Scotney Castle estate in Kent is to open its doors to the public for the very first time this week.

The Victorian house is the home of the former architectural historian and writer Christopher Hussey and his family. The public have enjoyed access to the gardens and woodland since they were bequeathed to the National Trust in 1970.

From 6 July, visitors will be able to tour the library – which includes a collection of books dating back to the 17th century – the dining room and the study.

Future plans over the next few years include the opening of more rooms, once work on conserving the heritage of the house reaches completion.

Property manager Caroline Binder said: “We have now meticulously preserved the main ground floor rooms of the house to present them in exactly the way that the Hussey family wished for them to be presented. We look forward to sharing with visitors this key chapter in Scotney’s extraordinary story.”

Photograph: courtesy of NTPL/David Sellman