A buyer on Escape to the Country was left facing a "difficult" decision after falling in love with two properties. Presenter Sonali Shah joked that she liked "causing trouble" after spotting that potential buyer Andrew looked "slightly upset" with her after her mystery pick left him facing a tough choice.
Property search in the Peak District
Andrew was based in Amsterdam but had headed to the Peak District with sister Sue in a bid to find a cottage to relocate to, choosing the area because he'd spent time there as a child. He was charmed by the first property he saw on the BBC show, but then Sonali took him to see a stunning stone home made up of two separate houses.
Andrew had wanted to spend up to £375,000 because he did not want to get a mortgage, and while the first house fell within that range, the dream home Sonali showed him was on the market for £400,000.
The mystery house
"A big part of Andrew's search has been about making sure that we find enough space for a guest, and that's where the mystery house comes in," she said. "Because with this offering, you get the main house alongside a guest house, both with this incredible view. It's got the character that Andrew is looking for. I honestly can't think of what it's missing."
As Andrew grappled with what to do, Sonali quipped: "What have I done? What have I done?" They later went outside to talk about it, as she asked him: "Andrew, you look slightly upset with me?" He answered: "Yeah, I thought the decision had been made, but this has made it more difficult."
"Yes, and you asked for my help, and I like causing trouble, so there you have it," the TV star joked. Having deliberated with Sue, Andrew admitted he remained torn between the two properties and would need "to do a lot of soul searching".
Decision made
However, in the end, he decided to stick with the first property. As the episode ended, Sonali told viewers: "Andrew returned to the first cottage, put in an offer, and it was accepted. He's also accepted an offer on his Amsterdam house. So hopefully, moving very soon, and we hope it all works out for him."
Escape to the Country airs on BBC One.
