Ep 2. Tapeley Park

Country House Rescue is a British television series that follows country house expert Simon Davis as he tries to rescue struggling country estates and homes. In season 3 episode 2, Davis is called to Tapeley Park, a grand historical estate situated in Devon, England. The estate has been in the same family for over 300 years and is currently home to Hector Christie, the latest in a line of eccentric and intriguing owners.

Upon his arrival at the estate, Davis is struck by its natural beauty and grandeur. The stunning grounds have been carefully tended to over the years, and the house itself is filled with history and character. However, as Davis soon discovers, appearances can be deceiving. Tapeley Park is facing a range of financial and structural difficulties that threaten to bring the estate to ruin.

Hector Christie is a passionate and committed owner who is determined to keep his family home in the best possible condition. However, he faces a range of challenges that are beyond his own means. The estate is expensive to maintain, with ongoing repair and maintenance costs that are difficult to keep up with. In addition, the house is in need of major structural renovations that will require significant investment.

As Davis begins his assessment of the estate, he quickly identifies several key areas that need attention. The first is the estate's finances. Davis discovers that the estate is operating at a significant loss, and that there are a range of inefficiencies and wastages that need to be addressed. He also identifies a range of opportunities for generating additional revenue, such as renting out parts of the estate for events and weddings.

The second area that Davis focuses on is the estate's structure. He identifies several key areas of the house that are in urgent need of repair, including the roof and the main staircase. He also identifies a range of opportunities for modernisation and improvement, such as the installation of a biomass boiler to reduce heating costs and the creation of a new visitor centre to generate additional revenue.

Throughout the episode, Davis works closely with Hector Christie to develop a range of practical and achievable solutions to the estate's problems. He provides expert advice on everything from financial management to heritage conservation, and works closely with the estate's staff to implement the necessary changes.

Despite the challenges that he faces, Hector Christie remains positive and committed throughout. He is determined to keep Tapeley Park in the family for generations to come, and is willing to do whatever it takes to make the estate a success. With Davis's help and guidance, he is able to develop a comprehensive plan for the estate's future that will ensure its ongoing viability and success.

Overall, season 3 episode 2 of Country House Rescue is a fascinating look into the challenges faced by historical estates in the modern age. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving our shared heritage, and of the dedication and passion required to keep these incredible properties alive.