Emotions ran high during the latest episode of Escape to the Country (October 6) as one house hunter was moved to tears during the property search. BBC viewers were introduced to the couple, Mel and Gary, who were searching for a rural retreat in Lincolnshire after renting in Lincoln, with a budget of £450,000.
The couple wanted a property with two bedrooms and an annexe for their daughters, and presenter Richie Anderson set off to show them various places in the county. However, it was the mystery house in Holland Fen that left the couple in awe.
Emotional reaction to the annexe
Before even stepping inside the property, Mel told Richie she was 'totally impressed' as she admitted being 'lost for words'. After taking in the rural landscape surrounding the property, they ventured inside to view the barn conversion, reports Lancs Live.
Yet it was the annexe that caught them completely off guard, as both initially mistook it for a neighbouring property. Mel started laughing incredulously before becoming visibly moved, which Richie observed. When questioned about what had stirred such emotion, she told the BBC star it was a good space for anybody staying over, before getting emotional as she said 'so sorry', while starting to get teary.
Richie's reassurance and the price reveal
Richie offered reassurance, telling Mel it was ok before telling her to 'take a breath'. Regaining her composure, Mel expressed her eagerness to step inside and explore, and the interior certainly lived up to expectations.
Mel estimated the property was listed at £455,000, while Gary reckoned it would set them back £450,000. Yet the BBC presenter revealed it was actually on the market for considerably less than their budget at £440,000.
Decision and future plans
When the moment arrived to make their decision, they discussed the mystery property and how it 'sealed the deal' once they discovered the annexe came with it. Mel remarked that for the price and everything that it offered, it was 'astounding'.
The couple revealed they had arranged to revisit the mystery house for a second viewing, and should that go favourably, they would be making contact to progress matters. As the programme drew to a close, a voiceover of Richie told viewers that while Mel and Gary decided to revisit the mystery house for a second viewing, they didn't make an offer as they were concerned about its remote setting.
Although during their search, Richie introduced them to an area called Market Rasen, which is where Mel and Gary were going to focus their search going forward. Escape to the Country continues weekdays on BBC One from 3pm.
