In a stunning turn of events on Escape to the Country, Briony May Williams amazed a couple with a property that boasted an unexpected ‘game changer’ attribute.
On Tuesday’s episode (February 18) of the quaint BBC show, presenter Briony stepped up to aid a London duo in their quest to swap city life for a serene abode nestled in either Somerset or Devon’s lush countryside.
Steve and Louise, equipped with a £650,000 budget, were on the hunt for a detached three-bedroom house oozing with character, ample space for family visits, and crucially, an annex for Steve’s father as they embark on this transformative journey together.
A rapid commute was key, as the idyllic home had to be within a manageable 3.5-hour drive to Buckinghamshire, enabling Louise to maintain her professional commitments. They also dreamed of a capacious garden to invite a flourish of wildlife.
Armed with a roster of attractive properties, Briony pulled out all the stops, yet it was one particular housea charming early 20th-century Somerset dwelling in Huish Episcopithat ultimately stole the show, boasting four bedrooms, ripe with character, annex potential, and a tempting £599,950 price tag, reports Devon Live.
The feature, revealed by Briony, was a delightful private river. She enthused: “If one feature can make all the difference then I have a game changer up my sleeve. Outside there is already a vegetable patch, a summer house but most impressively it has its own river.”
Initially hesitant about the house, Louise shared her mixed feelings: “There is a lot to like about it but one of the things I’m not quite sure about is the combed lias. It’s something that I could come around to.”
Steve chimed in with his concern, noting: “The kitchen was a little bit small but it did have a utility room so maybe we could work around that.”
Adding her preferences, Louise stated: “Ideally we would like something with the annexe, but appreciate it has the opportunity that we can put an annexe in.”
Nonetheless, by the conclusion of their house hunt, the pair acknowledged they had warmed up to the property and were eager for a second look.
Louise confessed her newfound affinity for the property, adding: “The first house now I think has a better balance in terms of space and the river. I’ve actually come round to the Blue Lias stone.”
Their estate agent Briony couldn’t hide her surprise as she queried, “Have you? Oh Louise. Is it because Steve really wants the river?” Steve divulged plainly: “I think we’ll definitely go back to the house.”
Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
