Escape To The Country Season 26 Episode 14 travels to the stunning landscapes of North Yorkshire, where Briony May Williams helps a London buyer and her loyal dog Buddy leave behind the busy city life in search of a peaceful country cottage. With a £350,000 budget and support from a close friend, they explore charming villages, characterful homes, and the beauty of rural living.
Along the way, Briony visits a family living on the edge of the breathtaking moors, where they roast their own coffee beans for a thriving café business. This inspiring episode highlights the appeal of North Yorkshire’s countryside lifestyle, perfect for those seeking tranquility, charm, and a fresh start.
#EscapeToTheCountry #NorthYorkshire #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
Along the way, Briony visits a family living on the edge of the breathtaking moors, where they roast their own coffee beans for a thriving café business. This inspiring episode highlights the appeal of North Yorkshire’s countryside lifestyle, perfect for those seeking tranquility, charm, and a fresh start.
#EscapeToTheCountry #NorthYorkshire #CountryLiving #RuralLife #BritishTV
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00:01Sometimes our escape to the country house hunters feel at home as soon as they cross the threshold.
00:07So, should we just make ourselves comfortable, shall we?
00:12And it can happen even quicker than that.
00:15Just tell me how much it is and I'll buy it now.
00:18You've not even seen it in time.
00:20I'm not entirely sure it matters.
00:23There's one thing we really like to hear.
00:27Not quite.
00:31Where do we sign?
00:33That's the one.
00:58North Yorkshire is England's largest county, packed with stunning coastlines, mile upon mile of rural landscapes and chock full of
01:07vibrant towns and villages to explore at leisure.
01:12Whether you're a hardened hiker or a seasonal stroller, North Yorkshire is a walker's paradise.
01:20Aside from the footpaths and rights of way inside the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, outside of
01:28them, this county has the largest network of public rights of way in England.
01:33And from them, you'll be amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
01:41Lying on England's northeast coast, North Yorkshire covers a staggering 3,000 square miles of breathtaking vistas that have the
01:50population singing its praises.
01:53North Yorkshire is known locally and far away as God's own county and there's a reason for that.
02:01You've got marvellous places like Robin Hood's Bay, you've got the east coast, you've got Scarborough, Whitby.
02:08Inland is full of pretty villages, like Massam, centred on a large square where there's an annual sheep fair for
02:15charity.
02:18And as well as locations to explore, there's exceptional cuisine to discover that goes way beyond the eponymous puddings.
02:27There's a wide range of places to eat, so you can have a Sunday roast in a nice local pub,
02:33but you can also go and dine in a Michelin star restaurant.
02:35You've got such great local produce and there's so many food festivals that go on.
02:42The whole county is a work of art.
02:47North Yorkshire has obviously made a huge impression on today's buyer.
02:51She's only been here once and now she's ready to call this county home.
02:59Sue is the founder of a creative skills programme and lives in a basement flat in North London with seven
03:05-year-old Buddy.
03:07I am a city girl, but we're lucky to have quite a few green spaces and I just want more.
03:19There's a strong community presence as it's close to Arsenal Stadium, but Sue wants a quieter crowd, so this lot
03:26suggested Tottenham.
03:28I'm so looking forward to finding a new community and diving into it and just spending time focusing on things
03:40that I love to do.
03:43Sue has fond childhood memories of Yorkshire and hopes it has everything for her new life.
03:50It's got dales and moors and coast, so frankly what's not to love?
03:57She'll be helped on her house hunt by best friend and art director Clare.
04:02Clare is my wing woman.
04:03We met through work, through an art project, and when you walked into the gallery it's like I'd known you
04:11for years.
04:12And that's a really unique thing, someone in your thirties, you know, you're like a bonus.
04:19It's nice, right? We're bonuses to each other.
04:24For her maximum budget of £350,000, Sue would like a character property with a minimum of two bedrooms, plus
04:33space to work from home.
04:34She needs a secure garden for Buddy, and although they like walking, she doesn't want to be too far from
04:40amenities.
04:51I love the idea of Clare being Sue's wing woman.
04:55I can't wait to show them round some glorious houses.
04:58I think they are going to bring some fantastic energy.
05:01North Yorkshire is stunning.
05:03I feel like every time I come here I see something new.
05:05There's just so much going on.
05:09Before we kick off the search, I'm meeting Sue and Clare in a quiet pocket of the county.
05:15So come on then, let's get to it Sue.
05:18Why North Yorkshire when you don't really know the area?
05:22I feel a draw to the north.
05:26A draw to the north.
05:29The real clinch for me was seeing it on Escape to the Country.
05:35I just don't think you could ever get bored of wandering and searching and exploring around somewhere like this.
05:44Claire, can you see Sue living somewhere like this?
05:46I can.
05:48So long as there's still civilisation around.
05:51I think if you ended up somewhere too remote, that's definitely not going to work for you.
05:57So what does an ideal house look like for you?
06:00I mean, the internal I don't think is particularly difficult to achieve, but it's the external.
06:07Garden manageable, that's okay. End of the garden, gate, where the dog can immediately run off the lead.
06:16Sure, sure.
06:17And then you come back into the property and you go out the front door and you've got shops and
06:23bars and everything.
