What wonderful work you have done with house and gardens, really extraordinary to combine the old with the new. I wish you courage to be bold in the decisions you need to make in the future, and hope you can keep the positive energy flowing :-)

I am just watching the Channel 4 show, the gardens look great. I look forward to visiting you when it gets a bit warmer.
Good luck!
Catherine. Tunbridge Wells.

I am watching the program as i write this and i think you are going the right way! Congratulations on getting the permissions, i will certainly come and visit your theme garden/estate as i think it is fascinating ! Do no give up whatsoever, good things always take a longer time, i know you can do it!

Am also watching the program and think that what you are doing looks absolutely brilliant! Love the idea of being able to have picnics wherever rather than in one designated area, the maze that can be changed with moveable gates, and the exploration trails. I look forward to bringing my family for a visit.

just seen the programme. Good to see a positive programme and a worthwhile cause. All the best and good luck.

Hi,
just watching the programme.
will visit you as soon as we are in England again.can't wait!
Judith,Ste and Charlotte

Enjoyed the TV programme just now. I have often walked in the area and I think the vision you have for your estate is superb, will visit! And Ruth was so right about that view. Thank you.

We have just watched the C4 programme and want to wish you all luck on your fantastic endeavours. We plan to visit with our daughter during the Summer and cant wait. Well done to you all.

Sitting in eastern France and just watched the program. Congratulations! Luckily our UK base is in West Sussex - will certainly visit in the Summer.

Just watched the program
I think your idea of a child friendly garden is wonderful
I hope to bring my girls to visit in the summer
good luck to you all

I also have just seen the Channel 4 'Country House Rescue'. I wish you every success in your adventure over the coming years. What a beautiful House and grounds you have. I look forward with excitement to my first visit very shortly. I admire your enthusiasm, both Ed and Sarah, with this new phase at Riverhill. It certainly can be seen from the program that behind every great man is a great woman.

When we come 'up' from Plymouth to visit Grandad in Maidstone we'll definately be looking you up. Looks very exciting and we've got cameras to the ready-it looked like Ed needed to run fast!! All the best with your developments

We also happen to watch the show on Channel 4. It is a splendid showcase of the specialties of the gardens. The history, hard work and vision of all the family members are very impressive. We would love to visit the gardens by next month.

Watched the show just now. Loved the beautiful garden and house. Admired your passion and what you have done! Keep the good work! You can do it! Very much looking forward to visiting the Riverhill Garden in summer!

Just watched the programme and what a brilliant idea. I wish you every success.

Fantastic, we are already planning our first trip. We watched the programme and loved your passion for making this venture a success. Good luck!

What a fantastic plan to preserve this marvellously English home. It was lovely to see Sarah in the woods with those captivated children, it was possible for the viewer to share that sense of adventure they all felt. It reminds me of a childhood I remember, spending time outdoors in Kent where I grew up. Aged 33, it was not that long ago, but sadly opportunities for fun like this are few and far between for this generation of children, apart from enjoying National Trust properties, some of which do make efforts for childhood recreation. Sarah is an example to the National Trust and I wonder if she should take up heritage education consultancy ? Best wishes to the Rogers family - a great team. Hopefully I will make it back to Kent one day to see it all for myself.

Great programme. You came across so well, with so much enthusiasm and passion for the project. I am sure the combination of your's & Ed's energy combined with the amazing plants will be a winning combination. I hope the Yeti survives the Summer season.

I didn't notice if the house, as well as the grounds, will be open to the public - is it?

Hello The Roger Family, We've just watched the show and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! Well Done on your great ideas and Good Luck with making them a reality. We look forward to visiting you in the summer, our first visit to Riverhill. Best Wishes, Laura and family (From Somerset)

We have just seen the programme on television - what a wonderful house and garden - what a wonderful family team! Congratulations to all involved. We will be coming to see and enjoy it all in the near future - with our children and grandchildren! I am already scared of meeting the Yeti!

