ETTC: Couple share why they're moving
Escape to the Country's Chris Bavin was moved by a couple's heartfelt confession in Thursday's show.
In the show's most recent episode, Chris was on a mission to help Londoners Alex and Neal, from Harrow, find their dream home in the idyllic setting of Gloucestershire.
The pair, whose kids were off at university and left with an empty house, aimed to trade the bustling city life for the tranquillity of the countryside, armed with a hefty £800,000 budget.
A detached property with no less than three bedrooms, a spacious open-plan kitchen, a studio, and land spanning half an acre for a unique bed and breakfast venture stood at the top of Alex and Neal's wishlist, alongside a commute to London not exceeding 2.5 hours.
When Chris quizzed the pair about their sentiment towards Gloucestershire, they disclosed a heartfelt story they got engaged there, making it a cherished spot. An intrigued Chris asked: "Did you really? How many years ago?", reports Wales Online.
This question caught Alex and Neal off guard, prompting the duo to figure out that it was, impressively, 27 years prior, leading to a playful nudge from Chris who commented: "Nice that you're both vague on that!"
Despite surveying several impressive homes throughout the episode, the couple eventually decided against putting an offer on the properties.
The duo told Chris: "We loved the houses but they just didn't quite tick all of the boxes!" However, in a positive move, it had cemented the idea to the couple, who admitted they were both excited but scared about the big change, that moving to the countryside was the right decision.
Neal added: "I think a change is a good thing and I'm really excited about the prospect of what we can create together. So very positive about everything, we'll keep looking and things will fall into place it will just happen, just got to have faith!"
At the end of the episode, Chris issued an update as he said: "Alex and Neal have now sold their home in Harrow and have significantly widened their search area to include Cambridgeshire and Somerset, although they are yet to find the right place they remain committed to starting a new life in the countryside."
Escape To The Country continues on weekdays at 3pm on BBC One.