06:26Can you do that for me?
06:28It's a bit like Narnia's wardrobe.
06:30Yeah.
06:31Yeah, it does a little bit.
06:32I mean, I'll see what I can do.
06:34Let's go try it, shall we?
06:38I'm joking.
06:39No, I know, I know you're not.
06:40That's why it's funny.
06:43We're starting our search in the lower half of the county, headed for the rural village of Stillington, where the
06:49sun is shining and spring has sprung.
06:52For socialising, there's the White Bear Inn.
06:55I think they're usually called polar bears.
06:57And there's also an Indian restaurant.
06:59The community-run post office provides everyday essentials, with additional shops not too far away in the city of York.
07:08Although they're not quite Arsenal, there's been a football team here since 1899.
07:13And the village hall offers a variety of arts and performances that Sue could get involved with.
07:18Less than a mile from it is the house we've come to see.
07:22Here we are.
07:23Our first property.
07:24Our first property.
07:25Our first property.
07:26Isn't it pretty?
07:27It's so cute.
07:28Oh, it is really cute.
07:30How does it make you feel looking at it?
07:33Homely, cosy.
07:34I've probably got a vision in my head of what it might look like inside.
07:39The property is so pretty.
07:42It's really nice.
07:44Shall we go and have a look inside?
07:45Please.
07:45Yeah.
07:46You're like, come on, come on.
07:47Come on, come on.
07:48Come on then.
07:48Man the doves.
07:50This semi-detached property was originally single storey, built in 1790, with upstairs a far more recent addition, having been
07:59added in 1810.
08:03Cute.
08:04Very cottagey.
08:05I think the window really sets it off.
08:10It's lovely.
08:10Can you imagine a Christmas tree there?
08:12Oh, you like a Christmas tree, don't you?
08:14I love a Christmas tree.
08:15And I've never been able to put one in front of a window just because of the formation.
08:19Yeah.
08:19You could hear.
08:21Imagine that.
08:22Yeah.
08:22The end scene in the window, couldn't you?
08:24Yeah.
08:25Oh, yeah, you'd be the envy of Sterlington.
08:26The envy of Sterlington!
08:27It's quite bijou, but there is only me and the dog.
08:32I think because of where your home is a big open plan space, that coming into properties like this, where
08:42they are rooms, rather than that stretch when your home might be really lovely.
08:48Absolutely.
08:48You can see that they have dogs.
08:49And a big one at that.
08:51They've got two greyhounds, so...
08:53Oh, yeah.
08:53Yeah.
08:54And do you know what I really love about this room is you've got these beams that are beautiful, but
08:58they're not...
08:59You're not looking your head on them, are you?
09:00No, you've got some height and I do like a beam.
09:02Who doesn't love a beam?
09:04Do you know what I mean?
09:05I don't know.
09:05Anyway, on to the kitchen.
09:06Lovely.
09:07The view from here as well is really lovely.
09:09Yeah, the view of the heights opposite is pretty good, isn't it?
09:11Yeah, we'll be waving.
09:12You'll be a right nosy neighbour.
09:15Not that I see that in you, of course, Sue, of course.
09:17Absolutely not.
09:20On one side of the house is a dining room, or office, and opposite, a shower room with the kitchen
09:26beyond them at the rear.
09:28Oh, yeah.
09:29Yeah.
09:31Oh, nice.
09:32Oh, yeah.
09:32Oh, yes.
09:33Yeah.
09:34Now, this is a can of...
09:35Because I don't cook, so actually...
09:38Is your oven for storage?
09:40Yeah, yeah.
09:40I could put my clothes in here, or...
09:43But it's really lovely proportions.
09:45I love the door straight outside.
09:48Mm-hmm.
09:48You've got your coffee station.
09:50Exactly.
09:50And that's all.
09:51I mean, what do I...
09:51I don't spend any time, really, in the kitchen.
09:55I don't think I've ever seen you use a pot.
09:57I wouldn't know what to use.
09:59Oh, you're great.
10:00This is great.
10:01Learning so much about you.
10:02Look, we're not bothered about the ovens.
10:04Yeah, definitely.
10:05Neither of you have mentioned that.
10:07Um, okay.
10:07So, for general coffee making...
10:10Wine pouring.
10:11Wine pouring.
10:12Would this work for you?
10:13And cheese poured.
10:13Love it.
10:14Great.
10:16In 1790, that would have been the end of my tour,
10:19but onwards and upwards to the main bedroom
10:21at the front of the house.
10:24Oh, look at these floors.
10:25This is the main bedroom.
10:27Yeah, lovely.
10:28Which I think is quite impressive.
10:30Yeah, yeah.
10:31This is really lovely.
10:32They've done it really beautifully.
10:34These low windows are just...
10:37Perfect for you, aren't they?
10:38Yes!
10:38Exactly!
10:39I'm not missing anything.
10:40You say low, they're Sioux height.
10:42Yeah, they're all Sioux height.
10:44I love it.
10:45The size of the furniture,
10:47because that's quite a big bed,
10:48it doesn't look overpowered by what's in the room.
10:53And also, like, the dressing table and everything,
10:56that's pretty much like yours at home.
