Last year the National Trust opened the house at Scotney Castle to the public for the very first time, following the death of Mrs Betty Hussey in 2006.
Five ground floor rooms went on display in June 2007 and have been enjoyed by visitors since. Now, people can see even more of the house as the Husseys' bedroom suite has been opened.
The suite comprises Betty’s and Christopher's bedroom, an adjoining bathroom, a dressing room and a drawing room. The most important feature of these rooms is the view from the bedroom of the old castle and beyond – it is one of the best views in the house, and, as per Betty’s wishes, the window blinds, normally closed in National Trust houses to protect against light damage, will always be open so that everyone can enjoy it.
The gradual opening of Scotney Castle has meant that, while the National Trust is still learning new things about the property, visitors can share the same journey of discovery, and over next few years, there will always be something new to see.
Property Manager Caroline Binder says:
'Since we took on the house, we have uncovered many things about it and the donor family. It is a process of peeling back the layers to learn as much as we can, and we are constantly surprised by new finds.'
House Manger Chloe Tapping continues:
'We have found wallpapers in drawers, boxes of clothes and a large amount of estate records spanning the history of the Husseys’ occupation.'
Decisions on what to do with these artefacts are yet to be made, but it is hoped that they will be on show in the future.
The house at Scotney Castle would not have been able to open in the unique way it has without a dedicated team of volunteers. And now, as more rooms open, more volunteers are needed to interpret this special property to the public.
If you would like the chance to be part of this exciting project at a time when new discoveries are being made, new research is being undertaken and new rooms are being prepared for opening, as well as the chance to meet some new people, please call Caroline on 01892 891793.
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