Hello friend,

How are you? I hope you're doing well and finding time to enjoy summer.

During the long months of lockdown, one of my guilty pleasures that still continues, is watching Escape to the Country a BBC's house-hunting show.

You've likely seen its equivalent in the US, House Hunters on HGTV.

What I like about Escape To is first that it's set in the UK's less known country side with its pristine coastlines, winding canals and fairytale quaint villages.

There is one part I closely pay attention to.

It's the first impression moment that happens during the first five seconds when a couple enters a room and absorbs what they see.

Emotional expressions range from negative observations (typical - too small) that kills the deal, disengagement, to a burst of emotional and often tearful experience.

You can see the space literally exceeded their wildest expectations.

The latter is often followed by comments like "I can clearly see myself entertaining here" - if it's a cosy 17th century living room with low ceilings, rustic beams and of course a giant fireplace.