Cumbria takes centre stage in hit BBC show Escape to the Country

Dave and Sandra were looking to swap their South East London home for a property in the Cumbrian countryside on the latest episode of Escape to the Country.

The couple had lived in the area for the last two decades but found it had become too overcrowded in recent years.

Hoping for a new lifestyle, presenter Alistair Appleton met the pair looking to move hundreds of miles away for a change of pace up north.

Their relocation is driven by a desire to be closer to their daughter, who has already made the move there.

During the trip, Alistair also visited Whinlatter Forrest and takes in some spectacular views on an exciting two-wheeled safari.

Dave and Sandra had visited Cumbria on many occasions and felt spurred to make the move up north after their daughter relocated to Whitehaven two years ago.

Dave and Sandra in Cumbria on the BBC show Escape to the Country (Image: BBC)

“We love the space, the quietness and the rolling hills,” said the couple who were hoping to find the perfect place for them and their two dogs Milo and Cody.

The pair said they were looking for a characterful property with a large garden, containing two or three bedrooms.

First on the list of properties was a £480k barn conversion near Broughton – well within the couple’s budget of £550k.

Wowed by the views of the Duddon Valley, Dave and Sandra were blown away by the space and character of the first property and agreed to take a second viewing of the home.

After this, the couple took a trip to the historic market town of Keswick and enjoyed a boat ride on Derwent Water.

One of the first houses the couple viewed: a barn conversion near Broughton (Image: BBC)

A house in the civil parish of Sandwith, near St Bee’s, was next on Dave and Sandra’s list followed by a Grade-II listed former village Inn in Skirwirth.

However, it was the barn conversion in Broughton which made the biggest impression for the Londoners who vowed to return for a second look.

Unfortunately, the property’s owners had already agreed a sale before the couple could get a second viewing so the search for Dave and Sandra continues.

The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.