Our work
The Dovecote at Chastleton House
Caring for a fragile time capsule
We've taken a very different approach to housekeeping here - one that cherishes the cobwebs and dust as part of the character of this magical place. When the house was still privately owned, money was tight and as a result only the most basic essential work was carried out.
Our volunteers
We rely on a team of around 170 volunteers to help us look after the house and garden. Volunteers have many different roles here: room guides, gardeners, flower-arrangers - contact us to find out more on 01494 755560
Keeping it clean
A never ending task
© National Trust
Although it looks dusty and untouched, it takes a team of dedicated housekeeping staff many hours to care for the fragile contents - and a whole winter to clean from top to bottom. Most open afternoons, you will see staff and volunteers hard at work: conserving and cleaning books, winding clocks, or cleaning porcelain in the Housekeeping Room.