BBC viewers learned the heartbreaking reason a couple from Warwickshire decided to relocate to the Welsh coast on Anglesey during Monday's episode of Escape to the Country. Property expert Sonali Shah met Louise and Bill, who revealed they had been in their family home for 28 years and were ready to leave after the death of their son.
A move filled with memories
Before their house hunt began, the pair explained that Louise had always wanted to live by the coast. Bill said: "So, we know that leaving this house is going to be really difficult." Louise added: "Yeah, our children grew up here, we've been here for 28 years, and there's a lot of memories in this house."
Bill then explained that their son, Matthew, died nine years ago, adding: "His memory is in every nook and cranny of the house." Louise shared: "I think that's why it's taken us so long to get to this point. But, we realise now that Matthew's memory doesn't live in the things in the house, or the bricks and the mortar. His memories are in here (her heart), and we take them with us. So, we're ready to go now."
Family ties and a new beginning
The couple wanted to move to Anglesey to "slow down", as many of their family already live there, including Louise's two brothers, two sisters, and their daughter. With a budget of £350,000, they hoped to downsize to a detached or semi-detached property with up to three bedrooms and an outbuilding. Having already sold their property, they were ready to search for their dream home.
Meeting on the beach before showing them potential homes, Sonali noted that the move was not just geographical but emotional. Louise replied: "Yeah, but at the same time, all the things that remind us of our son Matthew are coming with us. It's taken a while to get to that place, but I think we're there now and we're ready to do it. He loved Anglesey, so I know that he's going to be up there saying, 'Yeah, really glad that, you know, we're doing this.'"
A happy ending on Anglesey
Although Sonali showed them several properties that they liked but didn't quite love, the viewings reaffirmed what they wanted, with Louise explaining that even in a small house, she wants a big kitchen and dining area. A voiceover by Sonali told viewers: "Just two days later, Louise and Bill found a cute three-bed bungalow, just moments from the beach and made an offer which was accepted. They hope to knock through to create the kitchen-diner of their dreams and build a music studio in the garden."
Escape to the Country continues weekdays on BBC One from 3pm.
