Part of a mansion house in grounds owned by the National Trust are set to be reopened to the public.

Wiltshire Council has approved a planning application submitted by the Trust for the Grade II listed house in The Courts Garden in Holt.

The English country garden has belonged to the Trust since 1943.

A tea room was operational in the house until the most recent commercial tenancy ended in 2021.

The Trust since decided a wider public benefit would be gained by not re-letting the building to a private tenant.

It intends to use the dining hall and drawing room on the ground floor as a reception space for those visiting the garden.

The application stated: “The proposed change of ground floor rooms to visitor use would begin to re-connect the mansion and garden as they have historically been.

“The garden was designed to be seen from the house and, by offering access to more people, the property will be serving more of its purpose and meeting the wider National Trust strategic aim of its places being for everyone.

“The Courts Garden is a local community amenity, and a free pass to visit the garden is available to all Holt residents.

“It is the Trust’s intention to consider potential community use/access when developing future plans for the mansion house.

“Once our plans for the remaining parts of the mansion are clearer, we intend to apply for permission to cover the remaining floorspace.”

According to the National Trust, ideas for the house have been shared with both the Parish Council and residents.

It said the response received was “overwhelmingly positive.”

The house was built around 1720 and was the home of a wealthy local clothier from near Bradford-on-Avon.

The application’s case officer report noted that opening the house for visitors would allow them to experience and learn more about the building and its history.

A local resident commented: “I am probably the closest neighbour to The Courts, and I fully support the application.

“I would support it even more if it was coupled with demolition of the hideous and out-of-place wooden shed the National Trust erected in front of the house as their entrance office and which is an eyesore when viewing the front of the house.”

They added: “I knew Miss Goff well - she was the daughter of Major Goff who gave the property to the National Trust.”