10:57Yeah, I was just thinking that.
10:59Yeah.
10:59Yeah, I think it's nice.
11:01Yeah.
11:02Yeah.
11:02Okay, so we like it.
11:03Yes, we do.
11:04So there is another bedroom.
11:05Oh!
11:06It has got an occupant at the moment, though.
11:10Do we want to disturb the occupant?
11:12He's very chilled.
11:13I don't think he'll mind.
11:14Yeah.
11:15Well, it's Claire's room.
11:15Do you mind sharing a chilled occupant?
11:18I'm assuming they're going to take him with them, but...
11:21Oh, my goodness.
11:22Come and have a look, Claire.
11:24Hello.
11:24He's very cute.
11:25It might be she, actually.
11:26He's tiny.
11:27He is tiny.
11:28He's got his own room.
11:30He's got his own room.
11:30Well, the reason they're moving, and this isn't a joke,
11:33is that the tortoise has outgrown the house
11:35and the space that it occupies.
11:38Yeah.
11:39So they need to move.
11:40So this is lovely.
11:41So, basically, my best friend is being given a room...
11:44A tortoise room.
11:45A tortoise room.
11:46A tortoise finds too small.
11:48Yes, exactly.
11:49You've got it absolutely on the money there, Sue.
11:53He also wants a change of pace and is moving to Birmingham.
11:57Next to the bedroom is a bathroom,
11:59while outside there's off-street parking,
12:01a single garage and a fence lawn with more current residents.
12:09This is the perfect size.
12:12Isn't it beautiful?
12:12Yeah, it's really cute.
12:14It is.
12:15So, Price, what are we thinking about Price?
12:17I am going to say £235.
12:21£235,000?
12:23I think this might be a bit of a terrifying reality check for you.
12:28I'd add another £100,000 onto that.
12:30Yeah.
12:31I do.
12:31£325,000.
12:33So, it's actually on the market, not for £235,000,
12:36it's on the market for £295,000.
12:38Oh, OK.
12:38Oh, OK.
12:39At least we're giving you an idea of what a property like this
12:43in North Yorkshire would set you back.
12:46Yeah, in a pretty village with...
12:48Yeah, yeah.
12:48But that's guinea pigs not included.
12:50I know, it's a shame, that.
12:52This 18th century cottage has a cosy sitting room
12:56with period features, plus an office.
12:59Upstairs, there's a large main bedroom
13:00and one for Claire, or a small tortoise.
13:03The lawned garden is secure for Buddy the dog
13:06and all this for £295,000.
13:09I think the character, the cosiness, the brightness, the garden is spot on.
13:17It feels a little bit cramped for me, and the area feels too quiet.
13:23I think this is a good start to show Sue, because she will now start to think about,
13:30OK, I am moving to a different kind of property to live in,
13:35so she can now start imagining herself in a house rather than an open-plan flat.
13:53Having researched Yorkshire online, Sue has developed a virtual love affair with the town of Knaresborough.
13:59Its spectacular viaduct is one of the most treasured views in the county,
14:03perhaps best enjoyed from the water.
14:06We get a lot of people coming down to row on the beautiful river,
14:10come from all over the country.
14:13Indeed, we have international visitors now.
14:15It's got more and more popular over the years,
14:17but, yeah, it's a lovely place to come on a nice day.
14:21The original Knaresborough Castle dates back to the 1100s
14:25and was rebuilt 200 years later, but destroyed during the Civil War.
14:31However, it's inspired the names of several more modern establishments.
14:35We have everything on our doorstep, that's what's also wonderful.
14:38There's a river, so the kids can go down.
14:40There's a little beach that we go play on.
14:42All the lovely cafes and local shops,
14:45it's just, there's always something different going on.
14:48You could have a little gallery here.
14:50I could have a gallery. Yeah.
14:53There's already a vibrant art scene with several groups based in the town.
14:58We have lots of fun here.
15:01We're, like, one big community and one big family.
15:07The Knaresborough Players are an amateur dramatics group
15:10who perform at the Fraser Theatre,
15:12and Geraldine Gordon has been a member for 25 years.
15:17So, how many members do you have?
15:19It varies around about 100, isn't it?
15:21We, yeah, so it's quite a few.
15:23But that covers the actors, the cast, the production team.
15:25You know, it's not just actors.
15:27It's everybody who's involved in the theatre.
15:29I'm involved in a theatre in Stoke Newington.
15:32Right. Right.
15:32So, to be able to find something at all similar,
15:36where I can continue to be involved, to do productions,
15:41love a bit of comedy, if you ever need a bag lady.
15:45She is, actually.
15:46I am a good bag lady.
15:48You are a very good bag lady.
15:49Well, you sound really versatile, just what we're looking for.
15:52Perfect!
15:53And how many productions a year would you put on here?
15:56We start the year in January with our pantomime,
15:58which we've been running for about 60 years.
16:01That's always a big, big show.
16:03We do ten shows of that.
16:04Then we do a May play, an October play,
16:07and there's also a Fever festival in the town in August.
16:11But outside of that, this theatre is hired for outside venues as well.
16:15A lot of the local groups come here to hire it
16:18just as the venue for their performances.
