AN historic Worcestershire country mansion may soon be opened to the public.

Croome Court, between Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn, could be opened up for people to view some of its state rooms, including the Robert Adams fireplaces and ceiling in the Long Gallery.

The National Trust has leased the court from the Croome Heritage Trust for 10 years and during that time aims to raise at least £4.2 million to restore it.

The trust has now applied to Malvern Hills District Council for change of use to allow it to be opened regularly to the public. The trust already owns 670 acres of the park, which it opens.

The application has been prepared in close consultation with local residents and the advice of local planning officers, English Heritage and the trust’s own advisers.

Property manager Michael Smith said: “This is an incredibly exciting time. To be able to reunite the court and the parkland and share them together with visitors is a great opportunity. So many visitors have seen the court from the outside and, hopefully, will now be able to enjoy its wonderful interiors as well.

“Croome Park is one of the most significant historical sites in Worcestershire. It has international recognition as it was Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s first commissioned landscape”

The court was built in about 1750 and is traditionally the residence of the Earl of Coventry.