Jacob Rees-Mogg is poised to join the ranks of reality TV stars like Kim Kardashian and Tyson Fury.
In his upcoming series, Meet the Rees-Moggs, the ex-Tory cabinet minister will give viewers an inside look into losing his seat in the 2024 election.
Premiering on December 2, the four-part series trails Rees-Mogg, his wife Helena, their six children, and a bevy of household staff in the run-up to the Tories’ downfall.
While the new TV sensation spends most of his time in London where his children go to day schools, the fly-on-the-wall series captures him campaigning in Somerset. When in the countryside, he resides at Gournay Court, a Grade II-listed building in the north of the county with a rich history, reports the Mirror.
Gournay Court’s history
Gournay Court is located in the parish of West Harptree, Somerset, England. It’s a remarkably historic structure, built in the early 1600s by Francis Buckland, according to Somerset Live.
In 1650, Buckland’s son, John Buckland MP, extended the building. After John Buckland’s death, the property was inherited by his daughter. However, her childless death led to the house and surrounding manor being transferred to people outside the Buckland family.
The Duchy of Cornwall owned it from the late 17th century until the early 20th century. During its ownership by the Duchy of Cornwall, it was rented out as a farmhouse.
Gournay Court also played a role as a hospital during World War One, housing 57 beds by the end of the war. This is just a glimpse into the property’s fascinating history.
In 1928, Sir Edward Geoffrey Hippisley-Cox became the owner of Gournay Court. During his tenure, he undertook restoration work on the building and furnished it with antique pieces that complemented the house’s era. Interestingly, Mogg’s great-aunt served as a nurse at this very house during World War One.
The mansion also boasts an on-site chapel that houses religious relics, including a piece believed to be part of the cross Jesus was crucified on. Rees-Mogg visits the chapel daily when in Somerset and openly shares his Catholic faith throughout the series.
When did Jacob Rees-Mogg buy Gournay Court?
Rees-Mogg and his wife Helena, who reportedly has a net worth of £45 million, bought the house in 2010. However, this isn’t their only home; Rees-Mogg also owns a £5 million property in London.
As expected, a property of this magnitude requires expert maintenance, and the Rees-Moggs have a team of staff for the task. Shaun is the main caretaker of the house; his duties include washing the cars, polishing the silverware, and even cleaning up explicit graffiti aimed at the former MP.
The family also employs maids, whose tasks can be as varied as ironing Rees-Mogg’s boxers.
Meet The Rees-Moggs will be available to stream on Discovery+ on December 2