16:20Well, I was excited before I came to meet you
16:23about the Knaresborough players, but I'm certainly very excited now,
16:26and I hope, if I make it to Knaresborough, that you'll let me in.
16:31Definitely. I mean, your enthusiasm just shines through,
16:33and it'd be great to see you come along.
16:35All the auditions are open auditions, so people are welcome,
16:38but you're more than welcome to come back and see us.
16:40I'm not on the audition panel.
16:42Yeah, Sheila, did you hear that?
16:44She's not on the audition panel.
16:46Find that person that sits at the house.
16:50Before Sue can tread the boards,
16:52we need to pound the pavement and find her a house.
16:59For our second property, we're travelling west to the village of Killinghall,
17:04a few miles from the town of Harrogate.
17:07There's a choice of pubs in the area and an active social scene
17:11with events at the village hall.
17:13Nearby Harrogate has trains to Manchester and the capital
17:16and hosts regular markets,
17:18while the village has its own modern convenience store.
17:22There are footpaths where Sue and Buddy the dog can explore the waterways
17:26and James I is said to have crossed Oakbeck in the early 1600s
17:30on his way to claim the throne.
17:32Located on its banks is our next property.
17:37Right then.
17:39Here we are.
17:40This little cutie.
17:42It is a little cutie.
17:43A little cutie just like you.
17:45Just like you.
17:46Gorgeous.
17:47It looks gorgeous.
17:49I mean, the whole row, it's almost a time capsule.
17:53And it's really peaceful, but it's really close to Harrogate.
17:58You know, when you pictured living in the countryside,
18:03is this what you thought of?
18:05Well, it is now.
18:07Look at it, Sue.
18:07Look at it.
18:08Yeah.
18:09Actually, this is phenomenal.
18:12I mean, you know, other than providing me with a veranda at the back,
18:17this is perfect, yeah.
18:17But look at the front.
18:18You can sit at the front.
18:20The chairs are already out.
18:21Oh, yes.
18:22Wine Corner could become Wine Terrace.
18:24Oh, I love it.
18:25And also, with Buddy, can you imagine coming out,
18:27coming across, letting him off the lead into the river?
18:29Can you imagine how much fun he'd have?
18:32Yes.
18:33It would be amazing.
18:34He'll probably leap from there.
18:36Yeah.
18:37Straight in.
18:38Yeah, he'd love it.
18:39Do you want to go and have a look inside?
18:40No, I'm not interested.
18:41All right, let's go.
18:42As if.
18:43Come on.
18:45This semi-detached former workers' cottage was built in the late 1800s
18:50with modern styling sympathetically done by the current owners.
18:54Come on through.
18:55Boo.
18:59That's a nice smile.
19:00Beam.
19:01Yeah.
19:02Beam.
19:03Beam.
19:04Yeah, this is lovely.
19:06And it feels cosy.
19:07We'll just go and have a little seat on the...
19:09Yeah, sure.
19:09Just go and sit on that sofa, look out the window.
19:12I think this is so lovely.
19:14Oh!
19:15So, when she...
19:17The lady who lives here at the minute, when she's working,
19:19she gets her laptop, sits here like this...
19:21Oh, does she?
19:21With this view.
19:22I mean, look at that view.
19:23Well, who could work, frankly.
19:26But then when you've got people over, you turn the sofa around
19:28and it becomes a social space.
19:30Yeah, of course.
19:31It's this room.
19:31I mean, sadly, I don't play the piano, but...
19:35You don't have to keep it.
19:36Exactly.
19:37They will take it away with them.
19:38You know, there's room to play and manoeuvre and...
19:42I love it.
19:42Do you?
19:43If Sue's not buying it, I am.
19:45I like how it's got that cottagey feel,
19:50but it's also really contemporary,
19:52which I think that makes it easier for you to imagine living here as well.
19:58Can we see more, please?
19:59Oh, I can't answer.
20:01Give us the minute.
20:02What's up?
20:03Let's come and have a look at the kitchen,
20:04because it's a really lovely kitchen.
20:07Ooh.
20:08This kitchen.
20:09Ooh.
20:10Ooh.
20:10It's a beauty.
20:11Lots of oohs.
20:13Sorry, yes.
20:14Gorgeous.
20:14This is big.
20:15Gorgeous.
20:16How much?
20:18Nice try.
20:19Yeah.
20:19Just take it in.
20:21You've got the skylight.
20:22Also, you've got the bifold doors out onto the patio.
20:25Yeah, that's gorgeous.
20:26So that opens up the space even more.
20:28I love what they've done.
20:29I love these.
20:30And there's still, obviously,
20:32there's lots of little things that you can do yourself to make it yours.
20:35Yeah.
20:35You could even have, like, a breakfast bar added on here.
20:39That is a really good idea.
20:41Every now and again they come.
20:43Every now and again.
20:44That is...
20:44That's my one for the month now.
20:46And everything's, like, Sue height.
20:48Exactly.
20:49Do you know that's true?
20:52So true.
20:53So true.
20:53Yeah.
20:53I can actually reach everything, which is...
20:56Marvellous.
20:57Well, go and have a look upstairs.
