A POPULAR country estate near Romsey is set to reopen its doors to the public next week as England continues to ease out of lockdown.

The National Trust-owned house at Mottisfont will open from Monday, May 17, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced more of society would be allowed to unlock.

As part of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown, indoor entertainment and attractions were given the green light to reopen as England moves into phase three of the plan.

One of the highlights visitors will be able to enjoy at Mottisfont is the Whistler room, where artist Rex Whistler created his famous tromp l’oeil artworks.

Director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, said reopening the country estate, along with other Hampshire properties, is "a big moment that we have all looked forward to months".

She explained: "Hundreds of our parks, gardens and countryside locations have already reopened, but we know how much our members and supporters have been looking forward to returning to see our houses and collections again.

“Our places are nothing without our visitors there to enjoy them, and our staff and volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes, cleaning chandeliers, polishing floors and dusting books to get everything ready.

"It is a matter of huge relief, pride and gratitude that the places in our care can start to reopen following closure due to the pandemic.

"Not a single place will be lost to the public. The cultural treasures that are our shared inheritance are waiting – for everyone.”

However, some small properties or rooms which can’t accommodate social distancing will reopen later once Covid restrictions are lifted, or when repair or redisplay work is finished.

The houses reopening also coincides with the Trust’s focus this year on its collections and the one million items it looks after, with many properties featuring in a new book to celebrate 125 treasures in the charity’s care.

These include 16th century stained glass in the Tudor chapel at The Vyne, near Basingstoke, branded the "finest in the National Trust’s care and considered to be among the most beautiful in Europe", according to the charity.

Customers are also being urged to check the charity's property website pages to read up on the entry arrangements.

To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.