Watch Crisis at the Castle

Patrick Boyle, the 10th Lord of Kelburn, is the first to admit that years of short-term, fast-fix repairs are to blame for many of Kelburn Castle's woes, but with half a million pounds of debt, he's not sure what to do next. He hires a manager from a five-star hotel to run commercial events and partners with a local land developer to raise funds for much-needed repairs and renovations. The family motto is "Dominus providebit"--God will provide--but the castle might need more than a miracle.

Still a source of pride for Robert and Helen Simpson, Burton Court contains a 14th-century great hall that is a landmark in Hertfordshire--and it holds a quirky costume and taxidermy museum. But as attendance at their private museum and the estate's fruit farm plummet, the family spends their life savings to redesign the space into an upscale wedding destination. The biggest challenge? The entire enterprise is staffed by only one person: son Edward, whose take-home pay from the business is so low he qualifies for government assistance.

Despite the Dent-Brocklehursts' long history of wealth and glittering social connections, their family home is in danger. The date draws near for siblings Henry and Mollie to inherit Sudeley Castle from their mother, Lady Ashcombe. But it appears they are taking on more burden than bequest. Sudeley draws a fraction of the paying visitors it once attracted; expensive renovations and constant repairs are necessary to keep the 1,500-acre estate solvent; and, not least of their worries, Lady Ashcombe has come to question her children's intentions and plans.