BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update

ETTC: Guests reveals which house they liked the most

Escape to the Country's Jules Hudson issued a devastating update when a couple missed out on their dream home. In an emotional episode of the popular BBC programme on Tuesday, Jules assisted a couple in their transition from urban Hove to rural Devon.

Chris, who had worked for an accountancy firm, along with his wife Sarah, an educational consultant, were looking forward to embarking on a rural lifestyle.

Sarah shared her anticipation, remarking: "The thing that excites me about a move to the countryside is the space we are going to have. We'd Ideally like to have a bit of land that's got a cottage on it or an annex for my mum."

The pair, who married in 2016, had a budget of £1.4m to secure a property brimming with charm and ample space. Their criteria included no fewer than four to five bedrooms, expansive kitchen and living areas, and additional room to welcome guests.

A big requirement for them was securing three to four acres of land, an independent annex, and enough seclusion for comfortable living, ideally at the edge of a village yet conveniently within 40 minutes of a railway station, reports WalesOnline.

Escape to the Country's Chris and Sarah lost their dream home (Image: BBC)

Recognising the magnitude of the task before him, Jules noted: "Now this move isn't just about Chris and Sarah. There are two generations hoping to make the move with them.

"Toni, Sarah's mum, who's looking for a genuine sense of independence and Chris' son Harry, who is also looking to make Devon his new home when he comes but I'm confident we can find their ideal property to escape to."

Jules prepared a series of property viewings, yet it was a splendid home positioned just outside Bampton that truly captivated the buyers.

Host Jules Hudson with Chris and Sarah (Image: BBC)

Having once been divided into three cottages, this expansive residence now offered an extraordinary single dwelling. Chris and Sarah found themselves utterly enchanted, discovering it had all they desired at a striking £1.25m even coming in under budget.

This remarkable abode boasted substantial features including a vast kitchen/diner, five reception areas, six bedrooms, nine acres of land, as well as luxury extras like a swimming pool, tennis court, and various outbuildings with annex potential, perfect for Sarah's mother.

Sarah was quick to express her awe: "If this is the first property, I'm not sure how much better things can get."

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240813.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

To which Chris echoed her enthusiasm, remarking: "The house just ticked my boxes, really. I love what I've seen in the house, especially the space, and the opportunity it gives to change things and the icing on the cake is everything that surrounds it."

In a twist of fate, the story took a turn as Chris and Sarah declared the initial property their favoured choice. Sadly, their search for a Devon retreat concluded differently as anticipated when Jules had to break the news that their dream property had already been snapped up.

Addressing the audience, Jules revealed: "Sarah and Chris were very keen to see the first house again but unfortunately it was snapped up before they had the chance. They do have their eye on another property in Devon and we wish them the very best of luck securing it."

Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One

BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update

BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update

BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update

BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update

BBC Escape to the Country upset as Jules Hudson issues dream home update