tony and Kev have now branched out into several new venues.
22:44And bookings for their classes are on the up.
22:47Today, they're embarking on their biggest venture yet.
22:51Today, we're at the Mont Saint-Michel, the second most popular tourist attraction in France.
22:56And we're going to be doing an art class.
22:57And there's going to be quite a few of us painting it.
23:02We've been incredibly stressed about it because 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 and we are a little stressed.
23:20Perched like a fairytale castle rising from the sea,
23:24Mont Saint-Michel is a dream subject for any artist.
23:28And Kev had planned to hold his class outdoors.
23:32But with drizzle already in the air,
23:34they're now hoping to use an upstairs room in the cafe where they'll be having lunch.
23:41This is still part of the restaurant, but apparently it's very rarely used.
23:45We have the use of this, we have the use of the tables.
23:49And that's the view.
23:53Decision made.
23:55OK, we're now going indoor painting.
23:58But the last minute change of location...
24:01I'm too old for this.
24:02..has left them pushed for time.
24:08And they're still setting up...
24:10Isabel, hello, how are you? Are you all right? Are you well?
24:12..when the painters arrive.
24:14Don't go in empty handed, there you go.
24:17..with Tony at the helm...
24:19Up the stairs, first door on the right.
24:21..it doesn't take them long to get everything into place.
24:24OK.
24:26..and just as the students are cosy inside,
24:29the weather takes a turn for the better.
24:31OK, so let's get started.
24:33We've done it.
24:35Got them all settled, they're all painting.
24:37Now the sun is out, they'll all want to go outside now.
24:41But never mind.
24:42It's all fine.
24:44Calm.
24:49Kev's helpful hints and gentle guidance
24:52are 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.
25:05But will Kevin Tony's class be seen as a masterpiece?
25:09It's very relaxing, very enjoyable.
25:12Kevin is so nice.
25:14And he's also very calm.
25:16Because I'm a stressful person and he's bringing his calmness to me.
25:20It's been fun, really fun.
25:22And it's not just about the painting.
25:25I think it's about the therapy, it's about the fellowship.
25:28It's about all chatting with people that you don't know.
25:31Kevin and Tony that put these things together.
25:35Fabulous.
25:35My 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.
25:46As they look back on the last 12 months,
25:49Kevin and Tony have achieved everything they set out to do.
25:53We've had a really good season, haven't we?
25:55Brilliant, yeah.
25:55Yeah.
25:56Very good.
25:57So, you know, best season, best season ever.
26:00It's just nice to get out to other places, isn't it?
26:03A 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?
26:14But we've done well on them and I think it's been very successful on those.
26:20By offering classes in local villages and raising their profile at the surrounding markets,
26:26they've put their business on a much more sound financial footing.
26:30I think financially we're fine, you know, everything's covered.
26:34And as long as you're happy living this life, simple 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.
26:55It'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.
27:13Almost 500 miles further south at Adrian and Serena's chateau, it's August,
27:19and they're hoping to make light work of a heavy workload.
27:23I think what we're thinking is plug in each side up the gutter and 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 till they actually check in.
27:47So really, we're not going to be wanting to do anything on the actual day that they're checking in,
27:51apart 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.
28:07There was definitely a better way to do that.
28:10With so much on the to-do list, they've enlisted Serena's brother Kesta to help,
28:15and 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 a little bit of colour.
28:30With 17 rooms in the chateau, there are lighting projects aplenty,
28:35and none within easy reach.
28:40Do you need another hook or something?
28:42No, I should be okay. It's just because it's twisted.
28:46Having failed to pass muster in the breakfast room,
28:50Serena's upcycled chandelier has been given a second chance in one of the turrets.
28:54But has it found a permanent home?
29:02I know what you want me to say!
29:04No, actually, I probably do agree with you, I think.
29:07For once.
29:10It probably just needs to come out a little bit down.
