A MAJOR fundraising drive has been launched by the National Trust to repair and protect a landmark Lakeland farmhouse and tourist attraction.

Wet rot has been discovered affecting two main timbers in the oldest part of Townend, at Troutbeck, meaning there is an urgent need to remove and replace them.

Work is estimated to cost in excess of £100,000 and the Grade 1 listed house will need to close in October to allow vital repairs to begin.

The rot was discovered during a routine inspection of the external lime render and the damaged sections will need replaced with new timber.

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To do this, the 500 year-old Townend will need to be surrounded with scaffolding and the weight of the house supported while the repairs are carried out.

Townend farmhouse is renowned for its library of historic texts, on subjects as diverse as early farming techniques, medicine or household management. The house is a rare surviving example of an intact yeoman farmer’s home, which sits within the Troutbeck valley and offers an insight into centuries of working on the land.

Carefully packing and protecting the contents of the house alone will cost £5,000, while repairing and replacing the beams is likely to cost in excess of £50,000.

The job will include replacing the slates above the timbers that keep rainwater off the house and external re-rendering and decoration. While the work is done, the National Trust hopes to learn more about the structure of the house – how it was built, the materials used and date the timbers.

“Imagine what it feels like to press against a 400-year-old solid oak beam and feel it crumble beneath your fingers,” said National Trust custodian Emma Wright. “I was shocked, then extremely fearful for the future of this wonderful building.”

“It’s a daunting time, but exciting too." she added. "This place is full to the brim with the character of the Browne family who lived here for centuries. But how was it built? How old are the original timbers? And how did the Brownes move a huge oak beam the size of a tree trunk into position in around 1600? We now have a unique chance to uncover some of this hidden history.”

As the house is small, it is likely that it will have to close for part of 2016, so that its contents, including the priceless library, can be packed and protected while work is going ahead.

Visitors are already showing their support for Townend; over £5,000 has been raised so far, but there is still much more needed.

Donations can be made online by visiting a Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/Townend-NT/ or by contacting fundraising co-ordinator Liz Guest on email at: liz.guest@nationaltrust.org.uk