Escape to the Country visits Hexham, Northumberland

Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson helped Cheshire couple Emma and Robin look for their perfect home in Northumberland.

The episode began with aerial views over Northumberland before focussing on the village of Corbridge, the 'jewel in the Tyne Valley's crown', offering a 'sprinkling of independent shops', places to eat and drink and within commuting distance of Newcastle or Carlisle.

READ MORE: Explore hidden pottery gem on outskirts of Tyne Valley village

Charlotte, a local artist interviewed on the show, said: "I love the big landscapes that you get in Northumberland - the big skies, and the large expanses of scenery. I love the emptiness and the fact that you can walk for miles and not bump into anyone on the way," she said.

The first property, viewed in Fenwick, near Stamfordham (Image: BBC One/iPlayer) Emma, a business consultant, and Robin, a property renovator, wanted to buy their first home together and enjoy a rural life in the countryside.

Robin's two sons and Emma's daughter had begun to make their way in the world so the couple decided it was time for them to find their forever home.

Hexham was the next location viewed (Image: BBC One/iPlayer) Their budget was £800,000 for a detached, three-bedroom property on two acres of land in a secluded setting with outbuildings offering workshop and holiday let potential.

The first property location was in the hamlet of Fenwick, near Stamfordham, which was on the market for offers over £725,000 and included a Grade II listed farmhouse, 2.5 acres and a stone outbuilding with potential for development.

READ MORE: The latest businesses which have opened in Hexham's town centre

The trio then visits Hexham and business owners are interviewed about the community.

Claire Harijan was interviewed on her thoughts of the town (Image: BBC One/iPlayer) Marketplace Coffee and Four Beaumont owner, Claire Harijan, is interviewed on her thoughts on the town. "The community in Hexham is really supportive, I've got a lot of friendly regulars that come into the shop on a day-to-day basis." 

Hexham Abbey and market place (Image: BBC One/iPlayer) Jules narrated: "As well as the weekly Tuesday market and a fortnightly farmers' market, Hexham's historic streets are home to both high-street favourites and independent businesses."

The businesses Obscuria and Lore of Hexham are visited during the programme, owned by Steven and Laura Brownsteele.

"For us, Hexham is the perfect place, it's not too big, and it's not too small," Steven said. 

Emma and Robin visit Dipton Mill Inn before going to Berrington, outside Berwick-upon-Tweed and finally to Whittingham, near Alnwick.

They eventually decided to look again at the properties in Berrington and Whittingham before making a final decision.

The episode aired on Tuesday, November 5.