20:58On our own.
20:59Yeah.
21:00I know.
21:00Can you show me my bedroom?
21:02Oh, yeah.
21:03That's all you want to see.
21:05Yeah.
21:06I feel like Sue's taking it a bit more seriously in this house,
21:09so...
21:10See what she thinks of upstairs.
21:13The main bedroom is at the front of the house,
21:15sharing those views of the Beck.
21:18Oh, it's so gorgeous.
21:22Look at this.
21:22It's bright.
21:22The view is phenomenal.
21:26You never close your curtains.
21:27No, I'm not.
21:28It's just so gorgeous.
21:30Ceiling heights still good up here as well.
21:32Yes, that's true.
21:35Although Sue's going to need a step for the cupboard.
21:37To the rear, alongside the recently renovated bathroom,
21:40is a second tortoise-free bedroom.
21:44It's not a bad size, is it?
21:46It's not a bad size.
21:47Well, it's better than the sofa bed you've got at the moment in London, isn't it?
21:51But I think you could definitely fit a nice double bed, wardrobe and...
21:57Yeah.
21:58I think it would work, don't you?
21:59I can see you here.
22:01Can you?
22:02Yeah.
22:02More importantly, I can see you here.
22:03You can see you here!
22:05Yeah.
22:07There's an enclosed outdoor space, as well as a little wine corner
22:10and a rustic stone wall across the back.
22:13And, in accordance with ancient local tradition,
22:16the previous gardener was buried upside down in the flower bed.
22:22I don't know, it's got a feel of, I don't know, Portugal?
22:26Yeah, it feels a bit like you're in a cave, but in a good way, you know?
22:29Yeah, this is lovely.
22:30There's something about it, again, having that nature there, isn't it?
22:32Yeah.
22:32They've done this really beautifully.
22:34Though I do like the idea of having a bit of an office space up here.
22:38It might be quite nice.
22:39I could do whatever you want to be yours.
22:41Well, it depends on how much it costs.
22:42Well, it's funny you should mention that.
22:44It's time to talk about the price.
22:46Well, I did really well last time, so, Claire!
22:49I'm not even coming to you first this time.
22:50I'm going to go to Claire.
22:52I'm going to go for, like, 375, maybe a little bit more.
22:57Okay.
22:58I'm hoping she's totally wrong.
23:01I am going to say a hopeful 350.
23:04You're both wrong.
23:05In the best way, it's actually on the market for £285,000.
23:10Yahoo!
23:11Yahoo!
23:13Where do we sign?
23:15There is one but.
23:17An offer has been put on the house, but it's not been accepted yet.
23:21So, it's just something to bear in mind.
23:22Yeah.
23:23That people are interested, and you can see why.
23:25I understand why, yeah.
23:28This 19th century cottage occupies a stunning spot on the banks of the Beck,
23:33and the sitting room is arranged to make the most of the view.
23:36There's a good-sized kitchen and the required two bedrooms,
23:39all just minutes from Harrogate, and priced at £285,000.
23:48It's definitely got a lovely feeling to it when you walk in,
23:51and I think even though it is rooms rather than the open plan that Sue knows,
23:57it does have that flow.
23:59And I think even with the open stairs and the light that comes in as well,
24:05is, yeah, it's just got a really nice feel to it.
24:09The tranquillity of the location, but the four-minute drive to Harrogate,
24:18it just takes a lot of the tension out of a move to somewhere so tranquil.
24:35Up until five years ago, the average price of a terraced house in North Yorkshire
24:40was typically more expensive than the UK average.
24:44But since May 2020, with the exception of one month, they've been lower.
24:49And currently, a terraced house here will set you back about £217,000,
24:55compared to the national average of £225,000.
25:07If the county is starting to win you over, properties are available for a wide range of budgets.
25:14For £95 a night, you could enjoy a short stay in this gorgeous train carriage,
25:20offering stunning views of the Nid Valley.
25:23Inside, there are all the essentials, including a kitchenette and shower,
25:27cleverly decorated with period accoutrement, including a uniform and first-class toilet.
25:34If you're ready to make the move, this two-bedroom cottage is located in a popular village
25:39with local amenities close to York, Harrogate and Knaresborough.
25:44It's deceptively spacious and decorated with eye-catching colours, available for £215,000.
25:53Or, for £550,000, this attractive cottage has pretty details like the arched windows and nooks,
26:00and has been extended to offer generous reception rooms and four bedrooms,
26:05in a sought-after location with rural views.
26:15As we seem to strike gold with Nairsborough, we're heading there for our mystery house.
26:19The town is packed with history and full of independent shops and eateries.
26:25Everyone's really friendly, like I feel like it's a very welcoming community,
26:30and there's a lot of stuff for young people.
26:33During warmer months, the castle hosts live music performances,
26:37and also offers family activities in addition to its museum.
26:41I'm making my way to the final destination before Sue arrives to make sure everything's just perfect.
26:49Come inside. I really want to show you something.
26:53This gorgeous 18th-century home is as pretty inside as it is out.
26:58I feel like we're getting closer and closer to Sue's perfect property.
27:02Got the location down.
27:04But I really think it's the private courtyard that will clinch it for Sue.
