SIZERGH Castle sits within a 1,600 acre estate that includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden.

Still lived in by the Strickland family, the beautiful medieval house has many tales to tell, with centuries-old portraits and fine furniture sitting alongside modern family photographs. One of Sizergh's hidden treasures is the 17th century Goan bedspread of King James 11, which is on display at the house for the first time in its history.

The 300 year old Indian bedspread is made from satin, with gold thread stitched into an intricate design of mythical creatures, and was gifted to the Strickland family of Sizergh in the 1600s as a thank you for their loyalty. Sir Thomas and Winifred Strickland were considered close friends of the King and Queen having accompanied them in 1688 to France in exile.

The exhibition space allows visitors to learn more about how the delicate fabric at Sizergh is cared for and a specialist textile conservator will be working on the bedspread over the coming months. Sizergh will also be shining a light on another of its fabric items in the collection - a complete set of five 17th century Antony and Cleopatra Flemish tapestries. Later this year, the first tapestry in the set, The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, will travel to Belgium for urgent specialist treatment to restore its colour and condition. The treatment will cost £77,000 so Sizergh will be raising funds through raffle tickets and donations throughout the year.

The house is open Tuesday until Sunday. The gardens, shop and café are open seven days.