The Complex Restoration Of Magnificent Historic Homes | Country House Rescue: Revisit | Real Royalty
00:00:03 - Abbey Dore Court. Ruth Watson returns to Abbey Dore Court in Abbey Dore, Herefordshire and catches up with owner Charis Ward. Although the court's gardens were already a popular attraction, Ruth initially suggested Charis and his granddaughter Clare that they start up a bed and breakfast business to fund repairs and restoration of Abbey Dore. However, Charis and Clare rejected this idea, and are keen to show Ruth the self-catering holiday business which they have started instead.
00:46:45 - The Heath House. When Ruth Watson first visited The Heath House in Tean, Staffordshire, Ben, the eldest son of John and Flavia Phillips was trying to persuade his parents against selling their ancestral home. Ruth wants to know if plans to turn the estate into a wedding venue have been a success, and whether Ben's work has managed to make Heath House turn a profit for the family instead of being a financial burden?
01:33:23 - Plas Teg. Ruth Watson catches up with Cornelia Bayley, owner of Plas Teg in Pontblyddyn, Flintshire. On Ruth's first visit, she suggested that Cornelia rent Plas Teg out as a location for film and photo shoots, which would pay for the maintenance of the mansion. However, Cornelia was nervous that strangers would damage her home. Now Ruth returns to see if Cornelia has allowed the public to enjoy Plas Teg, and bring in much needed money to the property.
02:19:38 - Riverhill House. Ruth Watson returns to Riverhill House in Sevenoaks, Kent, and catches up with owners Ed, Sarah and Jane Margaret Rogers. When Ruth first visited, the family were struggling to come to agreement on how to fund repairs to house and estate. Ruth wants to see if Ed and Sarah's schemes for a maze, a 'Himalayan Hideout' and a new souvenir shop have proved successful, and how does Jane Margaret feel about the new developments?
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I think Ruth deserves her flowers on this complex Restoration of a magnificent historic home.... there were objections but Ruth got Granny and family together to resolve all issues and the results are in the proof of the pudding it does look absolutely charming, idyllic and beautiful and will be packed with visitors.
Not that couch, it looks like it belongs where I live, on a ranch.
The house looks beautiful. The sofas look cheap and not in keeping with the age and style of the house.
The grandmother saying she doesn’t know how much anything costs 😂😂😂😂 ya, right!
I love Ruth's brutal honesty! She doesn't hold back!
I have to say the show is nothing without Ruth. It never recovered. Why hasn’t the BBC offer her millions to do thus show again. I miss Ruth so much.
I felt compelled to research the houses in this show after watching and was so saddened to discover that Ben sold Heath House after the deaths of his parents. What is so sad is that if his parents had sold it, they might have had a few easy days in their old age. Now it is sold and the items sold off at auction. What a shame.
Ben did sale the house but he’s parents wasn’t living full time in it they had another house 75 miles away from the Heath house
I saw it was for sale in 2021 which made me wonder if Covid and a lack of weddings and events, people not vacationing didn't make it impossible for Ben to save Heath House no matter how badly he may have wished too. Covid ruined a lot of people's dreams. In my small town it was astonishing how many family run businesses have closed, even large regional and national businesses couldn't hold on.
Wikipedia still lists the Phillips as the owners
According to another commenter on a separate video: the parents died within 3 months of eachother in 2011. Ben seems to have kept it going for a while and then one day just up and disappeared. The brother and his wife stepped in and tried, but ended up having to sell. Very strange turn of events.
I saw in another comment that after running it for a few short years, Ben suddenly just disappeared one day, shortly after the death of his parents. And never went back. Thus leaving his brother and sister in law to run things alone. They are the ones who listed it for sale in 2021. Sadly, Ben’s father was right about him all along: he couldn’t hack it under the pressure.
Riverhill House is the best episode ever!! The grandmother has given her life to it, but she has done it no favors. She should be grateful that Ed and Sarah have performed miracles and saved such a beautiful gem. And so creatively!!! I have nothing but praise and admiration!!!!
I love this series with Ruth helping the families keep the estates.
Too many adds so I will not be watching
They don’t have anything now even remotely close to this show. How sad….
You can now stop ads !
