Escape to the Country star halts search as couple blown away by unexpected feature

During Friday's episode of the BBC show, Sonali Shah was on a mission to help a couple find their dream home in Welsh Borders for a quieter pace of life

by · The Mirror

Escape to the Country's Sonali Shah brought a property search to a halt and suggested "let's go back" after the buyers were left taken back by an unexpected detail.

In Friday's (October 25) episode of the popular BBC show, Sonali was tasked with helping a couple find their dream home in the tranquil Welsh Borders.

Scott, a carpenter, and his librarian and virtual PA wife Julie, had their hearts set on starting afresh in Wales after spending the last 16 years in Epsom Surrey.

The dance-enthusiast pair, who first got together in 2001, were attracted to the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, but remained open to properties on either side of the Welsh Borders.

Escape to the Country host Sonali Shah helped a couple find their dream home in Wales( Image: BBC)

With a budget of £620k, they were looking for a detached family home with at least three bedrooms, close to a village. It was crucial that there was an outbuilding for Scott to establish his workshop, reports Wales Online.

They also desired a large garden and land to start a holiday let business. Discussing their reasons for wanting to relocate, Scott expressed his desire for more space to grow his business.

He also shared: "I grew up in a town called Monmouth so I've been trying to get back and I've finally dragged Julie back here."

Julie admitted that she wasn't bothered about the view, she added: "I would love somewhere with land or a little stream but I'm not too fussed about the view but as long as we are in nice surroundings."

Couple Scott and Julie appeared on the BBC hit show( Image: BBC)

Sonail arranged several property viewings matching all the couple's requirements, but just moments into one, the TV host announced: "Lets not see this house."

As they approached the property, Julie remarked: "And a lovely view over there." To which Sonail highlighted: "And you didn't even want a view."

Julie admitted: "I didn't even want a view. I wasn't even worried about that but now it's here. Sonail: "Let's go back then and not see this house. "

Sonail Shah stopped a property search on Friday's Escape to the Country( Image: BBC)

Yet, it was another house dubbed the Mystery house that truly captured their hearts. The house located in the Brecon Beacons National Park and fewer than six miles from the bustling Hay-on-Wye, the Mystery house stood out with its barn conversion charm and an attractive £615,000 price tag, comfortably under the couple's budget by half a million quid.

Julie couldn't hide her enthusiasm, exclaiming: "It does take your breath away." She did observe one downside: "The only negative is that it is in the middle of nowhere but It's the perfect house."

They ended up deciding to arrange a second visit for a closer look at what might become their dream home.

Escape to the Country airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer