The oldest agricultural building on the Godolphin Estate near Helston is now fully restored following a massive conservation project to secure its future.

For years Godolphin’s cider house had been held up by telegraph poles while the roof rotted away. Then the National Trust decided to cover it with scaffolding while they raised money for its restoration; and the historical building remained hidden from view for five years.

That is, until local art teacher Margery Hall left a legacy of £100,000 to fund a project within Cornwall. Her executors, Geoff Nankivell and Shirley Lavis, decided to donate the money to Godolphin due to Miss Hall’s various links with the estate enabling the restoration to take place.

Local stonemasons and carpenters with specialist skills were involved in the restoration project. Their knowledge of traditional building methods enabled much of what exists today to be as close to the original building as possible. The cider house has also been fully insulated and heated using the latest conservation techniques in order to make it a viable space for many years to come.

The building is part of a larger programme of conservation at Godolphin to develop the outbuildings so that they can become functional and accessible to visitors.

Claire North, visitor services and enterprises manager at Godolphin, said: "We are so excited to have a flexible indoor space on site suitable for a number of different purposes. Miss Hall’s work with art and young people will not be forgotten here. This building has been saved for future generations, as place for them to come and connect with their heritage."

Visit the newly opened cider house to see the extensive work that has been achieved. It is open 363 days a year and entry is free with admission to the gardens and grounds.