Escape To The Country couple leaves host stunned with daring decision

Escape To The Country host Jules Hudson was left astounded by a pair's surprising choice during their Aberdeenshire house hunt.

The BBC presenter was accompanying Holly and James on their quest for the perfect home as they decided to trade their Sydney flat for rural Scotland and Holly wanting to be close to her ancestral ties to Glasgow.

Holly told Jules: "My great grandparents were born in Glasgow and they came to Australia in 1910, and I've always felt a bit of a connection back to Scotland."

Temporarily settling with James' folks in Northamptonshire, the duo had a £400,000 budget earmarked for a three-bedroom property brimming with character.

They dreamed of ample interior space for an art studio and at least 2 acres of land for future pets and stunning countryside views, reports Wales Online.

Jules introduced them to a striking Edwardian property graced with sun-soaked rooms ideal for artistry and culinary flair, complemented by cosy reception areas for a potential home office and the quintessential family bathroom across the upper level.

The second house truly mesmerised them and even boasted a vast 40 acres of land. Jules remarked "It comes with that little croft house," as they explored the cottage in need of complete renovation.

Holly was taken aback by the property's potential, remarking, "I would have never come and looked at this one, but it's awesome,"

It was clear the house required significant modernisation, but James was keen to take on the challenge: "I think it's very exciting - and all the things you could do to it!".

Jules later disclosed the hefty price tag of £375,000 for the property, attributed to the substantial land. He proposed a savvy financial move to purchase the estate and sell a portion of the land, which could net them a cool £100,000, yet leaving them with a generous 16 acres.

In the episode's climax, Holly and James stated they would love to buy the second property. Holly said: "I do like a challenge and I feel like I've come all the way from Australia and I don't want to stop at nine per cent of the way there.

"I really want to be in the Scotland that foreigners imagine Scotland to be. I wasn't expecting to want to do that."

The couple's adventure seemed set to continue, with Holly stating, "We've got to call an architect Jules," and James adding optimistically, "What's the worst that could happen?"

*Escape To The Country airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.