We Don't Trust Our Son With Our $4.3 Million Mansion | Country House Rescue REVISIT | Abode 

For anyone curious as to what has happened since this was filmed 13+ years ago: Ben and his brother inherited the house. Unfortunately their father passed away not long after the show was filmed and their mother just a few months later. The younger brother, Justin, ran it as a wedding and photography venue with his wife. No idea what Ben was doing. It seems that Covid was rough for them and the estate was sold in 2021 for over £6 million. After the estate was sold, the Phillips family auctioned off some of the art, silverware, books and furniture of the house in 2022. They had a very active Facebook page until the house was sold.

The parents need to admit that they want the money from the sale and aren’t interested in keeping the home in the family. Ben is charming and has an endearing quality. He also appears to be quite determined. He’s the perfect person to manage the estate.

To have a house like this in the family, and a son willing to take on the challenge and to not let him is absolute madness.

I would hate to be the one that has to sell a house after it was in the family for 14 generations! Wow!

I'm dying to pressure wash the outside. It would be so pretty.

To Ben and Justin, You did the best you could. Wishing you peace of mind. 🇨🇦🇨🇦

Parents like this raise insecure children who lack confidence, then denigrate them to say, 'see you aren't good enough'. I'm glad Ben was able to have a go. John was incredibly rude to Ruth.

They should also hire the estate out for filming movies and tv shows.

Imagine owning a house and not even knowing how many bedrooms it has. Maaaad

Ben is a good son. At least he gives a s**t about his family's legacy.

Ben is charming which adds to his new found role with hosting events. He is absolutely the right person for this and is well committed towards the business attached to Heath House. He has proved himself worthy of rising to such a challenge and going forward. Well done!

I love posh people and their stiff upper lip. Them: "Two strokes and a heart attack..it was terribly unfortunate". Me: I can't do anything today, I have a slightly sore throat.

Ugh, when the dad tells Ruth to “Be qwart (quiet)”. The patriarchy is alive and well. Power to Ruth!

Benjamin is a wonderful son! I hope he gets the credit he deserves.

Old guy lived there his whole life....no idea how many rooms😀

The father needed to trust his son more. He has done well

Lovely guy Ben is. His father criticises him in a negative view. Hopeful he can gain confidence to carry on the good work.

The old lady used to tell her son that he bullied Benjamin… how sad is that

on the market for 2 years and doesn't know how many bedrooms it has? no wonder he hasn't sold it yet

Surely there was a way to increase earnings from farm land, too. If he didn't know how many bedrooms were in the house, he likely never met with the farmers to ask how he could help.

----Update---- I have checked and in 2021 the house was sold to new buyers and a few years after this was aired both parents passed away leaving it to their sons who tried to keep it afloat but eventually did not work out and then sold the property.

Beautiful mansion & grounds. I hate to hear they ended up selling 13 yrs later, but hopefully the new owners will maintain it.

Little Ben was so hopeful and enthusiastic, he is so sweet.

Fantastic Benjamin! You are so lovely despite obviously being battered down emotionally by an overbearing father. To finally stand up to him and prove him utterly wrong delights me no end

What a delight to watch, enjoyed every second. Did not appreciate it being filmed over a decade ago and sad to hear John and Flavia have now passed.

I'm glad that Jon and Flavia decided to allow their son to go forward with the house, as it is his birthright as it was Jon's, and his father's and his father's and so on. Hopefully Ben will marry some day and be able to pass the property on to his child.

Turn it into a Bed and Breakfast. Serve meals like Miss Mary Bobo's in Lynchburg, TN. Have a horseback-led tours of the grounds. Host activities in the yard as if living in 1836. Partner up with some attraction in town near the home. Maybe have an annual car show like at the Marlborough House

Imagine if your primary stressor in life was what to do with your inherited wealth. Glad they kept it in the family.

