Escape To The Country

Now in its 24th series, Escape to the Country is much-loved, aspirational and factual property programme, hosted by a group of knowledgeable and colourful presenters, who provide insight and information with a sprinkling of entertainment, although their prime role is to help prospective house buyers find their dream home in the country.

In each episode, the buyers are taken on a journey of discovery in the form of three to four idyllic country properties, the last being a ‘mystery house’ and, in a bid to help them get a deeper understanding of their chosen local area and community, they are also exposed to local country life, including visits to beautiful towns, iconic British monuments, historic homes, or experiencing traditional rural trades and crafts.

09 – 15 Dec: Episode 38 – North Dorset

Ginny is tasked with helping a couple who have £375k to find their “forever home” in the Dorset countryside. While there, Ginny visits the renowned Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, and takes an exhilarating trip in a traditional sailing vessel.

16 – 22 Dec: Episode 39 – North Devon

Sonali Shah heads to the North Devon countryside to help a career minded couple with £950k to spend on a family home and start up a holiday-let business. While in the county, Sonali visits the UK’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to learn about the long term ambitions to connect people and nature, and efforts to conserve one of the most fragile grassland areas in the South West.

23 – 29 Dec: Episode 40 – Shropshire

Margherita Taylor is property hunting in Shropshire with a couple of keen gardeners who want their £425k to buy them a country home with ample space for them and their hot tub. While in the county, Margherita samples some of Shropshire’s pioneering local produce at Chadwell Park Farm, which has successfully turned its hand to making vegetable juices from its salad crops.

30 Dec – 05 Jan: Episode 41 – North Cornwall

Ginny Buckley is on a house hunting mission to help a couple with a £525k budget find a country home in North Cornwall to retire to. Along the way, Ginny visits the annual Royal Cornwall Show, which has showcased the county’s heritage for over 220 years. While there, Ginny samples the traditional nettle covered Yarg cheese, and sees if a very rare breed of sheep manages to win a “best in class” rosette.

Episode 42 – South Wales

Today, Jonnie Irwin is house hunting in the South Wales countryside with an itinerant couple who have £600k to find a rural retreat close to their growing grandchildren. While in the area, Jonnie heads to the south coast of Monmouthshire, and tries his hand at catching a salmon using the rare art of lave net fishing, a traditional skill which stretches back 400 years.

Episode 43 – Yorkshire

Sonali Shah heads to Yorkshire to help a couple of retired teachers with a £450k budget find a country home and finally return to their family roots. Along the way, Sonali meets a young Dales farmer who is using his dairy herd to produce Icelandic inspired Skyr yoghurt.

Episode 44 – Yorkshire Dales

Nicki Chapman is on a house hunting mission in the Yorkshire Dales with a pair of brothers, one of whom wants his £500k budget to furnish him with a country home in rural isolation. Whilst in the area, Nicki joins the Dales Park Rangers and helps them on their everyday rounds as well, as learning about the growing popularity of geocaching with walkers.

Episode 45 – Somerset

Today Sonali Shah is in rural Somerset, helping a retired teacher return to her West Country roots and find her country home with a £385k budget. While in the county, Sonali visits a local farm which has diversified into lavender growing. With the fields in full bloom, Sonali sees how the crop is harvested, and has a chance to try her hand at making traditional lavender products.