On The Brink Of Losing My 300 Year-Old Home | Country House Rescue | Abode
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- Riverhill House is a Grade 2 mansion in Kent, purchased by the Rogers family in 1840. The property was once a much loved attraction by the public, especially for it’s beautiful gardens. However, with the property harder to maintain and less customers, Riverhill is under threat. With four generations of the family on the brink of losing their home, the Rogers family turned to businesswoman Ruth Watson for help. Can she save Riverhill house? Or will the Rogers have to say over and out to their home? Find out on, Country House Rescue!
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#mansion #property #millionaire #kent #generation
![RESTORING our neglected 300-YEAR-OLD FARMHOUSE and garden [2 years in 24 minutes]](/img/n.gif)
Usually, I find myself laughing at the entitlement or ignorance of the owners on this series, but this family clearly is sincere, down to earth and willing to do the work. It was especially heartwarming when Ruth told the youngest Mrs. that she'd never seen better work.
Soooo agree,, most out of touch....
i just googled and by the looks of things they are doing extremely well. tons of rave reviews and the work they've done is beautiful
I've never laughty at the disingers. Or the you it just about how long the manufacturers take.
@@nlamorte90 Oh that’s good news!!! I shall do some research for current times, what with the dread ‘Rona’ it’s a wonder business resuming for needs to maintain. 🙏🏻❤️
The current Lord, so to speak, the current Owner of the estate, no mention is made of how title of property passed his way. Was it by inheritance after death of his father? If so, how was the taxes pay on the inheritance, no small sum. This property has decades of deferred maintenance, so this family has been aware of the condition and slow demise of house and property, but nothing was addressed, but somewhere there was a small fortune to pay death taxes to keep estate in family. Those funds might have been put to use turning estate into a flourishing business. Just look at the rhododendrons, OMG , SPECTACULAR. So if observation is correct, then they are deer in the headlights and time for dear to move to calmer pastures and allow another to call estate home.
I got such a chuckle when the eldest Mrs Roger's said no one in the family had worked for two hundred years. The estate is gorgeous and I am very pleased that thousands of people will now be able to enjoy everything.
I feel all the grand fathers would be very pleased. I think a plaque
Telling the story of the acorn put in a pocket during the Crimean war , brought back to England and planted , which turned into
That magnificent tree, is priceless. It is living history .
Agreed.
Excellent idea a out the plaque!
I laughed too, when she said no one has worked for 200 years, As If, that's something to be proud of. And No wonder the house was in Ruin, and crumbling
… Let alone, it had been she to have done nothing about the decay of the last decades… and then whining about and sneering off all the ideas of the young ones that want to bring things in order…. 😮😂
it is amazing what the grandchildren did achieve in the last twelve years or so, since that documentary has been filmed! If you look on the website of today‘s Riverhill Himalayan Garden… fantastic!
(By the way, to underline my first phrase there are photographs on it’s website, where you can see sit the oldest Mrs. Rogers in her prime in a wonderfully manicured rock garden, which we just saw in a filmed jungle expedition.,.. ;-)
Yes that was funny which demonstrated why the family is in poor straits. The days of not working (!) are over darling!!
Oh my gosh! Ed is the most handsome man and so gentle. I wish their family the best of luck. This is really one of the bests of these programs.
Yes he is very ,I’m glad I found this one as I thought I’d seen them all ,lovely house and grounds ,
I agree - & you seem like a kind person, too!
I thought so too!
I am glad I am not the
only one who noticed
how handsome Mr. Ed Rogers is!
Such good genes!
Thanks to Grandma and Mum
and of course their hubbies.
😍😍😍
Ed should be modeling.
Dashing Ed....
Ed certainly has married well! Sarah is living proof that you don't have to sweet-talk any rich heiresses to keep an estate, a spirited woman with a good head on her shoulders is just as valuable.
Lovely family overall. Judging from their website, they seem to have gone from strength to strength! Deservedly so.
Yes watching Sarah’s face as the two older ladies laugh that no decisions were being made was priceless. Sarah realizes things have incredible potential but one can’t be stuck in the past ! Lol.
Sarah is most definitely a asset to this family
"New Blood" is always good ...
Mrs Sarah Rogers is a genius! She took Ruth's advice to heart and quickly put her touches to a most wonderful plan! This isn't somewhere that is just another attraction, but Sarah, perhaps inadvertently, has made it into a wonderful educational experience also! The children's behaviour and responses said it all! Sarah is absolutely wonderful with the children and I can't help feel that what is Riverhill Himalayan Gardens' gain is some school's loss.
EDIT: Following posting my comment, I visited the homepage of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Sadly, there is an obituary to Mrs. Rogers Senior who sadly passed away on August 31st of 2022 at the age of 98. The date of my comment is September 23rd, 2022.
How sad, as her knowledge, history, comments, of the gardens were just beginning to be recorded. I hope that the little bit of this that we saw in the video was followed with much more, though it was mentioned that she had been hospitalized. Condolences to the family.
@@sandrabergquist1684 i think the show was 9 years ago, at least i hope so
Sarah is absolutely lovely. She really saved this family home. She and Ed make a good match.
Please do an update!!! I would love to see the finished product and the customers enjoying the gardens.
They have a nice web page with photos of all the current gardens. They've done so much work and it all looks just beautiful.
Thank you for the information!!! We plan to visit when we go on holiday !!🌲🌲🌲🌲
PLEASE !!!
@@M.Campbell yes, thank you
According to the website, they have gone from strength to strength. Sarah has such a positive outlook.
The Riverhill house is a beautiful family home with historically important grounds. Seeing how the Rogers went from having difficulties with the upkeep in the 2000s to 2022 when they have a nice website with different events and restoration documentation made me happy for the family. Grandma Eve looks very chipper and I can imagine the old family videos that she made with Sarah being uploaded on CZcams much like what they did in Mapperton Live. There’s no shame in opening the gardens to the public, when even the Montagu family does it to get funds for the upkeep of the grounds. Sarah, being a ex-school teacher, gave a great idea in turning the grounds into a more children friendly site. Mother-in-law Jane gave her support by handling the cafe and catering on the grounds.
I love how they came together to make it work!
With an extended family, all doing their part to save their family home and it's history is a testament to the English's love and respect of their long history!
How I wish we here in America loved and respected our glorious history of brave men and women fighting for their freedom, short as it is, the way the English do!
Looked them up and wow have they expanded since this show was recorded. Congratulations on your success.
That’s great I’m glad
I did the same. Their website is worth checking out. It's like the "after" to this "before." It looks absolutely wonderful and to be quite a success.
Ed looks liked he time traveled from the 1920’s! He has that classic Great Gatsby vibe going on…..Gorgeous!!
I wonder did the tapes of the grandmother ever come to anything I would watch a documentary with her alone she is fabulous. I work with older people and love to hear the stories
Agreed.
Grandmother Evelyn died about the time you left your comment (Aug 2022). She was 98.
@@johnvonundzu2170 oh gosh wot a amazing lady! My thoughts are with your family
@@eileenoneill1805 Sorry, didn't mean to mislead you - she wasn't MY grandmother - though I can see why there was confusion.
Of all the Country House Rescue programs I have seen, this is the most positive, happy and likely to work of all. My heart was so lifted by each member of the family who had wonderful gifts that were perfect for this enterprise. Sr. Mrs. Rogers is a fount of knowledge I would chase her with a tape recorder and create not only a book to sell but video vlogs for other gardeners with her own You Tube Channel. The next Mrs. Rogers has a great heart and willingness to take care of peoples needs via food and water. The youngest Mrs. Rogers and her humourous husband are set to bring this property back to life and take it forward. Wow! thats the longest response I have ever made. But golly, I was so impressed by all of them. I think they are guarenteed success, especially working together a four horse hitch. Cheers. Also I saw, tee shirts, book bags, backpacks, and seedlings selling with the family logo in the tea shop.
How lovely to see the school kids Running and exploring the grounds
But away from the crumbled wall. That looks like an accident about to happen.