27:09She has said she won't get overly emotional about properties,
27:12but this might be the one to do it.
27:17Hi. Hello.
27:20We're in the heart of Nairsborough now. I know.
27:22We certainly are.
27:22And I just have a really sneaky suspicion that we might have found the one.
27:26Yeah, just tell me how much it is and I'll buy it now.
27:29You've not even seen inside.
27:31I'm not entirely sure it matters.
27:33Isn't it beautiful?
27:34It is absolutely beautiful.
27:36I love the colour of the door, everything about it.
27:39When Sue was talking about exploring escape to the country in North Yorkshire,
27:45this is what I imagined.
27:47And the whole street is absolutely gorgeous.
27:51I know you said you don't necessarily need to see inside,
27:54but I think we probably should.
27:55Do you think so, just as a precaution?
27:57And I...
27:57You're going to love it.
27:57Come on, come on, come on, come on.
28:01We're off to a great start and the modern decor of this Grade 2 listed house
28:05could be right up Sue's Street.
28:11Oh, my goodness.
28:14Wow.
28:15So, should we just...
28:17Just make ourselves comfortable, shall we?
28:21Shall I get the contract?
28:23Yes, please.
28:24Honestly.
28:25Yeah, point out a few things.
28:26Okay, point out a few things.
28:27We'll just run through a few things just to get you settled into the space.
28:30I really love these sofas.
28:31Anyway, so this is currently a holiday let.
28:34They're selling up because they're moving abroad.
28:37Right.
28:37There's lots of nooks and crannies, again, in this one.
28:40You've got all that character beam, but look how high that ceiling is.
28:44Yeah.
28:44But that is a really important point because, say the ceiling was where the top of the...
28:50It would actually make this room feel quite small.
28:55Yeah, but it's that extra height.
29:01It's...
29:02Well, this, I mean, this is the least exciting part of the house, I would say.
29:06Yeah.
29:06Look at you.
29:07What?
29:09I'm sold.
29:10I genuinely think you two might actually be fighting about this.
29:14I don't think I'm getting the train home, I think.
29:16This is it.
29:17Well, it's a holiday let.
29:18Exactly!
29:19Is it free for the next...
29:20Actually, funny that, isn't it?
29:22Because you could rent it out for a week and just see how you feel living here.
29:26Absolutely will do that.
29:27Shall we have a look?
29:28I love the kitchen.
29:29Let's go have a look at the kitchen.
29:30Come on, get off the sofa.
29:31Right.
29:32Off we go.
29:33Oh, no.
29:35The perfect sous-sized kitchen.
29:37Just the perfect kitchen.
29:39My goodness.
29:40Even the hob is sous-sized.
29:42There's only two...
29:42Are those two ovens?
29:44Two ovens.
29:45I mean, you don't have to use them.
29:47No.
29:48It's good storage.
29:49Good storage, yeah.
29:50This butt kitchen is gorgeous.
29:54Those lights...
29:55Aren't they?
29:55...are going nowhere.
29:56I mean, the whole thing is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
30:01GORGEOUS!
30:02For Sue to have a bigger kitchen, to me, it just becomes a wasted space.
30:08Yeah.
30:08Because you're not...
30:09Literally, I call her Sue panini, because she makes a really good panini and a coffee.
30:16And that's perfect.
30:17There you go.
30:17A little panini maker in the corner.
30:18It's sorted.
30:19Honestly, this is absolutely spot on.
30:22You don't want to waste any more space, as far as we're concerned, on a kitchen.
30:26But it's got everything you need.
30:27Yeah.
30:27And is that a pantry, do we think?
30:29I mean, you could turn it into a pantry.
30:30It's actually a cellar.
30:32A really good-sized cellar.
30:35Oh, my goodness.
30:35I saw the grate outside, at the bottom.
30:38Yeah, it's really...
30:39It's quite big.
30:40And, you know, it's got electric down there.
30:42I mean, you could put Claire down there if you want to.
30:45No, don't put Claire down there.
30:47Is it...
30:48Oh, yeah, no, yeah.
30:49Yeah, to your height.
30:51It's another room, essentially.
30:53Wow.
30:53You could use it for storage, whatever.
30:55Well, go and have a look upstairs.
30:57And then we'll go outside, because I think this one will blow your mind.
31:01Okay.
31:02In the best way.
31:03Right, quick, come on.
31:03Right, go on there, go and have a look.
31:06There's a surprise in the first-floor bedroom.
31:10Oh!
31:13Told you.
31:14Is that where I'm sleeping?
31:16That's you!
31:17Wow.
31:18I don't know what to say about that.
31:19I don't know what to say about that, but, wow.
31:23This is, like, my bedroom at home with the fireplace and...
31:28And the bath?
31:29Well, the bathroom doesn't have a bath,
31:32but it is finished to a high standard with LED mood lighting.
31:37Oh, my Lord! Look at this!
31:40Look at this!
31:41Yes!
31:42Oh, I love this.
31:44Look at those tiles.
31:45I know, I think it's beautiful.
31:48And I've never had...
31:49You can sit down in that, shall I?
31:51Well, I might need to in a few years.
31:52But a walk-in shower?
