An Escape to the Country buyer was overcome with emotion upon learning the price of her dream home.
In Thursday’s (June 5) episode of the popular BBC programme, Steve Brown, 44, assisted a couple in their quest to relocate from Buckinghamshire to the enchanting Isle of Wight.
Retired chiropodist Steve, who now works part-time at a local hospital, and his wife Lorraine, a retail customer assistant, have long harboured dreams of retiring by the sea.
The pair are also keen to find a location that is easy to navigate, as Lorraine has been struggling with arthritis. Steve faced the daunting task of finding their perfect home, as the couple had already sold their current property and were well on their way to relocating to the island, with Lorraine having packed up most of their belongings, reports Cornwall Live.
With a generous budget of £440,000, Steve and Lorraine were seeking a three-bedroom detached bungalow boasting a spacious kitchen and an en-suite.
They desired a large garden for their eight grandchildren to frolic in, ideally with a view. The couple also wished to be within easy reach of amenities and the sea, and it was crucial that the property was near a local bus stop.
Steve arranged several property viewings, ensuring they met Vanessa’s criteria; however, it was evident that the mystery property left them utterly astounded.
The Sandown gem, a unique Isle of Wight detached bungalow, certainly had a lot to offer with its contemporary kitchen setup, spacious lounge, trio of bedrooms, and an expansive garden boasting stunning vistas.
The location was unbeatable, offering optimal convenience for public transport connectivity and a leisurely stroll to the beach. Steve confessed: “The mystery house was a real surprise, more than a mystery.”
He turned to Lorraine and remarked: “It was a bit of a shock to you, wasn’t it?”. Lorraine couldn’t hide her astonishment: “It certainly was, yes. A lovely shock. Absolutely wonderful.”
Steve replied: “Blown away.” Conversation then drifted towards the property’s cost as Steve probed: “So come on then, we’ve got to start talking facts and figures. What do you think it’s on the market for?”.
Surveying the scenery, Steve speculated: “It’s difficult. I think that’s a 60 grand view. I’m going to be optimistic and I’m going to say £420,000 and keep my fingers crossed.”
Lorraine feared it might stretch their finances, confessing: “Well, I’m going to go higher than all my other offers and I’m going to say £450,000.”
Yet when Steve disclosed the actual guide price at a staggering £90,000 below their budget, a mere £350,000, both were left utterly dumbfounded.
Overcome with emotion, Lorraine shared: “I’m a bit emotional. I’m very surprised because it’s everything and more that we can do with money that’s left over. It’s a fantastic property.”
Ultimately, the couple disclosed that they had made an offer for the house, but their renovation plans for the property proved unfeasible. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as they had an offer accepted on a different property boasting a splendid view.
Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer