Escape to the Country's latest episode saw emotions run high as a couple's hunt for their perfect abode came to an unexpected halt. On Friday's instalment of the beloved BBC programme, Alistair Appleton was on hand to assist Jon and his wife Jo in their quest to find a new home in Wiltshire. With the stakes high after selling their last house over two decades ago and spending six years globetrotting, the pair were eager to settle down.
Jon kicked things off by explaining: "We live a slightly different life and a bit more nomadic." Jo chimed in with: "We had a bit of a change in our lifestyle six years ago." READ MORE: BBC Escape to the Country star forced to halt show as couple 'can't control themselves' "We just decided it was time to shake things up a bit because our children had left home," Jon elaborated, adding, "So we decided to go out and see the rest of the world ," reports Wales Online .
Jo shared the reasons behind choosing Wiltshire for their fresh start: "We've done a few house visits in this area and we just love the countryside around here and it just feels comfortable for us." With £325,000 to spend, the couple were on the lookout for a property brimming with character, at least two bedrooms, and an open plan kitchen-diner, but they also wanted a manageable garden and proximity to a village. Alistair lined up several viewings, but it was a particular property at Devizes Marina that took the couple by surprise, presenting an option they hadn't previously considered.
They took a tour of a luxury lodge, one of eight properties nestled by the marina. Alistair enthused: "I couldn't help but show you this. It has two bathrooms, two bedrooms, lots of space to entertain, a hot tub so what's not to love?" The couple were left stunned when they discovered that the property was within their budget, priced at £175,000.
Alistair highlighted that if they bought the property, they would have enough leftover cash to invest in a canal boat. In conversation with a local resident who owns a boat, Jon queried: "How much would something like this cost?" The resident disclosed: "We are talking about 120 up to 140 and it depends what spec you are looking for. Maybe you'll start off with one for about £80,000.
" Jon responded: "It's not bad, a caravan on a site would cost a lot more. "Alistair asked: "Could you imagine being on the water or not?" Jo replied: "Yes absolutely, I love the water." Jon added: "This could cause us all sorts of problems now couldn't it? Our heads are spinning completely.
" Despite viewing various other properties, the couple didn't make any offers and expressed their disappointment, stating that their search for their dream home continues. Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer..