31:55The second bedroom is on the top floor.
32:02Oh!
32:02I think I might have to have this!
32:04I don't think so!
32:05Well, you'd be happy with either, wouldn't you?
32:08Oh, so lovely!
32:10Oh, if you don't mind, Claire, I think this is the one.
32:16Look at the wardrobe space as well.
32:18Yeah, yeah.
32:18This is just gorgeous.
32:20It just feels like home.
32:22And the cherry on the cake is the garden.
32:25Oh!
32:28Oh, no!
32:29Oh!
32:30Oh, no!
32:32Horrible, horrible woman!
32:34This is all!
32:36This is all!
32:41This?
32:42Polished Yorkshire stone?
32:43Oh, my goodness.
32:44Oh, gosh, of course!
32:48Private.
32:50Can we get straight to the prize?
32:52South facing.
32:54Yeah, south facing.
32:55Not overlooked.
32:56Not overlooked.
32:57Look, you can see the church's fire.
32:59Oh!
33:00I mean, they've practically got a lounge out here.
33:05Actually, I can see Buddy here, though, as well.
33:07Yeah!
33:08Yes, of course!
33:09He's going to be lay out here in the sunshine.
33:11Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
33:12Yeah, he's going to love it.
33:14I've already heard a doggy friend a few doors down.
33:16Oh, marvellous.
33:17Marvellous, marvellous.
33:19Shall we talk about the price?
33:21Go on, then.
33:22You can go first this time.
33:24Oh, do I have to?
33:24Yeah, you do.
33:24Yes, you do, yeah.
33:26I'm going to go 385, Sue.
33:28I'm going to go £400,000.
33:31Okay.
33:33Hopefully.
33:34So rubbish.
33:36In a good way.
33:37In a good way.
33:39It's on the market for £350,000.
33:42Oh, my goodness.
33:48Not that hard.
33:50You all right?
33:52Yeah.
33:52Oh, it's okay.
33:54Oh, thank you.
33:57Are you okay?
33:57Yeah, yeah, yeah.
34:00We've broken, Sue.
34:02But in a good way.
34:03This Grade 2 listed terraced home is finished to a high standard,
34:07most notably in the bedroom, with a bonus cellar and sun trap garden,
34:12situated in Knaresborough and priced at £350,000.
34:16I absolutely love it.
34:20Claire absolutely loves it, which is really important for me.
34:24There is nothing about it that is wrong, and therefore everything about it is right.
34:33For Sue to have the reaction that she did.
34:35I know.
34:36To get that emotional about it, and know that this could be the reality.
34:41I can just see you and Buddy here.
34:43Yes, I can.
34:45I really can.
34:46I'm very excited for you.
34:48I am too, yes.
34:56Just like our buyer, Sue, a lot of people moving to the countryside fear losing those conveniences
35:01that cities have to offer, like popping down the road for a flat white.
35:06But one couple came up with a brilliant solution when they made their escape here to North Yorkshire.
35:15Welcome to our wonderful home in North Yorkshire.
35:19Chris and Natasha live with their son and pets on the edge of the moors,
35:24just a stone's throw from the Scarborough coastline.
35:28They'd been living in Arkansas in the USA, but came back on holiday to see Natasha's family.
35:34It was about then that we decided that we had to come back, and this is where we wanted to
35:40be.
35:40North Yorkshire is just stunning.
35:42It's got the beach, the woods, the moors, and we just needed a little bit of countryside in our land.
35:50Their home is around 350 years old, in a conservation area, so there are restrictions on any changes.
35:57We replaced all the windows and doors, and of course, with it being in a conservation area where we are,
36:03we had to get the windows handmade in wood, but we're pretty happy with the results.
36:10They've also been busy in the garden, getting to grips with the produce.
36:14This is garlic.
36:16What did we grow here last year?
36:19Leeks.
36:20Leeks, yeah. Anything else?
36:22We haven't pretty died yet.
36:24No, they haven't died yet.
36:26They do actually manage to supplement their diet with what they grow, but one thing they import are coffee beans
36:32for their business.
36:35Now, I'm not saying I haven't had a decent cuppa since I arrived in the county.
36:39I've had quite a few cups of proper tea from the area, but I cannot wait for Tasha and Chris
36:45to fire up the coffee machine.
36:49Their brew bar in nearby SEMA serves naturally processed coffee, carefully roasted here at home.
37:00Briony, can I interest you in a coffee?
37:02Yes.
37:03Always, always, always.
37:04Oh, this is lovely.
37:06Tell me about life in North Yorkshire, because you lived in America before.
37:09We did, yeah.
37:10About six years, wasn't it, I think, in the end?
37:12And then moved back.
37:13We needed to come back to be closer to family.
37:15And when we came and looked around, we drove up in August.
37:19We came back from America.
37:20I think it was like a really great summer that everyone talks about.
37:22All the heather was out.
37:23A couple of years ago.
37:24All the heather was out.
37:25We drove from here up to Whitby, over the moors.
37:28You get the purple heather, like, in summertime.
37:31And we were just like, that's it.
37:33This has to be, like, the best area of coastline that we've ever been to.
37:37It is.
37:37And then all the villages around, it's like chocolate box, country.
