Ep 5. Kentchurch Court
- April 3, 2011
Country House Rescue is a British reality TV show that documents the intervention of experienced hotelier and businesswoman Ruth Watson as she helps struggling aristocratic families turn their grand ancestral homes into flourishing and sustainable businesses. In this particular episode of season 3, Ruth heads to Kentchurch Court, a magnificent 14th-century Gothic-style mansion situated in Herefordshire, which has been in the Scudamore family for over a thousand years.
As Ruth arrives at the house, she is greeted by the current owner David Scudamore, who tells her about the fascinating history of the house and how the family has fallen on difficult times in recent years. As a result, they are struggling to maintain the property and its extensive gardens, as well as attracting enough visitors to generate sufficient income to cover the hefty expenses of upkeep.
Ruth is taken on a tour of the house and immediately notices that although the interior is beautiful, it is in desperate need of repair and modernization. She sits down with David and his wife Sarah to discuss their business plan and how they envision the future of Kentchurch Court. They reveal that they have already started renting out some of the staterooms and apartments as holiday accommodation, but that they are struggling to reach a wider market and increase bookings.
Ruth begins by assessing the hygiene standards of the house's functioning rooms and kitchen before setting about redecorating and renovating some of the bedrooms. She brings in a team of skilled artisans to help restore the intricate plasterwork and wood paneling throughout the house, as well as some of the beautiful antique furniture pieces. Ruth also suggests that they install some new amenities, such as en-suite bathrooms, to make the rooms more appealing to guests.
One of the main issues that Ruth identifies is the lack of signage and marketing for the house. She meets with a digital marketing expert to devise a plan to increase the property's online presence and reach a wider audience. They recommend creating a new website and digital marketing campaign that highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the house while showcasing their luxurious accommodations.
At the same time, Ruth works closely with the Scudamore family to create new experiences for guests. They decide to offer guided tours of the house and gardens, as well as launching new events, such as art exhibitions and retreats. Ruth also suggests creating a gift shop with souvenirs and local products as well as introducing a cafe service and traditional afternoon tea.
As the episode progresses, David and Sarah start to see the benefits of Ruth's advice and guidance. With her help, they start to attract more bookings and positive reviews, and the business begins to show signs of improvement. The episode culminates in an emotional farewell as Ruth presents the Scudamores with a plaque to officially mark their new era of success and sustainability.
In conclusion, Kentchurch Court is a charming episode of Country House Rescue that showcases the beauty and potential of one of Britain's oldest and most historic estates. Ruth's expertise and dedication help the Scudamore family revamp their business plan and rejuvenate their ancestral home, resulting in a delightful and rewarding experience for both guests and the family.
