Mark and Sue's hunt for a countryside retreat reveals both excitement and challenges.
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Mark and Sue, a couple from Bow in East London, embarked on a journey to find their dream home in Somerset, guided by Ginny Buckley from the popular show, Escape to the Country. Leaving behind their two-bedroom flat, they eagerly sought a property that could offer them a fresh start and more space.
Their adventure began with high hopes as they viewed various homes, each presenting unique features and challenges.
First Impressions Matter
Upon arriving at their first property, located in a peaceful cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Yeovil, Mark and Sue were greeted by a charming exterior.
“What are your first thoughts?” Ginny asked, prompting Sue to respond, “Impressive, nice looking house.” Mark added, “Looks like it has lots of character, done really nicely.” The couple remained optimistic as they entered the L-shaped detached home, built in 1975, which boasted distinctive character features.
The interior offered spacious living quarters, a significant upgrade from their previous flat. Ginny noted, “The inside space that’s on offer is really going to appeal to the two of you considering you’ve come from a 2-bed flat in London!” As they explored, Sue remarked on the kitchen’s size, stating, “It is about six times as big!”
Exploring the Potential
The property further impressed with an expansive back extension, which Ginny encouraged them to explore. “It’s made even bigger, of course, by this extension at the back,” she explained. Inside, the extension featured high ceilings and abundant natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. “Really lovely, I can imagine sitting in here,” Sue expressed, envisioning a space for family gatherings and shared moments.
However, as they ventured upstairs to view the bedrooms, their excitement diminished. The principal bedroom did not meet their expectations. Sue described it as lacking the personalization they appreciated downstairs, likening it to “walking into a hotel room.” Mark echoed her sentiments, noting, “Seems a bit small as well. Downstairs is so impressive and very big.”
Garden Space Concerns
After exploring the interior, Ginny led them outside to view the garden. “Outside there’s an integral garage as well as gardens to the front, rear, and side,” she detailed. Yet, when asked if the garden met their expectations, Mark hesitated before admitting, “It’s a tad small.” Sue quickly added, “Quite a lot, we’re looking for a reasonable amount more than this.”
The couple’s disappointment arose from the realization that the extension had consumed much of the garden’s potential. Ginny responded thoughtfully, “I wasn’t sure, you were going from nothing; I thought maybe you didn’t want to go for too much!” Sue firmly stated, “If you’re going to go for it, go for it properly.” This pivotal moment highlighted their determination to find a home that truly met their needs.
Price Assessment and Conclusion
As their viewing concluded, discussions turned to the property’s asking price. Ginny prompted them for their estimates, with Mark guessing £425,000 and Sue estimating £410,000. Both were surprised when Ginny revealed the actual price was £450,000, right on budget. “Downstairs is really good, it’s perfect, really like that,” they concluded, envisioning how the ideal home could incorporate great features from this property while offering a larger garden.
Mark and Sue’s journey reflects the challenges many face when searching for a new home. As they continue their quest for the perfect Somerset retreat, their experience resonates with anyone navigating the complexities of the real estate market.
