A digital guide of Osterley House in west London will take visitors where no National Trust members have gone before.

A film viewed on a three-inch screen means ticket-holders can see details of architectural and artistic glory invisible to the naked eye.

And for families, a separate tour features an 18th century servant brought to life to offer insights into life above and below stairs.

The guides are like those already available in venues such as Kew Gardens and London Zoo. But the 18th century house designed by Robert Adam is one of the first of the trust's 300 historic homes to have a digital makeover.

Sian Harrington, the property's manager, said: "We have listened to feedback from visitors and hope these developments will make a big difference."

She added: "The handsets are a real breakthrough for the trust."

Highlights of the new experience include the chance to see in close-up a copy of Rubens' painting, The Glorification Of The Duke Of Buckingham, which is on the ceiling above the Grand Staircase.

The original was removed when the property was given to the National Trust and subsequently destroyed in a fire.

The house, built for a wealthy banking family, is open until 1November from Wednesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays.

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