26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Escape to the Country star says 'are you for real' after couple's list of demands
BBC Escape to the Country star says 'are you for real' after couple's list of demands
Denise Nurse was left stunned by the 'extensive' list of requirements from a couple on Escape to the Country, in what has been dubbed a show first
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Escape to the Country presenter Denise Nurse was taken aback by an unusually "extensive" list of property requirements. In the BBC show, Denise encountered Mark and Steve, a married couple from Cheshire with aspirations of settling in the tranquil Cumbrian countryside.
The pair were on the hunt for a three-bedroom house within a £380,000 budget, which needed to include parking for at least two cars, space for an art studio, a large garden for their annual Eurovision parties, and proximity to a train station.
Their specific criteria didn't end there; they also insisted on avoiding small windows, desiring a spacious and open interior, a kitchen designed for entertaining, and enough room to accommodate their extravagant Eurovision outfits.
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Denise hit back at the couple's demands on the BBC show
(Image: (Image: BBC) )
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Denise commented on their extensive property wishlist, saying: "Steve and Mark have a very extensive wish list, and when I say extensive, I mean extensive! This list is bigger than anything I've ever seen on Escape to the Country," she confessed.
She continued, expressing her eagerness to see how dedicated they were to their search: "So, I can't wait to find out how committed they are to this, and if they're really ready to swap that holiday vibe for their full-time lifestyle."
Denise with the list
(Image: BBC )
With high hopes, Denise met up with Mark and Steve at Lake Windermere in the Lake District, where she unveiled a long scroll detailing their exhaustive checklist, reports the Express.
"Before we get started, I need to get to the bottom of something. This wish list," Denise began with a hint of mirth, before listing off the couple's extensive and somewhat ironic wish list.
"Space for Steve's car, space for Mark's car, access to a train station, access to a village or a town but not in the centre of a village or a town, of course! Close to a pub, close to a second pub in case the first one is closed, come on you two! Have you thought of everything?"
Escape to the Country's Mark and Steve had a long list of demands
(Image: (Image: BBC) )
Steve laughed and admitted they were "very sociable" people, even revealing their whimsical desire to have room for a couple of alpacas. Denise responded with playful disbelief, "Are you for real? I love big dreams, but this is quite a list."
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Denise presented them with choices such as a cosy farmer's cottage in Haverigg and an attractive semi-detached in Stank, before leading them to the surprise property in Gleaston.
After viewing a selection of beautiful properties, it became apparent that Mark and Steve were willing to overlook their detailed list for the enchanting prospect of discovering a place that truly felt like home.
Escape to the Country is on BBC One weekdays at 3pm and on BBC iPlayer
