On 25thJanuary Phil Kerswel and Helen Shields from the BBC spent most of the day filming at the Merchant’s House for a series to be broadcast on TV channel Home called “Original Features” to be presented by Nick Knowles.  Stars of the show are Tim and Melissa, a delightful young couple from Andover, who recently bought an early 17thcentury barn and are looking for inspirational ideas for doing it up.  Taken round the House by the Trust’s Historical Adviser, Michael Gray, they were fascinated by the wall paintings and the 17thcentury contents while commenting expertly on the woodwork.  Notwithstanding that the Merchant’s House was built as a house for “the middling sort” so that it is perhaps rather grander than their own property they left us with plenty of ideas which we hope they will be able to put into practice.  Tim and Melissa are highly motivated and articulate and we wish them every success.  For the Merchant’s House this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the House to the nation at large and we hope that increased visitors will soon result.