Ep 2. Elmore Court

In Country House Rescue season 1 episode 2, host Ruth Watson travels to Gloucestershire to visit Elmore Court, a stunning Grade II* listed Georgian mansion with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The current owners, Anselm and Sarah Guise, have been struggling to make ends meet since taking over the property from Anselm's parents a few years ago. They have been using the house as a venue for weddings and events, but have been struggling to attract enough bookings and keep up with the high costs of maintaining the property.

Upon arriving at Elmore Court, Ruth is impressed by the grandeur and beauty of the house and its setting, which includes 10 acres of gardens and parkland. However, she quickly realizes that the house is in desperate need of some renovations and modernizations. The kitchen is outdated, the bedrooms are small and cramped, and the decor is a mishmash of styles and eras. Despite the challenges, Ruth is determined to help Anselm and Sarah turn Elmore Court into a successful and profitable business.

Ruth begins by meeting with the couple and learning more about their vision for the house. Anselm and Sarah are passionate about maintaining the history and character of the property, but they also want to make it more accessible and welcoming to modern visitors. Ruth suggests that they focus on creating a clear brand and identity for Elmore Court to help attract more customers. She also advises them to invest in key upgrades, such as a new kitchen and updated decor, to improve the guest experience.

Over the course of the episode, Ruth works closely with Anselm and Sarah to implement these changes. She introduces them to a branding expert who helps them develop a new logo and marketing strategy. She also brings in a chef to revamp the kitchen and a designer to update the decor. Ruth even helps Anselm and Sarah come up with a new pricing strategy that will make the property more competitive in the market.

As the renovations progress, Anselm and Sarah begin to see the potential of their beautiful property. They start to feel more confident in their ability to attract new customers and make Elmore Court a successful business. Ruth is impressed by their dedication and hard work, and she takes the time to teach them valuable skills, such as how to negotiate with suppliers and how to create a balanced budget.

By the end of the episode, Elmore Court has undergone a stunning transformation. The kitchen is now a bright and modern space that can easily cater to large events, the bedrooms have been updated with new furnishings and linens, and the decor throughout the house is now cohesive and stylish. Anselm and Sarah feel proud of the changes they have made, and they are excited to welcome guests back to Elmore Court.

Overall, Country House Rescue season 1 episode 2 is a heartwarming and inspiring look at the challenges and rewards of renovating a historic property. Ruth Watson's expertise and guidance help Anselm and Sarah turn their struggling business into a thriving one, and viewers are left feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future of Elmore Court.