During a repeat episode of A Place in the Sun, aired on Tuesday, August 18, presenter Ben Hillman helped Luton couple Mandy and Mick search for a permanent home in Costa Blanca, Spain. The pair, who had been together for four years and were engaged at the time of filming, had actually met 40 years earlier, having grown up together, with Mandy being best friends with Mick’s sister.
Emotional Reactions to Properties
Mandy described their relationship as being “two peas in a pod,” while Mick noted they had lost time apart. “The four years we’ve had so far have been absolutely fantastic, and if I could have another 24-30 years of that, I’ll be absolutely ecstatic,” he said. Ben told them, “This is your forever,” and Mandy confirmed, “It is, it will be.”
They were searching for a detached villa with its own pool and plenty of outdoor space for hosting friends and family, with a budget of £240,000. Mick expressed a desire for “nightlife, bars, restaurants,” while Mandy said she didn’t mind being further from the beach but wanted their own pool. “I don’t want to be knocking walls down but I don’t mind painting walls,” she added.
During the search, Mandy was reduced to tears at one point, telling Ben, “It’s not very often that I go speechless, but wow.”
Finding the Right Property
Although their third property had been a favourite at the time, Ben promised to fulfil their dreams with a third bedroom. He said, “It has been very hard to find, but I have found one,” adding, “It’s one of those days where each property surpasses the last.”
Despite their emotional reaction to an earlier property, it was the fifth one they saw that led Mandy and Mick to put in an offer. Ben commented, “This is a huge step forward for you guys,” and Mandy replied, “It really is, and it’s just finding that right one for the permanent home.”
Negotiation and Celebration
They offered £222,500, with plans to upgrade the bathrooms and convert one of the three bedrooms. Mandy said, “I am nervous, but having said that, I’m still confident and positive,” speaking about the low offer. After negotiation, they settled on a counter-offer of £224,000 and finished the episode celebrating their deal.
“What a result!” Ben said, as Mandy wiped away tears of joy, and he added, “I’m so unbelievably chuffed for you both.” A Place in the Sun is available to watch on Channel 4.
