Viewers of the BBC property show “Escape To The Country” expressed their discontent following a recent episode featuring a couple with an extensive budget for their home search. The episode aired on a Monday and showcased presenter Jules Hudson assisting retiree Fiona, a former nurse, and her husband Nigel, who has a background in finance, in their quest for a new property in Suffolk.
The couple articulated their aspirations to establish a dog-friendly holiday rental as part of their relocation from Maidenhead, Berkshire, to the Suffolk countryside. In a segment of the episode, Hudson detailed that they not only enjoy walking their dogs but also run a dog daycare, further underscoring their passion for canine-related ventures.
Jules Hudson outlined the couple's significant financial backing, revealing a budget of £1.5 million. He described their requirements for a new home, which included at least four bedrooms in a tranquil setting, a separate holiday letting space, a garden suitable for dogs, and a large hobby room for Nigel’s model-building interests. They were seeking a property that would not require any building work, emphasising a preference for homes that were move-in ready.
However, the substantial budget drew criticism from viewers who took to social media to express their sentiments. One commentator remarked on X, “Mmm... only £1.5m to spend... no wonder they need ETTC to help them... I mean there must be oodles of houses to check out online... anyhow, a good chance to look at what I can’t afford... Happy Days...” Another viewer noted, “£1.5million budget flipping heck! This type of money is triggering my midlife crisis that I've not achieved enough #escapetothecountry.” Additional feedback from a viewer stated, “What a stupid programme, a £1.5m house is more than the vast majority of the UK population could dream to have. Yet the @bbc just love to ram this down our throats!”
Despite the varied responses from the audience, Fiona and Nigel showed interest in several properties presented by Hudson. They ultimately selected a home located near the initial options shown during the episode, further highlighting the couple's journey in securing a suitable property for their future plans.
In a related instance from a previous episode, another couple reacted emotionally after being shown a beautiful garden while searching for a property in Powys, Wales, with a budget of £600,000. The show continues to provide insights into the property desires of various individuals and couples across the UK, airing from Monday to Friday at 3pm on BBC One and is also available for streaming on iPlayer.
Source: Noah Wire Services