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A pair of Escape to the Country buyers were "pipped to the post" during the most recent episode. During Monday's (March 30) edition of the BBC show, Alistair Appleton met retired couple Terry and Sandra, who wished to relocate to the scenic Cornish countryside.

Fitness instructor Sandra and Terry, the director of an overseas property fund, were seeking to exchange life in the town of Woburn Sands, near the Bucks city of Milton Keynes, for more golden sands on the Cornish coast. They aspired to spend less time working and more time together.

Terry and Sandra had a budget of £600,000 and aimed to purchase a detached property with a spacious kitchen, three bedrooms, a manageable garden, and sufficient off street parking to accommodate themselves and visitors. The enthusiastic golfers also desired a course nearby, plus a beach within walking distance. Following a visit to a property in Looe, Alistair brought Terry and Sandra to a dormer bungalow in the coastal settlement of Carlyon Bay, reports Cornwall Live.

The property was initially believed to date to the 1960s. With the subsequent addition of a garage and rear dormer to the loft level, the current owners had comprehensively brought the home into the 21st century.

Terry and Sandra were thrilled to discover that the house was £100,000 under budget, and appeared determined in their decision to arrange another viewing. "Wow, that's exciting! That's good news," Sandra said.

Before revealing the mystery house, Alistair took the couple to the beach to discuss their thoughts thus far. He also issued a local wildlife warning, saying: "If you've got ice cream, you have to watch out for the seagulls here. They'll come and get you." It didn't take long for a seagull to snatch Sandra's ice cream out of her hand, with an amused Alistair noting: "Oh it happened! That's amazing!"

The search for Terry and Sandra's next home continued in the seaside settlement of Seaton, an area the couple were less familiar with. Alistair introduced them to a brand-new mystery house that was slightly smaller than the previous offerings, which could save them a substantial amount of money.

In an unexpected turn of events, the couple quickly set their sights on the 21st century bungalow, which was on the market for £465,000.

At the conclusion of the search, Terry explained: "The second house for me was the one that I almost fell in love with, until the mystery house today," with Alistair noting that they were "on the horns of a dilemma". Sandra then revealed their plans to revisit the mystery house and the property in Carlyon Bay.

The host later confirmed: "Sandra and Terry returned to both options, but were pipped to the post putting an offer in on Carlyon Bay. However, they are now in the process of purchasing a new build on the north coast of the county. We wish them all the very best."

Escape to the Country is available to stream on BBC iPlayer