Escape to the Country host surprised by guests' decision
Escape To The Country presenter Steve Brown was in for a surprise on Friday's show.
In the episode, 43-year-old Steve encountered Ian and Helen from Altrincham, who harboured aspirations of trading their life for the tranquil vistas of the Cumbrian countryside.
The duo, well-acquainted with the Lake District after over 50 holidays there, resolved to make a permanent move instead of fleeting visits, drawn by the idea of retiring in one of the UK's most stunning national parks.
With retirement on the horizon and their daughter off to university, Ian and Helen hoped to find solace in the countryside along with their two rescue cats. They came loaded with a hefty £600,000 budget, seeking a home oozing with character or a barn conversion featuring two to three bedrooms, a sizeable garden, scenic views, and proximity to a village.
However, after Steve whisked the pair off to a mystery property outside their chosen zone, it resulted in leading to an unexpected twist as Ian and Helen promptly fell for the new location, reports Wales Online.
Helen said: "It's been a real sort of eye opener with other houses and their locations you've shown us", adding: "Once you took us to the location of where the mystery property was and we saw Askham, I mean it trumped it and that's where our hearts are in Askham isn't it?"
This prompted host Steve to start laughing as he replied: "Oh wow! I did not see that coming!" Ian then explained: "The mystery house wasn't quite right for us but the area was so we're going to go there today and we're going to speak to people, knock on doors of local residents and have a wander around that area. That's a little gem you found us!"
Presenter Steve was left delighted as he replied: "The idea that I've had the opportunity to maybe introduce you to a property that could be your future and a place that could be your future, is something I'm really proud of and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors!"
To which Helen replied: "Thanks, Steve, I mean we're just so grateful for what you've shown us and now we do know where we can concentrate a search on that we've not looked before!"
Escape To The Country continues on weekdays at 3pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