Buying a historic home of that calibre is prohibitive for most relatively well off folks-- not because of the purchase price, which can often be suspiciously reasonable, but because of the running costs. THAT'S where you get stung. And it explains why they so often leave private hands and get turned into hotels. How people are permitted to turn Grade-listed properties this gorgeous into modern hotels baffles me but a private owner with intentions to rejuvenate it as a private dwelling is watched like a hawk is one for the scholars.

I don't get "dad" telling son to do what he failed to do.

Staggeringly beautiful house and especially the grounds!

These incredible castle type estates you see here is something you would never see in Ontario.. the charm and vast history of these structures is so fascinating and only something you would see in a movie here. I can only think of one estate here like Heath house but it’s only 80 years old.. these estates are hundreds of years old .. I would definitely give it to my son or daughter if they wanted to keep it going and in the family. This son is 42, not a child. I read this couple have passed away so my condolences. 🙏🏼

It is lovely to see a family break those negative family role projections that don’t serve to uplift each person, and to see everyone in the family benefit from the changes it has made.

The father is the problem.....hes a total nightmare ! He wouldnt trust Ben but didnt realise himself how badly he failed himself and that anyone was going to do better.

I’m so sad at how these parents have so much disbelief in their own son and their family lines future in keeping this magnificent property in their family!! They have a spark of hope and they’d rather snuff it out than let it stay lit. However the parents didn’t seem to want the home bc they were always 50/50 prior to having move in. Go Ben go!!! Keep going! Make your ancestors proud and those future generations!!!

This was a beautiful home and gardens. I hope whoever bought it, has respect for it, cares about it and loves this house keeping it a historical piece of beautiful architectual history. Its a truely amazing and has so much beauty and craftsmanship that so many homes lack today.

I love Ben, he has such a sweet awkwardness about him but a blossoming determination to make a success and keep it in his family for generations to come. I would love to have the lady of that manor and the wife of a gorgeous guy like Ben. X

Am binge watching these mansions stories!!! These are amazing stories

“No no rubbish you 😂 be quiet ! “ 😂😂😂😂😂 he told her off like a headmaster would a pupil 🤦🏻‍♀️

I think the father lost sight of the potential. Happened with my parents just being overwhelmed. This was at a time the travel industry was being overtaken by internet and apps. They were so lost. My family’s business had so degraded by the time of their death there was no option but to sell.

I love seeing Benjamín hands on , proving his parents that he is more than capable to run the business and keep the State on the Family for generations to come !! Greetings from Oxnard California 🇺🇸 love this Channel 😊

WOW, what a difficult father. Ben almost never had a chance. If they had commercialized a number of years earlier they may have survived Covid and anything else.

So thrilled Ben could live his dream with a little help. Selling that gorgeous stately family home would have been such a terribly heart-breaking prospect. Well done Benjamin. You can be proud of what you've achieved

Sad to see Ben's parents has now passed on and the property is up for sale.

Heath House would make a cool place to film Shirley Jackson's THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE!

Such a shame that the father didn’t trust the son. The mother never wanted any involvement in the house, as evident also by her wedding vows. It’s such a shame as after this programme was aired the house has since been sold at over £6M, as being a successful events location.

What an excellent choice to leave it in the family. Good luck Benjamin with your new found business ❤️ from New York 🍀

Absolutely stunning house and land.

Thank you Hugh Bonneville for your great dialogues amongst some sorry stories. Bravo on your new career.

I feel so empathetic to Ben (also because that's my name), because I've been in the same boat. He is clearly ambitious and capable... but a life of your own parents telling you that you are a good for nothing and cannot pull it off takes away all your confidence and trust in your own abilities. I am so happy for Ben that he did manage to pull it off and gain his confidence back despite his father not ever having his back...

I believe the parents would be embarrassed if their son made a go of it and they couldn't. It is sad that the parents would rather sell than give their son a chance to keep it in the family. Ben would make a real go of this and prove he was more than capable.

" so your kinda use to running out of money" 😑 Story of my life. 😅

This would be a good movie set.

