Castle-tastic! Dr Ranj Finds His Dream Home for Under £600k

Dr Ranj Singh, the beloved TV personality, was left speechless on a recent episode of BBC’s "Escape to the Country," when host Denise Nurse unveiled a jaw-dropping property, revealing its price tag was well within his budget.

The popular show, which helps hopeful homebuyers discover their dream countryside retreat, welcomed the paediatric emergency doctor and presenter for a celebrity special. Dr Ranj, known for his appearances on BBC One’s “Morning Live,” was looking to escape the urban hustle and bustle for a calmer life in the countryside.

He had a £550,000 budget for a property with a spacious, sociable kitchen, additional reception rooms, at least two bedrooms, and a low-maintenance outdoor space. Additionally, he desired a home office and easy access to Manchester for his TV commitments.

Denise presented a selection of properties, but it was one in particular that truly captivated Dr Ranj: a striking castle nestled in the village of Greenmount in the West Pennine Moors, a historical part of Lancashire. As he approached the property with his friend, Dr Ranj exclaimed, "Oh look at that! Oh, my word. Wow! It is a castle! Wow! I was impressed with the other places, but this is something else.”

This unique dwelling, once a water tower, had been transformed into a five-storey residence, with a turret offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The property boasted a charming rooftop terrace garden, a feature that further impressed the doctor.

However, Dr Ranj was genuinely surprised when Denise asked him to guess the property’s price. He remarked, "See, I have a feeling this is spenny." Denise, playfully inquiring about his estimate, elicited a guess of £700,000 from the doctor.

But the revelation that the house was on the market for just £550,000 left Dr Ranj stunned. He exclaimed, "Are you joking? This is real! Wow! That has blown my mind, I did not expect this."

Evidently smitten with the castle, Dr Ranj confirmed that he had put in an offer, which was thankfully accepted. His journey to find his dream countryside home proved to be an unforgettable experience, demonstrating that sometimes the most unexpected property can exceed all expectations.

Catch “Escape to the Country” weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer.