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Tyntesfield, a historic Victorian estate near Bristol opened to the public for the first time on Monday.

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The 127-year-old Gothic revival house and its 2,000 acre grounds were saved for the nation by the National Trust.

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Donations from the public and the National Lottery helped buy the mansion, described as the "last great Victorian house".

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The house was built by William Gibbs, who made a fortune importing fertiliser from Peru.

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It was put on the market in 2002 after its last owner, Lord Wraxall, died - prompting rumours it could be sold to a pop star.

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Much of the interior decoration was done by John Crace, who redecorated Windsor Castle for the state visit of Napoleon III.

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The house's contents include an extravagant collection of Victorian furniture, paintings and porcelain.

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It is unusual for a historic home to be opened to the public so quickly after it has been acquired.

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It means much of the important conservation work will be carried out in full view of visitors.

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They will be given the chance to peek inside some of the house's 43 bedrooms.

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And to see the estate's impressive private chapel, kitchen garden and formal gardens.

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If ticket sales continue as they began, the National Trust's newest attraction looks set to become a roaring success.