The Lonely Life Of The Mistress Of Chapel Cleeve | Country House Rescue | Real Royalty
Chapel Cleeve is a Grade II listed manor house in West Somerset, dating back to the 15th century. Over the centuries, the house has passed through many families as well as serving as a refuge for pilgrims, and more recently as a hotel. In 1998, Jeannie Wilkins and her partner bought Chapel Cleeve for £360,000. They enlisted the help of friends to renovate it, but after 33 years together they parted ways, and now 63-year-old Jeannie lives on her own in this 15-bedroom house and survives on £100 per week. On the verge of bankruptcy but desperate to safeguard this important part of Britain's heritage, Jeannie calls on the expertise of businessman Simon Davis. Can he find the radical solutions that will help Jeannie continue to live in her beloved home, and will she be willing to share the house with others if it's the only way to ensure its survival?
From Elizabeth II to Cleopatra, Real Royalty peels back the curtain to give a glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential families in the world, with new full length documentaries posted every week covering the monarchies of today and all throughout history.
📺 It's like Netflix for history... Sign up to History Hit, the world's best history documentary service and get 50% off using the code 'RealRoyalty' bit.ly/3vp92uu
Subscribe to Real Royalty: bit.ly/3tofGQL
Facebook: / realroyaltydocs
Instagram: / realroyaltydocs
Any queries, please contact us at: owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
Пікірлер: 252
Jeannie managed to stay in the home until she passed away in 2020. In 2021 it was purchase by a designer, Marten Street , who seems to be as in love with it as Jeannie was. He has done massive restoration to the grounds and inside, the cellars below the manor and the old original section where the monks lived is being worked on. I think you will be shocked at the change inside as he is not a fan of the typical old english florals and colors, but, you can tell he is making it his own and he has beautiful design instincts that embrace the architecture he so enjoys. Just wish he would put a rug down to anchor his furniture groupings lol! That one heck of a lot of wood flooring! RIP Jeannie, your beloved home went to someone who cherishes as you did, now you can keep watch over him and his dogs, peacocks, chickens and ducks!
@pascalswager9100
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the update.
@christinetracy4829
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy for this update. Thank you. Rest in peace Jeannie. Perhaps she's still "living" in the manor? Lol. She'd probably think that was pretty cool.
@GallowayMagic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you. Glad the house is in loving hands.
@kimberlyfarber1490
Жыл бұрын
thank you for the update RIP Jeannie.
@thomasszymanski1107
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for updating the story. I love these old buildings and the devotion of those trying to save them. This "feels" like a Great British Bakeoff episode. I wonder if the show would ever consider investing in their own house and brining it back to life to run the show out of, house the entrants and then possibly run during the year as a hotel.
Jeannie was the most sympathetic of all of the owners that I have seen. She was not doing this out of a sense of family duty, but because of genuine love of the house. I hope that her later years there gave her a great deal of happiness, she deserved it.
@omarmoscoso1683
Жыл бұрын
I couldn´t agree more with You!
What an absolutely LOVELY person Jeanie Wilikins was, and what a lovely smile ! She clearly loved (still loves) her former partner. She died on the 4th of September 2020. I hope her soul is "rambling about" in some gorgeous stately home in the sky,, in perfect state, and waited on by 30 servants ...
R. I. P Jeannie, you left your mark and scorched our hearts . The universe looks after those who just get on with it . ❤
Jeannie was an amazing person! The work she did all by herself on the house was amazing. I'm sad that I can't meet her anymore, but I hope that one day I could visit (or at least, see) her beautiful former home.
Oh Jeannie fast forward to 2024 and the Manor is breathing once more. A beautiful refurb Im sure she would be pleased with the stunning work and love being poured in .
R.I.P Jeanie, you did a beautiful job on this gorgeous manner.
@JVSwailesBoudicca
Ай бұрын
Yes - it is a gorgeous Manor.
Jeanie - what a breath of fresh air after seeing the Fulfords video! Glad you got to see it being renovated - it came over as a very welcoming homely place - despite its grandeur. I’m sure that was all down to your lovely energy. R.I.P.
@carrieberringer5266
2 ай бұрын
Just watched the 'Fulford House' episode...they were the MOST ghastly couple, rude, ignorant & so entitled 🙈 Looking forward to this episode, the owners literally couldn't be worse 😂
Thanks for restoring and helping jennie she passed away happy knowing that theres someone who will take care of her mansion
Would love to see more of these country homes or any old homes used in dramas series, tv shows and movies. To help owner to upkeep fabulous old homes.
Excellent ideas to save this old house! Ghost tour, artist studio and gallery, hands on renovation work for students to practise on. Brilliant
@jyotivig3666
Жыл бұрын
The art studio and gallery was my favorite idea, involves the community around the area, also makes the house accessible to more people.
what a wonderful reportage and heartening to know that Jeannie was able to see her home revived before her passing. RIP lovely soul and may your home flourish under your celestial guidance.
according to the gazette of deceased people, Jeannie Wilkins, owner of Chapel Cleeve, died in Sept 2021. I do hope and wish that someone will carry on her dream of restoring this lovely old home. She was a beautiful lady, with a big heart! May she rest in peace.
@pascalswager9100
Жыл бұрын
She was a very likable lady. It was all for not then?! What will happen to the property now?
@victoriamacpriest7130
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the update
@cellalong9694
Жыл бұрын
What happened to her cats?
@sandym8787
Жыл бұрын
@@cellalong9694 Yes beautiful sweet cats ...
@tumbleweeduk7479
Жыл бұрын
I hope she died naturally and wasn’t one of the tragically increasing number of vaccine deaths and I do so hope someone took care of her cats and kept them together. There are many houses in America that get sold with cats, it would be great if they could have stayed in their own home 😻🏡😻
I have enjoyed this house and the owner so much. I can’t believe she is climbing around on the roof. God bless her. Jeannie is so cheerful and constantly smiling. I love her. I was so sad to hear she passed away in 2021. It is such a shame that she loved it so much, but didn’t get to finish it. Rest In Peace. You are truly loved and missed. ❤️🌹❤️
Sorry to hear of her passing. She seemed lovely, realistic, practical and willing to take help and advice! Something we do not see done very willingly on these shows. Even if it was a change and sacrificing some privacy, she was very cooperative and put in the effort. Refreshing not to have to fight with egos. It must have been a relief and so helpful for Simon to have an owner listen to his expertise. Then do it! Wonderful ideas/ networking put in place. RIP.
What a lovely lady. Her passion and love for this magnificent and historical estate. The ideas were ingenious. I hope it works out perfectly for her.
Such a great deal of work , but well worth preserving history. Thank you for showing us.
Outstanding Story ~ Outstanding, Wonderful People ~ Enjoyed it tremendously. Cheering you on from across the miles. 🙋♀️ PS. I just read the update. Rest In Peace Jeannie
RIP🏰💗 Jeannie Wilkins Tfsharing this lovely episode with Jeannie🥀 🐈
What a sweet lady! You can tell she still hurt from her break up.
I'd be terrified to stay in that house by myself , even though it is a friendly looking place .
@fritula6200
Жыл бұрын
I would bring my whole family in.
Blessings to Jeannie's soul and that lovely manor house. I am hoping that the small, ugly cottages around the property have been removed. They take away from the manor house. This series of videos involving these grand old homes and the surrounding countryside has been very much enjoyed.
Even knowing Jeanie stayed in the home until she passed it hurts my heart to see her eyes well at the thought of not completing the restoration in her lifetime. I am glad to know that someone continued the restoration. Talk about cold when you can see your guests breath.
An Era LONG GONE. If it weren't for me being Bo9rn in 1965 I might not have had a vague impression of what it might have been like because during my growing years as a child I do remember touring ancient estates briefly & remembering architectural features, smells, textures & ambience of these big places. I also lived in a few very large homes, not quite mansions by yesteryears standards but big enough that you could imagine a castle or chalet. I cannot even imagine the cost of heating such a place never mind the upkeep of the house itself or the grounds. I watched a few videos on Biltmore Estate & watched Downton Abby & many other videos on various Historical estates similar to Chapel Cleeve. I love architecture & I create Architecture like castles in a virtual world I created for myself & as a virtual creator I will say that the effort or work that goes into such buildings is endless a true labor of love & nothing less. I am so glad I can have such a place in VIRTUAL sense because in reality I would need BILLIONS of loose capitol to keep one of these places in running condition over a period of my lifetime. Thank you for this video I really enjoyed the tour & the sense of nostalgia it gave me when I thought back to my childhood where everything was larger than life & IN this case it was lol. I think estates like this should be funded by various groups, perhaps government & private citizens to maintain an age which eludes many hopefully giving a sense of how things use to be & I think that can guide people individually in their life & their pursuits. I dont know how many estates like this still exist, but I am glad there are a few that are being lovingly cared for by folks like Jeannie Wilkins especially historically significant estates. Yes it does cost a fortunate to maintain them, but they can be converted into Schools, or split into luxury apartments with house keeping services & hospitality services as well. Even Offices. That revenue from those endeavors can be used to maintain these estates & provide an unworldly experience for those who have the privilege to be able to live there. I would love to spend 5 days there just wandering this house & estate. I could get lost & absorbed into this place :)
What a heartwarming story, especially after watching the episode on that horrid lot at the fulford place.
