NATIONAL Trust property Newark Park in Ozleworth has been delighting visitors for many years. Michael Claydon, who has lived in the property for 30 years and helped restore the estate with the late Robert Parsons, talked to Gazette reporter Claire Marshall about his memories of the estate ahead of him leaving the house before the end of the year.

THIRTY years of living and breathing Newark Park and Michael Claydon is now ready to leave and make a new life for himself. His home and work have become so entwined it is difficult to differentiate the two. He shares his home with 23,000 visitors between March and October each year, but in December he will leave the former Tudor hunting lodge, remodeled in the 1790s, for a quieter life.

He came to the property to visit the then owner Robert Parsons, or Bob, 30 years ago on a trip up from London.

"I never really went home," said Michael, 59, who stayed on and eventually moved in with Bob sharing his passion for restoring the 450-year-old building, which had fallen into a complete state of disrepair.

Bob devoted his later life, until he died in 2000, to transforming the house and gardens into the warm and welcoming residence Newark Park is today.

"The restoration was a huge job and physical as well, because we have both done a lot of it ourselves and with the help of local volunteers.

"The gardens were completely overgrown and the house in a state," said Michael.

It was always Bob’s intention to open Newark to the public and this began in the 1980s with the 700 acre estate and house being opened 30 days a year.

However when Bob died Michael was left with a dilemma – to leave the house or strike a deal with the National Trust to live and work in the property, which he did.

Since then the house has been opened up more to the public and Michael welcomes around 23,000 visitors a year to wander his home.

"The public love coming here, because it is so unusual. It is not as large and grand as many National Trust properties, it is a modest home."

Michael refers to ‘the magic of Newark’ which encompasses its homely feel, its stunning views and the complete isolation and distance from anything 20th century.

But what has it been like living in a property with such a sense of history?

"Living in something that is 450 years old, you feel the weight of time in the building, you feel it as you walk around," said Michael.

"It is not a grand house, it is a modest house and I have lived modestly in it. I feel lucky to have lived here and to have enjoyed the property for what it is."

But it is finally time for Michael to move on. "It is not a practical or sustainable way for anyone to live," he added. "When people view the house they are viewing all of my home.

"It is time for me to move on and to let the house move forward."

The National Trust has appointed a new manager for Newark Park and it will continue its open days and events. Michael ends his contract in October and will move out in December.