I believe the dad is not as arrogant and ignorant as he sounded at first, he needed some comfort from his son that the latter is capable of doing the business that Ben successfully managed to prove to his father. Bravo, Benjamin, well done 🙏🏻

It's a pity that these old manor homes are crumbling and being neglected because they are too expensive to heat and light. If the historical societies that are supposed to "protect' thiese homes would loosen the restrictions on certain things then it might save more houses. Discreet solar panels, or renovating to include geothermal heating, making sure the windows are triple glazed etc can all help off set the cost of heating the homes.

I know what he means by saying Americans will like it. When I'm in England I love staying in the old houses. But to my surprise someone from another country has bought it and has nothing to tell me about the history or the history of the area. It would be very nice to stay somewhere like this.

So painful to watch when senior parents don’t see adult children grown able to manage a historical asset.

The sons are so willing, how can they sell their heritages?

Unfortunately, I did some research. John Philips died in August 2011 and Flavia died a few months later in December of the same year. Heath House was sold and its contents were sold at auction by the Italian Art Society in April of 2022. I also ran into an online article that said Ben Philips mysteriously disappeared. Ben and his younger brother, Justin last owned the house. Justin and his wife, Sophie, were managing the business side of Heath House prior to its sale.

Poor Aunt Anthea!

30:10 An idea for Ben: Get a couple of GoPros to mount up high to record his events down below and then watch afterward to see what went well and what could have been improved.

I would love to visit this beautiful estate, if ever I have the opportunity. I wish them every success in their venture.

R.I.P to both John & Flavia

The idea that they would even sell off the asset is the mentality that is completely wrong with the UK. People value cash more than assets and then a generation later all the money is gone.

I’m so proud of the young man and I feel sure he will make it

Sorry to see it up for sale. Maybe it didnt hold the same feeling since his parents passed. Lovely people. 🙏🙌

I feel for both son’s having a father like that.

So sad to see the family who clearly benefited in the past centuries from exploiting the spoils of empire coming to the realisation that it wasn't ever deserved of their intelligence or within their natural means. One's heart goes out! ❤😊

The mother wanted it gone. She knew her health was failing and wanted it gone. Especially since dad procrastinates and wouldn’t make any decisions. He was just doing what she wanted. And they were ignoring their son, who was damn near pleading for them to let him run it.

Ben honestly, you most def need a good woman behind you, no shadow of a doubt

It's 2013 and just googled the house and it states its owned still by the sons 🙏👏👏

It was wonderful to see the house was kept. Good wishes for Ben. I agree the stable house should be fixed up for more income.

From my viewpoint they did not have the moral right to deny their son of the inheritance. Both of them were old and should let their son have a go on the house like all the generations before. He also showed lot of passion and interest into doing something with the estate. I think both parents were selfish.

Now Heath House is on the market for a cool 6.2 mil.

Seems father and mother do not want the son to do things they 🫠Never did Bravo the son well done Bravoto you

Many people fantasize about living in a castle. The reality is that they are exceedly expensive and demand a lot of work to maintain. As an older person I couldn't imagine having to be responsible for it.

I think the Fulford's could learn something from this family. True, the Fulford's need a lot of repairing, but I wonder if they could find some people who would want to help in the renovation for a chance to satay in their house. Mr. Fulford seems like a riot to spend some time with, but Mrs. Fulford would be difficult. As a faux painter and artist, I've worked for similar types, and it's tough when there's a person in the mix, making decisions, who can't reason well. Scaffolding would be one of the biggest issues for the Fulford mansion, and leaving people alone to do the work. I love that kind of work, it's not as enjoyable as painting a canvas, but it is satisfying. I'd love go to the Fulford's and spend a few months to renovate the entire place. They pay for the materials, and we work for food and experience. There would need to be a team of artists, a mason, wood workers, a few faux artists...I've done masonry, construction work, faux wood, faux marble ( both in the French and the Italian influence), sculpting, metal work, plumbing, heating (of course inspections would be necessary). The possibilities would be endless.

Old place sure would look better with a pressure washing on the outside.

