VISITORS to the 16th century mansion The Vyne are being given a unique “once in a lifetime” insight into the work of the National Trust.

The historic building, which has been visited by the likes of Henry VIII and Jane Austen has been covered in scaffolding while work is being undertaken on an ambitious £5.4million project to restore the roof.

After heavy storm damage revealed leaks in the roof and severe damage to the chimneys, funds were raised by the charitable organisation for the first major roof repair since 1842.

However, rather than close off the whole building in Sherborne St John, the National Trust is allowing visitors the opportunity to see the restoration first hand with a 360 degree rooftop walk.

Project manager Andrew Harris said: “We wanted people to experience everything that we are as we discover new things about the building.

“For example there were three different types of tile used on the roofing, and even when the old repair took place they were recycling old materials.”

This is the first time the conservation charity has worked with partners to combine science and technology alongside centuriesold craft skills to produce the hand-made tiles and bricks – made by Keymer Tiles and HG Matthews respectively – to keep with the style of the building.

As part of the fundraising by the Trust, guests are also invited to tag-a-tile to help towards the project.  

The Gazette was fortunate enought to get invovled in the making process and will have its very own Keymer fired tile which will become part of the new roof at The Vyne. 

Mr Harris added: “We aren’t trying to mask any other work we are doing, we just want to make sure this wonderful building is around for generations to come.”

The unique roof walkway is full accessible to everyone, with a lift or 74 steps to the top, and walk ways wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

In the two months it has been open more than 25,000 people have already visited and there is also LEGO figures dotted around the walk for children to try and find.

There will be more coverage of the Vyne’s new visitor experience in next week’s Gazette.

To find out more about The Vyne’s roof project visit .nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne.