Escape to the Country: Tears of Joy as Couple Find Dream Home in Staffordshire
Escape to the Country viewers were treated to an emotional rollercoaster on Thursday's episode as a retired couple from Essex found their perfect countryside retreat in Staffordshire. Presenter Sonali Shah was tasked with finding a new home for Alan and Tricia, who were looking to downsize from their large Basildon home after their children had flown the nest.
The couple, married for 27 years, were seeking a detached, traditional property with at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms, all within their £550,000 budget. While they didn't desire a large garden, they were keen on having outside space and a garage for Tricia's sports car.
Sonali presented several properties that ticked all the boxes, but it was a charming character cottage in the village of Abbots Bromley that truly stole their hearts. The four-bedroom property, with a low-maintenance garden, came in at £525,000, a welcome £25,000 under budget.
Initially, Sonali was unsure if the cottage's unique charm would appeal to the couple, but their reaction proved her wrong. "I was a bit worried that the character would be a little bit too much for them, but actually they are really seeing the beauty in it," she remarked.
Alan and Tricia were visibly smitten with the property, their excitement palpable. "Could you move straight in?" Sonali asked. Alan immediately replied, "Yeah. We've already placed our furniture." Tricia chimed in, "I'm getting emosh now." Sonali, sensing a winning combination, added, "We might have found the one."
As the couple continued their exploration of the cottage, their enthusiasm only grew. "It's beautiful," exclaimed Tricia. "I couldn't have picked anything better than this myself and I could see us living here." Overwhelmed by emotion, she confessed, "I'm going to cry. Oh dear, Emotions."
Despite their obvious affection for the charming cottage, the couple's journey continued, with Sonali reluctantly pulling them away to explore other options. However, the mystery house in the hamlet of Admaston ultimately won their hearts, and at the end of the show, Sonali revealed that their offer on the property had been accepted.
Escape to the Country continues to capture the hearts of viewers with its heartwarming tales of relocation and the joy of finding a perfect slice of countryside life. The show airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One.
