Country House Rescue

TX: Thursday 18th August, 8pm, Channel 4

Gissing Hall in Norfolk is an impressive country mansion that was built in the early 1820's. It fell into a state of disrepair after years of neglect but was given a new lease of life when William and Ann Brennan bought it in 1986 after seeing an advert in the Sunday papers. They put every penny of their savings into restoring it and making it their dream family home, but it wasn't long before the colossal costs of running the country house got the better of the family and they were forced to open the doors to paying guests as Gissing became a hotel. But now the hotel business is struggling so William and Ann have asked Ruth Watson to help rescue their country house, again, but for good this time.

Ruth's first impressions are that the house is tired in its décor and she takes a particular dislike to the curtains in the Ballroom. She also notes that Gissing is in a poor location to be operating successfully as a hotel. She suggests the Brennans wind-down the hotel business and concentrate on using the building exclusively for weddings and events.

She also identifies that the business is suffering from a lack of structure within the staffing and encourages the Brennans to employ an experienced General Manager who can drive the new business towards making a profit for the first time, and relieve them of the stress and worry of a failing business. She helps them interview to find the perfect candidate.

When Ruth returns she sees a brand new Gissing Hall complete with newly refurbished rooms. The Bridal Suite has been transformed into a luxurious and stylish haven perfect for newly weds and the curtains in the Ballroom have gone!

There is also a wedding fair in full swing, to firmly put Gissing Hall on the map as an exclusive wedding venue. Ruth is pleased to see the Ballroom bustling with potential brides and grooms and encouraged to hear their positive feedback on the newly redecorated rooms. She's also pleased to see the new General Manager at the event beginning to coordinate the new business. William and Ann are relieved, and excited, to see their country house finally on the path to success.