I've stayed at B&Bs. What I liked most was when I could eat alone, from large bowls of fruit, muffins & make my own tea or coffee. I like to sleep in, don't want any judgement or company when I finally start my day of walking, sight seeing etc. Home made jam or jelly on the sideboard or table is nice, alsong w. fresh flowers.
That is exactly why I stay in hotels.
So lovely to have stumbled on this series of restorations. Just finished with Abby Dore, the first one. I think this family chose the wise thing while grandma is still alive. Most important is that this home is now habitable throughout, with gardens in tack and love that Karis (grandmother) expanded her area to the garden. Its so charming! While Ruth kept pushing potential for the highest revenue profit (her job), they chose the most conservitive course. I love that you can see they all seem happy. Had they gone with the B&B, I think there wouldve been too much stress and added tension. Their decision now allows them to live together, come to reaquaint themselves and enjoy this beatiful home, and their grandmother for however how long that may be. They all still work full time, so plenty of time to get on with more ideas for profit....so much potential now and furnishings and decor will follow.
The Heath house is absolutely stunning, and i hope all has turned out for Ben.
The parents were right about Ben and he couldn't hack it. John and Flavia Philips both died (3 months apart) during the 2nd half of 2011 (3 years after filming). The brothers Ben and Justin inherited the house, but Ben just disappeared one day. His brother, Justin, and wife Sophie had to step up to manage the business side of Heath House but in 2021, the property was to put on the market for sale with offers in excess of £6,250,000. The house was sold in 2022 and the contents sold at an online auction the same year. Very sad!
@@e.b.4379 that is very sad indeed
@@e.b.4379Oh wow I was thinking they could have done a spin off show for Ben to find him a wife (if that’s the way he orientates!), so he could have some heirs - preferably a wife with Event Management skills. Even though the family sold the house, I’m sure the new owners are treasuring it.
@@e.b.4379 at 1:33:07 he calls Ruth "Rachel", his behavior is strange... I wish we knew more about his disappearance
@@e.b.4379 Oh gosh! How very sad! Such a beautiful house and so well decorated and furnished. Strange Ben jus disappearing, he was so keen...hope nothing untoward happened to him .
Must say that to see Riverhill revived by the adventures of the many children visiting was such a stroke of genius to financially support the estate..your advice is invaluable giving a perspective to the family in dire straits..thankyou for sharing..❤
I have only just stubbled upon this series of restorations, and I'm completely enchanted! Watching from Texas and longing to visit all of these wonderful places!
I too watching from Texas❤️
Me too I would love a planned visit to these homes while I’m roasting in Florida!
Watching from Texas as well. 🤠
This Brit-American i.e. Anglophile is enjoying these episodes so much! Wishing all those involved with saving these grand estates all the best! Cheers from Yankee New England!
He doesn’t know how many bedrooms in Heath House !!! Honestly !
Interesting, and expected, that the older homeowners are so reluctant to give up the reins, even to keep it in the family. The younger generations must be so frustrated. The Gothic home is stunning! Hope they were able to make a go of it without selling.
I agree ,but these old things sit there ,and wait for it all to fall around their ears.its a pity they couldn't be more honest, and get rid of the old thing. It's not like it's going out the family. Selfish old cow.
I'm sure it's sold on now sadly. I bet they owed the bank so much, it was probably taken from theme. As usual happens, they owe the bank,there's not enough income being generated. So they offer them a way out. Which makes me wonder,was channel 4 aware of this. I mean before work would of started, they must of being made aware of the predicament they were in.
I loved the segment of Riverhill. After looking it up, it is still a popular destination and it's amazing to see.
Sadly Sarah (the wife who spearheaded the renovation project) is no longer part of Riverhill in any capacity (maybe she and Ed divorced?) and Evelyn died in 2022 at the age of 98.
@@e.b.4379 oh that’s too bad! Sarah was really the one who saved it by starting it all, wasn’t she? I was so happy to have looked it up a while back to see that it was doing so well.
Ruth is an angel in disguise! She is right and then they started arguing about it. Another thing to think about is offering summer or winter renovation tutorial classes to teach people renovation skills. The classes could be live-in for teacher and students and be connected to the local community college plumbing, electrical, and carpentry classes, giving credit for a degree in renovation skills. They could also rent out their fields for local farmers, apiaries, and boarding horses or for cattle grazing. A local fiddlers contest with local businesses selling their arts and wares, combined with local historic dances could be a happy chance for local schools music and theater departments. Why not?!
