Medieval 'hidden gem' open to the public

The house in Castlegate, Grantham, is owned by the National Trust

A medieval Lincolnshire house has opened its doors to the public for the first time in centuries.

Grantham House in Grantham town centre was built in the 14th Century and is Grade I listed.

It is owned by the National Trust and more than £200,000 has been spent restoring the property and its five-acre gardens for visitors.

Councillor Philip Knowles, from South Kesteven District Council, described the house as a "hidden gem".

"Plenty of people in Grantham will have known of its existence but have never been able to see it," he said.

"An equal number will have never known it existed because it was a private residence."

The council gave £105,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund towards the work, with the National Trust matching the grant.

The building was a private home until recently and now has a café and a second-hand bookshop.

According to the Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer website, the house dates back to the 1300s, but has been extensively remodelled over the years.

It boasts walled gardens, a riverside meadow, short woodland walk and lawns complete with games such as croquet and giant chess.

There are also rooms for hire in conjunction with the neighbouring St Wulfram's church, which plans to offer a range of activities in the building.

Admission is free and the house is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 until October, when opening hours will reduce to 10:00 to 16:00 from Thursday to Sunday.

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