In the latest episode of BBC's "Escape to the Country," aired on Friday, 4th March, a couple from Blackheath, southeast London, were left astonished when presented with the price of a remarkable property. Presenter Alistair Appleton guided Lynne, a business manager, and her husband Mark, who works as a store manager for a major supermarket chain, in their search for a new home in the picturesque rural area of Berkshire.

The couple, eager to relocate from their two-bedroom Grade I listed Georgian residence, set a budget of £1 million for their new dwelling. They sought a detached house full of character situated on the outskirts of a village. Their list of requirements included at least three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen-diner ideal for social gatherings, a gym area, and an office space for Lynne. Additionally, they desired a garden covering between half an acre to an acre, along with a location that would allow Lynne to commute to her job in Henley within an hour.

In the search led by Alistair, they were shown several properties, but one architect-designed home in Abingdon, South Oxfordshire, captured their attention right away. The property, with its expansive open-plan kitchen-dining-living area that opened onto a terrace, featured four bedrooms, a study, and a sizeable garden, perfectly fitting their specifications.

Upon arriving at the property, both Lynne and Mark were visibly impressed. Lynne exclaimed, "Oh, wow! Oh my gosh!" in reaction to the home’s features, while Mark expressed his astonishment with, "I am gobsmacked. I mean honestly, this just looks absolutely amazing. Wow." When Alistair pointed out Lynne's quietness compared to Mark's excitement, Lynne reassured him, saying, "No, it's absolutely stunning. I'm taking it all in. It's very different, but in a really good way."

Adding to their surprise, Alistair revealed that the property was available for offers over £875,000, significantly beneath their budget. Mark's reaction was one of disbelief as he said, "Wow! That is a real surprise and considering what you're getting, I mean that is a shocker, an absolute shocker."

Despite their immediate attraction to the home, the couple ultimately opted not to make an offer, deciding instead to view another property. "Escape to the Country" continues to provide viewers with insights into the real estate market, airing weekdays at 3pm on BBC One and available on iPlayer.

Source: Noah Wire Services