Matt and Jamie, a couple searching for their first home together on BBC's Escape to the Country, were surprised by a 'clever' first-floor laundry room in a Devon property they described as a 'dream home'. The pair, who appeared on the show with presenter Sonali Shah, successfully purchased a property in Mutterton after their offer was accepted.
Couple's search for a Devon home
Matt, an aerospace engineer from Eastley, Hampshire, and Jamie, an NHS genetic counsellor from Wantage, Oxfordshire, had chosen to move to a tranquil area of Devon. With a budget of £550,000, they sought a home with up to four bedrooms, off-street parking, a garage or workshop, and a generous garden.
Sonali Shah showed the couple three properties during the episode, which originally aired in 2024. The first was a 19th-century cottage in Mutterton, on the market for £550,000, offering three bedrooms, an annexe, and an expansive kitchen.
Impressive features at the final property
The second viewing was a barn conversion in Landscove, priced at £530,000, with three bedrooms, substantial garden space, and original features. Matt admitted he found it difficult to picture the property suiting him and Jamie, given their plans to start a family.
The third property, in Ipplepen, was also priced at £530,000. The Georgian residence featured four bedrooms and two reception areas, set in the village centre. Sonali confessed she was 'obsessed' with the house, while Jamie called it a 'dream home'.
During the tour, the couple were genuinely impressed by a first-floor laundry room. Matt remarked: "It's a clever use of space, actually." Jamie responded: "It is a really smart idea. You're not having to lug washing baskets up and down the stairs every five minutes. I don't know why everyone doesn't do that."
Decision and purchase
While Jamie acknowledged the 'perfection' of the property's interior décor, she noted the garden lacked sufficient space for a workshop, which could have been a dealbreaker. Matt conceded the home failed to satisfy their 'practical needs', yet remained keen.
Later in the episode, the couple revealed they had submitted an offer on the first property they visited. Matt explained: "After seeing the second and third one, the first was the best fit for us." Their offer was accepted, and Matt and Jamie successfully completed the purchase of the property in Mutterton. Escape to the Country is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
