On the latest episode of BBC’s popular show Escape to the Country, buyer Debra, a freelance writer who had lived in London’s Putney for 35 years, shared a poignant update about her planned countryside move. Accompanied by her daughter Belle, Debra set out to find a new home in Somerset or Dorset with a budget of £350,000.
Debra had specific desires: a detached property with at least two bedrooms, full of character, and with a garden. It had to be located on the edge of a village, within walking distance of a shop and a pub. Presenter Briony May Williams arranged several viewings, but it was a Grade II listed cottage in Crewkerne, Somerset, that captured Debra’s heart. The charming property offered a spacious reception room, three bedrooms, a country kitchen, and a walled cottage garden, with a listed offer price above £300,000.
However, despite falling in love with the cottage, Debra made a surprising announcement—she decided not to proceed with the purchase. She explained that the leap from city life to rural living felt too large at this stage. Her daughter Belle agreed, noting that moving to the countryside may require “stepping stones” rather than a sudden change.
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Debra reflected sincerely on her journey: “I’m very sad to say I won’t be buying any of the houses, and I mean that genuinely because the last one was so right up my street in so many ways. The chocolate box vision of the little Hansel and Gretel cottage in the middle of nowhere—it’s too big a leap.”
She added, “Having been to Crewkerne and seen that it’s utterly charming and beautiful but awake and very, very sociable, I think it might serve as a stepping stone from London. I’ve learnt so much now about what I need to make me happy when I move.”
Escape to the Country continues to air weekdays at 3 PM on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
