A TV star who hosts property shows has hit a brick wall – trying to find a holiday home for her own family.

Melissa Porter, 38, made her name in shows like Escape to the Country thanks to her knack for matching people with their dream homes.

But her new quest – to find a luxury house for one month in Wilmslow or Alderley Edge for herself, her son and boyfriend – has left her stumped and appealing for help.

Melissa, who grew up in Wilmslow, said: "I really want to spend some quality time with my parents, friends and family. But it’s been a lot harder than I thought it would be."

Melissa lives with boyfriend Peter Rinfret and seven-month-old son Pierce in a 7,000sq ft New York townhouse with its own lake.

The former St Hilary’s pupil, who lived with parents Mary and Aldo Tindiglia on Hough Lane, has been back eight times in the three months hunting for homes.

She’s willing to pay up to £8,000 for just one month.

She added: "I’ve contacted every property firm I can think of, gone on websites, written emails, spoken to friends in the industry, social networked – but nobody’s interested.

"It’s surprising because £8,000 is a lot of money. Agents have offered me three-month rentals, but I’m a northern lass and don’t want to waste money when I won’t be there.

"It has to be three-bedroom and contemporary with a nice garden."

Letting agents in the area say Melissa’s problems come down to overheads, law – and maybe even the location. Kay Grace, of Gascoigne Halman, said: "Once renters have paid an agent they want to let for more than a month."

Gill Komoly, managing partner of ShortRentals in Wilmslow, said: "I think she wants something that I doubt she’ll find. I don’t think it exists.

"The overheads on a very luxury fully-equipped property like the one she wants are too much for just a month’s rental."

Gill, whose top property in the area is letting for £800 a week, added: "I think in this area, largely residential, she’ll struggle.

"She would maybe find a country house holiday home elsewhere. Or maybe she can find a holiday home swap? I wish her luck."

Another Wilmslow letting firm agent, who asked not be named, said: "You can’t legally evict someone until after six months so renters may be scared of squatters."

Anyone who can help Melissa find somewhere to live for August can email her at melissa@melissa-porter.com