An outsider is usually a good counterbalance for change.Good for you Sarah.
I am so happy that they managed to bring the gardens to the next level and create a nice income, but what has puzzled me right from the beginning of this episode is that 3 generations are living in 3 seperate builings on the estate. If they would make the decision of living together in the mansion (which is more than big enough), then they could have rented out the other 2 houses either for holiday rental or permanent rental. That's what I would do, but then again, everybody in the family has to agree on living together ;-)
That was my 1st thought!
Even the 2 elder Mrs. Roger's together in one home and the family in the manor home, then rent out the other to a farming tenant. Many of these estates have farming tenants on their land for generations!
@@Caterina...3 there's probably a real good reason why they don't live together...and they didn't find it necessary to share..
@@MargaLilaandPets Perhaps, I'm not doubting your correct.
In keeping with the theme of trying to save their multi generational family estate, I'd have to say that manor home is quite literally big enough for everyone to get lost in, nevermind live comfortably together with 2 mother suites added for comfort and privacy! The suites would be an excellent option as eventually the middle Mrs. Rogers will basically be a "dowager" sort, the current young Mr. and Mrs. Rogers will have to step down when their oldest takes over...it would truly be a generational home. 🏘️
The revenue they'd bring in by renting out to farmers could create generational wealth as well as comfortable living! Many of these large estates in England have families "renting" out farm land from the owners. In fact many of them have had family working the land since they were considered surfs as opposed to today, being condidered tenants!
That's the thing I love about the English....their love and respect for their history! They destroy nothing, instead they rebuild, to exact, original standards of the time and the history they are the keepers of is fascinating!
Off subject fact...there are books that are hundreds of years old with sketches of, still existing, homes all over the countryside. Most look exactly as they did when surveyors were sent out to record the homes and land!
I know our history isn't as old as theirs but I do wish we loved our history more, kept better records and didn't destroy homes and buildings that are a testament to their age!
@@Caterina...3 Ditto
@@MargaLilaandPets 🤔🤨😁 well now, if she was here in the US southern region; we’d say ‘Bless her heart she’s a handful!’ Which is code for don’t engage and walk quickly away!😝 you KNOW which ‘she’ I refer to lol 🙏🏻❤️
I love Ruth, why is she not on television? They need to knight this woman. I’m serious, she has virtually saved so much English heritage. So what if she swears, I bet you the Queen mother used to swear.
So nice to see the Boleyn Home. Thomas Boleyn was my Great (many times, of course) Grandfather.
This young couple (not so young since the episode is 13 years old) embraced everything Ruth said rather than stay stuck and resist like most of them do in other episodes, as their estates and important historical buildings decay around them. I will visit this property one day it has gone ahead in leaps and bounds!
Had a delightful romp through their website as a follow up to watching this episode. So pleased to see what a success they have made of their business. It is striking.
Lovely, hardworking, and special family!
Yes Sarah and Ed are!!
What a result ! .....Its clever to invite the children who would beg their teachers and parents for the next few years to visit again and again. Seven Oaks is very close to London and the train link is brilliant. Ed and Sarah are obviously smart and clever and packed with energy. -----
Ed is so charming, he is too lovable.
A beautiful, intelligent and sensitive couple. A wonderful plan! Exciting!
I'm really enjoying this series. The Rogers family has such an amazing house. There are plenty of CZcams videos showing how the grounds look today, I've been watching several of them. And the Rogers website has a family portrait with the kids grown up and Grandmother Rogers still alive and kicking probably still bewildered by the maze. 👵
What a wonderful family. I liked them all and could see what each of them cared about and why. Brilliant.
There is so much going on here! The story of their ancestor exploring the Himalayas for plants is wonderful. Also the younger Mrs. Rogers was incredibly brave to put her ideas out there. It was good to see that the children really enjoyed the experience. The Yeti as a mascot was brilliant!
Since this broadcast dates back to 2009,I did a google search. They have a website full of pictures and updates. It’s absolutely beautiful what they have done with this place.