How sad for these family estates to get sold off smh

Flavia is the only reason the house keeps going up for sale. Dad keeps doing that to keep her quiet....😂🤣

I'm sorry to hear his dear ma,ma had a stroke, but thank goodness her recovery is coming along...America wishes her well.

Love how Ruth sorts them out, despite their initial resistance!

I have taking care of my own little house, can you imagine having to take care that place. His father should have been training his son's all the things they would need to know and writing it down for his son's, that's their father's fault. Let your son take it on.

I just read what happen,so sorry for your parents. I 'm glad it was Six million you got for it best wishes to you both !!!

With Ben living in the home, I think the Heath house will continue on successfully. I honestly hope he consults PROFESSIONALS in each of the various occupational requirements needed to run such an establishment successfully.

Captains often take the ship down with them as others are seen as less able .

The image of a grazing cow on the meadow , after Ruth and Jhon's meeting on the bench , has reminded me of the saying: Only a cow doesn't change a point of view. It was brilliant comparing it to the John's thinking .

Dan, Come on man! You graft harder than any 10 men! Killer respect for you. Weather you realized it or not when you first started your RU-vid journey, you began creating a priceless gift for your boys! The rest of us are secondary happy travel companions on your journey. The historical record you are creating will be forever treasured by the boys and their future children. Epic gift. I do hope that you will have the time to review your remarkable evolution and enjoy the ride. This venture has proven to be a catalyst, bringing people from all points of the globe together. Allowing new friendships to blossom into a massive Good Vibe Tribe! Whoot! How cool is that? Your perspective is amazing. Good stuff. We are going through it all with you. Loudly cheering you on. Even on your toughest days you are not alone. All you need to do is ask for help from this great community. So many people willing to help sharing their professional experience with you. This also may help others with their own projects. Look at you being such a philanthropist! Way to go! Personally I am honored to witness your endeavors. Thanks mate from Herndon, Virginia USA. Now for the love of God man! Get yourself a pair of steel toed boots! I roll my eyes every time I see you working in those sneakers! Much love and respect to you my friend. Janet

What a gorgeous property! A treat for the eyes. But you have to a substantial amount of money to maintain it, otherwise it's a nightmare 😊

With all those bedrooms,I think it would be great as a private school, maybe for exceptional ( Smart) students.

Well done Ben! 👏

These piles fall into disrepair because the older generation are soooo stuck in their ways & cannot embrace innovative ideas. Sad that it sold, but hope the new owners inject a new profitable direction to the house. The parents didn’t believe in their son, that’s sad.

The old lady managed before she passed. Why can’t the couple continue what she did. ?? I think it’s magnificent. Bed and Breakfast. Air B and B. Weddings. Put in a five star restaurant. Exclusive music venue. I am full of ideas.

nice to see the castle hasn’t been divided into apartments with terrible layout, questionable construction, a mere illusion of insulation, and not a single drain that works as it should because the owner won’t have the single septic tank flushed until there’s sewage in the yard and a tenant he can pawn the service bill unto.

They could have easily turned that into a hotel, and photography/film setting. The Dad obviously has no idea. He even admitted he failed in business and using this as a option to make money. Hand it over to Ben. Culture and history should never be lost to foreign investors.Ones Daddy is pants. Ben succeeded where Daddy completely failed and he is so cold and nasty. Ben is great.

I’ve recently stumbled upon this program. So far I have completely been enjoying. Seeing this was over a decade ago, I hope that Heath House under the direction of blossoming Ben has journeyed to a wonderful place, wherever that may be. As an American who loves history and decor with a background in event planning , my mind was on overload with endless ideas. Those sofas are amazing. Cheers 🥂 🍾 to Ben, family & The Heath House 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Father up on the roof has a dry sense of humor.

8.50£ ?? Come on! They should be charging double that for a tour! We pay way more here in the US for a much less home tour!

I am glad to see they were able to make a go of it.

Good warning about the unexpected costs of buying a large estate regardless of the price.