Escape to the Country's most disastrous viewings from shut downs to hidden horrors

BBC's hit show Escape to the Country has kept viewers on their toes ever since it first hit screens in October 2002.

The captivating property series which helps prospective buyers find their dream home in the country, has assisted thousands of house hunters over the years who long to make the drastic move from city living to residing in an idyllic country abode.

For some buyers, the show is the perfect catapult to finding their dream property or to discovering more about the area. But sometimes, just like most house hunters know, not every viewing goes to plan.

We've reviewed some of the most disastrous property viewings on the daytime programme.

Not convinced

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During an episode that aired in August of this year, a couple failed to agree on a thatched-roofed house. The stunning property, located in Wiltshire, saw Stephanie and Ollie in disagreement, but their issue was the roof.

Standing outside the home, it was clear that it wasn't to Stephanie's taste. But Ollie disagreed and said: "I like thatches, nothing wrong with thatches, as long as they are looked after and well kept. I think they're great!"

But presenter Ginny Buckley noticed that Stephanie's sentiments didn't change much while inside the property. She said: "I'm not convinced, I don't know. It's just not quite warm and homely. That's the vibe I'm getting."

Ginny replied: "So I guess what you should perhaps do is go off and explore yourself. She added: "Have a wander, keep that open mind."

Unforgivable

One house hunter on the popular BBC show was left rather disappointed with a home that was located too close to her neighbours.

In an episode that aired in November 2024, buyer Kicki was looking to move to the countryside from her home in Surrey. Originally from Sweden, Kicki desired a slower pace of life to focus on her health.

But when presenter Alastair Appleton showcased a gorgeous large property in Nyewood, West Sussex, Kicki was unsure. She said: "The neighbours are a bit close. The road is a bit close. The house looks fascinating and beautiful."

After touring the gorgeous home, Kicki's sentiments did not change. She added, "The house is beautifully done up. I don't think I can forgive the neighbours being so close. It's not what I'm looking for at the moment. I'm sorry."

A step too far

In an episode which aired in September, presenter Alistair had his work cut out for him after a potential buyer came to realise that the location was too far to relocate to.

Caroline from West London was eager to relocate to Pembrokeshire in Wales as she sought breathtaking views and ample living space.

But while viewing three amazing properties, fans of the show quickly realised that Caroline seemed to lack enthusiasm, which the host also picked up on.

As the show neared its end, Caroline eventually revealed why the house-hunting experience didn't excite her much

She said: "The 'but' started on my inbound journey coming into Pembrokeshire actually, I have to say so. While I studied in depth the different routes on getting to and from London, while I realised I wouldn't be living somewhere that isn't a skip and hop, I hadn't expected it to take more than double the amount of time on paper."

She then described the move as a "step too far" and continued: "Rural doesn't need to be remote, that's the biggest lesson I've learned."

Hidden horrors

During an instalment which aired last year, host Alastair was forced to highlight a hidden gem which some may deem to be a horror.

Just minutes into the house hunt with potential buyers Xiaonan and her daughter, Xinyi, the presenter explained that inside the wall of a house, there were a pair of old shoes that looked like they belonged to children.

The home was one of the few buildings that survived the great fire that swept through Leonard Stanley in the 1600s, which caused the property to be a Grade II listed building.

Alastair said: "There's a nice little quirky story. For good luck in these old buildings, in the walls - in the left-hand wall here, there's two pairs of children's shoes."

Initially startled, Xiaonan said: "I like it, I actually have some designs already in my mind!"

Haunted home

Last year March, a couple with an ample amount of cash was quick to label a grand mansion "haunted".

Couple Grace and Joe were blown away by a property worth £800,000. Relocating back to the UK from Florida the pair were looking for a modern home.

But the pair were stunned when they stumbled upon a Victorian property in Cheshire. Looking at the house from the outside, Joe joked: "Wow, it's haunted!" while Grace said: "It's very grand, I'm definitely intrigued."

Despite being blown away by the opulence, Joe and Grace admitted that it was beyond their expectations.

"The mystery house was a little bit too much for us," Joe explained. "It's just too much house."

Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.