Jules Hudson was quick to identify a significant issue shortly after beginning a tour of a couple’s dream home, which they had previously viewed on Escape to the Country months before.
In the episode of the BBC spin-off I Escaped to the Country aired on Tuesday (January 7), Jules revisited Bedfordshire and caught up with William and Carol.
Originally, the pair were enchanted by a thatched cottage believed to be around 400 years old. They were particularly impressed by its ground floor’s expansive, fully tiled shower room, which was a key factor in their decision to buy the property.
However, less than a year later, when Jules returned to visit the couple, he immediately noticed a dramatic change that came with a significant issue upon entering the house.
Upon stepping into a bedroom, Jules realised something was different as William disclosed that it was formerly the bathroom, reports the Express.
He asked, “So you remember the bathroom?” to which an astonished Jules responded, “I do now, yes.”
William described the transformation: “It’s now a bedroom with a bathroom en-suite.”
As they examined the walls, Carol interjected, “The delightful gentleman who comes to do the building work allows William to help.”
It became evident that William had been actively involved in the renovations, though it hadn’t all been smooth sailing. He admitted, “I’ve learned some new skills doing it, but I might draw on your expertise in woodcraft to make a curved skirting board.”
Glancing at the floor, Jules noticed the skirting board wasn’t fitted correctly. He picked up a piece and remarked, “We haven’t staged this. I’ve just spotted this. I can see where you’re going with it but I can definitely give you some top tips.”
After their visit, the couple announced they had secured the property for £750,000, falling under their initial £900,000 budget. This left them with a substantial sum for renovations.
Carol commented: “We have had a nice amount of money to spend on the place.”
William disclosed: “We’ve also got plans to extend at the back to build a utility room on the back or a dog room and word on that should start in a week’s time.”
Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One.