37:40We love it.
37:43And the beautiful scenery they fell in love with is evident from their back door.
37:50Wow.
37:52Look at this.
37:53Yeah.
37:54Wow.
37:54This is stunning.
37:56Yeah, it's wonderful, isn't it?
37:57What's that?
37:58Is that your castle there?
37:59Yeah, that's just our studio now.
38:01Our little boy calls it our castle.
38:03Yeah, our castle.
38:04He does, yeah.
38:05It's basically in your back garden.
38:06Yeah.
38:07And then there's a river just down the bottom.
38:09River Derwent, yeah.
38:10I'm just going to come and have a seat over here by Mabel.
38:12Hi, Mabel.
38:12Come on, Mabel.
38:13Hi, darling.
38:14So how has the community reacted to having a roastery in their midst?
38:18I thought we wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for the community.
38:21As in, we wouldn't have survived.
38:22I never would have thought that we could have opened a specialty coffee shop in Seema and
38:28survive the winter.
38:29But we have and people are so...
38:32There was nothing there.
38:33There was nowhere for people to go and the community has really supported us.
38:38The support is incredible.
38:39It's brilliant.
38:40Good girl.
38:41Roasting coffee beans creates chaff, which is rich in nitrogen and makes an excellent
38:46fertiliser for the garden.
38:47And the roasting process is surprisingly simple.
38:52How long do you think it takes to roast coffee?
38:54Oh, I don't know.
38:55Like six hours?
38:57No.
38:57No, like 12 minutes, 12 to 14 minutes.
38:59Yeah.
39:00So it's not as crazy as you think.
39:02All this equipment and everything we use here is really just to create a level of consistency
39:08roast after roast.
39:09There's nothing stopping anybody, for example, getting some green beans online or something
39:14and then just roasting it in a skillet at home or putting it in your oven at 200 degrees
39:18for 15 minutes.
39:20It's totally possible.
39:22Wow.
39:22So it's then how we roast it.
39:23Do we roast it light?
39:24Do we roast it dark or somewhere in between quickly or slowly?
39:28All these small changes in the approach create a massive impact in the overall flavour.
39:33It's a relentless pursuit of perfection.
39:36But you enjoy it?
39:38No, I hate it.
39:40No, I love it.
39:41I think I'll never stop doing it no matter what.
39:45With family nearby as well as the coast and the moors, Chris and Natasha really have
39:51found the perfect blend.
40:03As for our would-be escapee Sue, her love for North Yorkshire has really blossomed in the short time we've
40:09been here.
40:10But will it be enough to persuade her to leave the capital?
40:15Hi.
40:16Hello.
40:16Hello.
40:17What a lovely smiley place.
40:18Yes.
40:19What a whirlwind.
40:20It doesn't feel like that.
40:23Well, talk me through where we started to where we are now.
40:26Go on, Claire.
40:28We're ready to buy a royal we.
40:31I have noticed that today has gone from a Sue to an us to a we.
40:36Very much so.
40:37After you saw our mystery.
40:39Yeah, I just, I never in a million years thought they would find a property for you that is so
40:47you.
40:47Yeah.
40:47It still retains the buzziness, which we, you know, we really experienced in Knaresborough.
40:54So I can see myself doing all the things that I love to do, but more of it.
41:02So more walking for longer in more beautiful places, literally opening my front door and pootling to the shops and
41:12to, you know, get a coffee or for us to have lunch.
41:15So it struck the right balance, which I thought was impossible.
41:19Well, when are we putting in an offer?
41:21Well, I will be hugely disappointed if something happens that means we can't get that place.
41:29But do you know what?
41:31Don't take too long, she's going to put in an offer.
41:33I think that is absolutely possible.
41:37But I would, I mean, mainly, we have had the best, best time.
41:41We have.
41:42And everybody has been amazing.
41:44Yeah.
41:45Just a beautiful experience.
41:47Yeah.
41:47You really looked after Sue.
41:49I just, I just love it.
41:51Thank you so much.
41:52Oh, it's been a genuine pleasure.
41:54I've had so much fun with you guys.
41:55But it's also been lovely to watch your dream kind of turn into this exciting possibility.
42:01Yeah.
42:01Reality.
42:01Yeah.
42:01Will you keep us updated?
42:02I so will.
42:04You'll be coming for a party in that garden.
42:06Definitely.
42:07Can't wait.
42:07Yeah.
42:08All of you.
42:11We use the word journey a lot here on Escape to the Country.
42:15And oh my goodness, have we been on one.
42:18Sue is a self-confessed city girl.
42:21She likes her bars and her restaurants close by.
42:24But I've really seen a change in her this week showing her around.
42:28And I definitely can see her settling into country life in Knaresborough.
42:33I really hope that her walk with Buddy and her chat with her agent goes well.
42:39Because I'm excited to say, I think we could have found her, her new home here in North
42:43Yorkshire.
42:44I'll see you next time on Escape to the Country.
42:49After consulting Buddy the dog, Sue is planning a short break at our final house to make sure
42:54the property and the area work for her.
42:56We wish her all the best for this new chapter.
43:00If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:05and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:37We'll see you next time.
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