Country House Rescue

Series 2 Episode 1
First Broadcast: 8PM Thu 4 March 2010

Ruth meets Cornelia Bayley, the owner of Plas Teg, a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion that has remained virtually unchanged since it was built in 1610.

For most of the 20th century Plas Teg lay derelict and roofless, with pigeons in residence and trees growing through its centre. But in 1986 Cornelia fell in love with the building and bought it for £75,000.

Giving up her glamorous life in Notting Hill, Cornelia headed to North Wales to devote her life to lovingly restoring the property, helping to bring back its former glory.

But Cornelia's devotion has come at a cost. Cut off from her old life, she now inhabits the 20,000 square feet of the house alone and can go an entire week without the company of others. And by relying on an ex-boyfriend from over 20 years ago to pay the bills, it's clear that time at Plas Teg has taken its toll.

Cornelia is struggling to keep the house afloat both physically and financially. To keep this treasure alive she needs to find a way to bring in some cash - and fast.

In a bid to relieve Cornelia of her Plas Teg burden, Ruth is keen to turn the grounds into a location manager's dream by offering out space for film and photo shoots.

With a little help from some Plas Teg 'friends', they also host the house's first ever reception, inviting over 50 influential locals, politicians and civic leaders in a bid to attract new volunteers and raise the profile.

But Cornelia isn't keen on strangers entering her beloved home and is resistant to Ruth's ideas. Can Ruth keep her in check and save this historic gem for the nation?

SERIES:

    1. Series 2 Episode 1 Plas Teg

      Ruth meets Cornelia Bayley, the owner of Plas Teg, a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion that has remained virtually…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    2. Series 2 Episode 2 Riverhill

      Ruth visits Riverhill in Kent, home to the Rogers family.

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    3. Series 2 Episode 3 Carnfield Hall

      Ruth visits Carnfield Hall in Derbyshire and its owner James Cartland, a member of the Cartland dynasty and cousin of…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    4. Series 2 Episode 4 Heath House

      Ruth visits John and Flavia Philips and their costly gothic mansion Heath House in Staffordshire. Can she help their…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    5. Series 2 Episode 5 Kelly House

      The Kelly family live in Kelly House, in Kelly village, Devon. The Kelly dynasty has lived on the site for nearly 1,000…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    6. Series 2 Episode 6 Whitbourne Hall

      Ruth visits a vast Palladian-style mansion in Worcestershire, where the resident community is struggling to raise the…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    7. Series 2 Episode 7 Abbey Dore Court

      Ruth visits a quaint but dilapidated country house in Herefordshire, where the owner's granddaughter is determined to…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    8. Ruth Watson Series 2 Episode 8 Gissing Hall

      Ruth helps turn an ailing hotel into a revamped weddings and events centre with plush new décor and a new manager.

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

    9. Series 2 Episode 14 Elmore Court

      Ruth Watson returns to Elmore Court in Gloucestershire to see whether new owner Anselm has succeeded with his plan to…

      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

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