29:12It needs to come down a little bit.
29:12Yeah, okay.
29:13It just feels like it's like right up inside.
29:15But like this much?
29:18Wait, is that the only amount of cable?
29:19No, but it's just the perfect size, because it's already cut.
29:22Choosing fixtures and fittings that can make an impact against the vast backdrop of the chateau is a big ask.
29:29Right.
29:30Are we ready?
29:33Yeah.
29:34Yeah?
29:35Okay, just let go now.
29:40Oh, yeah!
29:43But illumination is the least of their problems, considering 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, we've got something to go on the wall here, and then really cleaning
29:58and setting out the space so guests can have their breakfast.
30:02The grand salon will be closed off, so we're going to have no access in here, but obviously it's a
30:08complete mess.
30:09We need to clear everything out into the barns and then just make sure this is a, yeah, a respectful
30:14space.
30:14And all of these windows need to be cleaned as well.
30:18Not to mention finishing and dressing the two bedrooms upstairs.
30:23I'm most concerned about the fact that this is the first time we've had guests staying in these spaces.
30:28Unlike the cottage, we had a lot more time and we were very considerate in having other, like, friends and
30:33family come and stay, soft launch.
30:36Trying out the spaces before we actually launched with real paying guests.
30:39We have not had any of that here.
30:41So we've not had the time and we, yeah, that's how it is.
30:44So we are literally going straight in.
30:46So that is my biggest concern and to be honest, like, is giving me quite a lot of anxiety right
30:51now.
30:53In the turret, there's been a change of plan.
30:57It was wasting too much time.
30:58We're up against it.
31:00So we decided to put it as was and then we'll come back and modify it later when we've got
31:05time,
31:05because we've got a million jobs and there's no point wasting any more time doing this and running out of
31:11time with other stuff.
31:15With time running out, it's a scramble to get as many jobs ticked off the list as possible.
31:21And by 5pm, it looks like progress has been made.
31:26Feeling positive, right?
31:27Well, better.
31:28I'm feeling better than I was feeling this morning.
31:30I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and a bit anxious.
31:32So I'm still not underestimating how much we have to do.
31:35Big clean down.
31:37And then Sunday, we're going to clear all the rubbish out there, get everything set.
31:41And then there's a few, obviously, little fixing jobs, like putting up pictures and stuff like that.
31:45And then it's bed making and...
31:47Bed making, linen.
31:49All the pretty stuff.
31:50Breakfast.
31:51Yeah.
31:52Oh, yeah.
31:52Sorry, I should have said that.
31:55It's getting worse.
31:56I'm going back to that state of anxiety from this morning.
31:59She started crying.
32:02With less than a week to go until the guests arrive, can they transform building site chaos to boutique accommodation?
32:15Coming up, Victoria's retreat is an uphill struggle.
32:19It is pretty hot.
32:20I've made them do the hard work so they can enjoy themselves now a little bit.
32:24Will her guests embrace the pace?
32:27Bear, you never know what you're getting when you come to visit Victoria.
32:31It's always an adventure.
32:33And in France...
32:34Oh, I see what you mean. That is a bit dangerous.
32:36With a few hours to go until their first check-in, Adrian and Serena are still working out the basics.
32:44What a silly design!
32:45You can just pour like that.
32:57In Bulgaria, with well-rested guests, it's time for Victoria and her friends to tackle day two of her test
33:05retreat.
33:07We've had our breakfast.
33:09Everybody's fuelled up and ready to go.
33:12And we're going to go off for sort of a 10, 12k run.
33:15And we're going to finish the run and do some yoga.
33:18There's some nice wooden platforms there in the shade.
33:21And after that, we're going to head over to the Thermal Mineral Springs and go for a swim.
33:27Have a nice relaxing afternoon by the swimming pool.
33:31After an all-important warm-up...
33:33Oh, the star jumps. Yeah!
33:35Look at the heart rate going.