This was the one episode that I always remembered. I loved how nonchalant she was about the spirits in the house. Sad to hear she passed away. I hope who ever the new owner is,is taking good care and Loveling restoring the house. RIP Jeannie
The enthusiasm of this lady is amazing! I do wish her the most success that will fulfill her fondest dream!
She was a beautiful grace lady with kind and romantic heart, love this country house every details , best blessings to heavenly her, and best wishes to the new owner, hope this national treasurer may exist as long as it might be
Home looks so beautiful
Aw I really feel for this lady as you can tell it's been very tough on her. I love the ideas and people who have come on board and I only hope is that it was all very successful and she is living happily ever after in her beautiful home.
She was amazing. I loved her attitude and hopefulness for the future of the estate. You know you are watching a great piece of artwork, when your immediate surroundings fade away and you are gripped by what you are seeing. I felt as though I were there in person, experiencing the atmosphere of the ghost tour and home. Great work!!
What a lovely lady Jennie is :)
It was my pleasure to warching a wonderful documentaire
My I would have came and helped her work on her beautiful home!! I have my own money and would have only needed a place to lay my head!!!! I would have worked for free just to stay in such a beautiful home. May Jeannie Wilkins rest in peace. I wish she would have done a GO FUND ME to save this OLD HISTORICAL HOME!!!!
@catrionagarde4410
Жыл бұрын
Me too, and there would have been lots of people to volunteer I'm sure. Only found out about this now.
One of the most optimistic and inspiring programmes in the series
An inspirational lady with an incredible drive and vision to save this historically important building, RIP Jeannie and Thank you
Such a beautiful house...
I wonder what in the world it was with her partner. Leaving a woman with such a beautiful spirit to scrape by on £100 per week and without heat in the cold. I know she was uncomfortable having people in her living space, which I would’ve been, too, but it looked like she enjoyed having them about. I’m sorry to hear she’s gone. It’s hard to believe she only lived eight more years after this episode and was only 71.
@forward_ever_ever2595
Жыл бұрын
Sometimes its depression that kills them. I'm sure if she had the support & love of someone amd family around...she would've lived longee i'm sure
@veganvocalist4782
Жыл бұрын
YES I feel sad about her passing gabe
@gabe-po9yi
Жыл бұрын
@@forward_ever_ever2595 You could be exactly right. Stress, depression is a life-shortener.
Lovely to see the students doing some work on the house
Using the grounds for profit is a must in order to restore thses houses.
The historical societies need to pitch in. Teens could learn renovations.
@annskaggs4475
Жыл бұрын
That what they did Dingaling
@Lady.MD67
Жыл бұрын
@@annskaggs4475 rude, can you reply politely
@tonirose6776
Жыл бұрын
@@annskaggs4475 Necessary to be this unkind? Perhaps this comment was made prior to the person viewing that part of the show.
@sambotros1918
Жыл бұрын
@@annskaggs4475 kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKWG1o-Sec3Sf7g.html
@sambotros1918
Жыл бұрын
@@Lady.MD67 kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKWG1o-Sec3Sf7g.html
I dont think I've seen a more deserving individual on this program. I'm sorry to see she's gone, but it looks to be well cared for now.
Amazing home
So sorry to hear that Jeañnie has passed away.....May she Rest in Peace...... condolences to her family....such a lovely woman ...
I'm an experienced 5 star hotel catering director specializing in weddings, if she let me live in one of her rooms I could be her wedding planner? 🥳😁
@georgielancaster1356
Жыл бұрын
She died inthe last couple of years. Now in new hands
I was just wondering where did all her cats went after she passed away? I love her passion and life-long commitment to restore the property and kudos to the new owner who fantastically shared the same passion in making this country manor a more beautiful one. :)
Simon you're in angel for Jeanny
I'm writing this from the 8th of September to say to the entire royal family that I'm so sorry for their loss! She will never be forgotten and will always be in the hearts of the entire world.
@claredewhurst9400
Жыл бұрын
how presumptive to speak on behalf of the whole world. Speak for yourself.
@josephinewells6231
Жыл бұрын
Yes, but why here?
@itsmyparty4637
Жыл бұрын
Caroline Hayon you can only speak for yourself. Here in S.Africa parties were held by locals to welcome her onto Hell! Animals were slaughtered and cooked over fire and they celebrated her death. She was a Queen of England not the world !!
@joanthomas6337
Жыл бұрын
Some would say there are very dark reasons why she “ wont be forgotten” but her death has nothing to do with the subject of Jeanie and Chapel Cleeves.
What an interesting and heartwarming episode. Jeannie was such a memorable character and a wonderful woman. RIP
This is a great show!
God bless her!! I’m glad she got to stay in her beautiful home!!!
wow I love this house. It has the ultimate English castle foundations that I always dreamed of. So glad someone owns it and it will be maintained.