Plas Teg ... Cornelia it was truly wonderful to be invited into your Home. Such a Wonderland. I wish you every success with your venture. I love the the way you folow your Heart... It seems you have the right help. Next time I am in England I will come and visit your Beautiful Home.
If she's still there and the parrots are still in that hovel, do is all a favor and kidnap them!😳
I Hope you always believe in the path you have chosen😍🌹💝
what a fabulous repair.....glad grandma joined .....how fortunate to have inherited ....
Using Cornelia's house for filming is a grand idea. I love it. I would recommend hiding the expensive items that someone could pilfer.
Too many adds so I will not be subscribing or watching
Nobody is going to pilfer.
Love the British on how they interview people they are always so professional and knowledgeable. It's in their blood. There is so much history out there with beautiful structures to display it all it all needs to be protected and preserved on every level. Travelling back a few hundred even a thousand years is something else !
I feel like Cornelia is an introvert’s introvert! and struggles with people, but once she works up the courage to be around people, she comes out of her shell a little bit and is delightful. It’s obvious given that she has a fractured relationship with her son. She’s a beautiful lady and I can’t imagine how stunning she was when a young lady.
The couches destroyed the elegant feel if the room.
46:46 - UPDATE on Heath House: John and Flavia Philips both died (3 months apart) during the 2nd half of 2011 (3 years after filming). The brothers Ben and Justin inherited the house, but Ben just disappeared one day. His brother, Justin, and wife Sophie managed the business side of Heath House but had to put the property up for sale on in 2021 with offers in excess of £6,250,000. The house was sold in 2022 and the contents sold at an online auction the same year. Very sad!
I have a hunch that Ben ran off to the Turks And Caicos with his young, dark-skinned, male Carribbean lover, and is living like a king, happily ever after. Could happen…
Very sad! That’s why the father didn’t want to trust Ben with running a business.
@@avesraggiana Anything could happen!
😢
Thank you. Sad indeed. Hope the new owners enjoy it.
Ruth is abrasive
Hi I’m on the west coast of Canada - the Sunshine Coast just north of Vancouver. My grandmother made quince jelly. I remember it was such a lovely clear light pink colour. I wish you both every success!!
The last story was thrilling. I’m so happy for them.❤
that first one was awesome and I liked their choice of sofas! lol....but I can see where a more classic style would have added to the experience of staying in such a beautiful historical house.
Beautiful transformation! It suits the home so well. Who wouldn't love to own this home, especially when you love this style, like me❤
Ruth is wonderful. The Riverhill story makes my heart smile.
Appreciate the Content and I look forward to seeing many more of the same topic I myself find thrilling and absolutely captivating subject Thanks for Sharing
I would love to see Plas Teg host artist residencies. Artists would love to be able to work in those dramatic surroundings. We know how to work with props and dont mind dust and cobwebs. It would give cornelia (❤ an artist, herself, for sure) and the artists a comfortable social outlet. Many artists are quite interesting and we understand so-called eccentricity. We also share a dedication/obsession to craft that can sometimes be isolating.
Plas Tag feels like the Welsh Sunset Boulevard and Cornelia is Norma Desmond.
The story of Abbey Dore is a beautiful story, well told. For those of us who felt very involved in the family's story it would be nice to hear about their current circumstances. Hopefully well indeed.
It was for sale back in 2018. Not sure what happened. The website is up but no longer active
This is my favorite episode. I now have RiverHill on my bucket list. Great job!
Cornelia at Plas Teg is like a rare Pearl ...and Ruth Watson sees this and does her justice. What a warmhearted Woman and spectacular Mansion !I've seen all these episodes before but, I miss Ruth Watson !
I like Ruth very much. Cornelia is another matter. I see evil in her and this house. She must've put a witch's spell on a man to have him pay her bills. What man would even come close to a woman who doesn't bathe?? 🥸🤮 She's one of the nastiest and most distasteful people I've ever seen anywhere.
thank you@@angelbulldog4934. Yes me to I like Ruth Watson much but maybe I had not carefully watched between the Lines...and been charmed by Cornelia.