33:37..it's time to hit the road.
33:39Watch. Watch.
33:45And they're soon at the foot of the mountain with a big climb ahead.
33:51Victoria's keen to trial the route in order to offer it to guests in the future.
33:55But although her friends are experienced trail runners, the 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. We've done a bit of walking on the really steep bits.
34:10But now we've gone 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...
34:19Made it!
34:21Well done!
34:24There's a mixture of achievement and relief that the run is at an end.
34:29You never know what you're getting when you come to visit Victoria.
34:33It's like an adventure.
34:35It's always an adventure.
34:39After a strenuous morning, it's time to take the weight off their feet.
34:43Everybody ready for a bit of yoga?
34:45A 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.
35:01Wiggle your toes.
35:04With six years' experience as an instructor in the UK,
35:08Victoria knows how best to help recover any aching muscles.
35:13And a comfortable position.
35:17As you start to slowly wake up.
35:24So 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, it's just,
35:49yeah, you could just look up and do nothing and you'd be happy.
35:54It's gorgeous.
35:57As a further reward for their exertions, Victoria is taking them 10 minutes down the road to some hot thermal
36:05springs, said 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, lovely way to end the day.
36:27It's the end of an action-packed stay for Victoria's guests.
36:31And after three days in Bansko, it's time to return to the UK.
36:36This morning, everybody's just having a chilled out morning, getting packed up, getting ready to go.
36:42So, no activities this morning, no challenges.
36:46Having her friends over for a trial run has been invaluable and their reaction has been very positive.
36:54Oh, it's been wonderful.
36:56Really, really lovely.
36:58Tiring, but exhilarating and just such fun.
37:03Time has flown so quickly since we've arrived.
37:06We're coming back.
37:08That's a, absolutely, certainly, we'll be back.
37:13With the short stay at an end...
37:15Have a safe trip.
37:18Thank you for everything.
37:18Thank you so much for coming.
37:20..it's an emotional goodbye for the old friends.
37:24Aw.
37:25It's really sad to see them go.
37:26I'm going to be all lonely now.
37:28That's it.
37:29I'm like, no, what am I going to do?
37:33Having navigated a tricky renovation,
37:36and now with a successful retreat behind her,
37:39Victoria 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,
37:56but when I look back to where we were at the start of summer,
37:59to where we are now, the end is definitely inside.
38:03Finishing work on the hotel is a must,
38:06but a big part of the business plan will be the activity holidays
38:09that Victoria will tailor to guests.
38:12I'm really looking forward to actually being able to open,
38:16and having the test retreat made me...
38:20..also gave me the opportunity to get into my head
38:23how it'll work and things.
38:25We can do activities, but, you know,
38:27Band School also offers a lot of relaxation and some good food.
38:31So if people are sort of more into the wine tasting and hiking,
38:35we can do that.
38:36I think we've got a lot of different opportunities there.
38:40Having invested so much in her new life here,
38:43Victoria's banking on Bulgaria being for keeps.
38:47For me, Bulgaria's a really lovely place for me to be,
38:52and it feels like I've come home.
38:54So I'm not going to be an overnight millionaire,
38:56but I need to keep playing the lottery.
39:13Back in France, opening day for Adrian and Serena is imminent.
39:18Today we have first guests checking into the chateau.
39:23So it's a big moment, lots of work to get here.
39:26Feeling pretty tired.
39:28With their guests not due to check in until 10pm,
39:31there's time for last-minute prep and last-minute nerves.
39:36So there's still lots of things
39:37that we could either have not thought about that goes wrong.
39:41You know, we're operating in a really old building,
39:44so these things are inevitable.
39:46So that's my biggest, biggest worry.
39:48But what can you do?
39:50While they've been hosting guests
39:53in the self-catering cottage for weeks now,
39:55this is the first time they'll be serving breakfasts.
39:58We're still trying to work that one out,
40:00how we do the breakfast.
