Escape to the Country (2002– ) User Reviews

Our favourite Friday night TV show

[john-575 · 8/10 · 13 October 2010]

Out here in Oz, Escape to the Country is our favourite end of week show, screening @ 8.30pm. My favourite host is Catherine Gee. Once you adjust to a very small percentage of the people on the show actually buying anything it's fine. Generally I watch and tape this as for some strange reason it doesn't look like DVDs are available. Generally have a British atlas next to the TV so pinpoint where they are looking.

Some episodes are better than others. It all comes down mainly to the type of houses and areas the people are looking to move to. That's about 80% of the appeal, 20% the contestants themselves. Whether or not it's because most of the people are yet to sell, the buy rate feels like about 5%.

I can't believe some of the properties these people pass over.

After Escape there's another guilty pleasure, another English show "60 minute makeover" Hosted by Claire Sweeney whose very easy on the eye, warm and charming the challenge is to redecorate a number of rooms in a house in 60 minutes. Generally a team of about 30 contractors descend onto a house under the guidance of a weekly designer, many of whom reappear throughout the series.

Quite like some of the designers and some of the outcomes (done in two thirty minute bursts with a tea break in between) are stunning.

A travelogue of sorts

[jax713 · 8/10 · 1 September 2018]

I think it is Season 2 that I'm watching on Netflix in the U.S. and am quite enjoying this version of a house-hunter show. So far, none of the buyers have actually purchased a house so it's different from American shows of this type that end with a house being chosen and then usually there is an additional conclusion of what changes (if any) the buyers have made to a property and seeing them entertaining guests. Nevertheless, for me this is an interesting travelogue of the U.K. and I enjoy seeing the villages and the interiors of various types of residential dwellings which are quite different from American homes. The British often make do with a lack of certain conveniences in their homes and it seems 2-story homes are generally preferred over single story. This contrasts with the American market where such things as separate laundry rooms, multiple bathrooms, and a garage has been the norm since the 1960s. Single story homes in the U.S. have been very popular for decades, and since the late 1980s a ground floor master bedroom suite in a 2-story house has been a "luxury" offered by builders. The presenter-hosts of the show are all engaging as they provide historical facts about the counties. One of them, Jules Hudson, seems to have a very limited wardrobe as he's been in the same blue jeans for every show so far.

Presenters

[dawnelemon · 7/10 · 6 June 2022]

I do find a couple of the presenters a bit saccharine but today's presenter, Briony May Williams was really annoying with her rather strident and 'jokey' delivery in a rather grating voice made me turn the sound off and just look at the houses. Sorry!

Relax and enjoy two times per week!

[richard-pless · 10/10 · 28 November 2010]

As at November 28, 2010. Channel 7 (2) airs Escape To The Country twice per week.

8.30pm Friday night, and 8.30pm Sunday night.

Enjoy the breathtaking countryside twice as often now!

One of the all time great English lifestyle shows, Escape To The Country allows to viewer to relax and unwind whilst being transported to tiny villages, to remote Welsh landscapes, to dramatic coastal retreats....all at the end of your remote control.

Potential tree changers (PTC), and sea changers (PSC)enlist the help of the host to seek their ideal property.

In general, however, potential is more akin to tyre kicking.

No matter! It is not really the PTC's and PSC's that we are interested in....it is the quintessential English garden, or the 500 year old cottage, or the thought of finding the mythical "Dibley" or "Studley Constable" that draws the viewer.

Love the show! But sometimes the clients drive me nuts.

[mindseyegraphics-70232 · 10/10 · 17 October 2020]

I love this show. It makes me want to move there. But sometimes the clients have ridiculous expectations. I don't know what they consider a large kitchen, but they seem to think all the kitchens are too small. Also, they want a "character" or "period" property that they should know by now tends to have low ceilings and beams. Then don't like them when they see it. I give great credit to all the hosts. They are all so good natured and patient. The mystery houses are usually awesome! I watch this show to help me relax and dream I am the one who is house hunting.

Escape to beauty..

[stevefender · 10/10 · 9 December 2018]

This series is easily my favourite of all the home/ house series shows and watch it when ever possible.bi automatically dream of having the opportunity to be in a position to buy in areas in a house they show on each show, such beautiful country sides. Highly recommended to anyone loving the English country side...

Beautiful Countrysides

[lyndavanleeuwen · 6/10 · 31 July 2020]

I watch this just to see the different parts of the British countryside! The people searching for homes are so very elitist! The money they have available to spend is mind boggling! They never seem to find any of the properties meet their needs! The colours of the painted rooms in many properties are unbelievably atrocious! I'm surprised this show has survived! British property owners seem to prefer closed off rooms, with doors designating each space! Odd indeed! Only the outdoor spaces are really appealing to this viewer!

Who are these people?

[lbranson-44337 · 10/10 · 29 December 2021]

Can't stand these people who show no enthusiasm with the properties they are shown. The women especially get under my craw with how they come across-no motivation, no excitement....why the hell did they go on the show, ungrateful buggers!!!!

