Last week Stoney Grove welcomed a number of visitors from around the world. They were able to ask questions to staff stationed in various rooms throughout the mansion. The experience has left owner Simon Tinsley looking around for willing volunteer house guides to help share the load.

"The staff did what they could, but we were trying to provide a unique, one-to-one experience with each visitor. It got a bit hectic at times," said Tinsley thoughtfully. "I wondered if there weren’t some old dears in the village who’d like an occasional outing to the big house. Emma could tell them what they need to know. Most visitors really don’t have a clue anyway, and we could throw in some tea or something to make it worth the walk. We get all sorts of interesting people come by and it would be wonderful if they could get to meet some real old English ladies."

Ultimately, Tinsley has greater plans for the house and hopes to use computer-generated animations as tour guides in interactive rooms.

"The tour thing is nice, but in the long term we’re aiming for a much more ambitious program," he said. "We could have three-dimensional projections for our guests. They wear better than old ladies and generally need much less fussing over."