BBC Escape to the Country buyer breaks down in tears after unexpected cost

An hopeful was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears within minutes of beginning her property search upon discovering the price of her dream home.

In Tuesday's (May 13) episode of the popular BBC programme, Alistair Appleton, 55, was tasked with assisting a buyer in her quest to leave her compact flat near Heathrow airport for a tranquil life in the Wiltshire countryside.

Joey, who is employed in customer service for a leading airline, is yearning for tranquillity after residing next to the bustling airport for over forty years.

As she approaches retirement, Joey intends to reduce her working hours and hopes that her move to Wiltshire will provide her with the cottage she has long dreamed of, having lived in her one-bedroom flat for the past quarter-century.

Assisting in her property hunt is Sandra, a close friend and former colleague. Joey had set aside £260,000 for a property with at least two bedrooms, reports Gloucestershire Live.

A garden is essential, and the location must be within a two-hour commute of Heathrow. Above all, Joey desired a serene countryside environment.

Alistair pulled out all the stops, arranging viewings at several properties; however, one house stood out from the rest. Despite it being the first property Joey viewed, she was already enamoured with the idea of making it her home.

The cottage that caught everyone's eye was a charming 19th-century abode, boasting an original fireplace in the reception and two cosy bedrooms. Not to mention, it featured a quaint courtyard-style garden and the bonus of off-street parking space.

Nestled in a delightful village, the property was conveniently located just over a ninety-minute commute to Heathrow Airport. Upon entering the living room, Joey was so touched by the scene before her that she burst into tears, exclaiming: "Oh my word."

A comforting pat came from Alistair as he responded with empathy: "Aw first tears indoors." Sandra observed: "This is just what she has been imagining for years and years."

Overcome with emotion, Joey managed to say through her tears: "It's just... It's just what I've been looking for. It is really, really nice."

As if the moment couldn't get any sweeter, Alistair had yet another revelation up his sleeve when he shared that the cottage was actually priced below her budget.

He astonishingly announced: "The actual asking price is - brace yourself - £220,000." This news sent Joey into another wave of joyful weeping, while Sandra was there to offer comfort.

In a candid piece to the camera, Joey confessed: "It's a really lovely property, it's the right size and the right location. The price is definitely well within budget and I've got quite a bit of wiggle room to change it to how I want it to be."

Sandra noticed right away: "I can tell by Joey's reactions that she's sort of fallen in love with it already." Yet despite the strong connection with the property, Joey ultimately held back from making an offer, choosing to continue her quest for the perfect rural retreat.

Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer