Escape to the Country couple left speechless as host makes surprising confession

Escape to the Countryside couple were left gobsmacked as host Alistair Appleton dropped a bombshell about the price of a mystery property.

In Tuesday's episode of the beloved BBC programme, Alistair Appleton was on a quest to assist an artistic couple in their ambitious move from Lewes, East Sussex to the Scottish Highlands.

Sustainability consultant Oliver and his wife Maia had their hearts set on launching their own Music Festival amidst the mountains, given their lives are deeply rooted in the creative arts.

The pair, who jointly run a modest music-promotion business, confessed that they are gradually running out of room in their current residence and have resorted to using their garden shed as a makeshift office.

The duo had earmarked £450,000 for a spacious property. They were hunting for at least four bedrooms to accommodate family and bands, along with space for an art workshop and recording studio, reports Wales Online.

It was also crucial for them to be within an hour's drive of Inverness, and Oliver expressed a desire to be near water.

Maia added: "Inverness has really strong travel links, Which is important not only for the bands but also because we have five children between us and we'd love it if they could just pop up for a weekend."

Alistair arranged several property viewings, but one home, situated in Golspie, Highlands, piqued the couple's interest when they discovered its staggering price.

The couple were in search of the quintessential Scottish cottage and stumbled upon a gem nearly two centuries old, recently renovated and brimming with desired features.

Boasting four generous bedrooms, additional outbuildings perfect for art endeavours, and sprawling across 2 acres of land, the 19th-century abode seemed to tick all the boxes. Alistair, filled with optimism, remarked: "I think this is going to be a great contender because it's so warm and has lots of beautiful woodwork and I think it does give them enough room."

He noted a slight compromise, saying: "This location is outside their preferred search area but it gives them the most amount of land that they are looking for."

As anticipated, the property left the couple utterly impressed, with every nook and cranny aligning with their wishes.

Curious about their valuation, Alistair queried: "What do you think it's on the market for, what do you think the price is? " Maia ventured: "Uh, offers over £445,000? " while Oliver estimated: "I'd probably go £420,000? ".

Following their speculation on the asking price, Alistair revealed the truth: "You're both wrong."

He elaborated: "This is actually on the market for offers over £367,000."

The revelation left the couple astounded, exchanging looks of sheer amazement. Oliver expressed his shock: "Well that is surprising."

Maia emphatically stated: "I've absolutely fallen in love with this. This is my ideal house. I think it's beautiful."

Yet, despite their affection for the property, they ultimately chose not to place an offer. Alistair revealed that they settled on a different abode in the end.