Escape To The Country’s presenter, Steve Brown, was taken aback in the episode that aired on Friday.
In the recent programme, 43 year old Steve was joined by Ian and Helen, a couple from Altrincham seeking a new life in Cumbria’s idyllic countryside.
No strangers to the Lake District after over 50 visits, the duo resolved to transition from holidaymakers to residents in what is one of the nation’s most beloved national parks.
The pair, poised for retirement and wishing for tranquillity, aimed to find a new haven for themselves and their two rescue felines as their daughter embarked on her university education.
With a substantial budget of £600,000 at the ready, they were in pursuit of a property brimming with character or a barn conversion, featuring two to three bedrooms, a spacious garden, an enviable view, and proximity to a village, according to Wales Online, reports the Mirror.
Yet host Steve unexpectedly turned the tables when he introduced them to a mystery home in a previously unconsidered part of Cumbria. It was love at first sight for Ian and Helen, who disclosed their intent to focus their search on that newfound locale.
Helen shared her thoughts: “It’s been a real sort of eye opener with other houses and their locations you’ve shown us”, further stating, “Once you took us to the location of where the mystery property was and we saw Askham, I mean it trumped it and that’s where our hearts are in Askham isn’t it? “.
(Image: BBC)
Steve, the host, was caught by surprise and burst into laughter, responding: “Oh wow! I did not see that coming! ” Ian went on to elaborate, saying: “The mystery house wasn’t quite right for us but the area was so we’re going to go there today and we’re going to speak to people, knock on doors of local residents and have a wander around that area. That’s a little gem you found us! “.
Presenter Steve was visibly pleased with Ian’s feedback, replying, “The idea that I’ve had the opportunity to maybe introduce you to a property that could be your future and a place that could be your future, is something I’m really proud of and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors! “.
(Image: BBC)
Helen then expressed her gratitude: “Thanks, Steve, I mean we’re just so grateful for what you’ve shown us and now we do know where we can concentrate a search on that we’ve not looked before! “.