Visitors to one of Wiltshire’s most famous country estates will have the chance to discover areas that are usually closed to the public.

Stourhead House, a National Trust property near Mere in Wiltshire, closed for essential annual maintenance on December 23 and will remain shut to the public until March 8.

The house is best known for its world-famous landscape garden which remains open.

But from January 8 until March 7, 2024, visitors to the Palladian mansion will be able to join guided tours of special “behind closed doors” areas not usually seen.

These include the basement areas of the house, the old barrel rum and wine cellar, or the eerily empty attic rooms where the Hoare family servants once slept.

Salisbury Journal: The basement tunnelsThe basement tunnels (Image: National Trust, Petra Mirosevic-Sorgo)

“The behind closed doors tours give a fascinating insight into the house and the lives of the family and servants who lived in it,” said volunteer tour guide Gill.

During the closure “more ambitious” conservation projects that are not usually possible will be undertaken.

Despite this, the entrance hall will remain open on select weekends for Stourhead’s Winter Warmer sessions while the gardens, cafe and shops will be accessible throughout.

The one-hour tours will run on weekdays, staring at 11am, 12.45pm, and 2.15pm.

They will be included in the price of admission but must be booked in advance.