Country House Rescue Ruth Watson Interview

Comments

1. I love Ruth Watson's direct approach! Her unambiguous message might be a little overwhelming for some owners but dire finances speak for themselves. The inheritance factor for Cothay Manor was dreadfully sad. All the daughters agreed that nothing should be lost after the parents' deaths but the issue had been disregarded for far too long. I was shocked that it was still undecided before Ruth arrived. Why didn't Ruth suggest a family company with the daughters as shareholders, Mary-Ann as Managing Director and Charli and her Dad as Directors? This would protect the inheritance, give status to Mary-Ann and give a salary (however small) to those who work in the business. It would also keep the good relationships between the siblings for another generation? It's been done like that before in many a family business. Or have I missed something? Well done everyone - a wonderful series!

   Posted by Ingrid Sellman on 14/11/2009 18:26:57

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
2. Were there a Michelin guide to gardens, Cothay Manor would receive the highest grade of "four pleached lime trees". From the U.S., what the Robbs have done stands with Vita's white pergola, Fergus' sunken hot garden,and the tulip festival of Pashley Manor. Cothay is a beacon and memory-nourishing years after the first visit. And what's more there is no complement better than the porridge with Irish whiskey at the nearby Binden House. Sure Cothay is not easy to find; but was Proust? Spread the word about one of the most delightful gardens and couples in Briton.

   Posted by Fred Hochberg on 30/03/2009 01:50:55

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
3. I am a mature student inj my final year studying building surveying at Sheffield Hallam University. My dissertation centres around historic buildings and is entitled "Does conservation stop historic buildings from being used?". I was wondering if Miss Watson would be avilable to do a short, say 20-30 minute, interview which would form part of it. I would very much appreciate any feedback. Many thanks

   Posted by Nick Thatcher on 04/02/2009 14:12:40

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
4. A very good programme. I have visited houses that lacked reasons for going again and Cathay would be one of them. One thing that was not touched on in the programme was publicity. At present they seem to rely on visitors coming who have had it recommended by someone else, but the priority is getting the place put on the map. One of the guests at the Garden Party commented that he did not know the place was there. Cathay will obviously benefit from the Channel 4 programme, (Also the Sculpture event), but will the viewers know how to get there, or indeed where in England it is?. Directions and a simple easy to understand sketch map should be included on all publicity. Leaflets could be left at all other attractions in the vacinity, and this can be done by offering to display their leaflets in return. The approach road appears to be extremely narrow and should the house become a popular venue, I hate to think what would happen on a busy day. Is there a Car Park? Sign posts are needed on the nearest main road with more on each turn of the approach to reassure people that they are on the right track. A one way system could be provided either by traffic lights similar to the temporary lights used at road works, or people could be placed at either end of the bottle neck, if there is one, using Walkie Talkies to control movements. (This would be labour intensive however) I agree on the necessity for an up-market refreshment facility. A simple souvenir shop is also desirable. Yes, this would need staff. How about a 'friends group' of fairly local people.This would probably generate volunteers. I hope there will be a programme at the end of 2009 to let us know how the various homes in the seties get on in the new year.

   Posted by David Percival on 09/12/2008 22:52:59

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment