ONE OF Dorset's most magnificent buildings, whose interior has been described as a 'complete wreck' now has a bright future, thanks to a new charitable trust.

Grade I listed Sherborne House, which features a stunning mural painted by the man whose work appears in St Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court, has been a school, a private residence - and played host to writer Charles Dickens - but has lain empty for the past ten years.

Designed in the classical, Palladian style, the house was a finalist in the second series of the BBC’s Restoration show hosted by Griff Rhys Jones and will be run by a trust lead by Michael Cannon.

“We’re extremely excited to become custodians of Sherborne House and once the extensive restoration has been completed, we hope this magnificent building will be an integral part of the town again,” he said.

Sherborne House was previously owned by Dorset County Council who sold the building and its grounds to Redcliffe Homes in 2011. They built 44 new homes in the original walled garden and also renovated the main structural elements of the house to protect its long-term future, including extensive works to the renowned Sir James Thornhill mural, which depicts characters from Greek mythology.

However, according to the Trust, internally the house is 'almost a complete wreck', and there is a significant amount of work to do before it will be able to open its doors. It will be liaising with Historic England and the local planners to ensure the restoration is carried out sympathetically.

The Friends of Sherborne House trustee, Jeremy Barker, welcomed the news. “The Friends have been campaigning for over twenty years for the restoration of this magnificent house," he said. "The intervention of a new owner willing to take on the internal restoration is simply wonderful news and we look forward to giving them our full support.”