Congratulations to the Rogers family. We just watched you on CH4 and were impressed with your passion and energy to make a difference, whilst keeping close to the amazing history that you are custodians to. We live locally and will be bringing our children this summer...and spreading the word to our friends. My 6 year old son will love to climb the trees and spot the "Ed Yeti". Sarah you were amazing with the children and I can see the day when you will be attracting school groups for educational visits. Best wishes for the future. Well done.

just seen the programme, fantastic. Is there anywhere family friendly to stay nearby? we're in somerset!

Just watched the programme. Good luck with the opening, can't wait to visit.

What a tremendous programme and a trully magnificent location. I can't wait to see it for real. I will time my first visit to see the Rhododendrons in flower and hope that some of the other developments will be completed by then. Just make sure you have a good supply of carrot cake in the tea-shop!

How fantastic!
Thank you for opening up your fantastic gardens for everyone to share.
We will certainly be visiting, we have no little ones, but are so looking forward to the breathtaking scenery.
Living a short train ride away, it's going to be a great treat to visit.
The maze sounds fantastic too!
Wishing you every sucess, looking forward to visiting.
Best wishes & keep the good work up.

I am just watching the programme from Germany. Great effort , great results. Hoping to visit your great place in summer. Good luck furthermore. Anja

Huge congratulations! We visited Riverhill a few years ago through a Rockdale charity event & loved your home & gardens but talked for weeks after as to what we would do to get income generation if it were our home! We watched the C4 programme tonight with great interest & loved all your plans. We can't wait to visit again as we live locally & our 4-year old is a keen explorer & climber. We are looking forard to having access to all the places that previously had "Private" signs that we would have loved to explore! We think you've done a great job already & am sure it will be a huge success. Best wishes to you all.

Hi - watching the programme from Ireland. well done - hope to visit sometime when we visit England in the summer :)

You have done some fantastic work and you deserve every success. I hope you can attract local classes of children - they would love it. I wish you every success for the future.

Fantastic programme. We live in Beckenham and have two young climbers. Will definately be paying you a visit in the summer so hope the building work goes well!

Well done! We can't wait to visit your beautiful gardens.

Dear Ed and Sarah,
I have justed watched the show tonight and wanted to tell you how marvellous it was.I cannot wait to come and visit. Not sure who'll enjoy it more: the children or my husband and I.
What a brilliant vison you had and continue to have for such a beautiful and meaningful place. Shame we live on the other side of London and not able to come as often as we'd like.
Another compliment goes to Ed's mother and grandmother who have let you go ahead with the modernising. I have friends with a similar property, albeit smaller, in Italy which I worry will not fare as well as their owners are scared that any change will kill and bury the past when in fact if done well the opposite is true. And you have proven it. Brilliant to see children become interested in nature and botanics etc.
Well done. Keep up the good work and we'll surely see you in in the summer!
Cannot wait to taste the cakes too...

Sarah

Hallo
Just seen the programme and the house and gardens look wonderful.
Good luck with the opening in two weeks and hope to visit very soon.

Kind regards
Lin

My wife and I enjoyed watching the T.V.programme and were extremely impressed with your project,and your energy, drive and endeavour.We think it is a wonderful plan,and wish you every good luck and success.

Evening Ed & Sarah,

Just watched the program and wanted to say well done for having the courage to forge ahead with your vision for the gardens. Your passion and drive will ensure that it's the resounding success it will undoubtedly be, and I do very much look forward to a visit :0)

Have just watched the CH4 programme and it compelled me to switch on the computer and sign up! Superb ideas - all of them - and we wish you every success. Very important to get Mrs Rogers senior's memories and knowledge down on record too. We will definitely be visiting and will tell everyone we know about it. Take a look at Bewilderwood in Norfolk for any future woodland play areas you may think of developing. Also our child's nursery has introduced us to the Forest Schools initiative - again something that might be worth looking into but I'm sure you have already! Our three year old loves camping - do you have a campsite?!

Just watched programme..think it's fabulous what the Rogers' clan are achieving! I wish you all the best and definitely hope to visit in the summer!Sarah...your determination is admirable!

