Ep 6. Anstey Hall

Four in a Bed is a reality TV show that follows four sets of bed and breakfast owners as they compete against each other to prove that their establishment offers the best value for money. Each day, the contestants visit one another's B&Bs, experience their hospitality, and critique each other's offerings, while keeping an eye on who has the best sleep, best breakfast, and the best facilities. At the end of each episode, the contestants rate each other based on their experiences, and the winner is crowned at the end of the week.

Season 9 episode 6 of Four in a Bed takes place at Anstey Hall, a Georgian mansion in Cambridge, England owned by couple, Guy and Cindy. Situated 1.5 miles from the city centre, Anstey Hall boasts a stunning array of period features, such as original fireplaces, mullioned windows, and a grand entrance hall.

The show kicks off with the first guest, chatty Chloe, who runs a B&B in Brighton with her partner David. Chloe is effusive in her praise for the property, noting that it seems like a museum when you first walk in. David is less impressed, however, commenting that it's 'a bit stuffy' and that there's a lot of 'clutter' around that doesn't really serve a purpose.

Another couple, Lee and Emma, are next to arrive. They own a B&B in Cumbria and are immediately impressed by the grandeur of Anstey Hall. Lee comments that it's lucky Guy and Cindy live there, as he wouldn't have a clue what to do with all the space. Emma notes that it's like something out of a Jane Austen novel, and the couple is soon exchanging swooning glances.

The third arrival is Victoria, who runs a B&B in Birmingham. She's interested in all the antique furniture and paintings that are dotted around the house and asks Guy if he's an art collector. Guy, somewhat amused, replies that the pieces have been collected over the years and that he'd never describe himself as a collector. Victoria seems a little put off by Guy's dry sense of humour, but Cindy is more welcoming and effusive.

Finally, the three contestants settle into their respective rooms, with Chloe and David sharing a twin room, Lee and Emma staying in the Green Room, and Victoria in the Blue Room. Each of them provides their opinions on the rooms, with Chloe and David noting that there's no en suite bathroom in their room, which they find unappealing. Lee and Emma, meanwhile, are bowled over by the four-poster bed in their room and describe it as the 'best bed they've ever slept in'. Victoria, who has a more modern taste in decor, finds the Blue Room a little too 'old-fashioned' for her tastes but seems content with the amenities provided.

The next day, the contestants reconvene for breakfast, and it's soon clear that all three couples are impressed with the quality of the food on offer. There are muffins, toast with homemade jams and marmalades, sausage, and eggs cooked to order. Victoria comments that the portions are 'generous' and that the food is 'expertly prepared.'

After breakfast, there's a chance to explore Cambridge, with the contestants given a tour of the city's most famous sights. They visit King's College, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Bridge of Sighs, and the air is filled with enthusiastic chatter as they learn more about the city's history and culture.

In the afternoon, Guy and Cindy take the contestants on a visit to Ely Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure situated in the nearby town of Ely. The contestants are blown away by the scale and beauty of the building and listen in awe as Guy explains some of the history behind the site.

Back at Anstey Hall, there's time for a quick cup of tea before the final critique, where the contestants reveal their opinions on each other's establishments. There are highs and lows, with some contestants feeling that the other owners weren't forthcoming with information about their B&Bs and others feeling that the rooms were too small or cluttered. Despite these gripes, everyone agrees that Anstey Hall is a stunning and beautiful establishment that has been expertly run by Guy and Cindy.

In the end, there can only be one winner, and the scores reveal that there's a tie. Victoria and Lee both come out on top, with Chloe and David trailing behind in third place. Guy and Cindy are pleased with the results, feeling that the feedback has been mostly positive and that they've done their best to provide their guests with a welcoming and enjoyable experience. The episode ends with the contestants bidding farewell to each other and heading off on their separate ways, each of them vowing to learn from the experience and improve their own B&Bs in the process.