A New Life in the Sun

The documentary tracks British expatriates as they launch new enterprises in Spain and France.

The documentary tracks British expatriates as they launch new enterprises in Spain and France.

Victoria, an avid outdoorswoman, is spearheading the construction of an alpine‑style hotel nestled in the Bulgarian mountains. Her project centres on creating a new hospitality venue that blends the rugged landscape with modern comforts. Meanwhile, in France, childhood sweethearts Adrian and Serena have taken on a massive chateau renovation, overseeing the restoration of the historic estate on a grand scale. Both ventures demand careful planning, a hands‑on approach and a vision to navigate the logistical challenges of building in remote or historic settings. The projects also test their ability to manage teams, source materials and meet deadlines.

The inexperienced presenters Adrian and Serena find themselves scrambling to balance the hectic turnover days with ongoing work on the chateau. As they try to keep everything on schedule, a shortage of essential equipment looms, putting Kev and Tonia's travelling art lessons in jeopardy. Their attempts to coordinate the changeovers while overseeing the refurbishment create a constant tug‑of‑war, and the missing gear threatens to derail the mobile classes that Kev and Tonia run. Both pairs are forced to navigate these overlapping challenges, hoping to prevent the disruption from spoiling the programme's progress. Meanwhile, the pressure mounts as deadlines draw nearer, leaving little room for error. It's clear that every decision counts.

The documentary tracks British expatriates as they launch new enterprises in Spain and France.

The inexperienced presenters Adrian and Serena find themselves scrambling to balance the hectic turnover days with ongoing work on the chateau. As they try to keep everything on schedule, a shortage of essential equipment looms, putting Kev and Tonia's travelling art lessons in jeopardy. Their attempts to coordinate the changeovers while overseeing the refurbishment create a constant tug‑of‑war, and the missing gear threatens to derail the mobile classes that Kev and Tonia run. Both pairs are forced to navigate these overlapping challenges, hoping to prevent the disruption from spoiling the programme's progress. Meanwhile, the pressure mounts as deadlines draw nearer, leaving little room for error. It's clear that every decision counts.

A group of guests is scheduled to arrive at Victoria’s hotel in Bulgaria for a trial run, putting the establishment under a tight deadline. The team hopes the test will highlight any shortcomings before the official launch, but the looming arrival adds a palpable sense of urgency. Staff are busy rehearsing service routines to ensure everything runs smoothly. Meanwhile, at the French chateau owned by Adrian and Serena, the pressure is mounting as they’re far from ready to welcome visitors. Every delay compounds their anxiety, and the prospect of opening the doors remains a distant goal as they scramble to resolve outstanding issues. The staff are working around the clock.

A group of guests is scheduled to arrive at Victoria’s hotel in Bulgaria for a trial run, putting the establishment under a tight deadline. The team hopes the test will highlight any shortcomings before the official launch, but the looming arrival adds a palpable sense of urgency. Staff are busy rehearsing service routines to ensure everything runs smoothly. Meanwhile, at the French chateau owned by Adrian and Serena, the pressure is mounting as they’re far from ready to welcome visitors. Every delay compounds their anxiety, and the prospect of opening the doors remains a distant goal as they scramble to resolve outstanding issues. The staff are working around the clock.

In Romania, a couple are counting on their food venture to act as a magnet for tourists, hoping the enterprise will lift visitor numbers and give the local area a boost. They're hoping the food business will attract more visitors, increasing the flow of tourists to the area and showcasing local hospitality. Across the border in France, the hosts are scrambling to ready everything for a sudden, last‑minute reservation, racing against the clock to ensure everything is in place. However, looming weather conditions threaten to mar the guests' first impressions, putting pressure on the team to deliver despite the elements, and keep the experience pleasant.

In Romania, a couple are counting on their food venture to act as a magnet for tourists, hoping the enterprise will lift visitor numbers and give the local area a boost. They're hoping the food business will attract more visitors, increasing the flow of tourists to the area and showcasing local hospitality. Across the border in France, the hosts are scrambling to ready everything for a sudden, last‑minute reservation, racing against the clock to ensure everything is in place. However, looming weather conditions threaten to mar the guests' first impressions, putting pressure on the team to deliver despite the elements, and keep the experience pleasant.

In Romania, Jim and Sally are working on a new cordial recipe, hoping it will win over the locals with its flavour. Their aim is to create something that will stand out and make a good impression on the community they’re visiting. Meanwhile, in France, Adrian and Serena are racing against a tight deadline as they put the finishing touches on their chateau. They too are eager for their efforts to be well‑received, hoping the estate will leave a lasting impression on those who see it. Both pairs are focused on impressing the people around them through their respective projects.

In Romania, Jim and Sally are working on a new cordial recipe, hoping it will win over the locals with its flavour. Their aim is to create something that will stand out and make a good impression on the community they’re visiting. Meanwhile, in France, Adrian and Serena are racing against a tight deadline as they put the finishing touches on their chateau. They too are eager for their efforts to be well‑received, hoping the estate will leave a lasting impression on those who see it. Both pairs are focused on impressing the people around them through their respective projects.