Channel 4 has acquired the 10 x 47-minute series directly from Somersault Studio, with international distribution exclusively handled by TVF International.
Across Britain, some of the nation’s oldest and most remarkable houses—once tucked away from public view—are reinventing themselves in creative ways. Their owners are stepping front and center to generate much-needed revenue, launching everything from cafés and fine-dining ventures to craft fairs, wild-swimming lakes, and ghost tours. “Saving Country Houses with Penelope Keith” follows nine such properties and their colourful custodians over the course of one sun-drenched summer, all guided by the watchful eye of Dame Penelope Keith.
Dame Penelope Keith said: “Being to the manor born has always been a privilege, but today’s country house owners face challenges as never before, so I’m delighted that so many of them are rolling up their sleeves and putting heart and soul into brave new ventures. I am thrilled to be sharing with Channel 4 viewers the stories of these wonderful buildings and the owners who are shepherding them into the modern world.”
Owen Rodd, Creative Director at Somersault Studio, said: “Great characters and an array of projects have helped us take a subject that feels like pure heritage and turn it into something thoroughly modern. Topped off with the knowing humour of Dame Penelope.”
To support the launch, Somersault Studio will debut a dedicated Saving Country Houses YouTube channel in early 2026, offering supplemental content to global audiences. Additional social media initiatives and a companion country-house podcast are also in development as part of the company’s broader multiplatform strategy.
Richard Farmbrough, Executive Chair at Somersault Studio, said: “We are delighted that these ten programmes have been acquired by Channel 4. The broadcast series is the most significant part of our ambition to bring audiences a multi-platform entertainment offering based on the UK’s glorious country houses. This continues Somersault Studio’s innovative business model of combining funded broadcast projects alongside delivering additional content through distribution channels that we control.”
