A house-hunter on Escape to the Country has revealed the heartbreaking motivation behind their relocation to Cornwall. During Monday's (October 12) edition of the BBC show, presenter Alistair Appleton was introduced to Catherine and her mother Deirdre.
Deirdre, alongside her husband Terry, and Catherine, with her husband Pete, were presently residing approximately a mile and a half from each other in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The entire family were seeking to sell their properties and embark on a joint relocation to Cornwall.
Health diagnosis as the catalyst
Catherine then revealed the devastating catalyst for the household's decision to move. She said: "The catalyst is probably me. I've had a bad year, health-wise, and was diagnosed with kidney cancer."
"It just made me think I need to stop putting things off that I can do, you know? Life is short. You've got to make the most of it." She continued: "It puts things into perspective about just living your life, and also, to slow down a bit," reports Cornwall Live.
Pete, who was employed by the postal service, was arranging a transfer, with hopes that the relocation would enhance their overall quality of life. "To have a permanent holiday, that's what we want," he explained.
Search for a family home
The household had a substantial budget of £1.2 million and were seeking a detached dwelling with independent living quarters, comprising a main residence with three to four bedrooms and a two-bedroom annexe. They were also after up to two acres of dog-friendly grounds with potential for holiday letting.
The house hunt began in the coastal village of Feock, before moving on to Higher Ninnis, situated near the large village of St Day. To complete the search, Alistair brought Catherine and Deirdre to the mid-Cornwall village of Colan to see the mystery property.
The impressive two-storey barn conversion left Deirdre fighting tears. "I'm in love," she said, before subsequently adding: "I feel quite emotional about it really. I just think it's lovely. I love the trees all around. Everything about it really is what I'd imagined I would perhaps one day have."
Emotional conclusion
At the programme's conclusion, both Catherine and Deirdre confirmed they wished to revisit the mystery property with their husbands. "Well, I wish you all the best, and as soon as you move, I'll be coming round for the scones!" Alistair said.
The presenter then considered the demanding search, telling the camera: "Cornwall, I mean, it's the king of counties. Other counties are available, of course, but this is my favourite. And I so hope that Catherine and Deirdre make it all happen, because it's quite difficult getting all those ducks arranged when you have multi-generations moving into one house.
"Both houses have to sell, the offer has to be accepted. But let's hope that everything aligns and they move to this most beautiful county."
It emerged that the family had arranged second viewings of both the mystery property and the extended coastal bungalow, alongside viewing additional properties they'd discovered online. Alistair concluded: "We hope it goes well and wish them all the best."
Escape to the Country is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
