Escape to the Country’s Jonnie Irwin pleads ‘I can do better’ with unimpressed buyer after property gaffe

ESCAPE to the Country’s Jonnie Irwin pleaded ‘I can do better’ with an unimpressed buyer after a property gaffe.

The latest episode of the BBC One show saw Jonnie tasked with finding a dream home for couple Jason and Carla.

The couple were keen to leave California and start a new life in the Welsh borders and had a budget of £500,000 to make that happen.

They wanted a four bedroom property with character yet modern interiors and ideally half an acre of land outside.

The first property Jonnie showed them was a converted barn on the Monmouthshire border for £480,000, however Carla felt it was a bit small and too close to the road.

Picking up on her displeasure, Jonnie said: “When someone says ‘I don’t love the idea’ I hear ‘problem’. But that’s fine, I can do better.” 

He was a man of his word too, as the mystery house – the final property was a winner.

Jonnie said in a voiceover: “The house we’ve come to see is set in an elevated position on the western side of the River Wye.”

Despite not having the half an acre of land they wanted with being on a hill, the property impressed the couple from the start.

Jason said: “I love it, I absolutely love it. It’s like a home away from home” while Carla added: “This is something you would expect to see in California.”

The house had three bedrooms downstairs and a master bedroom with excellent views upstairs and was on the market for £489,000.

Jonnie asked: “The house is for sale, it might not be forever, what is the next stage for you over the next week, months?”

Carla replied: “Before we leave it might be a good idea to go back and visit the mystery house – take another look at it. And possibly have a conversation with the owner. 

“We’re very eager to be here and start our new life and we’re definitely going to be actively pursuing that.” 

Escape to the Country airs weekdays at 3pm on BBC One.