About this season
Three British aristocratic families struggle to hang on to their historic homes. Their lifestyle is assumed to be idyllic, but constant battle with roof-leaks, falling visitor numbers, and mounting debts all put pressure on their personal relationships and peace of mind.
Episodes (3)
1. Sudeley Castle
Aired 27 June 2007 • 59 min
Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire is the home of the Dent-Brocklehurst family, made rich by the industrial revolution, but who have struggled to maintain Sudeley in recent years. Mark Dent-Brocklehurst inherited Sudeley in the 1960s but died soon during the restoration project, and now his widow Lady Ashcombe is handing it over to her children Henry and Mollie during troubled times.
2. Burton Court
Aired 4 July 2007 • 59 min
Burton Court in Herefordshire has been owned by Commander Robert Simpson and his wife Helen since the 1960s. In order to maintain it, Robert started a soft-fruit farm and Helen a costume and curio museum, but recently they haven't been making enough money to keep the house going. Their son Edward decides that the only option is to turn Burton Court into an upmarket wedding and function venue. With most of the family savings sunk into the project, can Edward make it succeed?
3. Kelburn Castle
Aired 11 July 2007 • 59 min
The Boyles have lived at Kelburn Castle on the Ayrshire coast since the 12th century and were once one of the wealthiest families in Scotland. The current occupant, Patrick Boyle, 10th Earl of Glasgow, believed that by creating a country park and opening up the castle for dinners and tours he could make Kelburn pay for itself, but he has lurched from one financial crisis to another.