VISITORS to Ambleside will see smoke rising from the chimney of the National Trust’s quirky little Bridge House for the first time in decades this spring.

The range at Bridge House was installed in the second half of the 19th century but it has been unusable for many years, preventing the National Trust from really bringing the heart of the iconic property. But now master craftsman Tim Martin has been able to restore the range to its original working state.

Mr Martin, who specialises in the conservation of historic ironmongery, began by carefully dismantling the range before moving the parts offsite to his workshop, where he gently eased the moving parts back to life.

Some of the parts needed to be remade and Mr Martin made exact patterns of the originals. He foundry cast new pieces using moulds made from his patterns. Then it was back to Bridge House to re-assemble and polish.

“It was thought that the stove was installed circa 1805 but we now know that it was much later than that, because of the flat plate which wasn’t invented until 1858," said Mr Martin. "It was certainly a fun jigsaw puzzle to put back together.”

While Mr Martin was busy in his workshop a flue lining was installed. That required the removal of the chimney capping stones. Prior to removal every stone was carefully photographed and numbered with chalk to ensure each one was returned to its original position.

The painstaking process of restoring the 19th century range at Bridge House has taken most of the winter.

As well as creating a warm welcome for visitors, the improved air circulation and the heat from the range will also greatly benefit the fabric of the building. The restoration work cost approximately £8,000 to complete, almost half of which has been covered by generous donations from visitors and supporters.

Fiona Green, manager for Bridge House, said: “To have the stove working again is wonderful. It has made such a difference and, during our first week of opening, the fire alone attracted many visitors and has been the subject of much discussion."

Bridge House is open daily from 11.30am to 4.30pm until October 30.