This is the most heartwarming episode
What a grand old house 💜💜
Do they have a program there where people serving time in jail , minimum security could be taken on a bus to the mansion to help renovate ? Under security guard supervision, they could learn about the history of the mansion and they would get great satisfaction in their accomplishments. Do the mansions get government grants ? That money would pay for supplies. I live in AUSTRALIA, we don’t have the mansions or the history, government needs to recognise the history and infrastructure, before you lose it all. Sending love from AUSTRALIA xx
I’m 😢so happy for this beautiful lady I love it ❤
What a beautiful lady and such a marvelous home. Sad to read that she passed on.
This home is gorgeous; the potential is unlimited
Jeannie is going to thrive in this endeavor! She'll not be lonely, that's for sure.🙂
@georgielancaster1356
Жыл бұрын
Did you not read thecomments? She recently died
It's a lovely place but I couldn't help but laugh when they scared the boy half to death
@AtlantaGarden
Жыл бұрын
I did, too! [How evil are we?? 😂]
@lisapop5219
Жыл бұрын
@@AtlantaGarden 😅
Feel tearful after learning of the great and dear Miss Jeanie, the REAL soul of this home , I am pleased to hear someone else whom also loves it and lives with many animal family members , owns and lives there now after she died
Jeanie was wonderful.
Great view
So impressed by all involved.
Wonderful house i like it
Well done!
What a stunning place I do hope that it survives
What an amazing woman.
Gorgeous gorgeous house.
I love ❤️ this channel!!!!
@gloriaector7646
Жыл бұрын
1/3 full story
@gloriaector7646
Жыл бұрын
Creatures for Eugenei for having the guts to buy the house and trying to renovate it save history for the LGBT generation
@sambotros1918
Жыл бұрын
@@gloriaector7646 kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKWG1o-Sec3Sf7g.html
Thanks.
God bless you
Thanks for the upload and story behind .. impressive ! May Jennie continúe smiling knowing her beloved home is brilliantly carry on !!! Judy from California 😘👍
Good night~Real.Supe- this is gorgeous -;))
I love it; I would love to live on an estat elike that in UK
I wish I had friends like these.
Loved the ghost tour.
Hello everyone thanks for having me
I love this lady, I hope she was in a good place when she passed
What an absolutely lovely woman
A beautiful home that was once belonging to a beautiful woman. I hope that the new owner will love the home as much as she did.
What a divine woman
Damn. I love renovation work. Wish i could have been involved in this.
That's a great idea for her
OMG that boy cried and I laughed. LOL, take that back. The boy jumped into right to the main event...food
I love the house. What age did she pass away ? RIP JEANNIE
@helenawarsinnak
Жыл бұрын
An article stated that she was 72yrs old when passing and in Hospice...so unfortunately she must have been very sick...she had put the manor bk up for sale in 2017 where it stayed until she had passed....and it looked as tho she had no will made out....but she seemed like such a lovely woman...sad that she had passed away 😢
@sambotros1918
Жыл бұрын
@@helenawarsinnak kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKWG1o-Sec3Sf7g.html
JEANNIE wat a true lady
Well organised rave s, concert.go girl money .
Jeanie is quite charming herself 🎉❤😊🎃🎃🎃
My favorite kind of person, who has a vision and works hard to make it a reality!
you guys should do a documentary on the new king and queen
@katmandudawn8417
Жыл бұрын
Why? Do you think there isn’t enough coverage? I’m sure they could squeeze in a few more minutes if they took out all the commercials.
There seem to be clear difference between people who inherit houses like this, and people who actually worked and bought the place. Some of the inherited people seem to be absolutely bonkers.
RIP Queen Elizabeth
Been ideal to have one big Hotel take it over and renovated to its original state but if they can get grants and possibly have public housing made out of something
Old places like this probably don’t have the strong foundation to fix up.
@katmandudawn8417
Жыл бұрын
It depends on the building and how badly it’s been abused and chopped up. In general many old buildings are far better built with better material than new buildings. Most newer buildings would already be one the ground. The oldest part of the building is from the 1400’s. Can you imagine a new building still standing? Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin almost fell down in a few decades.
I was sad to read that she had passed away in 2020. I love English history and the medieval era. I was just daydreaming bout asking her to rent me a room. I would have jumped at the chance!!
Jennie is a lovely woman. Very interesting personality l like her .
❤️
Maybe she has decided to join the ghost tour. Spooky!
Thinking, the success of the renovation and redevelopment of the French Chateau Lalande by Stephanie Jarvis et al with sponsorship programs, Workaway volunteers and monetizing could be adapted all or in part to bring the place back! No need to reinvent the wheel - check out what was done and continues to be done, and see where success can be replicated.