Somersault Studio has announced that its new series Saving Country Houses with Penelope Keith has been acquired by Channel 4 for broadcast on More4 and Channel 4 Streaming in the new year.

Britain’s finest and oldest houses – once hidden away and out of reach to the public – are now open for business in all manner of imaginative ways, and their owners are putting themselves front of house to bring in some much-needed cash. From cafes and high-end restaurants to craft fairs, wild-swimming lakes and ghost tours, country house owners are working their socks off to save their treasured homes and stave off the worst possible scenario of being the generation that has to sell up. Saving Country Houses with Penelope Keithfollows the progress of nine houses and the highly entertaining characters who own them, over the course of one glorious summer – all under the watchful eye of Dame Penelope Keith.

Channel 4 has acquired the 10 x 47-minute series direct from Somersault Studio, and international distribution is being handled exclusively by TVF International. Somersault Studio will be launching a Saving Country Houses YouTube channel in early 2026 to help promote the broadcast programmes and bring additional content to audiences around the world. Plans are also underway to build further social media content and to create a country house podcast to complement Somersault’s existing podcast offering.

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.”

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.”

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Tags: Channel 4