Escape to the Country

Alistair Appleton helps a young couple search for their first home together in the Oxfordshire countryside. They are hoping for space to accommodate a rabbit palace and an impressive collection of houseplants.

Alistair also pays a visit to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, where he discovers how nature is inspiring exciting new technological developments.

In Somerset, Mickey from the busy seaside town of Hove is ready to fulfil a long-held dream of escaping to the countryside. She wants a property with lots of land for her big, beloved rescue dog, and Jules Hudson is there to answer her prayers with a line-up of standout properties that fit the bill.

Jules also tries his hand at traditional screen printing when he visits a small studio specialising in designs inspired by nature.

After 30 years in what was meant to be a temporary home in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, today's couple is finally ready to make their escape to Wiltshire to be closer to family. With a firm belief that separate bathrooms are the secret to a happy marriage, they turn to Ginny Buckley to find them their perfect property.

Ginny takes a break from the house search to meet someone already living the Wiltshire country dream by creating jams, chutneys and pickles.

In glorious Gloucestershire, Nicki Chapman helps Peggy finally make her long-awaited escape from London. After years of dreaming, she's ready to find a home that suits her and her crew – two dogs and a horse called Tom. Emotions are running high as Nicki lines up a selection of spectacular properties from where some of the county's amazing views can be seen.

Nicki also meets a pair of street food chefs who have swapped the city buzz for a slice of country living.