Escape to the Country

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of our favourite shows to watch while eating lunch. The hosts are all so gracious and the buyers are so polite, so British, lovely.

We live in Canada and watching this program, we have learned so much about the British Counties that we definitely want to vacation in some of them.

Although we like all the hosts, Alistair, Jules, Nicki and Sonali are our favourites . They have incredible charm and character.

Comparing that to the USA homebuyer shows which often show extremely bad mannered people.

The only thing I would love to see is a follow up to see what people ended up buying and getting a brief update.