Friends of Grossmann House will open the National Trust property along with the nearby Brough House on February 28.

The open day will give visitors a chance to meander through the halls of these historical homes and ask questions of the well-informed guides.

As part of this year’s open day, there will be a display of a collection of original sewing machines, textiles and lace.

“We have 10 sewing machines which range in age from 1867 to 1915,” event ­co-ordinator Lynn Morris said.

“The size also ranges from the 1867 ­parlour model with a beautifully crafted cabinet.

“Then we have the smallest, which is an 1880s Moldacot pocket sewing machine.”

Each year the Friends of Grossmann House concentrates on a different part of its collection.

This year the sewing machine was chosen because of how it revolutionised the domestic world for women at the time.

“People would usually have to employ a seamstress, and spend hours mending ­garments,” she said.

“It made the lives of women in particular much easier.”

Textiles including petticoats, camisoles and even bloomers will be part of the collection as well as a very diverse lace display.

Entry on the day is by gold coin donation and the houses will be open to the ­public from 10am to 3pm.

For more details phone 4932 0518.