What a beautiful house & gardens, I wish you every success & I m quite sure it will be. The idea of being able to roam and perch wherever you wish to go is wonderful, so many places now dont allow children or adults to venture out into the undergrowth to seek alsorts of exciting places & finds one would never usual see is fantastic. Well done. I live in Yorkshire but when I m down your way will visit in a heart beat. x

I've just watched the channel 4 programme - brilliant. What a lovely estate you have there. You've got great ideas which will be fun for everyone. I live in east Devon, and there is a lovely country estate nearby. They too, needed to raise income, but not wanted to go for the 'theme park image' (thank goodness!), and now have many great attractions. I'm not suggesting you should copy them - your estate - like theirs - is unique, but if you visit thier website - escot-devon.co.uk - it may give you some more ideas for your lovely home and gardens. They have an annual ticket, which is hugely popular with everyone locally,especially mums and carers as it means we can 'pop' in after school; for a few hours, or spend the whole day there. As the gardens are extensive, they've included local gardeners who want to cultivate some land - if you google 'otter valley harvest hub' it will explain the simbiotic relationship they've set up. Another local country house - Cadhay (cadhay.org.uk) - have an allotment scheme within their walled garden for local gardeners, plus weddings and accommodation. Whether you find any useful ideas there or not, I think your ideas are great, and what an amazing bonus having that link with Charles Darwin and his 200 year anniversary last year. Good luck with all your plans. (ps I have no connections with either Escot or Cadhay - I just enjoy them!)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Having watched your programme am compelled to write, as so many of these episodes make me come away with a feeling of despair! Not yours though. It was so heartening to see the enthusiasm from all quarters/generations. It can't have been easy for Mrs Rogers, Senior to take on board all the changes but well done to her for doing so! I do hope you manage to continue recording all her thoughts and memories, which are undoubtably priceless.

Living in the North West, I cannot imagine when I shall be able to visit but am sure to make the effort in time.

Good Luck with your endeavours and long may you delight in your achievements!

PS I think Edward looked terrific when he let his hair down, after taking off the 'Yeti' mask! What a difference it made - it totally altered his appearance, most definitely for the better! Go on, Ed, be a devil and let it loose, you know it makes sense! :)

Saw the programme and was most impressed by all your hard work. It looks stunning. Have tried to offer my service as a volunteer but the link didn't seem to work!

Pat

Thank you for your message. We are currently looking for volunteers and if you e-mail us your details ('contact us' on the website) we can get in touch.

This was the most enjoyable Country House Rescue I have seen. I admire your creativity, enthusiasm and determination. My three boys would love to visit - shame we don't live a bit closer. All the best with your venture. The website looks fabulous!

I saw the program on tv last night & was very impressed with what you are doing. My children & I will certainly be paying you a visit this year. We often frequent Groombridge Place & Bedgebury. My Children are particularly excited about seeing new trees, as they have a dwarf sequoia in their garden & have taken quite an interest. Can't wait!

Oh i love the yeti, and the little pony, congratulations to all the family, what fun to create a project in such a sympathetic way,...all the very best to you all.

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing your plans unfold on 'Country House Rescue'. It was such a pleasure to see the enthusiasm of the family work so well with the skill of the Expert for a change! We wish you all the very best and will be popping by in the late spring. (PS We all adored your Grandmother-in-Law... what a dame!!).

Just seen the program last night and must say This was definitely the most enjoyable Country House Rescue we have ever seen. You both look to have the drive and vision to succeed in saving this family home and you must preserve and display the historical connections of the family as well as concentrating on the gardens.

Best of luck and we will see you in the spring when the flowers bloom. I am sure this year will be a very busy one indeed.
P.S. Please cut some small pieces of flat wood to put under our motorcycle stands when we come to the car park so they don't sink into the grass.
Thank you again.

All looks very exciting. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the show last night. Wish you every success. Our favourite places are Hever and Groombridge and it looks like you will have a little of both.If you've never been to Groombridge it's fabulous for children and may give some more inspiration. Really looking forward to coming to visit. Good luck with all the work.
The Faireys - Great Bookham

Such enthusiasm and hard work! I will definitely include a visit to Riverhill the next time I'm down south.

