The tragic BBC Escape to the Country episode filmed in aftermath of heartbreak
The BBC's beloved daytime property show, Escape to the Country, assists prospective buyers in their quest for a new abode amidst the UK's most idyllic settings, often coinciding with their pursuit of a long-held dream lifestyle. Kathy, who once resided in a spacious six-bedroom house in a bustling Hampshire town, reached out to the programme feeling overwhelmed by the space after her five adult sons moved out.
She was ready to consider what she truly desired in a home and the ideal location she yearned to settle in.
Kathy expressed: "For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to move to the country or down to the Dorset coastline, it's somewhere that I went as a child on holiday and I just feel a connection to it, and I feel comfortable there."
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The timing seemed perfect for Kathy's rural shift, especially since her husband David had sadly died three years prior, leaving her alone in the Hampshire residence with only Betsy the dog for company. To stay updated with the latest TV and Showbiz news, subscribe to our newsletter.
Kathy shared her current state of mind: "My lifestyle now is basically, I'm just treading water, I don't feel like I got a purpose anymore, so I need something to get me up and going, I need something that's going to keep me focused again. I want a new lease of life, a whole new life."
Kathy, with a healthy budget of £925,000 and a dream to run a holiday let business, decided to move to her favourite childhood area. Accompanied by her son Connor, presenter Briony May Williams had four stunning properties to show them, as Kathy had already sold her Hampshire house.
The first property was a charming Grade II listed thatched cottage in the Devonshire village of Dalwood - a quintessential country home. While Kathy seemed to like it, Connor was instantly taken, exclaiming 'that is mint!
The holiday let would require some work, repurposing the existing summer house and ground floor shower room. Despite being over budget at £950,000, Kathy considered this picture-perfect house, willing to stretch her budget for the right property.
The second property was another thatched cottage, this time in Dorset near Whitchurch Canonicorum, boasting sweeping views and a 15-minute drive to the coast. Both Kathy and Connor were impressed, even noting a Mediterranean feel due to its walled garden.
Kathy was particularly taken with the interior of the house, especially the kitchen diner, and saw potential for a holiday let in the garden via the double garage which already had a first floor with stair access. She believed that since the structure was already in place, it wouldn't be too big a job to create her dream holiday let.
This property was listed for £850,000. The third property was an appealing sandstone Georgian former farmhouse near Bridport, Dorset.
It boasted grandeur, space and light in the main house and a converted former dairy in the garden, a stunning holiday let already generating between £30,000 and £40,000 per annum. However, even this sound business proposition and the sweeping views surrounding the house couldn't make Kathy fall in love.
The property was listed for £850,000. The mystery house was a Grade II listed cottage dating back to the 1500s.
It was unexpectedly large, with three staircases, a self-contained flat, and plenty of space, rooms and quirky nooks and crannies. Despite the ample holiday let potential and abundant space for a family home for her children to visit, Kathy wasn't entirely smitten by the maze of spaces on offer.
The house was listed for sale at £900,000.
Kathy, after considering all four properties, found herself most drawn to the second one, although she decided to delve deeper into the local area and opted to rent there first. She was intent on a second viewing and even brought her friends along to see property number two.
However, the thatched roof ultimately deterred her, and so her search for the perfect home continued beyond the filming of the show. Kathy remained positive, knowing that her late husband David would have been supportive, saying: "He'd be shoving me, he'd be really pleased for me that I'm finally moving forward and starting to live again and get out there and enjoying life."
Fans can catch up with Kathy's story in series 23 episode 6 of Escape to the Country, available on BBC iPlayer.
Additionally, don't miss the winter edition of Amazing Welsh Homes magazine, brimming with renovation tales, interior design inspiration, competitions, and exclusive discounts – it even offers a glimpse into some celebrities' dwellings. Secure your hard copy of the magazine through our online shop here.