Even added another child 😃
I’m in the USA and would love to visit this place. Probably never will 😏
I’m thankful for shows like this,that bring the world to my door 😃 thank you 😊
House and gardens are beautiful. Ruth had very good advice. And Ed is a strikenly handsome man.
I wish Riverhill all the success. The plans will make a wonderful attraction.
12 years on Riverhill has lost some of the Himalayan theme. It is a wonderful historic house with activities all summer and into fall. I can’t wait to visit!
.......so close to London, the train link is brilliant.
I love this show. It's 4:49 AM here in Orlando, Florida. My family moved to the U.S. in 1749. From Birmingham, England. Don't ever get rid of your family home. And whatever you do don't let the Government take it 😉☺️
Oh my goodness. BEST episode EVER! I loved these people, their creativity and enthusiasm! This was the first episode that I smiled and laughed all the way through (rather than cringed my way though at the ineptitude of the various families). This family was vibrant and I understood all their points of view.
They worked it out and the younger generation saved the estate with their ingenuity doing something they obviously love.
And Ed's mum still plays a huge part too. Their grandma died this year, 2022, 99 yo I believe! Bless her. I hope she found some pride and satisfaction in the outcome of her progeny's actions.
They have a vibrant website and the garden is thriving, with public access 7 months out of the year. The family members are each featured under "Team" heading, looking pretty much the same, except Ed's lovely hair has turned grey. They're obviously very hands on. And they offer a season pass at a very reasonable price.
How refreshing.
Grandmother needs her own You Tube show about the house and grounds. She is a delightful character and very interesting!
I suspect she's dead by now as this was made at least 15 years ago
Grandmother Rogers still alive and kicking probably still bewildered by the maze.
This is by far the best episode I’ve seen on the tv show. I Looked the house up on line, they have become very successful with the gardens.
4 generations working together ...beautiful 😍
It seems everything worked out very good, their website is full of things, nice place to visit.
I visited this garden in May 2017! It is a beautiful place with activities for kids, but also some great sculpture. I don’t remember a maze, so maybe they decided they didn’t need it. Gorgeous bluebells in the woodland, too.
2019 their gardens the maze was redeveloped During that period as a team they made sure there were no weeds in the maze to ensure there was no competition for water or nutrients for the trees. Also irrigation was needed during extremely dry spells. I would estimate that in the 10 years since the maze was originally planted that at least 80% of the Yew trees have been replaced
I sincerely hope, if I manage to get over to the UK to be able to visit River Hill and see all the magnificent trees and garden. on a previous visit in 2013 we saw some well known gardens across the south east and southwest of England and it meant a great deal to us both. The plant hunters/explorers of yore greatly enriched the lives.of so many people and need to be celebrated. Well done to the generations of the Rogers family.
I think my favorite part was when Ed dressed up and Sarah and the MIL had a good laugh. It was so good to see the stress melt away even just for a moment. ❤
Ruth is a gem. The family is very lucky to have her!
The youngest and oldest Mrs Rogers where intriguing. The youngest Mrs Rogers was very insightful, clever and brilliant in how she would want the family historical home remembered. Loved. loved, loved the idea of a childrens adventure park. What better way to celebrate your family history.
Listening to "Business Guru" makes me so happy n proud as an Indian. Guru comes from ethnic Indian language. Used in Hindi, sanskrit and Punjabi for "Teacher". Big fan of this series. I love heritage, vintage cars, building n almost everything that's old and has history in its brick & mortar.
Stay Blessed Always... Love from Punjab, India...
My favorite episode. Such a wonderful family.
I just watched the tour video on their website, what a transformation! It warms my heart to see so much love and care put into Riverhill. Gorgeous!
Interesting he has taken over the duties of this estate at age 21 in 1995. Over the past almost 30years they have reclaimed the gardens. They now have 4 children
. In 2011 Mark Watts and Diana May were commissioned to develop a contemporary scheme incorporating the traditional vegetables, a performance space and a planting scheme that extended the flowering season from spring to summer. Their design is a fusion of strong contemporary land forming, inspired by the cultivation terraces in the Himalayas with elements of a traditional garden - truly inspirational.
