Best friends Nikki and Helen from Warwickshire left A Place in the Sun host Leah Charles-King feeling disappointed after they dismissed a property within minutes of viewing it. The episode, which aired on Monday, June 22, followed the pair as they searched for a holiday home in Costa de la Luz, Andalucia, with a budget of £150,000.
Dream home search turns sour
Nikki and Helen, who had never visited the area before, were looking for a three-bedroom property with at least two bathrooms and outdoor space for socializing. They wanted a home with “something with soul” that would allow them to immerse themselves in Andalusian culture year-round, with Nikki already having sold her UK home. However, when Leah showed them their first option—a four-bedroom house with a traditional feel and a courtyard garden, priced at just under £166,000—the pair immediately rejected it.
“This is not really the location we were looking for,” they told Leah while standing outside. Helen added, “It’s not for me,” comparing the property to a “holiday complex.” Leah tried to persuade them, saying, “Let’s see if we can change your mind on the inside, but if nothing else, at least it’s a great exercise for me to see what you really don’t like.” However, Nikki and Helen remained firm: “It’s not what we’re looking for, it hasn’t got the feel at all.”
Leah’s disappointment
When Leah asked if they wanted to see the rest of the property, they both said no. “I’m sorry you’re disappointed in this, but on the positive side, at least I know what you’re really into,” Leah said. Speaking to the camera, she added: “I’ve had worst starts to house hunts… no scratch that, I actually don’t think I have. But to be fair, I’m a bit disappointed as I thought that this house offered Nikki and Helen loads of charm and space in a great location. But they weren’t keen on it, pretty much on the get go, so we move onwards and upwards.”
No deal despite offer
Despite viewing other properties, Nikki and Helen did not manage to secure a holiday home during the show. They made one offer of £168,000 on a property they hoped to modernize, but the owners refused to sell for less than £176,784. “We couldn’t, it’s way over our budget,” they admitted. They vowed to continue their search within their budget, while Leah said: “We were so close to finding that dream home for besties Helen and Nikki. But sadly on this occasion, it just wasn’t to be. The good news though is that they found a part of Spain they’ve fallen in love with and I wish them all the very best on their continued search.” A Place in the Sun airs weekdays at 3pm on Channel 4.
