The latest instalment of hit series saw presenter Denise Nurse on a mission to locate the perfect Surrey home for one London duo.
With the desire to remain within reachable distance of the capital and a substantial budget of £950,000, Laura and Matt were in search of a detached property boasting three bedrooms, office space, and an ample garden fit for a future dog.
While their initial viewing piqued interest, it was the second one that left them utterly astounded. The couple could hardly believe the sizable presence of the property even before they stepped inside, reports
During Tuesday’s episode, an awestruck Laura remarked: “That is absolutely enormous, it’s like a mansion!” While Matt conveyed his pleasant overwhelm, adding: “It’s a bit overwhelming but in a nice way.”
Their amazement didn’t stop at the façade—with features like a walk-in wardrobe and a garden sporting a hot tub, the interior continued to impress.
The duo were on the hunt for their dream home in Surrey (Image: BBC)
During the tour, Matt couldn’t help but express how extraordinary the find was as he said: “Yeah, this is ridiculous, this is pretty special. I don’t think we’ve seen a house like this.”
Upon guessing the price, both Laura and Matt speculated it to be at the higher end of their budget, only to be pleasantly surprised by Denise with a figure of £934,750, remarking that it had been on the market merely a week.
Ecstatic yet feeling the weight of decision, Laura responded: “That adds a bit of pressure!” as Matt noted the impact of the revelation, commenting: “The heart rate’s gone up a little bit there.”
Laura and Matt were blown away by the second home they were shown (Image: BBC)
Viewers of the property-hunting programme couldn’t help but notice when presenter Denise posed a probing query to Laura and Matt about how such a youthful pair could afford their sizeable home-buying budget. During the show, she questioned: “You two have a very healthy budget, £950,000.
“So, I hope you don’t mind if I ask, what’s the secret to making that happen when you’re relatively young?” Matt divulged that their financial position was down to a mix of family support and their successful business ventures.
He explained: “I think the main thing that’s helped us get to this point is Laura has kind of set up her own work and her own company and has had a lot of success with that since lockdown. It’s put us in a really fortunate position.”
Despite Denise commending the couple for their achievements, some viewers found the question inappropriate, wondering why the presenter would delve into their finances, particularly given their youth and substantial budget.
The pair had a hefty £950,000 budget (Image: BBC)
Critics aired their grievances on social media, with tweets like “@Escape_Country #escapetothecountry, why did the presenter ask how this couple got their money? Just because their budget was £950,000 and they are young, it has nothing to do with anyone how they can afford that budget. You don’t ask this for older people with similar budgets.”
Replying, one person said: “In reply to the post, one viewer said: “But she knew many were all curious, and some unfortunately…judgemental…”
Another added: “I assume because people tend to think young couples = just looking, not serious buyers.” And a fourth said: “I was curious though.”
At the end of the show, Laura and Matt highlighted their interest in the second home. They told the star they’d be heading back to explore the area more as they were unfamiliar with it.
Escape to the Country continues weekdays on One from 3pm.