Escape To The Country’s Steve Brown was met with a ‘real challenge’ right at the start of Friday’s show, which aired on January 24 on One, as he embarked on an unprecedented task.
In a repeat episode, Steve had to assist sisters Alice and Julia in their move from London to Kent, dealing with the curveball of two separate budgets for two distinct properties.
The presenter explained to the audience: “Here on Escape To The Country we like to shake things up and even go off-piste from time to time and today is one of those days.”
He confessed that this situation was a novelty for him, saying: “This is a new one for me, two sisters that are both looking to move out of London down to Kent but not together but close together.”
Julia was in search of a three-bedroom property within walking distance to the sea, preferably near Deal, with off-road parking and a garden for her dog, all within a budget of £850,000. Her sister Alice also had an £850,000 budget and wanted at least three bedrooms but in a more rural village, with a large garden suitable for keeping chickens and bees.
Steve Brown was faced with a ‘real challenge’ on the show (Image: BBC)
Alice shared the reasoning behind their joint yet individual relocation plans: “Although we will live our own lives, we also will carry on sharing and doing things together.”, reports .
Julia remarked: “But one reason we feel we need to stay in the same area is that we can look after each other as we get older. Who better can I rely on than my big sister.”
Before embarking on the unusual property hunt, Steve addressed Alice and Julia: “You’ve really set me a challenge on this one but what about if you like the same house? That for me is normally a win but that could be a fight.”
Steve helped a pair of sisters Alice and Julia make their big move from London to his home county of Kent (Image: BBC)
Julia acknowledged the potential issue, saying: “It could be. You’ve got a real challenge” while Alice chimed in with optimism: “No, I think we’ll be alright.”
Julia concurred: “I think we’ll be fine.” Undeterred by their specific needs, Steve showcased a selection of homes for their consideration. However, following an exhaustive week, the duo ultimately decided against making an offer on any of the properties they visited.
Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on One and iPlayer