Escape to the Continent Season 1 Episode 1 France (Poitou-Charentes)

Escape to the Continent is a British TV series that follows homebuyers as they attempt to escape the rat race in the UK by relocating to a more relaxed and affordable life on the continent. In the first episode of season 1, the show focuses on the region of Poitou-Charentes in France.

The episode opens with a brief introduction to the region, highlighting its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and rolling countryside. The host of the show, Nicki Chapman, explains that many Brits are attracted to the area due to its laid-back lifestyle, low property prices, and excellent transport links back to the UK.

The first couple we meet are Rachel and Tim from Oxfordshire. They are both in their 40s and have two teenage daughters. Rachel works in HR and Tim is a teacher, and they dream of running a B&B in France. They are looking for a property with at least five bedrooms and plenty of outdoor space. Nicki takes them to three properties in the region, all within their budget of £300,000.

The first property is a large traditional farmhouse with five bedrooms and several outbuildings, including a barn that could be converted into extra accommodation. Rachel and Tim are impressed with the size of the property and its potential, but they are put off by the amount of work that needs to be done to make it habitable.

The second property is a charming stone-built house with four bedrooms and a large garden. It has a lot of character and is in good condition, but Rachel and Tim feel that it is too small for their needs.

The final property is a stunning 18th-century chateau that has been divided into six apartments. Nicki shows the couple the two largest apartments, which could be combined into one spacious property with five bedrooms. Rachel and Tim are blown away by the grandeur of the chateau and its beautiful surroundings, but they are hesitant about the amount of work that would need to be done to convert the apartments into a single family home.

The second couple we meet are Lisa and Gary from Surrey. They are in their 50s and have two adult sons, but they are looking to start a new life in France running a gite business. They have a budget of £350,000 and are looking for a property with at least four bedrooms and a swimming pool. Nicki takes them to three properties in the region.

The first property is a large contemporary house with four bedrooms and a stunning indoor swimming pool. Lisa and Gary are impressed with the size and style of the property, but they are put off by the fact that it is in a small village with few amenities.

The second property is a more traditional stone-built house with four bedrooms and a large garden. It has a lot of character and is in a picturesque rural location, but Lisa and Gary feel that it needs too much work to bring it up to the standard they require.

The final property is a modern villa with four bedrooms and a large outdoor swimming pool. It is in a small village with a good range of amenities, including a pub and a restaurant. Lisa and Gary are impressed with the property and its location, but they are hesitant about its proximity to other properties.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating insight into the property market in Poitou-Charentes and the challenges faced by Brits looking to start a new life in France. It showcases the region's stunning scenery, affordable property prices, and relaxed way of life, as well as the pitfalls of buying property abroad, such as language barriers and cultural differences.