Masterpieces go on show at estate

The house will open on 1 March

Masterpieces by Sir Joshua Reynolds which adorn the walls of a Cornish stately home are being shown to the public for the first time.

The Earl of St Germans is opening his Port Eliot estate as part of a scheme in which national treasures can be donated in place of inheritance tax.

The "in lieu in situ" agreement means the public can see the works on the walls for which they were created.

The house will be open from 1 March for 100 days.

'Engrossing and fascinating'

In the case of Port Eliot, 23 paintings will transfer to the ownership of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery but remain in situ, allowing the public to see the items in the 18th Century Grade I listed house.

Throughout his life, Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was born in Plympton in 1723, received patronage from the Eliots and some of his first commissions were portraits of the family.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was born in Plympton in 1723

The Earl of St Germans said: "Now that we have the in lieu-in situ agreement, it just made sense to go one step further and welcome people into the State Rooms.

"My wife and I very much hope that all our visitors will find the Port Eliot experience as engrossing and as fascinating as I have done every day for more than six decades."

Lord and Lady St Germans are also keen for visitors to bring their dogs on Wednesdays throughout the period, as the house will be open for pets to roam free from the lead.