Escape to the Country

Catherine Gee has a challenge on her hands; she’s on the hunt for a four-bedroom country home in Norfolk for less than two hundred thousand pounds.... Mom Nishi has already got an offer on her home in St Albans so she’s ready for a quick move.

IT Consultant Helen wants to swap her heels for wellies and her trendy city flat for a grown-up home in the countryside. She’s got £450k for a house in the Essex countryside with a kitchen that’s built for entertaining. Melissa Porter is on the case.

Single dad Rob wants to return to his country roots and move children Talitha and Kyle to Wiltshire. He needs room for the nanny and the kids add space for a pony and a quad to the list. Melissa Porter has £420k for a home to make everyone happy.

Young Jack has signed for Chelsea’s under nines, now the whole family want to swap their Ruislip suburban home for the Berkshire countryside. Jack wants a big garden for his football practice, mom wants a heart of the home kitchen.

Jacqui has lived in the southeast for 50 years, but now that husband Colin has retired, she wants to return “home” to Devon. Melissa Porter has £400,000 to find a bungalow with big rooms and breath-taking views.

Jean and Steve want to move permanently to their favorite holiday destination: the Norfolk Broads. With £325,000 to spend, can Catherine Gee find a three-bedroom house that fits the bill and sits on the water?

Up until now the Kent family’s enjoyment of the countryside was limited to weekends. They’ve sold their home in Bristol and need to find a new country home fast. It must be in the Forest of Dean and have three bedrooms and a large garden—for £250k.

Val and partner Jill want to go green in Wales, but while they want compost loos and a windfarm Jill’s two teenagers have other ideas. Can Melissa Porter find a home for all tastes within the £350,000 budget?

Denise revisits the best cottages, learns brick-making, and cooks in a 19th-century kitchen.