After a tough winter on the North Cornwall coast the chimneys of Tintagel Old Post Office have been given some tender loving care.

The cold winter not only affected the south chimney of the main house but, in a strange twist of fate, a slate model of the house also needed attention. With careful repair by the National Trust’s building team both chimneys are now stable and presentable.

Many properties are affected by changeable weather, and the National Trust’s Old Post Office in Tintagel is no exception. Each winter the property is closed to visitors to enable a team of builders to carry out essential conservation work. This year, however, the wet weather prevented essential work being completed to fix the chimneys and some of the mortar was washed out by the wind and rain. It was only when everyone in Cornwall was enjoying drier weather that the job was completed.

Visitors to the property are enjoying photographing the full sized house as well as the miniature model which was donated to the National Trust by the son of a Mr Climo who made the model in the 1950’s.

Joanne McGilllivray, Tintagel Old Post Office Manager for the National Trust said: ’We have three models of the house on display to visitors. For two out of four south chimneys to need repairing at the same time was unusual, but we’re just pleased that they have been fixed and the visitors over the rest of the open season can enjoy the this special place at its best.’

For each National Trust member who visits, the central National Trust team gives Tintagel Old Post Office £2.65. It is thanks to their support, and that of paying visitors, that essential conservation work can be done.