Funded with the generous support of HLF, the new facilities have been integrated into the original Victorian model farm. Every last detail of the Grade II* Listed farm buildings- from animals’ drinking bowls to cow byres and feeding stalls- have been preserved, reminding visitors of their previous use as part of a working farm.

Built in the 1880s and split over two levels, the covered yard, with its spectacular timber roof structure, is the focal point of the complex. Originally used to rear farm animals it has been converted into a spacious welcome area, shop and restaurant.

A new staircase, lift and steel framed bridge walkway draw the eye upwards and guide visitors to the upper yard, to the café, volunteer run second-hand bookshop, garden shop, wildlife hub, farm-themed play area and straw-bale ticket and information building.

The upper yard also includes the piggery energy centre where visitors can learn about Home Farm’s green credentials, including its biomass boiler, solar thermal panels and photovoltaic cells.

Anna Russell, General Manager at Tyntesfield, said:
“The completion of Home Farm visitor centre marks another major step in the transformation of Tyntesfield. Light and airy, and brimming with the original sense and spirit of the Victorian farm, the new facilities provide a fantastic first impression to our visitors.

“While the house and gardens have always offered a great day out, visitors now have a new dimension to add to that enjoyment- especially as Home Farm is free to visit and open 364 days of the year.”

As the major funder of the Tyntesfield project, Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the HLF, will be officially launching Home Farm visitor centre with Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust.

Dame Fiona Reynolds said: “I am thrilled that our partnership with the HLF has brought these wonderful listed farm buildings back to life for everyone to enjoy. To be able to open Home Farm Visitor Centre seven days a week and to offer public access year-round to Tyntesfield is a marvellous achievement for the National Trust and the HLF.

“Over the last eight years we’ve been opening up more and more of this magnificent time capsule, engaging people in the whole complex restoration process and enabling visitors to see it taking place. At the same time our plans to develop Tyntesfield as a centre of excellence for heritage and craft skills offering wider opportunities for learning and community engagement have become a reality. 

“Home Farm visitor centre will attract a whole new set of visitors to Tyntesfield, giving people completely different perspectives on this extraordinary Victorian estate-from revealing Tyntesfield’s commitment to sustainability in the piggery energy centre to the café and restaurant showcasing the wonderfully productive kitchen garden. I hope everyone that visits will feel inspired to find out more and get involved.”

Carole Souter said: “I love the concept of Home Farm visitor centre! It epitomises the National Trust’s creative approach to fusing the old with the new. None of the site’s original Victorian spirit has been lost but it has been hugely enhanced with a range of 21st century additions that will delight and entertain. 

“The Heritage Lottery Fund is keen to encourage new ways of promoting environmental sustainability, so I’m particularly pleased to see this built into the piggery and Tyntesfield’s wider restoration programme.”

Celebrations continue on Friday with the Home Farm Frolic, a special free event for local people with food sampling, live music from the Hot Potato Syncopators, performances from the Natural Theatre Company and aerial silk performers. Tickets must be booked in advance on 0844 249 1895. 

Notes to editors

Following the death of the late Lord Wraxall in 2001 the National Trust launched an emergency fundraising campaign to save the estate for the nation. Through public donations and a grant of £17.5million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund £25million was raised in 100 days. In 2006 Tyntesfield secured a further £20 million grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out essential restoration work and provide opportunities and learning for everyone.

The National Trust opened Tyntesfield to visitors just 10 weeks after acquiring the property and it’s the first time the charity has given access to visitors whilst works are carried out on such an unprecedented scale. Visitors get the unique chance to see conservation in action.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported over 30,000 projects, allocating £4.5billion across the UK.  

Further information

Please contact Katie Owen, HLF press office, on 020 7591 6036 or 07973 613 820.

Contact Sally Williams, Communications and Advocacy Officer at National Trust, Tyntesfield, on  01275 461 909 / 07768 840 434 or sally.williams@nationaltrust.org.uk.