The National Trust has announced controversial plans to open the Big Brother house as a heritage site at the end of this month for two days.

The move is part of the Trust's London Project – an initiative designed to engage younger people in its work.

Known as the custodian of some of Britain’s best loved properties, the move by National Trust has “distressed some members,” according to Ivo Dawney, the National Trust’s London director who is leading the project.

“It has been described by more than one TV critic as the most important house in Britain. The Trust likes important houses,” said Dawney. “The fact that housemates’ residence is not say, a sublime Robert Adam country house like Osterley Park, for example, does not necessarily make it less interesting.

“I’ve heard some members are distressed at the news, but that a far larger number have been wanting to buy tickets.”

The house, located in Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, will open in a special ‘gala’ event 26 September, with former housemates and celebrities in attendance.

It will then be open on a ticketed basis for the following two days.

Despite criticism, National Trust argues that because the house is a “genuine residence” and is “considered more special than most” historic homes to the public, that it merits heritage status.

NOTES

The Grand Opening of the Big Brother House is the first of a season of National Trust ‘Lates’ that will be rolling out over the next few months in locations such as the Rivoli Ballroom.

Although the Grand Gala Opening of the Big Brother evening opening is invitation only, one member of the public will have the chance to bring six friends along. All they have to do is email [email protected] and the winner will be drawn on 24 September.