Showtime

It’s now 6 months since the Bowens first left London for a life away from the pressures of the city. But so far Manor house living has been anything but easy, especially when your house has resembled more of a demolition site than stately home. But finally the family are beginning to see light at the end of their building tunnel and as autumn approaches they get a chance to enjoy some of the pleasures of country life. Scrumping for apples and making cider with their neighbours – even testing out their country-life skills, with Jackie getting a chance to sit on a horse and fire a gun. Back at the house Laurence skilfully turns his hand to painting a very special mural on one of the guest bedroom’s walls; an opulent country scene that’s like “a football league of all the best bits of our landscape.” To celebrate progress the Bowens invite their first houseguests, including their photographer friend Nicky Johnston, to give their new home the test run. Finally after one last big push from the builders, the house is finished, beautifully transformed from a cold unloved house in to a sumptuous family home. But is it Laurence’s Magnum Opus and now that it’s finished will Jackie be in danger of getting itchy feet all over again?