Radio Times

Review by:

Jane Rackham

No blonde bob and no statement necklace. In fact, no Ruth Watson, because in this new series business entrepreneur and all-round posh bloke Simon Davis has taken up the challenge of turning run-down country houses into sustainable businesses.

His first task is to prise open the doors of Colebrooke Park — a neo-classical mansion in Fermanagh — to the paying public despite the reluctance of its owners. Alan and Janet (that’s Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough to you) just don’t want strangers tramping through their beloved ancestral home. However, they can’t afford the monstrous upkeep of their stately pile.

On this outing at least Davis has a gentler, more compromising approach than his straight-talking predecessor. Even his “I think you’re a control freak” remark is delivered with supreme courtesy. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be fireworks and — one of the attractions of the show — some deliciously eccentric owners.

About this programme

1/6. New series. Entrepreneur Simon Davis takes on the challenge of helping the owners of another batch of stately homes secure the future of their properties. He begins with a visit to Colebrooke Park in Co Fermanagh, where he meets Viscount and Viscountess Brookeborough. The pair have lived in the neo-classical mansion for more than 30 years and have devoted all their time to maintaining the property, but are in need of innovative ideas to keep the building's finances on track.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter

Simon Davis

Crew

Executive Producer

Neil Smith

Series Director

James Harrison

Series Producer

Philip Smith

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