Emma and Sean, a couple who have lived in Canada for 20 years, took a significant gamble by deciding to relocate to the West Midlands, having already sold their family home in Toronto. They appeared on Thursday's (August 13) episode of BBC's Escape to the Country, where presenter Chris Bavin helped them search for a new property in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, an area they admitted to knowing nothing about.
Couple's Bold Move After Two Decades Abroad
The couple, who have three children, chose the West Midlands after living in Canada for two decades. Their eldest son will remain in Canada to attend university, while their younger children, Brody and Harrison, will join them in the move. Emma explained their choice: "We chose Worcestershire, purely by chance because it offers great schools." She added, "We know nothing about this part of the UK, so it's all very unfamiliar."
Sean expressed enthusiasm about exploring the region, saying, "We're looking forward to seeing the different areas, maybe some of the neighbouring counties." The couple had a substantial budget of £1 million for a four-bedroom detached character property, with enough space for Sean to set up a home office. They were open to various locations in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, though having a pub nearby would be a welcome bonus.
Property Search and a Near-Miss
Chris Bavin arranged three viewings for the couple, and it was the second property that captured their hearts. This Georgian house, located in Powwick, Worcestershire, was on the market for £950,000. It featured a spacious country kitchen, five double bedrooms, a generous study, and the added bonus of a converted coach house.
Despite falling in love with the property, the couple identified a significant issue: they felt it was too large for their needs. Consequently, their search for a "forever home" continued, as the property did not meet their requirements.
Search Continues After Unsuccessful Viewing
Reflecting on the process, Emma said, "This has been a really great journey. The next part is just going out and really starting to look, knowing now what we really do want. Hopefully, we'll find something in the next few months or so." She also noted a shift in their preferences, adding, "Before, we were really focusing on a village or town but that's actually changed. We'll now maybe go remote."
The couple's search remains ongoing, with their budget and criteria now more defined after their initial experience. Escape to the Country is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