40:02We'll probably put a few things up here
40:04that are communal to share,
40:06you know, individual croissants, bread and things.
40:08That's what we've decided.
40:10I don't know.
40:11We're learning.
40:12We've never done this before.
40:13We're making it up as we go along.
40:14So we'll see.
40:17Opening the chateau means exposing
40:19parts of the grounds previously unseen by guests.
40:22And Adrian is mindful that they look their best.
40:26It's one of those things we never come round here.
40:28That often.
40:29Well, we haven't been until recently,
40:31so you kind of forget about it.
40:34Hence it's so dirty.
40:36I want to try and get it looking nice.
40:41And 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,
40:51kettle for the room,
40:53salt and pepper for breakfast,
40:55little salt and pepper mills.
40:56Oh, yeah.
40:59Last minute, Larry.
41:01To make sure they get the chateau over the line,
41:04Serena's brother Kester is handling some of the cleaning.
41:07And four-year-old Otis is keen to pitch in.
41:12Have you...
41:13Have you...
41:13Do you want to help me?
41:15Would you like to do some...
41:16You said you were going to help me.
41:17Yeah, I have to.
41:18Yeah.
41:19Do you want to help me do this, Otis?
41:21I want to do the breakfast too.
41:23So, you put one flavour in there.
41:26Yeah.
41:26And it goes like...
41:27Like that.
41:29Yeah, you can fill it up to the top.
41:31Is that enough of coffee?
41:33I think go as high as you can.
41:34Like up to...
41:35Like there.
41:36One more.
41:37That's it.
41:37That's perfect.
41:41Don't you?
41:42Yeah.
41:43Oh.
41:44OK.
41:45In addition to a selection of tea and coffee in the breakfast room,
41:49each of the bedrooms will have its own hot drink station.
41:53But there's a snag.
41:55I see what you mean.
41:56That is a bit dangerous.
41:57That kettle is like right on the edge.
41:59The 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.
42:11OK, so they both work.
42:13Kind of.
42:14You can just pour like that.
42:17But there's a bigger problem that needs fixing fast.
42:22Yeah.
42:24Yeah.
42:25What would you do if I could do for me?
42:26I could put a little tiny little nail or screw up in there
42:30and then it won't fall forward.
42:31I think it's going to be better than having nothing.
42:36So it's Adrian and Otis to the rescue.
42:40This way.
42:41You can't do that.
42:43No, you can't jump on the deck.
42:46Can I help you do this?
42:48Yeah.
42:48You already can't take it out.
42:51Hang on.
42:54It's much easier if you do a hole.
42:58Yeah.
42:59You do holes by itself and then you put the screw in.
43:05You're not wrong.
43:11By 5pm, the to-do list has finally been conquered.
43:19Super.
43:22It's been a lot of late nights.
43:24Early mornings.
43:26Feeling absolutely knackered.
43:27And now we have to host our first guests.
43:29Yeah, no, it's great.
43:30This is a good moment, but...
43:32It's a big moment, right?
43:34Yeah.
43:35Really big.
43:35A 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 about that.
43:45But full 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
43:55feel 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.
44:01Get through the first few nights of having people.
44:05Yeah, the breakfast format is new.
44:05Had before, like doing the breakfast and like having people checking in room by room.
44:10We've never had that before.
44:12Yeah.
44:12We're literally learning as we do.
44:21Next time, Jim and Sally are taking on Transylvanian tourism.
44:26One of the reasons we started doing jam was because there were no gifts other than a
44:31Dracula t-shirt or a Dracula mug.
44:33Can Adrian and Serena battle the elements in France?
44:37The weather's coming in.
44:39I think I'm making the decision closed trotting, 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.
44:50When I first landed here sort of four years ago, there was no boxing clubs.
44:53There's a lot of MMA clubs, kickboxing clubs, but no actual academies.
44:57So I thought there's an opening here.
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