Fans of Escape to the Country were treated to a real Devon delight in the latest celebrity-themed episode of the hit BBC show when the five-star luxury Lympstone Manor Hotel took centre stage.
Part of the Celebrity Escape to the Country series, this instalment wasn’t just about house hunting, it was a feast for the senses as celebrated chef Michael Caines shared his passion for Devon’s produce with viewers. If you missed it first time around, you can still watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer until the end of 2026.
In this episode, broadcast on BBC One, television presenter Angellica Bell and her husband, Michael Underwood, took on rural life with Escape to the Country property expert Nicki Chapman, exploring homes with character in the rolling countryside of Devon.
Alongside the property search, viewers were given a unique glimpse into the culinary heart of the region when they met Michael Caines at his renowned country house hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant, Lympstone Manor.
Michael Caines, born just a short distance away in Devon, is one of Britain’s most respected chefs and the visionary behind Lympstone Manor’s spectacular dining experiences. After a celebrated career that includes years running top Michelin-star venues, he realised his dream of creating a luxury country retreat that showcases the local larder in all its glory. His approach is grounded in “terroir cuisine”, food that truly expresses its sense of place, celebrating seasonal ingredients from the West Country and beyond.
During the Escape to the Country segment, Michael guided Angellica and Nicki through a delightful cookery demonstration that highlighted just how compelling the Devon food scene can be. While the episode focused on the couple’s rural property hunt and lifestyle choices, this kitchen moment underscored the connection between place and plate that’s at the heart of his cooking philosophy. The episode brought Michael’s Terroir Cuisine approach to life on screen, mixing local ingredients with his signature techniques. The episode highlighted the importance of local and seasonal produce, with Michael and Head Chef Jordan Denning collecting freshly caught crab directly from local fishermen in Exmouth.
Escape to the Country has long been a favourite among viewers for its blend of beautiful homes, charming countryside, and the warm enthusiasm of its hosts. In this celebrity spin-off, those elements are elevated further, from the house tours and the quintessentially British property chat to the gastronomic interlude courtesy of Michael Caines at one of Devon’s most stunning venues.
For anyone who has yet to see this delicious slice of countryside life and culinary culture, there’s still time to catch up. The episode is available to stream on BBC iPlayer for the next 11 months, perfect for cosy viewing and a bit of countryside inspiration. Whether you’re dreaming of a move to the country or simply love seeing the best of British food and landscapes on Escape to the Country, this episode is a must-watch.
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer until end of 2026 here: Celebrity Escape To The Country.
