Anita Rani's quest for the perfect countryside home took a surprising turn recently during her appearance on the hit BBC show, 'Escape to the Country.' Known for her long-standing role on 'Countryfile,' Rani was searching for tranquility and inspiration to fuel her writing after her recent life changes, particularly her divorce. Joined by property guru Alistair Appleton and her good friend and interior designer Shaun Clarkson, the episode aired on December 27.
Rani approached the house hunt with an impressive budget of £875,000 and clear ideas about what she wanted: she needed a two-bedroom property with plenty of character, ample entertaining space for friends and family, and, most significantly, breathtaking views. The attractive coastlines of Kent and Sussex were at the forefront of her dream location, providing connectivity to London within 90 minutes, facilitating her busy lifestyle.
Upon beginning their search, Anita expressed uncertainty about her preferences, admitting, "The truth is I don't really know what I want yet, so I'm probably quite a difficult brief for Alistair." This candidness highlighted the challenge for Appleton as he curated potential homes. Their first stop was promising—a two-bedroom detached cottage built in the early 1900s, located in the picturesque conservation area of Hastings, East Sussex. Priced just below £600,000, the cottage had much potential.
During the viewing, Rani's initial excitement was palpable. She exclaimed, "Look at those. That's what I'm talking about; that's spectacular," as the stunning views stretched out before her eyes. Amid the critique of her seemingly hasty approach, she declared, "It's all aboutthat, Alistair. This is gorgeous. I get to watch the seasons, and I get to see the trees." Yet, the mood shifted abruptly when she noticed someone walking by the property.
Rani's demeanor changed as she quipped with surprise, "Oh, hello. Oh, there you go, there is a man walking past." Shaun Clarkson seized the opportunity for some light-hearted banter, remarking, "So you couldn't be here naked." The levity continued, but it soon unveiled her serious concerns about privacy at the house, culminating in her lighthearted decision to abandon the search. "Damn it, it's off, forget it," she joked, indicating her sudden retreat from the property search.
Despite the appealing features of the cottage and the enchanting surroundings, Anita chose not to make any offers, leaving her quest for the perfect home far from over. Viewers watching the show were quick to react, expressing skepticism about her sincerity throughout the process. Social media lit up with critiques, with one user stating, "There’s no way Anita Rani is interested in any of these homes shown. It’s all just for the programme. The fake enthusiasm is nauseuating." Another viewer quipped, describing her feigned excitement, "Great...great....great.....let's buy it.... 'Well, what do you think?'...Mmm....maybe none of them???....or am I mistaken...."
Rani has recently undergone significant personal changes, having separated from her husband, Bhupi, after 14 years. Speaking of her new beginnings, she mentioned, "All of a sudden I have this urge to be somewhere different and do somewhere different," signaling her urge for transformation. With this fresh perspective, her decision to leave East London seeks to mark the start of something new.
At the episode's conclusion, it became clear Anita Rani's search for her idyllic residence was still open-ended, mirroring the ambiguity of her life after divorce. She shared her experience candidly, capturing the audience's interest, whether genuine or put on for the show. Regardless, viewers are left eager to see where her next move leads on 'Escape to the Country' once more airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
