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Escape to the Country Host Alistair Appleton Spots “Mistake” in Dorset Property Search
Escape to the Country presenter, Alistair Appleton, pointed out a notable “error” during the most recent episode of the widely-watched programme. The popular BBC One show features Alistair guiding individuals in their quest for a perfect rural home, and in this episode, a potential misunderstanding arose concerning a house-hunting couple’s preferences.
Couple’s Dream Home Requirements in Dorset
In the episode broadcast on Tuesday, April 1, Alistair assisted Sylvia and Tom as they searched for their ideal Dorset property. The couple aimed to relocate from Buckinghamshire, having grown fond of Dorset after numerous trips. They were eager to find a peaceful retreat in the countryside.
Possessing a budget of £550,000, Sylvia and Tom sought a residence featuring a minimum of three bedrooms, a substantial garden, adequate room for a workshop, and a desirable coastal location. Their wish list reflected a blend of practicality and lifestyle aspirations for their move to Dorset.
Property Viewings and Surprises
Quirky Cottage Disappointment
The initial property presented was an 18th-century cottage, boasting four bedrooms and a spacious kitchen. Priced at £450,000, it was located a short 15-minute drive from the coast and situated in a village setting.
While appreciating the cottage’s “unconventional” charm, Sylvia and Tom agreed it was too small for their requirements, and the garden could not fulfil their envisioned purpose.
Ryall Residence and Lack of “Warm Feeling”
The second dwelling they viewed was located in Ryall, priced at £525,000. It featured up to four bedrooms, two bathrooms and offered impressive panoramic vistas.
However, Sylvia admitted she lacked a “positive connection” to the property, noting it needed “significant renovations.” Despite its features and views, it didn’t resonate with their vision of a dream home.
Coastal Property with “Spectacular” Views
Lastly, they explored a large house near the sea. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, space for a workshop, and a sizable kitchen, it appeared to fulfil all of Sylvia and Tom’s criteria for their dream home.
During the viewing of the multi-level residence, Sylvia and Tom were captivated by the sweeping views, which they described as “breathtaking”.
Sylvia exclaimed: “Waking up to that view every morning would be absolute bliss.”
The “Quirky” Misunderstanding
Later, show presenter Alistair spoke with the couple, revealing his suspicion regarding a potential oversight in their property requirements, which he discussed with the Escape to the Country production team.
“So,” he said with a chuckle, “I am wondering if the word ‘unconventional’ was perhaps an error?” Sylvia admitted in response: “I shouldn’t have used ‘unconventional’!”
Alistair joked: “Because if you tell Escape to the Country you desire ‘unconventional’, you’ll get extremely unconventional!” highlighting how specific language can influence their property search.
Unexpected Outcome: Bridport Purchase
Despite initially considering a second viewing of the third house, it was later revealed that Sylvia and Tom ultimately chose to purchase a home near Bridport, which was not showcased on the television programme. This demonstrates their successful house hunting in Dorset, even if the featured properties weren’t the final choice.
Escape to the Country is broadcast on BBC One on weekdays at 3pm.