Heartwarming to read that it has gone from strength to strength. . I felt happy, uplifted just watching this vid. Wow. What a treasure wonderland that Librart alone is!
I would love to see an update on this place!
They have a fabulous website
glad to see they are still owners and the gardens are being restored
The gardens are gorgeous! I would love to see this place. What a great show of a lovely family. The Yeti is the best. I can’t wait to see this lovely garden, home & meet this beautiful family. Thank you for this project.
Wonderful place! Love the Yeti!!!! LOL!
What a nice family, really liked that they all seemed to come together for a greater cause.
Loved this case!!! It is “ancient” already. Since I’m watching this show at 2022, having it been done in 2009. Hope the best for this wonderful family, and their gorgeous castle!!!
Thanks for the upload especially as this episode is one of the best of the best - delighted by the reaction of the children and wished I could have been one of them
Oh my God, imagine you’re in this super warm furry suit and a bunch of kids is running after you and you have to escape just to keep the adventure going on and to avoid the disappointment of these kids… poor Ed.
This place is huge, such beautiful plants, flowers & impressive views! 👍🏻👏🏻so humble & what lovely residents & unassuming even though they r from line of aristocracy 😃 hope they succeed & keep their historical manor preserved for their descendants & their country folks to enjoy as well 👍🏻
I visited their website. Since this first aired in 2010 there have been wonderful changes made. The gardens are back to their glory and well maintained. The fountains are once again functioning. All sorts of events going on. I know it is a lot of work and stress for the family but their work has paid off.
Please do an update. This was a marvelous show, one of the best. Everyone had so much to offer...the teacher was so talented, and the grandmother, I hope she did those tapes.
Just finished watching this story from 2009. What a great story. Congrats to the younger Roger’s family for rescuing and preserving this land for themselves and future generations.
The varied trees with spectacular colors, exotic plants, views were amazing and so beautiful. I will check out their website. So much history, glad they opened it up to the neighbors.
Three and a half minutes in and I would just like to applaud this guy for being the first person his family line, to earn money in TWO HUNDRED YEARS. Wow!👏
Ruth is ruthless with everyone and i love it 😀
I was very impressed by this family’s love and determination to keep the family home going for future generations . There’s so much rich history in the house and the beautiful grounds and it’s good to see it preserved👍🏻
Wow, like others and in part thanks to their comments I went to their website and took a virtual tour. I then went to TripAdvisor to read reviews. What an incredible transformation. I am so happy for the family. I cannot wait to visit and am going to write my friends in the UK, one is only a few hours from the gardens.
This was so enjoyable 😉 I loved the Yeti, such imagination, well done.
We really appreciate one of the most beautiful Rhododendron gardens in UK
Stunning and delightful
What a wonderful place! I am happy this family opened up for more visiters and I hope to be able to see this house myself oneday.
True to their heritage this family has rallied and brought what might have been a sad end for a fine home and garden back from the brink into an exciting and fun place for the future. Well done to all. I have looked at the current situation and it looks like everyone is thriving and the garden looks amazing!
Those childrenare precious. I like their enthusiasm and the family owners as well.
Such an inspiring show! What a wonderful family and community.
I was so happy seeing the children enjoying it so much, you can really provide with an interesting and exciting experience to them, and Sarah, a professional in that field, is just perfect for that kind of business, I hope it works out for them.
I think adults will love the trails, I remember traveling by car several times in the UK and just loved to get out and walk in a garden .
That man is beautiful. He could make a pile of cash as a model.
How did SHE bag HIM?
@@beefynachos6574 Well, I didn't want to say THAT part out loud but I'd like to sign up for lessons. They could make money that way too. "How To Marry A Millionaire (a HOT millionaire)." I know that movie's been made but...
Seriously, can you picture him making ridiculous clothes look fabulous?