@katharinatrub1338 I looked up Plas Teg and it has a dark and occult past. I'm an empath and sense that atrocities have happened there. I feel oppression when I see this house, despite its beauty.
Ohhhhh...@@angelbulldog4934, how interesting so you can feel these 'not good' vibes. And now that you mention it, I can indeed imagine Cornelia on a Broomstick ; ))
@@angelbulldog4934 The fact that she has a son but doesn't know where he is because they're estranged is terribly odd and says a lot about her...
I am glad Heath House was not sold.
Unfortunately, it was sold a couple of years ago. The father and mother passed away and it has been sold on.
John and Flavia Philips both died (3 months apart) during the 2nd half of 2011 (3 years after filming). The brothers Ben and Justin inherited the house, but Ben just disappeared one day. His brother, Justin, and wife Sophie managed the business side of Heath House but had to put the property up for sale on in 2021 with offers in excess of £6,250,000. The house was sold in 2022 and the contents sold at an online auction the same year. Very sad!
😢lq
😊 Claire can do this by hiring cook housekeeper hostesses while she keeps in recording the bookkeeping journal and receipts
Ed and Sara have wonderful ideas. I am sure everyone will love them.
I've just discovered this show today and am now binge watching from America
I do love the mystical music from this series!
Looks like a brand new kitchen! The floors completely change the vibe!
Beautiful Memories! Beautiful Furniture! Beautiful Life! Thank you 😊
Rent it for horse people - it already has a stable -Wow ! Over here it's about $400. to $500. a month per horse per month.
What an exquisite garden! I'd love a walk thru tour video.
No much wonder the Heath House boys are bachelors...Imagine having Flavia as a mother in law😮😮
I have been thinking about going tiny for the last couple months. Your home is beautiful I’m from Louisville, Ohio
Grandma's scepticism and resistance is shrieking despite not being verbalised.
Why a southwestern looking couch with a classical old English home, that's just crazy, I can't say that fits the house at all, I agree with that lady Ruth, that it's inappropriate.
I love all your videos no matter what job you are doing Dan. To all this work all by yourself is inspirational 💯
The most outstanding of this revisit episode is Plas Teg- at 1h36 min. North Wales with Cornelia- epic, and she is such a fascinating and incredible artist/soul. Truly beyond outstanding.
the first home of the three strikes me as the one i am most comfortable in and be proud to continue as homeowner
I just watched for the second time and enjoyed your video just as much as I did the first time!
Beautiful houses historical treasures.
Thanks so much for another great video always enjoy something interesting and learning something at the same time
Gradually slow. What a wise dad and a wonderful son to take up the upkeep and look after you and Ruth. May God Keep you in His care and Always give you your hearts desires. JulieKilburnUSA
Garden of dreams. I wonder if it has an old fashioned veggie garden and orangery anywhere? One of my fave things about National Trust places are often the old working gardens.
WONDERFUL, THANK YOU.
Breathe takingly marvelous ❤
Love the tile....your home keeps looking more and more beautiful for your wonderful family God bless IAG FARMS!!
Wrong comment thread. I too love IAG FARMS.
Hello, I loved the England vlog. The length was great 👍. Glad you are enjoying your live, BLIS - Because Life Is Short ❤
Cindy I love seeing your videos You are always so positive and upbeat You work so hard and care for your animals so well I look forward to your next video ❤
Respect grandma, she has the power.
Thing is these programs are so old that it would be great to get some sort of update even if just a presenter's speech at the conclusion of the program.
I absolutely love the English countryside. If I could I’d love to move to the UK and spend my remaining years wandering the gorgeous countryside.
Don’t be fooled these are very old programs & the English countryside is a far far cry from this !!!
Caris is an excellent landscaper / horticulturalist.
To me Sarah is definitely Mrs Right for Ed, the person you marry either makes you or breaks you.❤
The grandmother over saw the project no rather she got in the way the entire time 😢
Love that show. I am in love with old houses myself. But it is better to keep the original spirit of a house. The last project juxtaposes another identity that has nothing to do with the original one which is already so rich. It is a bit like turning the garden into a Walt Disney project. But the idea of making it available to children is fantastic.
What a difference, one reluctant to change& second fast forward ❤
It makes me sad the house was sold and I pray that the people who bought it have made it into their own showplace. The furniture that is in living room are just not appropriate. The grandmother was such a nightmare. The grandmother is the reason the house went under.
