THE National Trust is to reopen the first of its historic houses in Northern Ireland today as part of a phased approach to welcoming back visitors.
The Argory, which is based in Co Armagh, will reopen with a host of new safety measures in place, including one-way systems and measures to ensure social distancing.
Comment cards and other interactive elements of displays have been removed.
The Trust aims to reopen further properties in the coming weeks, building on the experience of The Argory and others involved the pilot re-openings, however, it is expected to be a slow and steady process.
Those wanting to visit The Argory will need to book a ticket in advance.
The Argory was home to Mr Bond, the last of four generations of the MacGeough Bond family to live here.
The house was built by his great grandfather Walter McGeough and passed to the Trust in 1979.
Edward Mason, General manager, said: "Visitors will be able to enjoy a free-flow tour of the ground floor of the house including the drawing room, featuring items treasured by Mr Bond and displayed as he remembers it from his childhood, dining room, currently laid for afternoon tea using Salisbury china from the 1930s, and the billiard room.
"Safety is priority and we have re-organised the rooms in the house for an easy flow one-way system to allow social distancing," he said.
“Traditionally we have offered guided tours of The Argory, so we are really looking forward to hearing what visitors think of the new free-flow system which allows them to explore the rooms at their own pace".
Further information is available online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory
