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Couple discovers hidden trapdoor on Escape To The Country as Suffolk buyer seeks perfect upstairs space

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 12:15AM UTC

On BBC's Escape To The Country, a South London couple stumbles on a trapdoor in a Cumbria home, while a Londoner relocating to Suffolk searches for a property with better upstairs layout amid heartfelt reflections.

In a recent episode of the popular BBC show "Escape To The Country," viewers witnessed a surprising moment when Clare and Crispin, a couple from South London, discovered a trapdoor in the middle of a living room. The episode, which aired on a Sunday, featured presenter Steve Brown assisting the couple in their search for their dream home in the picturesque region of Cumbria.

With a budget of £800,000, Clare and Crispin were seeking a property that would ideally include a minimum of three bedrooms, ample land for their goats and dogs, and proximity to local cafes or pubs. During a property tour, Brown introduced the couple to a modern barn conversion priced at £495,000. As they entered the reception room, he pointed out an unusual feature: a trapdoor in the floor. Clare light-heartedly queried, "Depends what's down there," prompting a playful response from Steve, who cautioned, "Don't go into the trap door!" He then revealed that the door led to a cellar, inviting Crispin to explore while Clare waited in the reception room.

At the end of the episode, the couple expressed satisfaction, stating that "most of the houses" they viewed aligned closely with their requirements. They opted for a second viewing of one property and proceeded to put in an offer, which was accepted.

In another segment of the show, Lizzie, a marketing manager, sought assistance from host Alistair Appleton in relocating from London to Suffolk. After living in London for 20 years, Lizzie wished to move closer to family following the passing of her father 18 months prior. Accompanied by her mother, Sue, who already resided in Suffolk, Lizzie had a budget of £500,000 and was looking for a two-bedroom home.

As Alistair presented four potential properties, Lizzie did not find any that met her expectations. While captivated by the character of the last property, she voiced concerns about its lighting when Alistair prodded for any red flags. In a moment of candour, she replied, "I don't think you've quite hit the nail on the head," after he asked if any of the properties suited her needs.

Discussing the show’s properties further, Lizzie remarked on the challenge of finding a suitable upstairs space and indicated her desire to explore small market towns or larger villages moving forward. Her mother echoed her sentiments, indicating that the ground floor layouts of the presented properties felt more favourable.

"Escape To The Country" continues to attract viewers with its entertaining yet informative approach to real estate, offering a glimpse into the challenges and surprises faced by home buyers in the UK. The show is broadcast on BBC One and is also available for streaming on iPlayer.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023r3d - This link provides information about the 'Escape to the Country' episode set in Suffolk, where Alistair Appleton assists a buyer from London in finding a new home in the countryside. The episode aired on October 8, 2024, and features a couple who have established a beautiful, biodiverse wildflower meadow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rfp92 - This page details an episode from Series 10 of 'Escape to the Country,' where Alistair Appleton helps a couple of air stewards find the perfect landing place in Suffolk with a budget of £500,000. The episode aired on March 8, 2010, and includes their search for a property with a garden big enough to accommodate a marquee for their wedding day.
https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/1545809/escape-to-the-country-10x71-suffolk - This source provides information about an episode from Series 10, Episode 71, where Alistair Appleton helps a couple fulfill a childhood dream by moving from London to the Suffolk countryside. The episode aired on April 6, 2010, and highlights their search for a detached period or ultra-modern home on the edge of a village.
https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/1545798/escape-to-the-country-10x60-suffolk - This page details an episode from Series 10, Episode 60, where Alistair Appleton assists a couple of air stewards in finding a property in Suffolk with a budget of £500,000. The episode aired on March 8, 2010, and focuses on their desire for a garden big enough to accommodate a marquee for their wedding day.
https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/1524231/escape-to-the-country-9x17-suffolk - This source provides information about an episode from Series 9, Episode 17, where Alistair Appleton helps a couple search for a home in Suffolk. The episode aired on March 17, 2009, and features their hope to rediscover the rural idyll of their childhood, including finding a property with an outbuilding to house their growing insurance business and a large vegetable garden.
https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/1545809/escape-to-the-country-10x71-suffolk - This page details an episode from Series 10, Episode 71, where Alistair Appleton helps a couple fulfill a childhood dream by moving from London to the Suffolk countryside. The episode aired on April 6, 2010, and highlights their search for a detached period or ultra-modern home on the edge of a village.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14682945/Escape-Country-buyers-stunned-trap-door.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references a recent episode of 'Escape To The Country' and describes events as happening on a Sunday; however, there is no explicit airing date provided. There is no indication the story is recycled or outdated, but lack of specific timestamps affects the score.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: Multiple direct quotes from show participants and presenters are included. No earlier references to these specific quotes were found online, suggesting originality and not repetition from earlier articles or press releases.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which is a well-known UK publication. While not the most rigorous of outlets, it is generally considered a mainstream source, though often criticised for sensationalism. The show itself is reputable, broadcast on BBC One.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The described events—including the discovery of a trapdoor, property preferences, and viewer reactions—are plausible and align with the format and content expectations for 'Escape To The Country'. No obvious implausibilities detected.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is recent, contains original quotes, originates from a mainstream UK publication, and describes plausible events from a reputable television programme. There is high confidence in its authenticity.

Escape To The Country
BBC
Property
Real Estate
Cumbria
Suffolk