Escape to the Country couple in tears as BBC show breaks 'rules' for first time

13 February 2024 , 12:20

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Escape to the Country couple in tears as BBC show breaks 'rules' for first time

Michael and Maryan, a couple who loved living on the Isle of Wight, decided it was time for a change due to Michael's draining commute to the mainland.

They weren't just looking for a new house on the English south coast, but also wanted to start a new business - a total life change.The couple turned to the popular BBC property programme Escape to the Country for help with their Scottish adventure.

Their budget was £650,000 and they had a specific 'wish-list' for their new home, including a large plot of land, bike store, and a workshop for their proposed mountain bike business. The house needed to have at least three bedrooms, a mix of traditional and contemporary design, and, rather unusually, a magnificent staircase for Maryan.

Escape to the Country couple in tears as BBC show breaks 'rules' for first time (BBC)

The first property was a converted school, located on a main road - a spot that might shock some 'Escape to the Country' fans.

However, it was perfect for the couple's business plans, with passing traffic providing great visibility. This five-bedroom house near Glenshee, Perth and Kinross, sat on 0.75 acres of land within the Cairngorms National Park and was up for grabs for offers over £650,000. The couple were smitten, especially Maryan who fell in love with the modern, slatted staircase.

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Next up was a property right in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands. Despite being a townhouse, which is unusual for 'Escape to the Country', this stunning Arts and Crafts home was worth considering due to its location in a popular tourist spot.

Upon entering, Maryan was overcome with emotion at the sight of the magnificent staircase, exclaiming through tears, "Oh my goodness, I feel quite emotional, that's something else."

Maryan was overcome with emotion at the sight of the magnificent staircase (BBC)

The couple were amazed by the five-bedroom Edwardian detached house, filled with beautifully restored period features and a blank white canvas for them to add their personal touch. The drawing room boasted a stunning fireplace with a built-in glass drinks cabinet in the intricately carved woodwork.

Maryan claimed this remarkable room as her football-free zone. However, Michael had another spacious reception room with an equally impressive fireplace and drinks cabinets; a 'his and hers' fireplace that doubled as a bar.

Even the entrance hall had a log burner and fireplace next to the breathtaking staircase. Upstairs, they found a fireplace on the landing and five bedrooms, all decorated to a high standard. The bedrooms included a main ensuite, and the family bathroom was like a five-star hotel with double sinks that impressed Michael.

The kitchen diner was in a more modern part of the house and had a huge kitchen island. Michael joked it was so big it was like a continent. Maryan got all emotional again, not just because the house was so fancy but also because it had been fixed up so nicely.

The couple were besotted with the staircase (BBC)

But there was a big issue the house was in a town and only had half an acre of land. Jules knew this might be a problem. He told everyone watching, "Really, showing them this property, in a town, on Escape to the Country, might be a gamble but it might pay off."

Maryan really couldn't hide how much she loved this old house. She said: "When I walked through the front door I was taken aback by the splendour, the greatness of the hallway. This property immediately gave me that feeling of just being home, of being hugged, and just being really welcoming."

Michael thought about the practical stuff, like looking after such a big house, and said it was "daunting" - but wasn't it worth it for the amazing staircase that made Maryan cry? Maybe.

The price tag of over £560,000 left the couple lost for words until Michael figured out they could afford it. He happily said, "We can have a yacht as well as have the business, have the house - we're done!"

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Michael and Mayra were searching for their dream home (BBC)

Jules then took them to see a mystery house just outside the village of Muir of Fowlis, Aberdeenshire. Although it lacked the character and historic charm of the second property, it boasted 10 acres of land, a huge hanger, and a workshop perfect for their business.

The house was surrounded by miles of stunning scenery, ideal for mountain biking. After hearing the price of offers over £590,000, the couple promised to revisit for a second viewing, hoping to realise their dream of escaping to the country.

This story was featured on Escape to the Country series 24, episode 31, which is currently available to view on BBC iPlayer.

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Susan Knox