A primer on successful house hunting

[barryrd · 7/10 · 15 July 2021]

I watch this program because it brings a perspective on house buying that is focused on the buyer, specifically those who want to escape traffic, noise and high density living for a place in the country. As a Canadian, it can be challenging to translate the prices to Canadian standards given the difference in currency and the date when the shows are actually filmed, often ten years earlier. Nevertheless i can appreciate that the buyers have acquired considerable capital from selling an urban property or are well-heeled young people who want their children to have the benefit of living a country life. Gardens, large kitchens and space for outdoor recreation are important to them. I find that the quality of the program depends on the agent and how well they can gauge the needs of the buyer. Some buyers have little idea of an area's real estate value and in those cases, the show (which visits three potential properties) can be an education on what to expect and for how much. House prices in southwest England or locations with access to London or other cities can vary greatly from rural Wales or northeast England. This knowledge of how real estate is calculated applies equally whether you live in Britain or North America. One or two of the hosts have superb people skills and can be very good at getting to know the buyers' needs and their expectations. Other agents seem to be more interested in self promotion, which is not an effective way to sell houses nor does it make for interesting television. Selling real estate is not salesmanship so much as the ability to judge personal preference and affordability. The results can be more successful if the agent connects with the buyer on a personal level and is able to focus on properties that meet the buyer's personal needs and expectations. Despite the differences in markets between North America and Britain, I find this show can be very effective in educating the buying public. It also shows that the ability of the agent to assess the buyer and to connect with the buyer, which is very important in making a successful sale. I have seen a number of shows where the agent has succeeded in nailing a sale or come very close because they know exactly what the buyer wants.

Favourite show, but filming needs to be improved

[alisonsimpson-22645 · 5/10 · 8 April 2024]

I love this program, but filming needs to be improved. Examples of this are:

1. We kept hearing about this 'amazing bathroom' but the camera only showed it for all of 1 second. Even watching it on TV catch-up I found it hard to see the bathroom due to all of 1 second of filming.

2. Same with a beautiful room, the camera only showed half the room instead of all of it and from an angle that made it difficult to see the half that it did show.

There could also be more variety in the size of properties that are shown, as not everyone watching the program has a big budget to spend.

I would prefer the program to stick to one county instead of showing two counties in the same program.

Amazing for seeing UK country property.

[kcankid · 8/10 · 23 September 2021]

I used to live in England and this brings back some wonderful memories.

For US viewers you are in for a treat seeing some lovely houses and countryside. You will probably be a bit shocked at how expensive most of the properties are however especially that the seasons only run through 2016 or so. Imagine the cost now!

My main gripe with the show is the house hunters ( obviously) are asked their preferences for features etc and must haves and have nots Each episode the clients are shown 3 properties. On every episode they are shown places that don't meet the clients criteria sometimes in a critical way. Some examples. Folks will say they need a separate annex for an elder relative. Or they only want a separate detached house but they are shown a semi detached ( duplex or multi unit property which is much more common in the Uk btw). Then the rep shows them a property lacking what they had said is a must.

Despite that I still love the show as it's very laid back without much reality show hype. Also they always do a segment on some of the various locations standout attractions or historic business/ landmarks or traditions etc.

They don't show you what they choose

[susansundaisy · 1/10 · 15 July 2021]

It's hard to care when you don't find out what happened. They show you three properties and then wish them luck. Frustrating.

STOP SAYING 'SPACE'

[jfl1234 · 8/10 · 7 November 2022]

Have watched this show for many, many years as I enjoy seeing properties and areas in various parts of the country. But like every other property show on TV the presenters insist on saying, 'this is the dining room SPACE' or 'this is the kitchen SPACE' or ' this is a lovely SPACE' instead of saying room, it drives me mad, why do they have to use this poncy overused word every 5 minutes. I assume the presenters are told to say this as it's considered trendy and arty. But it makes me switch off as it gets on my nerves so much. It has spoilt one of my favourite programmes, but they are not alone as it seems to be the property show disease! Get a new word or stop using it altogether as it's getting really boring and aggravating.

Love the show

[mysafetyemonline · 10/10 · 12 August 2022]

It's amusing to see how the Brits live. 99% of all showers are curved units vs what we have in the US and almost no alcove tub/shower combos. 99% of tiles in the kitchens are 4x4. Toilets are usually old fashioned and 99%of bathrooms also don't have vanities/cupboards! Not many built in closets, even in houses built in the 21st century!

The gardens are why i watch as the houses are mostly not for me. Oh the gardens...how wonderfully lucky Brits are to have rain and old walls and a national passion for growing. Where I live, few ppl garden, lawns r about it.

The only nice thing on TV anymore

[ingridwinter-31613 · 10/10 · 27 January 2022]

We need more programming like this. The world is a pretty ugly place but England is an oasis and I get an hour of it each time i watch. I also learn something new each time about this fascinating kingdom. Love all the quirkiness. When can I escape to this country????!!!!

What an addictive show!

[tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane · 10/10 · 24 August 2022]

I was just sitting around on a weekday afternoon since I was off from work, going through the guide on my TV. As usual, nothing interesting was on. I always saw this show on the guide, but never actually selected it to watch. However, this time I did, and I was immediately drawn in! Don't know why I never watched this before when I had free time. I'm obsessed with the English countryside. London doesn't appeal to me. I haven't been to London (actually, I've never even been outside of the US), so really, I can't say whether or not I would like it, but I'm pretty sure I would enjoy the rural areas of England so much more. Crowds aren't really my thing. Plus I love photographing landscape, so I would be in paradise amongst brilliant green, rolling hills. Escape to the Country documents UK couples who have lived in a populated region for many years, and now want to move somewhere that's more tranquil and has a slower pace. It's fascinating to watch them go on tours of different houses. The ones that already have a garden in the backyard are absolutely beautiful! I agree with the reviewers who said some of the couples having ridiculous expectations. The one episode I watched, they didn't decide on any of the houses they were shown, which I thought was crazy! They didn't like one of the houses because it was too small. Their budget was relatively modest compared to the couple I watched after them (they toured much larger houses). Unless you're willing to pay a high amount, you can't expect the real estate person to show you gigantic houses. Otherwise, this is a binge-worthy show. I like how they cover the traditions, activities, and history of the village in which the couple is looking for a house, so besides going on tours of the homes, the viewer also learns something in the process.

Budgets not relatable for most

[symonf202 · 5/10 · 19 January 2021]

I do enjoy this programme as they go to wonderful places but the budgets simply aren't relatable to most people. Some of these people have 7 figure sums to spend on a home - ridiculous really.

Love the houses hate that they show so many houses that don't meet clients wishes!

[kcankid · 8/10 · 21 October 2021]

Lovely to look at charming even glamorous homes in the UK.

What I hate is every episode the clients are shown homes that don't meet the requirements they have asked for.

You would think when someone says they are willing to spend often more than 1/2 a million pounds they would be shown only houses that meet the brief. So many say no that and low and behold one of the 3 houses shown is a thatched!

Anyway it's great eye candy for homes and land. Also they always do a segment on local attractions or traditional trades or arts and crafts.

Yet another show to show poor people what they don't have and will never be able to get

[vathraq · 1/10 · 4 October 2018]

I don't know why people watch rubbish like this. It's worse than reality TV.

Here we have the richest people in the country showing off how much money they have by buying property that the average person would never be able to set foot on, let alone buy.

I literally just caught an episode about a couple with a budget of £900,000 buying a house with enough land to land a HELICOPTER.

What is it about people who are so concerned what the rich are doing?

Great show.

[kcankid · 8/10 · 12 August 2021]

Really like this show. Beautiful locations remind me of the time I lived in England.

Also love that there is virtually no hype and drama. Just folks looking at homes usually at the high end. Also note the dates and imagine how high the prices are now!

Fun fact I kept seeing these strange looking ovens with covered cookers. Turns out they are cookers/ heating stoves made by Aga. Very high end stove heater in the UK costing 20k and up.

The only negatives of the show is the folks often tell the hosts must haves or have nots features yet they are still shown properties that have ( or don't) have them.

Also they often are shown properties above there stated budget.

House

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 31 March 2020]

I like the bit where people move from the city to a rural or semi rural area

A Joy to View

[richkailang · 8/10 · 17 February 2022]

I live in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Central New York State....semi retired after 35 years in DC. We live on one of the cleanest lakes in the world, Skaneateles. I enjoy Escape to the Country so much! We love Jules and Nikki. The many thousands of available country homes is amazing....they are so charming. Love the architecture, gardens, history and small towns. BUT, having represented many English furniture lines in DC, I am astounded by the lack of traditional furniture ; lack of even tasteful modern interior design. I see horrid, over-scaled upholstery and dreadful window treatments. Does anyone hire a professional designer? I gasp when i see the dreadful wallpaper. There are so many fabulous wallpaper patterns today. If the sellers want to actually sell, they need to work on the interior design . Most buyers have no imagination. The few tasteful interiors shown seem to intimidate the buyers. The prospective buyers are painfully dull for the most part. No comments that deviate from the usual, trite statements...."it ticks the boxes"; "large kitchen diner"; "bright and airy"; "not what i expected"; "room for veggie patch ". I didn't know Brits could be so dull! When presented with a stunning house, there is virtually no enthusiasm....just a few "OK"s and "uhuh"s. Why do most of them need a huge kitchen? You'd need roller skates to move from one end to the other.

Are all of the communities shown on this program for "whites" only?

[cmaxwell-16928 · 1/10 · 22 August 2021]

Where are people of color? I know there are many people of color who like myself can afford properties shown on this program however, as I view this program the question as to whether red lining is practiced in your country comes to mind.

A waste of time

[studioAT · 1/10 · 29 April 2020]

One of the many downsides of lockdown here in the UK currently is that we are all exposed to the 'delights' of daytime tv.

And this is one such 'joy'.

It's a lot of rubbish from start to finish, stretched out to create a vague sense of drama when there isn't any.

Dire.

Loud background music

[bookandcandle · 1/10 · 16 August 2022]

Why is the background music so much louder than the speaking? It is so annoying to try and listen to both at the same time. The music should be in the background, not the foreground. This just ruins the show for me.