@@obelus5985 LOL!!! I said it in my mind and out loud and typed it.. he’s very handsome and I came back to look at him lol
What a wonderful and beautiful show. I watched with curiosity, loved seeing the beautiful landscapes and the school children made me smile and loved hearing the grandmother talk about what she remembers. What a gem of a place and it has family history! This is the best show ever I have watched. Thank you for sharing this with us all. 💕 Good luck to the young couple and their children. A wonderful place to grow up and be involved with their land.
This would be a phenomenal place for Landscape Arts of the Year competition!!! It's a wonderful place with a wonderful history...love the enthusiasm and creativity from the family.
*Artist
Looks like Riverhill House and Gardens is still doing well! A recent dog portrait event was recently sold out. I'm glad to see this lovely family doing well. Sarah is a treasure, her ideas really saved this historic home.
My heart goes out to this family, so endearing and funny that one cannot help but wish them success in their endeavor.
Very enjoyable episode to watch. Great family and of course, Ruth is the best!!
What a wonderful outcome. Watching the next generation take the bull by the horns, using their strengths to transform their own family history into something NEW, and watching those vibrant jolly children just love the experience in nature was also brilliant. All the best!
The grandmother's face just lit up with the idea of restoring the garden
The gardens are astonishing!
I looked their website up and they have it completed and beautiful now. So heartwarming….🐝❤️🤗
What’s their website?
So much fun googling River Hill Himalayan Gardens after watching their star on a CZcams video. My goodness, they followed thru with improvements and plans in a huge way! Very serious work and dedication to maintain the history of River Hill. I live in the U.S. so I can't just drop by, but you are definitely on my bucket list!
I just looked up the Himalayan gardens and it showed that the elder Evelyn Rogers just passed this year in August at 98. And Riverhill is a success.
I did notice this was done some time ago.
Are you planning to do a follow up video
on them so we can see how they are doing?
I love the House too, The interior is Beautiful !
Thank you for this great video,
Jeff
loved the remark on their website about Yeti being absent on certain dates because he's had gotten a spa weekend booked. just happy to see all worked out maybe even better than initially imagined.
I just looked up the home and they have turned it and the gardens into a magnificent place. My wife and I plan on visiting next time we visit the UK.
God Bless this family! I love this
Such lovey people.
Love it! Each member of the family has brought their individual energy and personality to this special project. I found it quite emotional. Wonderful.
I hope there is a loop running somewhere in a garden building with grandma telling her stories of the gardens.
Me too thatd be amazing
So great August 2022 and web site looks like Riverhill Himalayan Gardens are still doing business. Bravo! I'm curious to know if serious Darwin and botanist's are drawn to the site. Perhaps with scientific tours.
This estate is the England of my dreams...what I 'see' in Hardy's literature and other books. This has to be my favorite video of the estate saves. I wish this generation of Rogers all the best and continued success.
I've been following these stories for a while, one of my favorites so far....ps born in Cambridge England, raised in USA, so I look forward to the heritage of the UK 🇬🇧
I just checked out the web and I am happy to see how well the family has done. Beautiful! I hope one day I can visit.
if the queen owns the land she needs to sell some of the jewelry to fix these places up
those cheap plastic chairs must go..forget the cheap stuff, get vintage chairs in brocantes
A beautiful family home and splendid lush gardens.
Our Rogers Family Broke off from yours in 1620 and headed to America on the Mayflower(Thomas Rogers) ! Fascinating Home ! Why Not have a place where people can come and fix something while they stay at your Glorious Home! I as a distant cousin would be happy to help!
So important to honor your family name and homestead, love to see 4 generations pulling together ❤️
I wish the eldest Mrs. Rogers had visited all the other great homes and gardens and talked directly with the maze expert, etc. to see how they did it and integrated public and private. Seeing it first hand and connecting change to people like herself who are not worried about cash flow and failure anymore would get her used to the new ideas which are actually old ideas - mazes, playing children, picnics on box hill, lol.
I was an innkeeper at an English bed and breakfast in the USA and our city frazzled guests loved and were comforted that the stately home never changed the beautiful antique interior. Most were repeat guests, year after year. People hate modern and minimalist!
Also, if she can watch what the children said about why and how much they enjoyed it! The maze will give them even more excitement!