Ep 1. Cothay Manor

In the premiere episode of the first season of Country House Rescue, host Ruth Watson ventures to Cothay Manor, a medieval manor house situated in the heart of Devon. The house has been a labor of love for owner Alastair and his partner because they have preserved the house from being demolished in the past. Despite their dedication, the couple has struggled with the upkeep of Cothay Manor, which has resulted in some parts of the building falling into disrepair.

As soon as Ruth arrives at the house, she is stunned by the beauty of the surroundings. Cothay Manor is nestled in fifteen acres of stunning gardens and features a fine medieval house, a manor court and a beautiful tithe barn. It's clear that the owners have invested a lot in the property and have done an excellent job in maintaining the grounds. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, Ruth is quick to identify a few issues with the property.

Upon inspection, Ruth discovers that the main house is poorly heated, which means that some of the rooms are cold and damp. The heating system is outdated, and the owners cannot afford to install a new one. Ruth takes it upon herself to find a cost-effective solution that will help keep the house warm while remaining sympathetic to its historical context.

Another issue with the property is the lack of signage. The house is difficult to find, which makes it hard for potential visitors to locate. The owners have also struggled to attract enough visitors to the property and generate enough revenue to cover the maintenance costs. Ruth works with the owners to come up with a strategy to increase the visibility of the property and attract more visitors.

One of the highlights of the episode is the discovery of a secret room in the manor. The room, which has been hidden behind a panel for decades, is a historical treasure and is in remarkable condition. Ruth is thrilled to have found the room and is excited about the potential it has for attracting more visitors to the property.

Throughout the episode, Ruth works tirelessly to help the owners come up with solutions to the problems facing the property. She offers advice on how to improve the visitor experience, how to increase revenue, and how to make cost-effective improvements to the property. Despite the challenges facing the property, Ruth sees the potential in Cothay Manor and is optimistic about its future.

In conclusion, the first episode of Country House Rescue is an engaging and informative look at a beautiful historic property in need of some TLC. Ruth Watson provides valuable insights into how to improve the property and make it more financially sustainable. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in historic properties or just looking for a fascinating and informative documentary.