Ep 4. Return to the Shire

Returning to the Shire is the fourth episode of the thirty-first season of the popular HGTV show House Hunters International. In this episode, viewers follow along as a young couple embarks on a journey to fulfill their dreams of living in the UK.

The young couple is originally from the UK but had been living overseas for several years due to work commitments. After a few years, they realized that they missed the UK and wanted to return to their home country. However, it wasn't an easy decision as both of them had set roots in other countries and they needed to consider the implications for their future.

The couple had initially planned to move back to London, but after some research, they decided that they wanted to settle in the countryside instead. They both loved the idea of living in a cozy English cottage and the idea of a slower pace of life was also very appealing to them.

At the beginning of the episode, viewers are introduced to the couple and their charming personalities. We get to know their backstory and how they've been looking forward to this move for years. We see them make a list of their 'must-haves', which include a large garden, a traditional thatched roof, and a spacious living area.

The couple's journey takes them to three different locations, each with its own unique charm. The first stop is a quaint village in Wiltshire, which is located in the southwest of England. The village consists of mainly period properties and boasts a lovely community spirit. The couple immediately falls in love with a cottage with a thatched roof. The inside of the house is just as charming as the outside. It has been renovated to include a modern kitchen and bathroom, but there are still some original features like exposed beams, which give the cottage character. Although the cottage is on the small side, the couple is smitten with it.

The second location is a small town located in the Cotswolds, which is famous for its picturesque countryside and honey-colored houses. The couple's budget is a bit higher in this location, but so is the competition for these properties. They view a lovely cottage that's been beautifully renovated and boasts a large garden. The owners have retained many original features like a stone fireplace and exposed beams. Although this location ticks many boxes for the couple, they feel that the town is too quiet and that they would prefer a more active community.

Lastly, the couple heads to a small village in Sussex, which is located in the southeast of England. The village is known for its beautiful countryside, and there are plenty of opportunities for walking and outdoor activities. The couple views a stunning property, which is a converted barn. However, the exterior of the barn is not traditional and doesn't fit their initial vision. The inside of the property is impressive and includes a large open-plan living area that leads to a beautiful garden. Although this property is more modern than their initial vision, they feel that it still captures the essence of their dream home.

Throughout the episode, the couple weighs the pros and cons of each property and location and struggles to make a decision. After much deliberation and soul-searching, they finally make a decision.

Return to the Shire is a heartwarming episode that showcases the beauty and charm of English countryside living. Overall, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves property shows or is interested in making a similar move. This episode is a great reminder of how important it is to follow your heart and make a decision that is right for you.