Jay, Lancashire

I live in West Kent and am so thrilled to learn about this local jewel. It so easily could have been lost without your passion to see the history retained and the future of the house and gardens protected.

I have no doubt that your plans will be a complete success and I can't wait to visit with my wife and young daughter.

Well done!

T Midmore

Well done - this was definitely THE MOST POSITIVE outcome thus far for any of Ruth's programmes. Will definitely be visiting your lovely gardens later on this year and will be bringing my camera to capture them,and the beautiful views. Will advise my fellow photographers of this too.

Any chance of having tea with the Yeti?

Just watching the CH4 show and my husband and I can only admire your determination and passion. You deserve it to be a great success and we will be visiting as soon as possible. Congratulations!

Excellent programme- wishing you all the best from the Midlands- never been to Kent, but already planning a trip for the Summer Holidays -Susan

I think this was the most fantasctic project I came across on BBC where money will be spend on achieving something marvellous instead of going in a drain. I loved the history behind the family, particularly link with great DARWIN. Garden, location, plants and vision is fabulous. Grandma's concern, Ed's energy and Sarah's concept would bring something out of family house/estate. Sarah's walktour with children reminded me of my Indian School days, THANKS A LOT.
I have started talkign to my friends here in Milton Keynes and we are coming over altogether on a day out tour. I hope we may get chance to look at house too (I hope thats what in your plan too).
Can I join your dream project?

Regards
Ketan

I have just watched this weeks episode of Country House Rescue. Firstly, what really became paramount whilst watching the programme was the 'wonderful and creative' vision you all have and from each persons individual perception of how River Hill should go forward fro futre generations to enjoy. I am so looking forward to visiting the house and gardens. I was blown away by the large amount of different species of Trees and plants, the name 'Himalayan Gardens'in my opinion, is such an appropiate name!

I wish Sarah, Ed, Mrs Rogers and Mrs Rogers (Senior), every success in your new venture.
Ian - Buckingham

I have never felt moved to comment on a tv program before, indeed I have never used a blog site either but I was so impressed with the whole familyand their desire to make this project succeed I felt I had to join in the praise! Sarah and Ed have excellent business ideas, the web-site is brilliant and the whole plan is so exciting I just wish that I lived nearer as I would love to bring my grandson. Good luck to all of you. X

I just want to add my congratulations to the many already posted. I live in East Sussex and every school holiday I search the internet for new things for the chilldren to do in our 2 counties. After seeing last weeks show, I was ready to pack the picnic bag there and then! History is my passion and I'm looking forward to reading the guide book - I'm sure that you will have put the precious and personal memories of Mrs Rogers Senior in a setting that befits such a beautiful property and a dignified lady. The combination of your and Ed's enthusiasm, your teaching ability that showed itself so naturally in the programme, the support of Ed's lovely mum and your innovative ideas, are a sure recipe for sustained success. Can't wait to visit!

What an insparation you are Sarah. You should be commended as a wife and mother for tendilly bringing this historic but out dated family and home back to life. Obviously i do not know your husbands ansestors but who can quibble at solving more than a few issues at once. You using your obvious talent for getting childrens imagiations flowing, bringing a family together in a love for a place thous saving a beatiful place from investers and properganda. But mainly Sarah giving our children a small piece of proper old magic in there health and safty managed lifes. Thankyou. WELL DONE. Ps all those relitives surly would'nt bother to turn in there graves seeing all those happy kids faces. Well done lass. x
Nicola ( age 37 ) with a 7 and 5 yr old who cant wait to come and get dirty. x

We have just watched country house rescue and are so excited to see what you are doing to this beautiful house and garden. Sarah, you have so much energy and creativity and know exactly how to capture the imagination of children. In all of this you have kept your focus on the history of the place in a way that really brings it alive. It is wonderful that you have the vision to see this through and enable the house to remain a family home without the commercial parafernalia that so often takes the soul out of a place. We look forward to visiting you, hopefully often, with our family. Oh, and if you ever need a stand in Yeti, my husband would like to offer his services! :)