BBC Escape to the Country buyers left speechless over property's hidden feature

Wales Online

05-05-2025

BBC Escape to the Country buyers left speechless over property's hidden feature
Escape to the Country presenter Steve Brown was on hand to help a couple find their dream home in Cumbria on Monday
A pair of Escape to the Country buyers were left speechless as presenter Steve Brown revealed an "unusual" property feature on Monday (May 5).
On the recent episode of the BBC show, Steve welcomed Crispin and Clare, a married couple who were ready to swap their South London residence for the tranquil Cumbrian countryside.
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With a budget of £800,000, the pair were seeking a ready-to-move-in home but didn't dismiss the idea of a renovation project.
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Their wish list also included at least three bedrooms for visitors, enough land to care for dogs and goats, and a rural location with a pub or café no more than two miles away.
The house hunt commenced in Gawthwaite, a village perched on the southern fringe of the Lake District National Park, reports Lancs Live.
Escape to the Country buyers Crispin and Clare were looking for a home in Cumbria
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Just five miles further south lies Ulverston, a starting point for The Cumbria Way walking route and famed as the hometown of legendary comedian and filmmaker, Stan Laurel.
Ulverston boasts a charming mix of classic taverns and modern retail venues, all nestled along quaint cobbled streets.
Upon arriving at a contemporary barn conversion surrounded by pristine landscapes, Crispin and Clare readily expressed their enthusiasm.
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Inside, Steve drew attention to the home's layout: "Attached to the kitchen is a potential dining area, and on the opposite side of the house are two sitting rooms.
"The smaller of which leads to the study where a bathroom suite is being stored. And there's one other unusual addition, which I'm hoping they'll appreciate."
As they entered a reception room, Steve remarked: "And yet another reception room. So, how about this as a space?"
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A modern barn conversion was home to an unexpected addition on Monday (May 5)
"Depends what's down there," responded Clare promptly, gesturing towards a trap door in the room's corner.
"Don't go into that trap door," Simon joked, then elaborated: "So, what we've got down there is a cellar. Crispin, do you want to be brave and go down and see?"
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Crispin willingly embarked on the descent down the steps to a rather spacious cellar area.
"Welcome to the pit... It is quite big, bigger than I was expecting. There's another little lintel down here, I'd love to know where this doorway goes," Crispin commented.
The couple were initially convinced that the property would exceed their financial reach but were pleasantly surprised to discover it was on offer for £495,000 – significantly below their maximum budget by a striking £305,000.
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"It's hard to fault the location in all honesty. The surrounding countryside is really everything we could ask for," Crispin admitted, although he later expressed some concerns regarding the home's distinctive characteristics.
Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One