Escape to the Country expert Nicki Chapman was left with no choice but to alert hopeful purchasers about the brisk pace of the housing market, referencing a charming property they designated as their “dream abode.”
In the Thursday (December 19) segment of the much-loved series, Nicki joined forces with Chris and Stewart. The couple was ready to swap the bustle of London for the tranquillity of country life after 26 splendid years seeking proximity to relatives and peaceful scenery.
Armed with a substantial £450,000, willing to push to an ambitious £475,000 for the ideal four-bedroom sanctuary in Scotland’s alluring Lothians, their checklist was clear: a character-filled home featuring a vast, secure garden and convenient access to transport links for Edinburgh jaunts.
Exerting every effort, Nicki Chapman showcased an array of potential dwellings, and by week’s end, it was the ‘mystery house’ that captivated the duo with Nicki swiftly noting its expected swift departure from the housing scene.
The hunt barely underway and Stewart exclaimed, “Now you’re talking.”, reports . To which Nicki responded gleefully, “I wish I could just take a snapshot of your faces as you came up the drive there! Isn’t it incredible?”
Nicki Chapman was forced to issue a warning (Image: BBC)
Cris, bewitched by the regal entrance, declared, “This is exactly what we want. It’s got character, it’s got detail. This is beautiful, I love it.”
Cris conceded, his aspirations fulfilled by this discovery, enthused, “I love it, it’s perfect for us. This is like our forever home, I feel it. I feel really comfortable here.”
Nicki left the couple stunned when he disclosed that the property was listed for offers over £325,000, immediately piquing their interest.
Escape to the Country couple Chris and Stewart found their forever home (Image: BBC)
However, Cris and Stewart were urged to make a swift decision as Nicki cautioned: “We’re not going to do a little dance as yet because as you can imagine, at that price, it’s gotten an awful lot of interest.”
He further advised them, “So, that’s what you’ve got to think about. I think it’s safe for me to say that house won’t be sold at £325,000. But, that is what it’s on the market for, offers over. You are going to have to move very quickly on this one.”
In the face of fierce competition, they decided to submit an offer which, to their fortune, was accepted, securing their dream.
Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on One and iPlayer