Escape to the Country host Sonali Shah was forced to step in after a buyer broke down in tears upon learning the price of her dream home. During Friday's (August 14) episode of the BBC show, Shah had been helping couple John and Liz search for a new home in Scotland when they found a property that appeared to tick every box on their wish list.
Liz became overwhelmed when Shah revealed the house's price, prompting the host to urge John to give his emotional wife a hug. The couple had travelled from Warwickshire to Argyll and Bute hoping to find a peaceful home that would make every day feel like a holiday.
Dream Home Within Budget
With a budget of £340,000, project manager John and administrator Liz were looking for a detached property with at least two bedrooms, an acre of land, and a garage for their motorbikes. They also wanted somewhere within around two hours of Glasgow Airport, with a spectacular view high on their wish list.
Shah showed them several properties, but one quirky 1980s bungalow stood out. The three-bedroom home came with a garage, workshop space, and plenty of character, and its views appeared to deliver exactly what the couple had hoped for.
Liz was immediately impressed, admitting: “It’s a lot bigger than we were expecting.” John was equally enthusiastic, declaring: “If this isn’t ten out of ten, I don’t know what is.”
Emotional Reaction to Price
Then Shah revealed the detail that left Liz in tears. The property was on the market for offers over £270,000 – £70,000 below their £340,000 budget.
“I think you need to get your phone out because it’s on the market for offers over £270,000,” Shah told them. Liz instantly became emotional, prompting Shah to turn to John and say: “She’s crying. Give her a hug, I want to give her a hug.”
John was stunned by the price, asking: “Wow. Are you sure you’ve got that right? Offers over £270,000.” Liz appeared convinced they had found the right home, insisting: “I’ve got to say yes.”
Goldilocks House
Shah summed up the discovery: “We’ve done it, folks. We’ve found the Goldilocks house. The one that is just right.”
Still in disbelief, Liz said: “The front door to the house doesn’t really give much away, so there’s a real beautiful surprise when you come through into the house. I honestly cannot believe that this is within our price range.”
The couple ultimately revealed they would take the next steps towards putting an offer on the property. Escape to the Country is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