Abbey Dore Court has been the subject of further restoration. It was indeed bought by an Interior designer. Instagram @abbeydorecourtestate
There's an episode of OCD Cleaners that also features Cornelia and Plas Tag.
Yeah they made her out to be a dirty hoarder. Mean
@@davidwilliams4696 you're right, it was a very different angle, they didn't celebrate her creativity or how her collections added theatric decor to the house. It was a very negative portrayl. Ruth is a lot more compassionate and practical.
The current Mrs Rogers is a hoot which is obvious how she managed to survive an education environment. Its great she learned so early to keep some things to herself otherwise we may be on to the second Mrs Rogers of the lowest level. Mr Rogers sems a bid daunted by mums and grandmums!
Loved! More of Alex!
They could rent out space for a farmers market, a photograph workshop retreat, writers retreat, and/or any kind of retreat space. They can create a bed and breakfast, tea and coffee shop, rent out some space to the entertainment industry for filming or simply work from home at customer service (because it's a consistent pay check) for about two years, and then, get a renovation loan. And another option is to rent out a few bedrooms to retired persons for added income that can be used towards the cost of renovations with or without acquiring a loan. And hire locally a handy man, plus, learn to do many things yourself. Only hire a professional (s) for major repairs. Moreover, as soon as possible, transfer the electrical system to solar power and become energy independent forgoing the usual electrical bill.
Just think these are such old shows and Ruth is as current now as she was then. Why can’t the BBC bring her back.
The program is not WOKE enough
I love Abby Dore and well done to all the family and restorators. I thought the settees looked great in the dark colour, especially when a lot of strangers will be sitting on them.
I pray for Ben to have a huge success.
I would help the elder son run the place. What a cutie pie 🤩 Although i am watching this for the first time in 2024. HA.
Ben could have an endless flow of beauties attending events. You can do it Ben. Hi sweetheart, welcome to my castle💪🇺🇸
I do feel sorry for Ben,he's obviously been out of sorts with ma ,pa. Hence his relegation to aunties house. Ben ,never mind it's yours now . Now be strong, and enjoy what you have,surround yourself with the trustworthy, and all should be fine ol son.
I REALISE IT IS SEVERAL YEARS LATER AND A WHOLE LOT OF STUFF MUST HAVE HAPPENED BUT DAMMIT CLAIRE'S GRANMOTHER CARIS LOOKS GOOD FOR A WOMAN IN HER 80'S, WHAT ABOUT A FOLLOW UP TO LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENEND?
Well done ❤
I love these videos 😍
such good news , ❤
Thank you for video 📸❤
I've had to resubscribe to your channel and Aaron's channel several times. I don't know what's going on with KZhead. It's really happening though 😢. I really enjoyed your show tonight. I watched Rabbit right before. I just wish I had seen you guys live. I saw her show with Aaron and her follow up to it . Thank God for you guys. I enjoy all three of your channels - Yours, Rabbits, and Aaron's. I love all you guys!
That was absolutely enjoyable
It was not enjoyable due to the massive number of adds I don't have the time to watch adds its too costly on time, life is simply too short.
A pleasant episode.
The outside wall of Roger's Cafe needs flowers growing up on it or a mural.
So much of the dilemma is traveler's and vacationers like the tropical or warmer places and so much money is made there it takes away from rainy or damp cooler lands I agree as well there are too many farmer markets and the amount of work put in doesn't help when your area can be unpredictable and rainy
My god ,heath house owed by two real life les Pattersons on this world. Aaahhhhhh
Good lord Ed is one beautiful man. I would walk through a maze or garden with him.
Lovely. I am learning
The mother is the problem. She admitted that she always hated the house
Wonderful
40:00. Gosh, the new furniture clashes with the original design. I don't quite agree with the light blue on the ceiling but the overall Classical design deserves something more harmonious.
Ruth is a family psychologist
Poor PLES That ladys heart right place. THat stupid woman put a hot mug on an antique table AS IF IT WEREFROM WALMART! That is EXACTLY why she doesnt trust people. ALSO CORNILA ISNT ALONE SHE hasthe SPIRTS that live there! Just pray for them & get those damn birds out of that horrid place into the SUNSHINE! GOD BLESS