TAVISTOCK’S historic Fitzford Gatehouse will be opening its doors for the public to see its recent refurbishment, in support of Tavistock Heritage Trust.

The gatehouse once protected the driveway to one of Devon’s finest Medieval mansions, the seat of the notorious Fitz family from the 15th to the early 17th century.

Now Fitzford Gatehouse is enjoying a renaissance as a distinctive holiday home that will be welcoming its first guests this year after a transformation from forbidding stone sentry to a welcoming, three-bedroom home.

Owners Liz Aldridge and Stephen Hanger have already welcomed close neighbours into the lovingly refurbished building and, in support of Tavistock Heritage Trust, are extending a once-only invitation to anyone intrigued by their restoration.

Liz and Steve will be welcoming visitors on Saturday, March 30 for an open-house from 2pm to 4pm that will include an opportunity to explore the house and to hear from Tavistock architect Stephen Whettem about his inspiration for the remodelling and the challenges he and the building contractors overcame to convert a neglected shell into a desirable holiday retreat.

There are only 40 spaces available for this event, so anyone interested is encouraged to book early.

Liz said: ‘The gatehouse is an important feature of Tavistock and very much part of the character of the town. Stephen and I feel that we share the gatehouse with the community and we are very pleased to be able to support the work of Tavistock Heritage Trust by opening the doors to those who are interested.

‘We hope that as a holiday home, many more people will be able to get to know Tavistock and enjoy its history and character.’

Tavistock Heritage Trust is working with Tavistock Town Council on a £1.6-million conservation and restoration of the Guildhall complex in Bedford Square, one of the first, purpose-built magistrates’ courts and police stations in the country.

The building is scheduled to reopen for public and community use as an interpretation centre for the World Heritage Mining landscape in 2020.

Trust vice chair Ian Wright said: ‘The trust is all about bringing heritage to life, just as Liz and Stephen have with the gatehouse. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to hear from the owners and architect about how they worked together to preserve an historical building in such an imaginative way.

‘This is TV’s Grand Designs meets local history and we hope everyone enjoys it.’

For ticket information and to book, visit www.heritageintavistock.org/events