Thanks for the insight Annie, it does explain all the UK tradespeople.
I actually think Dick & Angel's gardening days at £75 a person was an ingenous business idea. People wanted to see the property and be part of something. All buildings were out of bounds. But you got afternoon tea, porto loos, a chance to contribute to the vegetable garden and to explore the grounds. And what most fans want, a chance to meet them. They now do roadshows (pre covid). Hundreds entertained out of wedding season.
Even for weddings, house is out of bounds unless paid for (usually bride and groom stay ). Totally transparent. Lines clear between business and home.
Compare the pair.....once travel restrictions lift...at La La you can book a B&B, or gite. You could volunteer. SJ may not be there, just Nattie running business. If you are a patreon we have been advised we can attend any weekend for a look around just email ahead so someone is there (stated on a patreon video) And of course the annual garden party. The sad thing is people think they are going to be dancing in the kitchen with the Covid characters, or playing dress ups and drinking at cocktail corner. Patreons now over 2500. You tube 110k subscribers. If 1% of subs can actually get there that's 1100 people's request to visit to manage.
So two different business models.