Escape to the Country returned with a new episode on Thursday, 6th March, as presenter Steve Brown ventured to the Welsh Borders to aid Jo and Martin in finding their perfect countryside retreat.
The couple, from Reading, expressed their desire to relocate to a more rural setting and start anew.
With a budget of £550,000, they sought a property with up to four bedrooms, an outbuilding or enough space to construct one, up to two acres of land, and proximity to a town within five miles.
Steve presented the duo with three distinct properties in various locations on the popular programme.
The first property, situated in Six Bells, Blaenau Gwent, was a detached farmhouse featuring three reception areas, four bedrooms, an outbuilding, and 1.7 acres of land, all for £550,000. It appeared to be the ideal choice for Martin and Jo.
Martin and Jo on Escape to the Country (Image: BBC)
However, Jo, despite describing it as “homely and warm,” expressed reservations about the outside area, stating, “I’m not sure how that would be for us, for animals, and what we want to do. It’s quite steep and treacherous.”
The second property, located in Ganarew, Herefordshire, was also a detached farmhouse. This home boasted a conservatory, a spacious lounge and dining area, and three bedrooms, with an asking price of offers over £535,000, reports .
Jo and Martin were initially awestruck by Steve’s second option, labelling it “a dream” and “stunning”, with Jo becoming visibly emotional.
While they were charmed by the property, the couple ultimately decided against it as the garden didn’t meet their expectations. Martin confessed to feeling a “buzz” upon entering the home, but the garden size was a significant “stumbling block.”
Steve Brown hosted Thursday’s Escape to the Country (Image: BBC)
The last house they viewed was a charming semi-detached cottage boasting five bedrooms, two reception rooms, and dual gardens, all for £550,000.
Although the property gave Martin and Jo much to ponder, it fell short of their ideal. Jo admired the garden, describing it as “really, really nice” but ultimately “too pretty” for keeping animals.
In a concluding discussion with host Steve, the pair disclosed that none of the properties had ticked all the boxes. However, they remained upbeat about their countryside house hunt, affirming that their journey had not been in vain.
Escape to the Country airs on weekdays at 3pm on One